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Introduction & Market Context
MDU Resources Group Inc. (NYSE:MDU) presented its first quarter 2025 earnings results on May 8, highlighting its transformation into a pure-play regulated energy delivery business following the spinoff of Everus in October 2024. The company reported earnings per share of $0.40, meeting analyst expectations, while income from continuing operations increased 10.4% year-over-year to $82.5 million.
In after-hours trading, MDU shares rose 2.06% to $17.86, building on the company’s steady performance as a low-volatility utility with a 2.95% dividend yield. The presentation emphasized MDU’s strategic pivot toward data center opportunities and renewable energy investments while maintaining its 55-year track record of consecutive dividend payments.
Quarterly Performance Highlights
MDU Resources reported mixed segment performance in Q1 2025, with strong results in natural gas distribution and pipeline operations offsetting weakness in the electric utility segment.
As shown in the following quarterly earnings comparison:
Income from continuing operations reached $82.5 million ($0.40 per share) in Q1 2025, compared to $74.7 million ($0.37 per share) in Q1 2024. This 10.4% increase reflects the company’s operational improvements and strategic focus following the Everus spinoff.
Segment Analysis
The natural gas utility segment delivered the strongest absolute performance, with earnings increasing 11.5% to $44.7 million. This growth was driven by regulatory progress in Washington and South Dakota, interim rates in Montana, and a 1.5% year-over-year increase in customer count. Colder weather also contributed to higher retail sales volumes.
The natural gas utility’s performance is illustrated in this comparison:
The pipeline segment showed the highest percentage growth, with earnings rising 13.9% to $17.2 million. This improvement stemmed from increased transportation revenue and strong interruptible storage utilization. The company also noted a new peak day delivery record of nearly 1.9 billion cubic feet.
Meanwhile, the electric utility segment experienced a decline, with earnings falling to $15.0 million from $17.9 million in Q1 2024. The company attributed this decrease to higher operation and maintenance expenses, including increased contract services, software and insurance expenses, and payroll-related costs.
Strategic Initiatives
MDU Resources outlined several strategic initiatives aimed at driving long-term growth, with data centers emerging as a key focus area. The company has secured 580 MW of data center load under signed electric service agreements, with 180 MW already online, 100 MW expected later this year, and 300 MW to be phased in over the next three years.
The company’s approach to data centers emphasizes minimal capital investment while delivering ROE-accretive benefits:
In renewable energy, MDU is pursuing the Badger Wind Farm project with an estimated cost of $294 million. The company plans to take a 49% undivided ownership interest, representing 122.5 MW of the total 250 MW capacity. This investment would significantly shift MDU’s generation mix toward renewables, increasing from 29% to 39% of nameplate capacity.
The pipeline business is exploring expansion opportunities, including the potential Bakken East Pipeline project, which could consist of 375 miles of pipeline construction from the Bakken region to eastern North Dakota. Additionally, the Baker Storage Field Enhancement project could add 72 million cubic feet per day of new firm natural gas storage deliverability and transportation service.
Regulatory Progress
MDU Resources detailed its regulatory progress across multiple jurisdictions, highlighting several rate cases that support its financial outlook:
Notable developments include a settlement agreement filed for an 8.6% ($7.3M) annual revenue increase for natural gas distribution in Montana, with interim rates of 10.25% ($7.7M) already effective since February 1, 2025. In Washington, final rates implemented effective March 5, 2025, provide a 7.9% revenue increase ($29.8M), with additional changes scheduled for 2026.
The company also noted targeted rate cases planned for Idaho (natural gas distribution) and Wyoming and Montana (electric) over the next 12 months, supporting its regulatory recovery strategy.
Forward-Looking Statements
MDU Resources affirmed its 2025 earnings guidance of $0.88 to $0.98 per share, based on assumptions of normal weather, continued customer growth of 1-2% annually, and no equity issuances.
The company’s long-term financial outlook remains robust, with targets including:
The $3.1 billion regulated capital investment plan is expected to drive 7-8% utility rate base growth, supporting the company’s 6-8% long-term EPS growth target. MDU also maintains a 60-70% annual dividend payout ratio target, reinforcing its commitment to shareholder returns.
"We are off to a strong start in 2025," said Nicole Cabisto, President and CEO, highlighting the company’s strategic positioning for growth in data centers and regulated utility operations. With its diversified business model and focus on operational excellence, MDU Resources appears well-positioned to execute its long-term strategy despite segment-specific challenges.
Full presentation:
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