Reasons to Include New Jersey Resources Stock in Your Portfolio Now

Core Viewpoint - New Jersey Resources (NJR) is positioned as a strong investment option in the Zacks Utility Gas Distribution industry due to its infrastructure investments and growing customer base [1] NJR's Growth Outlook & Surprise History - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2025 earnings per share (EPS) has increased by 1.9% to $3.28 over the past 60 days [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2025 sales is projected at $1.98 billion, indicating a year-over-year increase of 10% [2] - NJR has consistently surpassed expectations in the last four reported quarters, achieving an average earnings surprise of 54.96% [2] NJR's Return on Equity - NJR's return on equity (ROE) stands at 17.08%, significantly higher than the industry average of 9.08%, demonstrating effective fund utilization [3][9] NJR's Strategic Spending & Service Reach - NJR plans to invest between $650 million and $770 million in capital expenditures for fiscal 2025, and between $655 million and $835 million for fiscal 2026 to enhance infrastructure [4][9] - As of June 30, 2025, NJR provided services to approximately 588,300 customers, an increase from about 583,000 customers as of September 30, 2024 [5] NJR's Return to Shareholders - NJR has a history of increasing shareholder value through regular dividend payments, having paid quarterly dividends since 1952 and raised dividends for 30 consecutive years [6] - On September 10, 2025, NJR's board authorized a quarterly dividend increase to 47.5 cents per share from 45 cents, marking a 5.6% increase and bringing the annualized dividend to $1.90 [7] Overview of NJR's Debt Structure - NJR's total debt to capital ratio is 58.26%, which is better than the sector's average of 59.64% [10] - The time-to-interest earned ratio at the end of the fiscal third quarter of 2025 was 5, indicating the company's strong ability to meet future interest obligations [10] NJR Stock Price Performance - Over the past month, NJR shares have increased by 2.1%, outperforming the sector's growth of 0.1% [11]