NextEra Energy (NYSE: NEE) has grown incredibly fast over the years. The utility has grown its earnings at a nearly 10% compound annual rate over the last decade. That's faster than its utility peers (4.9%) and the S 500 (6.8%). The company has benefited from operating the largest electric utility in Florida (where the population is growing at an above-average clip) and its focus on renewable energy. Add in its rapidly rising dividend, and NextEra Energy has delivered market-crushing total returns -- 15.7% annualized over the last 20 years compared to 10.2% for the S 500.

Those catalysts helped power strong second-quarter results for the leading utility. They should give it plenty of fuel to continue growing briskly in the coming years. That potential makes NextEra a great growth stock to buy for the long haul.

NextEra Energy generated nearly $2 billion, or $0.96 per share, of adjusted earnings in Q1. That was a more than 9% increase from the prior-year period. The company continues to benefit from solid operational and financial performance in its Florida electric utility (FPL) and energy-resources segment.

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Source Fool.com