Even at a glance, NextEra Energy’s (NYSE: NEE) third-quarter results are impressive. Earnings per share grew 18 percent, thumping management’s long-term compound annual growth target of 6 to 8 percent. That keeps the utility on track for another 12 to 14 percent dividend boost early next year.
But the best news is inside that performance. The company’s south Florida regulated utility had another superb quarter, adding customers and investing in rate base. Management closed the acquisition of Southern Company’s (NYSE: SO) 110,000 natural gas customers in the Sunshine state. And by early next year,