MDU Resources Group (MDU) vs Sociedad Quimica y Minera S.A. (SQM)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Sociedad Quimica y Minera S.A. (SQM) has outperformed MDU Resources Group (MDU) over the past year, gaining 48.9% versus a gain of 3.7%. Over five years, MDU leads with a +60.5% price change compared with +19.1% for SQM. Sociedad Quimica y Minera S.A. is the larger company by market cap ($18.49 billion vs $3.94 billion), about 4.7 times the size, while MDU Resources Group is growing revenue faster (+6.7% vs -39.4%).
On valuation, Sociedad Quimica y Minera S.A. trades at a lower forward P/E (9.3x vs 17.7x for MDU Resources Group). MDU Resources Group offers the higher dividend yield (2.99% vs 2.22%). Sociedad Quimica y Minera S.A. converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 15.1% versus 10.2%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | MDU | SQM |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $18.74 | $64.73 |
| Market cap | $3.94B | $18.49B |
| 1-day change | -0.82% | +0.19% |
| YTD return | -3.23% | -6.09% |
| 1-year return | +3.73% | +48.91% |
| 5-year return | +60.46% | +19.14% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 19.93 | 13.32 |
| Forward P/E | 17.66 | 9.29 |
| EPS (TTM) | $0.94 | $4.86 |
| Dividend yield | 2.99% | 2.22% |
| Annual dividend | $0.56 | $1.44 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $1.88B | $4.53B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +6.66% | -39.35% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $190.40M | $685.12M |
| Gross margin | — | 29.30% |
| Operating margin | 15.49% | 23.54% |
| Net margin | 10.15% | 15.13% |
| 52-week high | $22.98 | $98.00 |
| 52-week low | $18.24 | $40.58 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -18.47% | -33.95% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +22.76% | +30.13% |
| Average volume | 1.66M | 963.45K |
| Shares outstanding | 210.35M | 142.82M |
| Employees | 2,096 | 7,637 |
| Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
| Industry | Mining & Quarrying of Nonmetallic Minerals (No Fuels) | Mining & Quarrying of Nonmetallic Minerals (No Fuels) |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- Sociedad Quimica y Minera S.A. is about 4.7 times larger than MDU Resources Group by market value ($18.49B vs $3.94B).
- SQM has outperformed MDU by 45.2 percentage points over the past year.
- MDU Resources Group trades at a higher earnings multiple (19.9x vs 13.3x trailing P/E).
- MDU Resources Group grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+6.66% vs -39.35%).
About MDU Resources Group
MDU stock →MDU Resources Group, Inc. engages in the regulated energy delivery businesses in the United States.
Industrials · Mining & Quarrying of Nonmetallic Minerals (No Fuels) · 2,096 employees
About Sociedad Quimica y Minera S.A.
SQM stock →Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. produces and sells specialty plant nutrients, and iodine and its derivatives in Chile, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, North America, Asia, and internationally.
Industrials · Mining & Quarrying of Nonmetallic Minerals (No Fuels) · 7,637 employees
MDU vs SQM FAQ
Which is bigger, MDU Resources Group or Sociedad Quimica y Minera S.A.?
Sociedad Quimica y Minera S.A. (SQM) is larger, with a market capitalization of $18.49B compared with $3.94B for MDU Resources Group (MDU).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, MDU or SQM?
SQM returned +48.91% over the past 12 months, compared with +3.73% for MDU (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, MDU or SQM?
SQM has the lower trailing P/E at 13.3, versus 19.9 for MDU. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, MDU Resources Group or Sociedad Quimica y Minera S.A.?
MDU Resources Group has the higher yield at 2.99%, compared with 2.22% for Sociedad Quimica y Minera S.A..
Are MDU Resources Group and Sociedad Quimica y Minera S.A. in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Mining & Quarrying of Nonmetallic Minerals (No Fuels) industry within the Industrials sector.