MDU Resources Group Inc (MDU)vsSouthern Company (SO)
MDU
MDU Resources Group Inc
$22.53
+2.64%
UTILITIES · Cap: $4.49B
SO
Southern Company
$96.70
+3.41%
UTILITIES · Cap: $109.01B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 1476% more annual revenue ($29.55B vs $1.88B). SO leads profitability with a 14.7% profit margin vs 10.2%. SO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.66. MDU earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
MDU
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
SO
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-47.1%
Fair Value
$13.95
Current Price
$22.53
$8.58 premium
Margin of Safety
-35.0%
Fair Value
$71.61
Current Price
$96.70
$25.09 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 20.2%
Earnings expanding 39.4% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Areas to Watch
ROE of 7.0% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Revenue declined 0.3%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 22.1%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : MDU
The strongest argument for MDU centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, EPS Growth.
Bull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap. Revenue growth of 10.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MDU profiles as a declining stock while SO is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
SO carries more volatility with a beta of 0.41 — expect wider price swings.
SO is growing revenue faster at 10.1% — sustainability is the question.
MDU generates stronger free cash flow (-358M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MDU scores higher overall (61/100 vs 54/100). Both earn "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.
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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