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VRT vs. HPE: Which Data Center Infrastructure Stock Is the Better Buy?
ZACKSยท 2025-10-08 17:56
Core Insights - Vertiv (VRT) and Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) are significant players in the data center infrastructure market, with Vertiv focusing on thermal and power management systems, while HPE provides integrated data center solutions [1][2] Market Overview - The data center infrastructure management market was valued at approximately $3.06 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 17.3% from 2025 to 2030, presenting substantial growth opportunities for both companies [2] Vertiv's Position - Vertiv has a diverse product portfolio that includes thermal systems, liquid cooling, UPS, switchgear, busbars, and modular solutions, with organic orders increasing by about 11% and a book-to-bill ratio of 1.2 for Q2 2025 [3][10] - The backlog for Vertiv grew 7% sequentially and 21% year-over-year, reaching $8.5 billion [3][10] - The company is enhancing its capabilities through acquisitions, such as the purchase of Waylay NV, which focuses on hyperautomation and generative AI software, aimed at improving AI-driven monitoring and control technologies [5][10] - Vertiv's partnership with NVIDIA is strategic, allowing it to provide efficient power solutions for next-generation AI data centers [6] Hewlett Packard Enterprise's Position - HPE is expanding its offerings with advancements in its HPE Cray and ProLiant servers, which now include liquid-cooled solutions and high-speed interconnects [7] - The company has introduced new features in its HPE Juniper Networking portfolio and AI-native Mist platform, enhancing IT operations and user experiences [8] Stock Performance and Valuation - Year-to-date, Vertiv's shares have increased by 39.8%, while HPE's shares have appreciated by 16.7%, with Vertiv's performance attributed to its robust product portfolio and partnerships [11] - Vertiv shares are currently considered overvalued with a Value Score of D, while HPE shares are viewed as undervalued with a Value Score of B [14] - The trailing 12-month Price/Book ratio for Vertiv is 19.41X, significantly higher than HPE's 1.34X [14] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Vertiv's 2025 earnings is $3.83 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 34.39% [16] - In contrast, HPE's 2025 earnings estimate is $1.90 per share, indicating a year-over-year decline of 4.52% [16] - Vertiv has consistently beaten earnings estimates, with an average surprise of 10.65%, compared to HPE's average surprise of 4.39% [17] Conclusion - Both companies are positioned to benefit from the data center infrastructure boom, but Vertiv's stronger earnings momentum and diversified growth drivers suggest it may offer greater upside potential in the near term [18][20]