This Elite Dividend Stock Continues to See Supercharged Growth Ahead

NextEra Energy (NYSE: NEE) has grown at a blistering rate for a utility. It has generated 9% compound annual adjusted earnings-per-share growth over the last decade. That has given it the power to increase its dividend at a 10% compound annual rate. NextEra has raised its payout every year for three decades, one of the longest streaks in the sector. The company's rapidly rising earnings and dividend have generated supercharged total returns over the last 20 years (over 1,700% compared to roughly 600% for the S 500 and more than 500% for its utility peers).

The company expects to continue delivering supercharged growth in the coming years. Because of that, it remains a great dividend stock to buy and hold for the long haul.

NextEra Energy has a lot of visibility into its future growth prospects. The electric utility and renewable energy producer generates very stable cash flow backed by long-term contracts and government-regulated rate structures. Meanwhile, its utility operates in Florida, which benefits from abundant sunshine (great for producing solar energy) and above-average population growth. On top of that, its energy resources segment, a leader in producing and developing renewable energy, is capitalizing on accelerating demand.