10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2006

EQUINIX INC Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2006

Filed May 3, 2006For Securities:EQIX

Summary

Equinix, Inc. (EQIX) reported its first quarter 2006 results, showing continued revenue growth, albeit with a net loss. Revenues increased by 33% year-over-year to $64.9 million, driven by a 34% increase in U.S. recurring revenues and a 35% increase in Asia-Pacific recurring revenues. The company highlighted growth in both customer count and utilization rates. Despite revenue growth, Equinix reported a net loss of $5.1 million for the quarter, an improvement from the $5.8 million loss in the prior year's quarter. Significant investments in expansion projects, particularly in the Washington D.C. and Chicago metro areas, are anticipated to drive future capital expenditures. The company also adopted new accounting standards for stock-based compensation, leading to a substantial increase in reported stock-based compensation expense. Investors should note the company's ongoing expansion efforts, which require significant capital. While operating cash flow has been positive since late 2003, future capital expenditures are expected to exceed operating cash flow, necessitating potential financing activities. The company's stock-based compensation expense has increased significantly due to the adoption of SFAS 123(R), impacting the bottom line.

Key Highlights

  • 1Revenues increased by 33% to $64.9 million compared to the prior year's first quarter.
  • 2Net loss improved slightly to $5.1 million from $5.8 million in the prior year's first quarter.
  • 3Customer count grew by 16% year-over-year to 1,164.
  • 4Utilization rate increased to 57% from 45% in the prior year.
  • 5Significant capital expenditures are planned for expansion projects in Washington D.C. and Chicago.
  • 6Stock-based compensation expense increased substantially to $7.8 million due to adoption of SFAS 123(R), impacting reported expenses.
  • 7The company continues to generate positive operating cash flow, but future investing activities are expected to exceed this.

Frequently Asked Questions

In the first quarter of 2006, Equinix reported a 33% increase in revenue to $64.9 million. The company managed to reduce its net loss to $5.1 million from $5.8 million in the same quarter of the previous year. This performance was driven by growth in both recurring and non-recurring revenues across its U.S. and Asia-Pacific operations, coupled with an increase in customer count and facility utilization.

Equinix's growth is driven by its network-neutral IBX data center model, enabling direct interconnection and fostering a network effect among customers. The company is actively expanding its footprint with significant planned investments in new IBX centers in the Washington D.C. and Chicago metro areas. These expansion projects are a strategic focus to meet growing customer demand and enhance service offerings.

Equinix adopted SFAS 123(R) 'Share-Based Payment' in the first quarter of 2006, which requires companies to recognize stock-based compensation expense at fair value. This led to a significant increase in stock-based compensation expenses to $7.8 million for the quarter, compared to $2.4 million in the prior year when using the intrinsic value method. This change has a notable impact on reported operating expenses and net loss.

As of March 31, 2006, Equinix had $162.2 million in cash, cash equivalents, and investments, supplemented by $43.3 million in available liquidity under its revolving credit line. While the company has generated positive operating cash flow since late 2003, its ongoing expansion projects are expected to lead to investing activities exceeding operating cash flow. Equinix is exploring financing options to support these growth initiatives and meet its capital expenditure and debt service requirements.