Shares of Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp (AQN) are soaring 9.89% on Friday, following the company's impressive first-quarter earnings report and optimistic management commentary. The utility company significantly outperformed analyst expectations, demonstrating the strength of its core regulated utility operations.

Algonquin reported adjusted earnings of $0.14 per share for Q1 2025, handily beating the analyst consensus estimate of $0.10. This represents a 27% increase from the $0.11 per share reported in the same quarter last year. The company's Regulated Services Group saw a notable 43% year-over-year growth in net earnings, primarily due to the implementation of new rates at several of its electric, water, and gas utilities, as well as a favorable non-recurring $8.2 million depreciation adjustment.

Adding to investor optimism, Algonquin maintained its quarterly dividend at $0.065 per share, payable on July 15 to shareholders of record as of June 30. This decision signals management's confidence in the company's financial stability and commitment to shareholder returns. Furthermore, newly appointed CEO Rod West expressed encouragement about the opportunities ahead, stating, "Our results were solid, reflecting the strength of our core regulated utility operations, even when accounting for one-time items that contributed positive tailwinds." The company also announced plans to host an investor update call on June 3, which is expected to provide more details on Algonquin's forward-looking financial outlook, further fueling the stock's upward momentum.