[bilyjak]

Ok MDUers. I'm back but... I have an assignment for a supersleuth. MDU is spinning off Knife River. Knife River is to become a separate company. How this happens could be a giant slot machine. Keep your eyes open for the opportunity and let us know if you find any good info.

[Woodwalker1964]

I could have sued them for showing inappropriate pictures of my wife at their Christmas party back before I retired from them

[Woodwalker1964]

I’m sure they will. They deleted the pictures of my wife that they exposed at the Christmas party as soon as they could. If you had any idea of the shit I went through working for this company throughout the time I worked for them you’d sell and run

[Woodwalker1964]

I used to work for this company. I personally would not invest in them. I have seen very poor costly decisions made by the board. Their biggest was selling fidelity off prematurely. Then spending millions ivesting in a inefficient software that was set up for a gas company but not set up for an electric company that they will never be able to work out the bugs on when the could have gone with smart phones that could have been totally compatible with what they wanted to achieve. We got twice the work done in the 2000 timeframe as to opposed to today. MDU was once a thriving company but IMO and have watched them through the years I myself would not invest in them any more

[benfrankledger]

MDU Resources (NYSE: $MDU) provides a five-year capex forecast of $2.32B through 2022, ~15% higher than the $2.07B in actual capital spending during the 2013-17 period.

[trueblood786]

This just started, not in the news yet. Should show up soon

[bilyjak]

Ooopss!!! Doesn't seem to affect the pps. JMO

[trueblood786]

Wonder as a public company if they will erase the emails, investigation is just starting.

Fed may get involved

[trueblood786]

MDU just got sued for public bribery in their sale of Utah Properties

[bilyjak]

The price has bounced back real good since then given that the last report showed huge losses at the new diesel plant. I think oil will have to hit $20 before this goes to $10. JMO

[trueblood786]

It may hit 10

[bilyjak]

Well, this is just over $15. Is it time to buy or will it hit $14?

[bilyjak]

OK, so I'm off by $5. Anything under $15 looks good to me. Q report showed new diesel plant lost money. Its a new plant, its got some leaway, doesn't it?

[bilyjak]

I've got my eye on this company. Anything under $20 seems like a good deal. Does anyone see a bottom yet?

[OilStockReport]

Good analysis from this article. Thoughts?



http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2011/09/23/2-positive-signs-for-mdu-resources.aspx

[OilStockReport]

MDU is one of Cramer's latest stock favorites.

Cramer says that MDU Resources is “an extremely strong company with great growth.” The North Dakota-based MDU, as of Sep 8, shows a trailing P/E ratio of 16.1, and a forward P/E ratio of 14.1. Estimated annual EPS growth for the next five years is 7.0%. Profit margin in 2010 was 5.9%, while it offered a 3.15% dividend.

The stock is currently trading 12.95% lower than its 52-week high, and its O-Metrix score is 3.36. Target price is $23.44, implying a 13.6% increase potential. Operating margin (10.0%) and debt-to equity ratio (0.5) are strong green flags. MDU Resources returned 5.5% in a year, and earnings increased by 293.12% this year.

On the other hand, P/B (1.4) and P/S (1.0) are moderate red flags. Insiders own only 0.02% of the stock, and it is paying the same dividend since Sep 2008. SMA50 and SMA200 are -2.43% and -3.34%, respectively. Earnings decreased by 7.94% this quarter. Hold if you own it, but do not buy.

[OilStockReport]

Think its one of the most promising out there?

http://www.fool.com/investing/dividends-income/2011/08/15/the-most-promising-dividends-in-building-materials.aspx

[OilStockReport]

Stock to watch.

MDU Resources Group Inc.’s second-quarter earnings fell 7.8% on lower prices and output for natural gas, as weather difficulties worked against the quarterly results again. Shares fell 1.1% to $21.33 premarket.

[OilStockReport]

UPDATE

BISMARCK, N.D.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. announced today that it has filed an application with the North Dakota Public Service Commission for an advance determination of prudence to construct, own and operate an 88-megawatt simple cycle combustion turbine, as well as the related infrastructure needs for the project.

The natural gas-fired electric generation facility would be located on existing company-owned land next to the company’s R.M. Heskett Generating Station near Mandan. The facility is needed to meet the capacity requirements of Montana-Dakota’s electric customers served by the company’s integrated system. At capacity, the facility would generate enough electricity to serve about 86,000 Montana-Dakota customers.

[OilStockReport]

Conference Call in a couple months. Mark your calenders!

BISMARCK, N.D.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- MDU Resources Group, Inc. (NYSE:MDU - News) will webcast its second quarter 2011 earnings conference call August 2 following the release of its results.

The webcast will begin at 11 a.m. EDT and can be accessed at www.mdu.com. A webcast replay and audio replay will be available. The dial-in number for audio replay is [phone], or [phone] for international callers, conference ID 73996248.

[OilStockReport]

I expect continued growth and value here:

In 2012, it estimates 12 wells will be drilled and completed. 75 potential operated locations on 640 acre spacing are planned in Stark county. An EUR of 250-500 MBOE per well is expected. On April 21st of 2011, MDU announced a five year $2.1 billion investment to develop and produce oil and natural gas properties. This will be spent on other areas as well as the Bakken. MDU also announced lower production due to bad Bakken weather.

[OilStockReport]

Info on Stark County:

An additional 50000 net exploration acres are held in Stark County. This is a play on the Three Forks. Fidelity's first well (Kostelecky 31-6H) was promising with an average IP rate of 1343 BOE. It carries an operating interest of 94.5%. It is drilling two additional wells. A $37 million 2011 cap ex program will be used to drill six operated wells. Fidelity plans to participate in non-operated wells in Stark County.

[OilStockReport]

More DD on Fidelity:

Fidelity produced 2.4 million net barrels of oil equivalent in the last three years. It owns 16000 net acres in Mountrail County. Last year 8 Mountrail wells were drilled to a total of 37 operated wells. Fidelity produces 3700 BOED in Mountrail. Future drilling locations include 20 in the middle Bakken and over 30 in the Three Forks.

A drilling cap ex of $52 million will be used to drill 13 operated wells. Fidelity plans to participate in non-operated wells this year. In the second quarter of this year, Fidelity will add a second drilling rig. It plans to drill 12 wells in 2012 and 2013. Fidelity estimates an EUR of 250-400 MBO per well.

[OilStockReport]

MDU Resources Group Inc. (MDU) produces oil and natural gas as Fidelity Exploration and Production. Fidelity produces 35% of MDU's earnings. Fidelity has 646 BCFE of proved natural gas and oil reserves, with 69% of it natural gas.

In 2010, Fidelity increased oil production by 5% year over year to 28% total. The Bakken is its largest oil property. Its acreage is located in Mountrail County, North Dakota. Bakken production increased by 41% in 2010.

[futrcash]

Dejour Joint Ventures Paradox Basin O&G Leases with MDU Resources unit, Fidelity E & P Co.

June 24, 2008

Denver Colorado, June 24, 2008: Dejour Enterprises Ltd., (Amex: DEJ, TSX-V:DEJ) an oil and natural gas exploration and production company, announced today it has signed a joint operating agreement with Fidelity Exploration & Production Company covering 14,000 acres of long term, highly prospective oil and gas leases in the Northern Paradox Basin located in South-eastern Utah. Fidelity, a subsidiary of MDU Resources Group Inc., (NYSE: MDU), operates over 3400 wells in North America. Its parent company reported annual revenues of over USD $4 billion in 2007 according to its latest annual report.

Industry awareness of the Paradox Basin has been developing since Delta Petroleum announced in December 2007 its Greentown project discovery, resulting in the development of a new pipeline and other infrastructure in this area.

"We are extremely pleased with the opportunity this joint venture brings to Dejour. Fidelity is a highly qualified, experienced operator in the Rocky Mountains with a keen interest in this emerging resource play. We expect they will provide Dejour with valuable experience and efficient operating capability in an area where we both believe a significant natural gas discovery has been made but has yet to be fully delineated," states Harrison Blacker, President of Dejour USA.

About Dejour

Dejour Enterprises Ltd. is a micro cap Canadian company creating shareholder value through a balance of exploration, development, production and monetization of strategic North American energy properties including oil, natural gas and uranium.

The Company is listed on the Amex (DEJ), TSX Venture Exchange (DEJ.V), and Frankfurt (D5R). Dejour is a reporting issuer to the SEC. Refer to www.dejour.com for company details or contact the Office of Investor Relations at [e-mail]

Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information: Some statements contained in this news release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially, including comments regarding the expectation that the offering will be completed consistent with the terms outlined above and use of proceeds from this transaction. Actual results may differ materially from those presented. Factors that could cause results to differ materially include fluctuations in oil, gas and uranium prices, changes in U.S. and Canadian securities markets and failure to receive regulatory approvals. Dejour assumes no obligation to update this information. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting the Company will be those anticipated by management. Please refer to the discussion of risk factors in our Form 20-F for 2006, as amended.

The TSX Venture Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Robert L. Hodgkinson, Chairman & CEO
DEJOUR ENTERPRISES LTD.
Suite 1100-808 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC Canada V6C 2X4
Phone: [phone] Facsimile: 604.638.5051 Email: [e-mail]

futrcash

[frenchee]

RECOMMENDATION

We rate MDU RESOURCES GROUP INC (MDU) a BUY. This is driven by several positive factors, which we
believe should have a greater impact than any weaknesses, and should give investors a better performance
opportunity than most stocks we cover. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its
growth in earnings per share, revenue growth and increase in net income. We feel these strengths outweigh
the fact that the company shows low profit margins.

HIGHLIGHTS

MDU RESOURCES GROUP INC has improved earnings per share by 15.6% in the most recent quarter
compared to the same quarter a year ago. The company has demonstrated a pattern of positive earnings per
share growth over the past two years. We feel that this trend should continue. During the past fiscal year,
MDU RESOURCES GROUP INC increased its bottom line by earning $1.77 versus $1.71 in the prior year. This
year, the market expects an improvement in earnings ($1.95 versus $1.77).
The revenue growth significantly trails the industry average of 106.0%. Since the same quarter one year prior,
revenues rose by 12.9%. This growth in revenue appears to have trickled down to the company's bottom line,
improving the earnings per share.
The company, on the basis of net income growth from the same quarter one year ago, has significantly
underperformed compared to the Multi-Utilities industry average, but is greater than that of the S&P 500. The
net income increased by 14.7% when compared to the same quarter one year prior, going from $82.58 million
to $94.70 million.
Compared to where it was trading a year ago, MDU's share price has not changed very much due to (a) the
relatively weak year-over-year performance of the overall market, (b) the company's stagnant earnings, and
(c) other mixed results. Despite the stock's decline during the last year, it is still somewhat more expensive
(in proportion to its earnings over the last year) than most other stocks in its industry. We feel, however, that
other strengths this company displays offset this slight negative.
The gross profit margin for MDU RESOURCES GROUP INC is rather low; currently it is at 19.50%. Regardless of
MDU's low profit margin, it has managed to increase from the same period last year. Despite the mixed
results of the gross profit margin, MDU's net profit margin of 7.70% is significantly lower than the same period
one year prior.

[frenchee]

MDU Resources Group Inc. (MDU) said it now expects 2007 earnings from continuing operations of $1.65 to $1.75 a share.

Including a $91.5 million gain on a sale and discontinued operations, the Bismarck, N.D., natural resource company expects earnings of $2.25 to $2.35 for the year.

Earlier, the company had expected full-year earnings of $2.20 to $2.35 a share.

For 2008, MDU Resources expects earnings to range from $1.65 to $1.90 a share.

Analysts polled by Thomson Financial, on average, predict 2007 earnings of $1.74 and 2008 earnings of $1.94 a share. Analysts' estimates exclude the gain, and typically exclude other items as well.

[frenchee]

MDU testing the 70-week EMA. Good spot for a rebound. Check out the weekly chart in the iBox.

[frenchee]

Hello puggymuggs,

Please put some daily and weekly charts in your iBox. TIA.

[puggymuggs]

And increases divy 6.3%...

BISMARCK, N.D., Aug 14, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The Board of Directors of MDU Resources Group, Inc. (NYSE:MDU) at its regular meeting declared a quarterly common stock dividend of 25.5 cents per share, a 6.3 percent increase from the previously stated quarterly dividend of 24 cents. This results in a 6 cents per share annualized increase.
"By increasing the common stock dividend the Board of Directors reinforced its belief in the continuing growth potential of the company," said Martin A. White, chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer. "Earnings for the first two quarters of 2003 reflect the overall growth the company has experienced in recent years. We feel it is important to share that growth with stockholders who have expressed their confidence in our company and its ability to grow. We are proud that we have been able to increase our dividend every year since 1990. We are also proud that we have an unbroken record of consecutive dividend payments dating back to 1937."
The Board of Directors also declared dividends on preferred stock as follows:

$1.12-1/2 per share on 4.50 percent Series Preferred


$1.17-1/2 per share on 4.70 percent Series Preferred


$1.27-1/2 per share on 5.10 percent Series Preferred

The dividends are payable on October 1, 2003, to stockholders of record September 11, 2003.

[puggymuggs]

And increases divy 6.3%...

BISMARCK, N.D., Aug 14, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The Board of Directors of MDU Resources Group, Inc. (NYSE:MDU) at its regular meeting declared a quarterly common stock dividend of 25.5 cents per share, a 6.3 percent increase from the previously stated quarterly dividend of 24 cents. This results in a 6 cents per share annualized increase.
"By increasing the common stock dividend the Board of Directors reinforced its belief in the continuing growth potential of the company," said Martin A. White, chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer. "Earnings for the first two quarters of 2003 reflect the overall growth the company has experienced in recent years. We feel it is important to share that growth with stockholders who have expressed their confidence in our company and its ability to grow. We are proud that we have been able to increase our dividend every year since 1990. We are also proud that we have an unbroken record of consecutive dividend payments dating back to 1937."
The Board of Directors also declared dividends on preferred stock as follows:

$1.12-1/2 per share on 4.50 percent Series Preferred


$1.17-1/2 per share on 4.70 percent Series Preferred


$1.27-1/2 per share on 5.10 percent Series Preferred

The dividends are payable on October 1, 2003, to stockholders of record September 11, 2003.

[puggymuggs]

MDU splits its stock...

MDU Resources Lifts Dividend 6.3%; Splits Stock 3-for-2
Thursday August 14, 11:21 am ET

BISMARCK, N.D. (Dow Jones)--MDU Resources Group Inc. increased its quarterly stock dividend 6.3% to 25.5 cents from 24 cents while also setting a 3-for-2 stock split.

The dividend increase, 6 cents annually, is the first since August 2002, when the quarterly dividend was raised by a penny. After the split, the dividend will be 17 cents a share a quarter, or 68 cents a year.

ADVERTISEMENT
To split the stock, the company will issue a 50% common stock dividend to shareholders on October 10, after paying out the quarterly dividend on October 1. Fractional shares will be paid for in cash at the closing price on October 10.

Separately, MDU also said John K. Wilson, 48 years, has been named to the board. He is president of Durham Resources LLC, a financial management company.

[puggymuggs]

Fitch Affirms MDU Resources Group's Ratings; Outlook Stable...

http://www.knobias.com/individual/public/news.htm?eid=3.1.37c6dac4158637e896437dff781c818cab350a2703...

[puggymuggs]

MDU Attracts Shorts....

According to short interest data from NYSE, short interest for MDU Resources Group, Inc. INCREASED 55.1% to 1,186,409 shares for the month ended mid-July, 2003.

Based on MDU's 20-day average daily share volume of 214,040, it would require approximately 6 day(s) of buying to cover this short interest.

Going into the last week of July...
it will be interesting to see the results for the entire month.

[puggymuggs]

From Reuters....MDU Resources Second Quarter Earnings Up Sharply.

NEW YORK, July 24 (Reuters) - MDU Resources Group Inc. (NYSE:MDU - News), an energy company that also operates electric and gas utilities, said on Thursday its quarterly earnings rose sharply, helped by higher prices for oil and natural gas.

ADVERTISEMENT
The Bismarck, North Dakota company reported second-quarter net income of $43.3 million, or 58 cents per share, up from $24.7 million, or 35 cents per share, a year ago.

Wall Street analysts had expected the company to report earnings of between 44 cents and 61 cents per share with an average view of 51 cents per share, according to Reuters Research, a unit of Reuters Plc.

In light of the rise in energy prices, MDU said it raised its earnings outlook for the year to a range of $2.20 to $2.45 per share. Including the effect of an accounting change, it expects to earn between $2.10 and $2.35 per share.

The Reuters Research estimate is $2.36 a share.

[puggymuggs]

MDU Resources Announces 2nd Quarter Earnings and Increases Guidance!

BISMARCK, N.D.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 24, 2003--MDU Resources Group, Inc. (NYSE:MDU - News) announced financial results for the three months ended June 30, 2003, showing consolidated earnings of $43.3 million, compared to $24.7 million for the same period last year. Earnings per common share, diluted, totaled 58 cents, compared to 35 cents per common share, diluted, for the second quarter of 2002.

ADVERTISEMENTEarnings for the six months ended June 30, 2003, totaled $63.2 million or 85 cents per common share, diluted. Earnings for the first six months of 2002 totaled $48.2 million or 68 cents per common share, diluted. However, 2003 earnings reflect a $7.6 million after-tax noncash transition charge to earnings reflecting the cumulative effect of the change in accounting for asset retirement obligations as required by the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143. In addition, 2002 earnings included the effects of a compromise agreement that resulted in a $16.6 million after-tax gain. Excluding the 2003 $7.6 million accounting charge and the 2002 $16.6 million compromise agreement, 2003 earnings would have totaled $70.8 million versus $31.6 million for the first six months of 2002.

Due to the continued strength of natural gas and oil commodity prices and its recent construction materials acquisition, the company is increasing its 2003 earnings per share guidance. Earnings per common share, diluted, before the cumulative effect of the accounting change discussed above, are now projected to be in the range of $2.20 to $2.45. Including the cumulative effect of the $7.6 million after-tax accounting change, earnings per common share, diluted, for 2003 are expected to be in the range of $2.10 to $2.35.

"I am pleased to announce that our earnings per share are up 66 percent for this quarter compared to the second quarter of 2002," said Martin A. White, chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer of MDU Resources. "Energy prices have been strong, and our construction materials company is having an even better year than 2002, which was a record year," White said. "Even though the economy has been challenged to recover this year and some businesses are still seeing the negative effects, our companies are doing quite well. We provide the goods and services that are essential to our country's infrastructure, which is the foundation of all businesses and a strong economy."

[puggymuggs]

MDU acquires Texas companies!

MDU Resources Announces Acquisition of Young Brothers
11 Jul 2003, 3:17pm ET
- - - - -
BISMARCK, N.D.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 11, 2003--MDU Resources Group, Inc. (NYSE:MDU) announced the acquisition of Young Brothers, Inc., Contractors and the affiliated companies of Young Contractors, Inc., Young Materials Corp. and Brazos Motor Transport, Inc., privately held ready-mixed concrete, asphalt and construction materials and services companies serving East Central Texas. These companies will become subsidiaries of Knife River Corporation, the construction materials and mining subsidiary of MDU Resources. Young Brothers was acquired with a combination of shares of MDU Resources common stock and cash. Other financial details of the transaction were not disclosed. MDU Resources anticipates that the acquisition will be accretive to earnings per share.
Young Brothers, with headquarters in Waco, Texas, and additional offices in Bryan, Texas, is a leading construction materials company in its market. The company supplies and places ready-mixed concrete, asphalt, crushed stone and sand and gravel for highways, subdivisions and a variety of other projects in 27 central Texas counties, including the metropolitan areas of Waco, Bryan/College Station, Temple, Killeen and Tyler.
F.M. Young, B.W. Young and R.T. Young started Young Brothers in 1946 as an aggregate and earthmoving business. In 2002, the company had annual revenues of about $87 million. The company employs approximately 650 people during peak construction season.
"This acquisition broadens our geographic reach in the United States and gives us a large, leading operation in a Sun Belt state," said Terry Hildestad, president and chief executive officer of Knife River Corporation. "Young Brothers' operations will be a nice fit with the rest of our construction materials companies."
Hildestad said the company will continue to be operated as Young Brothers. F.M. Young will continue to serve as the president. "We're happy to be joining Knife River Corporation," said Young. "We're excited about the opportunity to collaborate with so many other companies that have a reputation for high-quality products and services, as well as a reputation for operating with integrity."

[puggymuggs]

2nd quarter conference call 7/24...

MDU Resources Announces Second Quarter Earnings Release Conference Call Webcast

Wednesday July 9, 12:48 pm ET

BISMARCK, N.D.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 9, 2003--MDU Resources Group, Inc. (NYSE:MDU - News) announced today that it would participate in a webcast of its second quarter 2003 earnings release conference call on Thursday, July 24. MDU Resources' Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer Martin A. White will present earnings results and earnings guidance.
The webcast scheduled for July 24, 2003, begins at 12:00 p.m. CDT. The online replay will be available beginning at 3:00 p.m. CDT on July 24. The event can be accessed at http://www.mdu.com.
An audio postview replay is also available beginning at 3:00 p.m. CDT on July 24 through July 31, 2003. The dial in number for postview is [phone]; confirmation code 210994.