Should You Hold on to Vertiv Despite the Stock's 19% YTD Decline?

Core Viewpoint - Vertiv (VRT) shares have declined 19% year to date, underperforming the broader Zacks Computer and Technology sector and the Zacks Computers - IT Services industry, primarily due to macroeconomic challenges and trade war fears stemming from U.S. tariffs [1][2]. Company Performance - VRT stock has underperformed compared to Eaton (ETN), which has invested over $8 billion in sustainable energy solutions, with Eaton's shares down 11.3% year to date [2]. - Vertiv's organic orders grew approximately 20% in the trailing 12 months, with a book-to-bill ratio of 1.4 for Q1 2025, indicating strong prospects [5]. - The backlog increased by 10% sequentially and 25% year over year, reaching $7.9 billion [5]. Product Portfolio Expansion - Vertiv launched four new systems in March 2025 aimed at AI applications, including Vertiv Unify software and SmartRun modular solutions, enhancing power efficiency and scalability [6]. - The introduction of the Vertiv CoolLoop Trim Cooler offers up to 70% energy savings and 40% space reduction for high-density cooling environments [7]. Strategic Partnerships - Vertiv's partnerships with companies like Tecogen, NVIDIA, and others are key growth drivers [8][9][10]. - The collaboration with Tecogen focuses on advanced natural gas-powered chiller technology for data centers, enhancing cooling solutions [9]. - The partnership with NVIDIA aims to launch a modular AI supercomputer in Italy by 2025 [10]. Financial Guidance - For 2025, Vertiv expects revenues between $9.325 billion and $9.575 billion, with organic net sales growth projected at 16.5% to 19.5% [11]. - The second-quarter 2025 revenue forecast is between $2.325 billion and $2.375 billion, with organic net sales growth expected in the 19% to 23% range [12]. Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for second-quarter 2025 revenues is $2.27 billion, indicating a year-over-year growth of 16.48% [13]. - The 2025 earnings estimate is pegged at $3.55 per share, reflecting a 24.56% increase from 2024 [14]. Valuation Metrics - Vertiv is currently trading at a trailing 12-month Price/Book ratio of 12.19X, compared to the sector's 8.90X, indicating it is overvalued [15]. - The company has a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), suggesting investors should wait for a more favorable entry point [19].