Is Algonquin Power & Utilities (AQN) Stock Outpacing Its Utilities Peers This Year?

Company Performance - Algonquin Power & Utilities (AQN) has returned 32.1% year-to-date, significantly outperforming the average gain of 8.8% in the Utilities sector [4] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AQN's full-year earnings has increased by 8.8% over the past quarter, indicating improving analyst sentiment [4] - AQN currently holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), suggesting a favorable outlook for the stock [3] Industry Context - The Utilities group, which includes AQN, ranks 1 within the Zacks Sector Rank, reflecting strong performance among its 109 companies [2] - AQN belongs to the Utility - Electric Power industry, which consists of 60 companies and currently ranks 90 in the Zacks Industry Rank, with an average gain of 8.7% year-to-date [6] - Another outperforming stock in the Utilities sector is Koninklijke KPN NV (KKPNF), which has returned 32.7% year-to-date and also holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [5][7]