Core Viewpoint - The AI and data center sector presents significant investment opportunities, with companies like Vertiv and nVent providing essential solutions and services that capitalize on the growing demand for data centers driven by AI applications [1]. Vertiv - Vertiv specializes in digital infrastructure for data centers and communication networks, offering products such as power management and thermal management solutions [2]. - The company has experienced a 10% increase in backlog from the end of 2024, indicating strong demand for data center investments [3]. - Following robust order and backlog growth, management raised the full-year organic revenue growth forecast to 18% from 16% [5]. - Despite maintaining profit margin guidance due to tariff uncertainties, free cash flow (FCF) is projected at $1.3 billion in 2025, with expectations of $1.65 billion and $1.79 billion in 2026 and 2027, respectively [6]. - With a market cap of $36.1 billion, Vertiv is expected to trade at 28 times and 22.5 times FCF in 2025 and 2026, respectively, which could be seen as a good value if AI/data center demand continues to rise [7]. nVent - nVent provides electrical connection and protection solutions, with a strategic focus on increasing exposure to data centers and power utilities [9]. - The acquisition of Avail Infrastructure Solutions for $975 million has resulted in infrastructure-related solutions now comprising 40% of nVent's portfolio, which is the fastest-growing segment [10]. - The company reported mid-teens growth in organic orders in Q1, driven by strong demand in data solutions [10]. - nVent raised its full-year sales guidance to organic growth of 5% to 7% and earnings growth guidance to 22% to 26%, reflecting positive performance despite anticipated tariff impacts [11]. - Analysts project earnings per share of $3.09 and $3.46 for 2025 and 2026, with FCF estimates of $406 million and $561 million, respectively, indicating attractive valuation multiples below 20 times earnings for 2025 and 17.4 times for 2026 [13].

Summary of Custom Truck OneSource (CTOS) FY Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Custom Truck OneSource (CTOS) - **Industry**: Specialty equipment rental and sales, focusing on electric, utility transmission and distribution, communications, and rail markets in North America - **Business Model**: One-stop shop offering rental, sales, and aftermarket parts and services [1][2] Key Points and Arguments Rental Fleet Characteristics - **Fleet Size**: Over 10,000 units, with 70% focused on utility markets, 10% on rail and telecom, and the remainder on specialty vocational trucks [5][6] - **Asset Life**: Equipment has a useful life of 10 to 20 years, with an average rental duration of just over one year [7][8] - **Fleet Age**: The average age of the fleet is just over three years, which is considered a competitive advantage [9] Integrated Production Capabilities - **Production Model**: Custom Truck sources attachments and chassis directly from major suppliers, allowing for economies of scale and cost advantages [11][12] - **Customer Flexibility**: The company caters to customer needs through rentals, sales, and aftermarket services, enhancing customer retention [13][14] End Markets and Demand Trends - **Revenue Breakdown**: 55% from utility, just under 30% from infrastructure, and each rail and telecom contributing just under 5% [15][16] - **Market Drivers**: Strong demand for utility grid upgrades, infrastructure projects, and ongoing investments in rail and telecom, with a noted softness in telecom [17][19] Growth Opportunities - **Future Drivers**: Anticipated growth from utility grid upgrades, electrification, manufacturing onshoring, and data center investments [20][21] - **Q1 Performance**: Reported a 13% growth in the ERS segment, with improved rental fleet utilization at 78% [25] Tariff Impact and Procurement Strategy - **Tariff Resilience**: The company is well-positioned with a young rental fleet and significant pre-tariff inventory, minimizing the impact of potential tariffs [26][27] - **Supplier Relationships**: Strong relationships with suppliers have allowed for proactive procurement strategies to mitigate cost increases [28][30] Capital Allocation and Free Cash Flow - **Free Cash Flow Target**: Aiming for $50 million in levered free cash flow, with significant investments in the rental fleet projected between $375 million and $400 million [52][53] - **Debt Reduction Priority**: Focus on reducing net leverage to below three times by the end of 2026 [54][56] Backlog and Long-Term Growth - **Backlog Status**: Increased backlog by over $51 million in Q1, with a healthy range of four to six months on hand [60][62] - **Growth Projections**: Expected long-term growth rates in the high single digits to low double digits, with targeted gross profit margins of 15% to 18% for new sales [66][68] Customer Dynamics - **Demand from Customers**: Both larger and smaller customers are showing good demand, with smaller customers leaning towards rentals due to capital expense hesitancy [70][72] Additional Important Insights - **Greenfield Strategy**: The company is expanding its footprint with new locations and acquisitions, targeting areas with customer demand [45][49] - **Pricing Strategy**: Adjusted gross profit margins targeted at low to mid-seventy percent for rentals and mid-twenty percent for asset sales, with recent price increases reflecting market conditions [41][42][43] This summary encapsulates the key insights and strategic directions discussed during the Custom Truck OneSource FY Conference Call, highlighting the company's operational strengths, market dynamics, and future growth potential.