MDU Resources (MDU)

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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.