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MDU RESOURCES GROUP , INC . Building a Strong America® MDU Resources Reports Second Quarter Earnings ; Affirms Earnings Guidance BISMARCK , N.D. Aug. 4 , 2021 - MDU Resources Group , Inc. ( NYSE : MDU ) today reported second quarter earnings of $ 100.2 million , or 50 cents per share , compared to second quarter 2020 earnings of $ 99.7 million , or 50 cents per share . For the six months ended June 30 , MDU Resources earned $ 152.3 million , or 76 cents per share , compared to $ 124.8 million , or 62 cents per share , in 2020 . - NEWS RELEASE " All our business lines continue to see strong results , " said David L. Goodin , president and CEO of MDU Resources . " We had record second quarter earnings at our construction services business and near - record results at our construction materials business . Our regulated energy delivery businesses also continue to see solid customer demand . Our second quarter results were impacted by higher stock - based compensation and increased health care costs totaling approximately $ 4.2 million , after tax . We continue to expect earnings per share to be in the range of $ 2.00 to $ 2.15 for 2021 . " We are excited to have construction underway on our North Bakken Expansion project and , with favorable weather , expect it to be in service by the end of the year . We just announced a natural gas pipeline expansion project in eastern North Dakota that will allow our utility company to fulfill higher customer demand in Wahpeton while also extending service to Kindred . We also are pleased to see Congress continue working toward an infrastructure funding package . All our operations , particularly our construction businesses , are well - positioned to capitalize on these opportunities and create superior shareholder value as we continue building a strong America . " Business Unit Highlights Construction Materials and Services The construction materials business earned $ 51.4 million in the second quarter , compared to last year's record second quarter earnings of $ 53.0 million . The decrease in earnings was largely from higher labor - related costs , including increased stock - based compensation and health care costs . The construction materials business continues to see strong pricing and demand for its materials and contracting services , particularly in the Northwest . The construction materials backlog of work at June 30 was $ 912 million , compared to $ 875 million at June 30 , 2020 . The construction services business had record second quarter revenue and earnings . Revenue increased 6 % and earnings were $ 28.9 million , following on last year's record second quarter earnings of $ 27.9 million . The increase in earnings was primarily from continued strong demand across the commercial and industrial space , particularly the manufacturing industry , as well as increased sales and rentals of the power line equipment the company manufactures . The construction services backlog of work at June 30 was a record $ 1.32 billion , compared to $ 1.31 billion at June 30 , 2020 . Regulated Energy Delivery The electric and natural gas utility earned $ 9.6 million in the second quarter , compared to $ 11.2 million in the second quarter of 2020. Earnings decreased because of higher operating expenses , particularly labor - related costs including increased stock - based compensation and health care expenses . Rate relief in several jurisdictions decreased the seasonal loss the company typically experiences from its natural gas utility 1