UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

NEW JERSEY RESOURCES CORPORATION

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

YES: X               No:

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

YES: X                No:

The number of shares outstanding of $2.50 par value Common Stock as of August 3, 2004, was 27,666,242.

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Table of Contents

INFORMATION CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     Certain statements contained in this report are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These include, without limitation, those with respect to expected disposition of legal and regulatory proceedings, contractual issues and exposure under the Stagecoach agreement, future gross margin from forecasted new customers, expected capital expenditures, external financing requirements, the impact of changes in market rates of interest, matters relating to remediation of manufactured gas plant sites and recovery of related costs, and the impact of changes in market prices of commodities. Forward-looking statements can also be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “intend,” “expect,” “continue” or comparable terminology and are made based upon management’s expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effect upon New Jersey Resources (NJR). There can be no assurance that future developments will be in accordance with management’s expectations or that the effect of future developments on NJR will be those anticipated by management.

     NJR cautions readers that the assumptions that form the basis for forward-looking statements, including those regarding financial results and capital requirements for fiscal 2004 and thereafter, include many factors that are beyond NJR’s ability to control or estimate precisely, such as estimates of future market conditions, the behavior of other market participants and changes in the debt and equity capital markets. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from NJR’s expectations include, but are not limited to, weather conditions, economic conditions in the New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG) service territory, fluctuations in energy-related commodity prices, conversion activity, other marketing efforts, and actual energy usage patterns of NJNG’s customers, the pace of deregulation of retail gas markets, access to adequate supplies of natural gas, the regulatory and pricing policies of federal and state regulatory agencies, changes due to legislation at the federal and state level, the disallowance of recovery of environmental remediation expenditures and other regulatory changes. NJR does not, by including this statement, assume any obligation to review or revise any particular forward-looking statement referenced herein in light of future events.

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PART I-FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)

See Notes to Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)

See Notes to Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
ASSETS

See Notes to Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES

See Notes to Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
(Unaudited)

See Notes to Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

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NOTES TO CONDENSED UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. General

     The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The September 30, 2003, balance sheet data is derived from the audited financial statements of New Jersey Resources (NJR or the Company). These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto included in NJR’s 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as supplemented by the Company’s filing on Form 8-K, which was filed on April 2, 2004.

     In the opinion of management, the information furnished reflects all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the results of the interim periods. Because of the seasonal nature of NJR’s utility and wholesale energy services operations, in addition to other factors, the financial results for the interim periods presented are not indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year.

     Certain reclassifications have been made of previously reported amounts to conform to current year classifications.

2. Principles of Consolidation

     The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of NJR and its subsidiaries, New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG), NJR Energy Services (NJRES), NJR Retail Holdings (Retail Holdings), NJR Capital Services (Capital) and NJR Service. Significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated.

     The Retail and Other segment includes Retail Holdings and its wholly owned subsidiary, NJR Home Services (NJRHS). Retail and Other also includes Capital and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Commercial Realty & Resources (CR&R), NJR Investment and NJR Energy.

3. New Accounting Standards

     On May 19, 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 106-2 (FSP 106-2), “Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (the Act).” FSP 106-2 provides guidance on the accounting for the effects of the Act for employers that sponsor postretirement health care plans that provide prescription drug benefits. FSP 106-2 also requires certain disclosures regarding the effect of the federal subsidy provided by the Act (the Subsidy) and supersedes FSP 106-1. FSP 106-2 is effective for interim or annual periods beginning after June 15, 2004, and earlier adoption is encouraged. NJR has completed its assessment of FSP 106-2 and, based upon available information and in conjunction with our independent actuarial firm, has concluded that the prescription drug benefits provided under our health plans are “actuarially equivalent” to Medicare Part D and thus qualify NJR to receive the subsidy. NJR has elected early adoption of FSP 106-2 and the effect was immaterial to its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2004. (See Note 10. – Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit (OPEB) Plan Information.)

     In December 2003, the FASB revised Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (FIN 46R), which clarifies the application of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, “Consolidated Financial Statements.” This interpretation provides guidance on the identification and consolidation of variable interest entities (VIEs), whereby consolidation is achieved through means other

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than through control. NJR has completed its assessment of FIN 46R and has determined that it does not have any VIEs.

     In December 2003, the FASB revised Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 132, “Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits” (SFAS 132). SFAS 132 revises employers’ disclosures about pension and other postretirement benefit plans. NJR has complied with the guidelines of SFAS 132 as they relate to interim period disclosures. (See Note 10. – Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit (OPEB) Plan Information.)

     In July 2003, the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) issued EITF No. 03-11, “Reporting Realized Gains and Losses on Derivative Instruments That Are Subject to FASB Statement No. 133 and Not Held for Trading Purposes” (EITF 03-11). EITF 03-11 clarifies the income statement presentation for derivative contracts not held for trading purposes. NJR has completed its assessment of EITF 03-11 and has determined that it will not have an impact on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

     In March 2004, the EITF ratified EITF No. 03-1, “The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments” (EITF 03-1). EITF 03-1 further defines the meaning of an “other-than-temporary impairment” and its application to debt and equity securities. Impairment occurs when the fair value of a security is less than its cost basis. When such a condition exists, the investor is required to evaluate whether the impairment is other than temporary as defined in EITF 03-1. When an impairment is other than temporary, the security must be written down to its fair value. EITF 03-1 also requires additional annual quantitative and qualitative disclosures for available for sale and held to maturity-impaired investments that are not other-than-temporarily impaired. EITF 03-1 must be adopted for reporting periods beginning after June 15, 2004. NJR does not expect the adoption of EITF 03-1 to have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

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4. Regulatory Assets & Liabilities

     Regulatory assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets include the following:

(1)

Recoverable, subject to New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) approval, without interest except for $7.1 million that is recoverable with interest through November 30, 2004.

(2)		Recoverable, subject to BPU approval, with interest over rolling 7-year periods. (See Note 6. — Legal and Regulatory Proceedings.)
(3)		Estimated future expenditures. Recovery will be requested when actual expenditures are incurred. (See Note 13. – Commitments and Contingent Liabilities.)
(4)		Recoverable/refundable, subject to BPU approval.

(5)

Recoverable, subject to BPU approval, through Basic Gas Supply Service.

(6)

Recoverable with interest.

     If there are changes in regulatory positions that indicate the recovery of regulatory assets are not probable, the related cost would be charged to income.

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     Regulatory liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets include the following:

(1)

$71.5 million of asset removal costs recovered through rates in excess of actual costs incurred have been reclassified from Accumulated depreciation at June 30, 2003, to conform with recent SEC guidance and current period presentation.

5. Capitalized and Deferred Interest

     NJR’s capitalized interest totaled $186,000 and $66,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and $392,000 and $212,000 for the nine months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, at average interest rates of 2.3 percent, 1.35 percent, 2 percent and 1.58 percent, respectively. These amounts are included in construction work in progress, a component of Utility plant and Real estate properties and other on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and are reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Income as a reduction to Interest charges, net. NJNG does not capitalize a cost of equity for its utility plant construction activities.

     Pursuant to a New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) order, NJNG is permitted to recover carrying costs on the remaining $7.1 million of uncollected balances related to underrecovered natural gas costs incurred through October 31, 2001, and its manufactured gas plant (MGP) remediation expenditures. (See Note 6d. — MGP Remediation). Accordingly, Other income included $626,000 and $536,000 of deferred interest related to remediation and underrecovered gas costs for the three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and $2 million and $1.6 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

6. Legal and Regulatory Proceedings

a. Energy Deregulation Legislation

     In February 1999, the Electric Discount and Energy Competition Act (EDECA), which provides the framework for the restructuring of New Jersey’s energy market, became law. In March 2001, the BPU issued a written order that approved a stipulation among various parties to fully open NJNG’s residential markets to competition, restructure its prices and expand an incentive for residential and small commercial customers to switch to transportation service. As required by EDECA, NJNG restructured its prices to segregate its Basic Gas Supply Service (BGSS), the component of prices whereby NJNG provides the commodity and capacity to the customer, and delivery (i.e., transportation) prices. NJNG earns no gross margin on the commodity portion of its natural gas sales. NJNG earns gross margin through the transportation of natural gas to its customers. Customers can choose the supplier of their natural gas commodity. In January 2002, the BPU issued an order, which stated that BGSS could be

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provided by suppliers other than the state’s natural gas utilities, but BGSS should be provided by the state’s natural gas utilities until further BPU action.

     Under EDECA, the BPU is required to audit the state’s energy utilities’ competitive services businesses every two years. The primary purpose of the audit is to ensure that utilities and their affiliates offering unregulated retail services do not have any unfair competitive advantage over nonaffiliated providers of similar retail services. In June 2002, the BPU initiated a compliance audit of NJNG. In March 2003, an independent consulting firm, engaged by the BPU, completed its audit of NJNG. The audit report found that NJNG and its affiliates do not have an unfair competitive advantage over other competitive service providers. It also confirmed that NJNG has established and maintained effective accounting, functional and management separation between itself and its affiliates. On June 23, 2004, the BPU approved the recommendations from the audit that were agreed to by both NJNG and the audit staff of the BPU.

b. Basic Gas Supply Service

     On January 6, 2003, the BPU approved a statewide BGSS agreement requiring all New Jersey natural gas utilities to make an annual filing by June 1 for review of BGSS and a potential price change to be effective October 1. The agreement allows natural gas utilities to increase residential and small commercial customer BGSS prices up to 5 percent on December 1 and February 1 on a self-implementing basis, after proper notice and BPU action on the June filing. Such increases are subject to subsequent BPU review and approval.

     On June 9, 2004, NJNG filed the annual BGSS review and requested a 5 percent price increase to be effective October 1, 2004. The increase is necessary to recover higher wholesale commodity costs.

     On December 30, 2003, NJNG filed supporting documentation for a 5 percent self-implementing price increase that became effective on February 1, 2004. The increase was necessary due primarily to higher wholesale commodity costs and is subject to refund with interest.

     On August 18, 2003, NJNG received approval for an 8.7 percent price increase effective September 1, 2003, and on February 6, 2003, NJNG received approval for a 6 percent price increase effective immediately. These increases, which were due to higher wholesale commodity costs, became final in January 2004.

     NJNG is eligible to receive incentives for reducing BGSS costs through a series of gross margin-sharing programs that include off-system sales, capacity release, storage incentive and financial risk management programs. On October 22, 2003, the BPU approved an agreement whereby the existing gross margin sharing between customers and shareowners for off-system sales, capacity release and financial risk management transactions was extended through October 31, 2006. As part of this agreement, the portfolio-enhancing program, which includes an incentive for the permanent reduction of the cost of capacity, continued to receive sharing treatment between customers and shareowners through April 30, 2004, for transactions entered into on or before December 31, 2002. NJNG believes that the elimination of the portfolio-enhancing program will not have a material effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

     The BPU also approved, on October 23, 2003, a new pilot storage incentive program that will share gains and losses on an 80/20 percent basis between customers and shareowners, respectively. This 1-year program will measure the difference between the actual cost of natural gas in storage and a benchmark applicable to the April-through-October injection season. This BPU decision also provided for the parties to evaluate the appropriateness of a new capacity reliability incentive for the BPU’s consideration by

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October 1, 2004. Included in the June 9, 2004, BGSS filing, NJNG indicated a desire to develop a capacity reliability incentive that would be discussed further during the initial review of the storage incentive program. This review is expected to begin in January 2005.

c. Other Adjustment Clauses

     On October 22, 2003, the BPU approved NJNG’s request to update factors used in its weather-normalization clause (WNC), which is designed to stabilize year-to-year fluctuations that may result from changing weather patterns on both NJNG’s gross margin and customers’ bills. Consumption factors had not been adjusted to reflect NJNG’s growth and actual customer base since the settlement of its last base rate case in January 1994. Updating the consumption factors results in the WNC being more reflective of actual weather. Due to the relatively normal weather experienced during the 2003-04 winter period, NJNG has not deferred or accrued any gross margin to customers under the WNC for the nine months ended June 30, 2004.

     In March 2003, the BPU approved a permanent statewide Universal Service Fund (USF) program, effective July 1, 2003, to be recovered through the Societal Benefits Clause. The USF program was established for all natural gas and electric utilities in New Jersey for the benefit of limited-income customers. Eligible customers will receive a credit toward their utility bill. The credits applied to eligible customers will be recovered through a USF rider. NJNG will recover carrying costs on deferred USF balances. On April 1, 2004, NJNG and all of the other energy utilities in the state filed for a price increase to support estimated program expenditures for the statewide USF program. The BPU approved an approximate one-half percent price increase on June 23, 2004.

     NJNG has proposed a Smart Growth pilot program for Asbury Park and Long Branch, New Jersey, which would invest new capital in the infrastructure of these cities. NJNG’s proposal features a recovery mechanism referred to as the Targeted Revitalization Infrastructure Program (TRIP), which would provide a current return on and return of any capital invested in this program. NJNG estimates that it would invest approximately $14 million under this program over three years. Subsequent to NJNG’s filing, the BPU issued proposed modifications to the current main extension regulations, which include proposed TRIP regulations, and is working with the stakeholders to refine the proposals. NJNG will reassess its pending filing in light of the final rules once they are adopted by the BPU.

     NJNG is also involved in various proceedings associated with several other adjustment clauses and an audit of its BGSS, which in NJNG’s opinion will not have a material adverse impact on its financial condition or results of operations.

d. Manufactured Gas Plant Remediation

     NJNG has identified 11 former MGP sites, dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s, which contain contaminated residues from the former gas manufacturing operations. Ten of the 11 sites in question were acquired by NJNG in 1952. Gas manufacturing operations ceased at these sites at least by the mid-1950s and, in some cases, had been discontinued many years earlier. All of the former gas manufacturing facilities were subsequently dismantled by NJNG or the previous owners. Since October 1989, NJNG has been operating under Administrative Consent Orders or Memoranda of Agreement with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) covering all 11 sites. These orders and agreements establish the procedures to be followed in developing a final remedial cleanup plan for each site. NJNG is currently involved in administrative proceedings with the NJDEP with respect to the plant sites in question, and is participating in various studies and investigations by outside consultants to determine the nature and extent of any such contaminated residues and to develop appropriate programs of remedial action, where warranted. Until September 2000, most of the cost of such studies and

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investigations had been shared under an agreement with the former owner, Jersey Central Power & Light Company (JCP&L), now owned by FirstEnergy Corporation (FirstEnergy), and operator of 10 of the MGP sites. In September 2000, a revised agreement was executed pursuant to which NJNG is responsible for two of the sites, while JCP&L is responsible for the remaining eight sites. Also in September 2000, NJNG purchased a 20-year cost-containment insurance policy for the two sites. NJNG continues to participate in the investigation and remedial action and bears the cost related to the one MGP site that was not subject to the original cost-sharing agreement.

     In June 1992, the BPU approved a remediation rider through which NJNG may, subject to BPU approval, recover its remediation expenditures, including carrying costs, over rolling 7-year periods. NJNG is currently recovering remediation expenditures incurred through June 30, 1998. In September 1999 and January 2001, NJNG filed for recovery of remediation expenditures, including carrying costs, incurred in the years ended June 30, 1999 and 2000, respectively. In March 2003, NJNG filed testimony for recovery of remediation expenditures, including carrying costs, for the 2-year period ending June 30, 2002. The BPU is currently reviewing these three filings, seeking total recovery of $55 million including carrying costs and, while NJNG believes that all costs are probable of recovery, no assurance can be given as to the ultimate resolution of these matters. As of June 30, 2004, $50.4 million of previously incurred remediation costs, net of recoveries from customers and insurance proceeds received and anticipated, are included in Regulatory assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. (See Note 4. – Regulatory Assets and Liabilities and Note 13. – Commitments and Contingent Liabilities.)

     In March 1995, NJNG instituted an action for declaratory relief against 24 separate insurance companies in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Docket No. OCM-L-859-95. These insurance carriers provided comprehensive general liability coverage to NJNG from 1951 through 1985. The complaint was amended in July 1996 to name Kaiser-Nelson Steel and Salvage Company (Kaiser-Nelson) and its successors as additional defendants. In September 2001, NJNG reached a favorable settlement with the insurance carrier that provided the majority of NJNG’s coverage. This settlement involves a significant cash payment to NJNG, which is credited to the remediation rider, that will be received in four installments ending October 2004. NJNG has now dismissed or reached a settlement with all of its insurance carriers. NJNG continues to pursue its claim against Kaiser-Nelson for environmental damages caused by Kaiser-Nelson’s decommissioning of structures at several MGP sites. In May 2004, the court consolidated the defendant’s insurance coverage issues with NJNG’s claim for damages. A status conference is scheduled for September 8, 2004. No assurance can be given as to the ultimate resolution of this matter.

     NJNG is presently investigating the possible settlement of alleged Natural Resource Damage (NRD) claims that might be brought by the NJDEP concerning three MGP sites. NJDEP has not made any specific demands yet for compensation for alleged injury to groundwater or other natural resources. NJNG’s evaluation of these potential claims is in the early stages, and it is not yet possible to quantify any settlement that may be reached with the NJDEP. NJNG anticipates any settlement costs to be recoverable through either insurance policies or the remediation rider.

e. Long Branch MGP Site Litigation

     Since July 2003, a series of complaints, now 357 in total, have been filed in the New Jersey Superior Court against NJNG, NJR, JCP&L and FirstEnergy. The complaints were originally filed in Monmouth County, and, as of February 2004, were designated as a Mass Tort Litigation for centralized case management purposes and transferred to the Bergen County Law Division.

     Among other things, the complaints allege personal injuries, wrongful death, survivorship actions, property damage and claims for medical monitoring stemming from the operation and remediation of the

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former MGP site in Long Branch, New Jersey. The relief sought, which has yet to be quantified by plaintiffs, includes compensatory damages, the establishment of a medical monitoring fund, disgorgement of alleged profits, cost of cleanup and remediation, natural resource damages, and punitive damages. Plaintiffs’ counsel is in the process of filing “short form” complaints which will more clearly delineate the claims and relief sought by individual plaintiffs. However, at present, there are approximately 100 claims for personal injuries and about 25 claims for actual property damage, with all plaintiffs seeking medical monitoring and damages for loss of quality of life.

     JCP&L and FirstEnergy have made a demand upon NJNG and NJR for indemnification as a result of the September 2000 agreement between these entities and NJNG, whereby NJNG assumed responsibility for the Long Branch site. NJNG has agreed to honor the terms of the indemnity agreement.

     The Company’s insurance carriers have been notified of the claims, and its insurer, under an Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Policy, has agreed to provide a defense and certain coverage, subject to a reservation of rights regarding various allegations in the complaints, typically not covered by insurance.

     The court has ordered a litigation schedule, which requires that the parties complete all fact and expert discovery on all 357 cases by May 2005. That schedule also includes an anticipated initial trial date of October 3, 2005. At the Court’s direction, the parties are presently establishing mediation procedures to determine if some or all of the claims of plaintiffs may be amenable to mediation.

     The Company believes that it is not liable under the allegations of the complaints, and further believes that any liability that could possibly be assessed against it, with the exception of liability for punitive damages, would be recoverable through insurance or may be recoverable through the remediation rider. However, no assurance can be given as to the ultimate resolution of this matter or the impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

f. Stagecoach Marketing Agreement

     During the quarter ended June 30, 2004, a dispute arose between NJRES and the counter party to the Stagecoach marketing agreement regarding each party’s performance and obligations under the agreement. Under the terms of the marketing agreement, the parties are required to mediate any disputes prior to the commencement of legal action. The mediation proceedings have commenced and litigation may not be instituted until the fourth quarter of calendar 2004. NJRES is not able to predict the outcome of the mediation process at this time, nor whether any legal action will be commenced with regard to this matter.

g. Various

     The Company is party to various other claims, legal actions and complaints arising in the ordinary course of business. In the Company’s opinion, the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

7. Earnings Per Share

     In accordance with SFAS No. 128, “Earnings Per Share” (EPS), which established standards for computing and presenting basic and diluted EPS, the incremental shares required for inclusion in the denominator for the diluted EPS calculation were 577,693 and 484,607 for the three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and 570,597 and 406,803 for the nine months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. These shares relate to stock options and restricted stock and were calculated using the

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treasury stock method. The numerator for each applicable basic and diluted EPS calculation was net income.

     In October 2002, NJR adopted the fair value method of recording stock-based compensation under SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (SFAS 123). NJR adopted the prospective application of SFAS 123 for options granted after October 1, 2002, the cost of which is being expensed through the income statement based on the fair value of the award at the grant date. In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure” (SFAS 148), which provides implementation guidance for the adoption of SFAS 123. NJR has complied with the guidelines of SFAS 148 with respect to the adoption and disclosure of SFAS 123. The following is a reconciliation of the As Reported and Pro Forma net income for options granted prior to October 1, 2002, which are accounted for under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.”

8. Long-Term Debt and Restricted Cash-Construction Fund

     In March 2004, NJR issued $25 million of Unsecured Senior Notes with a 5-year maturity and an interest rate of 3.75 percent. The proceeds of the Unsecured Senior Notes were used to repay existing indebtedness of NJR.

     In March 2004, NJNG issued $60 million of Unsecured Senior Notes with a 10-year maturity and an interest rate of 4.77 percent. The proceeds of the Unsecured Senior Notes were used to repay existing indebtedness of NJNG.

     In December 2003, NJR entered into a $200 million committed credit facility with several banks, which replaced a $180 million credit facility. This facility consists of $120 million with a 364-day term

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and an $80 million revolving credit facility expiring January 2006. The NJR facility is used to finance its unregulated operations. Neither NJNG’s assets nor the results of its operations are obligated or pledged to support the NJR facility.

     In December 2003, NJNG entered into a $225 million credit facility with several banks, which replaced a $200 million credit facility. This facility consists of $175 million with a 364-day term and a $50 million revolving credit facility expiring January 2006. The NJNG facility is used primarily to support its commercial paper borrowings. Consistent with NJNG’s intent to maintain a portion of its commercial paper borrowings on a long-term basis, and as supported by its long-term revolving credit facility, $15 million and $30 million of commercial paper borrowings are included in Long-term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2003, and June 30, 2003, respectively. No commercial paper borrowings are included in Long-term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2004.

     NJNG enters into loan agreements with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) under which the EDA issues tax-exempt bonds and the proceeds are loaned to NJNG. To secure its loans from the EDA, NJNG issues First Mortgage Bonds to the EDA with interest rates and maturity dates identical to the EDA Bonds. In July 2002, the EDA approved $12 million of new funds to finance construction in NJNG’s northern division in Morris County over three years. In September 2003, the BPU approved NJNG’s petition to issue up to $112 million of First Mortgage Bonds, Private Placement Bonds, EDA loan agreements, or Medium-Term Notes over the next three years. In December 2003, NJNG entered into a loan agreement whereby the EDA loaned NJNG the proceeds from its $12 million, 5% Natural Gas Facilities Revenue Bonds, which NJNG deposited into a construction fund. NJNG issued and delivered to the EDA like amounts of its 5% Series HH First Mortgage Bonds, due December 2038, and immediately drew down $4.2 million from the construction fund.

     On June 22, 2004, NJNG purchased interest-rate caps with several banks for its $97 million of tax-exempt long-term debt with an effective date of July 9, 2004. These interest-rate caps expire in July 2006 and are designed to limit NJNG’s variable rate debt exposure for outstanding tax-exempt EDA Bonds at 3.5 percent. In July 2002, NJNG entered into interest-rate caps for $97 million to limit its variable rate debt exposure for outstanding tax-exempt EDA Bonds, with several banks at a rate of 3.25 percent, expiring in July 2004. The interest-rate caps are treated as cash flow hedges with changes in fair value accounted for in Accumulated other comprehensive income.

     In December 2003 and 2002, NJNG received $3.9 million and $5.3 million in connection with the sale-leaseback of its vintage 2003 and 2002 meters, respectively. NJNG plans to continue the sale-leaseback meter program on an annual basis.

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9. Segment Reporting

     The Natural Gas Distribution segment consists of regulated natural gas and off-system and capacity management operations. The Energy Services segment consists of unregulated fuel and capacity management and wholesale marketing operations. The Retail and Other segment consist of appliance and installation services, commercial real estate development, investment and other corporate activities.

     Information related to NJR’s various business segments are detailed below:

(1)

Consists of transactions between subsidiaries that are eliminated in consolidation.

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10. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Information

Pension Plans

     NJR has two trusteed, noncontributory defined benefit retirement plans covering regular represented and nonrepresented employees with more than one year of service. All represented employees of NJRHS hired on or after October 1, 2000, are covered by an enhanced defined contribution plan instead of the defined benefit plan. Defined benefit plan benefits are based on years of service and average compensation during the highest 60 consecutive months of employment.

     The components of the qualified plans net pension cost were as follows:

     NJR does not have any minimum funding requirements in fiscal 2004 and NJR did not make any contributions to its pension plans in the 3- or 9-month periods ended June 30, 2004. If market performance is less than anticipated, additional funding may be required.

Other Postretirement Benefits

     NJR provides other postretirement benefits (OPEB) which include medical and life insurance benefits to employees who meet the eligibility requirements.

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     The components of the net OPEB cost are as follows:

     For the 3- and 9-month periods ended June 30, 2004, $1.4 million and $2.6 million of contributions were made to the OPEB plans, respectively. NJR currently anticipates contributing, at a minimum, an additional $700,000 to the OPEB plans during the remainder of fiscal 2004. Additional contributions may be made based on market conditions and various assumptions.

     NJR has elected to early adopt FSP 106-2. (See Note 3. – New Accounting Standards.)

11. Investments

     In July 2001, NJR entered into a 5-year, zero-premium collar to hedge cash flows associated with the forecasted sale of 100,000 shares of its investment in Capstone Turbine Corporation. The collar consists of a purchased put option with a strike price of $9.97 per share and a sold call option with a strike price of $24.16 per share for 100,000 shares. NJR accounts for the transaction as a cash flow hedge, with changes in fair value accounted for as Other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income for the nine months ended June 30, 2004, included a $30,000 unrealized loss related to this collar. Through June 30, 2004, Accumulated other comprehensive income included a $721,000 unrealized gain related to this collar.

12. Comprehensive Income

     The amounts included in Other comprehensive income related to natural gas instruments, which have been designated cash flow hedges, will reduce or increase natural gas costs as the underlying physical transaction impacts earnings. Based on the amount recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income at June 30, 2004, $2.6 million is expected to be recorded as a decrease to natural gas costs for the remainder of fiscal 2004. For the three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, $6.2 million and $8.3 million was credited to natural gas costs, respectively, and for the nine months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, $22.1 million was credited and $46 million was charged to natural gas costs, respectively. These cash flow hedges cover various periods of time ranging from August 2004 to October 2010.

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13. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

     NJNG is involved with environmental investigations and remedial actions at certain MGP sites. (See Note 6d. – MGP Remediation and Note 6e. – Long Branch MGP Site Litigation). In September 2003, with the assistance of an outside consulting firm, NJNG updated an environmental review of the MGP sites, including a review of their potential liability for investigation and remedial action. Based on this review, NJNG estimated at the time of the review that, exclusive of any insurance recoveries, total future expenditures to remediate and monitor the three MGP sites it is responsible for will range from $108.8 million to $146.3 million. NJNG’s estimate of these liabilities is based upon known facts, existing technology and enacted laws and regulations as existed when the review was completed. However, actual costs may differ from these estimates. Where available information is sufficient to estimate the amount of the liability, it is NJNG’s policy to accrue the full amount of such estimate. Where the information is sufficient only to establish a range of probable liability and no point within the range is more likely than any other, it is NJNG’s policy to accrue the lower end of the range. Accordingly, NJNG has recorded an MGP remediation liability and a corresponding Regulatory asset of $108.8 million on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The actual costs to be incurred by NJNG are dependent upon several factors, including final determination of remedial action, changing technologies and governmental regulations, the ultimate ability of other responsible parties to pay and any insurance recoveries. NJNG will continue to seek recovery of such costs through its remediation rider. If any future regulatory position indicates that the recovery of such costs is not probable, the related cost would be charged to income.

     NJRES is the marketing agent for the Stagecoach storage project. Stagecoach is a high-injection/high-withdrawal facility in New York with 12 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of working natural gas capacity connected to the Tennessee Gas Pipeline. NJRES’ Stagecoach marketing and management agreement ends March 31, 2012, subject to termination rights. During this period, NJRES has agreed to arrange contracts for, or purchase at fixed prices, sufficient services to provide Stagecoach with revenues of approximately $22 million annually from April 1, 2003, to March 31, 2012. Stagecoach must notify NJRES of its intent to sell services under the aforementioned contract by November 30 of the prior annual period. Stagecoach did not notify NJRES of its intent to sell services for the annual period ended March 31, 2005. Therefore, NJRES has no purchase obligation related to this period. NJRES has reached 1- to 5-year agreements with Stagecoach customers with varying expiration dates, the last of which is March 31, 2009. The value of these services totals 91 percent, 80 percent, 73 percent, and 13 percent of NJR’s potential purchase obligation for the annual periods ended March 31, 2006 through 2009, respectively.

     In August 2002, NJNG, in connection with its system requirements, entered into 2-year agreements for Stagecoach storage and transportation services ending July 31, 2004. In January 2004, NJNG extended its agreements with Stagecoach through March 31, 2008. These agreements were awarded pursuant to an open bid process.

     Due to the price levels of the potential purchase obligations to NJRES, as compared with current market prices, and the current and expected level of contracts, NJR does not currently believe that the potential purchase obligation in the Stagecoach agreement will result in any future material losses.

     Under the Stagecoach agreement, NJRES is also required to provide and maintain 2 Bcf of firm base natural gas at the Stagecoach facility for the term of the agreement. (See Note 6f. – Stagecoach Marketing Agreement.)

14. Other

     At June 30, 2004, there were 27,614,498 shares of common stock outstanding, and the book value per share was $17.43.

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2004

Management’s Overview

     New Jersey Resources (NJR or the Company) is an energy services holding company providing retail natural gas service in the State of New Jersey and wholesale natural gas and related energy services to customers in states from the Gulf Coast to New England, and Canada. Its principal subsidiary, New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG), is a natural gas utility providing natural gas service in central and northern New Jersey and also participates in the off-system sales and capacity release markets. NJNG is regulated by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU). NJR’s most significant unregulated subsidiary, NJR Energy Services (NJRES), provides unregulated fuel and capacity management and wholesale energy services. The Retail and Other segment includes NJR Home Services (NJRHS), which provides service, sales and installation of appliances; NJR Energy, an investor in energy-related ventures; Commercial Realty and Resources (CR&R), a commercial real estate developer; and NJR Investment, which makes energy-related equity investments. Net income and assets by business segment are as follows:

     The Natural Gas Distribution operations have been managed with the goal of growing profitably without the need for traditional base rate increases. NJNG, working together with the BPU and the New Jersey Division of the Ratepayer Advocate, has been able to accomplish this goal for more than 10 years through several key initiatives including:

•

Managing its customer growth, which is expected to total about 2.5 percent annually.

•

Generating earnings from various BPU-authorized gross margin-sharing incentive programs, which have been extended through 2006.

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•

Reducing the impact of weather on NJNG’s earnings through an updated weather-normalization clause (WNC).

•

Managing the volatility of wholesale natural gas prices through a hedging program to help keep customers’ prices as stable as possible.

•

Improving its cost structure through various productivity initiatives, as well as lowering its cost of capital.

     The Energy Services segment focuses on providing wholesale energy services, including base load natural gas services, peaking services and balancing services, utilizing physical assets it controls, as well as natural gas management services to third parties. NJRES’ contribution to earnings has increased over the past several years due primarily to increases in pipeline and storage capacity assets, the volatile nature of wholesale natural gas prices and higher management fees. The volatile nature of wholesale natural gas prices over short periods of time can significantly impact NJRES’ revenue and gross margin. Furthermore, gross margin for NJRES is generally greater during the winter months, while the fixed costs of its capacity assets are generally spread throughout the year. Future growth is expected to come from opportunities that include NJRES’ role as the marketing agent for the Stagecoach storage field, along with the acquisition of additional storage and pipeline capacity assets and portfolio management services for third parties. (See Note 6f. – Stagecoach Marketing Agreement.)

     In the Retail and Other segment, NJRHS is focused on growing an appliance installation business through its existing service contract customer base. CR&R is currently constructing a 200,000-square-foot building and seeking additional opportunities to enhance the value of its undeveloped land.

     In the conduct of the Company’s business, management focuses on factors it believes may have significant influence on the Company’s future financial results. NJR’s policy is to work with all stakeholders, including customers, regulators and policymakers, to achieve favorable results. These factors include the rate of NJNG’s customer growth in its service territory, which can be influenced by general economic conditions, as well as political and regulatory policies that may impact the new housing market. A portion of NJNG’s customer growth comes from the conversion market, which is influenced by the delivered cost of natural gas compared with competing fuels, interest rates and other economic conditions. While the impact of weather on NJNG’s gross margin has been significantly mitigated due to the WNC, significant variations from normal weather, which affect customer usage patterns can impact NJNG’s gross margin. NJNG’s operating expenses are heavily influenced by labor costs, a large component of which are covered by a recently negotiated collective bargaining agreement, which expires in 2008. Labor-related fringe benefit costs, which are also subject to numerous factors, may also influence the Company’s results.

     As a regulated company, NJNG is required to record the impact of regulatory decisions on its financial statements. As a result, significant costs are deferred and treated as regulatory assets pending BPU decisions regarding their ultimate recovery from customers. The most significant costs incurred that are subject to this accounting treatment include manufactured gas plant (MGP) remediation costs and wholesale natural gas costs. Actual remediation costs may vary from management’s estimates due to the developing nature of remediation requirements and related litigation. (See Note 6d. – MGP Remediation and Note 6e. – Long Branch MGP Site Litigation.) If there are changes in the regulatory position on the recovery of these costs, such costs would be charged to income.

     Due to the capital-intensive nature of NJNG’s operations, and the seasonal nature of NJR’s working capital requirements, significant changes in interest rates can also impact NJR’s results.

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Results of Operations

     NJR’s income for the three months ended June 30, 2004, decreased 64.4 percent to $1.6 million, compared with $4.5 million for the same period last year. Basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) decreased 62.5 percent to $.06, compared with $.16 last year.

     NJR’s income for the nine months ended June 30, 2004, increased 11.6 percent to $77 million, compared with $69 million for the same period last year. Basic EPS increased 9.8 percent to $2.80, compared with $2.55 last year. Diluted EPS increased 9.2 percent to $2.74, compared with $2.51 last year.

     The decrease in net income for the three months ended June 30, 2004, compared with the same period last year, was attributable primarily to an increase in fixed demand charges that resulted from additional capacity contracts at NJRES, and colder weather during the prior year’s quarter combined with the effects of changes in NJNG’s WNC.

     The increase in net income for the nine months ended June 30, 2004, was attributable primarily to higher gross margin at NJRES generated by its portfolio of storage and transportation capacity assets as well as higher management fees, and continued customer growth at NJNG, which more than offset the impact of last year’s colder-than-normal weather.

     In May 2004, NJR offered an early retirement program to certain employees of NJR and NJR Service. As a result of this program, NJR will include a pretax charge of approximately $1.2 million in operating expenses during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004. This early retirement program is expected to generate annual pretax savings of approximately $600,000.

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Natural Gas Distribution Operations

     The Natural Gas Distribution segment consists solely of NJNG, which provides regulated natural gas services to customers in central and northern New Jersey and participates in the off-system sales and capacity release markets.

     NJNG’s financial results are summarized as follows:

Gross Margin

     Gross margin is defined as natural gas revenues less natural gas purchases, sales tax, a Transitional Energy Facilities Assessment (TEFA), which is included in Energy and other taxes on the Consolidated Statements of Income, and regulatory rider expenses. Regulatory rider expenses consist of recovery of state-mandated programs and the remediation adjustment clause costs. These expenses are designed to be primarily offset by corresponding revenues. Management believes that gross margin provides a more meaningful basis for evaluating utility operations than revenue since natural gas costs, sales tax, TEFA and regulatory rider expenses are passed through to customers, and, therefore, have no effect on gross margin. Natural gas costs are charged to operating expenses on the basis of therm sales at the prices in NJNG’s Basic Gas Supply Service (BGSS) tariff, approved by the BPU. The BGSS price includes projected natural gas costs, net of supplier refunds, the impact of hedging activities and credits from non-firm sales and transportation activities, and recovers or refunds the difference, if any, of such projected costs compared with those included in prices through levelized charges to customers. Any under- or over-recoveries are deferred and reflected in the BGSS in subsequent years. Sales tax is calculated at 6 percent of revenue and excludes sales to cogeneration facilities, other utilities, off-system sales and federal accounts. TEFA is calculated on a per-therm basis and excludes sales to cogeneration facilities, other utilities and off-system sales. Regulatory rider expenses are calculated on a per-therm basis. Sales tax and TEFA, which are presented gross in the Consolidated Statements of Income, totaled $6.3 million for the

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three months ended June 30, 2004, compared with $7 million for the same period last year. The decrease is due primarily to lower throughput resulting from warmer weather. Sales tax and TEFA totaled $41.3 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2004, compared with $38.9 million for the same period last year. The increase is due primarily to increased revenues. Regulatory rider expenses totaled $1.4 million and $8.3 million for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2004, respectively, compared with $700,000 and $4 million for the same periods last year. The increases are due primarily to higher rates for the Universal Service Fund.

Firm Margin

     Gross margin from residential and commercial customers is subject to a WNC, which provides for a revenue adjustment if the weather varies by more than one-half percent from normal weather (i.e., 20-year average). On October 22, 2003, the BPU approved NJNG’s request to update factors used in the WNC. Several components of the calculation had not been adjusted to reflect NJNG’s growth since the conclusion of NJNG’s last traditional base rate case in January 1994. Updating the consumption factors has made the resulting calculations from the WNC more effective in mitigating the impact of weather. The accumulated adjustment from one heating season (i.e., October through May) is billed or credited to customers in subsequent periods. This mechanism reduces the variability of both customers’ bills and NJNG’s earnings due to weather fluctuations.

     The components of gross margin from firm customers are affected by customers switching between sales service and transportation service. NJNG’s total gross margin is not negatively affected by customers who use its transportation service and purchase natural gas from another supplier because its tariff is designed so that no profit is earned on the commodity portion of sales to firm customers. All customers who purchase natural gas from another supplier continue to use NJNG for transportation service.

     Total firm margin decreased $1.7 million, or 4.6 percent, and $1.8 million, or 1 percent, for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2004, respectively, compared with the same periods last year. The decreases were due primarily to 36.6 percent and 10.2 percent warmer weather, for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2004, respectively, compared with the same periods last year, which was partially offset by continued customer growth. NJNG’s gross margin for the three and nine months ended June 2003 included approximately $2.4 million and $4.6 million, respectively, of additional gross margin beyond the amount covered by the WNC.

     The weather for the nine months ended June 30, 2004, was .6 percent warmer than normal, therefore, NJNG has not deferred or accrued any gross margin to customers under the WNC. For the nine months ended June 30, 2003, the 11.3 percent colder-than-normal weather resulted in $8.9 million of margin being deferred for future credits under the WNC.

     Gross margin from sales to residential and commercial customers increased $194,000, or less than 1 percent, and $3.1 million, or 2 percent, for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2004, respectively, compared with the same periods last year. Sales to residential and commercial customers were 7.1 billion cubic feet (Bcf) and 51 Bcf for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2004, compared with 8.9 Bcf and 53.4 Bcf for the same periods last year. The increases in gross margin were due primarily to customers switching back to firm sales service from transportation and continued customer growth. The decrease in therm sales is due primarily to the warmer winter weather.

     Gross margin from transportation service decreased $1.9 million, or 29 percent, and $4.9 million, or 19.2 percent, for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2004, respectively, compared with the same periods last year. NJNG transported 1.2 Bcf and 7.6 Bcf for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2004, respectively, compared with 1.9 Bcf and 9.7 Bcf in the same periods last year. The decreases were

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due primarily to a decrease in customers utilizing the transportation service and the warmer weather in 2004.

     NJNG had 11,603 and 18,480 residential customers and 3,742 and 4,833 commercial customers using transportation service at June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

     In fiscal 2004, NJNG expects to maintain its 2.5 percent annual customer growth rate, which would add approximately 2 Bcf of firm sales, representing about $6 million of annual gross margin.

Incentive Programs

     To reduce the overall cost of its natural gas supply commitments, NJNG has entered into contracts to sell natural gas to wholesale customers outside its franchise territory when the natural gas is not needed for system requirements. These off-system sales enable NJNG to spread its fixed demand costs, which are charged by pipelines to access their supplies year round, over a larger and more diverse customer base. NJNG also participates in the capacity release market on the interstate pipeline network when the capacity is not needed for its firm system requirements. On October 22, 2003, the BPU approved the extension of an incentive related to these programs through October 31, 2006, whereby NJNG retains 15 percent of the gross margin from these sales, with 85 percent credited to firm customers through the BGSS.

     Under a portfolio-enhancing program, which is designed to reduce the fixed cost of NJNG’s natural gas supply portfolio, any savings achieved through the permanent reduction or replacement of capacity or other services has been shared between customers and shareowners. Under this program, NJNG retained 40 percent of the savings for the first 12 months following any transaction and 15 percent for the remaining period through December 31, 2002, with 60 percent and 85 percent, respectively, credited to firm sales customers through the BGSS. On October 22, 2003, the BPU approved an agreement whereby any transactions under this program entered into before December 31, 2002, would continue to receive sharing treatment between customers and shareowners until April 30, 2004. This BPU action also provided for the parties to evaluate the appropriateness of a new capacity reliability incentive for the BPU’s consideration by October 1, 2004. NJNG believes that the elimination of this program would not have a material effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

     The financial risk management (FRM) program is designed to provide price stability to NJNG’s natural gas supply portfolio. The FRM program includes an incentive mechanism designed to encourage the use of financial instruments to hedge NJNG’s natural gas costs, with an 80/20 percent sharing of the costs and results between customers and shareowners, respectively. On October 22, 2003, this program was extended through October 31, 2006.

     The BPU also approved, on October 23, 2003, a new pilot storage incentive program that will share gains and losses on an 80/20 percent basis between customers and shareowners, respectively. This 1-year program will measure the difference between the actual cost of natural gas in storage and a benchmark applicable to the April-through-October injection season.

     NJNG’s incentive programs totaled 9.7 Bcf and generated $1.1 million of gross margin, and 36.4 Bcf and $4.8 million of gross margin, for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2004, respectively, compared with 3.8 Bcf and $1.2 million of gross margin, and 30.2 Bcf and $4.2 million of gross margin in the respective periods last year. The decrease in gross margin for the three months ended June 30, 2004, was due primarily to the elimination of the portfolio-enhancing program. The increase in gross margin for the nine months ended June 30, 2004, was due primarily to higher off-system sales.

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Interruptible

     NJNG serves 50 customers through interruptible sales and/or transportation tariffs. Sales made under the interruptible sales tariff are priced on market-sensitive energy parity rates. Although therms sold and transported to interruptible customers represented 5.6 percent and 4.7 percent of total throughput for the nine months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, they accounted for less than 1 percent of the total gross margin in each period due to the sharing formulas that govern these sales. Under these formulas, NJNG retains 10 percent of the gross margin from interruptible sales and 5 percent of the gross margin from transportation sales, with 90 percent and 95 percent, respectively, credited to firm sales customers through the BGSS. Interruptible sales were 1.3 Bcf and .2 Bcf for the nine months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. In addition, NJNG transported 4.3 Bcf and 4.4 Bcf for the nine months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, for its interruptible customers.

Operation and Maintenance Expense

     Operation and maintenance (O&M) expense decreased $1.1 million, or 5.3 percent, and $54,000, or less than 1 percent, for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2004, respectively, compared with the same periods last year. The decrease in both periods was due primarily to lower allocation of expenses from affiliated companies as a result of revised allocation factors, which more than offset higher labor, fringe benefit and insurance costs.

Operating Income

     Operating income decreased $539,000, or 5.7 percent, and $1.1 million, or 1.1 percent, for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2004, respectively, compared with the same periods last year. The decrease for the three and nine month periods was due primarily to the decrease in gross margin discussed above and higher depreciation expense associated with increased utility plant in service.

Net Income

     Net income decreased $734,000, or 16.3 percent, and $35,000, or less than 1 percent, for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2004, respectively, compared with the same periods last year due primarily to the lower operating income discussed above.

Energy Services Operations

     NJRES provides unregulated wholesale energy services, including base load natural gas, peaking and balancing services, utilizing physical assets it controls, as well as providing asset management services to customers in states from the Gulf Coast and mid-continent to New England, and Canada.

     NJRES has built a portfolio of customers including local distribution companies, industrial companies, electric generators and retail aggregators. Sales to these customers have allowed NJRES to leverage its transportation and storage assets and manage sales to these customers in an aggregate fashion. This provides customers with the best possible pricing and allows NJRES to extract the most value from its assets. In addition, these customers have come to rely on NJRES’ reliability, which is, in part, due to the ability to deliver from a firm supply source.

     NJRES also focuses on creating value from underutilized natural gas assets, which are typically amassed through contractual rights to natural gas transportation and storage assets. Gross margin is typically created by participating in transactions that maximize the economic differential between varying

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markets and time horizons. NJRES seeks to optimize this process on a daily basis as market conditions change by evaluating all the natural gas supplies, transportation and markets to which it has access to find the most profitable alternative to serve its various markets. This enables NJRES to capture geographic pricing differences across these various markets as delivered natural gas prices change.

     In a similar manner, NJRES participates in natural gas storage transactions where it seeks to identify pricing differences that occur over time, as prices for future delivery periods at many locations are readily available. NJRES generates gross margin by locking in the economic price differential between purchasing natural gas at the lowest current or future price and, in a related transaction, selling that natural gas at the highest current or future price, all within the constraints of its contracts and credit policies. Through the use of transportation and storage services, NJRES is able to generate gross margin through pricing differences that occur over the duration of time the assets are held.

     NJRES’ portfolio management customers include nonaffiliated utilities, electric generation plants and the Stagecoach Storage Project (Stagecoach). Services provided by NJRES to the nonaffiliated utilities and electric generators include optimization of underutilized natural gas assets and basic gas supply functions. Revenue is customarily derived by a combination of a base service fee and incentive-based revenue-sharing arrangements. Services provided to Stagecoach include the marketing of firm storage and transportation capacity to third-party customers, optimization of unused storage and/or pipeline capacity, the supply of base gas to the facility, monthly billing and back-office functions, in addition to other services. (See Note 6f. – Stagecoach Marketing Agreement.) NJRES receives compensation for these services through a combination of fixed fees and revenue-sharing mechanisms. NJRES estimates that its management fees represent approximately 15-20 percent of annual gross margin.

     NJRES’ financial results are summarized as follows:

     NJRES’ operating revenues increased $29.1 million, or 11.9 percent, for the three months ended June 30, 2004, compared with the same period last year due primarily to increased commodity prices.

     NJRES’ operating revenues decreased $206.5 million, or 13.8 percent, for the nine months ended June 30, 2004, compared with the same period last year. Natural gas managed and sold by NJRES totaled 43.4 Bcf and 213.6 Bcf for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2004, respectively, compared with 43.5 Bcf and 259.5 Bcf for the same periods last year. These decreases were due primarily to the inclusion of last year’s results of a relatively large volume, low-margin transportation contract, which expired in March 2003.

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     NJRES’ gross margin decreased for the three months ended June 30, 2004, compared with the same period last year, due primarily to an increase in fixed demand charges that resulted from additional capacity contracts.

     NJRES’ gross margin increased for the nine months ended June 30, 2004, compared with the same period last year, due primarily to higher gross margins generated from its portfolio of storage and transportation capacity assets, as well as higher management fees associated with NJRES’ management of other companies’ storage, transportation and fuel contracts, including Stagecoach. Gross margin from this portfolio is generally greater during the winter months, while the fixed costs of these assets are spread throughout the year. Therefore, consistent with this seasonality, the results for the nine months will not be indicative of the results for the fiscal year as a loss in the fourth fiscal quarter is anticipated.

     NJRES’ net income decreased for the three months ended June 30, 2004, compared with the same period last year, due primarily to lower gross margin discussed above combined with increased O&M expenses related to higher allocation expenses from affiliated companies as a result of revised allocation factors, labor and legal expenses.

     NJRES’ net income increased for the nine months ended June 30, 2004, compared with the same period last year, due primarily to higher gross margin discussed above, which more than offset increased O&M expenses related to higher allocation expenses from affiliated companies as a result of revised allocation factors, labor and legal expenses.

Retail and Other Operations

     The financial results of Retail and Other consists primarily of NJRHS, which provides service, sales and installation of appliances to over 141,000 customers; CR&R, which develops commercial real estate; and NJR Energy, which consists primarily of equity investments in Capstone Turbine Corporation and the Iroquois Gas Transmission System, L.P. (Iroquois).

     The consolidated financial results of Retail and Other are summarized as follows:

     Retail and Other operating revenues increased $822,000, or 17.4 percent, and $1.7 million, or 12.1 percent, for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2004, respectively, compared with the same periods last year, due primarily to increased appliance service and installation business at NJRHS.

     Other income includes the amortization of a gain related to the sale-leaseback of a building, discussed below, and earnings generated from NJR Energy’s equity investment in Iroquois. Other income decreased for the three months ended June 30, 2004, compared with the same period last year, due primarily to lower results at Iroquois. Other income increased for the nine months ended June 30, 2004, compared with the same period last year, due primarily to higher results at Iroquois and a pretax loss of $570,000 on the sale of equity investments incurred during the second fiscal quarter of 2003. Net income increased for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2004, compared with the same periods last year, due primarily to

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improved results in the appliance service and installation business at NJRHS. The 9-month increase in net income also included higher results at Iroquois.

     In 1996, CR&R entered into a sale-leaseback agreement for NJR’s corporate headquarters, which generated a pretax gain of $17.8 million. This gain is included in Deferred revenue and is being amortized to Other income over the 25-year term of the lease. The primary tenant of the facility, NJNG, is leasing the building under a long-term master lease agreement, which was approved by the BPU. NJNG continues to occupy a majority of the space in the building.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Consolidated

     NJR’s objective is to maintain a consolidated capital structure that reflects the different characteristics of each business segment and provides adequate financial flexibility for accessing capital markets as required.

     NJR’s consolidated capital structure was as follows:

     NJR satisfies its external common equity requirements, if any, through issuances of its common stock, including the proceeds from stock issuances under its Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP). The DRP allows NJR, at its option, to use shares purchased on the open market or newly issued shares.

     In March 2004, NJR issued $25 million of Unsecured Senior Notes with a 5-year maturity and an interest rate of 3.75 percent. The proceeds of the Unsecured Senior Notes were used to reduce short-term debt of NJR.

     In March 2004, NJNG issued $60 million of Unsecured Senior Notes with a 10-year maturity and an interest rate of 4.77 percent. The proceeds of the Unsecured Senior Notes were used to reduce short-term debt of NJNG.

     The decrease in short-term debt at June 30, 2004, compared with September 30, 2003, is due primarily to these issuances of long-term debt.

     In December 2003, NJR entered into a $200 million committed credit facility with several banks, which replaced a $180 million credit facility. This facility consists of $120 million with a 364-day term and an $80 million revolving credit facility expiring January 2006. This facility provides the debt requirements to meet the working capital and external debt-financing requirements of NJR and its

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unregulated companies. Neither NJNG, nor the results of its operations, are obligated or pledged to support the NJR facility.

     In December 2003, NJNG entered into a $225 million credit facility with several banks, which replaced a $200 million credit facility. This facility consists of $175 million with a 364-day term and a $50 million revolving credit facility expiring January 2006.

     NJNG satisfies its debt needs by issuing short- and long-term debt based upon its own financial profile. NJNG does not guarantee or otherwise directly support the debt of NJR. The seasonal nature of NJNG’s operations creates large short-term cash requirements, primarily to finance natural gas purchases and customer accounts receivable. NJNG obtains working capital for these requirements, as well as for the temporary financing of construction and MGP remediation expenditures and energy tax payments, through the issuance of commercial paper and short-term bank loans. To support the issuance of commercial paper, NJNG maintains a committed credit facility totaling $225 million, discussed earlier. NJNG had $37.5 million, $143.5 million and $68.4 million of commercial paper borrowings supported by these facilities at June 30, 2004, September 30, 2003, and June 30, 2003, respectively.

     The following table is a summary of NJR’s contractual cash obligations as of June 30, 2004, and their applicable payment due dates:

     As of June 30, 2004, there were NJR guarantees covering approximately $164 million of natural gas purchases and demand fee commitments of NJRES, included in gas supply purchase obligations above, not yet reflected in Accounts payable on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

     In June 2004, NJNG issued a letter of credit expiring on December 31, 2004, in the amount of $20 million in conjunction with a long-term swap agreement. This reduces the amount available under NJNG’s committed credit facility by the same amount. NJNG does not anticipate that this letter of credit would be drawn upon by the counterparty.

     In order to increase the funding level of its pension plans, NJR made tax-deductible contributions of $13.7 million in 2003, including a required minimum pension funding contribution of approximately

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$2.4 million. NJR is not currently required to make minimum pension funding contributions during fiscal 2004. If market performance is less than anticipated, additional funding may be required.

     For the 3- and 9-month periods ended June 30, 2004, $1.4 million and $2.6 million of contributions were made to the Other Postretirement Benefit (OPEB) plans, respectively. NJR currently anticipates contributing, at a minimum, an additional $700,000 to the OPEB plans during the remainder of fiscal 2004. Additional contributions may be made based on market conditions and various assumptions.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

     NJR does not have any off-balance sheet financing arrangements.

Cash Flows

Operating Activities

     Cash flow from operations totaled $89.4 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2004, compared with $131.8 million for the same period last year. The decrease was due primarily to increased working capital requirements and lower deferred income taxes, which more than offset higher net income and lower MGP remediation expenditures. Increased working capital requirements resulted primarily from higher customer receivables and reduced funds provided from broker-margin accounts. Deferred income taxes decreased due primarily to lower underrecovered gas costs receivable, which more than offset the tax benefits from increased capital expenditures.

     NJNG estimates additional MGP remediation expenditures of approximately $8 million during the remainder of fiscal 2004. (See Note 6d. – MGP Remediation.)

Financing Activities

     Cash flow used in financing activities totaled $24.5 million for the nine months ended June 30 2004, compared with $95 million in the same period last year. The reduction in the amount of cash available to reduce net debt was due primarily to the decrease in cash flow from operations discussed above and increased capital expenditures.

     In March 2004, NJNG issued $60 million of Unsecured Senior Notes with a 10-year maturity and 4.77 percent interest rate and NJR issued $25 million of Unsecured Senior Notes with a 5-year maturity and 3.75 interest rate. The funds were used to pay down short-term debt. Neither NJNG’s assets, nor the results of its operations, are obligated or pledged to support the NJR facility.

     In the first quarter of fiscal 2004, NJNG received $3.9 million under an existing agreement with a finance company for the sale-leaseback of its vintage 2003 meters. In 2003, NJNG received $5.3 million from the sale-leaseback of its vintage 2002 meters.

     In December 2003, NJNG entered into a loan agreement under which the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) loaned NJNG the proceeds from its $12 million, 5% Natural Gas Facilities Revenue Bonds, which NJNG deposited into a construction fund. NJNG immediately drew down $4.2 million from the construction fund and issued like amounts of its 5% Series HH Bonds to the EDA. (See Note 8. – Long-Term Debt and Restricted Cash-Construction Fund.)

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     NJNG currently anticipates that its financing requirements in 2004 and 2005 will be met through internally generated cash and the issuance of short- and long-term debt. NJNG also plans to continue its meter sale-leaseback program at approximately $5 million annually.

     NJR expects to finance its unregulated operations through its DRP proceeds, bank credit facilities and internally generated cash.

     The timing and mix of any external financings will target a common equity ratio that is consistent with maintaining NJNG’s current short- and long-term credit ratings.

Investing Activities

     Cash used in investing activities totaled $63.3 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2004, compared with $35.2 million in the same period last year. The increase was due primarily to increased investment in NJNG’s pipeline system, the establishment of a construction fund related to NJNG’s EDA financing discussed above, and the construction by CR&R of a 200,000-square-foot build-to-suit building located in the Monmouth Shores Corporate Office Park II discussed below.

     NJNG’s remaining fiscal 2004 capital expenditures are estimated at $18 million. NJNG’s capital expenditures result primarily from the need for services, mains and meters to support its continued customer growth and general system improvements.

     NJNG’s capital expenditures are expected to increase in 2004 and 2005 from historical levels (approximately $50 million annually for fiscal years 2001 through 2003) due primarily to facilities required to serve a new large firm customer, upgrading NJNG’s system in targeted areas within its service territory and the system integrity and replacement required under federal pipeline safety rulemaking.

     NJRES does not currently anticipate any significant capital expenditures in 2004 and 2005. However, the use of high-injection/high-withdrawal storage facilities and anticipated pipeline park-and-loan arrangements, combined with the related hedging activities in the volatile natural gas market, may create significant short-term cash requirements, which will be funded by NJR.

     Retail and Other capital expenditures in fiscal 2004 are primarily related to the construction of a 200,000-square-foot build-to-suit building located in the Monmouth Shores Corporate Office Park II, which is supported by a 15-year lease with an unaffiliated tenant. Total capital expenditures for the project are estimated at $21.2 million, of which $17.2 million, including real estate commissions, has been expended to date, with an expected completion in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004. These expenditures will be financed through NJR’s committed credit facility or a construction loan.

Credit Ratings

     The table below summarizes NJNG’s credit ratings issued by two rating entities, Standard and Poor’s (S&P) and Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (Moody’s):

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     In September 2003, NJNG received upgrades from both S&P and Moody’s. S&P increased the corporate rating to A+ from A, and its first mortgage bond rating was raised to AA- from A+. Moody’s raised the long-term debt rating of NJNG to Aa3 from A2.

     NJNG’s S&P and Moody’s Senior Secured ratings are investment grade ratings and represent the fourth highest rating within the investment grade category. S&P and Moody’s give NJNG’s commercial paper the highest rating within the commercial paper investment grade category. Investment grade ratings are generally divided into three groups: high, upper medium, and medium. NJNG’s senior secured ratings and the commercial paper ratings fall into the high group. NJR is not a rated entity.

     NJNG is not party to any lending or other agreements that would accelerate the maturity date of any obligation due to a failure to maintain any specific credit rating.

     The ratings set forth above are not recommendations to buy, sell or hold NJR or NJNG’s securities and are subject to revision or withdrawal at any time. These ratings should be evaluated independently of any other rating.

Critical Accounting Policies

     Management believes that it exercises good judgment in selecting and applying accounting principles. The consolidated financial statements of NJR include estimates, and actual results in the future may differ from such estimates. NJR’s critical accounting policies are described below.

Regulatory Assets and Liabilities

     NJR’s largest subsidiary, NJNG, maintains its accounts in accordance with the Uniform System of Accounts as prescribed by the BPU. As a result of the ratemaking process, NJNG is required to follow SFAS No. 71, “Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation” (SFAS 71) and, consequently, the accounting principles applied by NJNG differ in certain respects from those applied by unregulated businesses. NJNG is required under SFAS 71 to record the impact of regulatory decisions on its financial statements. NJNG’s BGSS requires it to project its natural gas costs and provides the ability to recover or refund the difference, if any, of such projected costs as compared with the costs included in prices through a BGSS charge to customers. Any under- or over-recoveries are recorded as a Regulatory asset or liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and reflected in the BGSS in subsequent years. NJNG also enters into derivatives that are used to hedge natural gas purchases, and the offset to the resulting derivative assets or liabilities is recorded as a Regulatory asset or liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

     In addition to the BGSS, other regulatory assets consist primarily of remediation costs associated with MGP sites, which are discussed below under Environmental Costs, and the WNC. If there are changes in future regulatory positions that indicate the recovery of such regulatory assets is not probable, the related cost would be charged to income.

Derivatives

     Derivative activities are recorded in accordance with SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” as amended (SFAS 133), under which NJR records the fair value of derivatives held as assets and liabilities. NJR’s unregulated subsidiaries record changes in the fair value of the effective portion of derivatives qualifying as cash flow hedges, net of tax, in Accumulated other comprehensive income, a component of Common stock equity. Under SFAS 133, NJR also has certain derivative instruments that do not qualify as hedges. The change in fair value of these derivatives is recorded in Gas purchases on the Consolidated Statements of Income. In addition, the changes in the fair

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value of the ineffective portion of derivatives qualifying for hedge accounting are recorded as increases or decreases in natural gas costs or interest expense, as applicable, based on the nature of the derivatives. NJNG’s derivatives that are used to hedge its natural gas purchasing activities are recoverable through its BGSS. Accordingly, the offset to the change in fair value of these derivatives is recorded as a Regulatory asset or liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. NJR has not designated any derivatives as fair value hedges as of June 30, 2004.

     The fair value of derivative investments is determined by reference to quoted market prices of listed contracts, published quotations or quotations from independent parties. In the absence thereof, NJR uses mathematical models based on current and historical data. The effect on annual earnings of valuations from these mathematical models has been, and is expected to continue to be, immaterial.

     In providing its unregulated fuel and capacity management and wholesale marketing services, NJRES enters into physical contracts to buy and sell natural gas. These contracts qualify as normal purchases and sales under SFAS 133, in that they provide for the purchase or sale of natural gas that will be delivered in quantities expected to be used or sold by NJRES over a reasonable period in the normal course of business. Accordingly, NJRES accounts for these contracts under settlement accounting.

Environmental Costs

     NJNG annually, at each fiscal year-end, updates the environmental review of its MGP sites, including a review of its potential liability for investigation and remedial action, based on assistance from an outside consulting firm. On the basis of such review, NJNG estimates expenditures to remediate and monitor these MGP sites, exclusive of any insurance recoveries. NJNG’s estimate of these liabilities is based upon then currently available facts, existing technology and presently enacted laws and regulations. Where available information is sufficient to estimate the amount of the liability, it is NJNG’s policy to accrue the full amount of such estimate.

     Where the information is sufficient only to establish a range of probable liability and no point within the range is more likely than any other, it is NJNG’s policy to accrue the lower end of the range. Since NJNG believes that recovery of these expenditures, as well as related litigation costs, is probable through the regulatory process, in accordance with SFAS 71, it has recorded a regulatory asset corresponding to the accrued liability. The actual costs to be incurred by NJNG are dependent upon several factors, including final determination of remedial action, changing technologies and governmental regulations, the ultimate ability of other responsible parties to pay, the impact of litigation and any insurance recoveries. If there are changes in future regulatory positions that indicate the recovery of all or a portion of such regulatory asset is not probable, the related cost would be charged to income. As of June 30, 2004, $50.4 million of previously incurred remediation costs, net of recoveries from customers and insurance proceeds received and anticipated, are included in Regulatory assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Also included in Regulatory assets at June 30, 2004, is $108.8 million of accrued future remediation costs.

Unbilled Revenue

     Revenues related to the sale of natural gas are generally recorded when natural gas is delivered to customers. However, determining natural gas sales to individual customers is based on reading their meters, which occurs on a systematic basis throughout the month. At the end of each month, amounts of natural gas delivered to customers since the date of the last meter read are estimated, and the corresponding unbilled revenue is recorded. This unbilled revenue is estimated each month based on natural gas delivered monthly into the system, unaccounted for natural gas based on historical results and applicable customer rates.

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Postretirement Employee Benefits

     NJR’s costs of providing postretirement employee benefits are dependent upon numerous factors resulting from actual plan experience and assumptions of future experience.

     Postretirement employee benefit costs, for example, are impacted by actual employee demographics including age, compensation levels and employment periods, the level of contributions made to the plans and the return on plan assets. Changes made to the provisions of the plans may also impact current and future postretirement employee benefit costs. Postretirement employee benefit costs may also be significantly affected by changes in key actuarial assumptions, including anticipated rates of return on plan assets, health care cost trends and discount rates used in determining the projected benefit obligations (PBO). In determining the PBO and cost amounts, assumptions can change from period to period, which could result in material changes to net postretirement employee benefit periodic costs and the related liability recognized by NJR.

     NJR’s postretirement employee benefit plan assets consist primarily of U.S. equity securities, international equity securities and fixed income investments, with a targeted allocation of 52 percent, 18 percent and 30 percent, respectively. Fluctuations in actual market returns as well as changes in interest rates may result in increased or decreased postretirement employee benefit costs in future periods. Postretirement employee benefit expenses are included in O&M expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE
DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Financial Risk Management

Commodity Market Risks

     Natural gas is a nationally traded commodity. Its prices are determined effectively by the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) and over-the-counter markets. Prices on the NYMEX and over-the-counter markets generally reflect the notional balance of natural gas supply and demand, but can also be influenced significantly from time to time by other events.

     The regulated and unregulated natural gas businesses of NJR are subject to market risk due to fluctuations in the price of natural gas. To hedge against such fluctuations, NJR has entered into futures contracts, options agreements and over-the-counter swap agreements. To manage these instruments, NJR has well-defined risk management policies and procedures, which include daily monitoring of volumetric limits and monetary guidelines. These policies and procedures are monitored by the Risk Management Committee (RMC). NJR’s natural gas businesses are conducted through three of its operating subsidiaries. First, NJNG is a regulated utility whose recovery of natural gas costs is protected by the BGSS, which utilizes futures, options and swaps to hedge against price fluctuations and consequently, changes in fair market value of these transactions are recorded through a regulatory asset. Second, using futures and swaps, NJRES hedges purchases and sales of storage gas and transactions with wholesale customers. Finally, NJR Energy has entered into several swap transactions to hedge the 10 remaining years of an 18-year fixed-price contract to sell approximately 20.9 Bcf of natural gas (Gas Sale Contract) to a natural gas marketing company.

     NJR Energy has hedged both its price and physical delivery risks associated with the Gas Sale Contract. To hedge its price risk, NJR Energy entered into two swap agreements, effective November 1995. Under the terms of these swap agreements, NJR Energy will pay to its swap counterparties the identical fixed price it receives from the natural gas marketing company, in exchange for the payment by such swap counterparties of a floating price based on an index price, plus a spread per Mmbtu for the total volumes under the Gas Sale Contract. In order to hedge its physical delivery risk, NJR Energy entered into a purchase contract with a second natural gas marketing company for the identical volumes that it is obligated to sell under the Gas Sale Contract, under which it pays the identical floating price it receives under the swap agreements mentioned above.

     The following table reflects the changes in the fair market value of commodity derivatives from September 30, 2003, to June 30, 2004: