WallStSmart

NewJersey Resources Corporation (NJR)vsSouthern Company (SO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Southern Company generates 1285% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $2.18B). NJR leads profitability with a 15.7% profit margin vs 14.5%. NJR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.10. NJR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).

NJR

Buy

61

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 4.0Profit: 7.5Value: 4.7Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.02

SO

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 7.0Value: 3.3Quality: 2.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 0.65
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

NJRSignificantly Overvalued (-68.6%)

Margin of Safety

-68.6%

Fair Value

$31.35

Current Price

$55.41

$24.06 premium

UndervaluedFair: $31.35Overvalued
SOSignificantly Overvalued (-47.7%)

Margin of Safety

-47.7%

Fair Value

$62.70

Current Price

$92.60

$29.90 premium

UndervaluedFair: $62.70Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

NJR3 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Operating MarginProfitability
32.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 32.0%

P/E RatioValuation
16.4x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.1x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

SO3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$102.01B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
2.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
25.8%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 25.8%

Areas to Watch

NJR4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.104/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.9%4/10

2.9% revenue growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.423/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.022/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

SO4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.532/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-0.8%2/10

Earnings declined 0.8%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-1.72B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : NJR

The strongest argument for NJR centers on Operating Margin, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.7% and operating margin at 32.0%.

Bull Case : SO

The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin.

Bear Case : NJR

The primary concerns for NJR are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity.

Bear Case : SO

The primary concerns for SO are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth. Debt-to-equity of 2.05 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

NJR carries more volatility with a beta of 0.52 — expect wider price swings.

SO is growing revenue faster at 8.0% — sustainability is the question.

NJR generates stronger free cash flow (366M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED GAS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

NJR scores higher overall (61/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 15.7% margins. Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

NewJersey Resources Corporation

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED GAS · USA

New Jersey Resources Corporation, an energy services portfolio company, provides regulated gas distribution and retail and wholesale energy services. The company is headquartered in Wall, New Jersey.

Southern Company

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA

Southern Company is an American gas and electric utility holding company based in the southern United States. It is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with executive offices also located in Birmingham, Alabama.

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