SMIF member Wilson Powell ’16 pitched NextEra Energy (NEE) to the Student Managed Investment Fund on March 9, 2016. NextEra Energy is an integrated utility focused on building long-term value for its shareholders by investing in energy technologies that are designed to provide affordable, clean and reliable power for its customers. It is one of the largest electrical power companies in North America with 46,400 MW of generating capacity serving more than 5.3 million customers across 27 states and 4 Canadian provinces . Wilson focused on the company’s commitment to reinvesting in organic growth and its aggressive short term dividend growth. In addition, he cited research indicating a positive forecast for housing, which would boost demand for electricity. Students raised concerns regarding the 2016 election and the hypothetical implications of particular candidates. However, in the end, the SMIF saw reason to believe in NextEra and passed Wilson’s motion to purchase shares.
