MDU Resources Group, Inc. MDU announced that it has acquired the operations of Molalla Redi-Mix and Rock Products, Inc., which produces ready-mix concrete in Molalla, Oregon and south of Portland. The acquired operations will become part of MDU Resources’ construction materials subsidiary, Knife River Corporation.The financial details of the transaction are still under wraps. However, this deal will definitely expand Knife River’s presence in the growing market between Portland and Salem.MDU Resources Continues to ExpandMDU Resources is expanding the construction materials business through strategic acquisitions. Since April 2018, this is the third deal to expand its business and the company is planning to close more deals throughout its service territories for the same.Last month, the company announced the acquisition of Little Falls, MN-based Tri-City Paving, Inc. to further expand the construction materials business. (Read more: MDU Resources Acquires Tri-City Paving to Expand Operations)What’s Ahead?Before the acquisition of the operations of Molalla Redi-Mix and Rock Products, the company provided 2018 revenue guidance in the range of $1.8-$1.9 billion for the Construction Materials business. We expect the company to revise the same upward in due course.In addition, the construction materials backlog as of Mar 31, 2018 was $691.9 million, up from $486 million on Dec 31, 2017. A major portion of the backlog is expected to be cleared by the end of 2018, boosting the top line of the company.MDU Resources’ decision to expand the construction materials business through acquisitions is well planned, given improving demand for construction materials. Ongoing U.S. economy improvement is resulting in new construction for residential and commercial purposes. In addition, destruction caused by hurricanes, flood and wildfires will also call for new building and renovations, driving demand for construction materials.Price MovementIn the past six months, the company has returned 12.8%, outperforming its industry’s growth of 11.9%.Zacks Rank & Key PicksMDU Resources currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Some better-ranked stocks in the same sector are Algonquin Power & Utilities AQN, Brookfield Renewable Partners L.P. BEP and ONEOK Inc. OKE. Algonquin Power & Utilities sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), while both Brookfield Renewable Partners and ONEOK Inc. carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.Algonquin Power pulled off an average four-quarter positive earnings surprise of 28.56%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2018 has moved up 8.2% in the past 60 days to 66 cents per share. Its earnings are expected to grow 8.0% over the long-term (3-5 year) period.Brookfield Renewable Partners delivered an average four-quarter positive earnings surprise of 4.17%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2018 has been revised upward by 57.1% in the past 60 days to 22 cents per share. Its earnings are expected to grow 9.0% over the long-term period.ONEOK Inc. pulled off a positive earnings surprise of 3.23% in the last reported quarter. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2018 has moved up 1.2% in the past 60 days to $2.63 per share. Its earnings are expected to grow 9.5% over the long-term period.Today's Stocks from Zacks' Hottest StrategiesIt's hard to believe, even for us at Zacks. But while the market gained +21.9% in 2017, our top stock-picking screens have returned +115.0%, +109.3%, +104.9%, +98.6%, and +67.1%.And this outperformance has not just been a recent phenomenon. Over the years it has been remarkably consistent. From 2000 - 2017, the composite yearly average gain for these strategies has beaten the market more than 19X over. Maybe even more remarkable is the fact that we're willing to share their latest stocks with you without cost or obligation.See Them Free>> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Brookfield Renewable Partners L.P. (BEP): Free Stock Analysis Report ONEOK, Inc. (OKE): Free Stock Analysis Report MDU Resources Group, Inc. (MDU): Free Stock Analysis Report Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. (AQN): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research