Digital Realty Trust (DLR -0.52%), a major player in the data center space, released its third-quarter results on Oct. 24. The company reported total revenue of $1.431 billion, a 5% increase from the second quarter and a 2% rise from Q3 2023. Diluted funds from operations (FFO) -- a key performance indicator for real estate investment trusts (REITs) like Digital Realty -- was $1.55 per share, flat year over year. Overall, the company is displaying steady growth despite minor challenges in utility reimbursements.
| Metric | Q3 2024 | Q3 2023 | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total revenue | $1.431 billion | $1.402 billion | 2% |
| Funds from operations per share (diluted) | $1.55 | $1.55 | 0% |
| Occupancy rate | 83.9% | 82.8% | 110 basis points |
Business Overview
Digital Realty Trust is a global leader in the ownership and operation of data centers, where companies store their IT infrastructure. This is a rapidly growing sector fueled by rising demand for artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and data analytics. Known for its expansive portfolio of over 300 data centers globally, Digital Realty serves a diversified client base, including major technology firms and multinational enterprises.
Recently, the company has focused on expanding its global footprint, particularly in the field of AI and data services. Its proprietary platform, PlatformDIGITAL, enhances interconnection services that are crucial for customers requiring flexible and integrated IT environments. Additionally, sustainability and environmental management remain core strategies, with certifications and emission reduction initiatives paving the way for regulatory compliance and customer appeal.
NYSE: DLR
Key Data Points
Quarterly Highlights
Total revenue rose 2% year over year to $1.431 billion, driven by strong leasing activity, particularly in Northern Virginia and Frankfurt, Germany. That increase underscores the demand for data center capacity in core markets, as larger-scale colocation solutions are becoming a primary need for existing and new clients.
However, FFO per share was flat year over year. That result reflected the ongoing challenges in reimbursement for utilities, especially given declining electricity rates in the EMEA region, which slightly impacted revenue growth. Nonetheless, core FFO per share improved sequentially from $1.65 to $1.67, and from $1.62 in the prior-year period, highlighting the underlying strength in the REIT's operations.
During the quarter, the company increased its net-debt-to-adjusted-EBITDA ratio to 5.4, from 5.3 in Q2. It was, however, down from 6.4 in Q3 2023.
Importantly, Digital Realty's leasing activity set records, signing agreements that it expects to bring in $521 million in annualized GAAP rental revenue. Expansions into trending markets like AI and cloud capacities further solidify its market position, setting favorable conditions for continued growth. Material shifts, including a 15.2% rental increase on renewal leases on a cash basis (27.5% on a GAAP basis), also suggest a robust pricing environment.
The company remained committed to sustainability, expanding its renewable energy portfolio and achieving notable energy certifications. These advancements provide critical compliance with evolving regulatory standards and align with the increasing demand for green operations by its clients.
Outlook
Management communicated its confidence by increasing its core FFO per share outlook for 2024 to a range of $6.65 to $6.75. Estimated revenue for the year is projected between $5.55 billion to $5.60 billion -- a cautious yet optimistic forecast backed by a strong lease backlog that rose to $859 million as of the end of the quarter.
Growth strategies remain focused on expanding its global footprint in AI-centric regions, fortifying data ecosystems, and furthering innovations in sustainability. Given the rapidly evolving conditions in the data center space, investors in Realty Trust will want to monitor shifts in rental rates, occupancy improvements, and customer acquisition activities.
Investors should also keep a close eye on developments in the FFO metric and strategic geographic expansion. However, the continued growth in demand for data centers fueled by advancing AI and cloud technologies suggests that Digital Realty Trust is well-positioned for long-term success.
