Vertiv Holdings (VRT), an AI infrastructure company specializing in power, cooling, and IT solutions for data centers, has surged 1,400% over three years, outperforming Nvidia's 770% gain. The company provided strong 2026 guidance with projected 34% revenue growth and 47% EPS growth, driven by increased AI capex spending from hyperscalers and chip manufacturers. Analysts recommend buying VRT as a long-term 'picks-and-shovels' play in the AI infrastructure space.

Applied Digital and Vertiv are both positioned to benefit from the growing data center infrastructure market, projected to reach $9.99 billion by 2031. Applied Digital offers long-term upside through its AI campus development and hyperscaler lease pipeline but faces capital-intensive timelines. Vertiv provides end-to-end power and thermal solutions with stronger near-term earnings visibility, a $15 billion backlog, and a more attractive valuation. Vertiv receives a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) while Applied Digital holds a Rank #3 (Hold).

As AI valuations expand and expectations rise, the article argues that AI Trade 2.0 opportunities may shift from obvious chip leaders toward infrastructure scaling, bottleneck solutions, and second-order beneficiaries. Key areas include networking, thermal management, design software, cloud monetization, and energy/power sectors. The article emphasizes that selectivity and valuation discipline are now critical as many AI stocks trade at premium multiples.

Vertiv Holdings, a provider of thermal management and power infrastructure for data centers, is positioned as an attractive AI stock for 2026. The company reported 27.5% revenue growth to $10.2 billion and 47% adjusted earnings growth in 2025, with a massive $15 billion revenue backlog driven by AI infrastructure demand. With guidance for 32% revenue growth in 2026 and a valuation of 9x sales, analysts believe the stock could deliver significant upside as hyperscaler capital spending accelerates.

While Nvidia dominates AI accelerators, the broader AI ecosystem is expanding rapidly with lesser-known companies benefiting from surging AI infrastructure spending. The article highlights four underrated AI stocks: Super Micro Computer (server infrastructure), Arista Networks (cloud networking), Vertiv Holdings (cooling and power management), and Synopsys (semiconductor design software) as compelling alternatives to mega-cap AI plays.

Ten large-cap stocks were top performers during the week of February 9-13, 2026. Magna International led with a 26.81% gain following better-than-expected Q4 results and raised FY26 guidance. Other notable gainers included Generac Holdings (22.25%), Rivian Automotive (20.20%), BorgWarner (20.15%), and Akamai Technologies (17.64%), all driven by strong earnings reports and analyst upgrades.

Vertiv Holdings reported strong Q4 2025 results with 28% sales growth to $10.2 billion and 66% free cash flow increase to $1.8 billion. The company's backlog doubled to $15 billion, signaling robust ongoing demand for its AI data center infrastructure solutions including cooling and energy storage. Management forecasts 27-29% organic growth for 2026, suggesting the stock still has upside potential despite a recent 17% rally.

Vertiv (VRT) delivered strong earnings with revenue of $2.88B (22.5% YoY growth) and EPS of $1.36 beating expectations. The company's $15B backlog, up 109% YoY, demonstrates robust demand for its cooling systems critical to AI data centers. VRT stock surged 18% following the report, though analysts note the stock appears extended and may face a pullback.

Vertiv Holdings reported exceptional Q4 results with 252% organic order growth and a $15 billion backlog, signaling strong demand for AI data center infrastructure. The company's 2026 guidance significantly exceeds analyst expectations, with revenue projected at $13.25-13.75 billion and adjusted EPS of $5.97-6.07. The article identifies Vertiv and related infrastructure plays as key beneficiaries of the multi-year AI infrastructure spending cycle.

Vertiv stock surged 22.5% on February 11, 2026, despite missing Q4 earnings and sales expectations. The company reported Q4 EPS of $1.14 on revenue of $2.88 billion versus Wall Street estimates of $1.16 EPS and $2.89 billion in sales. However, strong forward guidance for Q1 2026 with sales projected between $2.5-$2.7 billion and adjusted EPS of $0.95-$1.01 drove investor enthusiasm. The company's growth is being powered by strong demand for AI data center infrastructure.

Shopify delivered strong Q4 earnings with revenue of $3.67B (beating $3.59B expected) and EPS of $0.57 (beating $0.51 expected), marking its tenth consecutive quarter of double-digit free cash flow margins. The company announced a $2B share repurchase program and projects low-thirties percentage revenue growth for Q1 2026, driven by AI commerce focus. Vertiv Holdings missed EPS expectations ($1.14 vs $1.30 expected) despite strong orders and backlog, while Hilton Worldwide exceeded expectations with $3.09B revenue and $2.08 EPS, supported by strong RevPAR growth.

Vertiv Holdings reported strong fourth-quarter 2025 results with net sales rising 23% YoY to $2.88 billion and record backlog of $15 billion driven by AI infrastructure demand. The company beat EPS expectations at $1.36 vs. $1.28 consensus and raised 2026 guidance significantly, projecting adjusted EPS of $5.97-$6.07 (vs. $5.33 consensus) and revenue of $13.25-$13.75 billion. Shares surged 22.76% to a new 52-week high.