NextEra Energy boosts quarterly dividend 10%, updates dividend policy

The board of NextEra Energy declared a regular quarterly common stock dividend of 51.50c per share, an approximate 10% increase versus the prior-year comparable quarterly dividend. The dividend is payable on March 15, to shareholders of record on February 27. The board also approved an updated dividend policy beyond 2024, which is expected to translate to a growth rate in dividends per share of roughly 10% per year through at least 2026, off a 2024 base, which is expected to be $2.06 per share. “The board’s approval to continue to grow our dividends per share in excess of our expected adjusted earnings per share growth rate is a result of our success in executing on our industry-leading business strategy,” said John Ketchum, CEO of NextEra Energy. “With a 59% payout ratio at the end of 2023, below the peer average of approximately 65%, and the continued strength of the earnings and operating cash flow growth at NextEra Energy, we remain well positioned to support the dividend policy going forward. I believe we continue to offer a best-in-class total return potential, with above-average dividend growth and clear visibility to deliver financial results at or near the top end of our adjusted earnings per share expectations ranges in each year through 2026, while maintaining our strong balance sheet and credit ratings.”