MDU Resources Reports 61% Increase in Second Quarter Earnings, Increases Guidance

BISMARCK, N.D., Aug. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- MDU Resources Group, Inc. (NYSE: MDU) today reported second quarter earnings of $99.7 million, or 50 cents per share, a 61% increase over second quarter 2019 earnings of $61.8 million, or 31 cents per share. For the six months ended June 30, MDU Resources earned $124.8 million, or 62 cents per share, compared to $102.7 million, or 52 cents per share, in 2019.

"Our employees have done an outstanding job of continuing to provide essential services to our customers while safely working under modified conditions as prescribed by local, state and federal guidelines relating to COVID-19," said David L. Goodin, president and CEO of MDU Resources. "Our operations performed extremely well in the quarter, with record revenues and earnings at both our construction businesses and very strong results from our regulated energy delivery businesses.

"Our geographic diversity and focus on midsize markets has served us well as businesses have generally remained open. Our utility and pipeline operations continue to provide needed energy to customers, and our total construction backlog remains at a near-record level of nearly $2.2 billion. Our team remains focused on safely providing the essential services that are critical to Building a Strong America."

Based on strong year-to-date performance and the company's outlook for the remainder of the year, MDU Resources is restoring its original 2020 earnings guidance to $1.65 to $1.85 per share. The company also is increasing revenue guidance for its construction materials and construction services businesses.

Business Unit Highlights
Construction Materials and Services
The construction materials business had record second quarter revenues and earnings. Revenues were $621.1 million, compared to $596.0 million for the same period last year, and earnings of $53.0 million were an 82% increase over second quarter 2019 earnings of $29.2 million. Favorable weather across the majority of the company's market area allowed the company to complete more contracting work in the quarter compared to last year. Recent acquisitions also contributed to the increase. The construction materials backlog of work at June 30 was $875 million, the second-highest in the company's history behind last year's record $1.04 billion at June 30.

The construction services business also had record revenues and earnings for the second quarter. Revenue was $497.2 million this quarter, compared to $464.9 million in second quarter 2019. Earnings were up 22% at $27.9 million, compared to last year's record second quarter earnings of $22.8 million. Higher workloads and acquisitions contributed to the earnings increase. While some projects have experienced slowdowns as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, overall the company continues to see strong demand for its services. The construction services backlog of work at June 30 was an all-time record $1.31 billion, compared to last year's record $1.15 billion at June 30.

Regulated Energy Delivery
The electric and natural gas utility earned $11.2 million in the second quarter, compared to $1.2 million in second quarter 2019. This business benefited in the quarter from lower operating costs, particularly for contract services, as well as higher investment returns and the absence of a write-down on a non-utility investment recorded in the second quarter of 2019. Natural gas sales were approximately 4.3% higher in the quarter compared to last year and electric sales were approximately 0.5% lower, with an increase in residential sales and a decrease in commercial and industrial sales for both products. On June 18, the Montana Public Service Commission approved the company's request to defer accounting for costs related to the retirement of the Lewis & Clark and Heskett electric generating facilities. The company has reached a settlement agreement for an advance determination of prudence on its proposed 88-megawatt natural gas-fired electric generating facility and expects the North Dakota Public Service Commission to reach a final decision on the request soon. The company has filed with each utility commission in all eight states in its service territory a request to defer accounting for costs related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The company has received approval from the utility commissions in Idaho, Minnesota and Wyoming on this request; it awaits decisions from the other utility commissions.

The pipeline business earned $9.0 million in the second quarter, compared to $7.1 million in the second quarter last year. The company benefited from higher revenue associated with its Demicks Lake, Demicks Lake Expansion and Line Section 22 growth projects, which were placed in service in late 2019 and early 2020. Volumes of natural gas being moved into storage also were higher during the quarter as customers took advantage of commodity price differentials. The company continues preparatory work on its North Bakken Expansion Project in western North Dakota and expects to begin construction in early 2021. On July 28, the company filed an amendment to its application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for this project that reflects a decrease to the design capacity to 250 million cubic feet per day and lower project cost. The decrease is due to delays in forecasted growth of natural gas production in the Bakken. The cut in initial capacity will be achieved by reducing compression, which will allow the company to readily expand the pipeline's capacity with additional compression as Bakken production rebounds.

Additional Highlights
Each of MDU Resources' businesses benefited in the second quarter from higher returns on certain benefit plan investments. Collectively, the positive earnings variance in the quarter was approximately $6.2 million; however, the year-to-date variance on these returns remains an approximately $3.9 million negative impact. The company attributes this change in investment returns to significant fluctuations in financial markets.

Guidance
MDU Resources expects earnings per share in the range of $1.65 to $1.85 in 2020, based on these assumptions:

    --  Under COVID-19-related modified working conditions, a continued gradual
        reopening of the national economy.
    --  Normal weather conditions, including precipitation and temperatures,
        across all service areas.
    --  No significant acquisitions or divestitures.
    --  Investing $614 million for capital projects.
    --  Construction services revenues in the range of $1.90 billion to $2.10
        billion with margins comparable to 2019 and construction materials
        revenues in the range of $2.20 billion to $2.40 billion with margins
        slightly higher than 2019.

Corporate Strategy
MDU Resources' strategy is to increase market share and profitability in its regulated energy delivery and construction materials and services businesses, while enhancing value through organic growth opportunities and strategic acquisitions of well-managed companies and properties. The company, on a consolidated basis, anticipates 5% to 8% long-term compound annual growth on earnings per share.

Conference Call
MDU Resources will discuss second quarter results on a webcast at 2 p.m. EDT Aug. 5. The event can be accessed at www.mdu.com. Audio and webcast replays will be available through Aug. 19 at 855-859-2056, or 404-537-3406 for international callers, conference ID 8684589.

About MDU Resources
MDU Resources Group, Inc., a member of the S&P MidCap 400 index and the S&P High-Yield Dividend Aristocrats index, is Building a Strong America® by providing essential products and services through its regulated energy delivery and construction materials and services businesses. For more information about MDU Resources, see the company's website at www.mdu.com or contact the Investor Relations Department at investor@mduresources.com.

Media Contact: Laura Lueder, manager of communications and public relations, 701-530-1095
Financial Contact: Jason Vollmer, vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer, 701-530-1755

Forward-Looking Statements

The information contained in this press release highlights the key growth strategies, projections and certain assumptions for the company and its subsidiaries and other matters for each of the company's businesses. Many of these highlighted statements and other statements not historical in nature are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Although the company believes that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, there is no assurance that the company's projections, including estimates for growth and financial guidance, will in fact be achieved. Please refer to assumptions contained in this press release, as well as the various important factors listed in Part I, Item 1A - Risk Factors in the company's most recent Form 10-K and subsequent filings with the SEC, including the company's Form 10-Q for the period ending June 30, 2020.

Changes in such assumptions and factors could cause actual future results to differ materially from growth and earnings projections. All forward-looking statements in this press release are expressly qualified by such cautionary statements and by reference to the underlying assumptions. Undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. The company does not undertake to update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Throughout this press release, the company presents financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP, as well as EBITDA, EBITDA from continuing operations, and adjusted gross margin, which are considered non-GAAP financial measures. The use of these non-GAAP financial measures should not be construed as alternatives to earnings, operating income or operating cash flows. The company believes the use of these non-GAAP financial measures are beneficial in evaluating the company's financial performance due to its diverse operations. Please refer to the "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" section contained in this document for additional information.

Performance Summary and Future Outlook



       
              Earnings




                   Business Line                               Second                Second                       YTD June 30,                YTD June 30,
                                                      Quarter              Quarter                                        2020                         2019
                                                                 2020                   2019                Earnings                    Earnings
                                                     Earnings             Earnings


                                                                                     
            (In millions, except per share amounts)


                   Regulated energy delivery                                 $
            20.2                                                                     $
        8.3            $
       71.2  $
       67.3


                   Construction materials
                    and services                                 80.9                                                      52.0                                       59.6     37.6


        Other and eliminations                                  (1.3)                                                      2.8                                      (5.5)    (.7)


                   Income from continuing
                    operations                                   99.8                                                      63.1                                      125.3    104.2


        Loss from discontinued
         operations, net of tax                                  (.1)                                                    (1.3)                                      (.5)   (1.5)


                   Net income                                                $
            99.7                                                                    $
        61.8           $
       124.8 $
       102.7



       
              Earnings per share:


        Income from continuing
         operations                                                           $
            .50                                                                     $
        .32             $
       .62   $
       .53


        Discontinued operations,
         net of tax                                                 -                                                    (.01)                                             (.01)


                   Earnings per share                                         $
            .50                                                                     $
        .31             $
       .62   $
       .52

    ---






       
              Consolidated Statements of Income


                                                                      
        Three Months Ended                                         
            Six Months Ended


                                                                        
           June 30,                                                   
            June 30,


                                                                 2020                                                      2019                                       2020     2019


                                                                                     
            (In millions, except per share amounts)


                   Operating revenues:                                                             
            (Unaudited)


        Electric, natural gas
         distribution and
         regulated pipeline                                                 $
            241.3                                                                   $
        236.3           $
       660.0 $
       675.9


        Nonregulated pipeline,
         construction materials
         and contracting,
         construction services
         and other                                            1,121.6                                                   1,067.3                                    1,900.3  1,718.9


                   Total operating revenues                   1,362.9                                                   1,303.6                                    2,560.3  2,394.8



       
              Operating expenses:



       Operation and maintenance:


        Electric, natural gas
         distribution and
         regulated pipeline                                      83.1                                                      88.4                                      170.7    176.2


        Nonregulated pipeline,
         construction materials
         and contracting,
         construction services
         and other                                              946.0                                                     932.6                                    1,679.5  1,547.8


        Total operation and
         maintenance                                          1,029.1                                                   1,021.0                                    1,850.2  1,724.0


        Purchased natural gas
         sold                                                    56.8                                                      54.9                                      222.2    238.7


        Depreciation, depletion
         and amortization                                        71.5                                                      63.0                                      140.8    122.9


        Taxes, other than income                                 52.6                                                      48.0                                      116.7    102.0


        Electric fuel and
         purchased power                                         14.6                                                      19.4                                       35.1     45.7


                   Total operating expenses                   1,224.6                                                   1,206.3                                    2,365.0  2,233.3


                   Operating income                             138.3                                                      97.3                                      195.3    161.5


                   Other income                                  10.0                                                       1.6                                        9.0      9.2


                   Interest expense                              24.8                                                      25.4                                       49.3     48.8


                   Income before income
                    taxes                                       123.5                                                      73.5                                      155.0    121.9


                   Income taxes                                  23.7                                                      10.4                                       29.7     17.7


                   Income from continuing
                    operations                                   99.8                                                      63.1                                      125.3    104.2


                   Loss from discontinued
                    operations, net of tax                       (.1)                                                    (1.3)                                      (.5)   (1.5)


                   Net income                                                $
            99.7                                                                    $
        61.8           $
       124.8 $
       102.7




                   Earnings per share - basic:


        Income from continuing
         operations                                                           $
            .50                                                                     $
        .32             $
       .62   $
       .53


        Discontinued operations,
         net of tax                                                 -                                                    (.01)                                             (.01)


                   Earnings per share -
                    basic                                                     $
            .50                                                                     $
        .31             $
       .62   $
       .52


                   Earnings per share - diluted:


        Income from continuing
         operations                                                           $
            .50                                                                     $
        .32             $
       .62   $
       .53


        Discontinued operations,
         net of tax                                                 -                                                    (.01)                                             (.01)


                   Earnings per share -
                    diluted                                                   $
            .50                                                                     $
        .31             $
       .62   $
       .52


                   Weighted average common
                    shares outstanding -
                    basic                                       200.5                                                     198.3                                      200.5    197.3


                   Weighted average common
                    shares outstanding -
                    diluted                                     200.5                                                     198.3                                      200.5    197.4

    ---



       
                Selected Cash Flows Information


                                           
              Six Months Ended


                                               
              June 30,


                                           2020                 2019


                                            
              (In millions)


                      Operating
                      activities:


        Net
         cash
         provided
         by
         (used
         in)
         continuing
         operations                               $
              261.8             $
       (23.6)


        Net
         cash
         provided
         by
         (used
         in)
         discontinued
         operations                        (.4)                             .7


        Net
         cash
         provided
         by
         (used
         in)
         operating
         activities                       261.4                          (22.9)


                      Investing
                      activities:


        Net
         cash
         used
         in
         continuing
         operations                     (296.5)                        (305.1)


        Net
         cash
         provided
         by
         discontinued
         operations


        Net
         cash
         used
         in
         investing
         activities                     (296.5)                        (305.1)


                      Financing
                      activities:


        Net
         cash
         provided
         by
         continuing
         operations                        33.0                           346.0


        Net
         cash
         provided
         by
         discontinued
         operations


        Net
         cash
         provided
         by
         financing
         activities                        33.0                           346.0


         Increase
         (decrease)
         in
         cash
         and
         cash
         equivalents                      (2.1)                           18.0


         Cash
         and
         cash
         equivalents
         -
         beginning
         of
         year                              66.5                            54.0


                      Cash
                      and
                      cash
                      equivalents
                      -
                      end
                      of
                      period                       $
              64.4               $
       72.0

    ---



       
                Outstanding Revolving Credit Facilities



       Balance at June 30, 2020



       Company                                         
              Facility                     Facility                     Amount           Letters            
       Expiration
                                                                                            Limit                    Outstanding        of Credit                  Date


                                                                                                             
          (In millions)


        Montana-Dakota Utilities                      Commercial paper/Revolving credit
         Co.                                           agreement                        (a)              $
       175.0                                     $
      35.0            
       $               
        12/19/24


        Cascade Natural Gas
         Corporation                       
              Revolving credit agreement                         $
       100.0                 (b)   
              $                            $
      2.2  (c)    
        6/7/24


        Intermountain Gas Company          
              Revolving credit agreement                          $
       85.0                 (d)                 $
      11.2                   $
      1.4  (c)    
        6/7/24


        Centennial Energy Holdings,                   Commercial paper/Revolving credit
         Inc.                                          agreement                        (e)              $
       600.0                                    $
      255.1            
       $               
        12/19/24

    ---



               (a)               The commercial paper program is
                                  supported by a revolving credit
                                  agreement with various banks
                                  (provisions allow for increased
                                  borrowings, at the option of
                                  Montana-Dakota on stated
                                  conditions, up to a maximum of
                                  $225.0 million). At June 30, 2020,
                                  there were no amounts outstanding
                                  under the revolving credit
                                  agreement.


               (b)               Certain provisions allow for
                                  increased borrowings, up to a
                                  maximum of $125.0 million.


               (c)               Outstanding letter(s) of credit
                                  reduce the amount available under
                                  the credit agreement.


               (d)               Certain provisions allow for
                                  increased borrowings, up to a
                                  maximum of $110.0 million.


               (e)               The commercial paper program is
                                  supported by a revolving credit
                                  agreement with various banks
                                  (provisions allow for increased
                                  borrowings, at the option of
                                  Centennial on stated conditions, up
                                  to a maximum of $700.0 million). At
                                  June 30, 2020, there were no amounts
                                  outstanding under the revolving
                                  credit agreement.


       
                Capital Expenditures


                     Business Line         2020               2021         2022                   2020 -2024
                                      Estimated      Estimated      Estimated              Total
                                                                                        Estimated


                                                                         
          (In millions)


                     Regulated energy delivery



       Electric                                  $
              104                                            $
     137        $
     148   $
       572


        Natural gas
         distribution                       182                            207                                   196   933



       Pipeline                             83                            256                                    38   513


                                            369                            600                                   382 2,018


                     Construction materials and
                      services


        Construction
         services                            79                             20                                    20   160


        Construction
         materials and
         contracting                        161                            154                                   157   697


                                            240                            174                                   177   857



       Other                                 5                              3                                     3    17


                     Total capital
                      expenditures                $
              614                                            $
     777        $
     562 $
       2,892



       Note: Total capital expenditures are presented on a gross basis.

    ---

Capital expenditures for 2020 include line-of-sight opportunities at the company's business units. Capital expenditures have been updated to reflect project timeline and scope changes made throughout the quarter. Acquisitions would be incremental to the outlined capital program. Operating cash flows are projected to be $575 million to $625 million in 2020.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The company, in addition to presenting its earnings in conformity with GAAP, has provided non-GAAP financial measures of EBITDA by operating segment and EBITDA from continuing operations. The company defines EBITDA as net income (loss) attributable to the operating segment before interest; taxes; and depreciation, depletion and amortization; and EBITDA from continuing operations as income (loss) from continuing operations before interest; taxes; and depreciation, depletion and amortization.

The company presents EBITDA by operating segment and EBITDA from continuing operations on a consolidated basis in this news release. The company believes EBITDA and EBITDA from continuing operations are useful financial measures in providing meaningful information about operational efficiency compared to the company's peers by excluding the impacts of differences in tax jurisdictions and structures, debt levels and capital investment. The presentation of EBITDA and EBITDA from continuing operations also is provided for investment professionals who use such metrics in their analyses. The investment community often uses these metrics to assess the operating performance of a company's business and to provide a consistent comparison of performance from period to period. The company's management uses the non-GAAP financial measures in conjunction with GAAP results when evaluating the company's operating results and calculating compensation packages. Non-GAAP financial measures are not standardized; therefore, it may not be possible to compare such financial measures with other companies' non-GAAP financial measures having the same or similar names. The presentation of this additional information is not meant to be considered a substitution for financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. The company strongly encourages investors to review the consolidated financial statements in their entirety and to not rely on any single financial measure.

The following table provides a reconciliation of consolidated GAAP net income to EBITDA from continuing operations. The reconciliation for each operating segment's EBITDA is included within each operating segments' condensed income statement.


                                                   Three Months Ended        
          Six Months Ended


                                               
            June 30,                 
          June 30,


                                            2020                       2019                         2020  2019


                                                             
            (In millions)


                     Net income                   $
              99.7                     $
              61.8        $
     124.8 $
     102.7


        Loss from discontinued
         operations, net of tax               .1                        1.3                           .5   1.5


                     Income from continuing
                      operations            99.8                       63.1                        125.3 104.2



       Adjustments:



       Interest expense                    24.8                       25.4                         49.3  48.8



       Income taxes                        23.7                       10.4                         29.7  17.7


        Depreciation, depletion and
         amortization                       71.5                       63.0                        140.8 122.9


                     EBITDA from continuing
                      operations                 $
              219.8                    $
              161.9        $
     345.1 $
     293.6

    ---

The discussion that follows also includes adjusted gross margin, which is considered a non-GAAP financial measure as it relates to the company's electric and natural gas distribution segments. This financial measure, adjusted gross margin, can be used in addition to operating revenues and operating expenses when evaluating the results of operations for the electric and natural gas distribution segments. Adjusted gross margin for the electric and natural gas distribution segments is calculated by adding back adjustments to operating income (loss). These add-back adjustments include: operation and maintenance expense; depreciation, depletion and amortization expense; and certain taxes, other than income.

The presentation of adjusted gross margin is intended to be a helpful supplemental financial measure for investors' understanding of the segments' operating performance. This non-GAAP financial measure should not be considered as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, GAAP financial measures such as operating income (loss) or net income (loss). The company's non-GAAP financial measure, adjusted gross margin, may not be comparable to other companies' gross margin measures.

Adjusted gross margin includes operating revenues less the cost of electric fuel and purchased power, purchased natural gas sold and certain taxes, other than income. These taxes, other than income, included as a reduction to adjusted gross margin relate to revenue taxes. These segments pass on to their customers the increases and decreases in the wholesale cost of power purchases, natural gas and other fuel supply costs in accordance with regulatory requirements. As such, the segments' revenues are directly impacted by the fluctuations in such commodities. Revenue taxes, which are passed back to customers, fluctuate with revenues as they are calculated as a percentage of revenues. For these reasons, period over period, the segments' operating income (loss) is generally not impacted. The company's management believes the adjusted gross margin is a useful supplemental financial measure as these items are included in both operating revenues and operating expenses. The company's management also believes that adjusted gross margin and the remaining operating expenses that calculate operating income (loss) are useful in assessing the company's utility performance as management has the ability to influence control over the remaining operating expenses.

The following tables provide reconciliations of the company's electric and natural gas distribution segment's operating income to adjusted gross margin.



       
                Electric


                                                   
            Three Months Ended             
              Six Months Ended


                                                        
            June 30,                      
              June 30,


                                                     2020                          2019                              2020     2019


                                                                       
              (In millions)


                     Operating income                     $
              12.8                               $
              9.8            $
      27.6  $
      27.8



       
                Adjustments:



       
                Operating expenses:


        Operation and maintenance                    29.0                          33.6                              59.7     63.8


        Depreciation, depletion and
         amortization                                15.7                          13.9                              31.3     27.6


        Taxes, other than income                      4.4                           4.2                               8.7      8.4


                     Total adjustments               49.1                          51.7                              99.7     99.8


                     Adjusted gross margin                $
              61.9                              $
              61.5           $
      127.3 $
      127.6

    ---


       
                Natural Gas Distribution


                                                   
            Three Months Ended             
              Six Months Ended


                                                        
            June 30,                      
              June 30,


                                                     2020                          2019                              2020     2019


                                                                       
              (In millions)


                     Operating income (loss)                $
              .7                             $
              (2.6)           $
      50.7  $
      47.7



       
                Adjustments:



       
                Operating expenses:


        Operation and maintenance                    43.1                          43.6                              89.1     90.0


        Depreciation, depletion and
         amortization                                21.0                          19.7                              41.8     39.1


        Taxes, other than income                      6.0                           5.6                              12.1     11.8


                     Total adjustments               70.1                          68.9                             143.0    140.9


                     Adjusted gross margin                $
              70.8                              $
              66.3           $
      193.7 $
      188.6

    ---





                                                               
              
                Regulated Energy Delivery




                     Electric                      
            Three Months Ended             
              Six Months Ended


                                                        
            June 30,                      
              June 30,


                                                     2020                          2019                              2020     2019


                                                          
              (Dollars in millions, where applicable)


                     Operating revenues                   $
              76.6                              $
              81.0           $
      162.7 $
      173.6


        Electric fuel and purchased
         power                                       14.6                          19.4                              35.1     45.7


        Taxes, other than income                       .1                            .1                                .3       .3


                     Adjusted gross margin           61.9                          61.5                             127.3    127.6



       
                Operating expenses:


        Operation and maintenance                    29.0                          33.6                              59.7     63.8


        Depreciation, depletion and
         amortization                                15.7                          13.9                              31.3     27.6


        Taxes, other than income                      4.4                           4.2                               8.7      8.4


                     Total operating expenses        49.1                          51.7                              99.7     99.8


                     Operating income                12.8                           9.8                              27.6     27.8


        Other income (expense)                        2.5                          (.1)                              2.1      2.1



       Interest expense                              6.8                           6.2                              13.6     12.7


                     Income before income taxes       8.5                           3.5                              16.1     17.2



       Income taxes                                (3.7)                        (4.0)                            (7.4)   (5.8)


                     Net income                           $
              12.2                               $
              7.5            $
      23.5  $
      23.0



       Adjustments:



       Interest expense                              6.8                           6.2                              13.6     12.7



       Income taxes                                (3.7)                        (4.0)                            (7.4)   (5.8)


        Depreciation, depletion and
         amortization                                15.7                          13.9                              31.3     27.6



       
                EBITDA                               $
              31.0                              $
              23.6            $
      61.0  $
      57.5


                     Retail sales (million kWh):



       Residential                                 257.7                         226.6                             588.3    606.2



       Commercial                                  323.7                         336.7                             699.5    742.9



       Industrial                                  115.9                         136.2                             268.9    275.7



       Other                                        20.4                          22.1                              40.8     44.0


                                                    717.7                         721.6                           1,597.5  1,668.8


                     Average cost of electric fuel
                      and purchased power per kWh         $
              .019                              $
              .024            $
      .020  $
      .025

    ---

The electric business reported net income of $12.2 million in the second quarter of 2020, compared to $7.5 million for the same period in 2019. The increase in net income was largely the result of a $4.6 million decrease in operation and maintenance expense, mainly due to the absence of a prior year planned outage at Coyote Station, lower payroll-related costs and decreased miscellaneous employee expenses. Also contributing to the increase in net income were higher investment returns on certain benefit plans and the absence of a write-down on a non-utility investment made in the prior year. Electric retail sales margins increased during the quarter driven by higher residential sales volumes, offset by lower industrial and commercial volumes. Partially offsetting the increase was higher depreciation, depletion and amortization expense.

The electric business's EBITDA increased $7.4 million in the second quarter of 2020, compared to 2019, primarily the result of lower operation and maintenance expense and higher investment returns, as previously discussed.


                     Natural Gas Distribution          
             Three Months Ended             
              Six Months Ended


                                                            
             June 30,                      
              June 30,


                                                        2020                            2019                              2020   2019


                                                               
              (Dollars in millions, where applicable)


                     Operating revenues                       $
              141.7                             $
              133.9          $
       468.3  $
       476.0


        Purchased natural gas sold                      64.6                            62.3                             255.2  270.0


        Taxes, other than income                         6.3                             5.3                              19.4   17.4


                     Adjusted gross margin              70.8                            66.3                             193.7  188.6


                     Operating expenses:


        Operation and maintenance                       43.1                            43.6                              89.1   90.0


        Depreciation, depletion and
         amortization                                   21.0                            19.7                              41.8   39.1


        Taxes, other than income                         6.0                             5.6                              12.1   11.8


                     Total operating expenses           70.1                            68.9                             143.0  140.9


                     Operating income (loss)              .7                           (2.6)                             50.7   47.7



       Other income                                     4.1                              .8                               4.4    3.7



       Interest expense                                 9.0                             8.8                              18.1   17.1


                     Income (loss) before income taxes (4.2)                         (10.6)                             37.0   34.3



       Income taxes                                   (3.2)                          (4.3)                              5.6    4.0


                     Net income (loss)                        $
              (1.0)                            $
              (6.3)          $
       31.4   $
       30.3



       Adjustments:



       Interest expense                                 9.0                             8.8                              18.1   17.1



       Income taxes                                   (3.2)                          (4.3)                              5.6    4.0


        Depreciation, depletion and
         amortization                                   21.0                            19.7                              41.8   39.1



       
                EBITDA                                    $
              25.8                              $
              17.9           $
       96.9   $
       90.5


                     Volumes (MMdk)



       Retail sales:



       Residential                                      9.7                             8.8                              37.4   40.2



       Commercial                                       6.3                             6.4                              25.1   27.3



       Industrial                                       1.0                             1.1                               2.5    2.7


                                                        17.0                            16.3                              65.0   70.2



       Transportation sales:



       Commercial                                        .4                              .4                               1.1    1.2



       Industrial                                      30.2                            31.6                              75.8   72.2


                                                        30.6                            32.0                              76.9   73.4


                     Total throughput                   47.6                            48.3                             141.9  143.6


                     Average cost of natural gas per
                      dk                                       $
              3.81                              $
              3.83           $
       3.93   $
       3.85

    ---

The natural gas distribution business reported a seasonal loss of $1.0 million in the second quarter of 2020, compared to a loss of $6.3 million for the same period in 2019. The decreased loss was driven by an increase in adjusted gross margin, the result of weather normalization and conservation adjustments, approved rate recovery in certain jurisdictions and a 4.3% increase in sales volumes. Higher investment returns on certain benefit plans and the absence of a write-down on a non-utility investment made in the prior year also had a positive impact on net income. Partially offsetting the decreased loss was higher depreciation, depletion and amortization expense from increased property, plant and equipment balances.

The natural gas distribution business's EBITDA increased $7.9 million in the second quarter of 2020, compared to 2019, primarily the result of higher adjusted gross margins and investment returns, as previously discussed.



       
                Pipeline                             
             Three Months Ended            
             Six Months Ended


                                                               
             June 30,                     
             June 30,


                                                            2020                           2019                            2020  2019


                                                                           
              (Dollars in millions)


                     Operating revenues                           $
              35.7                            $
              36.2        $
     71.5 $
     68.8



       
                Operating expenses:


        Operation and maintenance                           15.1                           16.9                            30.1  31.5


        Depreciation, depletion and
         amortization                                        5.3                            5.3                            11.2  10.1


        Taxes, other than income                             3.1                            3.3                             6.6   6.6


                     Total operating expenses               23.5                           25.5                            47.9  48.2


                     Operating income                       12.2                           10.7                            23.6  20.6



       Other income                                         1.0                             .2                             1.0    .8



       Interest expense                                     1.9                            1.8                             3.9   3.6


                     Income before income taxes             11.3                            9.1                            20.7  17.8



       Income taxes                                         2.3                            2.0                             4.4   3.8


                     Net income                                    $
              9.0                             $
              7.1        $
     16.3 $
     14.0



       Adjustments:



       Interest expense                                     1.9                            1.8                             3.9   3.6



       Income taxes                                         2.3                            2.0                             4.4   3.8


        Depreciation, depletion and
         amortization                                        5.3                            5.3                            11.2  10.1



       
                EBITDA                                       $
              18.5                            $
              16.2        $
     35.8 $
     31.5


                     Transportation volumes (MMdk)          95.6                          110.1                           207.3 208.8


                     Natural gas gathering volumes
                      (MMdk)                                 2.1                            3.5                             5.4   6.9



       
                Customer natural gas storage balance (MMdk):



       Beginning of period                                  3.8                            2.3                            16.2  13.9


        Net injection (withdrawal)                          15.3                            9.1                             2.9 (2.5)



       End of period                                       19.1                           11.4                            19.1  11.4

    ---

The pipeline business reported net income of $9.0 million in the second quarter of 2020, compared to $7.1 million in 2019. The increase in net income was driven by higher revenues from organic growth projects placed in service in the second half of 2019 and early 2020, as well as demand for the company's storage services. Higher investment returns on certain benefit plans also had a positive impact on the quarter.

Lower revenues from non-regulated projects and the sale of gathering assets was partially offset by lower operation and maintenance expense from associated projects and the absence of costs associated with the gathering assets.

The pipeline business's EBITDA increased $2.3 million in the second quarter of 2020, compared to 2019, primarily from higher revenues, as previously discussed.



       
                Construction Materials and Services




                     Construction Services                       Three Months Ended         
          Six Months Ended


                                                             
            June 30,                  
          June 30,


                                                          2020                       2019                         2020  2019


                                                                            
            (In millions)


                     Operating revenues                        $
              497.2                    $
              464.9        $
        1,011.9 $
      885.7


                     Cost of sales:


        Operation and maintenance                        411.1                      391.1                        847.3 742.7


        Depreciation, depletion and
         amortization                                      4.0                        3.7                          7.9   7.3



       Taxes, other than income                          17.2                       14.6                         40.6  30.5



       Total cost of sales                              432.3                      409.4                        895.8 780.5


                     Gross margin                         64.9                       55.5                        116.1 105.2


                     Selling, general and administrative
                      expense:


        Operation and maintenance                         23.5                       22.1                         47.4  42.4


        Depreciation, depletion and
         amortization                                      2.4                         .4                          4.2    .8



       Taxes, other than income                           1.1                        1.0                          2.8   2.6


        Total selling, general and
         administrative expense                           27.0                       23.5                         54.4  45.8


                     Operating income                     37.9                       32.0                         61.7  59.4



       Other income                                        .5                         .6                           .7   1.2



       Interest expense                                   1.1                        1.4                          2.3   2.5


                     Income before income taxes           37.3                       31.2                         60.1  58.1



       Income taxes                                       9.4                        8.4                         15.3  15.2



       
                Net income                                 $
              27.9                     $
              22.8           $
        44.8  $
      42.9



       Adjustments:



       Interest expense                                   1.1                        1.4                          2.3   2.5



       Income taxes                                       9.4                        8.4                         15.3  15.2


        Depreciation, depletion and
         amortization                                      6.4                        4.1                         12.1   8.1



       
                EBITDA                                     $
              44.8                     $
              36.7           $
        74.5  $
      68.7

    ---

The construction services business reported net income of $27.9 million in the second quarter of 2020, compared to $22.8 million for the same period in 2019. The increase in net income was primarily the result of higher outside and inside workloads. Outside specialty contracting has seen an increase in workloads from utility customers while inside specialty contracting workloads benefited from strong hospitality, data center and commercial customer demand. Higher selling, general and administrative costs, primarily payroll-related costs, partially offset the increase in net income.

The construction services business's EBITDA increased $8.1 million in the second quarter of 2020, compared to 2019, primarily a result of the previously discussed increase in outside and inside specialty contracting workloads.


                     Construction Materials and
                      Contracting                        
             Three Months Ended             
            Six Months Ended


                                                              
             June 30,                      
            June 30,


                                                          2020                            2019                            2020   2019


                                                                          
              (Dollars in millions)


                     Operating revenues                         $
              621.1                           $
              596.0         $
      883.3 $
      823.2


                     Cost of sales:


        Operation and maintenance                        487.9                           494.7                           738.7  715.5


        Depreciation, depletion and
         amortization                                     21.2                            18.7                            40.8   35.5



       Taxes, other than income                          13.6                            13.0                            23.0   21.4



       Total cost of sales                              522.7                           526.4                           802.5  772.4


                     Gross margin                         98.4                            69.6                            80.8   50.8


                     Selling, general and administrative
                      expense:


        Operation and maintenance                         21.6                            21.8                            43.8   41.8


        Depreciation, depletion and
         amortization                                      1.3                              .7                             2.3    1.5



       Taxes, other than income                            .8                              .9                             3.2    2.9


        Total selling, general and
         administrative expense                           23.7                            23.4                            49.3   46.2


                     Operating income                     74.7                            46.2                            31.5    4.6



       Other income                                       1.9                                                             .7    1.3



       Interest expense                                   5.7                             6.8                            10.9   12.1


                     Income (loss) before income taxes    70.9                            39.4                            21.3  (6.2)



       Income taxes                                      17.9                            10.2                             6.5   (.9)


                     Net income (loss)                           $
              53.0                            $
              29.2          $
      14.8 $
      (5.3)



       Adjustments:



       Interest expense                                   5.7                             6.8                            10.9   12.1



       Income taxes                                      17.9                            10.2                             6.5   (.9)


        Depreciation, depletion and
         amortization                                     22.5                            19.4                            43.1   37.0



       
                EBITDA                                      $
              99.1                            $
              65.6          $
      75.3  $
      42.9


                     Sales (000's):



       Aggregates (tons)                                8,739                           9,084                          12,956 12,955



       Asphalt (tons)                                   2,166                           1,913                           2,393  2,079


        Ready-mixed concrete (cubic yards)               1,119                           1,144                           1,823  1,752

    ---

The construction materials and contracting business reported net income of $53.0 million in the second quarter of 2020, compared to $29.2 million in the same period in 2019. The increase in net income was driven by higher contracting and material margins and revenues. Favorable weather across the company's footprint allowed for more product sales and the ability to work through more backlog than typically completed in the second quarter, which drove the increase in margins. Higher investment returns on certain benefit plans also had a positive impact on the quarter.

The construction materials and contracting business's EBITDA increased $33.5 million in the second quarter of 2020, compared to 2019. The increased EBITDA was the result of higher margins, as previously discussed.



       
                Other


                                                          Three Months Ended          
         Six Months Ended


                                                     
             June 30,                   
         June 30,


                                                 2020                          2019                       2020  2019


                                                                    
            (In millions)


                     Operating revenues                  $
              2.9                      $
              2.9           $
        5.9   $
       10.7


                     Operating expenses:


        Operation and maintenance                 2.3                           1.1                        4.4   8.2


        Depreciation, depletion and
         amortization                              .6                            .6                        1.3   1.0


        Taxes, other than income                                                                               .1


                     Total operating expenses     2.9                           1.7                        5.7   9.3


                     Operating income                                          1.2                         .2   1.4



       Other income                                                            .2                         .2    .3



       Interest expense                           .3                            .5                         .6   1.0


                     Income (loss) before income
                      taxes                      (.3)                           .9                       (.2)   .7



       Income taxes                              1.0                         (1.9)                       5.3   1.4


                     Net income (loss)                 $
              (1.3)                     $
              2.8         $
        (5.5)  $
       (.7)

    ---

The net loss for Other reflects income tax adjustments related to the consolidated company's annualized estimated tax rate. General and administrative costs and interest expense previously allocated to the exploration and production and refining businesses that do not meet the criteria for income (loss) from discontinued operations also are included in Other.


                             Other Financial Data

    ---

                                                        
              June 30,



                                                    2020                                  2019



                                                        (In millions, except per share
                                                                    amounts)


                                                       
              (Unaudited)


        Book value per
         common share                                      $
              14.45                   $
      13.37


        Market price per
         common share                                      $
              22.18                   $
      25.80


        Dividend yield
         (indicated annual
         rate)                                      3.7%                                 3.1%


        Price/earnings from
         continuing
         operations ratio
         (12 months ended)                         12.5x                                17.7x


        Market value as a
         percent of book
         value                                    153.5%                               193.0%


        Net operating cash
         flow (year to date)                                 $
              261                    $
      (23)


        Total assets                                       $
              7,911                   $
      7,591


        Total equity                                       $
              2,898                   $
      2,660


        Total debt                                         $
              2,357                   $
      2,470


        Capitalization
         ratios:


        Total equity                               55.1%                                51.9%


        Total debt                                  44.9                                  48.1



                                                  100.0%                               100.0%

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SOURCE MDU Resources Group, Inc.