Investors interested in Utility - Gas Distribution stocks are likely familiar with MDU Resources (MDU) and Atmos Energy (ATO). But which of these two stocks offers value investors a better bang for their buck right now?
Jefferies initiated coverage of MDU Resources with a Hold rating and $18 price target. MDU Resources is an upper-midwest, pacific northwest electric/gas utility and pipeline operator that is pursuing its pure-play regulated growth story, says the analyst, who models 8.3% EPS compound annual growth at the high-end of the 6-8% EPS CAGR target. The stock's premium to electric/gas peers reflect diversified utilities, data center exposure, and the pipeline outlook, the analyst tells investors.
MDU raises its investment plan to $3.1 billion for 2025-2029. With this, MDU aims to support its growing customer base and modernize infrastructure.
MDU reports better-than-expected third-quarter earnings. Management raises its 2024 regulated energy delivery earnings upward.
MDU Resources Group, Inc. (MDU) Q3 2024 Earnings Call Transcript
MDU Resources offers strong potential with its diversified utility, pipeline, and construction services, providing steady revenue and growth opportunities. The company's focus on core utilities going forward enhances its financial stability and growth prospects, along with promising pipeline expansions. MDU's pipeline segment has shown significant earnings growth, supported by strategic expansions and increasing storage revenue.
MDU continues to benefit from its planned investments, growing customer base and focus on regulated energy delivery.
MDU Resources (MDU) continues to increase shareholders' value as its board of directors approves a 4% quarterly dividend hike.
MDU Resource's (MDU) second-quarter earnings increase, while revenues decline year over year. Total operating expenses decrease during the same period.
MDU Resources (MDU) makes a strong case for investment, given its growth prospects, strong ROE and ability to increase shareholders' value.
Here is how DTE Energy (DTE) and MDU Resources (MDU) have performed compared to their sector so far this year.
Natixis Advisors L.P. cut its stake in MDU Resources Group, Inc. (NYSE:MDU – Free Report) by 7.7% during the fourth quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 17,980 shares of the utilities provider’s stock after selling 1,492 shares during the quarter. Natixis Advisors L.P.’s holdings in MDU Resources Group were worth $356,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. FMR LLC increased its position in MDU Resources Group by 48.7% in the 3rd quarter. FMR LLC now owns 3,585,707 shares of the utilities provider’s stock worth $70,208,000 after purchasing an additional 1,174,799 shares during the last quarter. River Road Asset Management LLC lifted its stake in MDU Resources Group by 49.6% in the fourth quarter. River Road Asset Management LLC now owns 2,931,590 shares of the utilities provider’s stock valued at $58,045,000 after acquiring an additional 972,540 shares during the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC grew its position in MDU Resources Group by 194.3% in the third quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 1,397,095 shares of the utilities provider’s stock worth $27,355,000 after acquiring an additional 922,403 shares in the last quarter. Sasco Capital Inc. CT increased its stake in shares of MDU Resources Group by 50.4% during the 3rd quarter. Sasco Capital Inc. CT now owns 1,548,541 shares of the utilities provider’s stock worth $30,320,000 after purchasing an additional 518,820 shares during the last quarter. Finally, American Century Companies Inc. raised its holdings in shares of MDU Resources Group by 986.4% during the 3rd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 532,361 shares of the utilities provider’s stock valued at $10,424,000 after purchasing an additional 483,358 shares in the last quarter. 71.44% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. MDU Resources Group Trading Up 1.5 % Shares of MDU stock opened at $25.48 on Monday. The business’s 50 day moving average is $24.36 and its two-hundred day moving average is $21.36. The company has a quick ratio of 1.37, a current ratio of 1.43 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.78. MDU Resources Group, Inc. has a 12 month low of $18.04 and a 12 month high of $25.78. The company has a market cap of $5.20 billion, a PE ratio of 10.89, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.74 and a beta of 0.78. MDU Resources Group (NYSE:MDU – Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, May 2nd. The utilities provider reported $0.52 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.47 by $0.05. The firm had revenue of $1.21 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.33 billion. MDU Resources Group had a net margin of 10.74% and a return on equity of 11.42%. The business’s revenue was down 15.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $0.23 EPS. Equities analysts predict that MDU Resources Group, Inc. will post 1.55 EPS for the current year. MDU Resources Group Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 1st. Shareholders of record on Thursday, June 13th will be given a $0.125 dividend. This represents a $0.50 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.96%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, June 13th. MDU Resources Group’s dividend payout ratio is currently 21.37%. Insider Transactions at MDU Resources Group In related news, insider Rob L. Johnson acquired 36,291 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, May 7th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $25.46 per share, for a total transaction of $923,968.86. Following the completion of the purchase, the insider now owns 41,934 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,067,639.64. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 1.00% of the company’s stock. Analyst Ratings Changes Separately, StockNews.com downgraded shares of MDU Resources Group from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 3rd. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on MDU Resources Group About MDU Resources Group (Free Report) MDU Resources Group, Inc engages in the regulated energy delivery, and construction materials and services businesses in the United States. It operates through four segments: Electric, Natural Gas Distribution, Pipeline, and Construction Services. The Electric segment generates, transmits, and distributes electricity for residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal customers in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming; and operates 3,400 miles of transmission lines, 4,800 miles of distribution lines, and 82 transmission and 298 distribution substations.