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Vertiv Expands AI Data Center Footprint: Can It Beat APH and SMCI?

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Key Takeaways

  • Vertiv's SmartIT platform simplifies high-density AI data center deployments.
  • NVIDIA collaboration could reduce deployment time by up to 50%.
  • VRT shares gained 23.3% YTD, with Q3 organic growth projected to be 34%-36%.

Vertiv (VRT - Free Report) is benefiting from strong demand for AI infrastructure as hyperscalers, colocation providers, neocloud operators and enterprises continue to expand data-center capacity. Its integrated infrastructure portfolio, strategic partnerships and manufacturing expansion strengthen its competitive position against Amphenol (APH - Free Report) and Super Micro Computer (SMCI - Free Report) .

Building on this momentum, the company recently introduced Vertiv SmartIT, a pre-engineered infrastructure platform designed to simplify high-density artificial intelligence (AI) deployments across enterprise facilities, colocation environments and new data centers. Built on NVIDIA MGX and OCP ORV3 architectures, the solution integrates rack infrastructure, power distribution, liquid cooling and monitoring into a factory-validated design. 

SmartIT supports NVIDIA’s GB300 and Rubin platforms, enabling seamless scalability from single-rack to multi-rack configurations. The solution reduces deployment complexity, minimizes on-site integration requirements and enhances operational visibility through built-in monitoring and leak detection. It is available globally and complements Vertiv’s broader AI infrastructure portfolio.

The company’s partnership with NVIDIA has been a key catalyst. Vertiv recently announced a collaboration with NVIDIA to accelerate AI data center deployment using NVIDIA DSX reference architectures and factory-built infrastructure. The approach combines pre-engineered designs, virtual validation and prefabricated power and cooling solutions, potentially reducing configuration time by 10 times and deployment time by up to 50%. Vertiv estimates that faster deployment could increase cumulative AI token output by up to 30% during the first 12 months under modeled assumptions. Polar Data Centers is implementing this approach at its 41-megawatt AI data center project in Norway, scalable to 100 megawatts.

With its broad product portfolio and deep customer relationships, Vertiv is well-positioned to maintain its growth trajectory and potentially strengthen its competitive position against Amphenol and Super Micro Computer as AI data-center spending expands. For the third quarter of 2026, management expects sales of $3.65-$3.85 billion and 34%-36% organic growth.

VRT Suffers From Stiff Competition

Vertiv’s AI infrastructure solutions are facing increasing competition from Super Micro Computer and Amphenol. Both companies are expanding their offerings to support high-density, AI-driven data center deployments.

Super Micro Computer’s expanding portfolio has been noteworthy.  In July 2026, Supermicro Computer expanded the DCBBS liquid-cooling portfolio with 10 rear-door heat exchangers that support high-density AI and HPC systems and offer flexible cooling capacities for new and legacy data centers.

Amphenol is benefiting from the surge in demand for AI infrastructure, which is transforming the company’s growth and market position. In the second quarter of 2026, IT datacom represented about 43% of sales and grew 63% organically year over year. This robust performance was driven by accelerating investments in AI data centers and Amphenol’s ability to capture a significant share of this unique interconnect opportunity.

Vertiv’s Share Price Performance, Valuation, and Estimates

VRT’s shares have rallied 23.3% year to date compared with the broader Zacks Computer & Technology sector’s 15% rise. The Zacks Computers - IT Services industry declined 8.9% over the same period.

VRT Stock Performance

Zacks Investment Research
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Vertiv stock is trading at a premium, with a trailing 12-month Price/Book of 16.17X compared with the Computer and Technology sector’s 8.73X. VRT has a Value Score of C.

VRT Valuation

Zacks Investment Research
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 earnings is pegged at $6.71 per share, which has decreased by a penny over the past 30 days. This indicates a 59.76% increase from the year-ago quarter.

Vertiv currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

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