Key Takeaways Digital Realty Trust's Q3 core FFO rose 13.2% to $1.89, topping the consensus estimate of $1.78.Q3 operating revenues grew 10.2% year over year to $1.58B, supported by steady leasing momentum.The company raised its 2025 core FFO guidance to $7.32-$7.38, reflecting continued strong demand.Digital Realty Trust (DLR) reported third-quarter 2025 core funds from operations (FFO) per share of $1.89, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.78. FFO also increased 13.2% year over year.Reflecting inv ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a core FFO per share of $1.89, a quarterly record and 13% higher than the same quarter last year [3][10] - Constant currency core FFO per share was $1.85, reflecting an 11% year-over-year increase [3] - AFFO per share and adjusted EBITDA increased by 16% and 14% year-over-year, respectively [3] - Operating revenue grew by 10%, contributing to strong earnings results [10][23] - Same capital cash NOI growth was 8% year-over-year, driven by a 7.8% increase in data center revenue [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Bookings in Q3 were $201 million at 100% share, with $162 million at Digital Realty's share [11][19] - The 0 to 1 megawatt plus interconnection category contributed $85 million in new leases, while greater than a megawatt leasing accounted for $76 million [11][21] - Interconnection leasing reached $20 million, marking a record quarter and a 13% increase from the previous record [11][21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Leasing activity was globally diversified, with notable strength in the Americas, EMEA, and APAC [11] - The backlog at Digital Realty's share increased to $852 million, with $137 million of commencements offset by new bookings [21] - The company signed $192 million of renewal leases at an 8% blended increase on a cash basis [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to support the growing demand for scalable, connected infrastructure driven by digital transformation, cloud, and AI [5][6] - Digital Realty's established presence in key metros and relationships with utilities provide a competitive advantage in navigating infrastructure challenges [6][9] - The company is focused on delivering capacity that meets customer requirements while maintaining financial discipline to drive long-term value [28][47] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in continued growth due to a robust backlog and strong operational execution [3][10] - The anticipated demand for AI-oriented deployments is expected to remain strong, with over 50% of quarterly bookings related to AI use cases [9][10] - The company is increasing its core FFO guidance range for the full year 2025, reflecting better-than-expected operating performance [26][27] Other Important Information - Digital Realty received the EcoVadis Gold rating for business sustainability, placing it in the 97th percentile of assessed companies [16] - The company signed long-term renewable energy agreements to procure 500 gigawatt hours of clean baseload hydropower [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance for 2026 and growth levels - Management indicated a target of 10% top-line growth supported by a healthy backlog of over $550 million, despite some headwinds from maturing debt and lower interest income [32][33] Question: Demand from hyperscalers in major metro markets - Management noted robust dialogue with hyperscalers, leading to the largest pipeline on record, with significant interest in capacity blocks coming online in 2026 and 2027 [34][37] Question: Capacity to increase releasing spreads - Management highlighted strong pricing power in the less than a megawatt category, with expectations for continued healthy market rates [38] Question: Diversity of hyperscalers being engaged - Management confirmed ongoing discussions with a diverse array of hyperscalers, focusing on larger capacity blocks with established businesses [41][43] Question: M&A opportunities in the current landscape - Management stated that the strategy remains consistent, focusing on land acquisition, building purchases, and strategic company acquisitions [56] Question: Timeline for future developer capacity - Management indicated that significant capacity blocks are being prioritized for leasing, with ongoing customer interest in 2026 and 2027 deliveries [57][59]

Core Insights - Digital Realty Trust (DLR) has announced a collaboration with Dell Technologies and DXC to address enterprise AI challenges, enhance deployment processes, and accelerate outcomes [1][4] - The partnership enables enterprises to set up, deploy, and expand AI infrastructure in DLR's colocation data centers using PlatformDIGITAL, powered by Dell AI Factory and implemented by DXC [2][7] - This collaboration aims to streamline the transition from AI concept to deployment, reducing operational complexity while ensuring secure data access [2][3] Summary by Sections Collaboration Details - The collaboration combines Digital Realty's PlatformDIGITAL with Dell's AI Factory and DXC's expertise, providing a comprehensive solution for enterprises [7] - Enterprises will benefit from faster AI deployment, reduced complexity, and secure access to data, hybrid cloud, and enterprise environments [2][7] Technology and Services - The deployment utilizes Dell PowerEdge servers, Dell AI Data Platform, and Dell Networking alongside Digital Realty's global data center platform [3] - This integrated approach offers a complete range of AI and transformation services, enabling enterprises to streamline and accelerate private AI initiatives [3] Market Impact - Digital Realty's collaboration is expected to enhance its AI capabilities and expand into the growing enterprise AI market, capturing new AI workload opportunities [4] - Over the past three months, DLR's shares have increased by 0.7%, compared to the industry's growth of 1.4% [4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved a record $1 billion in total leasing completed in 2024, marking a significant increase in leasing activity [6][10] - Core FFO per share grew by 6% year-over-year in the fourth quarter, indicating strong financial performance [8][39] - The leverage ratio was reduced to 4.8 times by year-end, down from 6.2 times, enhancing the company's financial stability [7][32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The 0 to 1 megawatt plus interconnection segment saw a record $76 million in bookings for the fourth quarter, a 16% sequential increase [14][35] - Lease renewal activity approached $1 billion in 2024, with cash rents rolling up by an average of 9% [10][37] - The company expanded its total portfolio capacity by over 200 megawatts in 2024, with a development pipeline that is 70% pre-leased [11][41] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Strong growth was observed in both the Americas and EMEA regions, with record bookings achieved in both areas [14][15] - The backlog of booked but not yet billed leases increased to approximately $800 million at year-end, providing strong revenue visibility for 2025 and beyond [18] - The company reported a healthy mix of various-sized deployments within the 0 to 1 megawatt business, reflecting a diverse customer base [15][87] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance its customer value proposition and diversify capital sources to support growth and reduce leverage [9][12] - New products and services were rolled out, including high-density Colo 2.0% and private AI Exchange, to meet evolving customer needs [11][12] - The company is focused on organic development opportunities while maintaining flexibility for potential inorganic activities [81][83] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the robust demand for data center capacity, particularly driven by AI and digital transformation [13][20] - The company anticipates continued strong growth in core FFO and revenue, with guidance for 2025 indicating a 5.7% year-over-year growth [46][47] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong balance sheet and liquidity to capitalize on future opportunities [34][45] Other Important Information - The company is committed to sustainability, with initiatives including the construction of a solar power plant and AI-driven water conservation solutions [26][30] - Digital Realty was awarded NAREIT's Leader in the Light award for the eighth consecutive year, reflecting its commitment to sustainability [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on DeepSeek and its impact on Digital Realty's outlook - Management noted that the demand for AI infrastructure remains strong, with significant investments expected from top customers [55][56] Question: Cash renewal outlook and potential for exceeding guidance - Management indicated that while the guidance for cash renewals is set at 4% to 6%, there is potential for outperformance similar to the previous year [63][64] Question: Future bookings expectations - Management acknowledged the lumpiness of bookings but expressed confidence in maintaining a strong pipeline, particularly in the 0 to 1 megawatt segment [66][71] Question: Factors influencing core FFO growth - Management highlighted that while mid-single-digit growth is expected for 2025, there are opportunities for acceleration in subsequent years due to a strong backlog and development pipeline [75][78] Question: Characteristics of the under 1 megawatt business - Management noted broad-based momentum in the under 1 megawatt segment, with strong demand from both enterprise and service provider customers [81][87] Question: Capital recycling and joint ventures - Management provided a breakdown of expected capital recycling activities, emphasizing a focus on non-core asset dispositions and private capital expansion [125][126] Question: Potential derailments to growth thesis - Management acknowledged that while demand is strong, execution in filling vacancies and managing large capacity blocks will be critical for maintaining growth [129][130]