New Jersey Resources (NYSE:NJR) Shareholders Have Enjoyed A 23% Share Price Gain
On average, over time, stock markets tend to rise higher. This makes investing attractive. But if you choose that path, you're going to buy some stocks that fall short of the market. Over the last year the New Jersey Resources Corporation (NYSE:NJR) share price is up 23%, but that's less than the broader market return. In contrast, the longer term returns are negative, since the share price is 0.8% lower than it was three years ago.
View our latest analysis for New Jersey Resources
In his essay The Superinvestors of Graham-and-Doddsville Warren Buffett described how share prices do not always rationally reflect the value of a business. One way to examine how market sentiment has changed over time is to look at the interaction between a company's share price and its earnings per share (EPS).
New Jersey Resources was able to grow EPS by 65% in the last twelve months. This EPS growth is significantly higher than the 23% increase in the share price. So it seems like the market has cooled on New Jersey Resources, despite the growth. Interesting.
You can see how EPS has changed over time in the image below (click on the chart to see the exact values).
We know that New Jersey Resources has improved its bottom line lately, but is it going to grow revenue? Check if analysts think New Jersey Resources will grow revenue in the future.
What About Dividends?
As well as measuring the share price return, investors should also consider the total shareholder return (TSR). The TSR is a return calculation that accounts for the value of cash dividends (assuming that any dividend received was reinvested) and the calculated value of any discounted capital raisings and spin-offs. Arguably, the TSR gives a more comprehensive picture of the return generated by a stock. In the case of New Jersey Resources, it has a TSR of 28% for the last year. That exceeds its share price return that we previously mentioned. This is largely a result of its dividend payments!
A Different Perspective
New Jersey Resources shareholders gained a total return of 28% during the year. But that return falls short of the market. On the bright side, that's still a gain, and it's actually better than the average return of 7% over half a decade This suggests the company might be improving over time. While it is well worth considering the different impacts that market conditions can have on the share price, there are other factors that are even more important. To that end, you should learn about the 2 warning signs we've spotted with New Jersey Resources (including 1 which makes us a bit uncomfortable) .
But note: New Jersey Resources may not be the best stock to buy. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies with past earnings growth (and further growth forecast).
Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on US exchanges.
This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
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