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Got $1,000? Here Are 3 Great Energy Stocks to Buy Right Now.
BEPBrookfield Renewable Partners L.P.(BEP) The Motley Fool·2024-11-25 11:16

Industry Overview - The energy industry is at a significant inflection point, transitioning to cleaner energy sources to address climate change and experiencing an expected surge in electricity demand driven by transportation electrification and increased digitalization, particularly from AI data centers [1] Investment Opportunities - Several energy stocks are highlighted as compelling buys, including Brookfield Renewable, Clearway Energy, and NextEra Energy, particularly for investors with 1,000toinvest[2]BrookfieldRenewableBrookfieldRenewableisactivelysellingassetsitdeemsattractivewhilereinvestingtheproceedsintoothercleanenergyinvestments,maintainingitsopportunisticapproach[3][4]Thecompanyisleveragingitsinvestmentgradebalancesheettorecapitalizestrugglingbusinessesandimprovetheiroperationalperformance,leadingtoan111,000 to invest [2] Brookfield Renewable - Brookfield Renewable is actively selling assets it deems attractive while reinvesting the proceeds into other clean energy investments, maintaining its opportunistic approach [3][4] - The company is leveraging its investment-grade balance sheet to recapitalize struggling businesses and improve their operational performance, leading to an 11% year-over-year growth in funds from operations (FFO) in Q3 2024 [5][6] - Investors can expect a yield of up to 5.6% from Brookfield Renewable, benefiting from its strategic positioning in the growing energy sector [6] Clearway Energy - Clearway Energy has successfully sold thermal assets for over 1.3 billion, reinvesting the capital into higher-return renewable energy projects, which enhances its growth visibility [7][8] - The company anticipates generating approximately 2.08pershareofcashflowavailablefordistribution(CAFD)nextyear,supportingdividendgrowthwithinatargetrangeof52.08 per share of cash flow available for distribution (CAFD) next year, supporting dividend growth within a target range of 5% to 8% annually [8][9] - Clearway expects to grow its CAFD per share by 7.5% to 12.5% by 2026, which should facilitate a 6.5% dividend increase in that year [9][10] - The company projects a 5% to 8%+ annual growth rate for CAFD per share starting in 2027, maintaining a reasonable payout ratio of 70%-80% [10][11] - Clearway currently offers a 6% yield, indicating that a 1,000 investment could yield 60annually,withpotentialfordoubledigittotalannualreturns[12]NextEraEnergyTheDepartmentofEnergyforecastsa1560 annually, with potential for double-digit total annual returns [12] NextEra Energy - The Department of Energy forecasts a 15% to 20% increase in U.S. power demand over the next decade, with clean energy resources expected to meet this demand, positioning NextEra Energy favorably [13] - As the largest utility in the U.S. and the world's leading producer of wind and solar energy, NextEra plans to invest nearly 100 billion from 2024 to 2027 to double its renewables and storage capacity [14][15] - Management projects adjusted earnings per share (EPS) growth of 6% to 8% through 2027 and nearly 10% growth in dividends per share through 2026 [15] - NextEra has historically delivered strong returns, with adjusted EPS and dividends growing nearly 9% and 10%, respectively, from 2003 to 2023, indicating a continuation of this trend [16]