Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2024, revenue increased by 12% to $6.15 billion, adjusted EBITDA grew by 14% to $2.24 billion, and AFFO increased by 11% to $1.3 billion [8][42][56] - For Q4 2024, revenue was $1.58 billion, up 11% year-on-year, adjusted EBITDA reached $605 million, up 15%, and AFFO was $368 million, up 12% [37][41][56] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Records and Information Management (RIM) business grew by 7% in 2024, with Q4 revenue of $1.26 billion, an increase of $66 million year-on-year [15][44] - Data Center revenue grew by 25% to a record $620 million in 2024, with Q4 revenue of $170 million, up 24% year-on-year [22][47] - Asset Lifecycle Management (ALM) revenue increased by 119% in 2024, with Q4 revenue of $112 million, up 118% year-on-year [27][51] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The growth portfolio, including digital solutions and data center management, represented 25% of total revenue in 2024, up from 15% at the beginning of the Matterhorn initiative [12] - The company secured significant contracts across various sectors, including a four-year contract with a Fortune 500 company for records management and additional services [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to continue double-digit growth driven by recurring revenue streams and strong macro factors supporting demand for growth businesses [14] - A focus on cross-selling to a loyal customer base, which includes 95% of the Fortune 1000, is a key strategy for growth [14] - The company has authorized a 10% increase in its quarterly dividend, reflecting confidence in future performance [14][55] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving consolidated growth in excess of 10% for the foreseeable future, supported by strong demand and operational efficiencies [13][14] - The company anticipates another record year in 2025, with revenue projected between $6.65 billion and $6.8 billion, representing year-on-year growth of 9% at the midpoint [56][57] Other Important Information - The company has a strong balance sheet with net lease adjusted leverage at 5.0 times, the lowest level since its REIT conversion in 2014 [54] - The company is focused on improving profitability in its Consumer Storage business, which has been deemphasized in favor of more profitable segments [102][105] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on how organic growth in the ALM business in 4Q was split between volumes and component prices? - Management indicated that organic growth was largely volume-driven, with component prices remaining generally flat [63][66] Question: What's your expectation for RIM volumes in Q1 and the balance of 2025? - Management expects RIM volumes to be flat to slightly up, with mid-single-digit overall revenue growth anticipated [71][72] Question: Can you discuss the implications of the DeepSeek announcement on the Data Center business? - Management noted strong pipeline activity and did not foresee any reduction in CapEx expenditure from large customers despite market noise [78][82] Question: What drove the churn in Q4 and what are your expectations for 2025? - Management explained that churn was due to a couple of long-term clients moving to cloud solutions, but overall churn is expected to be below historical levels in 2025 [94][95] Question: Can you provide insights on cash renewal spreads and capital recycling in your data center portfolio? - Management expects cash renewal spreads to continue rising due to demand outpacing supply, and noted no specific plans for capital recycling at this time [120][121]