Back to top

Image: Bigstock

NextEra's (NEE) Q1 Earnings Beat Estimates, Revenues Lag

Read MoreHide Full Article

NextEra Energy, Inc. (NEE - Free Report) reported first-quarter 2019 adjusted earnings of $2.20 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.01 by 9.4%. Moreover, the reported earnings were up 12.2% on a year-over-year basis.

The earnings growth was led by solid contribution from all business segments.

On a GAAP basis, NextEra recorded earnings of $1.41 per share, down from $3.92 a year ago.

Total Revenues

In the first quarter, NextEra’s operating revenues were $4,075 million, lagging the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4,109 million by 0.8%. However, the reported revenues were up 5.6% year over year.

NextEra Energy, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

NextEra Energy, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | NextEra Energy, Inc. Quote

 
Segmental Results

Florida Power & Light Company: The segment’s earnings came in at $1.22 per share, up 19.6% from $1.02 recorded in the prior-year quarter. Revenues amounted to $2,618 million, down marginally from the prior-year quarter.

Gulf Power Company: NextEra acquired a rate-regulated electric utility during the quarter. This buyout contributed 8 cents to its earnings in first quarter. Total segment revenues amounted to $328 million.
 
NextEra Energy Resources: Quarterly earnings from the segment came in at 93 cents per share, up 12% from 83 cents in the year-ago quarter. Revenues amounted to $1,135 million, down 8.5% from the prior-year quarter.

Corporate and Other: The segment’s operating loss in the reported quarter was 3 cents versus earnings of 11 cents in the year-ago period.
 
Highlights of the Release

In the reported quarter, NextEra’s total operating expenses were up 5.1% from the prior-year level to $2,798 million.

Interest expenses in the quarter were $714 million, up 215.9% from the year-ago period.

In the reported quarter, Florida Power & Light Company’s total average customer count went up by 100,000 on a year-over-year basis.

NextEra Energy Resources expanded its contracted renewables backlog by adding 1,000 MW of renewable projects during first-quarter 2019.

Financial Update

NextEra had cash and cash equivalents of $972 million as of Mar 31, 2019 compared with $638 million on Dec 31, 2018.

Long-term debt as of Mar 31, 2019 was $29.88 billion, up from $26.78 billion on Dec 31, 2018.

Cash flow from operating activities in first-quarter 2019 was $1,597 million compared with $1,291 million in the prior-year period.

Guidance
 
NextEra 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. NextEra continues to expect 2020 adjusted earnings per share in the range of $8.70-$9.20.

The company expects assets acquisition in Florida to contribute 15 cents and 20 cents to earnings in 2020 and 2021, respectively.

It also expects dividend per share to improve 12-14% per year through at least 2020, off a 2017 base of $3.93.

NextEra 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 carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Upcoming Releases

American Electric Power (AEP - Free Report) is scheduled to announce first-quarter 2019 results on Apr 25. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the to-be-reported quarter stands at 75 cents.

Dominion Energy (D - Free Report) is scheduled to report first-quarter 2019 results on May 3. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter to be reported is pegged at $1.18.

Exelon Corp. (EXC - Free Report) is slated to report first-quarter 2019 results on May 2. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter is pegged at 88 cents.

Our View

NextEra’s focus on generating more electricity from renewable sources is evident from its initiatives. Moreover, the latest “30 by 30” plan to install more than 30 million solar panels by 2030 will aid the company to continue as market leader in renewable power generation.

NextEra continues to expand its contracted renewables backlog. Expanding customer base is boosting the performance of the company.

During the reported quarter, the company brought online 1,750 MW Okeechobee Clean Energy Center, a natural gas fired power station in Florida. This will allow the company to meet Florida’s rising energy need.

Biggest Tech Breakthrough in a Generation

Be among the early investors in the new type of device that experts say could impact society as much as the discovery of electricity. Current technology will soon be outdated and replaced by these new devices. In the process, it’s expected to create 22 million jobs and generate $12.3 trillion in activity.

A select few stocks could skyrocket the most as rollout accelerates for this new tech. Early investors could see gains similar to buying Microsoft in the 1990s. Zacks’ just-released special report reveals 7 stocks to watch. The report is only available for a limited time.

See 7 breakthrough stocks now>>

Published in