New York, May 26, 2026 — Vertiv Holdings Co. (VRT) has become a focal point of contrasting institutional strategies, as recent 13F filings reveal a sharp divergence in fund manager sentiment toward the data-center infrastructure provider. While one prominent advisor significantly increased its position, two other firms pared back their stakes, underscoring the ongoing debate over valuation and sustainability in the AI trade.
According to filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, New Age Alpha Advisors boosted its Vertiv holdings by an eye-catching 466% during the fourth quarter. The firm added 24,700 shares, bringing its total to 30,000 shares valued at approximately $4.86 million as of December 31. This aggressive accumulation reflects a bullish bet on the company’s role in powering artificial intelligence data centers.
In contrast, London-based Intermede Investment Partners reduced its Vertiv position by 30.4%, selling 103,338 shares. The firm ended the quarter with 236,210 shares worth around $38.3 million, representing roughly 1.6% of its portfolio. Similarly, Nixon Peabody Trust Co. trimmed its stake by 23%, offloading 17,115 shares to leave 57,281 shares valued at about $9.28 million, according to a May 23 report.
The mixed signals come despite Vertiv’s strong operational performance. The company reported first-quarter net sales of $2.65 billion, a 30% year-over-year increase, driven by robust demand for its power and cooling equipment used in AI data centers. Management subsequently raised its full-year 2026 guidance, citing sustained customer investment in infrastructure for heavy server loads.
Vertiv shares traded at $327.46 in early New York action, giving the company a market capitalization near $128.4 billion. The stock remains richly valued at over 82 times earnings, a multiple that leaves little room for error if AI infrastructure spending slows or technology shifts away from current cooling solutions.
CEO Giordano Albertazzi emphasized that customers are seeking “optimized design, deployment speed, and operational efficiency,” while Executive Chairman Dave Cote highlighted a “competitive position that compounds over time.” Analysts remain moderately bullish: MarketBeat reports a “Moderate Buy” consensus from 27 analysts, with an average price target of $322.32 — slightly below the recent close. Royal Bank of Canada stands out with an outperform rating and a $435 target.
Competitive pressures are mounting. Schneider Electric noted its India data-center business is likely to outpace its broader group growth. Eaton acquired Boyd Thermal for $9.5 billion last year to bolster its cooling portfolio, while Vertiv itself agreed to buy PurgeRite for about $1 billion in November to expand liquid-cooling capabilities.
However, risks remain. The company has flagged potential demand volatility from customer markets, lengthy sales cycles, and unpredictable order swings or cancellations. A downturn in data-center spending or a technological shift could pressure the stock, which is priced for continued growth. For now, the 13F filings paint a picture of selective conviction rather than a broad rotation into or out of Vertiv.
