WallStSmart

NewJersey Resources Corporation (NJR)vsSouthern Company (SO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Southern Company generates 1254% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $2.23B). NJR leads profitability with a 16.4% profit margin vs 15.4%. SO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.07. SO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).

NJR

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 5.3Profit: 6.5Value: 4.7Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.02

SO

Strong Buy

66

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 7.5Value: 4.0Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 0.65
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

NJRSignificantly Overvalued (-63.1%)

Margin of Safety

-63.1%

Fair Value

$32.41

Current Price

$53.16

$20.75 premium

UndervaluedFair: $32.41Overvalued
SOSignificantly Overvalued (-40.5%)

Margin of Safety

-40.5%

Fair Value

$62.06

Current Price

$87.17

$25.11 premium

UndervaluedFair: $62.06Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

NJR3 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
15.0x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
16.8%8/10

16.8% revenue growth

SO4 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$100.28B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
2.5x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
29.6%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 29.6%

EPS GrowthGrowth
30.4%8/10

Earnings expanding 30.4% YoY

Areas to Watch

NJR3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.284/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.473/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.022/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

SO4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.074/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
0.1%4/10

0.1% revenue growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.953/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : NJR

The strongest argument for NJR centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Revenue Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.4% and operating margin at 9.1%. Revenue growth of 16.8% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : SO

The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.4% and operating margin at 29.6%.

Bear Case : NJR

The primary concerns for NJR are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : SO

The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.95 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

NJR profiles as a growth stock while SO is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

NJR carries more volatility with a beta of 0.51 — expect wider price swings.

NJR is growing revenue faster at 16.8% — sustainability is the question.

NJR generates stronger free cash flow (25M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

SO scores higher overall (66/100 vs 57/100), backed by strong 15.4% margins. Both earn "Strong 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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