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SMCI vs. VRT: Which Stock Has an Edge in the Liquid Cooling Space?
ZACKS· 2025-07-11 15:46
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].
2 Air Conditioner & Heating Stocks to Watch in a Booming Industry
ZACKS· 2025-06-12 15:40
Industry Overview - The Zacks Building Products - Air Conditioner & Heating industry is positioned for long-term growth due to rising demand for energy-efficient solutions and smarter climate control technologies [1] - Companies are capitalizing on favorable policy trends and sustainability goals, increasing investments in digitalization, system upgrades, and green retrofits [1][2] - The industry includes designers, manufacturers, and marketers of products for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration markets [3] Market Dynamics - The residential market is driving momentum as homeowners prioritize comfort, efficiency, and indoor air quality [2] - Commercial and industrial demand is accelerating, particularly in high-tech environments requiring specialized cooling [2] - Industry leaders are enhancing market positions through service-based models and strategic acquisitions, ensuring steady revenue streams [2] Trends Influencing Growth - U.S. administration's pro-environmental moves are focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, benefiting companies that provide clean and efficient energy systems [4] - The data center boom, driven by AI and cloud computing, is increasing demand for specialized HVAC solutions, presenting high-margin opportunities [5] - Technology upgrades and strategic acquisitions are driving growth, with companies investing in R&D and enhancing customer experience through digital platforms [6] Challenges and Risks - The housing market remains volatile, with higher interest rates and economic fluctuations potentially impacting renovation and construction activity [7] - Labor shortages, supply chain constraints, and rising regulatory compliance costs are significant challenges facing the industry [9] Performance Metrics - The Zacks Building Products - Air Conditioner & Heating industry ranks 67, placing it in the top 27% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating bright prospects [10][11] - The industry's earnings estimates for 2025 have increased to $5.58 per share from $5.52, reflecting growing analyst confidence [12] Stock Performance - The industry has outperformed the broader Zacks Construction sector and the S&P 500 Composite over the past year, gaining 17.1% compared to the sector's 0.5% decline [14] - The industry is currently trading at a forward P/E of 28.43X, higher than the S&P 500's 22.11X and the sector's 17.96X [17] Company Highlights - **Comfort Systems USA, Inc.** has seen a surge in demand from advanced technology sectors, contributing to a record backlog of $6.9 billion and a 52.9% stock gain over the past year [20][21] - **Carrier Global Corporation** is focusing on innovative climate and energy solutions, with a 13.3% stock gain over the past year and an expected 18% earnings growth in 2025 [25][26]
inTEST (INTT) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-02 12:30
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q1 2025 was $26.6 million, down $3.2 million compared to Q1 2024, primarily due to a $6 million reduction in semiconductor sales and a $1.2 million decline in the industrial market [20][21] - Gross profit for Q1 2025 was $11.1 million, a decrease of $2 million year-over-year, with a gross margin of 41.5%, tightening by 230 basis points compared to the prior year [21][24] - The net loss for the quarter was $2.3 million, or a loss of $0.19 per diluted share, with an adjusted net loss of $1.4 million [23][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales to the auto EV market increased by $2 million, life sciences by $1 million, and other markets by $1.3 million, partially offsetting declines in semiconductor and industrial sales [7][20] - Industrial orders grew 47% year-over-year to $4.6 million, driven by a significant order from a returning customer [15][16] - Semiconductor orders declined by $6 million, reflecting tempered demand in the electronic test division [16][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Backlog as of March 31 was $38.2 million, down $17.2 million from the prior year, with a sequential decrease of $1.3 million [19] - The opportunity funnel is at an all-time high, indicating strong future demand once market conditions stabilize [18][29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on market diversification, innovation, and regional manufacturing to mitigate the impacts of tariff volatility and global trade uncertainties [10][28] - Plans to begin manufacturing in Malaysia in the second half of 2025 are on track, which is expected to enhance competitiveness and reduce costs [29][30] - The Vision 02/1930 growth strategy aims to increase the share of new products in total sales from 17% to 25% in the coming years [29][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the current geopolitical tensions and trade policy volatility have created a challenging environment, impacting customer spending and order timing [28][30] - The company remains optimistic about long-term fundamentals and expects sequential improvement in revenue and profitability throughout the year, despite limited visibility in the short term [26][30] Other Important Information - The company generated $5.5 million in cash from operations during the quarter and reduced total debt by approximately $3.2 million [24] - Operating expenses for Q1 2025 were $13.9 million, up $1.3 million year-over-year, influenced by restructuring costs and increased expenses related to the Alphamation acquisition [21][22] Q&A Session Summary Question: When did visibility get cloudier for the second half? - Management noted that customer order slowdowns began mid-quarter, impacting guidance and leading to engineering challenges that delayed shipments [32][33] Question: What are the potential swing factors for revenue? - The semiconductor and auto markets are identified as the biggest potential swing factors, with a healthy pipeline of projects in both sectors [34][35] Question: What is the breakeven quarterly revenue level now? - The breakeven point is estimated to be around $30 million, with ongoing cost-cutting initiatives expected to bring this down slightly [36][37] Question: Can you quantify the customer pipeline? - While specific numbers were not provided, management indicated that the opportunity funnel is at a record high, reflecting robust quote activity and opportunities [49][50]
3 Air Conditioner & Heating Stocks in Focus Overcoming Industry Hurdles
ZACKS· 2025-03-10 17:45
Industry Overview - The Zacks Building Products - Air Conditioner & Heating industry includes designers, manufacturers, and marketers of products for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration markets, including rooftop units, chillers, and thermostats [3] - The industry is currently facing challenges from housing market volatility, economic uncertainty, and shifting regulations, particularly in Europe and China [1][5] Economic and Market Trends - Higher interest rates and cautious consumer spending may slow renovation and construction activity, impacting demand for HVAC products [1][4] - The European market is experiencing political and economic uncertainty, affecting demand for residential HVAC solutions, with upcoming elections and policy changes introducing further uncertainty [5] - Trade policy risks, including potential tariffs on imports and raw materials, may disrupt supply chains and increase production costs [6] Company Performance and Strategies - Companies like Carrier Global Corporation, Comfort Systems USA, and The AZEK Company are positioned to benefit from pro-environmental initiatives in the U.S., supporting demand for energy-efficient solutions [2][9] - Investments in digitalization, distribution expansion, and strategic acquisitions are driving growth, while service-based revenues provide stability during market fluctuations [2][10] Financial Performance - The Zacks Building Products - Air Conditioner & Heating industry has outperformed the broader Zacks Construction sector and S&P 500 Composite over the past year, gaining 18.1% compared to the sector's 3.1% decline [15] - The industry's current valuation is at a forward P/E of 26.82X, higher than the S&P 500's 21.24X and the sector's 16.36X [17] Company Highlights - **AZEK**: Focuses on environmentally sustainable outdoor living products, with a strong residential segment and recent acquisitions to enhance recycling capabilities [20][21] - **Carrier Global**: Engages in innovative climate and energy solutions, with strategic transformations and new product launches expected to drive revenue [22][23] - **Comfort Systems**: A national provider of HVAC services, with a diversified revenue base and strong growth in technology and manufacturing sectors [25][26]