Is Vertiv (VRT) the top 2025 data center pick?

Core Viewpoint - Vertiv (VRT) has experienced a significant stock price recovery following a better-than-expected earnings report, reversing a year-to-date decline of 39.29% and surging 18.35% in pre-market trading [1][3]. Financial Performance - Vertiv reported a year-over-year earnings-per-share (EPS) growth of 49% to $0.64 and a sales increase of 24% to $2.04 billion [3]. - The company has upgraded its 2025 net sales guidance to a range of $9.325 billion to $9.575 billion, up from the previous forecast of $9.125 billion to $9.275 billion [4]. Analyst Sentiment - Analysts maintain a bullish outlook on VRT stock, with a consensus rating of 'strong buy' and an average 12-month price target of $113 [5][6]. - The lowest analyst forecast is $73, which is above the latest closing price, while the highest forecast suggests a potential rise to $146 [6]. Market Context - Despite the positive earnings report, there are concerns regarding the broader economic environment, including trade war risks and potential bubbles in the data center sector [9][10].