By Mackenzie Tatananni

Vertiv Holdings said Tuesday it has acquired Waylay NV, a Belgium-based software maker, as the company eyes using generative artificial-intelligence to manage its power and cooling systems.

Vertiv, which makes power and cooling solutions for data centers, said it would integrate Waylay's AI-powered software to support the monitoring and optimization of its data-center systems. Specifics of the deal weren't provided.

Evercore ISI analysts reiterated an Outperform rating and $165 target price on Vertiv shares following the announcement. In their view, the acquisition "highlights a wider paradigm shift" within the market for Vertiv and peers.

As AI workloads place more strain on infrastructure, "predictive, AI-enabled digital services will be important for managing power, cooling, and operational efficiency while mitigating downtime risks," the analysts wrote.

They aren't the only bulls on Wall Street. Of 30 firms polled by FactSet, 23 rate Vertiv stock at Buy or the equivalent, six at Hold, and one at Sell.

Vertiv shares climbed 1.1% to $126.43 on Tuesday. The benchmark S&P 500 index was flat, while peers traded mixed. Eaton gained 0.8% and U.S.-listed shares of Schneider Electric fell 0.5%.

Write to Mackenzie Tatananni at mackenzie.tatananni@barrons.com

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August 26, 2025 10:59 ET (14:59 GMT)

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