Needham Sees Opportunity in 2 Lesser-Known Energy Stocks Riding the Data-Center Boom

Company Overview - Generac provides total energy solutions, including power generation equipment, energy storage systems, and energy management devices, serving light commercial, industrial, and residential markets [2] - The company has been operational since 1959 and is a leader in North America's generator market, with a valuation exceeding $10 billion [2] Market Demand and Trends - There is a growing demand for reliable power infrastructure, particularly driven by the expansion of data centers, which consumed approximately 415 TWh of power last year and is projected to reach 945 TWh by 2030 [4] - Major tech firms like Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, and Alphabet are significantly increasing their capital spending on data center construction, with combined expenditures reaching about $245 billion last year and approaching $360 billion [5] Product Applications - Generac's products cater to various applications, including portable power, home backup, solar power storage, and EV charging, ensuring essential electricity supply under all conditions [1] - The company offers industrial-strength diesel-powered generators that meet the high power demands of data centers [7] Financial Performance - In Q2 2025, Generac reported a revenue of $1.06 billion, a 6% year-over-year increase, surpassing forecasts by nearly $35 million [8] - The net income for the quarter was $74 million, translating to $1.25 per share, which exceeded expectations by $0.22 [8] Analyst Insights - Analyst Sean Milligan from Needham highlights that Generac's stock surged by up to 29% following the Q2 2025 earnings release, attributing this to the company's focus on the data center business [9] - Milligan projects a $250 million revenue from data centers in 2026, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of approximately 17.5%, potentially scaling to a $500 million run-rate in 2027 [10] Stock Ratings - Generac has a Moderate Buy consensus rating from analysts, with 16 recent reviews showing an equal split of 8 Buys and Holds [12] - The current share price is $189.04, with an average target price of $207.14, indicating a potential gain of 9.5% over the next year [12]