Is NextEra Energy Stock Underperforming the S&P 500?

Core Viewpoint - NextEra Energy, Inc. is a leading utility and clean-energy company with a market capitalization of approximately $178.1 billion, emphasizing its significant role in the North American energy sector [1][2]. Company Performance - NextEra Energy's shares are currently trading 2.3% below their 52-week high of $87.53, with a notable increase of 19.8% over the past three months, outperforming the S&P 500 Index's 5.1% gains during the same period [3]. - Over the past year, NextEra Energy's stock has risen by 10.4%, and it has increased by 20.5% on a year-to-date basis, while the S&P 500 Index has seen gains of 13.6% and 15.8% respectively [4]. Strategic Developments - The company's growth in 2025 is attributed to strong operational execution, a rapidly expanding renewable energy pipeline, and increased electricity demand driven by data centers and AI expansion [5]. - A significant partnership with Alphabet Inc. was established in October 2025, involving a 25-year agreement to restart Iowa's nuclear facility, which will provide carbon-free power for Google's AI and cloud operations, highlighting NextEra's strategic positioning in the clean energy market [5]. Competitive Landscape - In comparison, rival Duke Energy Corporation has underperformed NextEra Energy, achieving only 5.5% gains over the past 52 weeks and 14.6% year-to-date [6].