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MDU vs MMM
Which Stock Would AI Choose? MDU Resources Group (MDU) vs. 3M Company (MMM) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Different sectors, different drivers: MDU is a regulated electric and natural gas utility with a pipeline business, while MMM is a diversified industrial conglomerate spanning safety, electronics, and consumer products.
- Momentum has diverged: MDU has outperformed the broader market so far in 2026, while MMM has posted more modest gains despite improving earnings.
- Growth catalysts: MDU is anchored by the proposed Bakken East Pipeline and data-center electric load, whereas MMM is riding a product-innovation cycle and strength in Safety & Industrial markets.
- Risk profiles differ sharply: MMM carries persistent PFAS and product-liability litigation overhang; MDU's risks center on weather, rate cases, and execution of large capital projects.
- Yield versus buyback: MDU offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield, while MMM pairs a lower yield with substantial share repurchases.
Introduction
Investors weighing a steady, income-oriented utility against a diversified industrial turnaround often land on a comparison like MDU versus MMM. These two companies operate in different parts of the economy, yet both attract attention for their cash returns, visible growth initiatives, and sensitivity to macro conditions. A dividend-focused investor may find MDU's regulated cash flows appealing, while a growth-oriented trader may prefer MMM's expanding margins and new-product pipeline. This stock comparison examines recent performance, business drivers, and relative market positioning to clarify how the two names stack up in the current environment.
MDU Overview and Recent Performance
MDU (MDU Resources Group) delivers electric utility and natural gas distribution services to more than 1.2 million customers across the Pacific Northwest and Midwest, alongside a roughly 3,800-mile natural gas pipeline and storage network. Following the separation of its former construction businesses, the company now operates as a focused, pure-play utility and pipeline enterprise.
Recent weeks have highlighted both headwinds and catalysts. First-quarter 2026 earnings of $0.39 per share came in modestly below the prior year, with mild winter weather trimming results by roughly $0.03 per share. Management nonetheless affirmed 2026 earnings guidance of $0.93 to $1.00 per share and reiterated a long-term earnings-per-share (EPS) growth target of 6% to 8%. The company also continued advancing the proposed Bakken East Pipeline, a $2.7 billion to $3.2 billion project that has drawn roughly 1.4 billion cubic feet per day of customer interest, and reported about 580 megawatts of signed electric service agreements tied to data-center load. These infrastructure catalysts, combined with a rising dividend and steady rate-relief progress across several states, have supported relatively strong share performance in 2026.
MMM Overview and Recent Performance
MMM (3M Company) is a diversified industrial manufacturer organized around Safety & Industrial, Transportation & Electronics, and Consumer segments. The company is executing a productivity and restructuring program while pushing an "R&D factory" model aimed at accelerating product launches and margin expansion.
Recent market activity has reflected improving fundamentals. The Safety & Industrial segment posted adjusted organic sales growth of 3.2% in the first quarter and accelerated to roughly 8.2% in the second quarter, supported by industrial adhesives, personal safety, electrical, and electronics demand. On the back of this momentum, 3M raised its full-year 2026 adjusted EPS outlook to $8.80 to $8.95, up from a prior range of $8.50 to $8.70. The company also hiked its quarterly dividend by 6.8% and repurchased about $2 billion of stock in the first quarter alone. Offsetting these positives, persistent PFAS and product-liability litigation, tariff-related cost pressures, and softness in certain consumer and roofing businesses continue to weigh on sentiment, keeping the stock's advance more measured than its earnings trend might otherwise suggest.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between these names is their business model and revenue visibility. MDU operates primarily within rate-regulated utility markets, producing comparatively stable, weather-sensitive cash flows, while MMM depends on cyclical industrial and consumer demand and is more exposed to tariffs, raw-material costs, and global trade flows.
Growth drivers also differ. MDU's upside is largely tied to long-dated capital projects such as the Bakken East Pipeline and incremental data-center load, which carry regulatory and execution risk but offer multi-year visibility. MMM's growth leans on new-product commercialization, margin recovery, and share gains in areas such as electrical infrastructure and semiconductors, alongside continued buyback support.
On risk, MDU faces weather variability, rate-case outcomes, and financing needs for large projects, while MMM's most prominent overhang is litigation, including ongoing personal-injury negotiations and safety-related lawsuits. Sector exposure is another differentiator: MDU is a defensive utility-style holding, whereas MMM sits in the diversified industrials space with greater sensitivity to the manufacturing cycle. In terms of market sentiment, both stocks have attracted constructive analyst attention in recent months, but the drivers of that optimism are distinct.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, catalyst visibility, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI would likely express a nuanced view. MDU presents a steadier, dividend-backed profile with a clear long-term growth pipeline, which may appeal to models emphasizing trend stability and lower volatility. By contrast, MMM offers stronger recent earnings momentum and margin expansion, though its litigation overhang introduces greater uncertainty. On balance, the AI framework would likely lean toward MDU for defensive positioning and trend consistency, while recognizing that MMM's improving fundamentals could attract more aggressive, momentum-oriented strategies. The ultimate choice depends on the specific bot's timeframe and risk parameters rather than a single universal ranking.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is MDU is a StrongBuy and MMM is a StrongBuy.
Momentum Indicator for MDU turns positive, indicating new upward trend
MDU saw its Momentum Indicator move above the 0 level on October 14, 2026. This is an indication that the stock could be shifting in to a new upward move. Traders may want to consider buying the stock or buying call options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 96 similar instances where the indicator turned positive. In 72 of the 96 cases, the stock moved higher in the following days. The odds of a move higher are at 75%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where MDU's RSI Oscillator exited the oversold zone, 13 of 22 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 59%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for MDU just turned positive on September 28, 2026. Looking at past instances where MDU's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 23 of 43 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 53%.
MDU moved above its 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +1.41% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where MDU advanced for three days, in 192 of 334 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 57%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator has been in the overbought zone for 2 days. Expect a price pull-back in the near future.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where MDU declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 46%.
MDU broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 22, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for MDU entered a downward trend on October 12, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 12 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 45, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 52 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 58 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. MDU’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 61 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (1.374) is normal, around the industry mean (1.391). P/E Ratio (20.126) is within average values for comparable stocks, (17.070). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (2.360) is also within normal values, averaging (1.861). Dividend Yield (0.030) settles around the average of (0.038) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (2.114) is also within normal values, averaging (2.205).
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 75 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 79 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
Momentum Indicator for MMM turns positive, indicating new upward trend
MMM saw its Momentum Indicator move above the 0 level on October 20, 2026. This is an indication that the stock could be shifting in to a new upward move. Traders may want to consider buying the stock or buying call options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 81 similar instances where the indicator turned positive. In 53 of the 81 cases, the stock moved higher in the following days. The odds of a move higher are at 65%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for MMM just turned positive on October 14, 2026. Looking at past instances where MMM's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 28 of 43 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 65%.
MMM moved above its 50-day moving average on October 20, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +2.44% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where MMM advanced for three days, in 175 of 299 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 59%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator demonstrated that the stock has entered the overbought zone. This may point to a price pull-back soon.
The Stochastic Oscillator has been in the overbought zone for 1 day. Expect a price pull-back in the near future.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where MMM declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 51%.
MMM broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 20, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for MMM entered a downward trend on October 08, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 15 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 24 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 28 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding price growth. MMM’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 51 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 82, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 75 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 96 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: MMM's P/B Ratio (30.528) is slightly higher than the industry average of (-0.788). P/E Ratio (30.818) is within average values for comparable stocks, (16.776). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.590) is also within normal values, averaging (0.772). Dividend Yield (0.018) settles around the average of (543.841) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (3.442) is also within normal values, averaging (2.059).
MDU | MMM | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 23 | 32 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 61 Fair valued | 96 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 12 | 51 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 79 | 15 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 58 | 28 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 52 | 24 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 75 | 75 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
MDU's Valuation (61) in the Gas Distributors industry is somewhat better than the same rating for MMM (96) in the Industrial Conglomerates industry. This means that MDU’s stock grew somewhat faster than MMM’s over the last 12 months.
MDU's Profit vs Risk Rating (12) in the Gas Distributors industry is somewhat better than the same rating for MMM (51) in the Industrial Conglomerates industry. This means that MDU’s stock grew somewhat faster than MMM’s over the last 12 months.
MMM's SMR Rating (15) in the Industrial Conglomerates industry is somewhat better than the same rating for MDU (79) in the Gas Distributors industry. This means that MMM’s stock grew somewhat faster than MDU’s over the last 12 months.
MMM's Price Growth Rating (28) in the Industrial Conglomerates industry is in the same range as MDU (58) in the Gas Distributors industry. This means that MMM’s stock grew similarly to MDU’s over the last 12 months.
MMM's P/E Growth Rating (24) in the Industrial Conglomerates industry is in the same range as MDU (52) in the Gas Distributors industry. This means that MMM’s stock grew similarly to MDU’s over the last 12 months.
| MDU | MMM | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 59% | 1 day ago 61% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 42% | 1 day ago 45% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 75% | 1 day ago 65% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 53% | 1 day ago 65% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 60% | 1 day ago 58% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 56% | 1 day ago 58% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 57% | 1 day ago 59% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 9 days ago 46% | 4 days ago 51% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 70% | 1 day ago 51% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 50% | 1 day ago 38% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
MDU’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green while MMM’s FA Score has 3 green FA rating(s).
- MDU’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- MMM’s FA Score: 3 green, 2 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
MDU’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while MMM’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- MDU’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 4 bearish.
- MMM’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
MDU (@Gas Distributors) experienced а +3.13% price change this week, while MMM (@Industrial Conglomerates) price change was +6.25% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Gas Distributors industry was +3.45%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +5.91%, and the average quarterly price growth was -4.63%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Industrial Conglomerates industry was -4.69%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -10.47%, and the average quarterly price growth was -15.05%.
Reported Earning Dates
MDU is expected to report earnings on Nov 05, 2026.
MMM is expected to report earnings on Jan 26, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Gas Distributors (+3.45% weekly)Gas distributors are involved in moving and selling gas – from wellheads or over-distribution systems operated by other firms – to residential and non-residential customers. These companies perform tasks such as the gathering and processing of gas, intrastate and interstate transport, and delivery to the customer. Some of the biggest gas distributing companies in the U.S. include Sempra Energy, Avangrid Inc and Atmos Energy Corporation.
@Industrial Conglomerates (-4.69% weekly)Industrial Conglomerates specialize in numerous types of products, most of which comprise industrial goods, while some also go towards meeting household needs. Honeywell (makes engineering services and aerospace systems), United Technologies Corporation(manufactures aircraft engines, aerospace systems, HVAC, elevators and escalators, fire and security, building systems, and industrial products, among others), 3M (over 60,000 products under several world-renowned brands, including adhesives, abrasives, laminates, passive fire protection, personal protective equipment, window films, paint protection films, dental and orthodontic products, electrical & electronic connecting and insulating materials, medical products, car-care products, electronic circuits, healthcare software and optical films).
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MDU and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, MDU has been loosely correlated with BKH. These tickers have moved in lockstep 54% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if MDU jumps, then BKH could also see price increases.
MMM and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, MMM has been loosely correlated with MDU. These tickers have moved in lockstep 42% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if MMM jumps, then MDU could also see price increases.