Digital Realty Trust(US:DLR)2025-10-23 22:00Financial 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]