MDU Resources Group Inc (MDU)vsSouthern Company (SO)
MDU
MDU Resources Group Inc
$21.16
-0.28%
UTILITIES · Cap: $4.41B
SO
Southern Company
$92.60
-0.17%
UTILITIES · Cap: $102.01B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 1571% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $1.81B). SO leads profitability with a 14.5% profit margin vs 10.5%. SO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.53. SO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).
MDU
Hold49
out of 100
Grade: D+
SO
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for MDU.
Margin of Safety
-47.7%
Fair Value
$62.70
Current Price
$92.60
$29.90 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 25.8%
Areas to Watch
ROE of 6.5% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Revenue declined 10.2%
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 0.8%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : MDU
The strongest argument for MDU centers on Price/Book.
Bull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin.
Bear Case : MDU
The primary concerns for MDU are Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth. Debt-to-equity of 2.05 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MDU profiles as a declining stock while SO is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
MDU carries more volatility with a beta of 0.38 — expect wider price swings.
SO is growing revenue faster at 8.0% — sustainability is the question.
MDU generates stronger free cash flow (57M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
SO scores higher overall (56/100 vs 49/100). Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
MDU Resources Group Inc
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED GAS · USA
MDU Resources Group, Inc. is involved in the regulated power supply and construction materials and services businesses in the United States. The company is headquartered in Bismarck, North Dakota.
Southern Company
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA
Southern Company is an American gas and electric utility holding company based in the southern United States. It is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with executive offices also located in Birmingham, Alabama.
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