Eaton(US:ETN)2026-02-17 19:17Summary of Eaton Corporation Conference Call Industry Overview - The focus of the conference call was on data center technologies, specifically power and thermal management within data centers [1] - Eaton Corporation is involved in the electrical businesses sector, with significant emphasis on data center build-outs in the US [1] Key Points and Arguments Data Center Build-Outs - Eaton estimates that the cumulative opportunity for data center build-outs in the US will reach approximately 100 gigawatts (GW) by 2028 [2] - As of the end of the previous year, there was an installed capacity of about 35 to 40 GW, with 17 GW planned for 2026 [2] - There is a backlog of over 165-200 GW planned through 2030 and beyond, indicating strong growth potential [2] - The visibility for future installations could extend up to 10 years due to the backlog, despite physical and labor constraints [3] Voltage and Power Management - The transition to 800-volt direct current (DC) in data centers is seen as a significant architectural change, with designs currently being developed [11] - Transitioning to DC power could yield a 5% efficiency gain, potentially providing an additional 5 GW of power from existing infrastructure [12] - Solid-state transformers are crucial for this transition, allowing for direct conversion from medium voltage to DC, thus simplifying the architecture and reducing losses [14][15] Eaton's Position and Technology Development - Eaton has been investing in next-generation power electronics for about 10 years, positioning itself well in the solid-state transformer market [16] - The company has initiated pilots for medium-voltage solid-state transformers and acquired Resilient Power for their technology [17] - Mass adoption of solid-state transformers is anticipated within the next 2 to 3 years, coinciding with advancements in chip technology [18] Circuit Protection and Safety - The shift to higher voltage systems necessitates new circuit protection devices, as direct current requires faster interruption methods compared to alternating current [21][22] - Eaton has been investing in solid-state and hybrid circuit protection to meet these new demands [22] Systems Approach in Data Centers - Customers are increasingly seeking a systems approach to data center design, integrating various components for optimal efficiency rather than selecting best-of-breed products individually [26] - This trend is likened to the Apple ecosystem, where components work seamlessly together [26] Gray Space vs. White Space - The distinction between Gray Space (power systems) and White Space (IT systems) is becoming less relevant as power demands increase and rack densities rise [30] - Eaton is becoming more involved in discussions about power flow from utility to rack, indicating a shift in design considerations [30] Distributed Power Generation - The trend towards bidirectional power flow, including on-site generation, aligns well with Eaton's technology, such as microgrid controllers and energy-aware UPS systems [32][33] Liquid Cooling Technology - Liquid cooling is becoming essential as chip power requirements increase, with advancements in cold plate technology for efficient heat dissipation [34][35] - Boyd Thermal, acquired by Eaton, is positioned well in the market due to its reliability and rapid development capabilities [40][41] Additional Important Insights - Eaton's strong historical performance in the Gray Space is complemented by its growing capabilities in the White Space [30] - The company is focused on maintaining reliability and speed in product development to meet the demands of rapidly evolving chip technologies [49] - There is a positive outlook on Eaton's EPS growth compared to peers, with ongoing M&A and organic investments to utilize excess cash effectively [50]