Rothschild & Co. initiated Digital Realty Trust (DLR) with a Buy rating and a $227 price target, signaling confidence in its data-center portfolio. The target implies roughly 24% upside from Friday's close of $182.12, potentially triggering a near-term re-rating as investors factor stronger hyperscale demand and data-center capex into the stock.
BTIG raised Digital Realty’s target to $220, citing accelerating AI infrastructure demand and a $20.2 billion development pipeline that is 54% leased. Hyperscaler spending, cloud growth, and a Kansas De Soto site expansion underpin upside, with AFFO estimates nudged higher for 2026 and 2027. The stock’s pullback provides a potential entry as fundamentals strengthen.
The article outlines political and community pushback on AI data centers, potentially delaying new projects. It argues this could be a tailwind for existing capacity and REIT pricing power as AI compute demand grows. DLR could benefit from durable cash flows, though near-term permitting hurdles remain a risk to new supply expansion.
Equinix and Digital Realty Trust both raised their full-year 2026 guidance, with announcements six days apart. The article notes that each company’s dividend now sits against a higher base. The nearer-term implication for DLR is improved investor sentiment and potential multiple expansion, though the lack of numeric guidance limits precise valuation shifts.
Digital Realty Trust raised its full-year FFO forecast, citing resilient leasing momentum from cloud and AI customers, sending shares up about 3% after hours. The upbeat guidance suggests continued demand for data-center capacity amid AI infrastructure growth, potentially supporting higher cash flow and multiple expansion into the next earnings cycle.
Hyperscalers continue expanding data center projects, despite bubble concerns. Digital Realty's CEO sees strong demand and no oversupply in the sector. Global data center capacity expected to double by 2030, driven by AI. Sector growth requires $3 trillion in investments over the next five years. Digital Realty focuses on long-term durability amid rising demand and tight vacancies.