MDU Resources Q4 Earnings Miss Estimates, Revenues Rise Y/Y

Core Insights - MDU Resources Group Inc. reported fourth-quarter 2024 operating earnings per share (EPS) of 34 cents, which was below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 38 cents by 10.5%, but showed a year-over-year improvement of 9.7% [1] - Adjusted earnings for 2024 were 90 cents per share, reflecting a 21.6% increase from 74 cents in 2023 [1] Revenue Performance - Fourth-quarter total operating revenues increased by 7.1% to $535.5 million from$ 499.9 million in the same period of 2023 [2] - Total revenues for 2024 were $1.76 billion, down 2.5% from$ 1.80 billion in 2023 [2] Expense and Income Analysis - Total operating expenses were approximately $441 million, up 7% from$ 412 million in the year-ago quarter [3] - Operating income reached $94.5 million, a 7.5% increase from$ 87.9 million in the previous year [3] - Interest expenses decreased to $28 million, down 2.1% year over year [3] Cash Flow and Financial Position - As of December 31, 2024, cash and cash equivalents were$ 66.9 million, down from $77 million as of December 31, 2023 [4] - Net cash provided by operating activities for 2024 was$ 502.3 million, compared to $332.6 million in the prior year [4] Future Guidance - For 2025, MDU Resources expects earnings in the range of 88-98 cents per share, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate at 98 cents, which is at the higher end of the company's guidance [5] - The company anticipates annual customer growth in electric and natural gas sectors of 1-2% [5] - Planned investments for 2025 are$ 533 million, with a total of $3.06 billion earmarked for the 2025-2029 period [5] Market Position - MDU Resources currently holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) [6]