Are Utilities Stocks Lagging Algonquin Power & Utilities (AQN) This Year?

Group 1 - Algonquin Power & Utilities (AQN) has outperformed its peers in the Utilities sector with a year-to-date return of 34.8%, compared to the sector average of 13.4% [4] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AQN's full-year earnings has increased by 8.8% over the past 90 days, indicating improving analyst sentiment [4] - AQN currently holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), suggesting a favorable outlook for the stock [3] Group 2 - The Utilities group includes 108 companies, with Algonquin Power & Utilities ranked 3 in the Zacks Sector Rank [2] - AQN belongs to the Utility - Electric Power industry, which consists of 59 stocks, and is currently ranked 81 in the Zacks Industry Rank [6] - Stocks in the Utility - Electric Power industry have gained an average of 14.1% this year, indicating AQN's strong performance relative to its industry peers [6] Group 3 - Brookfield Renewable Energy Partners (BEP) is another Utilities stock that has shown strong performance, returning 15.3% year-to-date [5] - The consensus EPS estimate for Brookfield Renewable Energy Partners has increased by 13.8% over the past three months, and it also holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [5] - Investors should continue to monitor both Algonquin Power & Utilities and Brookfield Renewable Energy Partners for potential sustained performance [7]