WALL, NJ – New Jersey Natural Gas Company (NJNG), a wholly-owned subsidiary of New Jersey Resources Corporation (NYSE:NJR), has secured $75 million through the issuance of senior notes, according to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on September 30, 2024. The 5.49% Senior Notes, Series 2024B, are due on September 30, 2034, and were sold to institutional investors in a private placement.
The newly issued notes are backed by an equivalent amount of NJNG’s First Mortgage Bonds under the Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture dated September 1, 2024. These bonds are collateralized by NJNG assets, with the parent company, New Jersey Resources Corporation, not directly or contingently liable for the notes or the mortgage bonds.
NJNG plans to use the proceeds from the notes for general corporate purposes, which include refinancing or retiring existing short-term debt and funding capital expenditures. Interest on the notes will be paid semi-annually at a rate of 5.49% per annum, with the first payment due on March 30, 2025.
The notes come with a prepayment option, allowing NJNG the flexibility to prepay the notes in whole or in part, subject to certain conditions, including a make-whole amount as defined in the Note Purchase Agreement. The notes are also subject to mandatory prepayments under specific circumstances.
These senior notes have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and are subject to restrictions on transfer, being available only in transactions exempt from registration requirements.
The filing also contains forward-looking statements, cautioning that actual results could differ materially from expectations due to several factors beyond the company's control.
This financial move by NJNG reflects its strategy to manage debt and finance its operations efficiently. The information reported here is based on the company's SEC filing.
In other recent news, New Jersey Resources (NJR) has seen a flurry of developments. Mizuho Securities raised its price target for NJR to $47.00, maintaining a neutral rating on the stock. This adjustment is in anticipation of a positive outcome from the ongoing rate case for NJR's subsidiary, New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG), expected to conclude in fiscal 2025.
The resolution of the rate case could serve as a catalyst, potentially restoring NJNG's contribution to NJR's earnings to its target range of 60-70% of net financial earnings per share (NFEPS) in fiscal 2025. Mizuho also noted that this could shift investor focus towards NJR's non-utility segments, demonstrating underlying strength and positive momentum.
In addition, NJR reported a strong performance in its third fiscal quarter of 2024, expecting to meet its NFEPS guidance of $2.85 to $3. The company also announced amendments to its credit agreements, including a reduction in its revolving credit facility and an extension of the maturity date.
Furthermore, NJR raised its quarterly dividend to $0.45 per share, a 7.1% increase, reflecting the board's confidence in the company's financial stability and long-term growth strategy. Lastly, NJR is exploring expansion opportunities for its S&T assets at Leaf River and is witnessing customer growth driven by new construction and conversions from other energy sources.
InvestingPro Insights
New Jersey Resources Corporation (NYSE:NJR) demonstrates financial stability and shareholder value, as evidenced by recent InvestingPro data. The company's market capitalization stands at $4.65 billion, with a P/E ratio of 19.5, indicating a moderate valuation relative to earnings. NJR's revenue for the last twelve months as of Q3 2024 was $1.73 billion, with a gross profit margin of 35.08%, suggesting a solid financial foundation.
InvestingPro Tips highlight NJR's commitment to shareholders. The company has raised its dividend for 28 consecutive years and has maintained dividend payments for 54 years, underscoring its reliability as an income stock. This aligns with the recent $75 million senior notes issuance, as it suggests the company's ability to manage debt while maintaining shareholder returns.
The stock is currently trading near its 52-week high, with a one-year price total return of 23.8%, indicating strong market performance. This positive momentum could be attributed to the company's strategic financial management, including the recent debt issuance for refinancing and capital expenditures.
For investors seeking more comprehensive analysis, InvestingPro offers additional tips and insights beyond these highlights. The platform currently lists 7 more tips for NJR, providing a deeper understanding of the company's financial health and market position.
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