Core Insights - Super Micro Computer (SMCI) and Vertiv Holdings (VRT) are key players in the data center liquid-cooling market, driven by the demand for AI and high-performance computing solutions [1][8] - The data center cooling market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 11.8% from 2025 to 2032, indicating strong industry potential [2] SMCI Overview - SMCI's next-generation air-cooled and liquid-cooled GPU and AI platforms contributed over 70% to its revenue in Q4 of fiscal 2025 [3] - The company has achieved a production volume of over 2000 direct liquid cooling (DLC) racks per month, reflecting strong demand for its products [3] - SMCI launched DLC-2 technology in May 2025, which offers significant benefits such as up to 40% reduction in electricity costs [4] - However, SMCI faces challenges including delayed purchasing decisions from customers and margin contraction due to price competition from rivals like HPE and Dell [5] VRT Overview - Vertiv has a robust thermal management portfolio, including Coolant Distribution Units and immersion cooling systems, which are essential for optimizing performance in AI and HPC workloads [7] - The acquisition of CoolTera in 2023 enhances Vertiv's capabilities in advanced cooling technology [7] - Vertiv's revenue for fiscal 2025 is estimated at $9.98 billion, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 24.6%, with earnings projected at $3.84 per share, indicating a growth of 34.74% [10] Stock Performance and Valuation - Year-to-date, SMCI shares have increased by 79.7%, while VRT shares have risen by 57.6% [12] - SMCI is trading at a forward Price to Sales ratio of 1.00X, above its median of 0.82X, while VRT is at 6.09X, higher than its median of 4.68X [13] Conclusion - Both SMCI and VRT are benefiting from the growth in cooling technology driven by AI workloads, but VRT's stronger financial performance positions it as the more favorable investment option [16]

Industry Overview - The data center cooling market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.8% from 2023 to 2030, driven by the demand for coolant architectures for AI and high-performance computing [1]. Company Analysis: Super Micro Computer (SMCI) - SMCI's server and storage revenues are significantly supported by its direct liquid cooling products, achieving a production volume of over 2000 DLC racks per month [3]. - The company launched DLC-2 technology in May 2025, which offers features such as water and space savings, noise reduction, and a potential reduction in electricity costs by up to 40% [4]. - SMCI is currently facing challenges, including delayed purchasing decisions from customers and margin contraction due to increased competition from established players like HPE and Dell Technologies [5]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for SMCI's fiscal 2025 earnings is $2.07 per share, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 6.3% [5][6]. Company Analysis: Vertiv (VRT) - Vertiv has a robust thermal management portfolio, providing various cooling solutions that optimize performance and power utilization [7]. - The company is projected to achieve 24.91% EPS growth in FY25, driven by strong demand for AI cooling solutions [7][10]. - Vertiv continues to invest in research and capacity expansion to meet the growing needs of AI infrastructure, including the development of high-density cooling solutions for NVIDIA's platforms [9]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Vertiv's fiscal 2025 revenues is $9.52 billion, indicating year-over-year growth of 18.8%, with earnings estimated at $3.56 per share, reflecting a growth of 24.91% [10][11]. Stock Performance and Valuation - Year-to-date, shares of SMCI have increased by 65.2%, while VRT shares have gained 6.3% [12]. - SMCI is trading at a forward Price to Sales ratio of 1.01X, above its median of 0.83X, whereas VRT is trading at a forward sales multiple of 4.5X, higher than its median of 4.25X [13]. Conclusion - Both SMCI and VRT are benefiting from the growth in cooling technology due to AI workloads and high-performance computing [16]. - However, VRT's financial metrics suggest it is a stronger investment choice compared to SMCI, which currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) versus VRT's 2 (Buy) [16].