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]

Group 1 - Deutsche Telekom AG (DTEGY) is a notable stock in the Utilities sector, currently outperforming its peers with a year-to-date return of 21.9% compared to the sector average of 12.4% [4] - The Zacks Rank for Deutsche Telekom AG is 2 (Buy), indicating a positive outlook based on earnings estimates and revisions [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for DTEGY's full-year earnings has increased by 3% over the past quarter, reflecting stronger analyst sentiment [4] Group 2 - Deutsche Telekom AG is part of the Diversified Communication Services industry, which has seen an average gain of 17.4% this year, indicating better performance compared to the industry average [6] - Tele2 (TLTZY) is another strong performer in the Utilities sector, with a year-to-date return of 63.1% and a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [5] - The Wireline Non-US industry, to which Tele2 belongs, is currently ranked 1 but has experienced a decline of 22.9% year to date [6]

Group 1 - Telenor ASA (TELNY) is currently ranked 1 in the Utilities group within the Zacks Sector Rank, indicating strong performance relative to its peers [2] - Telenor ASA has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), with a 11.5% increase in the consensus estimate for full-year earnings over the past 90 days, reflecting improved analyst sentiment [3] - Year-to-date, Telenor ASA has returned 40.8%, significantly outperforming the average 9.1% gain of the Utilities group [4] Group 2 - Telenor ASA is part of the Diversified Communication Services industry, which ranks 16 in the Zacks Industry Rank, and has gained an average of 15.8% this year [5] - In comparison, Tele2 (TLTZY), another Utilities stock, has outperformed with a 52.7% year-to-date return and has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [4][5] - The Wireline Non-US industry, which includes Tele2, has seen a decline of -29% since the beginning of the year, highlighting the relative strength of Telenor ASA [6]

Group 1 - Exelon (EXC) is currently outperforming its peers in the Utilities sector with a year-to-date return of 23.5%, compared to the sector average of 6.7% [4] - Exelon holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating positive analyst sentiment and an improving earnings outlook, with a 2.4% increase in the consensus estimate for its full-year earnings over the past quarter [3] - The Utilities sector, which includes 106 individual stocks, ranks 1 in the Zacks Sector Rank, reflecting strong overall performance [2] Group 2 - Exelon is part of the Utility - Electric Power industry, which consists of 60 companies and currently ranks 41 in the Zacks Industry Rank, with an average gain of 7.2% year-to-date [5] - Another notable stock in the Utilities sector is Tele2 (TLTZY), which has seen a year-to-date increase of 51.8% and also holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [4] - The Wireline Non-US industry, to which Tele2 belongs, is ranked 3 but has experienced a decline of 27.1% year-to-date [5]