MDU
MDU Resources Group, Inc.
Conglomerates
Market Cap$4.60B
5Y Perf.+171.7%
Compare Stocks
2 / 10Try these comparisons:
Stock Comparison
MDU vs NI
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
NI
NiSource Inc.
Regulated Gas
Market Cap$22.54B
5Y Perf.+97.3%
MDU vs NI — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | MDU | NI |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Conglomerates | Regulated Gas |
| Market Cap | $4.60B | $22.54B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $1.81B | $6.82B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $189M | $962M |
| Gross Margin | 47.0% | 62.8% |
| Operating Margin | 16.2% | 27.8% |
| Forward P/E | 22.9x | 22.9x |
| Total Debt | $2.74B | $16.24B |
| Cash & Equiv. | $28M | $136M |
MDU vs NI — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
MDU
NI
| Stock | May 20 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| MDU Resources Group… (MDU) | 100 | 271.7 | +171.7% |
| NiSource Inc. (NI) | 100 | 197.3 | +97.3% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: MDU vs NI
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: NI leads in 6 of 7 categories, making it the strongest pick for growth and revenue expansion and valuation and capital efficiency. MDU Resources Group, Inc. is the stronger pick specifically for recent price momentum and sentiment. This set spans 2 sectors — these stocks serve different portfolio roles, not just different price points.
MDU
MDU Resources Group, Inc.
The Long-Run Compounder
MDU is the clearest fit if your priority is long-term compounding and sleep-well-at-night.
- 227.8% 10Y total return vs NI's 137.6%
- Lower volatility, beta 0.38, Low D/E 98.8%, current ratio 0.84x
- +30.7% vs NI's +19.0%
Best for: long-term compounding and sleep-well-at-night
NI
NiSource Inc.
The Income Pick
NI carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for income & stability and growth exposure.
- Dividend streak 4 yrs, beta 0.22, yield 2.4%
- Rev growth 21.8%, EPS growth 20.4%, 3Y rev CAGR 4.3%
- Beta 0.22, yield 2.4%, current ratio 0.69x
Best for: income & stability and growth exposure
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | NI | 21.8% revenue growth vs MDU's 6.7% |
| Value | NI | Lower P/E (22.9x vs 22.9x) |
| Quality / Margins | NI | 14.1% margin vs MDU's 10.5% |
| Stability / Safety | NI | Beta 0.22 vs MDU's 0.38 |
| Dividends | NI | 2.4% yield, 4-year raise streak, vs MDU's 2.3% |
| Momentum (1Y) | MDU | +30.7% vs NI's +19.0% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | NI | 2.7% ROA vs MDU's 2.6%, ROIC 5.3% vs 4.2% |
MDU vs NI — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
FY 2025
FY 2023
MDU vs NI — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLNILAGGINGMDU
MDUMDU Resources Group, …
1leads
NINiSource Inc.
4leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs MDUMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
NI6/6
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
NI3/5
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
NI6/9
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
MDU5/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
Tied
—
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
NI2/2
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
NI leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
NI is the larger business by revenue, generating $6.8B annually — 3.8x MDU's $1.8B. Profitability is closely matched — net margins range from 14.1% (NI) to 10.5% (MDU). On growth, NI holds the edge at +8.2% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | MDUMDU Resources Gro… | NINiSource Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $1.8B | $6.8B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $503M | $3.1B |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | $189M | $962M |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | -$294M | -$1.0B |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +47.0% | +62.8% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +16.2% | +27.8% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | +10.5% | +14.1% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | -16.3% | -15.0% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | -10.2% | +8.2% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | -2.5% | +6.0% |
NI leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
NI leads this category, winning 3 of 5 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
At 24.1x trailing earnings, NI trades at a 0% valuation discount to MDU's 24.2x P/E. On an enterprise value basis, NI's 12.9x EV/EBITDA is more attractive than MDU's 14.7x.
| Metric | MDUMDU Resources Gro… | NINiSource Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $4.6B | $22.5B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $7.3B | $38.6B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | 24.16x | 24.11x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 22.93x | 22.85x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | — |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 14.71x | 12.87x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 2.45x | 3.39x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 1.66x | 1.91x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | — | — |
NI leads this category, winning 3 of 5 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
NI leads this category, winning 6 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
NI delivers a 8.4% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $8 in annual profit, vs $7 for MDU. MDU carries lower financial leverage with a 0.99x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to NI's 1.39x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), NI scores 7/9 vs MDU's 3/9, reflecting strong financial health.
| Metric | MDUMDU Resources Gro… | NINiSource Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | +6.8% | +8.4% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | +2.6% | +2.7% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +4.2% | +5.3% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +4.3% | +6.0% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 3 | 7 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 0.99x | 1.39x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | $2.7B | $16.1B |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $28M | $136M |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $2.7B | $16.2B |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | 1.77x | 2.87x |
NI leads this category, winning 6 of 9 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
MDU leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in NI five years ago would be worth $20,085 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $18,607 for MDU. Over the past 12 months, MDU leads with a +30.7% total return vs NI's +19.0%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors MDU at 29.3% vs NI's 20.9% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | MDUMDU Resources Gro… | NINiSource Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | +13.8% | +13.0% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | +30.7% | +19.0% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +116.3% | +76.8% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +86.1% | +100.8% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +227.8% | +137.6% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | +29.3% | +20.9% |
MDU leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
Evenly matched — MDU and NI each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
NI is the less volatile stock with a 0.22 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than MDU's 0.38 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500.
| Metric | MDUMDU Resources Gro… | NINiSource Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 0.38x | 0.22x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $22.83 | $48.98 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $15.76 | $37.22 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +98.4% | +96.0% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 59.4 | 48.8 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 1.5M | 3.9M |
Evenly matched — MDU and NI each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
NI leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Wall Street rates MDU as "Buy" and NI as "Buy". Consensus price targets imply 5.9% upside for NI (target: $50) vs -6.5% for MDU (target: $21). For income investors, NI offers the higher dividend yield at 2.38% vs MDU's 2.35%.
| Metric | MDUMDU Resources Gro… | NINiSource Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Buy | Buy |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | $21.00 | $49.80 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 17 | 22 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | +2.3% | +2.4% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | 1 | 4 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | $0.53 | $1.12 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | 0.0% | 0.0% |
NI leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Key Takeaway
NI leads in 4 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow, Valuation Metrics). MDU leads in 1 (Total Returns). 1 tied.
Best OverallNiSource Inc. (NI)Leads 4 of 6 categories
Loading custom metrics...
MDU vs NI: Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is MDU or NI a better buy right now?
For growth investors, NiSource Inc.
(NI) is the stronger pick with 21. 8% revenue growth year-over-year, versus 6. 7% for MDU Resources Group, Inc. (MDU). NiSource Inc. (NI) offers the better valuation at 24. 1x trailing P/E (22. 9x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate MDU Resources Group, Inc. (MDU) a "Buy" — based on 17 analyst ratings — the highest consensus in this comparison. The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which has the better valuation — MDU or NI?
On trailing P/E, NiSource Inc.
(NI) is the cheapest at 24. 1x versus MDU Resources Group, Inc. at 24. 2x. On forward P/E, NiSource Inc. is actually cheaper at 22. 9x.
03Which is the better long-term investment — MDU or NI?
Over the past 5 years, NiSource Inc.
(NI) delivered a total return of +100. 8%, compared to +86. 1% for MDU Resources Group, Inc. (MDU). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: MDU returned +227. 8% versus NI's +137. 6%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
04Which is safer — MDU or NI?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), NiSource Inc.
(NI) is the lower-risk stock at 0. 22β versus MDU Resources Group, Inc. 's 0. 38β — meaning MDU is approximately 76% more volatile than NI relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, MDU Resources Group, Inc. (MDU) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 99% versus 139% for NiSource Inc. — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — MDU or NI?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), NiSource Inc.
(NI) is pulling ahead at 21. 8% versus 6. 7% for MDU Resources Group, Inc. (MDU). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: NiSource Inc. grew EPS 20. 4% year-over-year, compared to -32. 1% for MDU Resources Group, Inc.. Over a 3-year CAGR, NI leads at 4. 3% annualised revenue growth. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
06Which has better profit margins — MDU or NI?
NiSource Inc.
(NI) is the more profitable company, earning 14. 0% net margin versus 10. 2% for MDU Resources Group, Inc. — meaning it keeps 14. 0% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: NI leads at 27. 6% versus 15. 5% for MDU. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — NI leads at 58. 6%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
07Is MDU or NI more undervalued right now?
On forward earnings alone, NiSource Inc.
(NI) trades at 22. 9x forward P/E versus 22. 9x for MDU Resources Group, Inc. — 0. 1x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis. Analyst consensus price targets imply the most upside for NI: 5. 9% to $49. 80.
08Which pays a better dividend — MDU or NI?
All stocks in this comparison pay dividends.
NiSource Inc. (NI) offers the highest yield at 2. 4%, versus 2. 3% for MDU Resources Group, Inc. (MDU).
09Is MDU or NI better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, NiSource Inc.
(NI) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β 0. 22), 2. 4% yield, +137. 6% 10Y return). Both have compounded well over 10 years (NI: +137. 6%, MDU: +227. 8%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
10What are the main differences between MDU and NI?
These companies operate in different sectors (MDU (Industrials) and NI (Utilities)), which means they face different economic cycles, regulatory environments, and macro sensitivities — making direct comparison nuanced.
In terms of investment character: MDU is a small-cap quality compounder stock; NI is a mid-cap high-growth stock. These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
Find Stocks Like These
Explore pre-built screens for each stock's profile, or build a custom screen to find stocks that outperform both.
Revenue Growth>
%
(MDU: -10.2% · NI: 8.2%)Net Margin>
%
(MDU: 10.5% · NI: 14.1%)P/E Ratio<
x
(MDU: 24.2x · NI: 24.1x)You Might Also Compare
Based on how these companies actually compete and overlap — not just which sector they're filed under.