WallStSmart

MDU Resources Group Inc (MDU)vsTransAlta Corp (TAC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

TransAlta Corp generates 24% more annual revenue ($2.27B vs $1.83B). MDU leads profitability with a 10.7% profit margin vs -1.0%. MDU appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.36. MDU earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).

MDU

Buy

61

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 5.0Value: 5.0Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 0.89

TAC

Hold

43

out of 100

Grade: D

Growth: 3.3Profit: 4.5Value: 4.0Quality: 2.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: -0.05

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

MDU2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
47.2%8/10

Earnings expanding 47.2% YoY

TAC1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Operating MarginProfitability
33.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 33.3%

Areas to Watch

MDU4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.364/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

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

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.892/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

TAC4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
6.982/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Return on EquityProfitability
-12.1%2/10

ROE of -12.1% — below average capital efficiency

EPS GrowthGrowth
-71.6%2/10

Earnings declined 71.6%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : MDU

The strongest argument for MDU centers on Price/Book, EPS Growth.

Bull Case : TAC

The strongest argument for TAC centers on Operating Margin. Revenue growth of 12.5% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : MDU

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

Bear Case : TAC

The primary concerns for TAC are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, Return on Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.38 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

MDU profiles as a value stock while TAC is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.

TAC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.46 — expect wider price swings.

TAC is growing revenue faster at 12.5% — sustainability is the question.

MDU generates stronger free cash flow (72M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

MDU scores higher overall (61/100 vs 43/100). 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.

TransAlta Corp

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS · USA

TransAlta Corporation owns, operates and develops a diverse fleet of electric power generation assets in Canada, the United States and Australia. The company is headquartered in Calgary, Canada.

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