EVgo Inc. reported better-than-expected first-quarter sales. Investors are relieved.

Tuesday, the electric-vehicle-charging company announced an adjusted operating loss of $5.9 million on sales of $75.3 million. Wall Street was looking for a $6.6 million loss on sales of $71.5 million, according to FactSet.

Revenue jumped 36% year over year. The operating loss shrank by about $1.3 million. Network throughput -- the amount of energy EV drivers got from EVgo charging stations -- hit 83 gigawatt-hours, up 60% year over year. Total charging stalls in operation ended the quarter at 4,240, up 32% year over year.

Investors look pleased. EVgo shares were up 25.6% at $3.48 in early trading, while the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average were off 0.8% and 0.7%, respectively.

Coming into earnings, shares were badly beaten up, down 32% year to date and down 63% since the Nov. 5 presidential election. President Donald Trump has promised to end some of the Biden-era EV subsidies.

Despite some of the political headwinds facing the EV industry, EVgo maintained its full-year financial guidance. The company expects sales to land at $340 million to $360 million. The midpoint of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, or Ebitda, guidance is $2.5 million.

Wall Street projects breakeven Ebitda and sales of $347 million, so hitting the midpoint of guidance would be a nice surprise.

EVgo doesn't generate earnings or cash flow yet. The company ended the quarter with about $171 million of cash on its books. Wall Street projects cash use of about $110 million in 2025. Analysts project positive free cash flow when quarterly sales are in the range from $100 million to $125 million.

The company isn't there yet, but it's getting closer.