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Mdu Resources Group Inc (MDU)
NYSE:MDU

Mdu Resources Group (MDU) AI Stock Analysis

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MDU

Mdu Resources Group

(NYSE:MDU)

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Neutral 57 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:57Neutral
Price Target:
$21.00
▲(3.04% Upside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:02/12/26
The score is held back primarily by weaker financial quality (declining revenue/margins and negative free cash flow) despite steady profitability. This is partially offset by a constructive earnings-call outlook and growth funding plan, while technicals and valuation appear broadly neutral-to-slightly supportive.
Positive Factors
Rate base growth (regulated utility)
A 16% increase in regulated rate base underpins durable, predictable revenue and cash flows driven by regulated returns. Sustained rate-base expansion supports long-term earnings visibility and funds capital recovery, making utility operations a stable backbone for multi-year growth.
Natural gas utility strength
Strong natural gas utility earnings (nearly 20% YoY) reflect effective multi-jurisdictional rate relief and demand stability. This segment's regulatory recovery mechanisms and rising residential/commercial sales provide resilient margins and cash generation over the medium term.
Data-center backlog and capital-light model
A 580 MW data-center backlog with staged in-service volumes and a capital-light approach offers scalable, low-capex growth that enhances earnings optionality. Long-term contracts and staged starts diversify demand and can boost utility load factors without proportionate balance-sheet strain.
Negative Factors
Negative free cash flow
Recurring negative free cash flow, including a large deficit in 2025, reduces financial flexibility for dividends, debt reduction, and incremental investment. Persistent negative FCF signals heavy capex and/or weak cash conversion, heightening refinancing and liquidity risks over the medium term.
Elevated leverage post-acquisition
Leverage near 50% following the Badger wind acquisition raises balance-sheet risk and increases interest-cost sensitivity. Elevated debt constrains flexibility for opportunistic investment and requires careful deleveraging execution to avoid pressuring credit metrics over the next 2–4 years.
Revenue decline and margin compression
A multi-year revenue decline and meaningful margin compression weaken underlying earnings power and free-cash dynamics. Sluggish top-line trends and rising O&M costs reduce the cushion against regulatory or project delays, making long-term EPS targets harder to sustainably achieve.

Mdu Resources Group (MDU) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (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 its utility operations, which include the distribution of electricity and natural gas to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. The utility segment benefits from regulated pricing structures that ensure stable cash flows. Additionally, the construction services segment contributes significantly to the company's earnings by providing a range of services for public and private sector projects, including road construction and maintenance. The materials production segment, which involves the extraction and sale of aggregates and asphalt, also adds to the revenue stream. MDU has established partnerships with various governmental and commercial entities, which enhance its project pipeline and contribute to steady revenue growth. The company's ability to adapt to regulatory changes and invest in infrastructure improvements further solidifies its financial performance.

Mdu Resources Group Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Feb 05, 2026
(Q4-2025)
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% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:May 06, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The call conveys a generally constructive outlook marked by meaningful capital deployment ($792M), a 16% increase in utility rate base, record pipeline performance, robust natural gas utility growth (+19.6%), and a sizable data center backlog (580 MW). The company executed a strategic acquisition (Badger Wind Farm), revised its five‑year capital plan to $3.1B, and secured equity financing to fund growth, all while reaffirming a long-term EPS growth target of 6%–8% and a 60%–70% dividend payout target. Offsetting these positives are near-term pressures: reported GAAP earnings declined due to the Everest spin-off, electric utility earnings fell (~-13.3%), O&M and other expense inflation, a denied interim rate in Montana delaying recovery, elevated leverage (49.1% debt-to-capital post-acquisition), and remaining uncertainty around large incremental projects such as the Bakken East pipeline. On balance, highlights materially outweigh the lowlights, though execution and regulatory timing will determine near-term pacing.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Earnings from Continuing Operations Increased
Income from continuing operations was $191.4 million, or $0.93 per share, up from $181.1 million, or $0.88 per share in 2024 (~+5.7% YoY on continuing EPS).
Record Pipeline Results
Pipeline segment posted record earnings of $68.2 million in 2025 versus $68.0 million in 2024 (slight increase ~+0.3%), driven by expansion projects placed in service and strong short-term firm transportation demand.
Strong Natural Gas Utility Performance
Natural gas utility earnings rose to $56.1 million from $46.9 million in 2024, an increase of 19.6% YoY, driven primarily by higher retail sales revenue and multi-jurisdictional rate relief.
Material Capital Deployment and Rate Base Growth
Deployed $792 million of capital in 2025; utility rate base grew 16% year-over-year, reflecting placed-in-service investments including the Badger Wind Farm acquisition (49% ownership placed in service Dec 31, 2025).
Data Center Load Booked and Staged
Signed electric service agreements for 580 MW of data center load (180 MW online since May 2023; 100 MW ramping currently; 150 MW expected online later in 2026; remaining 150 MW expected online in 2027). Company pursuing additional customers and using a capital-light model for these opportunities.
Regulatory Progress and Rate Relief Wins
Multiple regulatory wins: North Dakota approved recovery for Badger Wind Farm; Idaho natural gas rate case approved for $13 million annual increase effective Jan 1, 2026; Washington second-year increase of $10.8 million effective Mar 1, 2026 (subject to review); Wyoming settlement for ~$5.8 million annual increase expected Apr 1, 2026. Wildfire mitigation plans filed in ND, MT and WY.
Capital Plan and Growth Targets Maintained
Revised 2026–2030 capital investment plan to $3.1 billion after earlier-than-expected Badger close. Company reaffirmed long-term EPS growth target of 6%–8% and annual dividend payout target of 60%–70%.
Liquidity and Equity Financing Executed
Completed follow-on public offering of ~10.15 million shares plus ~1.5 million overallotment shares (roughly 11.7 million shares) at $19.70 per share to fund growth (providing substantial equity capacity for 2026 and a portion of 2027 financing needs); company states strong balance sheet and ample working capital access.
Clear 2026 Guidance Range
Initiated 2026 EPS guidance of $0.93 to $1.00 per share (midpoint implies modest growth vs 2025 continuing EPS) while noting equity issuance and ongoing rate cases in the near term.
Negative Updates
Reported Full-Year GAAP Earnings Declined (Spin-Off Impact)
Reported full-year 2025 earnings were $190.4 million, or $0.93 per share, versus $281.1 million, or $1.37 per share in 2024—a decline of ~32%—largely driven by the October 2024 spin-off of Everest and the reclassification of Everest results to discontinued operations, which complicates year-over-year comparability.
Electric Utility Earnings Decline
Electric utility earnings fell to $64.9 million from $74.8 million in 2024 (~-13.3% YoY), as higher retail revenue and volumes were more than offset by higher operation & maintenance expenses (payroll, contract services for generation outages, software and insurance).
Higher Operating Costs Pressure Results
Across segments, higher O&M costs—driven by increased payroll-related costs, contract services, software expense and insurance—partially offset revenue and rate relief benefits and reduced segment earnings growth.
Regulatory Setback in Montana
Montana electric general rate case interim rate relief was denied; company filed reconsideration and as of Feb 3 no action was taken, delaying recovery of investments and increasing near-term regulatory uncertainty in that jurisdiction.
Leverage Increased After Badger Acquisition
Consolidated debt-to-capitalization increased to 49.1% following the year-end Badger Wind Farm acquisition; company expects to reduce leverage as forward sale agreements from the equity offering are settled, but leverage remains elevated in the near term.
Comparability Affected by One-Time 2024 Items
2024 included one-time benefits (e.g., ~$2.7 million customer settlement and a state tax rate adjustment) that did not recur in 2025, which muted YoY improvements and complicates headline comparisons.
Bakken East Pipeline Remains Uncertain and Not in 5-Year Plan
Bakken East pipeline is in pre-filing and under open season (Feb 2–Mar 13), but customer commitments, final design, and FID remain uncertain; project is not currently in the 5-year capital forecast and would be incremental if pursued, adding execution and financing risk.
2026 Guidance Reflects Modest Near-Term Growth
2026 EPS guidance of $0.93–$1.00 reflects continued near-term headwinds (equity issuance, ongoing rate case timing, and elevated costs); midpoint implies only modest growth relative to 2025 continuing EPS and may fall short of the stated long-term 6%–8% pace in the near term.
Company Guidance
On the call management initiated 2026 EPS guidance of $0.93 to $1.00 per share (noting the range reflects equity financing for growth), reiterated a long‑term EPS growth target of 6%–8% and a targeted annual dividend payout ratio of 60%–70%; they also confirmed a revised 2026–2030 capital plan of $3.1 billion (after $792 million deployed in 2025), said utility rate base grew 16% year‑over‑year and combined retail customer growth was 1.5% (within the 1%–2% target), and highlighted key regulatory and project metrics that underpin guidance — including the 49% Badger Wind interest placed in service Dec. 31, 2025 (recovery filings made Oct. 31; ND PSC approved Jan. 26), signed data center load of 580 MW (180 MW online, 100 MW ramping, 150 MW expected later this year and 150 MW in 2027), Line Section 32 FERC filing targeted for March 2026 with construction complete late 2028, Bakken East open season through March 13 and potential FERC 7C timing tied to an FID with in‑service targets of late 2029 (west) and late 2030 (east), rate outcomes including a $5.8M annual Wyoming electric increase (effective Apr. 1, 2026), a $13M annual Idaho gas increase (effective Jan. 1, 2026) and a $10.8M Washington increase (effective Mar. 1, 2026), and financial position items including a post‑Badger debt‑to‑capitalization of ~49.1% and roughly 11.7 million follow‑on shares (offered at $19.70) expected to meet 2026 equity needs (forward sales settlement available through Dec. 6, 2027).

Mdu Resources Group Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Profitable operations and steady operating cash flow support the base business, but revenue declines, margin compression, rising leverage, and recurring negative free cash flow (notably 2024–2025) meaningfully weaken near-term financial quality and flexibility.
Income Statement
57
Neutral
Profitability remains solid, with positive EBIT and net income across all reported years and generally healthy operating profitability (EBIT margin largely in the low-to-mid teens, peaking higher in 2023). However, the growth profile is weak: revenue has been down in most years (including -8.3% in 2025 and -2.5% in 2024), and net profit margin has compressed meaningfully from 2023 to 2025. Results also look somewhat volatile year-to-year, including a sharp revenue drop in 2022.
Balance Sheet
62
Positive
Leverage looks manageable but trending worse: debt-to-equity moved up to ~0.98 in 2025 from ~0.85 in 2024, indicating rising balance-sheet risk. Equity remains substantial relative to assets, and returns on equity have been consistently positive, though they moderated to ~7% in 2025 from ~10% in 2024 and ~14% in 2023. Overall, the balance sheet is stable, but the direction of leverage and declining returns are key watch items.
Cash Flow
41
Neutral
Cash generation is mixed. Operating cash flow is consistently positive and relatively steady, which supports ongoing operations. The main issue is free cash flow: it has been negative in most recent years (including a large deficit in 2025 and slightly negative in 2024), implying heavier investment and/or weaker cash conversion versus earnings. While free cash flow growth shows a sharp rebound in 2025, it is from a weak base and still negative, leaving less financial flexibility.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue1.88B1.76B1.80B1.75B3.45B
Gross Profit404.90M571.94M518.53M490.06M687.28M
EBITDA525.40M507.09M635.40M392.69M555.01M
Net Income190.40M281.11M414.71M367.49M378.13M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets7.76B7.04B7.83B9.66B8.91B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments28.21M50.20M48.88M34.83M54.16M
Total Debt2.74B2.29B2.49B2.48B2.87B
Total Liabilities4.98B4.35B4.93B6.07B5.53B
Stockholders Equity2.77B2.69B2.91B3.59B3.38B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-318.60M-20.51M-187.10M67.48M10.58M
Operating Cash Flow473.40M502.32M332.63M510.06M495.78M
Investing Cash Flow-780.90M-552.68M-540.79M-638.88M-885.88M
Financing Cash Flow268.80M40.30M204.62M155.17M384.71M

Mdu Resources Group Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price20.38
Price Trends
50DMA
20.14
Positive
100DMA
19.88
Positive
200DMA
18.18
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
<0.01
Positive
RSI
50.73
Neutral
STOCH
32.92
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 20.38 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 20.44, above the 50-day MA of 20.14, and above the 200-day MA of 18.18, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of <0.01 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 50.73 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 32.92 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 "Production" 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 (66)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
75
Outperform
$9.12B27.5820.41%0.63%1.23%-22.77%
72
Outperform
$4.78B9.489.98%0.21%10.31%
66
Neutral
$17.65B18.105.60%3.62%6.62%11.55%
57
Neutral
$4.15B21.897.01%2.76%-57.80%-57.40%
56
Neutral
$733.82M-2.64-13.99%1.90%32.39%-19.35%
52
Neutral
$4.64B-10.09-12.71%27.59%-8.45%27.66%
45
Neutral
$609.41M-1.49-41.05%20.53%-15.85%-59.42%
* Utilities Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
MDU
Mdu Resources Group
20.38
3.91
23.77%
CODI
Compass Diversified Holdings
8.21
-11.95
-59.28%
IEP
Icahn Enterprises
7.97
-0.59
-6.89%
SEB
Seaboard
5,010.00
2,182.15
77.17%
VMI
Valmont
463.82
118.59
34.35%
FIP
FTAI Infrastructure Incorporation
6.40
1.05
19.63%

Mdu Resources Group Corporate Events

Financial DisclosuresRegulatory Filings and Compliance
MDU Resources Group Releases Q4 and 2025 Results
Neutral
Feb 5, 2026

Mdu Resources Group has released an investor presentation detailing its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 financial results, which is available through the investor relations section of its corporate website. The company clarified that the materials associated with this update are being furnished rather than filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, limiting their exposure to certain regulatory liabilities and ensuring they are not automatically incorporated into other SEC filings unless specifically referenced.

The most recent analyst rating on (MDU) stock is a Buy with a $23.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Mdu Resources Group stock, see the MDU Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyPrivate Placements and Financing
MDU Resources Extends WBI Energy Senior Notes Shelf Facility
Positive
Jan 16, 2026

On January 15, 2026, WBI Energy Transmission, Inc., an indirect subsidiary of MDU Resources Group, Inc., amended its existing note purchase and private shelf agreement with PGIM, Inc. and other purchasers to extend through December 22, 2028 the period during which it may issue up to an aggregate $350 million of senior unsecured shelf notes, subject to the purchasers’ discretion and potential termination of the issuance right. WBI has already issued $235 million under this facility, leaving $115 million available as of that date, and plans to use any additional proceeds for general corporate purposes, including funding previously announced capital expenditures, while remaining subject to customary financial and operational covenants and default provisions that limit indebtedness, liens, affiliate transactions, asset sales, mergers, and certain investments.

The most recent analyst rating on (MDU) stock is a Hold with a $22.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Mdu Resources Group stock, see the MDU Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyPrivate Placements and Financing
MDU Resources Expands Forward Equity Offering for Financing
Positive
Dec 29, 2025

On December 3, 2025, MDU Resources Group, Inc. entered into an underwriting agreement and related forward sale agreements for an underwritten public offering of its common stock, initially covering 10,152,284 forward shares that were borrowed from third parties and sold by forward sellers to the underwriters, with a 30-day option for an additional 1,522,842 shares on the same terms. On December 23, 2025, the underwriters fully exercised this option, and on December 26, 2025, the additional forward shares were borrowed and sold, with MDU entering into corresponding additional forward sale agreements that run through December 6, 2027 and are designed to allow the company to settle physically, in cash, or via net share settlement at an initial forward sale price of $18.90 per share, subject to adjustments tied to interest rates, dividends, and stock-borrowing costs, which collectively could influence future dilution of earnings per share and provide the company with flexible equity financing while deepening its ties to key banking counterparties.

The most recent analyst rating on (MDU) stock is a Hold with a $22.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Mdu Resources Group stock, see the MDU Stock Forecast page.

Private Placements and Financing
MDU Resources Extends Revolving Credit Agreement to 2030
Neutral
Dec 12, 2025

On December 11, 2025, MDU Resources Group, Inc. amended and restated its Five-Year Revolving Credit Agreement with U.S. Bank National Association and several lenders, extending the maturity date from May 31, 2028, to December 11, 2030. The agreement maintains an initial commitment amount of $200 million, with options to increase it by $50 million and extend the maturity date twice by one year each. The agreement includes a variable interest rate and a facility fee that depends on the company’s senior unsecured debt rating, with $33,850,000 in loans outstanding as of the agreement date.

The most recent analyst rating on (MDU) stock is a Hold with a $22.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Mdu Resources Group stock, see the MDU Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyPrivate Placements and Financing
MDU Resources Group Enters Forward Sale Agreements
Neutral
Dec 5, 2025

On December 3, 2025, MDU Resources Group, Inc. entered into forward sale agreements with Wells Fargo Bank, Bank of America, and JPMorgan Chase Bank for the sale of over 10 million shares of its common stock. The shares were borrowed and sold to underwriters as part of a public offering, with an additional option for underwriters to purchase more shares. This move is part of a registered offering under the Securities Act, indicating a strategic financial maneuver by the company.

The most recent analyst rating on (MDU) stock is a Hold with a $22.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Mdu Resources Group stock, see the MDU Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

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.Date of analysis: Feb 12, 2026