Investors in MDU Resources Group, Inc. (MDU) need to pay close attention to the stock based on moves in the options market lately. That is because the Oct 17, 2025 $10.00 Call had some of the highest implied volatility of all equity options today.What is Implied Volatility?Implied volatility shows how much movement the market is expecting in the future. Options with high levels of implied volatility suggest that investors in the underlying stocks are expecting a big move in one direction or the other. It co ...

Key Takeaways MDU Resources projects 6-8% long-term EPS growth and 1-2% annual customer gains through 2026.The company plans $3.1B in regulated capital spending from 2025 to 2029 to boost reliability.Data center demand lifted Q2 retail sales by 12%, with 580 MW in signed electric service deals.MDU Resources’ (MDU) long-term capital investments should further improve the reliability of its services and assist in serving an expanding customer base. After the spinoff of Knife River and Everus Construction, MDU ...

Core Viewpoint - MDU Resources has announced a 7.7% increase in its quarterly dividend rate, raising it to 14 cents per share, reflecting the company's commitment to providing reliable long-term value to its investors [1][11]. Dividend Increase - The new annualized dividend is now 56 cents per share, up from 52 cents, with a current dividend yield of 3.16%, significantly higher than the Zacks S&P 500 composite average of 1.15% [2][11]. Historical Performance - MDU Resources has maintained uninterrupted dividend payments for 87 years, showcasing its reliability and dedication to shareholder returns [3][11]. Growth Prospects - The company anticipates long-term earnings per share growth of 6-8% and expects to see 1-2% customer growth annually in its electric and natural gas segments through 2026 [4][5]. Capital Expenditures - MDU Resources plans to invest $3.06 billion from 2025 to 2029 to enhance the reliability of its services and accommodate a growing customer base [5]. Data Center Opportunities - MDU has secured electric service agreements for 580 megawatts (MW) of data center load, with 180 MW currently online and an additional 100 MW expected to come online later this year [6]. Industry Context - The utility sector is characterized by stable operations and earnings, allowing companies like MDU to reward shareholders with regular dividends. Other companies in the sector, such as Chesapeake Utilities, The Southern Company, and PPL Corporation, have also recently increased their dividend rates [7].

Core Insights - MDU Resources Group, Inc. has elected Charles M. Kelley and Tammy J. Miller to its board of directors, effective August 12, 2025 [1] Group 1: Board Members' Backgrounds - Charles M. Kelley has over 40 years of experience in the natural gas industry, including a 25-year tenure at ONEOK, Inc., where he oversaw over $600 million in capital projects and significantly increased EBITDA [2] - Tammy J. Miller, former lieutenant governor of North Dakota, was CEO and board chair of Border States, growing the company from $485 million to nearly $2.5 billion in annual sales during her leadership [3] Group 2: Contributions to MDU Resources - Kelley is expected to provide valuable insights into pipeline development and regulatory strategy, aiding MDU Resources' pipeline subsidiary, WBI Energy, in pursuing growth opportunities in natural gas transmission and storage [2] - Miller's experience in public service and business is anticipated to align well with MDU Resources' mission and geographic footprint, enhancing the company's engagement with utilities and policymakers [3] Group 3: Company Overview - MDU Resources Group, Inc. serves over 1.2 million customers across the Pacific Northwest and Midwest, focusing on safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible electric utility and natural gas distribution services [5] - The company's pipeline business operates a network of over 3,800 miles of natural gas pipelines and storage systems, ensuring reliable energy delivery across the Northern Plains [5]

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Core Viewpoint - MDU Resources is currently viewed as a superior value option compared to ONE Gas based on various valuation metrics [7] Valuation Metrics - MDU Resources has a forward P/E ratio of 17.18, while ONE Gas has a forward P/E of 17.45 [5] - MDU's PEG ratio is 2.48, indicating a more favorable expected earnings growth rate compared to ONE Gas's PEG ratio of 3.14 [5] - MDU has a P/B ratio of 1.22, compared to ONE Gas's P/B ratio of 1.42, suggesting MDU is more undervalued relative to its book value [6] Earnings Outlook - Both MDU Resources and ONE Gas have a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating positive earnings estimate revisions and an improving earnings outlook [3]

Core Insights - MDU Resources Group Inc. reported second-quarter 2025 operating earnings per share (EPS) of 7 cents, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 13 cents by 46.2% and reflecting a year-over-year decrease of 76.7% [1][8] - Total operating revenues for the second quarter increased by 1.9% to $351.2 million compared to $344.5 million in the same period of 2024 [2][8] - Operating income fell to $30.4 million, down 23% from $39.5 million in the prior year, while total operating expenses rose by 5.2% to nearly $320.8 million [3][8] Financial Performance - As of June 30, 2025, cash and cash equivalents stood at $58.8 million, a decrease from $66.9 million as of December 31, 2024 [4] - Net cash provided by operating activities for the first half of 2025 was $334.9 million, up from $301.6 million in the same period last year [4] Guidance and Expectations - MDU Resources has narrowed its 2025 earnings guidance to a range of 88-95 cents per share, compared to the previous range of 88-98 cents, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate at 95 cents [5][8] - The company anticipates utility customer growth to continue at a rate of 1-2% annually [5][8] Market Position - MDU Resources currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating a favorable outlook in the market [6]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported second quarter earnings of $13.7 million or $0.07 per share, compared to $60.4 million or $0.30 per share in the same period of 2024 [12] - Income from continuing operations was $14.1 million for the second quarter or $0.07 per share, down from $20.2 million or $0.10 per share in 2024 [12] - The company narrowed its earnings per share guidance to a range of $0.88 to $0.95 per share from a previous range of $0.88 to $0.98 per share [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The electric utility segment reported second quarter earnings of $10.4 million, down from $15.5 million in the same period in 2024, primarily due to higher payroll costs and planned outages [12][13] - The natural gas utility experienced a seasonal loss of $7.4 million in the second quarter, compared to a loss of $5 million in 2024, driven by increased operating expenses and lower volumes due to warmer weather [13] - The pipeline segment posted second quarter earnings of $15.4 million, down from a record $17.3 million in the prior year, impacted by higher operating expenses [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The utility experienced combined retail customer growth of 1.4% compared to the same time last year, aligning with the targeted annual growth rate of 1% to 2% [5] - The company has signed electric service agreements for 580 megawatts of data center load, with 180 megawatts currently online and additional capacity expected to come online in the coming years [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a capital investment of $3.1 billion over the next five years, targeting 7% to 8% compounded annual utility rate base growth and 1% to 2% annual customer growth [11] - The company plans to file general rate cases in Wyoming and Montana, and is refining wildfire mitigation plans across its electric service territory [6][8] - The company remains committed to investing in future expansion projects to meet customer demand, including the Minot expansion project which will add approximately 7 million cubic feet of natural gas transportation capacity per day [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted unfavorable weather and increased operating costs impacted second quarter results, but expressed confidence in the company's long-term growth strategy [4][10] - The company anticipates a long-term EPS growth rate of 6% to 8% while targeting a 60% to 70% annual dividend payout ratio [11] - Management emphasized the importance of operational excellence and customer focus as key components of their strategy moving forward [11] Other Important Information - The company maintains a strong balance sheet and ample access to working capital, with no equity needs in 2025 based on the current capital plan [16] - The binding open season for the Baker storage field enhancement project concluded in May, and the company is evaluating a smaller project based on customer interest [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of lower storage project size on Bakken East pipeline - Management indicated that the Baker storage enhancement project does not have implications for the Bakken East project, and there may be opportunities for expansion if Bakken East proceeds [20][22] Question: Revised EPS guidance and its impact on long-term outlook - Management explained that the revision was due to weather impacts and higher operating expenses, but they do not expect these to be long-term trends [23][24] Question: North Dakota Industrial Commission meeting and its implications - Management confirmed the timing of the next meeting and indicated that state support would enhance the Bakken East project, but customer commitments are also crucial [29][30] Question: Quantifying drivers of guidance revision - Management provided insights on the planned outage and weather impacts, estimating a $1 million impact from weather alone in the quarter [33][34] Question: Capacity absorption for data centers before needing new infrastructure - Management stated that there is additional capacity available without new infrastructure, but they are willing to explore investments if necessary [36][38]

Company Strategy and Outlook - MDU Resources aims for a long-term EPS growth rate of 6%-8%[10] - The company targets an annual dividend payout ratio of 60%-70%[10] - MDU anticipates continued customer growth in the electric and natural gas sectors at a rate of 1%-2% annually[12][26] - The company narrows its 2025 earnings per share guidance to a range of $0.88 to $0.95[24] Regulatory Updates and Projects - Natural Gas Distribution in Montana: A settlement agreement is pending for an 8.6% or $7.3 million increase, with interim rates of 10.25% or $7.7 million already effective[13] - Natural Gas Distribution in Wyoming: A settlement agreement was approved for an 11.7% or $2.1 million increase, with rates effective August 1, 2025[13] - The company has signed electric service agreements for 580 MW of data center load[12][16] - MDU has a 49% ownership interest representing 122.5 MW in the Badger Wind Project, with a total capacity of 250 MW, and an estimated cost of $294 million[12][21] Financial Performance - MDU Resources Group's net income for the second quarter of 2025 was $14.1 million, or $0.07 per share, compared to $20.2 million, or $0.10 per share in 2024[31] - The Electric Utility reported earnings of $10.4 million, with retail sales volumes increasing 12.0%[34][35] - The Natural Gas Utility experienced a seasonal loss of $7.4 million, with customer count increasing 1.5% year-over-year[37][38] - The Pipeline segment reported earnings of $15.4 million[40]

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 For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2025 OR ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from _____________ to ______________ Commission file number 1-03480 MDU RESOURCES GROUP, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) (Registrant's telephone nu ...