Generac stock charges higher to pace the S&P 500 gainers after reports of widespread power outages

Shares of Generac Holdings Inc. powered up 7.6% in afternoon trading, enough to pace the S&P 500's gainers. Investors appear to be flocking to the maker of home generators amid reports of widespread power outages in the southern U.S. resulting and oppressive heat following heavy storms. According to PowerOutage.us, there are more than 140,000 homes without power in Oklahoma, more than 50,000 without power in both Texas and Louisiana, more than 20,000 without power in Mississippi and more than 10,000 without power in Arkansas. There are also nearly 40,000 homes without power in California. Generac's stock has soared 27.7% year to date, while the S&P 500 has advanced 14.4%.