WallStSmart

MDU Resources Group Inc (MDU)vsSouthwest Gas Holdings Inc (SWX)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

MDU Resources Group Inc generates 2% more annual revenue ($1.81B vs $1.78B). SWX leads profitability with a 26.1% profit margin vs 10.5%. SWX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.18. SWX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (B-).

MDU

Hold

49

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 2.7Profit: 5.5Value: 4.3Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 0.89

SWX

Strong Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 7.5Value: 5.0Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.89

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

MDU1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.5x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

SWX4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Operating MarginProfitability
37.9%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 37.9%

Profit MarginProfitability
26.1%9/10

Keeps 26 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Price/BookValuation
1.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
20.9%8/10

Earnings expanding 20.9% YoY

Areas to Watch

MDU4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
6.5%3/10

ROE of 6.5% — below average capital efficiency

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.692/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-10.2%2/10

Revenue declined 10.2%

SWX4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.184/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
27.0x4/10

Moderate valuation

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-21.6%2/10

Revenue declined 21.6%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-46.59M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : MDU

The strongest argument for MDU centers on Price/Book.

Bull Case : SWX

The strongest argument for SWX centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.1% and operating margin at 37.9%.

Bear Case : MDU

The primary concerns for MDU are Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.

Bear Case : SWX

The primary concerns for SWX are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

SWX carries more volatility with a beta of 0.58 — expect wider price swings.

MDU is growing revenue faster at -10.2% — sustainability is the question.

MDU generates stronger free cash flow (57M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED GAS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

SWX scores higher overall (65/100 vs 49/100), backed by strong 26.1% margins. Both earn "Strong 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.

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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