In 2006:

• Recognized as a Platts Top 250 Global Energy Company for outstanding financial and industry performance.
• One-year compound annual total shareholder return of 33% at June 30, 2006, compared to 9% for the S&P 500 .
• Included on the Fortune 1000 list as No. 2 in energy group for total return to shareholders annually for 1995 to 2005.
• Forbes magazine named MDU Resources to its Platinum 400 list of best big companies in America for the 6th consecutive year. 
• Received Electric Light and Power's 2005 "Utility of the Year" award.
• Designated as a Mergent Dividend Achiever for an outstanding record of 10 or more years of consecutive dividend increases.

In 2005:

• Forbes Magazine named MDU among its Platinum 400 list of big companies in America, based on corporate governance, earnings growth and stock market performance.
• One-year compound annual total shareholder return of 26% at December 31, 2005.
• Fortune Magazine issue dated April 18, 2005 ranked MDU as #1 in energy industry for profits as a percent of revenues for 2004 and #2 for both total return to investors and earnings per share annual growth over 10-year period through 2004.