Are Utilities Stocks Lagging MDU Resources Group (MDU) This Year?

Company Performance - MDU Resources has gained approximately 28.9% year-to-date, outperforming the average loss of 1.7% in the Utilities sector [4] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for MDU's full-year earnings has increased by 4.4% over the past quarter, indicating improved analyst sentiment and a stronger earnings outlook [3] Industry Comparison - MDU Resources is part of the Utility - Gas Distribution industry, which includes 14 companies and currently ranks 100 in the Zacks Industry Rank. This industry has seen an average gain of 4.2% year-to-date, with MDU outperforming this group [5] - In contrast, National Grid, another outperforming stock in the Utilities sector, belongs to the Utility - Electric Power industry, which has a ranking of 96 and has declined by 3.3% year-to-date [6]