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

Core Insights - Vertiv (VRT) and Amphenol (APH) are key players in the AI and data center infrastructure market, providing essential power, cooling, and connectivity solutions for hyperscale and enterprise data centers [1][2] Market Overview - The Data Center Infrastructure Management market was valued at $3.62 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow from $4.29 billion in 2026 to $9.99 billion by 2031, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.43% from 2026 to 2031 [2] Vertiv (VRT) Analysis - Vertiv's comprehensive portfolio includes critical power systems, thermal management solutions, and advanced services, positioning the company to benefit from trends like liquid cooling and AI-enabled predictive analytics [3] - In the trailing 12 months, Vertiv's organic orders increased by approximately 21%, with a book-to-bill ratio of 1.4 times for Q3 2025, and a backlog growth of 12% sequentially and 30% year-over-year to $9.5 billion [4] - The Americas region experienced a 43% organic sales growth in Q3 2025, while APAC saw a 21% year-over-year growth [5] - For 2025, Vertiv expects revenues between $10.16 billion and $10.24 billion, with organic net sales growth anticipated between 26% and 28% [6] Amphenol (APH) Analysis - Amphenol is benefiting from the growing demand for high-speed and high-power interconnect products essential for next-generation data centers [7] - The launch of the UQD and UQDB liquid cooling connector series in 2025 enhances Amphenol's position in high-growth markets such as AI data centers and EV charging [8] - In Q3 2025, Amphenol reported a remarkable 128% year-over-year growth in IT datacom sales, driven by AI-related products and traditional datacom solutions [9][10] - Amphenol anticipates its IT datacom sales to more than double in 2025 compared to the previous year [11] Stock Performance and Valuation - In the trailing 12-month period, Vertiv's shares increased by 28.9%, while Amphenol's shares surged by 109.5% [12] - Vertiv shares are currently trading at a trailing 12-month Price/Book ratio of 18.62X, compared to Amphenol's 14.26X, indicating that both stocks are currently overvalued [16] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Vertiv's 2025 earnings is $4.12 per share, reflecting a 44.56% year-over-year increase [18] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Amphenol's 2025 earnings is $3.29 per share, representing a 59.79% year-over-year rise [20] - Both companies have consistently beaten earnings estimates in the trailing four quarters, with Amphenol showing a higher average surprise of 17.90% compared to Vertiv's 14.89% [20] Conclusion - Both Vertiv and Amphenol are positioned to benefit from the data center infrastructure boom, but Amphenol's stronger earnings momentum and diversified growth drivers suggest it may offer greater upside potential in the near term [21]