Is NewJersey Resources (NJR) Stock Outpacing Its Utilities Peers This Year?

Company Overview - New Jersey Resources (NJR) is part of the Utilities sector, which consists of 107 individual stocks and ranks 6 in the Zacks Sector Rank [2] - NJR currently holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a favorable outlook based on earnings estimates and revisions [3] Performance Metrics - NJR's full-year earnings consensus estimate has increased by 7.1% over the past quarter, reflecting improved analyst sentiment [4] - The stock has returned approximately 14.6% year-to-date, outperforming the average gain of 7.5% for the Utilities group [4] Industry Context - NJR belongs to the Utility - Gas Distribution industry, which includes 14 stocks and ranks 87 in the Zacks Industry Rank; this industry has seen an average gain of 5% this year [6] - In contrast, another Utilities stock, Tele2 (TLTZY), has returned 23.3% year-to-date and is part of the Wireline Non-US industry, which ranks 214 and has declined by 1.4% this year [5][6] Investment Outlook - Both New Jersey Resources and Tele2 are highlighted as stocks to watch for continued solid performance in the Utilities sector [7]