Core Insights - The transition from "perception and understanding" to "generation and creation" in AI models signifies the emergence of AI 2.0, driven by "technological leap + ecological reconstruction" [1] - The CDCC2025 China Data Center Standards Summit held in Beijing focused on the core dynamics and future landscape of the AI 2.0 era [1] Group 1: AI Infrastructure Development - Eight presentations highlighted the comprehensive wisdom of the AI 2.0 era, showcasing the future technological development paths of AI infrastructure [3] - The demand for AI computing power is increasing exponentially, making rapid delivery a primary requirement for AIDC infrastructure [8] - Vertiv's modular technology offers high-value integrated design solutions for AI Factory infrastructure, balancing efficiency costs and deployment speed as power deployment reaches megawatt levels [11] Group 2: Cooling Technology and Lifecycle Services - Liquid cooling technology is becoming mainstream due to the continuous increase in Thermal Design Power (TDP), necessitating optimal matching of cooling systems to application scenarios [14] - Vertiv is addressing industry pain points with its "360 Liquid Cooling Full Lifecycle Service," ensuring high-density computing infrastructure is "usable, maintainable, and sustainable" [16] Group 3: Comprehensive Solutions and Innovations - Vertiv's 360AI full-chain intelligent computing solution aims to tackle AI infrastructure challenges through a systematic approach, leveraging various technical advantages [19] - The SmartRun solution by Vertiv allows flexible configuration based on power, cooling, fiber, and copper chain requirements, addressing rapid delivery issues in intelligent computing centers [22] - Vertiv's cold and electric fusion computing module technology won two "2025 Annual Data Center Excellent Technology Achievement Awards" at the CDCC event [24] Group 4: Company Overview - Vertiv is a leading global provider of digital infrastructure solutions with over 50 years of development history, serving various sectors including telecommunications, data centers, and renewable energy [30] - The company has established three R&D centers and three production bases in China, supported by over 30 offices and service centers nationwide [30]

Key Takeaways from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The conference focused on the industrial and materials sector, particularly in relation to data center cooling technologies and solutions. Key companies discussed include nVent Electric, Vertiv, Eaton Corp, Jabil, Motivair, Modine, and Dover. Core Insights 1. **Strong Demand** Companies reported robust backlog coverage and bookings extending into 2027 and 2028, indicating a strong demand for their products and services [1][2][3] 2. **Shift to Pre-fabricated Solutions** There is a notable shift towards pre-fabricated solutions that can significantly reduce installation times from weeks to as little as one day, addressing labor shortages and coordination challenges on-site [2][3] 3. **Importance of Services** Services, particularly in liquid cooling, are critical. Companies are leveraging AI and digital capabilities to enhance service delivery through data-driven approaches rather than traditional time-based schedules [3][4] 4. **Emergence of 800V Technology** Several companies showcased 800V technology, aligning with future silicon roadmaps, which is expected to support advanced applications like AI [3][4] 5. **Future Cooling Technologies** - Mixed opinions on two-phase cooling technology, with some seeing it as a long-term opportunity (3-7 years out) while others cite challenges [4] - Modine introduced a stainless steel chiller aimed at improving reliability and efficiency in cooling systems [4] - Immersion cooling is viewed as a niche market for the next few years [4] Company-Specific Insights nVent Electric - **Liquid Cooling Inflection Point** The company is capitalizing on the shift from air cooling to liquid cooling, with a portfolio of 10 new products and enhancements to existing solutions [9][10] - **Alignment with Hyperscalers** nVent is closely working with NVIDIA and AMD to ensure its cooling solutions align with new chip releases through 2030 [11] - **Integrated Solutions** The company is moving from selling components to providing full solutions, exemplified by their Technology Cooling System (TCS) [13] Vertiv - **Technological Innovations** Vertiv is focusing on 800V technology and has developed pre-fabricated solutions that significantly reduce installation complexity and time [17][18] - **Service Capabilities** The company has a large service team and is utilizing AI for maintenance and service scheduling, enhancing its service offerings [19] Eaton Corp - **Next-Generation DC Architecture** Eaton is developing a new DC architecture aligned with NVIDIA's 800V systems, targeting high-density power solutions [23][24] - **Scalability and Efficiency** The company emphasizes the scalability of its DC systems and aims to improve efficiency through reduced power conversion [25] Jabil - **Cold Plate Technology** Jabil's cold plate technology supports liquid cooling effectively, with expectations for continued industry relevance [30] Motivair - **Capacity Expansion** Motivair is aggressively expanding its manufacturing capabilities to meet demand, with a focus on prefabricated modular cooling solutions [34][37] Modine - **Innovative Chillers** Modine's new stainless steel chiller enhances system reliability and is designed to support liquid cooling without the need for in-row CDUs [39] Dover - **Strategic Focus** Dover's CPC division is expanding capacity and expects revenues from data centers to exceed $100 million in 2025, driven by a focus on high-reliability connectors [41][42] Risks and Valuation - **Valuation Ratings** - nVent Electric: Buy, price target of $140 [14] - Vertiv: Buy, price target of $182 [20] - Jabil: Buy, price target of $252 [32] - Dover: Buy, price target of $218 [45] - **Key Risks** Risks include potential deceleration in growth, pricing pressures, and challenges in maintaining margins due to competitive pressures and market dynamics [14][21][32][45]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted diluted EPS for Q3 reached $1.24, up approximately 63% year-over-year, driven by higher adjusted operating profit [8][14] - Q3 organic sales grew 28%, with the Americas up 43% and APAC up 21%, while EMEA declined 4% [8][14] - Adjusted operating profit was $596 million, up 43% year-on-year, with an adjusted operating margin of 22.3% [9][14] - Adjusted free cash flow of $462 million was up 38%, translating to approximately 95% free cash flow conversion [9][16] - The total backlog now stands at $9.5 billion, up about 30% year-on-year and 12% sequentially [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Americas segment delivered strong organic growth of 43%, driven by accelerated AI demand across product lines [16] - APAC saw 21% organic growth, supported by AI infrastructure demand [16] - EMEA experienced a 4% decline in organic sales, but expectations for recovery are set for the second half of 2026 [17][21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overall market growth is accelerating, particularly in the colo cloud segment, which is the fastest-growing area [8] - The company reported a trailing 12-month organic orders growth of about 21%, with Q3 orders up 60% year-over-year [8][9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining technology leadership through R&D investments and operational excellence [4][6] - A restructuring program is being implemented in EMEA to prepare for future growth, with an expected annualized benefit of approximately $20 million starting in 2026 [17] - The company plans to accelerate investments in supply chain and services capabilities to meet evolving customer needs [22][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in a multi-year period of significant growth and value creation, driven by digital transformation and AI demand [6][22] - The company anticipates continued significant organic sales growth in 2026, supported by a substantial backlog and a healthy pipeline [22][24] - Management acknowledged the dynamic nature of tariffs but is optimistic about mitigating their impacts by Q1 2026 [22][23] Other Important Information - The company is committed to maintaining a robust free cash flow, providing strategic flexibility for future investments [23] - The engineering and R&D spending is expected to grow by over 20% in 2026 to stay ahead of industry demands [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is driving the order uptake and when will big announcements translate into orders? - Management indicated that strong market conditions, technology evolution, and reliable execution are driving order growth, but the timing of large customer announcements translating into orders can vary [29][31] Question: Can you provide more color on the services opportunity and its margin structure? - Management highlighted that the service business is a unique competitive advantage and is expected to catch up with product growth, generating recurring revenue [37][39] Question: What is the outlook for margins and the impact of tariffs? - Management confirmed that the long-term margin target of 25% by 2029 remains intact, with expectations for incremental margins in the 30%-35% range [46][50] Question: How is the company preparing for growth in EMEA? - Management expressed confidence in a sales acceleration in EMEA and noted that operational inefficiencies are being addressed to improve margins [94][95] Question: What is the competitive environment and how is the company responding to innovations? - Management emphasized the importance of innovation and maintaining a competitive edge through continuous investment in technology [110][111]