10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2017

DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2017

Filed May 10, 2017For Securities:DLRDLR-PJDLR-PKDLR-PL

Summary

Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (DLR) reported its first quarter 2017 results, demonstrating continued revenue growth and operational expansion. Total operating revenues increased by approximately 9.2% year-over-year to $550.6 million, primarily driven by contributions from the European Portfolio Acquisition and new leasing activity. The company's portfolio expanded to 145 properties totaling 25.5 million rentable square feet, with significant ongoing development. Despite increased operating expenses, largely due to acquisitions and development activities, net income saw a healthy increase of approximately 35.7% to $84.6 million. The company maintains a strong focus on its core business of developing and acquiring data centers, targeting growth through its existing development pipeline and strategic acquisitions. DLR's financial position remains solid, with a debt-to-enterprise value ratio of approximately 25% as of March 31, 2017, well within its target leverage policy. The company also benefits from a diversified customer base and a portfolio with a substantial portion of leases featuring fixed or indexed rent escalations, providing a degree of revenue predictability. Management expresses confidence in its ability to fund operations, dividends, and growth initiatives through operating cash flow and available credit facilities.

Financial Highlights

31 data points
Beta

Revenue

$550.57M

Net Income

$83.54M

15.2% Net Margin

EPS (Diluted)

$0.41

Total Assets

$12.33B

Cash & Equivalents

$14.95M

Free Cash Flow

$219.07M

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$550.57M
Operating Expenses$413.29M
Operating Income$137.28M
Interest Expense$55.45M
Net Income$83.54M
EPS (Basic)$0.42
EPS (Diluted)$0.41
Shares Outstanding (Basic)159.30M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)160.42M

Key Highlights

  • 1Total operating revenues increased by 9.2% to $550.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to the prior year period, driven by acquisitions and leasing activity.
  • 2Net income significantly increased by 35.7% to $84.6 million for the first quarter of 2017, reflecting revenue growth and operational efficiencies.
  • 3The company's portfolio expanded to 145 properties totaling 25.5 million rentable square feet, with an additional 1.5 million square feet under active development and 1.7 million square feet held for future development.
  • 4Occupancy rate for the portfolio was 89.4% as of March 31, 2017, with an average remaining lease term of approximately five years.
  • 5Debt-to-total enterprise value remained conservative at approximately 25% as of March 31, 2017, indicating a strong balance sheet and manageable leverage.
  • 6Capital expenditures increased significantly to $232.1 million in Q1 2017, reflecting substantial investment in development projects to support future growth.
  • 7The company's global revolving credit facility remained largely available, with $1.4 billion available for use as of March 31, 2017, providing ample liquidity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Revenue growth was primarily driven by the successful integration of the European Portfolio Acquisition, which significantly contributed to rental and interconnection revenues. Additionally, new leasing activity in both stabilized and development properties, including Turn-Key Flex® and Powered Base Building® products, contributed to the overall increase in operating revenues.

Digital Realty Trust, Inc. maintained a conservative leverage profile, with a debt-to-total enterprise value ratio of approximately 25% as of March 31, 2017, well within its stated target of 60%. The company utilizes a mix of fixed and variable rate debt, with a significant portion of variable rate debt hedged by interest rate swap agreements to mitigate interest rate risk. The company also has substantial availability under its global revolving credit facility for liquidity.

The company's growth strategy focuses on its core business of owning, acquiring, developing, and operating data centers. Key components include developing its existing space held for development, acquiring land for future development, and acquiring new properties. They also aim to aggressively manage and lease existing assets to increase cash flow and may continue to build out their development portfolio when justified by anticipated demand and returns.

Key risks mentioned include global economic conditions, market fluctuations, interest rate volatility, foreign currency exchange rate movements, customer bankruptcy or non-renewal of leases, increased competition, difficulties in acquiring or developing properties, and potential impacts from regulatory changes, including climate change legislation. The company also notes the inherent risks associated with its significant development pipeline and the integration of recent acquisitions.