Stocks for the Long Run: MDU Resources vs. the S&P 500

Investing isn't easy. Even Warren Buffett counsels that most investors should invest in a low-cost index like the S&P 500. That way, "you'll be buying into a wonderful industry, which in effect is all of American industry," he says.

But there are, of course, companies whose long-term fortunes differ substantially from the index. In this series, we look at how individual stocks have performed against the broad S&P 500.

Step on up, MDU Resources (NYS: MDU) .

MDU Resources shares have easily outperformed the S&P 500 over the last three decades:

Source: S&P Capital IQ.

Since 1980, shares have returned an average of 13.9% a year, compared with 11.1% a year for the S&P (both include dividends). That difference adds up fast. One thousand dollars invested in the S&P in 1980 would be worth $29,400 today. In MDU Resources, it'd be worth $64,135.

Dividends accounted for a lot of those gains. Compounded since 1980, dividends have made up about 80% of MDU Resources' total returns. For the S&P, dividends account for 41.5% of total returns.

Now have a look at how MDU Resources earnings compare with S&P 500 earnings:

Source: S&P Capital IQ.

There's some underperformance here, largely because of recent years. Since 1995, earnings per share have grown by an average of 5.7% a year, compared with 6% annual growth for the broader index.

What's that meant for valuations? MDU Resources has traded for an average of 15 times earnings since 1980 -- a bit below the 21 times earnings average of the S&P 500.

Through it all, shares have been strong outperformers over the last three decades.

Of course, the important question is whether that will continue. That's where you come in. Our CAPS community currently ranks MDU Resources with a three-star rating (out of five). Do you disagree? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below, or add MDU Resources to My Watchlist.

The article Stocks for the Long Run: MDU Resources vs. the S&P 500 originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Morgan Housel doesn't own shares in any of the companies mentioned in this article. Follow him on Twitter @TMFHousel. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days.

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