VRT vs. NVT: Which Data Center Infrastructure Stock Is the Better Buy?

Core Insights - Vertiv (VRT) and nVent Electric (NVT) are significant players in the data center infrastructure market, providing essential solutions for data centers and industrial environments [1] - The data center infrastructure management market is projected to grow from approximately $3.06 billion in 2024, with a CAGR of 17.3% from 2025 to 2030, presenting growth opportunities for both companies [2] Vertiv (VRT) Overview - Vertiv's product portfolio includes thermal systems, liquid cooling, UPS, switchgear, busbar, and modular solutions, with organic orders growing about 20% in the last 12 months and a book-to-bill ratio of 1.4 for Q1 2025, indicating strong prospects [3] - The backlog for Vertiv increased by 10% sequentially and 25% year-over-year, reaching $7.9 billion [3][10] - Recent product launches include a 142kW cooling and power reference architecture for NVIDIA's GB300 NVL72 platform, aimed at enhancing AI infrastructure deployment [4] - Vertiv introduced four new systems to meet AI application demands, focusing on power efficiency, thermal management, and scalability [5] - Strong capital expenditure plans from hyperscalers for data center expansion are favorable for Vertiv, supported by a rich partner base [6] nVent Electric (NVT) Overview - nVent Electric is experiencing strong momentum in the data center sector, with its Data Solutions business showing double-digit sales growth due to rising demand for electrical infrastructure products [7] - The recent $975 million acquisition of the Electrical Products Group from Avail Infrastructure Solutions enhances NVT's Systems Protection segment and expands its market presence [8] - nVent launched 35 new products during the quarter to address evolving data center demands [9] - Collaboration with NVIDIA to deliver advanced liquid cooling solutions for AI-driven data centers is a notable achievement [11] Stock Performance and Valuation - Year-to-date, Vertiv's shares have decreased by 2.7%, while nVent Electric's shares have increased by 0.7% [12] - Vertiv shares are currently overvalued with a Value Score of D, trading at a forward Price/Sales ratio of 4.17X, compared to nVent's lower valuation with a Value Score of B and a Price/Sales ratio of 3.01X [14] - Earnings estimates for 2025 indicate a projected $3.55 per share for Vertiv (24.56% year-over-year increase) and $3.08 per share for nVent (23.69% year-over-year increase) [17] Conclusion - Both Vertiv and nVent Electric are well-positioned to benefit from the growing data center market, but nVent is considered the stronger investment option due to consistent growth in its Data Solutions segment, strategic acquisitions, and favorable valuation [20] - nVent Electric holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), while Vertiv has a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating a stronger investment outlook for nVent [21]