Key Takeaways Southern benefits from strong load growth, new long-term contracts and a large capital plan.SO's shares climbed 10.1% YTD but lagged strong utility and sub-industry gains.Southern sees rising data-center load, new contracts and large regulated spending visibility.Southern Company’s (SO) shares gained roughly 10.1% year to date (“YTD”), outperforming TransAlta Corporation (TAC) , which advanced about 1.3%, and Centuri Holdings’ (CTRI) solid 6.1% rise. The stock, however, lagged the Electric Pow ...