One rather observes a distinct fizz in the air, doesn’t one? The utilities sector, once reliably dull as dishwater, is suddenly…stirring. All thanks to that relentless, insatiable beast – artificial intelligence. Naturally, someone must capitalize. Two companies, NextEra Energy [NEE 1.61%] and The Southern Company [SO 1.23%], appear to be positioning themselves rather nicely. Though one hesitates to call it ‘foresight’; it’s more a matter of being in the right place when the tide, or in this case, the data stream, turns.
NextEra: A Rare Bloom in a Concrete Garden
NextEra, with its Florida Power & Light backbone, has always been…substantial. But to witness it actually grow? Quite the novelty. One had rather assumed Florida was full enough, but the influx of population and, crucially, those data centers…they require a prodigious appetite for electricity. It’s transforming a typically predictable income stream into something approaching a growth stock. One almost feels a pang of sympathy for the accountants.
This, of course, feeds directly into their renewables arm. FPL accounted for a hefty 66% of their $27 billion revenue in 2025 – a perfectly respectable sum. The renewables division chimed in with $8.7 billion, a tidy $1.2 billion increase from the previous year. They anticipate at least 8% growth through 2032, and a rather generous 10% dividend increase in 2026, followed by a steady 6% thereafter. Perfectly acceptable figures for those of us who prefer a bit of upward momentum.
The Southern Company: Solid, Reliable, and Not Entirely Uninteresting
The Southern Company, while perhaps lacking NextEra’s…flair, possesses a certain understated charm. And a significantly higher dividend yield. One appreciates a company that understands the value of a regular income stream. They’re also benefiting from the data center boom, particularly in Georgia and Alabama. Their last quarterly report showed a 7.5% year-over-year revenue increase. Not bad at all.
One anticipates a similar performance when they release their fourth-quarter earnings. It’s hardly rocket science, is it? They’ve consistently raised their dividend for 24 consecutive years. A most commendable record. The yield is comfortably over 3%. Over the past year, their stock has risen a modest 10% compared to NextEra’s rather exuberant 38%. But they offer a lower volatility and a higher income. An excellent ballast for any portfolio, wouldn’t you agree?
The Verdict? A Pragmatic Pairing
Both companies, one must concede, offer a rather sensible way to invest in this AI infrastructure boom. Collectively, power demand could increase by 25% by 2030. A rather dramatic shift, and one that far exceeds historical norms. Utility companies, once the very definition of ‘defensive,’ are now exhibiting a decidedly offensive posture. All thanks to those pesky algorithms.
Whether one’s portfolio leans more toward income or growth, both Southern Company and NextEra Energy appear to be rather…sensible picks for February. One wouldn’t call them ‘thrilling,’ naturally. But in the current climate, a little pragmatism goes a very long way. And a reliable dividend is always de rigueur.
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2026-02-19 04:42