MDU Resources Group (NYSE: MDU) reported earnings on Aug. 2. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
 For the quarter ended June 30 (Q2), MDU Resources Group beat expectations on revenues and missed estimates on earnings per share.

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue improved and GAAP earnings per share improved significantly.

Margins grew across the board.

Revenue details
 MDU Resources Group reported revenue of $968.0 million. The two analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ wanted to see a top line of $907.7 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 4.0% higher than the prior-year quarter's $930.8 million.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

EPS details
 EPS came in at $0.18. The seven earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ predicted $0.19 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.29 for Q2 were 21% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.24 per share.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

Margin details
 For the quarter, gross margin was 22.6%, 20 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 9.5%, 70 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 5.6%, 80 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $1.16 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.37.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $3.99 billion. The average EPS estimate is $1.15.

Investor sentiment
 The stock has a three-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 241 members out of 253 rating the stock outperform, and 12 members rating it underperform. Among 55 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 51 give MDU Resources Group a green thumbs-up, and four give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on MDU Resources Group is hold, with an average price target of $23.38.

Can your retirement portfolio provide you with enough income to last? You'll need more than MDU Resources Group. Learn about crafting a smarter retirement plan in "The Shocking Can't-Miss Truth About Your Retirement." Click here for instant access to this free report.