Are Utilities Stocks Lagging Chesapeake Utilities (CPK) This Year?

Group 1 - Chesapeake Utilities (CPK) is currently outperforming its peers in the Utilities sector, with a year-to-date return of approximately 8.9%, compared to the sector average of 5.2% [4] - The Zacks Rank for Chesapeake Utilities is 2 (Buy), indicating a positive earnings outlook and stronger analyst sentiment, as the consensus estimate for full-year earnings has increased by 0.3% over the past three months [3][4] - The Utilities group, which includes Chesapeake Utilities, is ranked 1 within the Zacks Sector Rank, reflecting the strength of this sector compared to others [2] Group 2 - Chesapeake Utilities belongs to the Utility - Gas Distribution industry, which is currently ranked 50 in the Zacks Industry Rank, while the average return for this group is a loss of 2.4% year-to-date, further highlighting CPK's strong performance [6] - Another notable stock in the Utilities sector is Energias de Portugal (EDPFY), which has achieved a year-to-date return of 19.4% and has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) [5] - The Utility - Electric Power industry, to which Energias de Portugal belongs, is ranked 40 and has seen an average return of +5.8% year-to-date [6]