MDU Resources Group Inc. says its second-quarter profit fell 52 percent from the previous year because of lower prices for natural gas and oil.

In the three months that ended June 30, the Bismarck-based energy, mining and construction company earned $55.1 million, or 30 cents per share, compared with $115.3 million, or 63 cents per share, during the same period a year earlier.

The company says revenue for the second quarter was $958 million, compared with $1.3 billion for the same quarter in 2008.

In the first six months of the year, MDU Resources Group posted a loss of $288.5 million. The company attributes that to a $384.4 million charge related to low energy prices.

MDU President and Chief Executive Officer Terry Hildestad says the company still has a strong cash flow and healthy balance sheet and is reaffirming its guidance range for the year.

- Associated Press