<SEC-DOCUMENT>0000067716-13-000086.txt : 20131204
<SEC-HEADER>0000067716-13-000086.hdr.sgml : 20131204
<ACCEPTANCE-DATETIME>20130617154109
<PRIVATE-TO-PUBLIC>
ACCESSION NUMBER:		0000067716-13-000086
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	CORRESP
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		1
FILED AS OF DATE:		20130617

FILER:

	COMPANY DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			MDU RESOURCES GROUP INC
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0000067716
		STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:	MINING, QUARRYING OF NONMETALLIC MINERALS (NO FUELS) [1400]
		IRS NUMBER:				410423660
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			DE
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		CORRESP

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		1200 WEST CENTURY AVENUE
		CITY:			BISMARCK
		STATE:			ND
		ZIP:			58503
		BUSINESS PHONE:		701-530-1059

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		1200 WEST CENTURY AVENUE
		CITY:			BISMARCK
		STATE:			ND
		ZIP:			58503

	FORMER COMPANY:	
		FORMER CONFORMED NAME:	MONTANA DAKOTA UTILITIES CO
		DATE OF NAME CHANGE:	19850429
</SEC-HEADER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>CORRESP
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>filename1.htm
<TEXT>
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		<title>Wdesk | 6-13SECresponseletter</title>
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<a name="sD395A8998B8906645DAD52C8F145F161"></a><div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div></div><br><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">MDU Resources Group, Inc.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">1200 West Century Avenue</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Bismarck, ND 58503</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:6pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:6pt;">&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Mailing Address:</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">P.O. Box 5650</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">Bismarck, ND 58506-5650</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:11pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:11pt;">(701) 530-1000</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">June 17, 2013&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:underline;">By EDGAR Transmission and Federal Express</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Ms. Tia L. Jenkins, Senior Assistant Chief Accountant</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Office of Beverages, Apparel, and Mining </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">United States Securities and Exchange Commission </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">100 F Street NE</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Washington, D.C.  20549</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:48px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;padding-left:0px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;font-weight:bold;">Re: </font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;font-weight:bold;">MDU Resources Group, Inc. </font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;text-indent:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;font-weight:bold;">Form 10-K for the Year Ended December 31, 2012 </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;text-indent:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;font-weight:bold;">Filed February 28, 2013 </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;text-indent:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;font-weight:bold;">Response dated May 13, 2013</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;text-indent:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;font-weight:bold;">File No. 001-03480</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;text-indent:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Dear Ms. Jenkins:</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">On behalf of MDU Resources Group, Inc. (MDU or the Company), we hereby submit MDU's response to the comment of the staff (the Staff) of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) set forth in the Staff's letter, dated June 4, 2013, with respect to the above referenced periodic report filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">For the convenience of the Staff, the Staff's comment is included and is followed by the corresponding response of MDU. References in this letter to "we," "us" and "our" refer to MDU unless the context indicates otherwise.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">We believe that our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December&#160;31, 2012 (2012&#160;Form 10-K) provides investors with full and transparent disclosure sufficient to give an understanding of our business. We propose to incorporate your comment, as applicable, on a prospective basis in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December&#160;31, 2013 (2013 Form 10-K).</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">We acknowledge that:</font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:48px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;padding-left:24px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">&#8226;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">The Company is responsible for the adequacy and accuracy of the disclosure in the filing;</font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:48px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;padding-left:24px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">&#8226;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Staff comments or changes to disclosure in response to Staff comments do not foreclose the Commission from taking any action with respect to the filing; and </font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:48px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;padding-left:24px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">&#8226;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">The Company may not assert Staff comments as a defense in any proceeding initiated by the Commission or any person under the federal securities laws of the United States.</font></div></td></tr></table><br><div></div><hr style="page-break-after:always"><a name="sA739949E84B30A9990B552D1829119C9"></a><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">MDU RESOURCES GROUP, INC.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Ms. Tia L. Jenkins </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">United States Securities and Exchange Commission</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">June 17, 2013</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Page </font><font style="font-size:12pt;">2</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div></div><br><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;text-decoration:underline;">Form 10-K for the Year Ended December 31, 2012 </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;text-decoration:underline;">Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, page 66</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;text-decoration:underline;">Note&#160;1 &#8211; Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, page 66</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;text-decoration:underline;">Goodwill, page 69</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:48px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;padding-left:24px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">1.</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">We note your response to our prior comment 2 indicating that segment management regularly reviews the operating results of each component in order to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the business and to assess its performance. However, your disclosure also states that your chief executive officer (the &#8220;CODM&#8221;) or segment management regularly reviews the operating results of a component. Please tell us whether the operating results reviewed by your CODM or segment management include discrete financial information disaggregated at a level below the operating segment level. To the extent disaggregated information is reviewed by your CODM, please tell us how you evaluated this information in your analysis of FASB ASC 350-20-35-34. Also, it appears that your reporting units are also your operating segments. Please discuss whether you are aggregating two or more components.  </font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:underline;">MDU Response</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;font-weight:bold;">:  </font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">In making decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and to assess its performance, the Chief Executive Officer of MDU, the CODM, regularly reviews discrete financial information at the operating segment level. The CODM does not regularly review information below the operating segment level in order to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and to assess its performance.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">We have and will continue to use segment management to review operating results for each component of the operating segment in order to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the components and to assess their performance. Therefore, we propose to modify our disclosure as follows to further clarify that it is segment management that regularly reviews the operating results of each component on a prospective basis beginning with our 2013 Form 10-K (new information has been underlined):</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:justify;padding-left:96px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">The Company has determined that the reporting units for its goodwill impairment test are its operating segments, or components of an operating segment, that constitute a business for which discrete financial information is available and for which </font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;text-decoration:line-through;">the Company&#8217;s chief executive officer and other</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">&#32;</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;text-decoration:underline;">segment</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">&#32;management regularly review</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;text-decoration:underline;">s</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">&#32;the operating results.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><br><div></div><hr style="page-break-after:always"><a name="sA739949E84B30A9990B552D1829119C9"></a><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">MDU RESOURCES GROUP, INC.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Ms. Tia L. Jenkins </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">United States Securities and Exchange Commission</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">June 17, 2013</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Page </font><font style="font-size:12pt;">3</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div></div><br><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">At December 31, 2012, four of our operating segments have goodwill which consists of $345.7 million at the natural gas distribution segment, $176.3 million at the construction materials and contracting segment, $104.3 million at the construction services segment and $9.7 million at the pipeline and energy services segment.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Each of the operating segments identified above have multiple components. Our operating segments for natural gas distribution, construction materials and contracting and construction services are our reporting units. Our pipeline and energy services operating segment does not constitute a reporting unit. A component of the pipeline and energy services operating segment contains goodwill and has been identified as the pipeline and storage group reporting unit. </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">ASC 350-20-35-35 states that two or more components of an operating segment shall be aggregated and deemed a single reporting unit if the components have similar economic characteristics. As noted in ASC 350-20-55-6 and 7, evaluating whether two components have similar economic characteristics is a matter of judgment that depends on specific facts and circumstances. That assessment should be more qualitative than quantitative.  In determining whether the components of an operating segment have similar economic characteristics, all of the factors in ASC 280-10-50-11 were considered. These factors are:</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="padding-bottom:13px;font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:96px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;padding-left:72px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">a.</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">The nature of the products and services </font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="padding-bottom:13px;font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:96px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;padding-left:72px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">b.</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">The nature of the production processes </font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="padding-bottom:13px;font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:96px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;padding-left:72px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">c.</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">The type or class of customer for their products and services </font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="padding-bottom:13px;font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:96px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;padding-left:72px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">d.</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">The methods used to distribute their products or provide their services</font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="padding-bottom:13px;font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:96px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;padding-left:72px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">e.</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">If applicable, the nature of the regulatory environment, for example, banking, insurance, or public utilities</font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">However, every factor need not be met in order for two components to be considered economically similar. In addition, the determination of whether two components are economically similar need not be limited to consideration of the factors described in ASC 280-10-50-11. In determining whether components should be combined into one reporting unit based on their economic similarities, factors that should be considered in addition to those in ASC 280-10-50-11 include but are not limited to, the following:</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><br><div></div><hr style="page-break-after:always"><a name="sA739949E84B30A9990B552D1829119C9"></a><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">MDU RESOURCES GROUP, INC.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Ms. Tia L. Jenkins </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">United States Securities and Exchange Commission</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">June 17, 2013</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Page </font><font style="font-size:12pt;">4</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div></div><br><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="padding-bottom:13px;font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:96px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;padding-left:72px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">a.</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">The manner in which an entity operates its business and the nature of those operations</font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="padding-bottom:13px;font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:96px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;padding-left:72px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">b.</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Whether goodwill is recoverable from the separate operations of each component business or from two or more component businesses working in concert</font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="padding-bottom:13px;font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:96px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;padding-left:72px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">c.</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">The extent to which the component businesses share assets and other resources, as might be evidenced by extensive transfer pricing mechanisms</font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:96px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:138%;font-size:12pt;padding-left:72px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">d.</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:138%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Whether the components support and benefit from common research and development projects</font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">In addition, the accounting guidance also recognizes that a company that has a more diverse offering of products and services (such as MDU) may consider two products to be similar whereas a company that has a relatively narrow offering of products and services may not consider those same products to be similar. As described in paragraph 68 of the Basis for Conclusions of Statement 131, the assessment of whether products or services are similar may depend, in part, on the nature and breadth of a company's product lines and overall operations. Paragraph 68 states, in part:</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:96px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">An enterprise with a relatively narrow product line may not consider two products to be similar, while an enterprise with a broad product line may consider those same two products to be similar. For example, a highly diversified enterprise may consider all consumer products to be similar if it has other businesses such as financial services and road construction. However, an enterprise that sells only consumer products might consider razor blades to be different from toasters.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:96px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Accordingly, we have carefully reviewed the economic characteristics of the components of our operating segments to determine whether the components meet the criteria necessary to aggregate based on similar economic characteristics as well as the other criteria discussed above in determining our reporting units. We have concluded that our components meet the criteria to be aggregated into reporting units due to similarity in the nature of products and services, the type of customers, the methods used to distribute products and services, the nature of the regulatory environment, the manner in which we operate our business and the nature of those operations, and the sharing of resources among the components.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><br><div></div><hr style="page-break-after:always"><a name="sA739949E84B30A9990B552D1829119C9"></a><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">MDU RESOURCES GROUP, INC.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Ms. Tia L. Jenkins </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">United States Securities and Exchange Commission</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">June 17, 2013</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Page </font><font style="font-size:12pt;">5</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div></div><br><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">The most relevant considerations for aggregating the components of our operating segments, which have goodwill recorded on the balance sheet, are discussed below.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;text-decoration:underline;">Natural Gas Distribution</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:96px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;padding-left:72px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">&#8226;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Components are all natural gas distribution companies</font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:96px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;padding-left:72px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">&#8226;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Similar classes of customers consisting principally of residential, commercial, industrial and transportation customers</font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:96px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;padding-left:72px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">&#8226;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">All of the components distribute natural gas to their customers in a similar fashion through company-owned distribution systems</font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:96px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;padding-left:72px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">&#8226;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Each component is a regulated utility subject to the regulation of the state public service commissions</font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:96px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;padding-left:72px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">&#8226;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">The components operate in a contiguous eight state region</font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:96px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;padding-left:72px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">&#8226;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Similar economic risks, including weather and advances in alternative energy</font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:96px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:138%;font-size:12pt;padding-left:72px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">&#8226;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:138%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Many resources and services are shared by the components, such as certain management and operational support for customer service, engineering, procurement, fleet, information technology and communications, which enables goodwill to be recoverable among the component businesses working in concert</font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;text-decoration:underline;">Construction Materials and Contracting</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:96px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:138%;font-size:12pt;padding-left:72px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">&#8226;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:138%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Components are similar vertically integrated construction operations that add product value through the production and sale of aggregate-related products and services</font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:96px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:138%;font-size:12pt;padding-left:72px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">&#8226;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:138%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Components have similar public and private customers </font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:96px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:138%;font-size:12pt;padding-left:72px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">&#8226;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:138%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Components have worked together to standardize processes and share best practices</font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:96px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:138%;font-size:12pt;padding-left:72px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">&#8226;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:138%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Components distribute products in a similar fashion</font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:96px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:138%;font-size:12pt;padding-left:72px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">&#8226;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:138%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">The components face similar economic risks and are awarded work based on a competitive bid process</font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:96px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:138%;font-size:12pt;padding-left:72px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">&#8226;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:138%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Many resources and services are shared by the components, such as certain management, administrative and back office functions, equipment, and operational and intellectual resources, which enables goodwill to be recoverable from the component businesses working in concert</font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:138%;text-align:left;padding-left:72px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><br><div></div><hr style="page-break-after:always"><a name="sA739949E84B30A9990B552D1829119C9"></a><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">MDU RESOURCES GROUP, INC.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Ms. Tia L. Jenkins </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">United States Securities and Exchange Commission</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">June 17, 2013</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Page </font><font style="font-size:12pt;">6</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div></div><br><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;text-decoration:underline;">Construction Services</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:96px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:138%;font-size:12pt;padding-left:72px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">&#8226;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:138%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">The components provide similar electrical construction and related products and services</font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:96px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:138%;font-size:12pt;padding-left:72px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">&#8226;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:138%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Components have similar processes and practices</font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:96px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:138%;font-size:12pt;padding-left:72px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">&#8226;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:138%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">The components have similar public and private customers</font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:96px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:138%;font-size:12pt;padding-left:72px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">&#8226;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:138%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Components distribute services and related products in a similar fashion</font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:96px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:138%;font-size:12pt;padding-left:72px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">&#8226;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:138%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">The components face similar economic risks and are awarded work through a     competitive bid process</font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:96px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:138%;font-size:12pt;padding-left:72px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">&#8226;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:138%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Many resources and services are shared by the components, such as certain management, administrative and back office functions, equipment, and operational and intellectual resources, which enables goodwill to be recoverable from the component businesses working in concert</font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:72px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;text-decoration:underline;">Pipeline and Storage Group</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:72px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:96px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:138%;font-size:12pt;padding-left:72px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">&#8226;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:138%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Components provide similar gathering, transportation and related services</font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:96px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:138%;font-size:12pt;padding-left:72px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">&#8226;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:138%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Components use capital intensive pipeline infrastructure to deliver products</font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:96px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:138%;font-size:12pt;padding-left:72px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">&#8226;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:138%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Serve customer bases that are involved at various points in the natural gas and oil supply chain</font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:96px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:138%;font-size:12pt;padding-left:72px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">&#8226;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:138%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Operations are primarily performed in the same geographic area</font></div></td></tr></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:96px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:138%;font-size:12pt;padding-left:72px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">&#8226;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:138%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Many resources and services are shared by the components, such as certain management, administrative and back office functions and field personnel and equipment, which enables goodwill to be recoverable from the component businesses working in concert</font></div></td></tr></table><br><div></div><hr style="page-break-after:always"><a name="sA739949E84B30A9990B552D1829119C9"></a><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">MDU RESOURCES GROUP, INC.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Ms. Tia L. Jenkins </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">United States Securities and Exchange Commission</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">June 17, 2013</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Page </font><font style="font-size:12pt;">7</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div></div><br><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">If you would like to discuss the response to the Staff's comment or if you would like to discuss any other matters, please contact me at (701) 530-1035.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div 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style="overflow:hidden;height:18px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:18px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:18px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:justify;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">BY:</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:justify;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;text-decoration:underline;">/s/ Nicole A. Kivisto</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:justify;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Nicole A. Kivisto</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:justify;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Vice President, Controller and</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:justify;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">&#160;Chief Accounting Officer</font></div></td></tr></table></div></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">c:&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;Jamie Kessel, United States Securities and Exchange Commission</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;text-indent:24px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Nasreen Mohammed, United States Securities and Exchange Commission</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;text-indent:24px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Christopher Swanson, Deloitte &amp; Touche LLP</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;text-indent:24px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Walter Godlewski, Cohen Tauber Spievack &amp; Wagner PC</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;text-indent:24px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">Doran Schwartz, MDU Resources Group, Inc.&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><br><div></div>	</body>
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