MDU Resources Group Inc (MDU)vsSouthwest Gas Holdings Inc (SWX)
MDU
MDU Resources Group Inc
$19.20
-0.21%
UTILITIES · Cap: $4.12B
SWX
Southwest Gas Holdings Inc
$86.11
-0.91%
UTILITIES · Cap: $6.44B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
MDU Resources Group Inc generates 5% more annual revenue ($1.83B vs $1.74B). SWX leads profitability with a 31.4% profit margin vs 10.7%. SWX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.86. SWX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (B-).
MDU
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
SWX
Strong Buy65
out of 100
Grade: B-
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 47.2% YoY
Keeps 31 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 24.2%
Earnings expanding 20.9% YoY
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of 6.5% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Revenue declined 9.6%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : MDU
The strongest argument for MDU centers on Price/Book, EPS Growth.
Bull Case : SWX
The strongest argument for SWX centers on Profit Margin, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 31.4% and operating margin at 24.2%.
Bear Case : MDU
The primary concerns for MDU are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : SWX
The primary concerns for SWX are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MDU profiles as a value stock while SWX is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.
SWX carries more volatility with a beta of 0.56 — expect wider price swings.
MDU is growing revenue faster at 6.9% — sustainability is the question.
MDU generates stronger free cash flow (72M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
SWX scores higher overall (65/100 vs 61/100), backed by strong 31.4% margins. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Buy" 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.
Southwest Gas Holdings Inc
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED GAS · USA
Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. purchases, distributes and transports natural gas in Arizona, Nevada and California. The company is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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