tiprankstipranks
Mdu Resources Group Inc (MDU)
NYSE:MDU

Mdu Resources Group (MDU) AI Stock Analysis

Compare
408 Followers

Top Page

MD

Mdu Resources Group

(NYSE:MDU)

70Outperform
MDU Resources Group demonstrates solid financial foundations with opportunities for strategic improvements. Despite challenges in revenue and cash flow, the company benefits from strong cost management, attractive valuation, and strategic growth initiatives, such as expanding its renewable energy portfolio.
Positive Factors
Financial Performance
MDU outperformed the utility peer group by 9% and is up 53% YTD, showcasing strong financial performance.
Growth Potential
MDU has the potential to sign incremental data center customer contracts, enhancing future growth prospects.
Regulatory Strategy
MDU is pursuing a pure-play regulated growth story via a 7-8% rate base CAGR, supported by an active regulatory strategy.
Negative Factors
Earnings Adjustments
Minor changes to the earnings model reflect updated assumptions for certain end market growth and profitability, with slight reductions in EPS estimates.
Spin-off Impact
The downgrade to Neutral from Buy is due to the expectation that upside potential is diminishing despite strong spin execution.
Valuation Concerns
The sum-of-the-parts analysis indicates that positive qualities are largely reflected in the current price, suggesting limited upside potential.

Mdu Resources Group (MDU) vs. S&P 500 (SPY)

Mdu Resources Group Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionMDU Resources Group, Inc. engages in the regulated energy delivery, and construction materials and services businesses in the United States. The company's Electric segment generates, transmits, and distributes electricity for residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal customers in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming, as well as operates 3,500 miles of transmission lines and 4,800 miles of distribution lines. Its Natural Gas Distribution segment distributes natural gas for residential, commercial, and industrial customers in Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming; and offers supply-related value-added services. The company's Pipeline segment provides natural gas transportation and underground storage services through a regulated pipeline system primarily in the Rocky Mountain and northern Great Plains regions; and cathodic protection and other energy-related services. Its Construction Materials and Contracting segment mines, processes, and sells construction aggregates; produces and sells asphalt mix; and supplies ready-mixed concrete. This segment is also involved in the sale of cement, finished concrete products, and other building materials and related contracting services. The company's Construction Services segment designs, constructs, and maintains electrical and communication wiring and infrastructure, fire suppression systems, mechanical piping and services; overhead and underground electrical, gas, and communication infrastructure; and manufactures and distributes transmission lines construction equipment. It serves manufacturing, commercial, industrial, transportation, institutional, and renewable and government customers, as well as utilities. The company was founded in 1924 and is headquartered in Bismarck, North Dakota.
How the Company Makes MoneyMDU Resources Group generates revenue primarily through two key business segments: regulated energy delivery and construction materials and services. In the energy delivery segment, the company earns money by distributing natural gas and electricity to residential, commercial, and industrial customers under regulated tariffs, which provide a stable revenue stream. This segment benefits from regulatory frameworks that allow for cost recovery and a reasonable rate of return on investment. In the construction materials and services segment, MDU Resources generates revenue by producing and selling construction materials such as aggregates, asphalt, and ready-mix concrete. Additionally, it provides construction services for infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, and commercial buildings. The company's earnings are supported by a mix of long-term contracts and demand for infrastructure development. Strategic partnerships with government entities and private sector clients also play a role in driving revenue growth.

Mdu Resources Group Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Mdu Resources Group shows strong cost management and balance sheet stability, but faces challenges with declining revenue and profitability, as well as negative free cash flow. The company should focus on revenue growth and improving cash flow management.
Income Statement
65
Positive
Mdu Resources Group shows a declining revenue trend over the past year with a significant decrease from $6.97 billion to $4.66 billion. Despite this, the company maintains strong gross profit margins, indicating effective cost management. However, the net profit margin has decreased, reflecting challenges in maintaining profitability amidst declining revenues. EBIT and EBITDA margins show stability but face pressure from declining revenue.
Balance Sheet
70
Positive
The balance sheet reflects a moderate debt-to-equity ratio, indicating a balanced approach to leverage. Stockholders' equity has decreased, but the equity ratio remains stable, suggesting that the company manages its financial stability well. Return on Equity has been affected by declining net income, but overall, the balance sheet remains robust with manageable liabilities.
Cash Flow
60
Neutral
Free cash flow has been negative, indicating challenges in generating cash from operations after capital expenditures. Operating cash flow remains positive but shows a downward trend. The operating cash flow to net income ratio indicates decent cash conversion despite negative free cash flow. The company needs to address capital expenditure efficiency to improve cash flow.
Breakdown
TTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
6.17B1.76B4.66B6.97B5.68B5.53B
Gross Profit
1.04B571.96M622.04M1.15B1.04B1.05B
EBIT
499.34M265.64M425.98M574.00M534.20M544.90M
EBITDA
823.24M507.09M867.71M590.66M859.26M856.14M
Net Income Common Stockholders
328.26M281.11M414.71M367.49M378.13M390.20M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
50.20M66.90M48.88M80.52M54.16M59.55M
Total Assets
7.04B7.04B7.83B9.66B8.91B8.05B
Total Debt
2.29B2.29B2.47B3.21B2.87B2.38B
Net Debt
2.24B2.23B2.42B3.13B2.81B2.32B
Total Liabilities
4.35B4.35B4.93B6.07B5.53B4.97B
Stockholders Equity
2.69B2.69B2.91B3.59B3.38B3.08B
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
-257.18M-111.01M-187.10M-146.59M-163.63M210.39M
Operating Cash Flow
430.45M411.81M332.63M510.00M495.80M768.40M
Investing Cash Flow
-910.42M-552.68M-540.79M-638.90M-885.90M-630.20M
Financing Cash Flow
487.44M40.30M204.62M155.20M384.71M-145.10M

Mdu Resources Group Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price17.06
Price Trends
50DMA
17.13
Negative
100DMA
17.59
Negative
200DMA
15.88
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.02
Negative
RSI
53.31
Neutral
STOCH
70.57
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For MDU, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 17.06 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 16.79, below the 50-day MA of 17.13, and above the 200-day MA of 15.88, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of -0.02 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 53.31 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 70.57 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for MDU.

Mdu Resources Group Risk Analysis

Mdu Resources Group disclosed 32 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Mdu Resources Group reported the most risks in the “Legal & Regulatory” category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Mdu Resources Group Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (62)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
ATATO
77
Outperform
$23.59B21.269.00%2.25%5.90%11.85%
OGOGE
73
Outperform
$9.05B20.509.65%3.73%11.63%5.61%
MDMDU
70
Outperform
$3.43B12.2110.51%3.04%-22.50%-32.26%
SWSWX
68
Neutral
$5.40B27.225.84%3.30%-5.92%29.47%
CNCNP
66
Neutral
$23.28B22.6110.02%2.32%-0.61%15.54%
NFNFG
65
Neutral
$7.09B82.82-0.36%2.61%-10.64%-102.62%
62
Neutral
$8.27B14.032.36%3.08%3.85%-14.32%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
MDU
Mdu Resources Group
17.06
4.30
33.70%
ATO
Atmos Energy
149.64
37.23
33.12%
CNP
Centerpoint Energy
35.72
9.23
34.84%
NFG
National Fuel Gas Company
78.28
27.94
55.50%
OGE
OGE Energy
45.10
13.19
41.34%
SWX
Southwest Gas
75.21
4.94
7.03%

Mdu Resources Group Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date: Feb 6, 2025 | % Change Since: -4.43% | Next Earnings Date: Apr 30, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call highlighted significant growth in adjusted earnings per share and record performance in the pipeline segment, alongside strategic investments for future growth. However, there were notable declines in GAAP earnings and natural gas segment performance, along with impacts from non-recurring items and dissynergies.
Highlights
Adjusted Earnings Per Share Growth
Adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations increased 22% year-over-year to $0.90 per share.
Pipeline Segment Record Earnings
The pipeline segment achieved record earnings in 2024, with a 45% increase year-over-year, driven by record transportation volumes and increased storage revenue.
Utility Customer Base Growth
The utility segment saw a 1.4% increase in the combined retail customer base, with a 6.8% rate base growth in 2024.
Capital Investment Plans
MDU Resources anticipates a capital investment of $3.1 billion over the next five years, with 7% to 8% utility rate base growth and 1% to 2% annual customer growth.
Lowlights
GAAP Earnings Decline
Full year GAAP earnings decreased from $414.7 million or $2.03 per share in 2023 to $281.1 million or $1.37 per share in 2024, impacted by costs associated with spin-offs.
Natural Gas Segment Earnings Decline
The natural gas segment reported earnings of $46.9 million, down from $48.5 million in 2023, largely due to higher operation and maintenance expenses and higher depreciation and amortization expenses.
Non-recurring Items and Dissynergies
The 2025 earnings guidance considers a $0.04 per share impact from non-recurring items in 2024 and dissynergies from the spin-off of Everus.
Company Guidance
During the MDU Resources Group Year-End 2024 Earnings Conference Call, the company provided comprehensive guidance and financial metrics for 2025. MDU Resources reported adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations of $0.90 for 2024, a 22% increase year-over-year, driven by a 45% rise in earnings from the pipeline segment due to record transportation volumes and increased storage revenue. The electric utility segment also saw growth, largely from rate relief, while the utility's combined retail customer base grew by 1.4%, and rate base growth was 6.8%. For 2025, MDU anticipates earnings per share guidance in the range of $0.88 to $0.98, reflecting strong performance across segments and accounting for approximately $0.04 per share impact from nonrecurring items and dissynergies from spin-offs. The company projects a capital investment of $3.1 billion over the next five years with anticipated utility rate base growth of 7% to 8% and long-term EPS growth of 6% to 8%. Additionally, MDU highlighted ongoing regulatory activities, including various rate cases, and emphasized its strategy to maintain a capital-light business model to support customer growth cost-effectively.

Mdu Resources Group Corporate Events

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and Strategy
MDU Resources Group Expands Renewable Energy Portfolio
Positive
Feb 14, 2025

On February 13, 2025, MDU Resources Group’s subsidiary, Montana-Dakota Utilities Co., entered a purchase agreement to acquire a 49% stake in the Badger Wind Farm, a project in North Dakota, for $294 million. This acquisition, part of MDU’s five-year capital plan, reduces their prior power purchase agreement and aligns with their strategy for a diversified energy portfolio, increasing their renewable energy capacity from 29% to 39%.

Other
Mdu Resources Group Shares Investor Presentation Online
Neutral
Feb 6, 2025

Mdu Resources Group released an Investor Presentation on their corporate website, which is available under their Investor Relations section. The information provided in the presentation and the associated report is not considered part of any official filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission unless specifically cited.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.