NextEra Energy Rallies Despite Big, Beautiful Bill's Blow to Clean Energy: Is the Stock Still a Buy?

Core Viewpoint - Despite recent legislation that negatively impacts the clean energy sector, NextEra Energy's stock has experienced an upward trend, indicating resilience and potential for future growth [1][3]. Company Overview - NextEra Energy, based in Florida, is the largest provider of clean energy in the U.S., serving 12 million customers and potentially facing losses of hundreds of billions in tax credits due to new legislation [2][3]. - The company has a significant backlog of 7.2 gigawatts in solar projects, positioning it well to qualify for remaining clean energy tax credits [5][7]. Legislative Impact - The recent legislation signed by President Trump rolls back over $200 billion in clean energy tax credits, which could offset up to 60% of new project costs for NextEra [2][3]. - The Treasury Department's guidance allows companies to qualify for tax credits with less than 5% of project costs paid by a specific deadline, providing a potential lifeline for NextEra [4]. Project Pipeline and Expansion - NextEra plans to expand its clean energy projects, including adding 8 gigawatts of solar and battery storage capacity by 2029, and is in discussions to restart a nuclear power plant in Iowa [8][10]. - The company has nearly a year to meet the "begin construction" standard for its projects to qualify for tax credits [9]. Financial Performance - NextEra has maintained a strong dividend growth record, raising its dividend by 10% annually since 1994, with a payout ratio of 75% [12][14]. - The company reported a 25% year-over-year earnings growth last quarter, indicating that earnings growth is outpacing dividend increases [13]. Future Outlook - The demand for electricity is expected to surge, particularly due to the rise of AI data centers, which will serve as a tailwind for NextEra's growth [10][15]. - Management remains optimistic about navigating the new regulatory landscape, suggesting that NextEra is well-positioned for future success and could deliver market-beating returns [16].