NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE) reported fourth-quarter 2018 adjusted earnings of $1.49 per share, lagging the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.51 by 1.3%. However, earnings were up 20.2% on a year-over-year basis.
The year-over-year earnings growth was led by solid contribution from the NextEra Energy Resources segment.
On a GAAP basis, NextEra Energy recorded earnings of 88 cents per share, down from $4.55 a year ago.
Total Revenues
In the fourth quarter, NextEra Energy’s operating revenues were $4,390 million, lagging the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4,431 million by 0.9%. However, the reported revenues were up 9.6% year over year. Proper execution of its operational and financial plans allowed NextEra Energy to report strong year-over-year results.
Segmental Results
Florida Power & Light Company: The segment’s earnings came in at 85 cents per share, up 1.2% from 84 cents recorded in the prior-year quarter. Revenues amounted to $2,935 million, up 2% from the prior-year quarter.
Continued investments to strengthen its operation not only increased the reliability of services but also allowed it to efficiently serve the expanding customer base.
NextEra Energy Resources: Quarterly earnings from the segment came in at 66 cents per share, up 37.5% from 48 cents in the year-ago quarter. Revenues amounted to $1,463 million, up 29.7% from the prior-year quarter.
Corporate and Other: The segment’s operating loss in the reported quarter was 2 cents compared with 8 cents in the year-ago quarter.
Highlights of the Release
In the reported quarter, NextEra Energy’s total operating expenses were down 14% from the prior-year level to $3,283 million.
Interest expenses in the quarter were $709 million, up 83.2% from the year-ago period.
In the reported quarter, Florida Power & Light Company’s total average customer count went up by 71,000 on a year-over-year basis.
NextEra Energy Resources expanded its contracted renewables backlog by adding 6,500 MW of renewable projects during the fourth quarter.
Financial Update
NextEra Energy had cash and cash equivalents of $638 million as of Dec 31, 2018 compared with $1,714 million on Dec 31, 2017.
Long-term debt as of Dec 31, 2018 was $26.78 billion, down from $31.4 billion on Dec 31, 2017.
Cash flow from operating activities in full-year 2018 was $6,593 million compared with $6,458 million in 2017.
Guidance
NextEra Energy reiterated its adjusted earnings guidance in the range of $8.00-$8.50 for 2019. The company’s earnings are expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 6-8% per year through 2021, off its base of $7.70 in 2018. In addition, NextEra Energy continues to expect 2020 adjusted earnings per share in the range of $8.70-$9.20.
It also expects its dividend per share to improve 12-14% per year through at least 2020, off a 2017 base of $3.93.
NextEra Energy currently aims to add 10,100-16,500 MW of renewable power projects in its portfolio within the 2017-2020 time frame.
Zacks Rank
Currently, NextEra Energy carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see tthe complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Upcoming Releases
Dominion Energy (NYSE:D) is scheduled to report fourth-quarter 2018 results on Feb 1. The Zacks Consensus Estimate is pegged at 92 cents.
Exelon Corp. (NYSE:EXC) is slated to report fourth-quarter 2018 results on Feb 1. The Zacks Consensus Estimate is pegged at 58 cents.
Eversource Energy (NYSE:ES) is scheduled to announce fourth-quarter 2018 results on Feb 28. The Zacks Consensus Estimate stands at 75 cents.
Our View
Although NextEra Energy missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings and revenues, its focus on generating more electricity from renewable sources is visible from its initiatives.
NextEra Energy continues to expand its clean electricity generation portfolio. Its latest “30 by 30” plan to install more than 30 million solar panels by 2030 will allow the company to continue as market leader in renewable power generation.
The Hottest Tech Mega-Trend of All
Last year, it generated $8 billion in global revenues. By 2020, it's predicted to blast through the roof to $47 billion. Famed investor Mark Cuban says it will produce "the world's first trillionaires," but that should still leave plenty of money for regular investors who make the right trades early.
See Zacks' 3 Best Stocks to Play This Trend >>
Dominion Energy Inc. (D): Get Free Report
NextEra Energy, Inc. (NEE): Free Stock Analysis Report
Exelon Corporation (EXC): Get Free Report
Eversource Energy (ES): Free Stock Analysis Report
Original post
Zacks Investment Research