Knife River is the fifth-largest producer of sand and gravel in the country. The company spun off from MDU Resources Group Inc. on June 1, 2023, and now trades independently on the NYSE under ticker KNF. Management is focused on materials-based, vertically integrated operations in mid-size, high-growth markets.
Cyborg Score Rationale
As the fifth-largest sand and gravel producer in the country, Knife River maintains substantial market position. Recent acquisitions demonstrate strategic execution, though the company faces cyclical construction market exposure. Strong governance with an ISS decile score of 1 (lowest risk) reflects solid corporate governance.
Top Insights
December 2025 Texas acquisition adds six ready-mix plants and sand/gravel reserves with 20+ years of supply at current production levels.
Awarded $112 million materials and paving contract for State Highway 6 project in Bryan/College Station area (2025-2030).
Operations organized across five segments: Pacific, Northwest, Mountain, Central, and Energy Services.
Strong corporate governance: ISS Governance QualityScore of 1 indicates lowest governance risk relative to peers.
Named Competitors
Martin Marietta Materials — Aggregates and heavy building materials
Eagle Materials — Aggregates, cement, and gypsum wallboard
CEMEX — Global cement and aggregates producer
United States Lime & Minerals — Lime, limestone, and construction materials
Recent Developments
(December 2025) Acquired Texcrete Operations LLC and TexAgg LLC in Texas to expand ready-mix and aggregates operations