0001101239 eqix:DC6WASHINGTONDCMETROMember eqix:AmericasSegmentMember 2019-12-31

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
__________________________
FORM 10-K
xANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 20172019
OR
¨TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _____________ to _____________
Commission file number 000-31293
______________________
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EQUINIX, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 77-0487526
(State of incorporation) (IRS Employer Identification No.)
One Lagoon Drive, Redwood City, California94065
(Address of principal executive offices, including ZIP code)
(650) (650) 598-6000
(Registrant’sRegistrant's telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.001 EQIXThe NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer as defined in Rule 405 of the Act. Yesx  No  ¨
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes  ¨Nox
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yesx   No¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yesx   No ¨
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer"filer," "smaller reporting company," and "smaller reporting"emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filerx
Accelerated filero
Non-accelerated filer  o
Smaller reporting company  o
   
Non-accelerated filerSmaller reporting company
Emerging growth company¨

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes   ¨  No  x
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common stock was last sold as of the last business day of the registrant’sregistrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter was approximately $33.5$42.8 billion. As of February 23, 2018,20, 2020, a total of 79,228,07285,443,883 shares of the registrant’sregistrant's common stock were outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Part III – Portions of the registrant’sregistrant's definitive proxy statement to be issued in conjunction with the registrant’s 2018registrant's 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which is expected to be filed not later than 120 days after the registrant’sregistrant's fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.2019. Except as expressly incorporated by reference, the registrant’sregistrant's proxy statement shall not be deemed to be a part of this report on Form 10-K.





EQUINIX, INC.
FORM 10-K
DECEMBER 31, 2017
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PARTI
PART I
Table of Contents

ITEM 1.BUSINESSBusiness
The words "Equinix", "we", "our", "ours", "us" and the "Company" refer to Equinix, Inc. All statements in this discussion that are not historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements regarding Equinix’sEquinix's "expectations", "beliefs", "intentions", "strategies", "forecasts", "predictions", "plans" or the like. Such statements are based on management’smanagement's current expectations and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Equinix cautions investors that there can be no assurance that actual results or business conditions will not differ materially from those projected or suggested in such forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, the risk factors discussed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Equinix expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in Equinix’sEquinix's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statements are based.
OverviewOverview: Where Opportunity Connects
Equinix, Inc. connects more than 9,800 companiesenterprises and service providers directly to their customers and partners across the world’sworld's most interconnected data center and interconnection platform. Platform Equinix® combines a global footprint of state-of-the-art International Business Exchange™ (IBX®) data centers, a variety of interconnection solutions, unique business and digital ecosystems and expert support. Today, businesses leverage the Equinix interconnection platform in 48 strategic markets across the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe, the Middle East and Africa ("EMEA"). Platform Equinix® combines a global footprint of state-of-the-art International Business Exchange™ ("IBX®") data centers, interconnection solutions, edge services, unique business and digital ecosystems, and expert consulting and support. Equinix was incorporated on June 22, 1998 as a Delaware corporation and operates as a real estate investment trust for federal income tax purposes ("REIT").
We elected to be taxedAl Avery and Jay Adelson founded Equinix as a REIT for federal income tax purposes effective January 1, 2015. As of December 31, 2017, our REIT structure included all of ourvendor-neutral multi-tenant data center operations("MTDC") provider where competing networks could connect and share data traffic to help scale the rapid growth of the early internet. The company’s name, Equinix (Equality, Neutrality and Internet Exchange), reflects that vision. The founders also believed they not only had the opportunity but also the responsibility to create a company that would be the steward of some of the most important digital infrastructure assets in the United States ("U.S."), Canadaworld. Two decades later, we have expanded upon that vision to build Platform Equinix, with unmatched scale and Japan,reach.
Our interconnected data centers around the world allow our customers to increase information and application delivery performance for users, and quickly deploy distributed IT infrastructures and access business and digital ecosystems, all while significantly reducing costs. The Equinix global platform and the data center operations in Europe with the exception of Bulgaria, Portugal, Spain and Turkey. Our data center operations in other jurisdictions are operated as taxable REIT subsidiaries ("TRSs").
In May 2017, we completed the acquisition of 29 data centers and their operations across 15 metro areas from Verizon Communications Inc. ("Verizon") for $3.6 billion (the "Verizon Data Center Acquisition"). Additional acquisitions that closed in 2017 include the purchase of IO UK’s facility in Slough, United Kingdom (the "IO Acquisition"); the purchase of data center provider Itconic, which operated four data centers in Spain and one in Portugal; and the purchase of the Zenium data center in Istanbul. In December 2017, we announced the entry into a transaction agreement to acquire Metronode, which operates 10 data centers throughout Australia. In February 2018, we also announced the entry into a transaction agreement to acquire Infomart Dallas, including its operations and tenants. The acquisitions of Metronode and the Infomart Dallas are expected to close in the first half of 2018, subject to closing conditions. Careful, steady expansion has been key to Equinix’s growth strategy since our founding, as we seek to offer our customers interconnection opportunities ahead of demand. Equinix also saw organic growth in 2017, opening new data centers in several important markets, including Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, São Paulo, Silicon Valley and Washington, D.C.
In July 2017, Equinix created a new Strategy, Services and Innovation (SSI) group to ensure Equinix keeps pace with the dynamic customer requirements of an increasingly "cloud-first" world. The group is led by Equinix company veteran Charles Meyers. Included in the SSI unit are the office of the Chief Technology Officer, Business Development, Product Management and Product Engineering. SSI is chartered to position Equinix for future success by: optimizing Equinix's position as a strategic enabler of cloud services; identifying key growth areas that align to Equinix's long-term strategy; and evaluating and translating key market, competitive and technology trends into actionable business requirements.
In December 2017, we announced the next phase in the evolution of Platform Equinix as we work to achieve the direct physical and virtual connectionquality of our IBX data centers, around the world. This advance will enableinterconnection offerings and edge services have enabled us to establish a critical mass of customers. As more customers to connect on demand to any other customer from anychoose Platform Equinix, location, equipping digital businesses to scalefor bandwidth cost and performance reasons it benefits their operations rapidly across the largest markets globally. By connecting to moresuppliers and business partners and destinations, Platform Equinix also enables service providers to directly access a global base of enterprise customers and cloud providers. This provides a more consistent end-user experience and expands our customers’ addressable market.

Industry Background
The internet is a collection of numerous independent networks interconnected to form a network of networks. Users on different networks communicate with each other through interconnection between these networks. For example, when a person sends an email to someone who uses a different provider for his or her connectivity (e.g. Comcast versus AT&T), the email must pass from one network to the other to get to its final destination. A data center provides a physical point at which that interconnection can occur.
To accommodate the rapid growth of internet traffic that was occurringcolocate in the early years of the internet, an organized approach for network interconnection was needed. This was the start of the network era, when networks gained mutual advantage by exchangingsame data traffic on interoperable platforms. The exchange of traffic between these networks became known as peering, which is when networks agree to trade traffic at relatively equal amounts, often at no charge to the other party. At first, governmentcenters and nonprofit organizations established places where these networks could peerconnect directly with each other. This adjacency creates a “network effect” that attracts new customers and enables our existing customers to capture further economic and performance benefits from our offerings.
a1statisticsfinala01.jpg

In 2019, Equinix entered into a joint venture in the form of a limited liability partnership with GIC Private Limited, Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund (“GIC”) (the “Joint Venture”), to develop and operate xScale™ data centers in Europe to serve the needs of the growing hyperscale data center market, including the world's largest cloud service providers. xScale data centers are engineered to meet the technical and operational requirements and price points of core hyperscale workload deployments and also offer access to Equinix's comprehensive suite of interconnection and edge services. These points were known as networkservices will tie into the hyperscale companies' existing access points or NAPs. Overat Equinix, thereby increasing the speed of connectivity to their existing and future enterprise customers. This will enable hyperscale companies to consolidate core and access point deployments into one global provider to streamline and simplify their rapid growth.
In 2019, Equinix opened ten new data centers, invested in two xScale data centers, added capacity in 22 markets and expanded the total number of IBX and xScale data center facilities to 210, including our acquisition of three data centers in Mexico from Axtel S.A.B. de C.V. in early 2020. 2019 and early 2020 highlights include:
Equinix formed the Joint Venture with GIC to develop and operate xScale data centers in Europe.
Data center expansions included five new IBX sites in the following metros: Seoul, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo and Helsinki, with an additional new market entry announced in Muscat, Oman.
Equinix closed transactions that will broaden its Europe and Latin America markets:
One data center in Amsterdam acquired from Switch Datacenters (closed in April 2019), bringing Equinix's Amsterdam footprint to a total of eight Amsterdam facilities to serve European markets.
Three data centers in Mexico acquired from Axtel S.A.B. de C.V. on January 8, 2020, bringing Equinix’s Latin America footprint to ten data centers.
Equinix announced an agreement to acquire leading bare metal automation company Packet Host, Inc. on January 14, 2020. After the closing of this acquisition, which is expected in 2020, bare metal as a service will allow enterprises and services providers to avoid the capital expenditures and operational requirements of owning hardware by accessing bare metal servers on demand in Equinix’s global data centers.
In support of our growing business, we’ve added technology leaders to the Equinix team. In September 2019, Dr. Justin Dustzadeh joined us as Chief Technology Officer and, in October 2019 and January 2020, respectively, we expanded the expertise of the Equinix Board of Directors (now 11 members) with the appointment of Sandra Rivera of Intel Corporation and Adaire Fox-Martin of SAP.
Industry Trends: Taking Digital Business to the Edge
Digital transformation is changing where and how businesses deploy and deliver IT services to employees and is creating new digital business models for partners and customers. At the same time, macroeconomic, technology and regulatory trends are driving complexity and risk that must be addressed in multiple locations for companies to effectively compete in the global digital economy. These trends include:
Digital business transformation: Real-time interactions between people, things, locations, clouds and data require proximity and direct connections.
Urbanization: This is creating large, global population centers which require companies to locate digital services close to users to deliver great user experiences. These same concentrations of people provide an economy of scale which makes distributing applications, data, content and networking to serve these locations cost effective.
Cybersecurity: A cybersecurity breach is one of the most serious risks facing companies today, and many NAPs becameof the most serious breaches actually occur via a natural extensionpenetration of carrier servicesa company’s business partners’ networks. To protect against this, businesses need to distribute their security controls out to the edge where most traffic exchange is happening.
Data compliance: To meet new regulations, companies need to deploy data storage, analytics and were run byclouds within the same jurisdiction, and then replicate this across multiple global locations.
Business ecosystems: Digital trade flows involve an increasing variety of customers, partners and employees. To enable this, companies such as MFS (nowdeploy a digital presence in close physical proximity to an industry exchange point and then connect to it directly. In the aggregate, these form a business ecosystem. These ecosystems are expanding in depth and number.

These trends are accelerating the need for a secure, compliant and responsive global business platform that enables the private interconnection of people, locations, clouds, data and things in multiple locations to deliver real-time interactions and data exchange around the world.
As part of Verizon Business), Sprint, Ameritech and Pacific Bell (the latter two now parttheir digital transformation, businesses in most industries are shifting their centralized IT infrastructures to the edge to bring digital services closer to users for better performance, which has become a significant driver of AT&T).
Ultimately, these NAPs were unable to scale withdigital business value. To realize the growthfull potential of the internet, and the lack of "neutrality" by the carrier owners of these NAPs created a conflict of interest with the participants. This created a market need for network-neutraledge, IT organizations require greater interconnection points that could accommodate the rapidly growing demand to increase performance for enterprise and consumer users of the internet, especially with the rise of important content providers such as AOL, Microsoft, Yahoo! and others. In addition, the providers, as well as a growing number of enterprises, required a more secure and reliable solution for direct connection to a variety of telecommunications networks,bandwidth. Interconnection bandwidth is defined as the importancetotal capacity provisioned to privately and directly exchanged traffic, with a diverse set of their internet operations continued to grow. These were the seeds of the connected era, when peering expanded exponentially among new players,partners and access to information anytime and anywhere became the norm.
To accommodate internet traffic growth, the largest networks left the NAPs and began connecting and trading traffic by placing private circuits between each other. Peering, which once occurredproviders, at the NAP locations, was moved to these private circuits. Over the years, these circuits became expensive to expand and could not be built quickly enough to accommodate traffic growth. This led to a need by the large carriers to find a more efficient way to peer. The multi-tenant ordistributed IT exchange points inside carrier-neutral colocation data center was introduced to meet this need. Today, many customers satisfy their requirements for peering through data center providers like Equinix because this strategy permits them to peer with the networks as they require within one location, using simple, direct and secure connections. Their ability to peer within a data center or across a data center campus, instead of across a metro area, has increased the scalability of their operations while decreasing network costs.
The interconnection model has further evolved over the years to include new offerings, as the collaborative landscape of the interconnected era imposes new demands for connectivity that facilitates more scalable interactive and real-time digital interconnections. Enterprises are becoming increasingly interdependent and cloud- and digital-enabled, and to compete they need real-time data exchange and reliable, instant connections between and across any given digital ecosystem. Starting with the peering and network communities, interconnection has been used for new network solutions, including carrier Ethernet, multiprotocol label switching (MPLS), virtual private networks (VPNs), and mobile services, in addition to traditional international private line and voice services. The data center industry is working to keep up with the rapid digital transformation of today's businesses, and it continues to evolve with a set of new network offerings (such as SDN, blockchain and 5G) where interconnection is often used to solve any challenge using both physical and virtual networks, across geographic boundaries.
In addition, the enterprise customer segment is also evolving. In the past, most enterprises opted to keep their data center requirements in-house. However, current trends are leading more enterprise chief information officers (CIOs) to either outsource their data center requirements, and/or extend their corporate wide area networks (WANs) into carrier-neutral colocation facilities. These trends include the following:
centers. Private interconnection is a rapidly growing business practice for leading companies,capacity between businesses, as their businesses become increasingly digital. According toreported in the third annual Global Interconnection Index ("GXI"), a market study published in 2017 by Equinix, is anticipated to grow by 51% between 2018 and 2022, reaching 13,300+ terabits per second, which is double the capacity for private data exchange between businesses is growing at nearly twice the rateprojected peak of the publicglobal internet traffic and is on pace to reach nearly sixcould be more than 13 times the volume of global IP traffic by 2020.
Digital transformation is accelerating in all global businesses and industries. Key trends are creating the need for real-time interaction and forcing digital services to the edge, where the users need them the most, increasing the requirement for a single digitally interconnected business platform.
The need for businesses and organizations to create a "digital edge" - where commerce, population centers and digital ecosystems meet. A more geographically distributed IT infrastructure is needed to support the digital operations that now cover every global region and every aspect of today’s global businesses.

The growth of "proximity communities" that rely on immediate physical colocation and interconnection with strategic partners and customers. Examples include financial exchange ecosystems for electronic trading and settlement, media and content provider ecosystems, and ecosystems for real-time bidding and fulfillment of internet advertising.
The Internet of Things (IoT) and big data infrastructures, which are creating unprecedented quantities of data that fuel digital business.
The need to manage data and security and enforce regulatory control locally in support of the global digital trade of goods and services.
The accelerating adoption and ubiquitous nature of cloud computing technology services, in particular hybrid/multiclouds, along with enterprise cloud service offerings such as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) and Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) and security and disaster recovery services.
The continuing growth of consumer internet traffic, from new bandwidth-intensive services (e.g., video, voice over IP, social media, mobile data, gaming, data-rich media), Ethernet and wireless services, as well as new devices (e.g., wearables, home assistances, AR/VR headsets). These devices and services also increase the requirements for anytime, anywhere and any device interconnection out at the edge to improve the performance, security, scalability and reliability of interconnecting people, locations, clouds, data and things.or 53 zettabytes annually.
Significant increasesWorldwide Interconnection Bandwidth Capacity Growth (2018 - 2022) in power and cooling requirements for today’s data center equipment. New generations of servers and storage devices continue to concentrate processing capability and the associated power consumption and cooling load into smaller footprints; and many legacy-built data centers are unable to accommodate these new power and cooling demands. The high capital costs associated with building and maintaining "in-sourced" data centers creates an opportunity for capital savings by leveraging an outsourced colocation model.Terabits per Second (Tbps)
Industry analysts project the compound annual growth rate of the global carrier neutral colocation market to be approximately 8% between 2016 and 2020.a2growthchartfinal.jpg
Source: GXI Volume 3
Equinix Value Proposition
Equinix’s global platform for digital business offers these unique value propositions to customers:
Business Proposition: Reach Everywhere,
With Platform Equinix, enterprises and service providers can deploy digital infrastructure anywhere they need to be. Customers are quickly and easily able to place applications, data, security and networking controls next to users, clouds and networks in major metros globally. With one global partner, our customers are able to reduce complexity and accelerate time to market while relying on the consistency of a proven worldwide interconnection and data center leader.
Interconnect Connect Everyone,
Businesses operating on Platform Equinix will be able to discover and reach anyone on demand, through one connection to the world, by directly connecting physically or virtually to customers, partners, providers and between their points of presence. This gives our customers the capabilities to reach everyone they need to from one place and to simplify, scale and dynamically adapt their digital infrastructures to keep pace with rapidly changing business demands.
Integrate Everything
OnIn 2019, we continued to build new data center, interconnection and edge services capabilities that will further our vision for the future of Platform Equinix, our customers are able to activate their digital edge through leading technology tools, partners and services. By leveraging software controls and expert advisors, service providers and enterprises can dynamically design, implement and manage their digital edge. They can also secure, view, control and manage hybrid IT environments to seamlessly scale digital integration across their business.
More than 9,800 companies, including a diversified mix of cloud and IT service providers, content providers, enterprises, financial companies, and network and mobile service providers, currently operate within Equinix IBX data centers. These companies derive specific value from the following elements of the Equinix platform offering:
Interconnection leadership: The global digital economy’s demands for fast, secure business collaboration creates a need for interconnection across Equinix’s global platform. As this digital journey intensifies, businesses are creating new commerce and collaboration models to compete. Success in this fast-moving world can be facilitated by a single

interconnection platform for digital businessfuture that is connected physically and virtually around the world. Companies that can deploy an interconnected digital infrastructure can connect broadly and securely scale the integration of their business at the digital edge.
Cloud access and expertise:Equinix is home to more than 2,900 cloud and IT service providers and a variety of secure routes to the efficiencies, performance and cost-savings of the cloud. The Equinix Cloud Exchange Fabric™ ("ECX Fabric") offers on-demand access to multiple cloud providers from multiple networks, enabling customers to design scalable cloud services tailored to their needs at a given moment. On the ECX Fabric, customers do not have to be in the same IBX data center as their cloud provider(s); they can remotely access cloud services as if they were physically close to the provider. Equinix Professional Services for Cloud experts enable our customers to successfully deploy a mix of private, public, hybrid and multicloud environments over a global interconnected cloud fabric to best fit their business and customer requirements.
Comprehensive global solution: With 190 IBX data centers in 48 markets in the Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific, Equinix offers a consistent, interconnected global solution.
Premium data centers and expertise: Equinix IBX data centers feature advanced design, security, power and cooling, and data center infrastructure management (DCIM) elements to provide customers with industry-leading visibility and reliability, including average uptime of 99.9999% globally in 2017. While others in the market have business models that include additional offerings, Equinix is focused on colocation and interconnection as our core competencies. Equinix Professional Services offers practical guidance and proven solutions to help customers optimize their data center architecture.
Dynamic interconnected business ecosystems: Equinix’s network- and cloud-neutral model has enabled us to attract a critical mass of networks and cloud and IT services providers, and that, in turn, attracts other businesses seeking to interconnect within a single location or across metros. This local ecosystem model leverages lower networking costs and optimizes the performance of data exchange. At the same time, the ECX Fabric enables private access to remote business ecosystems in regionally distributed IBX data centers to further reduce long-distance networking costs and deliver outstanding performance. As Equinix grows and attracts an ever-more diversified base of customers, the value of Equinix’s IBX interconnected data center offering increases.
Improved economics: Customers seeking to outsource their data center operations rather than build their own capital-intensive data centers enjoy significant capital cost savings. Customers also benefit from improved economics because of the broad access to networks and clouds that Equinix provides. Rather than purchasing costly local loops from multiple transit providers, customers can connect directly to more than 1,700 networks and 2,900 cloud and IT service providers inside Equinix’s IBX data centers.
Leading interconnection insight: After more than 19 years in the industry, Equinix has a specialized staff of industry experts, professional services specialists and solutions architects who helped build and shape the interconnection infrastructure of the internet, and who are now positioned to do the same for digital businesses. This specialization and industry knowledge base offers customers unique expertise and the competitive advantage needed to compete in the global digital economy.
Lasting sustainability: Energy efficiency and environmental sustainability are a part of everything we do, whether we're building new data centers or upgrading existing facilities. We have committed to design, build and operate our data centers with high energy efficiency standards, and we have a long-term goal of using 100% clean and renewable energy across our global platform.
Our Strategy
Our objective is to expand our global leadership position as the premier network and cloud-neutral data center and interconnection platform for enterprises, cloud and IT services providers, media and content companies, financial services firms, IoT and big data providers, and network and mobile services providers. These are the key components of our strategy:
Improve customer performance through global interconnection. To succeed in today’s digital economy, enterprises around the world must adopt globally interconnected, on-demand digital IT architectures. The business connections forged in Equinix data centers through the power of interconnection are vital to accelerating our customers' businesses. To help companies understand, deploy and benefit fromglobalinterconnection, Equinix has created a blueprint for becoming an interconnected enterprise - the Interconnection Oriented Architecture® (IOA®) strategy. Based on work with more than 230 Fortune 500 customers, our IOA framework is a proven and repeatable engagement model that both enterprises and solution providers can leverage to directly and securely connect people, locations, clouds and data. An IOA strategy shifts the fundamental IT delivery architecture from siloed

and centralized to interconnected and distributed. Since the introduction of its IOA strategy, Equinix has created an "IOA Playbook" and "IOA Knowledge Base™," which were developed from our aggregated learnings across more than 600 Equinix customer (enterprise and service provider) deployments. These tools are offered online at no charge to any organization and provide fundamental, repeatable steps that organizations can take to deploy an IOA strategy across common digital workloads. They offer application blueprints for networks, security, data and applications, as well as for various use cases including ecosystems, analytics, content delivery, collaboration, hybrid multicloud and the IoT.
When combined with Equinix's critical mass of premier network and cloud providers and content companies, the increasing rate of adoption of an IOA strategy by the world's enterprise companies enables Equinix to extend its leadership as one of the core interconnection hubs of the information-driven, digital world. The density of providers inside Equinix is a key selling point for companies looking to connect with a diverse set of networks and deliver the best connectivity to their end customers at the digital edge, as well as to network companies that want to sell bandwidth to companies and efficiently interconnect with other networks. Equinix currently houses more than 1,700 unique networks, including the top-tier networks, which allow customers to directly interconnect with providers that best meet their unique price and performance needs. We have a growing mass of key players in cloud and IT services (Accenture, Amazon Web Services, AT&T, Google Cloud Platform, Microsoft Azure and Office 365, Oracle Cloud, SAP HANA Enterprise Cloud and SAP Cloud Platform, Salesforce.com, IBM Bluemix and VMware vCloud Air), and in the enterprise and financial sectors (Bechtel, Bloomberg, Chicago Board of Trade, The GAP, McGraw-Hill, etc.). We expect these segments will continue to grow as customers seek to leverage our density of network providers and interconnect directly with each other to improve performance.
Streamline ease of doing business globally. Customers say data center reliability, power availability and network choice are the most important attributes they consider when choosing a data center provider in a particular location. We have long been recognized as a leader in these areas, and our performance continues to improve.
In 2017, more than half of our revenue came from customers with deployments in all three of our global regions, and we expect seamless global solutions to become an increasingly important data center selection criteria as the need for globally interconnected, on-demand digital IT architectures continues to grow. We continue to focus on strategic acquisitions to expand our market coverage and on global product standardization, pricing and contracts harmonization initiatives to meet these global demands.
Deepen existing ecosystems and develop new ones. As various enterprises and service and content providers locate in our IBX data centers, their suppliers and business partners benefit by doing the same, and they gain the full economic and performance benefits of direct, global interconnection for their business ecosystems. These partners, in turn, pull in their business partners, creating a "network effect" of customer adoption. Our interconnection offerings enable scalable, secure, reliable and cost-effective interconnectivity and optimized traffic exchange, which lowers overall costs and increases flexibility. The ability to directly and globally interconnect with a wide variety of companies is a key differentiator for us and enables companies to create new opportunities within unique ecosystems by working together. We also have efficient and innovative internet and cloud exchange platforms in our IBX sites to accelerate commercial growth within the ecosystems via the network effect.
Expand vertical go-to-market plan. We plan to continue to focus our go-to-market efforts on customer segments and business applications that appreciate the Equinix value proposition of interconnection, reliability, global reach and prime collaboration opportunities within and across ecosystems. We have identified these segments today as cloud and IT services, content and digital media, financial services, enterprises, and network and mobile service providers. As digital business evolves, we will continue to identify and focus our go-to-market efforts on industry segments that need our value proposition.
Accelerate global reach and scale. We continue to evaluate expansion opportunities in select markets based on customer demand. In May 2017, we closed a deal with Verizon to acquire 29 data centers across 15 metro areas. This strategic acquisition strengthened our global platform by increasing interconnection in the U.S. and Latin America and accelerated Equinix's penetration of the enterprise and strategic market sectors, including government and energy. We made several other important, smaller acquisitions in 2017, including the purchase of IO UK’s facility in Slough, United Kingdom, the purchase of data center provider Itconic and its five data centers (four in Spain and one in Portugal), and the purchase of a Zenium data center in Istanbul. At the end of the year, we announced the entry into a transaction agreement to acquire Metronode, which operates 10 data centers spanning Australia. In February 2018, we announced the entry into a transaction agreement to acquire Infomart Dallas, including its operations and tenants. We also saw significant organic growth in 2017, opening new data centers on four continents, including AM4 in Amsterdam, FR6 in Frankfurt, HK5 in Hong Kong, SP3 in São Paulo, SV10 in Silicon Valley and DC12 in Washington, D.C. Once we close the Metronode acquisition, expected in the first half of 2018, Equinix's total global footprint will expand to 200 data centers in 52 markets in the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific.

We expect to continue to execute our expansion strategy in a cost-effective and disciplined manner through a combination of acquiring existing data centers through lease or purchase, acquiring or investing in local data center operators, and building new IBX data centers based on key criteria, such as demand and potential financial return in each market.
Our Customers
Our customers include carriers, mobile and other bandwidth providers, cloud and IT services providers, content providers, financial companies and global enterprises. We provide each customer access to a choice of business partners and solutions based on their colocation, interconnection and managed IT service needs. As of December 31, 2017, we had more than 9,800 customers worldwide.
Customers in our five key customer categories include the following:
Cloud and IT ServicesContent ProvidersEnterpriseFinancial CompaniesNetwork and Mobile Services
Amazon Web Services
Box Inc.
Cisco Systems Inc. Google Cloud Platform
Datapipe
IBM Bluemix
Microsoft Azure
NetApp
Oracle Cloud
Salesforce.com
SAP VMware Workday, Inc.
Brightroll
Casale Media DirectTV
Discovery Communications
Index Exchange Thomson Reuters
Netflix
Priceline.com
Anheuser-Busch
BMC Software Burger King Corporation
Ford Motors
CDM Smith
Chevron
General Electric
Shire
Ingram Micro
Delloite
Smithfield Foods
Weyerhaueser
Ericsson
Aon
Bloomberg
Chicago Board Options Exchange Lincoln Financial
London Stock Exchange
NASDAQ
OMX Group Inc. NYSE Technologies PayPal
Morgan Stanley
AT&T
British Telecom
China Mobile
Lycamobile
NTT Communications Siemens Mobility Services
Vodafone
T-Systems
TATA Communications Verizon
Customers typically sign renewable contracts of one or more years in length. Our largest customer accounted for approximately 3% of our recurring revenues for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015. Our 50 largest customers accounted for approximately 37%, 36% and 34% of our recurring revenues for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Our Offerings
Equinix provides a choice of data center offerings primarily comprised of colocation, interconnection solutions, bundled offers and professional services.
Colocation and Related Offerings
Our IBX data centers provide our customers with secure, reliablethe ability to reach everywhere, connect with everyone and robust environmentsintegrate everything on their digital transformation journey. Equinix offers a comprehensive, integrated suite of data center, interconnection and edge services and products to more than 9,700 enterprise and service provider customers worldwide.
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The following are the leading revenue generating product and other offerings that are necessary for optimum internet commerce interconnection. collectively make up Platform Equinix:    

Data Centers Solutions
Our IBXglobal, state-of-the-art data centers include multiple layersmeet strict standards of physical security, scalable cabinet space availability, on-site trained staff (24x7x365), dedicated areas for customer carereliability, certification and equipment staging, redundant AC/DC power systems and other redundant and fault-tolerant infrastructure systems. Some specifications of offerings provided by individual IBXsustainability. Offerings in these data centers may differare typically billed based on original facility design or market.
Within our IBX data centers, customers can deploy their equipmentthe space and interconnect withpower a choice of networks, cloud providers or other business partners. We also provide customized solutions for customers looking to package our IBX offerings as part of their complex solutions. Our colocation offerings include:
Cabinets. Our customers have several choices for colocating their networking, servercustomer consumes, are delivered under a fixed duration contract and storage equipment. They can place the equipment in one of our shared or private cages or customize their space. In certain select markets, customers can purchase their own private "suite" which is walled off from the rest of the data center. As customers’ colocation requirements increase, they can expand within their original cage (or suite) or upgrade into a cage that meets their expanded requirements. Customers buy the hardware they place in our IBX data centers directly from their chosen vendors. Cabinets (or suites) are priced with an initial installation fee and an ongoinggenerate monthly recurring monthly charge.revenue ("MRR").

Power. Power is an element of increasing importance in customers’ colocation decisions. We offer both AC and DC power circuits at various amperages and phases customized to a customer’s individual power requirements. Power is priced with an initial installation fee and an ongoing recurring monthly charge. We also offer metered power in certain markets.
IBXflex®. IBXflex allows customers to deploy mission-critical operations personnel and equipment on-site at our IBX data centers. Because of the proximity to their infrastructure within our IBX data centers, IBXflex customers can offer a faster response and quicker troubleshooting solution than those available in traditional colocation facilities. This space can also be used as a secure disaster recovery point for customers’ business and operations personnel. IBXflex is priced with an initial installation fee and an ongoing recurring monthly charge.
IBX SmartView™.Equinix IBX SmartView™ offers application programming interface (API) -based DCIM that provides real-time access to environmental and operating information within an Equinix IBX footprint, as if those cages were all on site with the customer. IBX SmartView helps its customers consistently maintain their IBX operations and deployments with alerts and notifications, while enhancing long-term planning with customizable reports.
Hyperscale Infrastructure. Our integration efforts with the major cloud players have provided us with deep insight into the evolving architecture of the cloud. Today, the majority of private interconnection nodes for the major cloud players are located in Equinix facilities. In addition, we are in discussions with a targeted set of hyperscale customers to develop capacity to serve their larger footprint needs. We are leveraging the combination of existing capacity and dedicated hyperscale builds to meet these needs in a handful of key markets in 2018.
IBXData Centers - The more than 200 IBX vendor-neutral colocation data centers worldwide provide our customers with secure, reliable and robust environments that are necessary to aggregate and distribute information and connect digital and business ecosystems globally. IBX data centers provide access to vital ecosystems where enterprises, network, cloud and SaaS providers, and business partners directly and securely interconnect to each other.
xScale Data Centers - xScale data centers are designed to serve the unique core workload deployment needs of a targeted group of hyperscale companies, which include the world's largest cloud service providers. With xScale data centers, hyperscale customers add to their core hyperscale data center deployments and existing customer access points at Equinix, allowing streamlined expansion with a single global vendor.
Interconnection Solutions
Our interconnection solutions are evolving to enable high-performance, secure, scalable, reliableconnect businesses directly, securely and cost-effective interconnectiondynamically within and traffic exchange between Equinix customersour data centers across our global platform. TheseOur interconnection solutionsservices are either on a one-to-one basis with direct cross connects or on a one-to-many basis through our ECX Fabric or other exchange solutions. In the peering community, we play an important industry leadership role by acting as the relationship broker between parties who would like to interconnect within our IBX data centers and, now, between regionally distributed IBX data centers. Our staff holds or has held significant positions in many leading industry groups, such as the North American Network Operators’ Group (NANOG) and the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). Members of our staff have published industry-recognized white papers and strategy documents in the areas of peering and interconnection, many of which are used by other institutions worldwide in furthering the education and promotion of this important set of solutions.
Our current interconnection solutions are comprised of the following:
Physical Cross Connect/Direct Interconnections. Customers needing to directly and privately connect to another IBX data center customer can do so through single or multi-mode fiber. These cross connections are the physical link between customers and can be implemented within 24 hours of request. Cross-connect offerings are priced with an initial installation fee and an ongoing monthly recurring charge.
Equinix Internet Exchange™. Customers may choose to connect to and peer through the central switching fabric of our Equinix Internet Exchange, rather than purchase a direct physical cross connection. With a connection to this switch, a customer can aggregate multiple interconnects over one physical connection with multiple, linked 100-gigabit ports of capacity, instead of purchasing individual physical cross connects. The offering is priced per IBX data center with an initial installation fee and an ongoing monthly recurring charge.
Equinix Metro Connect. Customers who are located in one IBX data center may need to interconnect with networks or other customers located in an adjacent or nearby IBX data center in the same metro area. Metro Connect allows customers to seamlessly interconnect between IBX data centers at capacities up to 100 Gigabits per second. Metro Connect offerings are priced with an initial installation fee and an ongoing monthly recurring charge dependent on the capacity purchased by the customer.
Internet Connectivity. Customers who are installing equipment in our IBX data centers generally require IP connectivity or bandwidth access. Although many large customers prefer to contract directly with carriers, we offer customers the ability to contract for IP connectivity and bandwidth access through us from any of the major bandwidth providers in that data center. This bandwidth access is targeted to customers who require a single bill and a single point of support through Equinix for the entire contract for their bandwidth needs. Internet connectivity is priced with an initial installation fee and an ongoing monthly recurring chargetypically billed based on the amount of bandwidth committed.outbound connections from a customer and generate MRR.
Equinix Cloud Exchange™ (ECX) Fabric. The ECX Fabric directly,
Cross Connects - Provide a point-to-point cable link between two customers in the same IBX data center. They deliver fast, convenient, affordable and highly reliable connectivity and data exchange with business partners and service providers within the Equinix ecosystem.
Equinix Cloud Exchange Fabric™ ("ECX Fabric™") - Directly, securely and dynamically connects distributed infrastructure and ecosystems across Equinix data centers globally using software-defined interconnection. Customers can establish data center-to-data center network connections on demand between any two ECX Fabric locations within a metro or globally and move information within a dense digital and business ecosystem.
Equinix Internet Exchange™ - Enables networks, content providers and large enterprises to exchange internet traffic through the largest global peering solution. Service providers can aggregate traffic to multiple counterparties, called peers, on one physical port and handle multiple small peers while moving high-traffic peers to private interconnections. This reduces latency for end-users when accessing content and applications.
Edge Services
Our edge services help businesses rapidly deploy as-a-service networking, security and hardware across our global data center footprint - as an alternative to buying, owning and managing the physical infrastructure. Our edge services are typically billed based on the number of instances and the capacity used by a customer and generate MRR.
Network Edge - Allows customers to modernize networks quickly, by deploying network functions virtualization ("NFV") from multiple vendors across Equinix metros. Companies can select, deploy and connect virtual network services at the edge quickly, with no additional hardware requirements.
Equinix SmartKey™ - Helps customers simplify data protection across any cloud architecture via a global SaaS-based, hardware security module management and cryptography service that provides on-premises and hybrid multicloud cloud encryption key management.
Bare Metal - Equinix’s announced acquisition of Packet on January 14, 2020, once completed, and our own organic bare metal service also in development, are expected to help enterprises more seamlessly deploy hybrid multicloud architectures on Platform Equinix. Enterprises and services providers will be able to avoid the capital expenditures and operational requirements of owning hardware by accessing bare metal servers on demand in Equinix’s global data centers.
Enablement Offerings
Equinix offers a number of remote support and professional services designed to speed and streamline digital transformation and data center deployments for its customers. These services are typically billed based on consumption and generate non-recurring revenue ("NRR").

Equinix Infrastructure Services - Combines Equinix data center expertise with the skills and scale of certified technology partners worldwide. Our colocation expertise helps customers achieve an efficient data center deployment design that optimizes space and enables easy service access.
Equinix Professional Services - Helps enterprises and service providers design and deploy IT solutions. Our global teams of network transformation, hybrid multicloud and digital edge solution experts help companies design and manage technology solutions which are deployed on our global platform.
Competition
While a large number of enterprises and service providers, such as hyperscale cloud service providers, own their own data centers, many others outsource some or all of their IT housing and interconnection requirements in third party facilities, such as those operated by Equinix.
Historically, that outsourcing market was served by large telecommunications carriers who bundled their products and services with their colocation offerings. The data center market landscape has evolved to include private and vendor-neutral MTDC providers, hyperscale cloud providers, managed infrastructure and digital ecosystems on Platformapplication hosting providers, and systems integrators. It is estimated that Equinix viais one of more than 1,200 companies that provide MTDC offerings around the world. The global software-defined interconnection. It enables businessesMTDC market is highly fragmented. Each of these data center solutions providers can bundle various colocation, interconnection and network offerings and outsourced IT infrastructure solutions. We believe that this outsourcing trend is likely to customize their connectivity to partners, customers and suppliers through an interface that provides all the benefits companies

have come to expect from "as-a-service" models. This includes real-time provisioning via a portal or API, pay-as-you-go billing increments and the removal of friction in establishing elastic connectivity between metros. The ECX Fabric is designed for scalability, agility and virtualized connectivity. Through a single port, Equinix customers can discover and reach anyone on demand, locally or across metros. Customers pay a monthly port fee to access the ECX Fabric, plus a transport access fee to connect to customers in other metros based on data and inter-city bandwidth expense.
The new ECX Fabric capabilities are now availableaccelerate in the Americas and EMEA regions, including Amsterdam, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Dublin, Frankfurt, London, Los Angeles, Manchester, New York, Paris, Seattle, Silicon Valley, Stockholm, Toronto, Washington, D.C. and Zurich. In the fourth quarter of 2017 and into early 2018, coming years.
Equinix is rolling out ECX Fabricdifferentiated in this market by being able to new metrosoffer customers a global platform that reaches 26 countries and contains the industry’s largest and most active ecosystem of partners in the Americas and EMEA regions of Denver, Düsseldorf, Geneva, Helsinki, Miami, Milan, and Munich. In 2018, Equinix will also extend connectivity to São Paulo within the Americas region, and between the APAC region ECX Fabric metro locations of Hong Kong, Melbourne, Osaka, Singapore, Sydney and Tokyo.
Equinix Performance Hub®
The Equinix Performance Hub places corporate IT resources in IBX data centers connected to many networks and clouds near large user populations. Performance Hub solutions can be implemented gradually, without closing or moving out of existing data centers. Performance Hub allows companies to efficiently deploy resources at the edge, closest to their end-users, enabling an affordable, low-risk approach to improving networkour sites. This ecosystem creates a “network effect” which improves performance and reducing costs. This distributed, connectivity-driven approach to data center computing has been proven by Gartner, 451 Group, and many enterpriselowers cost for our customers to provide dramatic benefits in application and network performance, as well as in business and IT agility. The Performance Hub offering is priced per IBX data center with an initial installation fee and an ongoing recurring monthly charge.

Equinix Data Hub®

Equinix Data Hub is an extension of the Equinix Performance Hub framework and is a data center solution that addresses enterprise demandssignificant source of competitive advantage for real-time analytics, IoT, data collectionEquinix.
Customers and data protection. Data Hub empowers organizations to build a globally optimized data platform located in strategic data centers around the world and maintain full control over business-critical data for any and all security and compliance demands. Data Hub use cases include: cloud integrated tiered storage, big data analytics infrastructures and data protection and replication. The Data Hub offering is priced per IBX data center with an initial installation fee and an ongoing recurring monthly charge.

Partners
Equinix Professional Services

Exponential increases in data trafficcustomers include telecommunications carriers, mobile and growing demand for interconnection mean pressure on companies to stay competitive. Customers need a partner with knowledge of the global terrain and trends, so they can maximize new technology and information and meet the needs of dispersed end users. Equinix Professional Services is uniquely positioned to be that partner. Equinix experts help companies tap the resources and opportunities for innovation available on a global platform of more than 9,800 companies in 48 markets, including more than 1,700other network serviceservices providers, and 2,900 cloud and IT services providers. Our consultants have the know-howproviders, digital media and experience to help customers introduce new service offerings, optimize IT architectures, simplify hybridcontent providers, financial services companies, and multicloud migrations and stay up-and-running. Equinix professional services are priced at the project level and include:
Cloud Consulting Services. Many companies are migratingglobal enterprise ecosystems in various industries. We provide each company access to a hybrid or multicloud environment as the cloud’s cost advantageschoice of business partners and flexibility are critical in an era of rising electronic collaborationsolutions based on their colocation, interconnection and user expectations. Equinix's Professional Services for Cloud are designed to facilitate cloud migration with a detailed assessment, design and implementation process that gives customers a faster, smoother path to the cloud. The 2,900 cloud andmanaged IT service providers and 1,700 network service providers within Equinix's network help our experts tailor cloud deployments to individual business needs, and maximize their cloud performance, savings and security while ensuring future resilience and agility.
Network and IOA Transformation Services. Digital transformation creates new revenue streams from information about an organizations’ physical operations, it also creates congestion and performance issues for an organization’s legacy network. The growthdelivered 99.9999% operational uptime across our global data centers in data, applications and locations that must be served by a digital enterprise, plus the reduction in latency required by real-time applications, all put enormous stress on legacy IT infrastructure. Equinix’s Professional Services for network and IOA transformation helps companies plan and build their future network and infrastructure architecture, ready for the challenges2019. As of digital business today and tomorrow.

Global Solutions Architects®
Equinix Global Solutions Architects (GSAs) are industry experts, innovators and thought leaders, committed to helping companies deploy their IT infrastructures in ways that best serve their business needs and fully exploit the advantages offered by Equinix’s global interconnection platform. Equinix’s GSAs have decades of combined experience in cloud deployments, facility operations, business analytics and network design and operations. They work as extensionsDecember 31, 2019, we had more than 9,700 customers worldwide. No one customer made up 10% or more of our customers’ IT and technology teams, helping efficiently deploy high-performance solutions, advising them on service provider choices, and designing IT architectures that help them reach today’s goals and anticipate tomorrow’s requirements. GSA services are provided at no additional cost.
Solution Validation Centers®
Equinix Solution Validation Centers (SVCs) are state-of-the-art facilities that allow customers to test and fine-tune their IT infrastructure, network, cloud and data center rolloutstotal business revenues in a real-world environment before full build-out and deployment. Customers can measure how their applications perform when they move off legacy systems, spot and address unforeseen technical barriers, and optimize various infrastructure components, network connections and applications. Our SVCs operate in 18 strategic markets globally, helping companies reduce risk and maximize their IT investments.
Smart Hands Services®the year ended December 31, 2019.
The Equinix Smart Hands service enables customers to use our highly trained IBX data center personnel to act as their hands (or eyes and ears) when their own staff cannot be on-site. Smart Hands technicians offer a range of services, from routine equipment inventory and labeling to more complex installations and configuring. Smart Hands technicians also provide technical assistance and troubleshooting services. Smart Hands services are sold by the hour.
Equinix Customer Portal
The Equinix Customer Portal offers 24/7 access to our customer care personnel, so customers can report problems, schedule shipments or order Smart Hands services at any time of the day or night. Equinix conducts a significant portion of its transactions with its customers via this portal.
Business Continuity Trading Rooms
Trading infrastructure is mission-critical for financial firms worldwide, and our Business Continuity Trading Rooms (BCTRs) ensure that trading does not stop, even if primary operations are knocked off-line or are disabled. A BCTR backs up our customers’ trading operations in onefollowing companies represent some of our secure data center facilities, right down to telephone servicesleading customers and multiple desktop monitors. BCTR offerings are protectedpartners:
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We serve our customers with backup generators and uninterruptible power supply to guarantee reliability and deliver peace of mind. BCTR services are priced by size of capacity.

Sales and Marketing

Sales. We use a direct sales force and channel marketing program to market our offerings to global enterprises, content providers, financial companies, and mobile and network service providers.program. We organize our sales force by customer type, as well as by establishing a sales presence in diverse geographic regions, which enables efficient servicing of the customer base from a network of regional offices. In addition toWe also support our worldwide headquarters located in Silicon Valley, we have established an Asia-Pacific regional headquarters in Hong Kong andcustomers with a European regional headquarters in Amsterdam. Our Americas sales offices are located in Ashburn, Bogota, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Silicon Valley, Tampa and Toronto. Our EMEA sales offices are located in Amsterdam, Barcelona, Dubai, Dublin, Dusseldorf, Enschede, Frankfurt, Geneva, Helsinki, Istanbul, Lisbon, London, Madrid, Manchester, Milan, Munich, Paris, Sofia, Stockholm, Warsaw and Zurich. Our Asia-Pacific sales offices are located in Beijing, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Osaka, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, Melbourne and Tokyo.global customer care organization.

Our sales team works closely with each customerEmployees, Community and Intellectual Property
As the leading global interconnection and data center company, Equinix is dedicated to fosterpowering, protecting and connecting the natural network effectdigital world and doing so in a sustainable and responsible way.  In 2015, we made a long-term commitment to achieve 100% clean and renewable energy across our global operations.  We have made substantial progress against this goal covering over 90% of our IBX model, resulting in access to a wider potential customer base via our existing customers. footprint worldwide with net-zero carbon emission renewable energy products. 
As a result of the IBX interconnection model, IBX data center participants often encourage their customers, suppliers and business partners to also locate in our IBX data centers. These customers, suppliers and business partners, in turn, encourage their business partners to locate in our IBX data centers, resulting in additional customer growth. This network effect significantly reduces our new customer acquisition costs. In addition, large network providers, cloud providers or managed service providers may refer customers toDecember 31, 2019, Equinix as a part of their total customer solution. Equinix also focuses the selling by our vertical sales specialists on supporting specific industry requirements for network, mobile, and media and content providers, financial services, cloud computing, systems integrators and enterprise customer segments.
The Equinix channel program adds an ecosystem of leading system integrators and service providers, from managed network to cloud services. They help our customers design and deploy the right cloud and IT solutions enterprises need to reach their customers,had 8,378 employees and supply chains. Our channel partners understand how to leverage and integrate the advantages of the Platform Equinix global footprint, high performance connectivity options and global supply-chain ecosystems to deliver solutions that precisely meet our customers’ performance, reliability and cost requirements.
Marketing. To support our sales efforts and to actively promote our brandworldwide with 3,672 based in the Americas, Asia-Pacific2,941 based in EMEA and EMEA, we conduct comprehensive1,765 based in Asia-Pacific. Of those employees, 3,904 employees were in engineering and operations, 1,521 employees were in sales and marketing programs. Our marketing strategies include active public relations and ongoing2,953 employees were in management, finance and administration.
Equinix believes its culture is a key differentiator in its ability to attract, retain and motivate its employees. Core to its culture is a commitment to make sure Equinix is a place where everyone can confidently say, “I’m safe, I belong and I matter.” New and expanding programs such as our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging initiative aim to empower every employee in our company.  For example, our Women Leaders Network of over 1,900 employees is driving visibility of women in our workforce and encouraging the emergence of new leaders worldwide.  Also, our Equinix Impact program continues to grow, enabling employees to give back to their communities with the support of Equinix, volunteering nearly 14,000 hours to local causes.
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Equinix owns and maintains intellectual property in the form of trademarks, patents, application programming interfaces, customer communications programs. Our marketing efforts are focused on major businessportals and trade publications, online media outlets, industry events and sponsored activities. Our staff holds leadership positions in key networking organizations, and we participate in a variety of internet, enterprise IT, computer and financial industry conferences, placing our officers and employees in keynote speaking engagements at these conferences. We also regularly measure customer satisfaction levels and host key customer forums to ensure customer needs are understood and incorporated in product and service planning efforts. From a brand perspective, we build recognition through our website, external blog and social media channels by sponsoring or leading industry technical forums, by participating in internet industry standard-setting bodies and through advertising, paid social media and online campaigns. We continue to develop and host industry educational forums focused on peering technologies and practices for ISPs and content providers.
Our Competition
While a large number of enterprises own their own data centers, many others outsource some or all of their requirements to multi-tenant data center (MTDC) facilities, such as those operated by Equinix. We believe that the outsourcing trend is likely to accelerate in the coming years. The global MTDC market is highly fragmented. It is estimated that Equinix is one of more than 1,300 companies that provide MTDC offerings around the world, ranging in size from firms with a single data center in a single market to firms in over 20 markets. Equinix competes with these firms which vary in terms of their data center offerings, including:
Colocation Providers
Colocation data centers are a type of MTDC that can also be referred to as "retail" data center space. Typically, colocation data center space is offered on the basis of individual racks/cabinets or cages ranging from 500 to 10,000 square feet in size. Typical customers of colocation providers include:
Large enterprises with significant IT expertise and requirements
Small and medium businesses looking to outsource data center requirements
Internet application providers
Major internet content, entertainment and social networking providers
Shared, dedicated and managed hosting providers
Mobile and network service providers
Content delivery networks

Full facility maintenance and systems, including fire suppression, security, power backup and HVAC, are routinely included in managed colocation offerings. A variety of additional services are typically available, including remote hands technician services and network monitoring services.
Providers in addition to Equinix that offer colocation both globally and locally include firms such as AT&T, COLT and NTT.

Carrier-Neutral Colocation Providers
In addition to data center space and power, colocation providers also offer interconnection. Some of these providers, known as network or carrier-neutral colocation providers, can offer customers the choice of hundreds of network service providers or ISPs to choose from. Typically, customers use interconnection to buy internet connectivity, connect to VoIP telephone networks, perform financial exchange and settlement functions or perform business-to-business e-commerce. Carrier-neutral data centers are often located in key network hubs around the world, such as New York, Ashburn, Va., London, Amsterdam, Singapore and Hong Kong. Two types of data center facilities offering carrier-neutral colocation are used for many network-to-network interconnections:
A Meet Me Room (MMR) is typically a smaller space, generally 5,000 square feet or less, located in a major carrier hotel and often found in a wholesale data center facility.
A carrier-neutral data center is generally larger than an MMR and may be a stand-alone building separate from existing carrier hotels.

Providers in addition to Equinix that we believe could be defined as offering carrier-neutral colocation include CoreSite, Digital Realty Trust, Global Switch, Interxion and Telehouse.
Wholesale Data Center Providers
Wholesale data center providers lease data center space that is typically offered in cells or pods (i.e., individual white-space rooms) ranging in size from 10,000 to 20,000 square feet or larger. Wholesale data center offerings are targeted to both enterprises and colocation providers. These data centers primarily provide space and power without additional services like technicians, remote hands services or network monitoring (although other tenants might offer such services).
Sample wholesale data center providers include Digital Realty Trust, e-Shelter and Global Switch.
Managed Hosting Providers
Managed hosting services are provided by several firms that also provide data center colocation solutions. Typically, managed hosting providers can manage server hardware that is owned by either the hosting provider or the customer. They can also provide a combination of comprehensive systems administration, database administration and sometimes application management services. Frequently, this results in managed hosting providers "running" the customer’s servers, although such administration is frequently shared. The provider may manage such functions as operating systems, databases, security and patch management, while the customer will maintain management of the applications riding on top of those systems.
The full list of potential services that can be offered as part of managed hosting is substantial and includes services such as remote management, custom applications, helpdesk, messaging, databases, disaster recovery, managed storage, managed virtualization, managed security, managed networks and systems monitoring. Managed hosting services are typically used for:
Application hosting by organizations of any size, including large enterprises
Hosted or managed messaging, including Microsoft Exchangeproducts and other complex messaging applicationsofferings.
Complex or highly scalable web hosting or e-commerce websites
Managed storage solutions (including large drive arrays or backup robots)
Server disaster recovery and business continuity, including clustering and global server load balancing
Database servers, applications and services

Examples of managed hosting providers include: AT&T, CenturyLink, NaviSite, Rackspace, SunGard and Verizon Business.
Unlike other providers whose core businesses are bandwidth or managed services, we focus on neutral interconnection hubs for cloud and IT service providers, content providers, financial companies, enterprises and network service providers. As a result, we do not have the limited choices found commonly at other hosting/colocation companies. We compete based on the quality of our IBX data centers, our ability to provide a one-stop global solution in our Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific locations, the performance and diversity of our network- and cloud-neutral strategy, and the economic benefits of the aggregation of top network, cloud and business ecosystems under one roof. We expect to continue to benefit from several industry trends, including the need for contracting with multiple networks due to the uncertainty in the telecommunications market; customers’ increasing power requirements; enterprise customers’ increased use of virtualization and outsourcing; the continued growth of broadband and significant growth in Ethernet as a network alternative; and the growth in mobile applications.

Our Business Segment Financial Information
We currently operate in three reportable segments comprised of our Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific geographic regions. Information attributable to each of our reportable segments is set forth in Note 16 of Notes to17 within the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Employees
We had 7,273 employees as of December 31, 2017. We had 3,154 employees based in the Americas, 2,560 employees based in EMEA and 1,559 employees based in Asia-Pacific. Of those employees, 3,341 employees were in engineering and operations, 1,264 employees were in sales and marketing and 2,668 employees were in management, finance and administration.Statements.
Available Information
We were incorporated in Delaware in June 1998. We are required to file reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").) You may read and copy our materials on file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. You may obtain information regarding the SEC’s Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains an internet website at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information.
You may also obtain copies of our annual reports on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and our current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to such reports, free of charge by visiting the Investor Relations page on our website, www.equinix.com. These reports are available as soon as reasonably practical after we file them with the SEC. Information contained on or accessible through our website is not part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS
ITEM 1A.Risk Factors
In addition to the other information contained in this report, the following risk factors should be considered carefully in evaluating our business and us:business:
Acquisitions present many risks, and we may not realize the financial or strategic goals that were contemplated at the time of any transaction.
WeOver the last several years, we have completed numerous acquisitions.acquisitions, including most recently that of Axtel S.A.B. de C.V. in Mexico on January 8, 2020. On January 14, 2020, we also announced an agreement to acquire Packet Host, Inc., a bare metal automation company. We currently have acquisitions pending andcannot assure that we will consummate the acquisition of Packet or any future acquisition. We expect to make additional acquisitions in the future. Thesefuture which may include (i) acquisitions of businesses, products, solutions or technologies that we believe to be complementary, (ii) acquisitions of new IBX data centers or real estate for development of new IBX data centerscenters; or (iii) acquisitions through investments in local data center operators. We may pay for future acquisitions by using our existing cash resources (which may limit other potential uses of our cash), incurring additional debt (which may increase our interest expense, leverage and debt service requirements) and/or issuing shares (which may dilute our existing stockholders and have a negative effect on our earnings per share). Acquisitions expose us to potential risks, including:
the possible disruption of our ongoing business and diversion of management’smanagement's attention by acquisition, transition and integration activities, particularly when multiple acquisitions and integrations are occurring at the same time;
our potential inability to successfully pursue or realize some or all of the anticipated revenue opportunities associated with an acquisition or investment;
the possibility that we may not be able to successfully integrate acquired businesses, or businesses in which we invest, or achieve anticipated operating efficiencies or cost savings;
the possibility that announced acquisitions may not be completed, due to failure to satisfy the conditions to closing as a result of:
an injunction, law or order that makes unlawful the consummation of the acquisition;
inaccuracy or breach of the representations and warranties of, or the non-compliance with covenants by, either party;
the nonreceipt of closing documents; or
for other reasons;
the possibility that there could be a delay in the completion of an acquisition, which could, among other things, result in additional transaction costs, loss of revenue or other negative effects resulting from uncertainty about completion of the respective acquisition;
the dilution of our existing stockholders as a result of our issuing stock as consideration in a transaction or selling stock in order to fund the transaction;
the possibility of customer dissatisfaction if we are unable to achieve levels of quality and stability on par with past practices;
the possibility that we will be unable to retain relationships with key customers, landlords and/or suppliers of the acquired businesses, some of which may terminate their contracts with the acquired business as a result of the acquisition or which may attempt to negotiate changes in their current or future business relationships with us;
the possibility that we could lose key employees from the acquired businesses before integrating them;
the possibility that we may be unable to integrate or migrate IT systems, which could create a risk of errors or performance problems and could affect our ability to meet customer service level obligations;
the potential deterioration in our ability to access credit markets due to increased leverage;
the possibility that our customers may not accept either the existing equipment infrastructure or the "look-and-feel" of a new or different IBX data center;
the possibility that additional capital expenditures may be required or that transaction expenses associated with acquisitions may be higher than anticipated;
the possibility that required financing to fund an acquisition may not be available on acceptable terms or at all;

the possibility that we may be unable to obtain required approvals from governmental authorities under antitrust and competition laws on a timely basis or at all, which could, among other things, delay or prevent us from completing an acquisition, limit our ability to realize the expected financial or strategic benefits of an acquisition or have other adverse effects on our current business and operations;
the possible loss or reduction in value of acquired businesses;
the possibility that future acquisitions may present new complexities in deal structure, related complex accounting and coordination with new partners, particularly in light of our desire to maintain our qualification for taxation as a REIT;

the possibility that we may not be able to prepare and issue our financial statements and other public filings in a timely and accurate manner, and/or maintain an effective control environment, due to the strain on the finance organization when multiple acquisitions and integrations are occurring at the same time;
the possibility that future acquisitions may trigger property tax reassessments resulting in a substantial increase to our property taxes beyond that which we anticipated;
the possibility that future acquisitions may be in geographies and regulatory environments to which we are unaccustomed;unaccustomed and we may become subject to complex requirements and risks with which we have limited experience;
the possibility that carriers may find it cost-prohibitive or impractical to bring fiber and networks into a new IBX data center;
the possibility of litigation or other claims in connection with, or as a result of, an acquisition, including claims from terminated employees, customers, former stockholders or other third parties;
the possibility that asset divestments may be required in order to obtain regulatory clearance for a transaction; and
the possibility of pre-existing undisclosed liabilities, including, but not limited to, lease or landlord related liability, environmental liability or asbestos liability, for which insurance coverage may be insufficient or unavailable, or other issues not discovered in the diligence process; and
the possibility that we receive limited or incorrect information about the acquired business in the diligence process. For example, we sometimes do not receive all of the customer contracts associated with our acquisitions in the diligence process, which affects our visibility into customer termination rights and could expose us to additional liabilities.
The occurrence of any of these risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. If an acquisition does not proceed or is materially delayed for any reason, the price of our common stock may be adversely impacted, and we will not recognize the anticipated benefits of the acquisition.
We cannot assure that the price of any future acquisitions of IBX data centers will be similar to prior IBX data center acquisitions. In fact, we expect costs required to build or render new IBX data centers operational to increase in the future. If our revenue does not keep pace with these potential acquisition and expansion costs, we may not be able to maintain our current or expected margins as we absorb these additional expenses. There is no assurance we would successfully overcome these risks, or any other problems encountered with these acquisitions.
There willThe anticipated benefits of the Joint Venture with GIC may not be numerous challenges associated with the Verizon Data Center integrationfully realized, or take longer to realize than expected.
On MayOctober 8, 2019, we entered into a joint venture with GIC, Singapore's sovereign wealth fund, to develop and operate xScale™ data centers in Europe. We sold our London 10 and Paris 8 data centers and certain construction development and leases in London and Frankfurt to the Joint Venture. The data centers and facilities are now owned by wholly-owned subsidiaries of EMEA Hyperscale 1 2017, we acquired Verizon's colocation business (the "Business")C.V., for a cash purchase priceDutch limited partnership of approximately $3.6 billion.which Equinix owns a 20% interest, GIC owns an 80% interest, and Equinix will operate the facilities.
We may not realize all of the anticipated benefits from the Joint Venture. The success of the Verizon Data Center AcquisitionJoint Venture will depend, in part, on the successful partnership between Equinix and GIC. Such a partnership is subject to risks as outlined below and more generally, to the same types of business risks as would impact our abilityIBX data center business. A failure to successfully integrate the Verizon assets into our business, and realize the anticipated benefits, including synergies and cost savings, from the Verizon Data Center Acquisition. If we are unable to achieve these objectives within the anticipated time frame,partner, or at all, the anticipated benefits may not be realized fully or at all, or may take longera failure to realize than expected andour expectations for the value of our common stock may be adversely affected.
We may encounter material challenges in connection with this ongoing integration process, including from, without limitation:
expanding our relationships with U.S. government customers, which will subject us to complex regulatory and compliance requirements and risks with which we have limited experience;
our reliance on transition services from Verizon to operate the Business, and our need to develop sustainable alternative arrangements upon expiration or interruption of those transition services;
retaining key employees, who may experience uncertainty associated with the Verizon Data Center Acquisition and who may depart after the Verizon Data Center Acquisition because of issues relating to the uncertainty and difficulty of the integration or a desire not to remain with us following the Verizon Data Center Acquisition; and
unforeseen expenses or delays associated with the Verizon Data Center Acquisition.
Many of these factors will be outside of our control and any one of them could result in increased costs, decreases in the amount of expected revenues and diversion of management's time and energy, whichJoint Venture, could materially impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Joint venture investments, such as our Joint Venture with GIC, could expose us to risks and liabilities in connection with the formation of the new joint ventures, the operation of such joint ventures without sole decision-making authority, and our reliance on joint venture partners who may have economic and business interests that are inconsistent with our business interests.

In addition to our Joint Venture with GIC, we may co-invest with other third parties through partnerships, joint ventures or other entities in the future. These joint ventures could result in our acquisition of non-controlling interests in or shared responsibility for managing the affairs of a property or portfolio of properties, partnership, joint venture or other entity. We may be subject to additional risks, including:
we may not have the right to exercise sole decision-making authority regarding the properties, partnership, joint venture or other entity;
if our partners become bankrupt or fail to fund their share of required capital contributions, we may choose to or be required to contribute such capital;
our partners may have economic, tax or other business interests or goals which are inconsistent with our business interests or goals, and may be in a position to take actions contrary to our policies or objectives;
our joint venture partners may take actions that are not within our control, which could require us to dispose of the joint venture asset, transfer it to a taxable REIT subsidiary ("TRS") in order for Equinix to maintain its qualification for taxation as a REIT, or purchase the partner's interests or assets at an above-market price;
our joint venture partners may take actions unrelated to our business agreement but which reflect poorly on Equinix because of our joint venture;
disputes between us and our partners may result in litigation or arbitration that would increase our expenses and prevent our management from focusing their time and effort on our day-to-day business; and
we may in certain circumstances be liable for the actions of our third-party partners or guarantee all or a portion of the joint venture's liabilities, which may require the company to pay an amount greater than its investment in the joint venture.
Each of these factors may result in returns on these investments being less than we expect or in losses, and our financial and operating results may be adversely affected.
Our substantial debt could adversely affect our cash flows and limit our flexibility to raise additional capital.
We have a significant amount of debt and may need to incur additional debt to support our growth. Additional debt may also be incurred to fund future acquisitions, any future special distributions, regular distributions or the other cash outlays associated with maintaining our qualification for taxation as a REIT. As of December 31, 2017,2019, our total indebtedness (gross of debt issuance cost, debt discount, and debt premium) was approximately $10.2$11.9 billion, our stockholders’stockholders' equity was $6.8$8.8 billion and our cash, cash equivalents, and investments totaled $1.5$1.9 billion. In addition, as of December 31, 2017,2019, we had approximately $1.9 billion of additional liquidity available to us from our $2.0 billion revolving credit facility. Some of our debt contains covenants which may limit our operating flexibility. In addition to our substantial debt, we lease a majoritymany of our IBX data centers and certain equipment under non-cancellable lease agreements, some of which are accounted for as operating leases. As of December 31, 2017, our total minimum2019, we recorded operating lease commitmentsliabilities of $1.5 billion, which represents our obligation to make lease payments under those lease agreements, excluding potential lease renewals, was approximately $1.9 billion, which represents off-balance sheet commitments.

arrangements.
Our substantial amount of debt and related covenants, and our off-balance sheet commitments, could have important consequences. For example, they could:
require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to make interest and principal payments on our debt and in respect of other off-balance sheet arrangements, reducing the availability of our cash flow to fund future capital expenditures, working capital, execution of our expansion strategy and other general corporate requirements;
increase the likelihood of negative outlook from our credit rating agencies;agencies, or of a downgrade to our current rating;
make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations under our various debt instruments;
increase our cost of borrowing and even limit our ability to access additional debt to fund future growth;
increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions and adverse changes in governmental regulations;
limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and industry, which may place us at a competitive disadvantage compared with our competitors;
limit our operating flexibility through covenants with which we must comply, such as limiting our ability to repurchase shares of our common stock;comply;
limit our ability to borrow additional funds, even when necessary to maintain adequate liquidity, which would also limit our ability to further expand our business; and

make us more vulnerable to increases in interest rates because of the variable interest rates on some of our borrowings to the extent we have not entirely hedged such variable rate debt.
The occurrence of any of the foregoing factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We may also need to refinance a portion of our outstanding debt as it matures. There is a risk that we may not be able to refinance existing debt or that the terms of any refinancing may not be as favorable as the terms of our existing debt. Furthermore, if prevailing interest rates or other factors at the time of refinancing result in higher interest rates upon refinancing, then the interest expense relating to that refinanced indebtedness would increase. These risks could materially adversely affect our financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
The phase out of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), and uncertainty as to its replacement, may adversely affect our business.
On July 27, 2017, the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, announced that it intends to stop persuading or compelling banks to submit rates for the calibration of LIBOR after 2021 after which time it can no longer guarantee its availability. Although alternative reference rates have been proposed, it is unknown at this point which of these alternative reference rates will attain market acceptance as replacements for LIBOR.
Certain term loan borrowings under our Senior Credit Facility bear interest at rates that are calculated based on LIBOR. In addition, certain of our agreements, including financing, customer, vendor, leasing, intercompany, derivative and joint venture agreements, also make reference to LIBOR. To prepare for the phase out of LIBOR, we may need to renegotiate the Senior Credit Facility and other agreements and may not be able to do so on terms that are favorable to us. It is also currently unknown what impact any contract modification will have on our financial statements. Further, the financial markets may be disrupted as a result of the phase out of LIBOR if banks fail to execute a smooth transition to an alternate rate.
Disruption in the financial markets or the inability to renegotiate our agreements to remove and replace LIBOR on favorable terms, or a negative impact from any contract modifications, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial position, and operating results.
Adverse global economic conditions and credit market uncertainty could adversely impact our business and financial condition.
Adverse global economic conditions and uncertain conditions in the credit markets have created, and in the future may create, uncertainty and unpredictability and add risk to our future outlook. An uncertain global economy could also result in churn in our customer base, reductions in revenues from our offerings, longer sales cycles, slower adoption of new technologies and increased price competition, adversely affecting our liquidity. Customers and vendors filing for bankruptcy can also lead to costly and time-intensive actions with adverse effects. The uncertain economic environment could also have an impact on our foreign exchange forward contracts if our counterparties’counterparties' credit deteriorates or they are otherwise unable to perform their obligations. Finally, our ability to access the capital markets may be severely restricted at a time when we would like, or need, to do so which could have an impact on our flexibility to pursue additional expansion opportunities and maintain our desired level of revenue growth in the future.
Recent political developments related to the U.K.’s referendum on membership in the European Union (the "EU") could have a material adverse effect on our business.
We currently have IBX data centers and employees located in the UK and other European jurisdictions. A referendum was held on June 23, 2016 in the UK to determine whether it should remain in or leave the EU, the outcome of which was a vote in favor of leaving the EU (the "Brexit"). The Brexit has resulted in political and economic instability throughout Europe. There is considerable uncertainty surrounding the exit process, the extent of the UK’s future relationship with the EU, and the longer-term impact of the Brexit on economic conditions in the UK and in the EU. The ongoing instability and uncertainty surrounding the Brexit in the near term, and the final terms reached regarding the Brexit, could have an adverse impact on our business and employees in EMEA and could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
If we cannot effectively manage our international operations, and successfully implement our international expansion plans, or comply with evolving laws and regulations, our revenues may not increase, and our business and results of operations would be harmed.
For the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162019, 2018 and 2015,2017, we recognized approximately 55%58%, 57%55% and 49%55%, respectively, of our revenues outside the U.S. We currently operate outside of the U.S. in Asia-Pacific, Canada, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, EMEA and South America.

Asia-Pacific.
To date, the network neutrality of our IBX data centers and the variety of networks available to our customers has often been a competitive advantage for us. In certain of our acquired IBX data centers in the Asia-Pacific region, the limited number of carriers available reduces that advantage. As a result, we may need to adapt our key revenue-generating offerings and pricing to be competitive in those markets. In addition, we are currently undergoing expansions or evaluating expansion opportunities outside of the U.S. Undertaking and managing expansions in foreign jurisdictions may present unanticipated challenges to us.
Our international operations are generally subject to a number of additional risks, including:

the costs of customizing IBX data centers for foreign countries;
protectionist laws and business practices favoring local competition;
greater difficulty or delay in accounts receivable collection;
difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations, including negotiating with foreign labor unions or workers’workers' councils;
difficulties in managing across cultures and in foreign languages;
political and economic instability;
fluctuations in currency exchange rates;
difficulties in repatriating funds from certain countries;
our ability to obtain, transfer or maintain licenses required by governmental entities with respect to our business;
unexpected changes in regulatory, tax and political environments;environments such as the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union ("Brexit");
our ability to secure and maintain the necessary physical and telecommunications infrastructure;
compliance with anti-bribery and corruption laws;
compliance with economic and trade sanctions enforced by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of Treasury; and
compliance with evolving governmental regulation with which we have little experience.
Geo-political events, such as Brexit, the political unrest in Hong Kong, and the trade war between the U.S. and China, may increase the likelihood of the listed risks to occur. With respect to Brexit, it is possible that the level of economic activity in the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe will be adversely impacted and that we will face increased regulatory and legal complexities in these regions which could have an adverse impact on our business and employees in EMEA and could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, compliance with international and U.S. laws and regulations that apply to our international operations increases our cost of doing business in foreign jurisdictions. These laws and regulations include the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other data privacy requirements, labor relations laws, tax laws, anti-competition regulations, import and trade restrictions, export requirements, economic and trade sanctions, U.S. laws such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and local laws which also prohibit corrupt payments to governmental officials. Violations of these laws and regulations could result in fines, criminal sanctions against us, our officers or our employees, and prohibitions on the conduct of our business. Any such violations could include prohibitions on our ability to offer our offerings in one or more countries, could delay or prevent potential acquisitions, and could also materially damage our reputation, our brand, our international expansion efforts, our ability to attract and retain employees, our business and our operating results. Our success depends, in part, on our ability to anticipate and address these risks and manage these difficulties.
Economic and political uncertainty in developing markets could adversely affect our revenue and earnings.
We conduct business and are contemplating expansion in developing markets with economies and governments that tend to be more volatile than those in the U.S. and Western Europe. The risk of doing business in developing markets such as Brazil, China, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Russia,Mexico, Oman, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and other economically volatile areas could adversely affect our operations and earnings. Such risks include the financial instability among customers in these regions, political instability, fraud or corruption and other non-economic factors such as irregular trade flows that need to be managed successfully with the help of the local governments. In addition, commercial laws in some developing countries can be vague, inconsistently administered and retroactively applied. If we are deemed not to be not in compliance with applicable laws in developing countries where we conduct business, our prospects and business in those countries could be harmed, which could then have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial position. Our failure to successfully manage economic, political and other risks relating to doing business in developing countries and economically and politically volatile areas could adversely affect our business.
Terrorist activity throughout the world and military action to counter terrorism could adversely impact our business.
The continued threat of terrorist activity and other acts of war or hostility contribute to a climate of political and economic uncertainty. Due to existing or developing circumstances, we may need to incur additional costs in the future to provide enhanced security, including cyber security, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. These circumstances may also adversely affect our ability to attract and retain customers, our ability to raise capital and the operation and maintenance of our IBX data centers.

Our business may be adversely affected by the recent coronavirus outbreak.
In December 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus, referred to as 2019-nCoV, Covid-19 Coronavirus Epidemic, or Covid-19, was reported to have surfaced in Wuhan, China. Covid-19 has since spread to other regions in China and other countries, including jurisdictions in which we operate. We continue to monitor our operations and government recommendations and have made some modifications to our operations because of Covid-19. For example, we have implemented enhanced health and safety precautions in certain of our IBXs to reduce the risk of exposure and have requested that non-IBX datacenter employees in certain jurisdictions work from home and refrain from travel. The outbreak and any additional preventative or protective actions that we may take in response to this Covid-19 or any other global health threat or pandemic may result in business and/or operational disruption. Our customers’ businesses could be disrupted, and our revenues could be negatively affected. Additionally, global economic disrupters like the Covid-19 could negatively impact our supply chain and cause delays in the construction of our IBX datacenters which rely on materials, products and manufacturing from China. It may not be possible to find replacement products or supplies and ongoing delays could affect our business and growth. While it is too early to tell whether Covid-19 will have a material effect on our business over time, we are experiencing delays from certain vendors and suppliers who have been affected more directly by Covid-19 in China. The extent to which Covid-19 impacts our results will depend on many factors and future developments, including new information about Covid-19 and any new government regulations which may emerge to contain the virus, among others.
Sales or issuances of shares of our common stock may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
Future sales or issuances of common stock or other equity related securities may adversely affect the market price of our common stock, including any shares of our common stock issued to finance capital expenditures, finance acquisitions or repay debt. In August 2017, weWe have established an "at-the-market" stock offering program (the "ATM Program") through which we may, from time to time, issue and sell shares of our common stock having an aggregate gross sales price of up to $750.0 million to or through sales agents.agents up to established limits. By the end of 2019, we had $300.0 million of shares available for sale under our ATM Program. We may also seek authorization to sell additional shares of common stock under the ATM Program once we have reached the $750.0 million limit which wouldcould lead to additional dilution for our stockholders. Please see Note 1112 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for sales of our common stock under the ATM Program to date.
The market price of our stock may continue to be highly volatile, and the value of an investment in our common stock may decline.
The market price of the shares of our common stock has been and may continue to be highly volatile. General economic and market conditions, and market conditions for telecommunications and real estate investment trust stocks in general, may affect the market price of our common stock.
Announcements by us or others, or speculations about our future plans, may also have a significant impact on the market price of our common stock. These may relate to:
our operating results or forecasts;
new issuances of equity, debt or convertible debt by us, including issuances through our ATM Program;
increases in market interest rates and changes in other general market and economic conditions, including inflationary concerns;
changes to our capital allocation, tax planning or business strategy;
our qualification for taxation as a REIT and our declaration of distributions to our stockholders;
changes in U.S. or foreign tax laws;
changes in management or key personnel;
developments in our relationships with customers;
announcements by our customers or competitors;
changes in regulatory policy or interpretation;
governmental investigations;
changes in the ratings of our debt or stock by rating agencies or securities analysts;
our purchase or development of real estate and/or additional IBX data centers;
our acquisitions of complementary businesses; or
the operational performance of our IBX data centers.

The stock market has from time to time experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations, which have particularly affected the market prices for telecommunications companies, and which have often been unrelated to their operating performance. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of our common stock. One of the factors that investors may consider in deciding whether to buy or sell our common stock is our distribution rate as a percentage of our stock price relative to market interest rates. If market interest rates increase, prospective investors may demand a higher distribution rate or seek alternative investments paying higher dividends or interest. As a result, interest rate fluctuations and conditions in the capital markets may affect the market value of our common stock. Furthermore, companies that have experienced volatility in the market price of their stock have been subject to securities class action litigation. We may be the target of this type of litigation in the future. Securities litigation against us could result in substantial costs and/or damages, and divert management’smanagement's attention from other business concerns, which could seriously harm our business.
If we are not able to generate sufficient operating cash flows or obtain external financing, our ability to fund incremental expansion plans may be limited.
Our capital expenditures, together with ongoing operating expenses, obligations to service our debt and the cash outlays associated with our REIT distribution requirements, are, and will continue to be, a substantial burden on our cash flow and may decrease our cash balances. Additional debt or equity financing may not be available when needed or, if available, may not be available on satisfactory terms. Our inability to obtain additional debt and/or equity financing or to generate sufficient cash from operations may require us to prioritize projects or curtail capital expenditures which could adversely affect our results of operations.

Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates in the markets in which we operate internationally could harm our results of operations.
We may experience gains and losses resulting from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. To date, the majority of revenues and costs in our international operations are denominated in foreign currencies. Where our prices are denominated in U.S. dollars,Dollars, our sales and revenues could be adversely affected by declines in foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar,Dollar, thereby making our offerings more expensive in local currencies. We are also exposed to risks resulting from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates in connection with our international operations. To the extent we are paying contractors in foreign currencies, our operations could cost more than anticipated as a result of declines in the U.S. dollarDollar relative to foreign currencies. In addition, fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates have a direct impact on how our international results of operations translate into U.S. dollars.Dollars.
Although we currently undertake, and may decide in the future to further undertake, foreign exchange hedging transactions to reduce foreign currency transaction exposure, we do not currently intend to eliminate all foreign currency transaction exposure. In addition, REIT compliance rules may restrict our ability to enter into hedging transactions. Therefore, any weakness of the U.S. dollarDollar may have a positive impact on our consolidated results of operations because the currencies in the foreign countries in which we operate may translate into more U.S. dollars.Dollars. However, if the U.S. dollarDollar strengthens relative to the currencies of the foreign countries in which we operate, our consolidated financial position and results of operations may be negatively impacted as amounts in foreign currencies will generally translate into fewer U.S. dollars.Dollars. For additional information on foreign currency risk,risks, refer to our discussion of foreign currency risk in "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" included in Item 7A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Our derivative transactions expose us to counterparty credit risk.
Our derivative transactions expose us to risk of financial loss if a counterparty fails to perform under a derivative contract. Disruptions in the financial markets could lead to sudden decreases in a counterparty's liquidity, which could make them unable to perform under the terms of their derivative contract and we may not be able to realize the benefit of the derivative contract.
Changes in U.S. or foreign tax laws, regulations, or interpretations thereof, including changes to tax rates, may adversely affect our financial statements and cash taxes.
We are a U.S. company with global subsidiaries and are subject to income and other taxes in the U.S. (although currently limited due to our taxation as a REIT) and many foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in determining our worldwide provision for income taxes. The U.S. government has also recently changed tax laws in the U.S. and the governments of many of the countries in which we operate are actively discussing changes to foreign tax laws.other taxes. Although we believe that we have adequately assessed and accounted for our potential tax liabilities, and that our tax estimates are reasonable, there can be no certainty that additional taxes will not be due upon audit of our tax returns or as a result of further changes to the tax laws and interpretations thereof. For example, we are currently undergoing audits and appealing the tentative assessments in a number of

jurisdictions where we operate. The final results of these audits and the outcome of the appeals are uncertain and may not be resolved in our favor. Further, the nature and timing of any future changes to each jurisdiction’sjurisdiction's tax laws and the impact on our future tax liabilities cannot be predicted with any accuracy but could materially and adversely impact our results of operations and financial position or cash flows.
We may be vulnerable to security breaches which could disrupt our operations and have a material adverse effect on our financial performance and operating results.
We face risks associated with unauthorized access to our computer systems, loss or destruction of data, computer viruses, malware, distributed denial-of-service attacks or other malicious activities. These threats may result from human error, equipment failure or fraud or malice on the part of employees or third parties. A party who is able to compromise the security measures on our networks or the security of our infrastructure could misappropriate either our proprietary information or the personal information of our customers or our employees, or cause interruptions or malfunctions in our operations or our customers' operations. As we provide assurances to our customers that we provide a high level of security, such a compromise could be particularly harmful to our brand and reputation. We may be required to expend significant capital and resources to protect against such threats or to alleviate problems caused by breaches in security. As techniques used to breach security change frequently and are generally not recognized until launched against a target, we may not be able to promptly detect that a cyber breach has occurred, or implement security measures in a timely manner or, if and when implemented, we may not be able to determine the extent to which these measures could be circumvented. Any breaches that may occur could expose us to increased risk of lawsuits, regulatory penalties, loss of existing or potential customers, damage relating to loss of proprietary information, harm to our reputation and increases in our security costs, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial performance and operating results. We maintain insurance coverage for cyber risks, but such coverage may be unavailable or insufficient to cover our losses.
We offer professional services to our customers where we consult on data center solutions and assist with implementations. We also offer managed services in certain of our foreign jurisdictions outside of the U.S. where we manage the data center infrastructure for our customers. The access to our clients' networks and data, which is gained from these services, creates some risk that our clients' networks or data will be improperly accessed. We may also design our clients' cloud storage systems in such a way that exposes our clients to increased risk of data breach.  If Equinix were held to be responsible for any such a breach, it could result in a significant loss to Equinix, including damage to Equinix's client relationships, harm to our brand and reputation, and legal liability.
We are continuing to invest in our expansion efforts but may not have sufficient customer demand in the future to realize expected returns on these investments.
We are considering the acquisition or lease of additional properties and the construction of new IBX data centers beyond those expansion projects already announced. We will be required to commit substantial operational and financial resources to these IBX data centers, generally 12 to 18 months in advance of securing customer contracts, and we may not have sufficient customer demand in those markets to support these centers once they are built. In addition, unanticipated technological changes could affect customer requirements for data centers, and we may not have built such requirements into our new IBX data centers. Either of these contingencies, if they were to occur, could make it difficult for us to realize expected or reasonable returns on these investments.
Our offerings have a long sales cycle that may harm our revenue and operating results.
A customer’scustomer's decision to purchase our offerings typically involves a significant commitment of resources. In addition, some customers will be reluctant to commit to locating in our IBX data centers until they are confident that the IBX data center has adequate carrier connections. As a result, we have a long sales cycle. Furthermore, we may devote significant time and resources to pursuing a particular sale or customer that does not result in revenues. We have also significantly expanded our sales force in recent years, and it will take time for these new hires to become fully productive.
Delays due to the length of our sales cycle may materially and adversely affect our revenues and operating results, which could harm our ability to meet our forecasts and cause volatility in our stock price.
Any failure of our physical infrastructure or offerings,negative impact on our ability to provide our services, or damage to customer infrastructure within our IBX data centers, could lead to significant costs and disruptions that could reduce our revenue and harm our business reputation and financial results.
Our business depends on providing customers with highly reliable solutions. We must safehouse our customers’customers' infrastructure and equipment located in our IBX data centers and ensure our IBX data centers and non-IBX offices remain operational. We own

remain operational at all times. We own certain of our IBX data centers, but others are leased by us, and we rely on the landlord for basic maintenance of our leased IBX data centers and office buildings. If such landlord has not maintained a leased property sufficiently, we may be forced into an early exit from the center which could be disruptive to our business. Furthermore, we continue to acquire IBX data centers not built by us. If we discover that these buildings and their infrastructure assets are not in the condition we expected when they were acquired, we may be required to incur substantial additional costs to repair or upgrade the centers.
Our office buildings andProblems at one or more of our IBX data centers are subject to failure resulting from, andor corporate offices, whether or not within our control, could result in service interruptions or significant infrastructure within such IBX data centers is at riskor equipment damage. These could result from numerous factors, including:
human error;
equipment failure;
physical, electronic and cyber security breaches;
fire, earthquake, hurricane, flood, tornado and other natural disasters;
extreme temperatures;
water damage;
fiber cuts;
power loss;
terrorist acts;
sabotage and vandalism;
global pandemics or health emergencies, such as the coronavirus; and
failure of business partners who provide our resale products.
Problems at one or more of our IBX data centers, whether or not within our control, could result in service interruptions or significant equipment damage. We have service level commitment obligations to certain of our customers. As a result, service interruptions or significant equipment damage in our IBX data centers could result in difficulty maintaining service level commitments to these customers and potential claims related to such failures. Because our IBX data centers are critical to many of our customers’customers' businesses, service interruptions or significant equipment damage in our IBX data centers could also result in lost profits or other indirect or consequential damages to our customers. We cannot guarantee that a court would enforce any contractual limitations on our liability in the event that one of our customers brings a lawsuit against us as a result of a problem at one of our IBX data centers and we may decide to reach settlements with affected customers irrespective of any such contractual limitations. Any such settlement may result in a reduction of revenue under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). In addition, any loss of service, equipment damage or inability to meet our service level commitment obligations could reduce the confidence of our customers and could consequently impair our ability to obtain and retain customers, which would adversely affect both our ability to generate revenues and our operating results.
Furthermore, we are dependent upon internet service providers, telecommunications carriers and other website operators in the Americas, Asia-Pacific and EMEA regions and elsewhere, some of which have experienced significant system failures and electrical outages in the past. Our customers may in the future experience difficulties due to system failures unrelated to our systems and offerings. If, for any reason, these providers fail to provide the required services, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely impacted.
We are currently making significant investments in our back officeback-office information technology systems and processes.  Difficulties from or disruptions to these efforts may interrupt our normal operations and adversely affect our business and operating results.
We have been investing heavily in our back officeback-office information technology systems and processes for a number of years and expect such investment to continue for the foreseeable future in support of our pursuit of global, scalable solutions across all geographies and functions that we operate in.  These continuing investments include: 1) ongoing improvements to the customer experience from initial quote to customer billing and our revenue recognition process; 2) integration of recently-acquired operations such as Bit-isle, Inc. ("Bit-isle"), Itconic and the Zenium data center onto our various information technology systems; and 3) implementation of new tools and technologies to either further streamline and automate processes, such as our fixed asset procure to disposal process,procurement system, or to support our compliance with evolving U.S. GAAP, such as the new revenue accounting, derivatives and hedging and leasing standards.  As a result of our continued work on these projects, we may experience difficulties with our systems, management distraction and significant business disruptions. For example, difficulties with our systems may interrupt our ability to accept and deliver customer orders and may adversely impact our overall financial operations,

including our accounts payable, accounts receivables, general ledger, fixed assets, revenue recognition, close processes, internal financial controls and our ability to otherwise run and track our business. We may need to expend significant attention, time and resources to correct problems or find alternative sources for performing these functions. All of these changes to our financial systems also create an increased risk of deficiencies in our internal controls over financial reporting until such systems are stabilized. Such significant investments in our back office

back-office systems may take longer to complete and cost more than originally planned. In addition, we may not realize the full benefits we hoped to achieve and there is a risk of an impairment charge if we decide that portions of these projects will not ultimately benefit the company or are de-scoped. Finally, the collective impact of these changes to our business has placed significant demands on impacted employees across multiple functions, increasing the risk of errors and control deficiencies in our financial statements, distraction from the effective operation of our business and difficulty in attracting and retaining employees. Any such difficulties or disruptions may adversely affect our business and operating results.
Inadequate or inaccurate external and internal information, including budget and planning data, could prove to be inaccurate and lead to inaccurate financial forecasts and inappropriate financial decisions.
Our financial forecasts are dependent on estimates and assumptions includingregarding budget and planning data, market growth, foreign exchange rates, our ability to remain qualified for taxation as a REIT, and our ability to generate sufficient cash flow to reinvest in the business, fund internal growth, make acquisitions, pay dividends and meet our debt obligations. Our financial projections are based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that our management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances and at the time they are made. However, if our external and internal information is inadequate, our actual results may differ materially from our forecasts and cause us to make inappropriate financial decisions. Any material variation between our financial forecasts and our actual results may also adversely affect our future profitability, stock price and stockholder confidence.
The level of insurance coverage that we purchase may prove to be inadequate.
We carry liability, property, business interruption and other insurance policies to cover insurable risks to our company. We select the types of insurance, the limits and the deductibles based on our specific risk profile, the cost of the insurance coverage versus its perceived benefit and general industry standards. Our insurance policies contain industry standard exclusions for events such as war and nuclear reaction. We purchase minimal levels of earthquake insurance for certain of our IBX data centers, but for most of our data centers, including many in California, we have elected to self-insure. The earthquake and flood insurance that we do purchase would be subject to high deductibles. Any of the limits of insurance that we purchase, including those for cyber risks, could prove to be inadequate, which could materially and adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our construction of additional new IBX data centers or IBX data center expansions could involve significant risks to our business.
In order to sustain our growth in certain of our existing and new markets, we mustmay have to expand an existing data center, lease a new facility or acquire suitable land, with or without structures, to build new IBX data centers from the ground up. Expansions or new builds are currently underway, or being contemplated, in many of our markets. AnyThese construction projects expose us to many risks which could have an adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition. Some of the risks associated with these projects include:
construction delays;
lack of availability and delays for data center equipment, including items such as generators and switchgear;
unexpected budget changes;
increased prices for building supplies, raw materials and data center equipment;
labor availability, labor disputes and work stoppages with contractors, subcontractors and other third parties;
unanticipated environmental issues and geological problems;
delays related to permitting from public agencies and utility companies; and
delays in site readiness leading to our failure to meet commitments made to customers planning to expand into a new build.
Construction projects are dependent on permitting from public agencies and utility companies. We are currently experiencing permitting delays in Amsterdam due to the temporary halt on construction requiresof data centers in the municipality due to pressure on power infrastructure and special planning. While we don't expect any negative impact for our business in Amsterdam, these types of delays related to permitting from public agencies and utility companies could occur in other markets and have an adverse effect on our growth.

Additionally, all construction related projects require us to carefully select and rely on the experience of one or more designers, general contractors, and associated subcontractors during the design and construction process. Should a designer, general contractor or significant subcontractor experience financial problems or other problems during the design or construction process, we could experience significant delays, increased costs to complete the project and/or other negative impacts to our expected returns.
Site selection is also a critical factor in our expansion plans. There may not be suitable properties available in our markets with the necessary combination of high power capacity and fiber connectivity, or selection may be limited. Thus, while we may prefer to locate new IBX data centers adjacent to our existing locations, it may not always be possible. In the event we decide to build new IBX data centers separate from our existing IBX data centers, we may provide interconnection solutions to connect these two centers. Should these solutions not provide the necessary reliability to sustain connection, this could result in lower interconnection revenue and lower margins and could have a negative impact on customer retention over time.
Environmental regulations may impose upon us new or unexpected costs.
Environmental regulations may impose upon us new or unexpected costs. We are subject to various federal, state, local and international environmental and health and safety laws and regulations, including those relating to the generation, storage, handling and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes. Certain of these laws and regulations also impose joint and several liability, without regard to fault, for investigation and cleanup costs on current and former owners and operators of real property and persons who have disposed of or released hazardous substances into the environment. Our operations involve the use of hazardous substances and materials such as petroleum fuel for emergency generators, as well as batteries, cleaning solutions and other materials. In addition, we lease, own or operate real property at which hazardous substances and regulated materials have been used in the past. At some of our locations, hazardous substances or regulated materials are known to be present in soil or groundwater, and there may be additional unknown hazardous substances or regulated materials present at sites we own, operate or lease. At some of our locations, there are land use restrictions in place relating to earlier environmental cleanups that do not materially limit our use of the sites. To the extent any hazardous substances or any other substance or material must be cleaned up or removed from our

property, we may be responsible under applicable laws, regulationspermits or leases for the removal or cleanup of such substances or materials, the cost of which could be substantial.
Electricity is a material cost in connection with our business, and an increase in the costWe purchase significant amounts of electricity could adversely affect us. The generatorsfrom generating facilities and utility companies that provide electricity to our facilities are subject to environmental laws, regulations and permit requirements. These environmental requirements that are subject to material change, which could result in increases in generators’our electricity suppliers' compliance costs that may be passed through to us. Regulations recently promulgated by the U.S. EPA could limit air emissions from coal-fired power plants, restrict discharges of cooling water, and otherwise impose new operational restraints on conventional power plants that could increase costs of electricity. Regulatory programs intended to promote increased generation of electricity from renewable sources may also increase our costs of procuring electricity. In addition, we are directly subject to environmental, health and safety laws regulating air emissions, storm water management and other issues arising in our business. For example, our emergency generators are subject to state and federal regulations governing air pollutants, which could limit the operation of those generators or require the installation of new pollution control technologies. While environmental regulations do not normally impose material costs upon our operations, unexpected events, equipment malfunctions, human error and changes in law or regulations, among other factors, can lead to violations of environmental laws, regulations or permits,additional capital requirements, limitations upon our operations and to additional unexpected operational limitations orincreased costs.
Regulation of greenhouse gas ("GHG") emissions could increase the cost of electricity by reducing amounts of electricity generated from fossil fuels, by requiring the use of more expensive generating methods or by imposing taxes or fees upon electricity generation or use. There has been interest in the U.S. Congress in addressing climate change expressed by a number of bills introduced in the current Congressional Session. Federal legislative proposals to address climate change include measures ranging from "carbon taxes," to tax credits, to federally imposed limitations on GHG emissions. The U.S. EPA initially published acourse of future legislation and regulation in October 2015, called the "Clean Power Plan," that was intended to reduce GHG emissions from existing fossil fuel-fired power plants by 32 percent from 2005 levels by 2030. In October 2017, the EPA proposed to repeal that Clean Power Plan and replace it with another regulation that would address GHG emissions from fossil fuel-fired plant. The EPA has not yet issued a replacement regulation. While we do not expect these regulatory developments to materially increase our costs of electricity, the costs remainremains difficult to predict and the potential increased costs associated with GHG regulation or estimate.taxes cannot be estimated at this time.
State regulations also have the potential to increase our costs of obtaining electricity. While GHG regulation at the federal level is unlikely in the near future, certainCertain states, like California, also have issued or may enact environmental regulations that could materially affect our facilities and electricity costs. California has limited GHG emissions from new and existing conventional power plants by imposing regulatory caps and by selling or auctioning the rights to emission allowances. Washington, Oregon and Massachusetts have issued regulations to implement similar carbon cap and trade programs. Someprograms, and other states are considering proposals to limit carbon emissions through cap and trade programs, carbon pricing programs and other mechanisms. Some northeastern states adopted a multi-state program for limiting carbon emissions through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative ("RGGI")

cap and trade program. State programs have not had a material adverse effect on our electricity costs to date, but due to the market-driven nature of some of the programs, they could do sohave a material adverse effect on electricity costs in the future. Such laws and regulations are also subject to change at any time.
Aside from regulatory requirements, we have separately undertaken efforts to procure energy from renewable energy projects in order to support new renewables development. The costs of procuring such energy may exceed the costs of procuring electricity from existing sources, such as existing utilities or electric service provided through conventional grids. These efforts to support and enhance renewable electricity generation may increase our costs of electricity above those that would be incurred through procurement of conventional electricity from existing sources.
Our business may be adversely affected by climate change and responses to it.
Severe weather events, such as droughts, heat waves, fires, hurricanes, and flooding, pose a threat to our data centers and our customers' IT infrastructure through physical damage to facilities or equipment, power supply disruption, and long-term effects on the cost of electricity. The frequency and intensity of severe weather events are reportedly increasing locally and regionally as part of broader climate changes. Global weather pattern changes may also pose long-term risks of physical impacts to our business.
We maintain disaster recovery and business continuity plans that would be implemented in the event of severe weather events that interrupt our business or affect our customers' IT infrastructure. While these plans are designed to allow us to recover from natural disasters or other events that can interrupt our business, we cannot be certain that our plans will protect us or our customers from all such disasters or events. Failure to prevent impact to customers from such events could adversely affect our business.
We face pressures from our customers and stockholders, who are increasingly focused on climate change, to prioritize sustainable energy practices, reduce our carbon footprint and promote sustainability. To address these concerns, we pursue opportunities to improve energy efficiency and implement energy-saving retrofits. In addition, we have established a long-term goal of using 100% clean and renewable energy. As a result of these and other initiatives, we have made progress towards reducing our carbon footprint. It is possible, however, that our customers and investors might not be satisfied with our sustainability efforts or the speed of their adoption. If we do not meet our customers' or stockholders' expectations, our business and/or our share price could be harmed.
Concern about climate change in various jurisdictions may result in more stringent laws and regulatory requirements regarding emissions of carbon dioxide or other GHGs. As described above under "RISK FACTORS - Environmental regulations may impose upon us new or unexpected costs," restrictions on carbon dioxide or other GHG emissions could result in significant increases in operating or capital costs, including higher energy costs generally, and increased costs from carbon taxes, emission cap and trade programs and renewable portfolio standards that are imposed upon our electricity suppliers. These higher energy costs, and the cost of complying across our global platform, or of failing to comply with these and other climate change regulations, may have an adverse effect on our business and our results of operations.
Our business could be harmed by prolonged power outages, shortages or capacity constraints.
Our IBX data centers are affected by problems accessing electricity sources, such as planned or unplanned power outages and limitations on transmission or distribution. Unplanned power outages, including, but not limited to those relating to large storms, earthquakes, fires, tsunamis, cyberattacks and planned power outages by public utilities such as those related to Pacific Gas and Electric Company's ("PG&E") planned outages in California to minimize fire risks, could harm our customers and our business. Our international operations are sometimes located outside of developed, reliable electricity markets, where we are exposed to some insecurity in supply associated with technical and regulatory problems, as well as transmission constraints. Some of our IBX data centers are located in leased buildings where, depending upon the lease requirements and number of tenants involved, we may or may not control some or all of the infrastructure including generators and fuel tanks. As a result, in the event of a power outage, we may be dependent upon the landlord, as well as the utility company, to restore the power. We attempt to limit our exposure to system downtime by using backup generators and alternative power supplies, but these measures may not always prevent downtime, which can adversely affect customer experience and revenues.
In each of our markets, we rely on third parties to provide a sufficient amount of power for current and future customers. At the same time, power and cooling requirements are increasing per unit of equipment. As a result, some customers are consuming an increasing amount of power per cabinet. We generally do not control the amount of power our customers draw from their installed circuits, which can result in growth in the aggregate power consumption of our facilities beyond our originally planning and expectations. This means that limitations on the capacity of our electrical

delivery systems and equipment could limit customer utilization of our IBX data centers. These limitations could have a negative impact on the effective available capacity of a given center and limit our ability to grow our business, which could have a negative impact on our financial performance, operating results and cash flows.
Each new facility requires access to significant quantities of electricity. Limitations on generation, transmission and distribution may limit our ability to obtain sufficient power capacity for potential expansion sites in new or existing markets. We may experience significant delays and substantial increased costs demanded by the utilities to provide the level of electrical service required by our current IBX data center designs.
The security of our electricity supplies in California could be adversely affected by the actions of the court in the bankruptcy proceeding (the "Bankruptcy Court") filed on January 29, 2019, of PG&E, the public utility that serves the area in which some of our facilities are located. PG&E announced that it filed for bankruptcy to facilitate the resolution of liabilities in connection with the 2017 and 2018 Northern California wildfires. On January 31, 2020, PG&E filed an amended proposed chapter 11 plan of reorganization (the “Plan”). If confirmed, the Plan will provide for the assumption (i.e., continuation) of all executory contracts not otherwise rejected (i.e., breached) during the pendency of the bankruptcy case, including high-priced power purchase agreements and other agreements under which PG&E procures electricity for distribution to customers like us. Until the Plan is confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court and becomes effective, there are no assurances that any or all executory contracts will be assumed. It is still possible that, during its bankruptcy, PG&E could seek permission from the Bankruptcy Court to reject certain burdensome executory contracts. It is not certain that PG&E will be able to obtain such relief. Just before the bankruptcy filing, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") ruled that its approval is required before PG&E may reject any FERC-jurisdictional wholesale power agreements. The Bankruptcy Court disagreed with FERC, holding instead that FERC does not have concurrent jurisdiction, or any jurisdiction, over the determination of whether any rejection of a power purchase agreement should be authorized. FERC’s ruling and the Bankruptcy Court’s decision are on direct appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit where they remain under review. If PG&E seeks and is ultimately allowed to reject power agreements, it is difficult to predict the consequences of any such action for us but they could potentially include procuring electricity from more expensive sources, reducing the availability and reliability of electricity supplied to our facilities and relying on a larger percentage of electricity generated by fossil fuels, any of which could reduce supplies of electricity available to our operations or increase our costs of electricity.
Any power outages, shortages or capacity constraints may have an adverse effect on our business and our results of operations.
If we are unable to implement our evolving organizational structure or if we are unable to recruit or retain key executives and qualified personnel, including a new CEO, our business could be harmed.
On January 19, 2018,In connection with the evolving needs of our then President and Chief Executive Officer ("CEO"), Steve Smith, resigned from his positions at Equinix. Our Executive Chairman, Peter Van Camp, is serving as interim CEO. While we intend to find a permanent replacement for the CEO role, we cannot assure you that we will be able to secure such replacement in a timely manner. Even though we are confident in the interim leadership of Mr. Van Camp, any disruption resulting from Mr. Smith’s departure may adversely impact our customer relationships, employee moralecustomers and our business.
Additionally,business, we undertook a review of our organizational architecture and have made, and will continue to make, changes as a result of that review. There can be no assurances that the changes won't result in attrition, that the significant amount of management and other employees' time and focus to implement the changes won't divert attention from operating and growing the business, or that any changes will result in increased organizational effectiveness. We must also continue to identify, hire, train and retain IT professionals, technical engineers, operations employees, and sales, marketing, finance and senior managementkey personnel who maintain relationships with our customers and who can provide the technical, strategic and marketing skills required for our company to grow.company's growth. There is a shortage of qualified personnel in these fields, and we compete with other companies for the limited pool of talent.
The failure to recruit and retain necessary key executives and personnel including, but not limited to, a new CEO, could cause disruption, harm our business and hamper our ability to grow our company.
We may not be able to compete successfully against current and future competitors.
The global multi-tenant data center market is highly fragmented. It is estimated that Equinix is one of more than 1,200 companies that provide these offerings around the world. Equinix competes with these firms which vary in terms of their data center offerings. We must continue to evolve our product strategy and be able to differentiate our IBX data centers and product offerings from those of our competitors. In addition to competing with other neutral colocation providers, we compete with traditional colocation providers, including telecommunications companies, carriers, internet service providers, managed services providers and large REITs who also operate in our market and may enjoy a cost advantage in providing offerings similar to those provided by our IBX data centers. We may experience competition from our landlords which could also reduce the amount of space available to us for

expansion in the future. Rather than leasing available space in our buildings to large single tenants, they may decide to convert the space instead to smaller square foot units designed for multi-tenant colocation use, blurring the line between retail and wholesale space. We may also face competition from existing competitors or new entrants to the market seeking to replicate our global IBX data center concept by building or acquiring data centers, offering colocation on neutral terms or by replicating our strategy and messaging. Finally, customers may also decide it is cost-effective for them to build out their own data centers. Once customers have an established data center footprint, either through a relationship with one of our competitors or through in-sourcing, it may be extremely difficult to convince them to relocate to our IBX data centers.
Some of our competitors may adopt aggressive pricing policies, especially if they are not highly leveraged or have lower return thresholds than we do. As a result, we may suffer from pricing pressure that would adversely affect our ability to generate revenues. Some of these competitors may also provide our target customers with additional benefits, including bundled communication services or cloud services, and may do so in a manner that is more attractive to our potential customers than obtaining space in our IBX data centers. Similarly, with growing acceptance of cloud-based technologies, we are at risk of losing customers that may decide to fully leverage cloud infrastructure offerings instead

of managing their own. Competitors could also operate more successfully or form alliances to acquire significant market share.
Finally, as our customers evolve their IT strategies, we must remain flexible and evolve along with industry and market shifts. Ineffective planning and execution in our cloud strategy and product development lifecycle may cause difficulty in sustaining competitive advantage in our products and services.
Failure to compete successfully may materially adversely affect our financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
Our business could be harmed by prolonged power outagesIf we cannot continue to develop, acquire, market and provide new offerings or shortages, increased costs of energy or general lack of availability of electrical resources.
Our IBX data centers are susceptibleenhancements to regional costs of power, power shortages, planned or unplanned power outagesexisting offerings that meet customer requirements and limitations, especially internationally, on the availability of adequate power resources.
Power outages, such as those relating to large storms, earthquakes, fires and tsunamis, could harmdifferentiate us from our customers, our operating results could suffer.
As our customers evolve their IT strategies, we must remain flexible and evolve along with new technologies and industry and market shifts. Ineffective planning and execution in our business. We attemptcloud and product development strategies may cause difficulty in sustaining our competitive advantages.
The process of developing and acquiring new offerings and enhancing existing offerings is complex. If we fail to limit our exposure to system downtime by using backup generatorsanticipate customers’ evolving needs and power supplies; however, we may not be able to limit our exposure entirely even with these protections in place. Some of our IBX data centers are located in leased buildings where, depending upon the lease requirements and number of tenants involved, we mayexpectations or may not control some or all of the infrastructure including generators and fuel tanks. As a result, in the event of a power outage, we may be dependent upon the landlord, as well as the utility company, to restore the power.
In addition, global fluctuations in the price of power can increase the cost of energy, and although contractual price increase clauses exist in the majority of our customer agreements, we may not always choose to pass these increased costs on to our customers.
In each of our markets, we rely on third parties to provide a sufficient amount of power for current and future customers. At the same time, power and cooling requirements are growing on a per unit basis. As a result, some customers are consuming an increasing amount of power per cabinet. We generally do not controladapt to technological and IT trends, our results of operations could suffer. In order to adapt effectively, we sometimes must make long-term investments, develop, acquire or obtain certain intellectual property and commit significant resources before knowing whether our predictions will accurately reflect customer demand for the amount of power our customers draw from their installed circuits. This means thatnew offerings. If we could face power limitations in our IBX data centers. This could have a negative impact on the effective available capacity of a given center and limit our ability to grow our business, which could have a negative impact on our financial performance, operating results and cash flows.
We may also have difficulty obtaining sufficient power capacity for potential expansion sites in new or existing markets. We may experience significant delays and substantial increased costs demanded by the utilities to provide the level of electrical service required by our current IBX data center designs.
If our internal controls are found to be ineffective, our financial results or our stock price may be adversely affected.
Our most recent evaluation of our controls resulted in our conclusion that, as of December 31, 2017, in compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, our internal controls over financial reporting were effective. Our ability to manage our operations and growth, through, for example, the integration of Bit-isle, Telecity Group plc ("TelecityGroup") and the Verizon Data Center Acquisition, the adoption of new accounting principles and tax laws, and our overhaul of our back office systems that, for example, support themisjudge customer experience from initial quote to customer billing and our revenue recognition process, will require us to further develop our controls and reporting systems and implement or amend new or existing controls and reporting systems in those areas where the implementation and integration is still ongoing. All of these changes to our financial systems and the implementation and integration of acquisitions create an increased risk of deficiencies in our internal controls over financial reporting. If,needs in the future, our internal control over financial reporting is found tonew offerings may not succeed, and our revenues and earnings may be ineffective,harmed. Additionally, any delay in the development, acquisition, marketing or launch of a new offering could result in customer dissatisfaction or attrition. If we cannot continue adapting our products, or if our competitors can adapt their products more quickly than us, our business could be harmed.
We recently announced our Joint Venture with GIC and are also in discussions with a material weakness istargeted set of hyperscale customers to develop capacity to serve their larger footprint needs by leveraging existing capacity and dedicated hyperscale builds. We have announced our intention to seek additional joint venture partners for certain of our hyperscale builds. There can be no assurances that our joint ventures will be successful or that we find additional partners or that we are able to successfully meet the needs of these customers.

identified inWe also recently announced an agreement to acquire Packet Host, Inc., a bare metal automation company which would facilitate a new product offering for Equinix. While we believe this new product offering will be desirable to our controls over financial reporting,customers and will complement our financial results mayother offerings on Platform Equinix, we cannot guarantee the success of this product or any other new product offering. Our company has not historically offered hardware solutions, and this would be adversely affected. Investors may also lose confidencea new market area for us which can bring challenges and could harm our business if not executed in the reliability of our financial statements which could adversely affect our stock price.time or manner that we expect.
The use of high power density equipment may limit our ability to fully utilize our older IBX data centers.
Some customers have increased their use of high power density equipment, such as blade servers, in our IBX data centers which has increased the demand for power on a per cabinet basis. Because many of our IBX data centers were built a number of years ago, the current demand for power may exceed the designed electrical capacity in these centers. As power, not space, is a limiting factor in many of our IBX data centers, our ability to fully utilize those IBX data centers may be limited.impacted. The ability to increase the power capacity of an IBX data center, should we decide to, is dependent on several factors including, but not limited to, the local utility’sutility's ability to provide additional power; the length of time required to provide such power; and/or whether it is feasible to upgrade the electrical infrastructure of an IBX data center to deliver additional power to customers. Although we are currently designing and building to a higher power specification than that of many of our older IBX data centers, there is a risk that demand will continue to increase and our IBX data centers could become underutilized sooner than expected.
If our internal controls are found to be ineffective, our financial results or our stock price may be adversely affected.
Our most recent evaluation of our controls resulted in our conclusion that, as of December 31, 2019, in compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, our internal controls over financial reporting were effective. Our ability to manage our operations and growth through, for example, the integration of recently acquired businesses, the adoption of new accounting principles and tax laws, and our overhaul of our back office systems that, for example, support the customer experience from initial quote to customer billing and our revenue recognition process, will require us to further develop our controls and reporting systems and implement or amend new or existing controls and reporting systems in those areas where the implementation and integration is still ongoing. All of these changes to our financial systems and the implementation and integration of acquisitions create an increased risk of deficiencies in our internal

controls over financial reporting. If, in the future, our internal control over financial reporting is found to be ineffective, or if a material weakness is identified in our controls over financial reporting, our financial results may be adversely affected. Investors may also lose confidence in the reliability of our financial statements which could adversely affect our stock price.
Our operating results may fluctuate.
We have experienced fluctuations in our results of operations on a quarterly and annual basis. The fluctuations in our operating results may cause the market price of our common stock to be volatile. We may experience significant fluctuations in our operating results in the foreseeable future due to a variety of factors, including, but not limited to:
fluctuations of foreign currencies in the markets in which we operate;
the timing and magnitude of depreciation and interest expense or other expenses related to the acquisition, purchase or construction of additional IBX data centers or the upgrade of existing IBX data centers;
demand for space, power and servicessolutions at our IBX data centers;
changes in general economic conditions, such as an economic downturn, or specific market conditions in the telecommunications and internet industries, both of which may have an impact on our customer base;
charges to earnings resulting from past acquisitions due to, among other things, impairment of goodwill or intangible assets, reduction in the useful lives of intangible assets acquired, identification of additional assumed contingent liabilities or revised estimates to restructure an acquired company’scompany's operations;
the duration of the sales cycle for our offerings and our ability to ramp our newly-hired sales persons to full productivity within the time period we have forecasted;
additions and changes in product offerings and our ability to ramp up and integrate new products within the time period we have forecasted;
restructuring charges or reversals of restructuring charges, which may be necessary due to revised sublease assumptions, changes in strategy or otherwise;
acquisitions or dispositions we may make;
the financial condition and credit risk of our customers;
the provision of customer discounts and credits;
the mix of current and proposed products and offerings and the gross margins associated with our products and offerings;
the timing required for new and future IBX data centers to open or become fully utilized;
competition in the markets in which we operate;
conditions related to international operations;
increasing repair and maintenance expenses in connection with aging IBX data centers;
lack of available capacity in our existing IBX data centers to generate new revenue or delays in opening new or acquired IBX data centers that delay our ability to generate new revenue in markets which have otherwise reached capacity;
changes in rent expense as we amend our IBX data center leases in connection with extending their lease terms when their initial lease term expiration dates approach or changes in shared operating costs in connection with our leases, which are commonly referred to as common area maintenance expenses;
the timing and magnitude of other operating expenses, including taxes, expenses related to the expansion of sales, marketing, operations and acquisitions, if any, of complementary businesses and assets;
the cost and availability of adequate public utilities, including power;electricity;
changes in employee stock-based compensation;
overall inflation;
increasing interest expense due to any increases in interest rates and/or potential additional debt financings;
changes in our tax planning strategies or failure to realize anticipated benefits from such strategies;

changes in income tax benefit or expense; and
changes in or new GAAP as periodically released by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB").
Any of the foregoing factors, or other factors discussed elsewhere in this report, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Although we have experienced growth in revenues

in recent quarters, this growth rate is not necessarily indicative of future operating results. Prior to 2008, we had generated net losses every fiscal year since inception. It is possible that we may not be able to generate net income on a quarterly or annual basis in the future. In addition, a relatively large portion of our expenses are fixed in the short-term, particularly with respect to lease and personnel expenses, depreciation and amortization and interest expenses. Therefore, our results of operations are particularly sensitive to fluctuations in revenues. As such, comparisons to prior reporting periods should not be relied upon as indications of our future performance. In addition, our operating results in one or more future quarters may fail to meet the expectations of securities analysts or investors.
Our days sales outstanding ("DSO") may be negatively impacted by process and system upgrades and acquisitions.
Our DSO may be negatively impacted by ongoing process and system upgrades which can impact our customer'scustomers' experience in the short term, together with integrating recent acquisitions into our processes and systems, which may have a negative impact on our operating cash flows, liquidity and financial performance.
Our reported financial results may be adversely affected by changes in U.S. GAAP.
We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP. A change in these principles can have a significant effect on our reported financial position and financial results. In addition, the adoption of new or revised accounting principles may require that we make changes to our systems, processes and controls. For example, we are currently in the process of evaluating the newly issued accounting standards for revenue recognition and leasing, which could have a significant effect on our reported financial results, cause unexpected financial reporting fluctuations or require us to make costly changes to our operational processes and accounting systems upon or following the adoption of these standards. For additional information regarding the accounting standard updates, see "Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted" and "Accounting Standards Adopted" sections of Note 1 of Notes in Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
We may incur goodwill and other intangible asset impairment charges, or impairment charges to our property, plant and equipment, which could result in a significant reduction to our earnings.
In accordance with U.S. GAAP, we are required to assess our goodwill and other intangible assets annually, or more frequently whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate potential impairment, such as changing market conditions or any changes in key assumptions. If the testing performed indicates that an asset may not be recoverable, we are required to record a non-cash impairment charge for the difference between the carrying value of the goodwill or other intangible assets and the implied fair value of the goodwill or other intangible assets in the period the determination is made.
We also periodically monitor the remaining net book values of our property, plant and equipment, periodically, including at the individual IBX data center level. Although each individual IBX data center is currently performing in lineaccordance with our expectations, the possibility that one or more IBX data centers could begin to under-perform relative to our expectations is possible and may also result in non-cash impairment charges.
These charges could be significant, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.
We have incurred substantial losses in the past and may incur additional losses in the future.
As of December 31, 2017,2019, our retained earnings were $252.7 million.$1.4 billion. Although we have generated net income for each fiscal year since 2008, except for the year ended December 31, 2014, we are currently investing heavily in our future growth through the build out of multiple additional IBX data centers, andexpansions of IBX data center expansions as well ascenters and acquisitions of complementary businesses. As a result, we will incur higher depreciation and other operating expenses, as well as acquisitiontransaction costs and interest expense, that may negatively impact our ability to sustain profitability in future periods unless and until these new IBX data centers generate enough revenue to exceed their operating costs and cover ourthe additional overhead needed to scale our business for this anticipated growth. The current global financial uncertainty may also impact our ability to sustain profitability if we cannot generate sufficient revenue to offset the increased costs of our recently-opened IBX data centers or IBX data centers currently under construction. In addition, costs associated with the acquisition and integration of any acquired companies, as well as the additional interest expense associated with debt financing we have undertaken to fund our growth initiatives, may also negatively impact our ability to sustain profitability. Finally, given the competitive and evolving nature of the industry in which we operate, we may not be able to sustain or increase profitability on a quarterly or annual basis.

The failure to obtain favorable terms when we renew our IBX data center leases, or the failure to renew such leases, could harm our business and results of operations.
While we own certain of our IBX data centers, others are leased under long-term arrangements with lease terms expiring at various dates through 2065.arrangements. These leased centers have all been subject to significant development by us in order to convert them from, in most cases, vacant buildings or warehouses into IBX data centers. Most of our IBX data center leases have renewal options available to us. However, many of these renewal options provide for the rent to be set at then-prevailing market rates. To the extent that then-prevailing market rates or negotiated rates are higher than present rates, these higher costs may adversely impact our business and results of operations, or we may decide against renewing the lease. In the event that an IBX data center lease does not have a renewal option, or we fail to exercise a renewal option in a timely fashion and lose our right to renew the lease, we may not be successful in negotiating a renewal of the lease with the landlord. A failure to renew a lease could force us to exit a building prematurely, which could be disruptive todisrupt our business, harm our customer

relationships, expose us to liability under our customer contracts, cause us to take impairment charges and negatively affect our operating results.results negatively.
We depend on a number of third parties to provide internet connectivity to our IBX data centers; if connectivity is interrupted or terminated, our operating results and cash flow could be materially and adversely affected.
The presence of diverse telecommunications carriers’carriers' fiber networks in our IBX data centers is critical to our ability to retain and attract new customers. We are not a telecommunications carrier, and as such, we rely on third parties to provide our customers with carrier services. We believe that the availability of carrier capacity will directly affect our ability to achieve our projected results. We rely primarily on revenue opportunities from the telecommunications carriers’carriers' customers to encourage them to invest the capital and operating resources required to connect from their centers to our IBX data centers. Carriers will likely evaluate the revenue opportunity of an IBX data center based on the assumption that the environment will be highly competitive. We cannot provide assurance that each and every carrier will elect to offer its services within our IBX data centers or that once a carrier has decided to provide internet connectivity to our IBX data centers that it will continue to do so for any period of time.
Our new IBX data centers require construction and operation of a sophisticated redundant fiber network. The construction required to connect multiple carrier facilities to our IBX data centers is complex and involves factors outside of our control, including regulatory processes and the availability of construction resources. Any hardware or fiber failures on this network may result in significant loss of connectivity to our new IBX data center expansions. This could affect our ability to attract new customers to these IBX data centers or retain existing customers.
If the establishment of highly diverse internet connectivity to our IBX data centers does not occur, is materially delayed or is discontinued, or is subject to failure, our operating results and cash flow will be adversely affected.
We may be vulnerable to security breaches which could disrupt our operations and have a material adverse effect on our financial performance and operating results.
We face risks associated with unauthorized access to our computer systems, loss or destruction of data, computer viruses, malware, distributed denial-of-service attacks, or other malicious activities. These threats may result from human error, equipment failure, or fraud or malice on the part of employees or third parties. A party who is able to compromise the security measures on our networks or the security of our infrastructure could misappropriate either our proprietary information or the personal information of our customers or our employees, or cause interruptions or malfunctions in our operations or our customers’ operations. As we provide assurances to our customers that we provide a high level of security, such a compromise could be particularly harmful to our brand and reputation. We may be required to expend significant capital and resources to protect against such threats or to alleviate problems caused by breaches in security. As techniques used to breach security change frequently, and are generally not recognized until launched against a target, we may not be able to promptly detect that a cyber breach has occurred, or implement security measures in a timely manner or, if and when implemented, we may not be able to determine the extent to which these measures could be circumvented. Any breaches that may occur could expose us to increased risk of lawsuits, regulatory penalties, loss of existing or potential customers, damage relating to loss of proprietary information, harm to our reputation and increases in our security costs, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial performance and operating results. We maintain insurance coverage for cyber risks but such coverage may be unavailable or insufficient to cover our losses.    
We offer professional services to our customers where we consult on data center solutions and assist with implementations. We also offer managed services in certain of our foreign jurisdictions outside of the U.S. where we manage the data center infrastructure for our customers. The access gained from these services to our clients’ networks and data creates some risk that our clients' networks or data will be improperly accessed. We may also design our clients’ cloud storage systems in such a way that exposes our clients to increased risk of data breach.  If Equinix were held to be responsible for any such a breach, it could result in a significant loss to Equinix, including damage to Equinix’s client relationships, harm to our brand and reputation, and legal liability.

We have government customers, which subjects us to risks including early termination, audits, investigations, sanctions and penalties.
We derive revenues from contracts with the U.S. government, state and local governments and foreign governments. Some of these customers may terminate all or part of their contracts at any time, without cause. There is increased pressure for governments and their agencies, both domestically and internationally, to reduce spending. Some of our federal government contracts are subject to the approval of appropriations being made by the U.S. Congress to fund the expenditures under these contracts. Similarly, some of our contracts at the state and local levels are subject to government funding authorizations.
Additionally, government contracts often have unique terms and conditions, such as most favored customer obligations, and are generally subject to audits and investigations which could result in various civil and criminal penalties and administrative sanctions, including termination of contracts, refund of a portion of fees received, forfeiture of profits, suspension of payments, fines and suspensions or debarment from future government business.
Because we depend on the development and growth of a balanced customer base, including key magnet customers, failure to attract, grow and retain this base of customers could harm our business and operating results.
Our ability to maximize revenues depends on our ability to develop and grow a balanced customer base, consisting of a variety of companies, including enterprises, cloud, digital content and financial companies, and network service providers. We consider certain of these customers to be key magnets in that they draw in other customers. The more balanced the customer base within each IBX data center, the better we will be able to generate significant interconnection revenues, which in turn increases our overall revenues. Our ability to attract customers to our IBX data centers will depend on a variety of factors, including the presence of multiple carriers, the mix of our offerings, the overall mix of customers, the presence of key customers attracting business through vertical market ecosystems, the IBX data center’scenter's operating reliability and security and our ability to effectively market our offerings. However, some of our customers may face competitive pressures and may ultimately not be successful or may be consolidated through merger or acquisition. If these customers do not continue to use our IBX data centers it may be disruptive to our business. Finally, the uncertain global economic climate may harm our ability to attract and retain customers if customers slow spending, or delay decision-making on our offerings, or if customers begin to have difficulty paying us or seek bankruptcy protection and we experience increased churn in our customer base. Any of these factors may hinder the development, growth and retention of a balanced customer base and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We may be subject to securities class action and other litigation, which may harm our business and results of operations.
We may be subject to securities class action or other litigation. For example, securities class action litigation has often been brought against a company following periods of volatility in the market price of its securities. Litigation can be lengthy, expensive, and divert management’smanagement's attention and resources. Results cannot be predicted with certainty and an adverse outcome in litigation could result in monetary damages or injunctive relief. Further, any payments made in settlement may directly reduce our revenue under U.S. GAAP and could negatively impact our operating results for the period.  For all of these reasons, litigation could seriously harm our business, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
We may not be able to protect our intellectual property rights.
We cannot make assurances that the steps taken by us to protect our intellectual property rights will be adequate to deter misappropriation of proprietary information or that we will be able to detect unauthorized use and take appropriate steps to enforce our intellectual property rights. We also are subject to the risk of litigation alleging infringement of third-party intellectual property rights. Any such claims could require us to spend significant sums in litigation, pay damages, develop non-infringing intellectual property or acquire licenses to the intellectual property that is the subject of the alleged infringement.
Government regulation may adversely affect our business.
Various laws and governmental regulations, both in the U.S. and abroad, governing internet-related services, related communications services and information technologies remain largely unsettled, even in areas where there has been some legislative action. For example, the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") recently overturned network neutrality rules, which may result in material changes in the regulations and contribution regime affecting us and our customers. Furthermore, the U.S. Congress and state legislatures are reviewing and considering changes to the new FCC rules making the future of network neutrality and its impact on Equinix uncertain. There may also be forthcoming regulation in the U.S. in the areas of cybersecurity, data privacy and data security, any of which could impact Equinix and our customers. Similarly, data privacy regulations outside of the U.S. continue to evolve and must be addressed by Equinix as a global company.
Likewise, as part of a review of the current equity market structure, the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") have both sought comments regarding the regulation of independent data

centers, such as us, which provide colocation for financial markets and exchanges. In the past, the CFTC has also considered regulation of companies that use automated and high-frequency trading systems. Any such regulation may ultimately affect our provision of offerings.
We remain focused on whether and how existing and changing laws, such as those governing intellectual property, privacy, libel, telecommunications services, data flows/data localization, carbon emissions impact, and taxation apply to the internet and to related offerings such as ours; and substantial resources may be required to comply with regulations or bring any non-compliant business practices into compliance with such regulations. In addition, the continuing development of the market for online commerce and the displacement of traditional telephony service by the internet and related communications services may prompt an increased call for more stringent consumer protection laws or other regulation both in the U.S. and abroad that may impose additional burdens on companies conducting business online and their service providers.
The adoption, or modification of laws or regulations relating to the internet and our business, or interpretations of existing laws, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Industry consolidation may have a negative impact on our business model.
If customers combine businesses, they may require less colocation space, which could lead to churn in our customer base. Regional competitors may also consolidate to become a global competitor. Consolidation of our customers and/or our competitors may present a risk to our business model and have a negative impact on our revenues.
We have various mechanisms in place that may discourage takeover attempts.
Certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws may discourage, delay or prevent a third party from acquiring control of us in a merger, acquisition or similar transaction that a stockholder may consider favorable. Such provisions include:
ownership limitations and transfer restrictions relating to our stock that are intended to facilitate our compliance with certain REIT rules relating to share ownership;
authorization for the issuance of "blank check" preferred stock;
the prohibition of cumulative voting in the election of directors;
limits on the persons who may call special meetings of stockholders;

limits on stockholder action by written consent; and
advance notice requirements for nominations to the Board of Directors or for proposing matters that can be acted on by stockholders at stockholder meetings.
In addition, Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which restricts certain business combinations with interested stockholders in certain situations, may also discourage, delay or prevent someone from acquiring or merging with us.
Risks Related to Our Taxation as a REIT
We may not remain qualified for taxation as a REIT.
We have elected to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes beginning with our 2015 taxable year. We believe that our organization and method of operation comply with the rules and regulations promulgated under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), such that we will continue to qualify for taxation as a REIT. However, we cannot assure you that we have qualified for taxation as a REIT or that we will remain so qualified. Qualification for taxation as a REIT involves the application of highly technical and complex provisions of the Code to our operations as well as various factual determinations concerning matters and circumstances not entirely within our control. There are limited judicial or administrative interpretations of applicable REIT provisions.provisions of the Code.
If, in any taxable year, we fail to remain qualified for taxation as a REIT and are not entitled to relief under the Code:
we will not be allowed a deduction for distributions to stockholders in computing our taxable income;
we will be subject to federal and state income tax on our taxable income at regular corporate income tax rates; and
we would not be eligible to elect REIT status again until the fifth taxable year that begins after the first year for which we failed to qualify for taxation as a REIT.
Any such corporate tax liability could be substantial and would reduce the amount of cash available for other purposes. If we fail to remain qualified for taxation as a REIT, we may need to borrow additional funds or liquidate some investments to pay any additional tax liability. Accordingly, funds available for investment and distributions to stockholders could be reduced.

As a REIT, failure to make required distributions would subject us to federal corporate income tax.
We paid quarterly distributions in 2017.every quarter of 2019 and have declared a quarterly distribution to be paid on March 18, 2020. The amount, timing and form of any future distributions will be determined, and will be subject to adjustment, by our Board of Directors. To remain qualified for taxation as a REIT, we are generally required to distribute at least 90% of our REIT taxable income (determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction and excluding net capital gain) each year, or in limited circumstances, the following year, to our stockholders. Generally, we expect to distribute all or substantially all of our REIT taxable income. If our cash available for distribution falls short of our estimates, we may be unable to maintain distributions that approximate our REIT taxable income and may fail to remain qualified for taxation as a REIT. In addition, our cash flows from operations may be insufficient to fund required distributions as a result of differences in timing between the actual receipt of income and the payment of expenses and the recognition of income and expenses for federal income tax purposes, or the effect of nondeductible expenditures, such as capital expenditures, payments of compensation for which Section 162(m) of the Code denies a deduction, interest expense deductions limited by Section 163(j) of the Code, the creation of reserves or required debt service or amortization payments.
To the extent that we satisfy the 90% distribution requirement but distribute less than 100% of our REIT taxable income, we will be subject to federal corporate income tax on our undistributed taxable income. In addition, we will be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on our undistributed taxable income if the actual amount that we distribute to our stockholders for a calendar year is less than the minimum amount specified under the Code.
We may be required to borrow funds, sell assets or raise equity to satisfy our REIT distribution requirements.
Due to the size and timing of future distributions, including any distributions made to satisfy REIT distribution requirements, we may need to borrow funds, sell assets or raise equity, even if the then-prevailing market conditions are not favorable for these borrowings, sales or offerings.

Any insufficiency of our cash flows to cover our REIT distribution requirements could adversely impact our ability to raise short- and long-term debt, to sell assets, or to offer equity securities in order to fund distributions required to maintain our qualification and taxation as a REIT. Furthermore, the REIT distribution requirements may increase the financing we need to fund capital expenditures, future growth and expansion initiatives. This would increase our indebtedness. A significant increase in our outstanding debt could lead to a downgrade of our credit rating. A downgrade of our credit rating could negatively impact our ability to access credit markets. Further, certain of our current debt instruments limit the amount of indebtedness we and our subsidiaries may incur. Significantly more financing, therefore, may be unavailable, more expensive or restricted by the terms of our outstanding indebtedness. For a discussion of risks related to our substantial level of indebtedness, see other risks described elsewhere in this Form 10-K.
Whether we issue equity, at what price and the amount and other terms of any such issuances will depend on many factors, including alternative sources of capital, our then-existing leverage, our need for additional capital, market conditions and other factors beyond our control. If we raise additional funds through the issuance of equity securities or debt convertible into equity securities, the percentage of stock ownership by our existing stockholders may be reduced. In addition, new equity securities or convertible debt securities could have rights, preferences and privileges senior to those of our current stockholders, which could substantially decrease the value of our securities owned by them. Depending on the share price we are able to obtain, we may have to sell a significant number of shares in order to raise the capital we deem necessary to execute our long-term strategy, and our stockholders may experience dilution in the value of their shares as a result.
Complying with REIT requirements may limit our flexibility or cause us to forgo otherwise attractive opportunities.
To remain qualified for taxation as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we must satisfy tests concerning, among other things, the sources of our income, the nature and diversification of our assets and the amounts we distribute to our stockholders. For example, under the Code, no more than 20% of the value of the assets of a REIT may be represented by securities of one or more TRSs. Similar rules apply to other nonqualifying assets. These limitations may affect our ability to make large investments in other non-REIT qualifying operations or assets. In addition, in order to maintain our qualification for taxation as a REIT, we must distribute at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction and excluding any net capital gains. Even if we maintain our qualification for taxation as a REIT, we will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate income tax rates for our undistributed REIT taxable income, as well as U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate income tax rates for income recognized by our TRSs.TRSs; we also pay taxes in the foreign jurisdictions in which our international assets and operations are held and conducted regardless of our qualification for taxation as a REIT. Because of these distribution requirements, we will likely not be able to fund future capital needs and investments from operating cash flow. As such, compliance with REIT tests may hinder our ability to make certain attractive investments, including the purchase of significant nonqualifying assets and the material expansion of non-real estate activities.

Our ability to fully deduct our interest expense may be limited, or we may be required to adjust the tax depreciation of our real property in order to maintain the full deductibility of our interest expense.
December 2017 amendments to theThe Code limitlimits interest deductions for businesses, whether in corporate or passthrough form, to the sum of the taxpayer’staxpayer's business interest income for the tax year and 30% of the taxpayer’staxpayer's adjusted taxable income for that tax year. This limitation does not apply to an "electing real property trade or business". We haveAlthough REITs are permitted to make such an election, we do not yet determined whethercurrently intend to do so. If we or any of our subsidiaries willso elect out ofin the new interest expense limitation or whether each of our subsidiaries is eligible to elect out, although legislative history indicates that afuture, depreciable real property trade or business includes a trade or business conducted by a corporation or a REIT. Depreciable real propertythat we hold (including specified improvements) held by electing real property trades or businesses mustwould be required to be depreciated for U.S. federal income tax purposes under the alternative depreciation system of the Code, which generally imposes a class life for depreciable real property as long as forty40 years.
As a REIT, we are limited in our ability to fund distribution payments using cash generated through our TRSs.
Our ability to receive distributions from our TRSs is limited by the rules with which we must comply to maintain our qualification for taxation as a REIT. In particular, at least 75% of our gross income for each taxable year as a REIT must be derived from real estate. Consequently, no more than 25% of our gross income may consist of dividend income from our TRSs and other nonqualifying types of income. Thus, our ability to receive distributions from our TRSs may be limited and may impact our ability to fund distributions to our stockholders using cash flows from our TRSs. Specifically, if our TRSs become highly profitable, we might become limited in our ability to receive net income from our TRSs in an amount required to fund distributions to our stockholders commensurate with that profitability.

In addition, a significant amount of our income and cash flows from our TRSs is generated from our international operations. In many cases, there are local withholding taxes and currency controls that may impact our ability or willingness to repatriate funds to the United States to help satisfy REIT distribution requirements.
Our extensive use of TRSs, including for certain of our international operations, may cause us to fail to remain qualified for taxation as a REIT.
Our operations include an extensive use of TRSs. The net income of our TRSs is not required to be distributed to us, and income that is not distributed to us generally is not subject to the REIT income distribution requirement. However, there may be limitations on our ability to accumulate earnings in our TRSs and the accumulation or reinvestment of significant earnings in our TRSs could result in adverse tax treatment. In particular, if the accumulation of cash in our TRSs causes (1) the fair market value of our securities in our TRSs to exceed 20% of the fair market value of our assets or (2) the fair market value of our securities in our TRSs and other nonqualifying assets to exceed 25% of the fair market value of our assets, then we will fail to remain qualified for taxation as a REIT. Further, a substantial portion of our TRSs are overseas, and a material change in foreign currency rates could also negatively impact our ability to remain qualified for taxation as a REIT.
December 2017 amendments to theThe Code have imposedimposes limitations on the ability of our TRSs to utilize specified income tax deductions, including limits on the use of net operating losses and limits on the deductibility of interest expense. Further, these amendments made substantial changes to the taxation of international income. Some of these changes did not contemplate unintended consequences of such reforms on REITs with global operations, and we may be required to recognize income on account of the activities of our foreign TRSs that may not be treated as qualifying income for purposes of the REIT gross income tests that we are required to satisfy.
Our cash distributions are not guaranteed and may fluctuate.
A REIT generally is required to distribute at least 90% of its REIT taxable income to its stockholders.
Our Board of Directors, in its sole discretion, will determine on a quarterly basis the amount of cash to be distributed to our stockholders based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, our results of operations, cash flow and capital requirements, economic conditions, tax considerations, borrowing capacity and other factors, including debt covenant restrictions that may impose limitations on cash payments, future acquisitions and divestitures and any stock repurchase program. Consequently, our distribution levels may fluctuate.
Even if we remain qualified for taxation as a REIT, some of our business activities are subject to corporate level income tax and foreign taxes, which will continue to reduce our cash flows, and we will have potential deferred and contingent tax liabilities.
Even if we remain qualified for taxation as a REIT, we may be subject to some federal, state, local and foreign taxes, on our income and assets,including taxes on any undistributed income, and state, local or foreign income, franchise, property and transfer taxes.

In addition, we could in certain circumstances be required to pay an excise or penalty tax, which could be significant in amount, in order to utilize one or more relief provisions under the Code to maintain our qualification for taxation as a REIT.
A portion of our business is conducted through wholly-owned TRSs because certain of our business activities could generate nonqualifying REIT income as currently structured and operated. The income of our U.S. TRSs will continue to be subject to federal and state corporate income taxes. In addition, our international assets and operations will continue to be subject to taxation in the foreign jurisdictions where those assets are held or those operations are conducted. Any of these taxes would decrease our earnings and our available cash.
We will also be subject to a federal corporate level income tax at the highest regular corporate income tax rate (21%, effective January 1, 2018)(currently 21%) on gain recognized from a sale of a REIT asset where our basis in the asset is determined by reference to the basis of the asset in the hands of a C corporation (such as (i) an asset that we held as of the effective date of our REIT election, that is, January 1, 2015, or (ii) an asset that we or our qualified REIT subsidiaries ("QRSs") hold following the liquidation or other conversion of a former TRS). This 21% tax is generally applicable to any disposition of such an asset during the five-year period after the date we first owned the asset as a REIT asset, (e.g., January 1, 2015 in the case of REIT assets we held at the time of our REIT conversion), to the extent of the built-in-gain based on the fair market value of such asset on the date we first held the asset as a REIT asset.
In addition, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") and any state or local tax authority may successfully assert liabilities against us for corporate income taxes for our pre-REIT period, in which case we will owe these taxes plus applicable interest and penalties, if any. Moreover, any increase in taxable income for these pre-REIT periods will likely result in an increase in pre-REIT accumulated earnings and profits, which could cause us to pay an additional taxable distribution to our stockholders and an interest penalty to the IRS after the relevant determination.
Restrictive loan covenants could prevent us from satisfying REIT distribution requirements.
Restrictions in our credit facility and our indentures may prevent us from satisfying our REIT distribution requirements, and we could fail to remain qualified for taxation as a REIT. If these limits do not jeopardize our qualification for taxation as a REIT but nevertheless prevent us from distributing 100% of our REIT taxable income, we would be subject to federal corporate income tax, and potentially a nondeductible excise tax, on the retained amounts. See see other risks described elsewhere in this Form 10-K for further information on our restrictive loan covenants.
Complying with REIT requirements may limit our ability to hedge effectively and increase the cost of our hedging and may cause us to incur tax liabilities.
The REIT provisions of the Code limit our ability to hedge assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Generally, income from hedging transactions that we enter into to manage risk of interest rate changes or fluctuations with respect to borrowings made or to be made by us to acquire or carry real estate assets and income from certain currency hedging transactions related to our non-U.S. operations, as well as income from qualifying counteracting hedges, do not constitute "gross income" for purposes of the REIT gross income tests. To the extent that we enter into other types

of hedging transactions, the income from those transactions is likely to be treated as nonqualifying income for purposes of the REIT gross income tests. As a result of these rules, we may need to limit our use of advantageous hedging techniques or implement those hedges through our TRSs, which we presently do. This increases the cost of our hedging activities because our TRSs are subject to tax on income or gains resulting from hedges entered into by them and may expose us to greater risks associated with changes in interest rates or exchange rates than we would otherwise want to bear. In addition, hedging losses in any of our TRSs may not provide any tax benefit, except for being carried forward for possible use against future income or gain in the TRSs. As a result, our financial performance, including our AFFO, may also fluctuate.
Distributions payable by REITs generally do not qualify for preferential tax rates.
Dividends payable by U.S. corporations to noncorporate stockholders, such as individuals, trusts and estates, are generally eligible for reduced U.S. federal income tax rates applicable to "qualified dividends." Distributions paid by REITs generally are not treated as "qualified dividends" under the Code, and the reduced rates applicable to such dividends do not generally apply. However, for tax years beginning after 2017 and before 2026, REIT dividends paid to noncorporate stockholders are generally taxed at an effective tax rate lower than applicable ordinary income tax rates due to the availability of a deduction under the Code for specified forms of income from passthrough entities. More favorable rates will nevertheless continue to apply to regular corporate "qualified" dividends, which may cause some investors to perceive that an investment in a REIT is less attractive than an investment in a non-REIT entity that pays dividends, thereby reducing the demand and market price of our common stock.

Our certificate of incorporation contains restrictions on the ownership and transfer of our stock, though they may not be successful in preserving our qualification for taxation as a REIT.
In order for us to remain qualified for taxation as a REIT, no more than 50% of the value of outstanding shares of our stock may be owned, beneficially or constructively, by five or fewer individuals at any time during the last half of each taxable year other than the first year for which we elected to be taxed as a REIT.year. In addition, rents from "affiliated tenants" will not qualify as qualifying REIT income if we own 10% or more by vote or value of the customer, whether directly or after application of attribution rules under the Code. Subject to certain exceptions, our certificate of incorporation prohibits any stockholder from owning, beneficially or constructively, more than (i) 9.8% in value of the outstanding shares of all classes or series of our capital stock or (ii) 9.8% in value or number, whichever is more restrictive, of the outstanding shares of any class or series of our capital stock. We refer to these restrictions collectively as the "ownership limits" and we included them in our certificate of incorporation to facilitate our compliance with REIT tax rules. The constructive ownership rules under the Code are complex and may cause the outstanding stock owned by a group of related individuals or entities to be deemed to be constructively owned by one individual or entity. As a result, the acquisition of less than 9.8% of our outstanding common stock (or the outstanding shares of any class or series of our stock) by an individual or entity could cause that individual or entity or another individual or entity to own constructively in excess of the relevant ownership limits. Any attempt to own or transfer shares of our common stock or of any of our other capital stock in violation of these restrictions may result in the shares being automatically transferred to a charitable trust or may be void. Even though our certificate of incorporation contains the ownership limits, there can be no assurance that these provisions will be effective to prevent our qualification for taxation as a REIT from being jeopardized, including under the affiliated tenant rule. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that we will be able to monitor and enforce the ownership limits. If the restrictions in our certificate of incorporation are not effective and, as a result, we fail to satisfy the REIT tax rules described above, then absent an applicable relief provision, we will fail to remain qualified for taxation as a REIT.
In addition, the ownership and transfer restrictions could delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change in control that might involve a premium price for our stock or otherwise be in the best interest of our stockholders. As a result, the overall effect of the ownership and transfer restrictions may be to render more difficult or discourage any attempt to acquire us, even if such acquisition may be favorable to the interests of our stockholders.
Legislative or other actions affecting REITs could have a negative effect on us or our stockholders.
At any time, the federal or state income tax laws governing REITs, or the administrative interpretations of those laws, may be amended. Federal and state tax laws are constantly under review by persons involved in the legislative process, the IRS,Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and state taxing authorities. Changes to the tax laws, regulations and administrative interpretations, which may have retroactive application, could adversely affect us. In addition, some of these changes could have a more significant impact on us as compared to other REITs due to the nature of our business and our substantial use of TRSs, particularly non-U.S. TRSs.
In addition, December 2017 legislation has made substantial changes to the Code, particularly as it relates to the taxation of both corporate income and international income. Among those changes are a significant permanent reduction in the generally applicable corporate income tax rate, changes in the taxation of individuals and other noncorporate taxpayers that generally reduce their taxes on a temporary basis subject to "sunset" provisions, the elimination or modification of various deductions (including substantial limitation of the deduction for personal state and local taxes imposed on individuals), and preferential taxation of income derived by individuals from passthrough entities in comparison to earnings received directly by individuals. This legislation also imposes additional limitations on the deduction of net operating losses, which may in the future cause us to make additional distributions that will be taxable to our stockholders to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and profits in order to comply with the REIT distribution requirements. The effect of these and other changes made in this legislation is highly uncertain, both in terms of their direct effect on the taxation of an investment in our common stock and their indirect effect on the value of properties owned by us. Furthermore, many of the provisions of the new law will require guidance through the issuance of Treasury regulations in order to assess their effect. There may be a substantial delay before such regulations are promulgated, increasing the uncertainty as to the ultimate effect of the statutory amendments on us or our stockholders. It is also possible that there will be technical corrections legislation proposed with respect to the new law, the effect of which cannot be predicted and may be adverse to us or our stockholders. Our stockholders are encouraged to consult with their tax advisors about the potential effects that changes in law may have on them and their ownership of our common stock.
We could incur adverse tax consequences if we fail to integrate an acquisition target in compliance with the requirements to qualify for taxation as a REIT.
We periodically explore and occasionally consummate merger and acquisition transactions. When we consummate these transactions, we structure the acquisition to successfully manage the REIT income, asset, and distribution tests that we must satisfy. We believe that we have and will in the future successfully integrate our acquisition targets in a manner that has and will allow us

to timely satisfy the REIT tests applicable to us, but if we failed or in the future fail to do so, then we could jeopardize or lose our qualification for taxation as a REIT, particularly if we were not eligible to utilize relief provisions set forth in the Code.

ITEM 1B.UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTSUnresolved Staff Comments
There is no disclosure to report pursuant to Item 1B.
ITEM 2.PROPERTIESProperties
Our executive offices are located in Redwood City, California, and we also have sales offices in several cities throughout the U.S. Our Asia-Pacific headquarters office is located in Hong Kong and we also have office spacesales offices in Shanghai, China; Singapore; Tokyo, Japan; and Sydney, Australia.several cities throughout Asia-Pacific. Our EMEA headquarters office is located in Amsterdam, the Netherlands and our regional sales offices in EMEA are based in our IBX data centers in EMEA. We have entered into leases for certain
The following tables present the locations of our leased and owned IBX data centers. In the Americas region: Rio de Janeirocenters and Sao Paulo, Brazil; Toronto, Canada; Atlanta, Georgia; Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; Dallas, Texas; Washington D.C. and Ashburn, Virginia; Denver, Colorado; Miami, Florida; New York, New York; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Seattle, Washington; Silicon Valley and Los Angeles, California; and Bogota, Colombia. In the Asia-Pacific region: Hong Kong and Shanghai, China; Singapore; Sydney, Australia; and Tokyo and Osaka, Japan. In the EMEA region: Paris, France; Frankfurt and Munich, Germany; Amsterdam and East Netherlands, the Netherlands; Geneva and Zurich, Switzerland; Dubai and Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.; London and Manchester, United Kingdom; Helsinki, Finland; Dublin, Ireland; Milan, Italy; Stockholm, Sweden; Istanbul, Turkey; Warsaw, Poland; and Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville, Spain. We own certainxScale data centers investments as of ourDecember 31, 2019, plus three IBX data centers. In the Americas region: Chicago, Illinois; Washington D.C., Ashburn and Culpeper, Virginia; Silicon Valley and Los Angeles, California; Riocenters in Mexico acquired from Axtel S.A.B. de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, Brazil; Atlanta, Georgia; Boston, Massachusetts; Dallas and Houston, Texas; Denver, Colorado; Miami, Florida; New York, New York; Seattle, Washington. In the Asia-Pacific region: Shanghai, China; Tokyo, Japan; and Melbourne and Sydney, Australia. In the EMEA region: Paris, France; Frankfurt and Dusseldorf, Germany; London, United Kingdom; Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Dublin, Ireland; Sofia, Bulgaria; Istanbul, Turkey; Milan, Italy; Helsinki, Finland; Lisbon, PortugalC.V. on January 8, 2020.
amermapa01.jpg
AMERICAS
Metro
Leased (1)
Owned (1) (2)
Atlanta
Bogota
Boston
Chicago
Culpeper
Dallas
Washington DC/Ashburn
Denver
Houston
Los Angeles
Mexico City
Miami
Monterrey
New York
Philadelphia
Rio de Janeiro
Sao Paulo
Seattle
Silicon Valley
Toronto

emeamapa02.jpg
EMEA
Metro
Leased (1)
Owned (1)(2)
Abu Dhabi
Amsterdam
Barcelona
Dubai
Dublin
Dusseldorf
East Netherlands
Frankfurt
Geneva
Helsinki
Istanbul
Lisbon
London
Madrid��
Manchester
Milan
Munich
Paris
Seville
Sofia
Stockholm
Warsaw
Zurich

apacmap.jpg
Asia-Pacific
Metro
Leased (1)
Owned (1) (2)
Adelaide
Brisbane
Canberra
Hong Kong
Melbourne
Osaka
Perth
Seoul
Singapore
Shanghai
Sydney
Tokyo
Jakarta (unconsolidated)
(1)
"" denotes locations with one or more data centers.
(2)
Owned sites include IBX data centers subject to long-term ground leases.
The following table presents an overview of our portfolio of IBX data centers as of December 31, 2017:2019:
# of IBXs 
Total Cabinet Capacity (1)
 Cabinets Billed 
Cabinet Utilization % (2)
 
MRR per Cabinet (3)
# of IBXs (1)
 
Total Cabinet Capacity (2)
 Cabinets Billed 
Cabinet Utilization % (3)
 
MRR per Cabinet (4)
Americas87
 96,300
 78,900
 82% $2,371
86
 110,900
 85,000
 77% $2,384
EMEA73
 101,900
 83,200
 82% 1,342
73
 120,300
 101,200
 84% 1,456
Asia-Pacific30
 44,400
 33,000
 74% 2,007
45
 65,800
 49,600
 75% 1,824
Total190
 242,600
 195,100
    204
 297,000
 235,800
    
_________________________
(1)
Excludes three data centers held by unconsolidated entities (i.e. two xScale data centers and the JK1 IBX data center) and three Mexico data centers acquired in January 2020.
(2)
Cabinets represent a specific amount of space within an IBX data center. Customers can combine and use multiple adjacent cabinets within an IBX data center, depending on their space requirements. Includes Verizon but excludes Itconic and IS2.
(2)
(3)
The cabinet utilization rate represents the percentage of cabinet space billingbilled versus total cabinet capacity, taking into consideration power limitations. Includes data center assets acquired from Verizon but excludes data center assets acquired from Zenium and Itconic
(3)
(4)
MRR per cabinet represents average monthly recurring revenue recognized during the year divided by the average number of cabinets billing during the fourth quarter of the year. Bit-isle Managed Infrastructure Services, Brazil, Colombia, the data centers acquired from Zenium and Itconic and the impact of embedded derivatives are excluded fromAmericas MRR per cabinet calculations.excludes Brazil, Colombia and Infomart non-IBX tenant income and Asia-Pacific MRR per Cabinet excludes Bit-isle MIS.


The following table presents a summary of our significant IBX data center expansion projects under construction as of December 31, 2017:2019:
Property Property Location Target Open Date Sellable Cabinets 
Total Capex
(in Millions)
Americas:        
CH3 phase IV Chicago Q1 2018 715
 $67
RJ2 phase III Rio de Janeiro Q1 2018 500
 22
DE2 phase II Denver Q2 2018 475
 28
CU4 phase II Culpeper Q3 2018 775
 34
HO1 phase II Houston Q3 2018 600
 31
MI1 phase II Miami Q3 2018 1,100
 59
SP4 phase II São Paulo Q3 2018 450
 15
DC12 phase II Ashburn Q4 2018 1,500
 54
SV10 phase II San Jose Q4 2018 1,900
 85
SP3 phase II São Paulo Q4 2018 950
 41
      8,965
 436
EMEA:        
LD10 phase II London Q1 2018 1,420
 63
PA4 phase IV Paris Q1 2018 1,045
 36
AM2 phase III Amsterdam Q2 2018 400
 15
FR5 phase III Frankfurt Q2 2018 550
 13
FR6 phase II Frankfurt Q3 2018 1,325
 37
SK2 phase VI Stockholm Q3 2018 550
 35
AM7 phase II Amsterdam Q4 2018 925
 55
FR2 phase VI Frankfurt Q4 2018 1,250
 103
LD4 phase II London Q4 2018 1,075
 39
LD9 phase V London Q4 2018 1,550
 72
PA8 phase I Paris Q4 2018 875
 73
SO2 phase I Sofia Q4 2018 350
 19
FR5 phase IV Frankfurt Q1 2019 350
 25
LD7 phase I London Q2 2019 1,775
 120
LD10 phase III London Q2 2019 1,375
 45
      14,815
 750
Asia-Pacific:        
OS1 phase IV Osaka Q1 2018 500
 10
SH6 phase I Shanghai Q3 2018 400
 31
ME1 phase III Melbourne Q3 2018 375
 10
SG3 phase III Singapore Q3 2018 2,875
 78
HK2 phase V Hong Kong Q4 2018 925
 41
      5,075
 170
Total     28,855
 $1,356
Property Property Location Target Open Date Sellable Cabinets 
Total Capex
(in Millions) (1)
Americas:        
BO2 phase II Boston Q2 2020 550
 $32
CH3 phase VI Chicago Q2 2020 1,225
 31
DA11 phase I Dallas Q2 2020 1,975
 138
DC15 phase I Washington D.C. Q2 2020 1,600
 111
SP4 phase III São Paulo Q2 2020 1,025
 59
TR2 phase III Toronto Q2 2020 725
 21
DC21 phase I Washington D.C. Q4 2020 925
 95
SP3 phase III São Paulo Q4 2020 1,050
 25
LA7 phase II Los Angeles Q2 2021 750
 54
SV11 phase I Silicon Valley Q2 2021 1,450
 142
SP5x phase I São Paulo Q1 2022 500
 52
      11,775
 760
EMEA:        
AM4 phase III Amsterdam Q1 2020 975
 26
HH1 phase I Hamburg Q1 2020 375
 27
WA3 phase I Warsaw Q1 2020 550
 34
ZH5 phase III Zurich Q1 2020 475
 91
AM7 phase II-B Amsterdam Q2 2020 475
 6
MC1 phase I Muscat Q2 2020 250
 28
FR5 phase IV Frankfurt Q2 2020 350
 25
PA2 phase IV Paris Q3 2020 250
 8
HE7 phase II Helsinki Q4 2020 600
 28
ML5 phase I Milan Q4 2020 500
 48
PA9x phase I Paris Q4 2020 1,200
 112
AM7 phase III Amsterdam Q1 2021 1,425
 63
LD7 phase II London Q1 2021 875
 30
LD11x phase I London Q1 2021 1,450
 135
FR9x phase I Frankfurt Q1 2021 1,325
 121
MU4 phase I Munich Q3 2021 825
 69
      11,900
 851
Asia-Pacific:        
HK4 phase III Hong Kong Q2 2020 1,000
 47
SG5 phase I Singapore Q3 2020 1,300
 144
TY12x phase I Tokyo Q4 2020 950
 147
TY11 phase II Tokyo Q1 2021 1,225
 58
OS2x phase I Osaka Q4 2021 1,350
 156
      5,825
 552
Total     29,500
 $2,163
(1)
Capital expenditures are approximate and may change based on final construction details.
ITEM 3.Legal Proceedings
The following is a description of reportable legal proceedings, including those involving governmental authorities under federal, state and local laws regulating the discharge of materials into the environment.
In March 2019, charges were brought by the Public Prosecutor in Milan, Italy against Equinix (Italia) S.r.l. and Eric Schwartz, at that time one of the directors of Equinix (Italia) S.r.l., following the discovery of levels of copper in ground water in excess of those permitted by law and alleged to have been released by Equinix into the water supply. We

determined that the copper levels detected had been misinterpreted by the Public Prosecutor's office, which had multiplied the findings tenfold. On March 13, 2019, we asked for an initial extension to file our defense and requested that the charges against both Equinix and Mr. Schwartz be dropped on the grounds that the levels of copper found were in fact less than double the permitted amounts. The Public Prosecutor accepted that the number it originally used was incorrect, but did not agree to drop the charges and has requested a trial date. Our defense was filed April 15, 2019. A trial date has been set for March 6, 2020. The maximum fine for Equinix relating to this matter is €350,000 and the maximum personal fine for Mr. Schwartz is €30,000, which together give the maximum exposure of €380,000.
We have recently adopted a formal compliance program pursuant to Italian Legislative Decree No. 231/2001 ("Decree 231"), which we expect will reduce our exposure to fines and penalties in a Court verdict by 50%. After adoption of Decree 231, the exposure for Equinix would be effectively reduced to €175,000, giving a new maximum exposure of €205,000.
While it is not possible to accurately predict the final outcome of this pending Court proceeding, if it is decided adversely to Equinix, we expect there would be no material effect on our consolidated financial position. Nevertheless, this proceeding is reported pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission regulations.
ITEM 3.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
None.
ITEM 4.    MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
ITEM 4.Mine Safety Disclosure
Not applicable.

PART II
ITEM 5.MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIESMarket for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Our common stock is quoted on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol of "EQIX." Our common stock began trading in August 2000. The following table sets forth on a per share basis the low and high closing prices of our common stock as reported by the NASDAQ Global Select Market during the last two years.
 Low High
Fiscal 2017   
Fourth Fiscal Quarter$442.28
 $492.98
Third Fiscal Quarter418.43
 474.42
Second Fiscal Quarter399.11
 444.97
First Fiscal Quarter358.72
 400.37
 Low High
Fiscal 2016   
Fourth Fiscal Quarter$325.05
 $373.22
Third Fiscal Quarter355.01
 389.45
Second Fiscal Quarter319.89
 387.73
First Fiscal Quarter265.05
 330.71
As of January 31, 2018,2020, we had 79,122,30085,353,616 shares of our common stock outstanding held by approximately 280303 registered holders. During the years ended December 31, 20172019 and 2016,2018, we did not issue or sell any securities on an unregistered basis.
Dividends and Special Distributions
In September 2015, our Board of Directors declared a special distribution of $627.0 million, or approximately $10.95 per share (the "2015 Special Distribution"), to our common stockholders. The 2015 Special Distribution was paid on November 10, 2015 to our common stockholders of record as of the close of business on October 8, 2015. Common stockholders had the option to elect to receive payment of the 2015 Special Distribution in the form of stock or cash, with the total cash payment to all stockholders limited to no more than 20% of the total distribution. The number of shares distributed was determined based upon common stockholder elections and the average closing price of our common stock on the three trading days commencing on November 3, 2015 or $297.03 per share. As such, we issued 1.7 million shares of our common stock and paid $125.5 million in connection with the 2015 Special Distribution.
In connection with our conversion to a REIT effective January 1, 2015, we began paying quarterly dividends in 2015. On each of February 19, May 7, July 29, and October 28, 2015, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $1.69 per share. On each of February 18, May 4, August 3 and November 2, 2016, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $1.75 per share. On each of February 15, April 26, August 2 and November 1, 2017, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $2.00 per share. We expect to continue to pay regular cash dividends in order to satisfy the required REIT tests to remain qualified for taxation as a REIT for US federal income tax purposes. For additional information, see "Dividends" in Note 11 of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


Tax Treatment of Distributions
For Federal income tax purposes, distributions to stockholders are treated as ordinary income, capital gains, return of capital or a combination thereof. For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the dividends and special distributions we paid were classified as follows:
Record Date Payment Date Total Distribution Nonqualified Ordinary Dividend Qualified Ordinary Dividend Return of Capital
    (per share)
Fiscal 2017          
2/27/2017 3/22/2017 $2.000000
 $2.000000
 $
 $
5/24/2017 6/21/2017 2.000000
 2.000000
 
 
8/23/2017 9/20/2017 2.000000
 2.000000
 
 
11/15/2017 12/13/2017 2.000000
 2.000000
 
 
Total   $8.000000
 $8.000000
 $
 $
           
Fiscal 2016          
3/9/2016 3/23/2016 $1.750000
 $1.231334
 $0.518666
 $
5/25/2016 6/15/2016 1.750000
 1.231334
 0.518666
 
8/24/2016 9/14/2016 1.750000
 1.231334
 0.518666
 
11/16/2016 12/14/2016 1.750000
 1.231334
 0.518666
 
Total   $7.000000
 $4.925336
 $2.074664
 $
Stock Performance Graph
The graph set forth below compares the cumulative total stockholder return on Equinix’sEquinix's common stock between December 31, 20122014 and December 31, 20172019 with the cumulative total return of (i) of:
the S&P 500 Index, (ii) Index;
the NASDAQ Composite IndexIndex; and (iii)
the FTSE NAREIT All REITs Index.
The graph assumes the investment of $100.00 on December 31, 20122014 in Equinix’sEquinix's common stock and in each index, and assumes the reinvestment of dividends, if any.
Equinix cautions that the stock price performance shown in the graph below is not indicative of, nor intended to forecast, the potential future performance of Equinix’sEquinix's common stock.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in any of Equinix’sEquinix's previous or future filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that might incorporate this Annual Report on Form 10-K or future filings made by Equinix under those statutes, the stock performance graph shall not be deemed filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and shall not be deemed incorporated by reference into any of those prior filings or into any future filings made by Equinix under those statutes.

COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*
chart-6060aab118b15fccaf5a02.jpg
*$100 invested on 12/31/1214 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends.

Fiscal year ending December 31.

ITEM 6.Selected Financial Data
ITEM 6.    SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following consolidated statement of operations data for the five years ended December 31, 20172019 and the consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2019, 2018, 2017,, 2016, 2015, 2014 and 20132015 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes. Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for future periods. The following selected consolidated financial data for the five years ended December 31, 20172019 and as of December 31, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013,2015, should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and "Management’s"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We completed acquisitions of Switch Datacenters' AMS1 data center business in Amsterdam, Netherlands in April 2019, Metronode and Infomart Dallas in April, 2018, the Zenium data center business in Istanbul and Itconic in October 2017, certain colocation business from Verizon in May 2017, the IO AcquisitionUK's data center operating business in Slough, United Kingdom in February 2017 (the "IO Acquisition), certain Paris IBX data centers in August 2016 (the "Paris IBX Data Center Acquisition"), Telecity Group plc in January 2016, Bit-isle in November 2015 and Nimbo Technologies Inc. ("Nimbo") in January 2015. We also completedIn October 2019, we sold our London 10 and Paris 8 data centers, as well as certain data center facilities in Europe to the acquisition of the 100% controlling equity interest in ALOG Data Centers do Brasil S.A. ("ALOG") in July 2014 andJoint Venture. In addition, we acquired the Frankfurt Kleyer 90 carrier hotelsold our New York 12 data center in October 2013. We sold2019, solar power assets of Bit-isle in November 2016 and eight of our IBX data centers located in the U.K., the Netherlands and Germany in July 2016. For further information on our acquisitions and divestitures during the three years ended December 31, 2017, refer to2019, see Note 2, Note 43 and Note 5 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
On January 1, 2019 and 2018, we adopted Topic 842, Leases, and Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, respectively. The consolidated statement of our Notesoperations is presented under the new accounting standards from the periods when accounting standards were adopted, while the prior period financial statements have not been restated and continue to be reported under accounting standards in effect for those periods. See Note 1 within the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.for further discussion.

Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2017 2016 2015 2014 20132019 2018 2017 2016 2015
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Revenues$4,368,428
 $3,611,989
 $2,725,867
 $2,443,776
 $2,152,766
$5,562,140
 $5,071,654
 $4,368,428
 $3,611,989
 $2,725,867
Costs and operating expenses:                  
Cost of revenues2,193,149
 1,820,870
 1,291,506
 1,197,885
 1,064,403
2,810,184
 2,605,475
 2,193,149
 1,820,870
 1,291,506
Sales and marketing581,724
 438,742
 332,012
 296,103
 246,623
651,046
 633,702
 581,724
 438,742
 332,012
General and administrative745,906
 694,561
 493,284
 438,016
 374,790
935,018
 826,694
 745,906
 694,561
 493,284
Restructuring reversals
 
 
 
 (4,837)
Acquisition costs38,635
 64,195
 41,723
 2,506
 10,855
Transaction costs24,781
 34,413
 38,635
 64,195
 41,723
Impairment charges
 7,698
 
 
 
15,790
 
 
 7,698
 
Gain on asset sales
 (32,816) 
 
 
(44,310) (6,013) 
 (32,816) 
Total costs and operating expenses3,559,414
 2,993,250
 2,158,525
 1,934,510
 1,691,834
4,392,509
 4,094,271
 3,559,414
 2,993,250
 2,158,525
Income from operations809,014
 618,739
 567,342
 509,266
 460,932
1,169,631
 977,383
 809,014
 618,739
 567,342
Interest income13,075
 3,476
 3,581
 2,891
 3,387
27,697
 14,482
 13,075
 3,476
 3,581
Interest expense(478,698) (392,156) (299,055) (270,553) (248,792)(479,684) (521,494) (478,698) (392,156) (299,055)
Other income (expense)9,213
 (57,924) (60,581) 119
 5,253
27,778
 14,044
 9,213
 (57,924) (60,581)
Loss on debt extinguishment(65,772) (12,276) (289) (156,990) (108,501)(52,825) (51,377) (65,772) (12,276) (289)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes286,832
 159,859
 210,998
 84,733
 112,279
692,597
 433,038
 286,832
 159,859
 210,998
Income tax expense (1)
(53,850) (45,451) (23,224) (345,459) (16,156)
Net income (loss) from continuing operations232,982
 114,408
 187,774
 (260,726) 96,123
Income tax expense(185,352) (67,679) (53,850) (45,451) (23,224)
Net income from continuing operations507,245
 365,359
 232,982
 114,408
 187,774
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax
 12,392
 
 
 

 
 
 12,392
 
Net income (loss)232,982
 126,800
 187,774
 (260,726) 96,123
Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interest
 
 
 1,179
 (1,438)
Net income (loss) attributable to Equinix$232,982
 $126,800
 $187,774
 $(259,547) $94,685
Net income507,245
 365,359
 232,982
 126,800
 187,774
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest205
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to Equinix$507,450
 $365,359
 $232,982
 $126,800
 $187,774
                  
Earnings per share ("EPS") attributable to Equinix:                  
Basic EPS from continuing operations$3.03
 $1.63
 $3.25
 $(4.96) $1.92
$6.03
 $4.58
 $3.03
 $1.63
 $3.25
Basic EPS from discontinued operations
 0.18
 
 
 

 
 
 0.18
 
Basic EPS$3.03
 $1.81
 $3.25
 $(4.96) $1.92
$6.03
 $4.58
 $3.03
 $1.81
 $3.25
Weighted-average shares76,854
 70,117
 57,790
 52,359
 49,438
Weighted-average shares for basic EPS84,140
 79,779
 76,854
 70,117
 57,790
Diluted EPS from continuing operations$3.00
 $1.62
 $3.21
 $(4.96) $1.89
$5.99
 $4.56
 $3.00
 $1.62
 $3.21
Diluted EPS from discontinued operations
 0.17
 
 
 

 
 
 0.17
 
Diluted EPS$3.00
 $1.79
 $3.21
 $(4.96) $1.89
$5.99
 $4.56
 $3.00
 $1.79
 $3.21
Weighted-average shares77,535
 70,816
 58,483
 52,359
 50,116
Dividends per share (2)
$8.00
 $7.00
 $17.71
 $7.57
 $
Weighted-average shares for diluted EPS84,679
 80,197
 77,535
 70,816
 58,483
Dividends per share (1)
$9.84
 $9.12
 $8.00
 $7.00
 $17.71
_______________________
(1) During the year ended December 31, 2015, we paid $10.95 per share of special distribution and $6.76 per share of quarterly cash dividend.

 As of December 31,
 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:(in thousands)
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term and long-term investments$1,879,939
 $610,706
 $1,450,031
 $761,927
 $2,246,297
Accounts receivable, net689,134
 630,119
 576,313
 396,245
 291,964
Property, plant and equipment, net12,152,597
 11,026,020
 9,394,602
 7,199,210
 5,606,436
Total assets23,965,615
 20,244,638
 18,691,457
 12,608,371
 10,356,695
Finance lease liabilities, less current portion1,430,882
 1,441,077
 1,620,256
 1,410,742
 1,287,139
Mortgage and loans payable, less current portion1,289,434
 1,310,663
 1,393,118
 1,369,087
 472,769
Senior notes, less current portion8,309,673
 8,128,785
 6,923,849
 3,810,770
 3,804,634
Total stockholders' equity8,840,382
 7,219,279
 6,849,790
 4,365,829
 2,745,386



(1)ITEM 7.The increase in income tax expense from the year ended December 31, 2013 to the year ended December 31, 2014 was primarily attributed to the de-recognition of $324.1 million of net deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities in December 2014, when our Board of Directors formally approved our conversion to a REIT and we reassessed the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities of our U.S. operations included in the REIT structure.
(2)During the year ended December 31, 2015, we paid $10.95 per share of special distribution and $6.76 per share of quarterly cash dividend. During the year ended December 31, 2014, we paid $7.57 per share of special distribution.
 Years Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
Other Financial Data: (1) (2)
(in thousands)
Net cash provided by operating activities$1,439,233
 $1,019,353
 $894,823
 $709,002
 $604,608
Net cash used in investing activities(5,400,826) (2,045,668) (637,797) (437,443) (1,169,313)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities4,607,860
 (897,065) 1,873,152
 87,819
 574,907
_________________________
(1)For a discussion of our primary non-GAAP financial metrics, see our non-GAAP financial measures discussion in "Management’sManagement's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
(2)These cash flow line items for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 have been modified to reflect the adoption of ASU 2016-18 and ASU 2016-09. See Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.
 As of December 31,
 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:(in thousands)
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term and long-term investments$1,450,031
 $761,927
 $2,246,297
 $1,140,751
 $1,030,092
Accounts receivable, net576,313
 396,245
 291,964
 262,570
 184,840
Property, plant and equipment, net9,394,602
 7,199,210
 5,606,436
 4,998,270
 4,591,650
Total assets (1)
18,691,457
 12,608,371
 10,356,695
 7,781,978
 7,457,039
Capital lease and other financing obligations, excluding current portion1,620,256
 1,410,742
 1,287,139
 1,168,042
 914,032
Mortgage and loans payable, excluding current portion (1)
1,393,118
 1,369,087
 472,769
 532,809
 197,172
Senior notes (1)
6,923,849
 3,810,770
 3,804,634
 2,717,046
 2,220,911
Convertible debt, excluding current portion (1)

 
 
 145,229
 720,499
Redeemable non-controlling interests
 
 
 
 123,902
Total stockholders' equity6,849,790
 4,365,829
 2,745,386
 2,270,131
 2,459,064
_________________________
(1)The company adopted ASU 2015-03 during the year ended December 31, 2015. As a result, debt issuance costs of $35.5 million and $35.3 million were reclassified from other assets to debt as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONSOperations
The following commentary should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes contained elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The information in this discussion contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements are based upon current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties. Any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. For example, the words "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "intends" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Our actual results and the timing of certain events may differ significantly from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a discrepancy include, but are not limited to, those discussed in "Liquidity and Capital Resources" and "Risk Factors" elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. All forward-looking statements in this document are based on information available to us as of the date hereof and we assume no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements.
Item 7 of this Form 10-K focuses on discussion of 2019 and 2018 items as well as 2019 results as compared to 2018 results. For the discussion of 2017 items and 2018 results as compared to 2017 results, please refer to Item 7 of our 2018 Form 10-K as filed with the SEC on February 22, 2019.
Our management’smanagement's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is intended to assist readers in understanding our financial information from our management’smanagement's perspective and is presented as follows:
Overview
Results of Operations
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Contractual Obligations and Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2018, as more fully described in Note 17 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we entered into an agreement to acquire the Infomart Dallas, including its operations and tenants, from ASB Real Estate Investments. At the closing, we will deliver $31.0 million in cash, subject to customary adjustments, and will issue $750.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.000% senior unsecured notes. The transaction is expected to close in mid-2018, subject to satisfaction of closing conditions. We will account for this transaction as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting.
In December 2017, as more fully described in Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we entered into a transaction agreement to acquire the Metronode group of companies, for a cash purchase price of A$1.035 billion, or approximately $791.2 million at the exchange rate in effect on December 15, 2017. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2018. We will account for this transaction as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting.
In December 2017, as more fully described in Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we issued €1,000.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 2.875% senior notes due February 1, 2026 (the "2026 Euro Senior Notes"), or approximately $1,179.0 million in U.S. dollars, at the exchange rate in effect on December 12, 2017, and recorded debt issuance costs of $15.7 million. We also entered into a credit agreement in the aggregate principal amount of approximately $3,000.0 million ("Senior Credit Facility"), comprised of a $2,000.0 million senior unsecured multi-currency revolving credit facility ("Revolving Facility") and an approximately $1,000.0 million senior unsecured multi-currency term loan facility, with maturity date of December 12, 2022 ("Term Loan Facility"). We borrowed £500.0 million and SEK 2,800.0 million under the term loan facility on December 12, 2017, or approximately $997.1 million at the exchange rate in effect on that date. With the proceeds from the issuance of the 2026 Euro Senior Notes and borrowings under the Term Loan Facility and cash on hand, we terminated and prepaid in full the amounts outstanding under the senior secured credit facility we entered in 2014 (the "2014 Senior Credit Facility"). As a result, we recognized a loss on debt extinguishment of $22.5 million during the fourth quarter of 2017.
In October 2017, as more fully described in Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we acquired Itconic, with 5 data centers in Spain and Portugal, for a cash purchase price of approximately €220.5 million, or $259.1 million at the exchange rate in effect on October 9, 2017 (the "Itconic Acquisition"). The Itconic Acquisition was accounted for using the acquisition method. The valuation and purchase accounting of this acquisition have not yet been finalized as of December 31, 2017.

In October 2017, as more fully described in Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we acquired the Zenium data center business in Istanbul for a cash purchase price of approximately $92.0 million. The acquired data center will be renamed as the Istanbul 2 (or "IS2") data center. The acquisition of the Zenium data center will be accounted for using the acquisition method. The valuation and purchase accounting of this acquisition have not yet been finalized as of December 31, 2017.
In September 2017, as more fully described in Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we issued €1,000.0 million, or approximately $1,199.7 million in U.S. dollars, at the exchange rate in effect on September 20, 2017, in aggregate principal amount of 2.875% senior notes due October 1, 2025 (the "2025 Euro Senior Notes") and recorded debt issuance costs of $16.3 million. We used a portion of the net proceeds from the 2025 Euro Senior Notes to redeem our 4.875% senior notes with an aggregate principal amount of $500.0 million in September 2017. As a result, we recognized a loss on debt extinguishment of $14.6 million during the third quarter of 2017.
In August 2017, as more fully described in Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we launched the ATM program, under which we may offer and sell shares of our common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $750.0 million from time to time through our sales agents. Through December 31, 2017, we have sold 763,201 shares of common stock under the ATM program for net proceeds of approximately $355.1 million.
In August 2017, as more fully described in Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we entered into a fourth amendment (the "Fourth Amendment") to our then existing 2014 Senior Credit Facility, where we modified various terms of interest rates applicable to loans borrowed under the Term Loan B Facility and Term B-2 Loan. We terminated and prepaid in full the amounts outstanding under our 2014 Senior Credit Facility in December 2017.
In May 2017, as more fully described in Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we completed the acquisition of certain colocation business from Verizon consisting of 29 data center buildings located in the United States, Brazil and Colombia, for a cash purchase price of approximately $3.6 billion, which we funded with proceeds of debt and equity financings conducted in January and March 2017 as discussed below. The Verizon Data Center Acquisition was accounted for using the acquisition method. The fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are currently being appraised by a third-party and have not yet been finalized as of December 31, 2017.
In March 2017, as more fully described in Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we issued and sold 6,069,444 shares of our common stock in a public offering. We received net proceeds of approximately $2,126.3 million, after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses.
In March 2017, as more fully described in Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we issued $1,250.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.375% senior notes due May 15, 2027 (the "2027 Senior Notes") and recorded debt issuance costs of $16.8 million.
In February 2017, as more fully described in Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we acquired IO UK's data center operating business for a cash payment of approximately $36.3 million. The acquired facility was renamed as the London 10 ("LD10") data center. The IO Acquisition was accounted for using the acquisition method. As of December 31, 2017, we have finalized the allocation of purchase price for the IO Acquisition from the provisional amounts reported as of March 31, 2017.
In January 2017, as more fully described in Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we borrowed the full amount of the Term B-2 Loan of €1,000.0 million, or approximately $1,059.8 million in U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect on January 6, 2017. We prepaid in full the amounts outstanding under our Term B-2 Loan in December 2017.
Overview
picture1overviewa05.jpg
Equinix provides a global, vendor-neutral data center, interconnection and edge services platform with offerings that protectaim to enable our customers to reach everywhere, interconnect everyone and connect the world’s most valued information assets.integrate everything. Global enterprises, financial services companies and content and network service providers and business ecosystems of industry partners rely upon Equinix's leading insight andon Equinix IBX data centers and expertise around the world for the safehousingsafe housing of their critical IT equipment and to protect and connect the world's most valued information assets. They also look to Platform Equinix® for the ability to directly connect and securely interconnect

to the networks, clouds and content that enable today's information-driven global digital economy. The Verizon Data Center Acquisition, along with theRecent Equinix IBX data center openings and acquisitions, of Itconic, LD10 and IS2,as well as xScale data center investments, have expanded the Company'sour total global footprint to 190210 IBX and xScale data centers across 4855 markets around the world. Equinix offers the following solutions: (i)
premium data center colocation, (ii) colocation;
interconnection and (iii)data exchange solutions;
edge services for deploying networking, security and outsourced IT infrastructure solutions. As of December 31, 2017, we operated or had partner IBXhardware; and
remote expert support and professional services.
Our interconnected data centers in Brazil, Canada, Colombia and throughout the U.S. in the Americas region; Bulgaria, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden,

Switzerland, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom in the EMEA region; and Australia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan and Singapore in the Asia-Pacific region.

 Our data centers in 48 markets around the world are a global platform, which allowsallow our customers to increase information and application delivery performance to users, and quickly access distributed IT infrastructures and business and digital ecosystems, while significantly reducing costs. ThisThe Equinix global platform and the quality of our IBX data centers, interconnection offerings and edge services have enabled us to establish a critical mass of customers. As more customers choose our IBX data centers,Platform Equinix, for bandwidth cost and performance reasons it benefits their suppliers and business partners to colocate with us as well, in orderthe same data centers. This adjacency creates a “network effect” that enables our customers to gaincapture the full economic and performance benefits of our offerings. These partners, in turn, pull in their business partners, creating a "marketplace" for their services. Our global platform enables scalable, reliable and cost-effective colocation, interconnection andthat increases data traffic exchange that lowerswhile lowering overall cost and increasesincreasing flexibility. Our focused business model is built on our critical mass of enterprise and service provider customers and the resulting "marketplace" effect. This global platform, combined with our strong financial position, continues to drive new customer growth and bookings.

Historically, our market has beenwas served by large telecommunications carriers who have bundled telecommunicationstheir products and services with their colocation offerings. The data center market landscape has evolved to include private and vendor-neutral multitenant data center providers, hyperscale cloud computing/utility providers, managed infrastructure and application hosting providers, and systems integrators, managed infrastructure hosting providers and colocation providers. Moreintegrators. It is estimated that Equinix is one of more than 3501,200 companies that provide data center solutions inMTDC offerings around the U.S. alone.world. Each of these data center solutions providers can bundle various colocation, interconnection and network offerings and outsourced IT infrastructure solutions. We are able to offer our customers a global platform that reaches 2426 countries with the industry’s largest and most active ecosystem of partners in our sites, proven operational reliability, improved application performance network choice and a highly scalable set of offerings.
OurThe cabinet utilization rate represents the percentage of cabinet space billed versus total cabinet capacity, which is used to measure how efficiently we are managing our cabinet space billing versus net sellablecapacity. Our cabinet space available, taking into account power limitations. Our utilization rates were approximately 80%, excluding the Verizon Data Center, Paris IBX Data Center, Itconic, Zenium data center and IO acquisitions, as of December 31, 2017, and 81%, excluding the acquisitions of Telecity Group and Bit-isle, as of December 31, 2016. Excluding the impact of IBX data center expansion projects that have opened during the last 12 months and acquisitions mentioned above, our utilization rate would have increased to approximately 82% as of December 31, 2017. Our utilization rate varies from market to market among our IBX data centers across the Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific regions. Our cabinet utilization rates were approximately 79% and 81%, respectively, as of December 31, 2019 and 2018. Excluding the impact of our IBX data center expansion projects that have opened during the last 12 months, our cabinet utilization rate would have increased to approximately 82% as of December 31, 2019. We continue to monitor the available capacity in each of our selected markets. To the extent we have limited capacity available in a given market, it may limit our ability for growth in that market. We perform demand studies on an ongoing basis to determine if future expansion is warranted in a market. In addition, power and cooling requirements for most customers are growing on a per unit basis. As a result, customers are consuming an increasing amount of power per cabinet. Although we generally do not control the amount of power our customers draw from installed circuits, we have negotiated power consumption limitations with certain high power-demand customers. This increased power consumption has driven us to build out our new IBX data centers to support power and cooling needs twice that of previous IBX data centers. We could face power limitations in our IBX data centers, even though we may have additional physical cabinet capacity available within a specific IBX data center. This could have a negative impact on the available utilization capacity of a given IBX data center, which could have a negative impact on our ability to grow revenues, affecting our financial performance, operating results and cash flows.
In 2019, we closed our Joint Venture with GIC to develop and operate xScale data centers to serve the needs of the growing hyperscale data center market, including the world's largest cloud service providers. Upon closing, the Joint Venture acquired certain data center facilities in Europe, with the opportunity to add additional facilities to the Joint Venture in the future.
Strategically, we will continue to look at attractive opportunities to grow our market share and selectively improve our footprint and offerings. As was the case with our recent expansions and acquisitions, our expansion criteria will be dependent on a number of factors, such asincluding but not limited to demand from new and existing customers, quality of the design, power capacity, access to networks, clouds and software partners, capacity availability in the current market location, amount of incremental investment required by us in the targeted property, automation capabilities, developer

talent pool, lead-time to break even on a free cash flow basis and in-place customers. Like our recent expansions and acquisitions, the right combination of these factors may be attractive to us. Depending on the circumstances, these transactions may require additional capital expenditures funded by upfront cash payments or through long-term financing arrangements in order to bring these properties up to Equinix standards. Property expansion may be in the form of purchases of real property, long-term leasing arrangements or acquisitions. Future purchases, construction or acquisitions may be completed by us or with partners or potential customers to minimize the outlay of cash, which can be significant.
Revenue:
picture2recurringa04.jpg
Our business is based on a recurring revenue model comprised of colocation and related interconnection and managed infrastructure offerings. We consider these offerings recurring because our customers are generally billed on a fixed and recurring basis each month for the duration of their contract, which is generally one to three years in length. Our recurring revenues have comprised more than 90% of our total revenues during the past three years. In addition, during any given quarter of the past three years, more than half80% of our monthly recurring revenue bookings came from existing customers, contributing to our revenue growth. Our largest customer accounted for approximately 3% of our recurring revenues for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162019, 2018 and 2015.2017. Our 50 largest customers accounted for approximately 37%39%, 36%38% and 34%37%, respectively, of our recurring revenues for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162019, 2018 and 2015.2017.
Our non-recurring revenues are primarily comprised of installation services related to a customer’scustomer's initial deployment and professional services that we perform. These services are considered to be non-recurring because they are billed typically once,

upon completion of the installation or the professional services work performed. The majority of these non-recurring revenues are typically billed on the first invoice distributed to the customer in connection with their initial installation. However, revenues from installation services are deferred and recognized ratably over the period of the customer is expected to benefit from the installation.contract term. Additionally, revenue from contract settlements, when a customer wishes to terminate their contract early, is generally treated as a contract modification and recognized asratably over the termination occurs, when no remaining related performance obligations exist andterm of the customer is deemed to be creditworthy, to the extent that the revenue has not previously been recognized.contract, if any. As a percentage of total revenues, we expect non-recurring revenues to represent less than 10% of total revenues for the foreseeable future.
Operating Expenses:
Cost of Revenues.The largest components of our cost of revenues are depreciation, rental payments related to our leased IBX data centers, utility costs, including electricity, bandwidth access, IBX data center employees’employees' salaries and benefits, including stock-based compensation, repairs and maintenance, supplies and equipment and security services.security. A majority of our cost of revenues is fixed in nature and should not vary significantly from period to period, unless we expand our existing IBX data centers or open or acquire new IBX data centers. However, there are certain costs that are considered more variable in nature, including utilities and supplies that are directly related to growth in our existing and new customer base. We expect the cost of our utilities, specifically electricity, will generally increase in the future on a per-unit or fixed basis, in addition to the variable increase related to the growth in consumption by our customers. In addition, the cost of electricity is generally higher in the summer months, as compared to other times of the year. To the extent we incur increased utility costs, such increased costs could materially impact our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Furthermore, to the extent we incur increased electricity or other costs as a result of either climate change policies or the physical effects of climate change, such increased costs could materially impact our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. 

Sales and Marketing. Our sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of compensation and related costs for sales and marketing personnel, including stock-based compensation, sales commissions,amortization of contract costs, marketing programs, public relations, promotional materials and travel, as well as bad debt expense and amortization of customer relationship intangible assets.
General and Administrative. Our general and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries and related expenses, including stock-based compensation, accounting, legal and other professional service fees, and other general corporate expenses, such as our corporate regional headquarters office leases and some depreciation expense.expense on back office systems.
We expect our cost of revenues, sales and marketing expenses and general and administrative expenses to grow in absolute dollars in connection with our business growth. We may periodically see a higher cost of revenues as a percentage of revenue when a large expansion project opens or is acquired, before it starts generating any meaningful revenue. Furthermore, in relation to cost of revenues, we note that the Americas region has a lower cost of revenues as a percentage of revenue than either EMEA or Asia-Pacific. This is due to both the increased scale and maturity of the Americas region, compared to either the EMEA or Asia-Pacific region, as well as a higher cost structure outside of the Americas, particularly in EMEA. While we expect all three regions to continue to see lower cost of revenues as a percentage of revenues in future periods, we expect the trend that sees the Americas having the lowest cost of revenues as a percentage of revenues to continue. As a result, to the extent that revenue growth outside the Americas grows in greater proportion than revenue growth in the Americas, our overall cost of revenues as a percentage of revenues may increase in future periods. Sales and marketing expenses may periodically increase as a percentage of revenues as we continue to scale our operations by investing in sales and marketing initiatives to further increase our revenue, including the hiring of additional headcount and new product innovations. General and administrative expenses may also periodically increase as a percentage of revenues as we continue to scale our operations to support our growth.
TaxationNon-GAAP Financial Measures
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Contractual Obligations and Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Overview
picture1overviewa05.jpg
Equinix provides a global, vendor-neutral data center, interconnection and edge services platform with offerings that aim to enable our customers to reach everywhere, interconnect everyone and integrate everything. Global enterprises, service providers and business ecosystems of industry partners rely on Equinix IBX data centers and expertise around the world for the safe housing of their critical IT equipment and to protect and connect the world's most valued information assets. They also look to Platform Equinix® for the ability to directly and securely interconnect

to the networks, clouds and content that enable today's information-driven global digital economy. Recent Equinix IBX data center openings and acquisitions, as well as xScale data center investments, have expanded our total global footprint to 210 IBX and xScale data centers across 55 markets around the world. Equinix offers the following solutions:
premium data center colocation;
interconnection and data exchange solutions;
edge services for deploying networking, security and hardware; and
remote expert support and professional services.
Our interconnected data centers around the world allow our customers to increase information and application delivery performance to users, and quickly access distributed IT infrastructures and business and digital ecosystems, while significantly reducing costs. The Equinix global platform and the quality of our IBX data centers, interconnection offerings and edge services have enabled us to establish a REIT
We electedcritical mass of customers. As more customers choose Platform Equinix, for bandwidth cost and performance reasons it benefits their suppliers and business partners to be taxed ascolocate in the same data centers. This adjacency creates a REIT“network effect” that enables our customers to capture the full economic and performance benefits of our offerings. These partners, in turn, pull in their business partners, creating a "marketplace" for federal income tax purposes beginningtheir services. Our global platform enables scalable, reliable and cost-effective interconnection that increases data traffic exchange while lowering overall cost and increasing flexibility. Our focused business model is built on our critical mass of enterprise and service provider customers and the resulting "marketplace" effect. This global platform, combined with our 2015 taxable year. Asstrong financial position, continues to drive new customer growth and bookings.
Historically, our market was served by large telecommunications carriers who have bundled their products and services with their colocation offerings. The data center market landscape has evolved to include private and vendor-neutral multitenant data center providers, hyperscale cloud providers, managed infrastructure and application hosting providers, and systems integrators. It is estimated that Equinix is one of more than 1,200 companies that provide MTDC offerings around the world. Each of these data center solutions providers can bundle various colocation, interconnection and network offerings and outsourced IT infrastructure solutions. We are able to offer our customers a global platform that reaches 26 countries with the industry’s largest and most active ecosystem of partners in our sites, proven operational reliability, improved application performance and a highly scalable set of offerings.
The cabinet utilization rate represents the percentage of cabinet space billed versus total cabinet capacity, which is used to measure how efficiently we are managing our cabinet capacity. Our cabinet utilization rate varies from market to market among our IBX data centers across the Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific regions. Our cabinet utilization rates were approximately 79% and 81%, respectively, as of December 31, 2017, our REIT structure included all2019 and 2018. Excluding the impact of our IBX data center operationsexpansion projects that have opened during the last 12 months, our cabinet utilization rate would have increased to approximately 82% as of December 31, 2019. We continue to monitor the available capacity in each of our selected markets. To the U.S., Canadaextent we have limited capacity available in a given market, it may limit our ability for growth in that market. We perform demand studies on an ongoing basis to determine if future expansion is warranted in a market. In addition, power and Japan,cooling requirements for most customers are growing on a per unit basis. As a result, customers are consuming an increasing amount of power per cabinet. Although we generally do not control the amount of power our customers draw from installed circuits, we have negotiated power consumption limitations with certain high power-demand customers. This increased power consumption has driven us to build out our new IBX data centers to support power and cooling needs twice that of previous IBX data centers. We could face power limitations in our IBX data centers, even though we may have additional physical cabinet capacity available within a specific IBX data center. This could have a negative impact on the available utilization capacity of a given IBX data center, operationswhich could have a negative impact on our ability to grow revenues, affecting our financial performance, operating results and cash flows.
In 2019, we closed our Joint Venture with GIC to develop and operate xScale data centers to serve the needs of the growing hyperscale data center market, including the world's largest cloud service providers. Upon closing, the Joint Venture acquired certain data center facilities in Europe, with the exception of Bulgaria, Portugal, Spain and Turkey. Our data center operationsopportunity to add additional facilities to the Joint Venture in other jurisdictions are operated as taxable REIT subsidiaries.the future.
As a REIT,Strategically, we generally are permitted to deduct from our federal taxable income the dividends we pay to our stockholders (including, for this purpose, the value of any deemed distributions attributable to anti-dilution adjustments made with respect to our 4.75% convertible subordinated notes prior to their maturity in 2016). The income represented by such dividends is not subject to federal income tax at the entity level but is taxed, if at all, at the stockholder level. Nevertheless, the income of our TRSs which hold our U.S. operations that may not be REIT compliant is subject, as applicable, to federal and state corporate income tax. Likewise, our foreign subsidiarieswill continue to look at attractive opportunities to grow our market share and selectively improve our footprint and offerings. As was the case with our recent expansions and acquisitions, our expansion criteria will be subjectdependent on a number of factors, including but not limited to foreign income taxesdemand from new and existing customers, quality of the design, power capacity, access to networks, clouds and software partners, capacity availability in jurisdictionsthe current market location, amount of incremental investment required by us in which they hold assets or conduct operations, regardlessthe targeted property, automation capabilities, developer

talent pool, lead-time to break even on a free cash flow basis and in-place customers. Like our recent expansions and acquisitions, the right combination of whether held or conducted through TRSsthese factors may be attractive to us. Depending on the circumstances, these transactions may require additional capital expenditures funded by upfront cash payments or through QRSs. We are also subjectlong-term financing arrangements in order to a separate corporate income tax on any gain recognized from a sale of a REIT asset where our basisbring these properties up to Equinix standards. Property expansion may be in the asset is determined by reference to the basisform of the asset in the handspurchases of a C corporation (such as (i) an asset that we held as of the effective date of our REIT election, that is, January 1, 2015,real property, long-term leasing arrangements or (ii) an asset heldacquisitions. Future purchases, construction or acquisitions may be completed by us or with partners or potential customers to minimize the outlay of cash, which can be significant.
Revenue:
picture2recurringa04.jpg
Our business is based on a QRS followingrecurring revenue model comprised of colocation and related interconnection and managed infrastructure offerings. We consider these offerings recurring because our customers are generally billed on a fixed and recurring basis each month for the liquidation or other conversionduration of a former

TRS). This built-in-gains taxtheir contract, which is generally applicableone to any dispositionthree years in length. Our recurring revenues have comprised more than 90% of such an assetour total revenues during the five-year period afterpast three years. In addition, during the date we first owned the asset as a REIT asset (e.g., January 1, 2015 in the case of REIT assets we held at the timepast three years, more than 80% of our REIT conversion), to the extent of the built-in-gain based on the fair market value of such asset on the date we first held the asset as a REIT asset. If we fail to remain qualified for federal income tax as a REIT, we will be subject to federal income tax at regular corporate tax rates. Even if we remain qualified for federal income tax as a REIT, we may be subject to some federal, state, local and foreign taxes on our income and property in addition to taxes owed with respectmonthly recurring revenue bookings came from existing customers, contributing to our TRSs’ operations. In particular, while state income tax regimes often parallel the federal income tax regimerevenue growth. Our largest customer accounted for REITs, many states do not completely follow federal rules and some may not follow them at all.
On March 22, June 21, September 20, and December 13, 2017, we paid quarterly cash dividends of $2.00 per share. We expected these quarterly and other applicable distributions to equal or exceed the taxable income that we recognized in 2017.
On December 22, 2017, the United States enacted legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("TCJA") which contains many significant changes to the existing U.S. federal income tax laws. The TCJA retains the REIT regime, but contains many significant changes which impact REIT, particularly those with global operations. We are still analyzing the new tax legislation and assessing its impact. Based on our current assessment, which is subject to further interpretation and guidance on the new tax legislation, we believe we can continue to meet all the REIT compliance requirements in the foreseeable future.
We continue to monitor our REIT compliance in order to maintain our qualification for federal income tax as a REIT. For this and other reasons, as necessary, we may convert someapproximately 3% of our data center operations in other countries into the REIT structure in future periods.
Results of Operations
Our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2017 include the results of operations of the IO Acquisition from February 3, 2017, the Verizon Data Center Acquisition from May 1, 2017, the Zenium data center acquisition from October 6, 2017 and the Itconic Acquisition from October 9, 2017. Our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2016 include the results of operations of TelecityGroup from January 15, 2016 and the Paris IBX Data Center Acquisition from August 1, 2016. Our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2015 include the results of operations of the Nimbo and Bit-isle acquisitions from January 15, 2015 and November 2, 2015, respectively.
Discontinued Operations
We present the results of operations associated with the TelecityGroup data centers that were divested in July 2016 as discontinued operations in our consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2016. We did not have any discontinued operations activity during 2017 or 2015.

Years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
Revenues.    Ourrecurring revenues for the years ended December 31, 20172019, 2018 and 2016 were generated from the following revenue classifications2017. Our 50 largest customers accounted for approximately 39%, 38% and geographic regions (dollars in thousands):
 Years Ended December 31, % Change
 2017 % 2016 % Actual Constant Currency
Americas:           
Recurring revenues$2,062,352
 47% $1,593,084
 44% 29% 29%
Non-recurring revenues110,408
 3% 86,465
 3% 28% 27%
 2,172,760
 50% 1,679,549
 47% 29% 29%
EMEA:           
Recurring revenues1,266,971
 29% 1,106,652
 31% 14% 15%
Non-recurring revenues79,285
 2% 64,687
 1% 23% 23%
 1,346,256
 31% 1,171,339
 32% 15% 15%
Asia-Pacific:           
Recurring revenues790,797
 18% 717,638
 20% 10% 11%
Non-recurring revenues58,615
 1% 43,463
 1% 35% 36%
 849,412
 19% 761,101
 21% 12% 12%
Total:           
Recurring revenues4,120,120
 94% 3,417,374
 95% 21% 21%
Non-recurring revenues248,308
 6% 194,615
 5% 28% 28%
 $4,368,428
 100% $3,611,989
 100% 21% 21%
Americas Revenues. Revenues for our Americas region for the year ended December 31, 2017 included approximately $359.1 million of revenues attributable to the Verizon Data Center Acquisition. During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, our revenues from the United States, the largest revenue contributor in the Americas region for the periods, represented approximately 91% and 92%37%, respectively, of the regional revenues. Excluding revenues attributable to the Verizon Data Center Acquisition, growth in Americas revenues was primarily due to (i) $34.5 million of revenue generated from our recently-opened IBX data centers or IBX data center expansions in the Dallas, New York, Sao Paulo, Silicon Valley, Toronto and Washington, D.C. areas and (ii) an increase in orders from both our existing customers and new customers during the period. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the U.S. dollar was generally weaker relative to the Canadian dollar and Brazilian real than during the year ended December 31, 2016, resulting in approximately $11.4 million of favorable foreign currency impact on our Americas revenues during the year ended December 31, 2017 when compared to 2016 using average exchange rates.
EMEA Revenues.  As compared to 2016, revenues for our EMEA region for the year ended December 31, 2017 include $47.2 million of incremental revenues from recently closed acquisitions including the TelecityGroup Acquisition, which closed on January 15, 2016, the Paris IBX Data Center Acquisition, which closed in August 2016, the IO Acquisition, which closed in February 2017, and the Itconic and Zenium data center acquisitions, which closed in October 2017. Our revenues from the U.K., our largest revenue contributor in the EMEA region, represented 30% of regional revenues for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to 32% of regional revenues for the year ended December 31, 2016. Excluding the acquisitions, our EMEA revenue growth was primarily due to (i) approximately $62.3 million of revenue from our recently-opened IBX data centers or IBX data center expansions in the Amsterdam, Dubai, Dublin, Frankfurt, Helsinki, London, Paris and Zurich metro areas and (ii) an increase in orders from both our existing customers and new customers during the period. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the impact of foreign currency fluctuations resulted in approximately $4.9 million of net unfavorable foreign currency impact to our EMEA revenues primarily due to a generally stronger U.S. dollar relative to the British pound during the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the year ended December 31, 2016.
Asia-Pacific Revenues.  Our revenues from Japan, the largest revenue contributor in the Asia-Pacific region, represented approximately 34% and 35%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. Our Asia-Pacific revenue growth was primarily due to (i) approximately $42.6 million of revenue generated from our recently-opened IBX data center expansions in the Hong Kong, Osaka and Sydney metro areas and (ii) an increase in orders from both our existing customers and new customers during the period. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the U.S. dollar was generally stronger relative to the Japanese Yen

than during the year ended December 31, 2016, resulting in approximately $6.8 million of net unfavorable foreign currency impact to our Asia-Pacific revenues during the year ended December 31, 2017 when compared to 2016 using average exchange rates.
Cost of Revenues.  Our cost ofrecurring revenues for the years ended December 31, 20172019, 2018 and 2016 were split among2017.
Our non-recurring revenues are primarily comprised of installation services related to a customer's initial deployment and professional services we perform. These services are considered to be non-recurring because they are billed typically once, upon completion of the following geographic regions (dollarsinstallation or the professional services work performed. The majority of these non-recurring revenues are typically billed on the first invoice distributed to the customer in thousands):connection with their initial installation. However, revenues from installation services are deferred and recognized ratably over the period of the contract term. Additionally, revenue from contract settlements, when a customer wishes to terminate their contract early, is generally treated as a contract modification and recognized ratably over the remaining term of the contract, if any. As a percentage of total revenues, we expect non-recurring revenues to represent less than 10% of total revenues for the foreseeable future.
Operating Expenses:
 Years Ended December 31, % Change
 2017 % 2016 % Actual Constant Currency
Americas$958,845
 44% $700,544
 38% 37% 36%
EMEA749,933
 34% 653,766
 36% 15% 15%
Asia-Pacific484,371
 22% 466,560
 26% 4% 5%
Total$2,193,149
 100% $1,820,870
 100% 20% 20%
  Years Ended December 31,
  2017 2016
Cost of revenues as a percentage of revenues:    
Americas 44% 42%
EMEA 56% 56%
Asia-Pacific 57% 61%
Total 50% 50%
Americas Cost of Revenues.Cost The largest components of our cost of revenues forare depreciation, rental payments related to our Americas region for the year ended December 31, 2017 included approximately $177.4 millionleased IBX data centers, utility costs, including electricity, bandwidth access, IBX data center employees' salaries and benefits, including stock-based compensation, repairs and maintenance, supplies and equipment and security. A majority of costsour cost of revenues attributableis fixed in nature and should not vary significantly from period to the Verizon Data Center Acquisition. Excluding the impact from the Verizon Data Center Acquisition, depreciation expense was $273.0 millionperiod, unless we expand our existing IBX data centers or open or acquire new IBX data centers. However, there are certain costs that are considered more variable in nature, including utilities and $241.6 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. Thesupplies that are directly related to growth in depreciation expense was primarily due to our IBX expansion activity. Inexisting and new customer base. We expect the cost of our utilities, specifically electricity, will generally increase in the future on a per-unit or fixed basis, in addition to the variable increase related to the growth in depreciation expense,consumption by our customers. In addition, the increase in our Americas cost of revenues forelectricity is generally higher in the year ended December 31, 2017summer months, as compared to other times of the year ended December 31, 2016 was primarily due to (i) $30.4 millionyear. To the extent we incur increased utility costs, such increased costs could materially impact our financial condition, results of higher utilities, repairsoperations and maintenance, property taxes, and other cost of sales in support of our business growth, and (ii) $13.2 million of higher compensation costs, including general salaries, bonuses and stock-based compensation (1,114 Americas cost of revenues employees, excluding the Verizon Data Center Acquisition, as of December 31, 2017 versus 1,023 as of December 31, 2016). During the year ended December 31, 2017, the impact of foreign currency fluctuations resulted in approximately $7.7 million of net unfavorable foreign currency impact to our Americas cost of revenues primarily due to a generally weaker U.S. dollar relativecash flows. Furthermore, to the Brazilian real and Canadian dollar during the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the year ended December 31, 2016. We expect Americas cost of revenues to increase asextent we continue to expand our business, including results from the newly acquired business from the Verizon Data Center Acquisition.
EMEA Cost of Revenues. As compared to 2016, cost of revenues for our EMEA region for the year ended December 31, 2017 included $36.7 million of incremental cost of revenues attributable to recently closed acquisitions, including the TelecityGroup Acquisition that closed on January 15, 2016, the Paris IBX Data Center Acquisition that closed in August 2016, the IO Acquisition, which closed in February 2017, and the Itconic and Zenium data center acquisitions, which closed in October 2017. Excluding cost of revenues attributable to these acquisitions, the increase in our EMEA cost of revenues was primarily due to (i) $25.5 million of higher utilities in support of our business growth, (ii) $16.4 million of higherincur increased electricity or other cost of sales, including third party and managed service expenses, (iii) $10.7 million of higher depreciation expense and (iv) $7.2 million of higher compensation costs including general salaries, bonuses and stock-based compensation (743 EMEA cost of revenues employees, excluding TelecityGroup employees, as of December 31, 2017 versus 623 as of December 31, 2016). During the year ended December 31, 2017, the impact of foreign currency fluctuations resulted in approximately $2.7 million of net favorable foreign currency impact to our EMEA cost of revenues, primarily due to a generally stronger U.S. dollar relative to the British pound during the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the year ended December 31, 2016. We expect EMEA cost of revenues to increase as we continue to grow our business and as a result of either climate change policies or the physical effects of climate change, such increased costs could materially impact our acquisitions.
Asia-Pacific Costfinancial condition, results of Revenues. The increase in our Asia-Pacific cost of revenues was primarily due to (i) $16.7 million of higher utilities, rent, facility costs, consulting, bandwidth cost, custom service ordersoperations and repairs and maintenance costs in support of our business growth and (ii) $3.3 million of higher compensation costs, including general salaries, bonuses and stock-based compensation and headcount growth (828 Asia-Pacific cost of revenues employees as of December 31, 2017 versus 787 as of December 31, 2016), partially offset by a decrease of $3.2 million in depreciation and accretion expenses. During the year endedcash flows. 

December 31, 2017, the U.S. dollar was generally stronger relative to the Japanese Yen than during the year ended December 31, 2016, resulting in approximately $5.0 million of net favorable foreign currency impact to our Asia-Pacific cost of revenues in 2017. We expect Asia-Pacific cost of revenues to increase as we continue to grow our business.
Sales and Marketing Expenses.Marketing. Our sales and marketing expenses for the years ended December 31, 2017consist primarily of compensation and 2016 were split among the following geographic regions (dollars in thousands):
 Years ended December 31, % Change
 2017 % 2016 % Actual Constant Currency
Americas$349,666
 60% $230,900
 53% 51% 51%
EMEA153,811
 26% 137,887
 31% 12% 14%
Asia-Pacific78,247
 14% 69,955
 16% 12% 13%
Total$581,724
 100% $438,742
 100% 33% 33%
 Years Ended December 31,
 2017 2016
Sales and marketing expenses as a percentage of revenues:   
Americas16% 14%
EMEA11% 12%
Asia-Pacific9% 9%
Total13% 12%
Americas Sales and Marketing Expenses. The increase in our Americasrelated costs for sales and marketing expenses was primarily due to (i) $75.3 million ofpersonnel, including stock-based compensation, amortization of the acquired intangible assets in connection with the Verizon Data Center Acquisition, (ii) $33.1 million of higher compensationcontract costs, including sales compensation, general salaries, bonusesmarketing programs, public relations, promotional materials and stock-based compensation and headcount growth (608 Americas sales and marketing employees, including those from the Verizon Data Center Acquisition,travel, as December 31, 2017, versus 553well as of December 31, 2016) and (ii) $4.1 million of higher consulting expenses to support our growth. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the impact of foreign currency fluctuations to our Americas sales and marketing expenses was not significant when compared to average exchange rates during the year ended December 31, 2016. We anticipate that we will continue to invest in Americas sales and marketing initiatives and expect our Americas sales and marketing expenses to continue to increase as we continue to grow our business, including the impact from the Verizon Data Center Acquisition.
EMEA Sales and Marketing Expenses. The increase in the EMEA sales and marketingbad debt expense was primarily due to (i) $12.3 million of higher compensation costs, including sales compensation, general salaries, bonuses, stock-based compensation and headcount growth (378 EMEA sales and marketing employees as of December 31, 2017 versus 349 as of December 31, 2016) and (ii) an increase of $1.8 million in depreciation and amortization expense, primarily due to acquisitions made during the current year. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the impact of foreign currency fluctuations resulted in approximately $2.8 million of net favorable foreign currency impact to our EMEA sales and marketing expenses primarily due to a generally stronger U.S. dollar relative to the British pound during the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the year ended December 31, 2016. Over the past several years, we have been investing in our EMEA sales and marketing initiatives to further increase our revenue. These investments have included the hiring of additional headcount and new product innovation efforts.customer relationship intangible assets.
Asia-Pacific Sales and Marketing Expenses. The increase in the Asia-Pacific sales and marketing expense is primarily due to (i) $6.5 million of higher compensation costs, including sales compensation, general salaries, bonuses, stock-based compensation and a larger average headcount in 2017 as compared to 2016 and (ii) $3.2 million of higher rent expense in support of our growth. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the impact of foreign currency fluctuations to our Asia-Pacific sales and marketing expenses was not significant when compared to average exchange rates for the year ended December 31, 2016. Over the past several years, we have been investing in our Asia-Pacific sales and marketing initiatives to further increase our revenue. These investments have included the hiring of additional headcount and new product innovation efforts.

General and Administrative Expenses. Administrative.Our general and administrative expenses for the years ended December 31, 2017consist primarily of salaries and 2016 were split among the following geographic regions (dollars in thousands):
 Years Ended December 31, % Change
 2017 % 2016 % Actual Constant Currency
Americas$472,942
 63% $391,637
 56% 21% 20%
EMEA195,430
 26% 228,310
 33% (14)% (12)%
Asia-Pacific77,534
 11% 74,614
 11% 4% 5%
Total$745,906
 100% $694,561
 100% 7% 8%
 Years Ended December 31,
 2017 2016
General and Administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues:   
Americas22% 23%
EMEA15% 19%
Asia-Pacific9% 10%
Total17% 19%
Americas General and Administrative Expenses. The increase in our Americas general and administrativerelated expenses, was primarily due to (i) $35.5 million of higher compensation costs, including general salaries, bonuses, stock-based compensation, accounting, legal and headcount growth (1,207 Americasother professional service fees, and other general corporate expenses, such as our corporate regional headquarters office leases and administrative employees, including those from the Verizon Data Center Acquisition, as of December 31, 2017 versus 934 as of December 31, 2016), (ii) $22.9 million of highersome depreciation expense associated with certain systems, including revenue, data management and cloud exchange systems, to improve our quote to order and billing processes and to support the integration and growth of our business and (iii) $16.6 million of higher office expense and consulting cost to support our growth. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the impact of foreign currency fluctuations to our Americas general and administrative expenses was not significant when compared to average exchange rates for the year ended December 31, 2016. Over the course of the past year, we have been investing in our Americas general and administrative functions to scale this region effectively for growth, which has included additional investments in improving ouron back office systems. We expect our current efforts to improve our back office systems will continue over the next several years. Going forward, although we are carefully monitoring our spending, we expect Americas general and administrative expenses to increase as we continue to further scale our operations to support our growth, including these investments in our back office systems and investments to maintain our REIT qualification. We also expect our Americas general and administrative expenses to increase as we continue to grow our business and as a result of the Verizon Data Center Acquisition.
EMEA General and Administrative Expenses. The decrease in our EMEA general and administrative expenses was primarily due to (i) $20.8 million of lower amortization expenses as a result of fully amortizing the TelecityGroup trade names during the current period and (ii) $8.4 million of lower consulting expenses which was largely due to the completion of TelecityGroup integration activities in the current period. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the impact of foreign currency fluctuations resulted in approximately $5.7 million of net favorable foreign currency impact to our EMEA general and administrative expenses primarily due to a generally stronger U.S. dollar relative to the British pound during the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the year ended December 31, 2016. Over the course of the past year, we have been investing in our EMEA general and administrative functions as a result of our ongoing efforts to scale this region effectively for growth. Going forward, although we are carefully monitoring our spending, we expect our EMEA general and administrative expenses to increase in future periods as we continue to scale our operations to support our growth.
Asia-Pacific General and Administrative Expenses. The increase in our Asia-Pacific general and administrative expense was primarily due to $5.0 million of higher compensation costs, including general salaries, bonuses, stock-based compensation and headcount growth (453 Asia-Pacific general and administrative employees as of December 31, 2017 versus 358 as of December 31, 2016), partially offset by a $1.3 million decrease in rent, repair and maintenance expense. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the impact of foreign currency fluctuations on our Asia-Pacific general and administrative expenses was not significant when compared to average exchange rates for the year ended December 31, 2016. Going forward, although we are carefully monitoring our spending, we expect Asia-Pacific general and administrative expenses to increase as we continue to support our growth.
Acquisition Costs.  During the year ended December 31, 2017, we recorded acquisition costs totaling $38.6 million primarily in the Americas and EMEA regions, of which $28.5 million was related to the Verizon Data Center Acquisition during the year

ended December 31, 2017 attributable to the Americas region. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we recorded acquisition costs totaling $64.2 million primarily in the EMEA region due to the acquisitions of Telecity and the Paris IBX Data Center, and to a lesser degree, to the Americas region.
Impairment Charges. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we recorded impairment charges totaling $7.7 million in the Asia-Pacific region relating to assets held for sale. We did not have impairment charges during the year ended December 31, 2017.
Gain on Asset Sales. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we recorded a gain on asset sales of $32.8 million primarily relating to the sale of the LD2 data center in the EMEA region and a parcel of land in San Jose in the Americas region. We did not have any gain on asset sales during the year ended December 31, 2017.
Income from Operations. Our income from operations for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 was split among the following geographic regions (dollars in thousands):
 Years Ended December 31, % Change
 2017 % 2016 % Actual Constant Currency
Americas$363,220
 45% $352,180
 57% 3% 3%
EMEA237,854
 29% 124,853
 20% 91% 85%
Asia-Pacific207,940
 26% 141,706
 23% 47% 47%
Total$809,014
 100% $618,739
 100% 31% 30%
Americas Income from Continuing Operations. Our Americas income from continuing operations did not change significantly year over year. While revenues increased as described above, this was largely offset by (i) an increase of $18.6 million in acquisition costs, which was primarily related to the Verizon Data Center Acquisition, (ii) additional amortization of the acquired intangible assets resulted from the Verizon Data Center Acquisition and (iii) higher cost of revenues and sales and marketing expense as a percentage of revenues. The impact of foreign currency fluctuations on our Americas income from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2017 was not significant when compared to the year ended December 31, 2016.
EMEA Income from Continuing Operations. The increase in our EMEA income from continuing operations was primarily due to higher revenues as a result of our IBX data center expansion activity and acquisitions, as described above, as well as lower operating expenses as a percentage of revenues, lower amortization costs as a result of fully amortizing the TelecityGroup trade names during the current period and lower acquisition costs incurred for the year ended December 31, 2017. We incurred $9.2 million of acquisition costs during the year ended December 31, 2017, as compared to $54.5 million of acquisition costs during the year ended December 31, 2016, which was primarily related to our acquisition of TelecityGroup. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the impact of foreign currency fluctuations resulted in approximately $6.4 million of net favorable foreign currency impact to our EMEA income from continuing operations primarily due to a generally weaker U.S. dollar relative to the Euro during the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the year ended December 31, 2016.
Asia-Pacific Income from Continuing Operations. The increase in our Asia-Pacific income from continuing operations was primarily due to higher revenues as result of our IBX data center expansion activity and organic growth as described above and lower cost of revenues as a percentage of revenues. The impact of foreign currency fluctuations on our Asia-Pacific income from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2017 was not significant when compared to average exchange rates of the year ended December 31, 2016.
Interest Income. Interest income was $13.1 million and $3.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The increase in interest income was driven by higher cash balances and interest yield rates for the year ended December 31, 2017. The average yield for the year ended December 31, 2017 was 0.64% versus 0.37% for the year ended December 31, 2016.
Interest Expense.  Interest expense increased to $478.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 from $392.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase in interest expense was primarily due to the Term B-2 Loan borrowings of €1.0 billion and the issuance of $1.25 billion of 2027 Senior Notes in March 2017, as well as additional financings such as various capital lease and other financing obligations to support our expansion projects. During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, we capitalized $22.6 million and $13.3 million, respectively, of interest expense to construction in progress. We expect to incur higher interest expense going forward in connection with the additional indebtedness that we incurred during 2017.

Other Income (Expense). We recorded net other income of $9.2 million and net expense of $57.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, primarily due to foreign currency exchange gains and losses during the periods, including $63.5 million in foreign currency losses recognized in the first quarter of 2016 as a result of completing the acquisition of TelecityGroup.
Loss on Debt Extinguishment. We recorded $65.8 million net loss on debt extinguishment during the year ended December 31, 2017 comprised of (i) $14.6 million of loss on debt extinguishment from the early redemption of the 4.875% Senior Notes due 2020, (ii) $13.2 million of loss on debt extinguishment from the early redemption of the Term B-2 Loan, (iii) $9.3 million of loss on debt extinguishment as a result of the redemption of the Term B Loans, (iv) $16.7 million loss on debt extinguishment as a result of amendments to leases and other financing obligations related to built-to-suite arrangements and (v) $12.0 million of loss on debt extinguishment as a result of the settlement of financing obligations of properties purchased. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we recorded a $12.3 million loss on debt extinguishment as a result of the settlement of the financing obligations for our Paris 3 IBX data center, a portion of the lender fees associated with the Japanese Yen Term Loan, and the prepayment and termination of our 2012 and 2013 Brazil financings.
Income Taxes. We operate as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. As a REIT, we are generally not subject to federal income taxes on our taxable income distributed to stockholders. We intend to distribute or have distributed the entire taxable income generated by the operations of our REIT and QRSs for the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. As such, other than built-in-gains recognized and withholding taxes, no provision for U.S. income taxes for the REIT and QRSs has been included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.
We have made TRS elections for some of our subsidiaries in and outside the U.S. In general, a TRS may provide services that would otherwise be considered impermissible for REITs to provide and may hold assets that REITs cannot hold directly. U.S. income taxes for the TRS entities located in the U.S. and foreign income taxes for our foreign operations regardless of whether the foreign operations are operated as QRSs or TRSs have been accrued, as necessary, for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.
For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, we recorded $53.9 million and $45.5 million of income tax expenses, respectively. Our effective tax rates were 18.8% and 28.4%, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. The decrease in the effective tax rate in 2017 as compared to 2016 is primarily due to recognition of unrecognized tax benefits related to our tax positions in the U.S. and Brazil as a result of a lapse in statutes of limitations and lower amount of non-deductible expenses within our EMEA operations. This is partially offset by net deferred tax asset remeasurement in the U.S. TRS due to the corporate income tax rate reduction from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018 as a result of the TCJA.
Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA is a key factor in how we assess the operating performance of our segments and develop regional growth strategies such as IBX data center expansion decisions. We define adjusted EBITDA as income or loss from operations plus depreciation, amortization, accretion, stock-based compensation expense, restructuring charges, impairment charges, acquisition costs and gain on asset sales. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below for more information about adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to income or loss from operations. Our adjusted EBITDA for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 was split among the following geographic regions (dollars in thousands):
 Years Ended December 31, % Change
 2017 % 2016 % Actual Constant Currency
Americas$1,034,694
 51% $787,311
 47% 31% 31%
EMEA582,697
 28% 494,263
 30% 18% 17%
Asia-Pacific434,650
 21% 375,900
 23% 16% 16%
Total$2,052,041
 100% $1,657,474
 100% 24% 24%
Americas Adjusted EBITDA. The increase in our Americas adjusted EBITDA was primarily due to the Verizon Data Center Acquisition, higher revenues as result of our IBX data center expansion activity and organic growth as described above. During the year ended December 31, 2017, currency fluctuations resulted in approximately $4.5 million of net favorable foreign currency impact on our Americas adjusted EBITDA primarily due to the U.S. dollar being generally weaker relative to the Canadian dollar and Brazilian real during the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the year ended December 31, 2016.
EMEA Adjusted EBITDA. The increase in our EMEA adjusted EBITDA was primarily due to higher revenues as a result of our IBX data center expansion activity and organic growth as described above and lower operating expenses as a percentage of revenues. During the year ended December 31, 2017, currency fluctuations resulted in approximately $2.1 million of net favorable

foreign currency impact to our EMEA adjusted EBITDA primarily due to a generally weaker U.S. dollar relative to the Euro during the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the year ended December 31, 2016.
Asia-Pacific Adjusted EBITDA. The increase in our Asia-Pacific adjusted EBITDA was primarily due to higher revenues as a result of our IBX data center expansion activity and organic growth, as described above, and lower cost of revenues as a percentage of revenues. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the U.S. dollar was generally stronger relative to the Japanese Yen than during the year ended December 31, 2016, resulting in approximately $2.7 million of net unfavorable foreign currency impact to our Asia-Pacific revenues during the year ended December 31, 2017 when compared to average exchange rates during the year ended December 31, 2016.
Years Ended December 31, 2016 and 2015
Revenues.    Our revenues for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 were generated from the following revenue classifications and geographic regions (dollars in thousands):
 Years Ended December 31, % Change
 2016 % 2015 % Actual Constant Currency
Americas:           
Recurring revenues$1,593,084
 44% $1,432,084
 52% 11% 12%
Non-recurring revenues86,465
 3% 80,451
 3% 7% 8%
 1,679,549
 47% 1,512,535
 55% 11% 11%
EMEA:           
Recurring revenues1,106,652
 31% 651,778
 24% 70% 75%
Non-recurring revenues64,687
 1% 47,029
 2% 38% 42%
 1,171,339
 32% 698,807
 26% 68% 72%
Asia-Pacific:           
Recurring revenues717,638
 20% 485,279
 18% 48% 46%
Non-recurring revenues43,463
 1% 29,246
 1% 49% 46%
 761,101
 21% 514,525
 19% 48% 46%
Total:           
Recurring revenues3,417,374
 95% 2,569,141
 94% 33% 34%
Non-recurring revenues194,615
 5% 156,726
 6% 24% 25%
 $3,611,989
 100% $2,725,867
 100% 33% 34%
Americas Revenues. During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, our revenues from the United States, the largest revenue contributor in the Americas region for the periods, represented approximately 92% and 93%, respectively, of the regional revenues. Growth in Americas revenues was primarily due to (i) $28.9 million of revenue generated from our recently-opened IBX data centers or IBX data center expansions in the Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Silicon Valley and Washington, D.C. metro areas and (ii) an increase in orders from both our existing customers and new customers during the period. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the U.S. dollar was generally stronger relative to the Canadian dollar and Brazilian real than during the year ended December 31, 2015, resulting in approximately $6.6 million of unfavorable foreign currency impact on our Americas revenues during the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to average exchange rates during the year ended December 31, 2015.
EMEA Revenues.  Revenues for our EMEA region for the year ended December 31, 2016 include $404.1 million of revenues attributable to TelecityGroup, which closed in January 2016, and the Paris IBX Data Center Acquisition, which closed in August 2016. After our acquisition of TelecityGroup, the U.K. continues to be our largest revenue contributor in the EMEA region, providing 32% of regional revenues for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to 37% of regional revenues for the year ended December 31, 2015. Our EMEA revenue growth was primarily due to (i) $404.1 million of revenues attributable to TelecityGroup and the Paris IBX Data Center Acquisition, (ii) approximately $49.7 million of revenue from our recently-opened IBX data centers or IBX data center expansions in the Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Paris and Zurich metro areas and (iii) an increase in orders from both our existing customers and new customers during the period. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the impact of foreign currency fluctuations resulted in approximately $33.5 million of net unfavorable foreign currency impact to our EMEA revenues

primarily due to a generally stronger U.S. dollar relative to the British pound during the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the year ended December 31, 2015.
Asia-Pacific Revenues.  Revenues for our Asia-Pacific region for the year ended December 31, 2016 include $148.7 million of revenues attributable to Bit-isle, which closed in November 2015. After our acquisition of Bit-isle, Japan is our largest revenue contributor in the Asia-Pacific region, providing 35% of regional revenues including Bit-isle for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to 20% for the year ended December 31, 2015. Excluding revenues attributable to Bit-isle, our revenues from Singapore, which was our largest revenue contributor in the Asia-Pacific region before we acquired Bit-isle, represented approximately 38% and 39%, respectively, of the regional revenues for the years ended December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. Our Asia-Pacific revenue growth was primarily due to (i) $148.7 million of revenues attributable to Bit-isle, (ii) approximately $58.2 million of revenue generated from our recently-opened IBX data center expansions in the Hong Kong, Melbourne, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney and Tokyo metro areas and (iii) an increase in orders from both our existing customers and new customers during the period. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the U.S. dollar was generally weaker relative to the Japanese Yen than during the year ended December 31, 2015, resulting in approximately $7.5 million of net favorable foreign currency impact to our Asia-Pacific revenues during the year ended December 31, 2016 when compared to average exchange rates during the year ended December 31, 2015.
Cost of Revenues.  Our cost of revenues for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 were split among the following geographic regions (dollars in thousands):
 Years Ended December 31, % Change
 2016 % 2015 % Actual Constant Currency
Americas$700,544
 38% $637,604
 49% 10% 11%
EMEA653,766
 36% 350,270
 27% 87% 91%
Asia-Pacific466,560
 26% 303,632
 24% 54% 52%
Total$1,820,870
 100% $1,291,506
 100% 41% 42%
 Years Ended December 31,
 2016 2015
Cost of revenues as a percentage of revenues:   
Americas42% 42%
EMEA56% 50%
Asia-Pacific61% 59%
Total50% 47%
Americas Cost of Revenues. Our Americas cost of revenues for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 included $241.6 million and $219.1 million, respectively, of depreciation expense. The growth in depreciation expense was primarily due to our IBX expansion activity. In addition to the increase in depreciation expense, the increase in our Americas cost of revenues for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the year ended December 31, 2015 was primarily due to (i) $22.9 million of higher utilities, rent and facilities costs, office expense, consulting, and repairs and maintenance in support of our business growth, (ii) $10.1 million of higher costs primarily due to custom service orders in support of our revenue growth and (iii) $4.5 million of higher compensation costs, including general salaries, bonuses and stock-based compensation. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the impact of foreign currency fluctuations resulted in approximately $4.9 million of net favorable foreign currency impact to our Americas cost of revenues primarily due to a generally stronger U.S. dollar relative to the Brazilian real and Canadian dollar during the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the year ended December 31, 2015.
EMEA Cost of Revenues. Cost of revenues for our EMEA region for the year ended December 31, 2016 included $273.5 million of cost of revenues attributable to TelecityGroup, which closed in January 2016, and the Paris IBX Data Center Acquisition, which closed in August 2016. Excluding cost of revenues attributable to TelecityGroup and the Paris IBX Data Center Acquisition, EMEA cost of revenues was $380.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to $350.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. Depreciation expense, excluding TelecityGroup and the Paris IBX Data Center Acquisition, was $100.8 million and $97.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The growth in depreciation expense was primarily due to our IBX data center expansion activity. Excluding the impact of TelecityGroup and the Paris IBX Data Center Acquisition, the remaining increase in our EMEA cost of revenues was primarily due to (i) $16.4 million of higher utilities,

consulting, and repairs and maintenance costs in support of our business growth, (ii) $4.7 million of higher compensation costs, including general salaries, bonuses and stock-based compensation and headcount growth (623 EMEA cost of revenues employees, excluding TelecityGroup employees, as of December 31, 2016 versus 541 as of December 31, 2015), (iii) $8.3 million of other costs primarily related to the impact from cash flow hedges, offset by $4.0 million of lower rent and facilities costs. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the impact of foreign currency fluctuations resulted in approximately $13.6 million of net favorable foreign currency impact to our EMEA cost of revenues, primarily due to a generally stronger U.S. dollar relative to the British pound during the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the year ended December 31, 2015.
Asia-Pacific Cost of Revenues. Cost of revenues for our Asia-Pacific region included $116.0 million and $17.4 million of cost of revenues attributable to Bit-isle, which closed in November 2015, for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Excluding cost of revenues attributable to Bit-isle, Asia-Pacific cost of revenues was $350.6 million for Asia-Pacific for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to $286.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. Depreciation expense, excluding Bit-isle, was $149.5 million and $116.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The growth in depreciation expense was primarily due to our IBX data center expansion activity. Excluding the impact of our acquisition of Bit-isle, the remaining increase in our Asia-Pacific cost of revenues was primarily due to (i) $26.0 million of higher utilities, rent, facility costs, consulting, custom service orders, repairs and maintenance costs in support of our business growth and (ii) $4.5 million of higher compensation costs, including general salaries, bonuses and stock-based compensation and headcount growth (431 Asia-Pacific cost of revenues employees as of December 31, 2016 versus 390 as of December 31, 2015, excluding Bit-isle employees in both periods). During the year ended December 31, 2016, the U.S. dollar was generally weaker relative to the Japanese Yen than during the year ended December 31, 2015, resulting in approximately $5.6 million of net unfavorable foreign currency impact to our Asia-Pacific cost of revenues during the year ended December 31, 2016 when compared to average exchange rates during the year ended December 31, 2015.
Sales and Marketing Expenses. Our sales and marketing expenses for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 were split among the following geographic regions (dollars in thousands):
 Years Ended December 31, % Change
 2016 % 2015 % Actual Constant Currency
Americas$230,900
 53% $208,310
 63% 11% 11%
EMEA137,887
 31% 71,871
 22% 92% 98%
Asia-Pacific69,955
 16% 51,831
 15% 35% 34%
Total$438,742
 100% $332,012
 100% 32% 34%
 Years Ended December 31,
 2016 2015
Sales and marketing expenses as a percentage of revenues:   
Americas14% 14%
EMEA12% 10%
Asia-Pacific9% 10%
Total12% 12%
Americas Sales and Marketing Expenses. The increase in our Americas sales and marketing expenses was primarily due to (i) $16.4 million of higher compensation costs, including sales compensation, general salaries, bonuses and stock-based compensation and headcount growth (553 Americas sales and marketing employees as December 31, 2016 versus 497 as of December 31, 2015) and (ii) $7.9 million of higher advertising, promotion, consulting and travel expenses to support our growth. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the impact of foreign currency fluctuations to our Americas sales and marketing expenses was not significant when compared to average exchange rates during the year ended December 31, 2015.
EMEA Sales and Marketing Expenses. Sales and marketing expenses for our EMEA region for the year ended December 31, 2016 included $53.0 million attributable to TelecityGroup, which closed in January 2016. Excluding the impact of TelecityGroup, our EMEA sales and marketing expenses were $84.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to $71.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase was primarily due to (i) $6.5 million of higher compensation costs, including sales compensation, general salaries, bonuses, stock-based compensation and headcount growth (283 EMEA sales and marketing employees, excluding TelecityGroup employees, as of December 31, 2016 versus 227 as of December 31, 2015), and (ii) $4.0 million of higher advertising, promotion, consulting, and other marketing expenses to support our growth. During the year ended

December 31, 2016, the impact of foreign currency fluctuations resulted in approximately $4.8 million of net favorable foreign currency impact to our EMEA sales and marketing expenses primarily due to a generally stronger U.S. dollar relative to the British pound during the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the year ended December 31, 2015.
Asia-Pacific Sales and Marketing Expenses. Sales and marketing expenses for our Asia-Pacific region included $15.6 million and $2.2 million of sales and marketing expenses attributable to Bit-isle, which closed in November 2015, for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Excluding the impact of Bit-isle, our Asia-Pacific sales and marketing expenses were $54.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to $49.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase was primarily due to $4.9 million of higher compensation costs, including sales compensation, general salaries, bonuses, stock-based compensation and headcount growth (205 Asia-Pacific sales and marketing employees as of December 31, 2016 versus 183 as of December 31, 2015, excluding Bit-isle employees in both periods). For the year ended December 31, 2016, the impact of foreign currency fluctuations to our Asia-Pacific sales and marketing expenses was not significant when compared to average exchange rates for the year ended December 31, 2015.
General and Administrative Expenses. Our general and administrative expenses for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 were split among the following geographic regions (dollars in thousands):
 Years Ended December 31, % Change
 2016 % 2015 % Actual Constant Currency
Americas$391,637
 56% $347,421
 70% 13% 13%
EMEA228,310
 33% 92,803
 19% 146% 157%
Asia-Pacific74,614
 11% 53,060
 11% 41% 40%
Total$694,561
 100% $493,284
 100% 41% 43%
 Years Ended December 31,
 2016 2015
General and Administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues:   
Americas23% 23%
EMEA19% 13%
Asia-Pacific10% 10%
Total19% 18%
Americas General and Administrative Expenses. The increase in our Americas general and administrative expenses was primarily due to (i) $17.5 million of higher depreciation expense associated with certain systems to improve our quote to order and billing processes and other systems to support the integration and growth of our business, (ii) $16.0 million of higher compensation costs, including general salaries, bonuses, stock-based compensation, and headcount growth (934 Americas general and administrative employees as of December 31, 2016 versus 800 as of December 31, 2015) and (iii) $10.7 million of higher office expense, rent and facility cost and outside services consulting costs also in line with our overall growth. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the impact of foreign currency fluctuations to our Americas general and administrative expenses was not significant when compared to average exchange rates for the year ended December 31, 2015.
EMEA General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses for our EMEA region for the year ended December 31, 2016 included $92.7 million attributable to TelecityGroup, which closed in January 2016, and the Paris IBX Data Center Acquisition, which closed in August 2016. Excluding the impact of TelecityGroup and the Paris IBX Data Center Acquisition, our EMEA general and administrative expenses were $135.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to $92.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. Excluding the impact of TelecityGroup and the Paris IBX Data Center Acquisition, the increase was primarily due to (i) $22.8 million of higher consulting services, travel, office and rent and facility costs to support the integration of TelecityGroup and (ii) $18.0 million of higher compensation costs, including general salaries, bonuses, stock-based compensation and headcount growth (562 EMEA general and administrative employees, excluding TelecityGroup employees, as of December 31, 2016 versus 420 as of December 31, 2015). During the year ended December 31, 2016, the impact of foreign currency fluctuations resulted in approximately $10.1 million of net favorable foreign currency impact to our EMEA general and administrative expenses primarily due to a generally stronger U.S. dollar relative to the British pound during the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase in EMEA general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue is primarily due to an increase in amortization expense of $43.9 million associated with the TelecityGroup acquired intangibles.

Asia-Pacific General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses for our Asia-Pacific region included $17.4 million and $5.8 million of general and administrative expenses attributable to Bit-isle, which closed in November 2015, for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Excluding the impact of Bit-isle, our Asia-Pacific general and administrative expenses were $57.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, as compared to $47.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. Excluding the impact of Bit-isle, the increase was primarily due to $8.5 million of higher compensation costs, including general salaries, bonuses, stock-based compensation and headcount growth (317 Asia-Pacific general and administrative employees as of December 31, 2016 versus 266 as of December 31, 2015, excluding Bit-isle employees in both periods). For the year ended December 31, 2016, the impact of foreign currency fluctuations to our Asia-Pacific general and administrative expenses was not significant when compared to average exchange rates of the year ended December 31, 2015.
Acquisition Costs.  During the year ended December 31, 2016, we recorded acquisition costs totaling $64.2 million primarily attributed to the EMEA region due to the acquisitions of Telecity and the Paris IBX Data Center. During the year ended December 31, 2015, we recorded acquisition costs totaling $41.7 million primarily attributed to the EMEA region, and to a lesser degree, to the Asia-Pacific region.
Impairment Charges. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we recorded impairment charges totaling $7.7 million in the Asia-Pacific region relating to assets held for sale. We did not have impairment charges during the year ended December 31, 2015.
Gain on Asset Sales. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we recorded a gain on asset sales of $32.8 million primarily relating to the sale of the LD2 data center in the EMEA region and a parcel of land in San Jose in the Americas region. We did not have any gain on asset sales during the year ended December 31, 2015.
Income from Operations. Our income from operations for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 were split among the following geographic regions (dollars in thousands):
 Years Ended December 31, % Change
 2016 % 2015 % Actual Constant Currency
Americas$352,180
 57% $324,458
 57% 9% 9%
EMEA124,853
 20% 145,527
 26% (14)% (11)%
Asia-Pacific141,706
 23% 97,357
 17% 46% 44%
Total$618,739
 100% $567,342
 100% 9% 10%
Americas Income from Continuing Operations. The increase in our Americas income from continuing operations was due to higher revenues as result of our IBX data center expansion activity and organic growth as described above as well as the gain recognized on the sale of the San Jose land parcel, partially offset by higher cost of revenues and operating expenses primarily attributable to higher compensation and other headcount related expenses to support our growth. The impact of foreign currency fluctuations on our Americas income from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2016 was not significant when compared to average exchange rates of the year ended December 31, 2015.
EMEA Income from Continuing Operations. The decrease in our EMEA income from continuing operations was primarily due to acquisition and integration costs incurred in connection with our acquisition of TelecityGroup, which closed in January 2016, as well as the increased depreciation and amortization created from the purchase accounting for TelecityGroup and the Paris IBX Data Center Acquisition, partially offset by the gain recognized on the sale of the LD2 data center. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the impact of foreign currency fluctuations resulted in approximately $5.2 million of net unfavorable foreign currency impact to our EMEA income from continuing operations primarily due to a generally stronger U.S. dollar relative to the British pound during the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the year ended December 31, 2015.
Asia-Pacific Income from Continuing Operations. The increase in our Asia-Pacific income from continuing operations was primarily due to higher revenues as a result of our acquisition and integration of Bit-isle, which closed in November 2015, as well as our IBX data center expansion activity and organic growth as described above, partially offset by the impairment charges, higher cost of revenues and operating expenses primarily attributable to our acquisition of Bit-isle as well as higher compensation and other headcount related expenses and higher professional fees to support our growth. The impact of foreign currency fluctuations on our Asia-Pacific income from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2016 was not significant when compared to average exchange rates of the year ended December 31, 2015.

Interest Income. Interest income was $3.5 million and $3.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The average yield for the year ended December 31, 2016 was 0.37% versus 0.38% for the year ended December 31, 2015.
Interest Expense.  Interest expense increased to $392.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 from $299.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. This increase in interest expense was primarily due to the impact of our $1.1 billion of senior notes issued in December 2015, $614.7 million outstanding in seven-year term loans we borrowed in January 2016 and $406.6 million outstanding in five-year term loans we borrowed in October 2016, replacing a bridge term loan facility we borrowed to finance our acquisition of Bit-isle, which closed in November 2015, as well as additional financings such as various capital lease and other financing obligations to support our expansion projects. The increase in interest expense is partially offset by the settlement of the 4.75% convertible debt in June 2016. During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, we capitalized $13.3 million and $10.9 million, respectively, of interest expense to construction in progress. Going forward, we expect to incur higher interest expense as we borrowed the €1.0 billion Term B-2 Loan in January 2017. We also expect to incur additional indebtedness to support our growth and acquisition opportunities including the Verizon Asset Purchase, resulting in higher interest expense going forward.
Other Income (Expense). We recorded net other expense of $57.9 million and $60.6 million for the years December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, primarily due to foreign currency exchange losses during the periods.
Loss on Debt Extinguishment. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we recorded a $12.3 million loss on debt extinguishment as a result of the settlement of the financing obligations for our Paris 3 IBX data center, a portion of the lender fees associated with the Japanese Yen Term Loan, and the prepayment and termination of our 2012 and 2013 Brazil financings. During the year ended December 31, 2015, we recorded a $0.3 million loss on debt extinguishment which was attributable to partial conversions of our 4.75% convertible subordinated notes in December 2015.
Income Taxes. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, we recorded $45.5 million and $23.2 million of income tax expenses, respectively. Our effective tax rates were 28.4% and 11.0%, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015. The increase in the effective tax rate in 2016 as compared to 2015 is primarily due to higher profits in the domestic TRS and larger amount of non-deductible interest expenses within our EMEA operations.
We recorded excess income tax benefits of $2.8 million and $30.0 thousand during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, in additional paid-in capital in our consolidated balance sheets.
Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA is a key factor in how we assess the operating performance of our segments and develop regional growth strategies such as IBX data center expansion decisions. We define adjusted EBITDA as income or loss from operations plus depreciation, amortization, accretion, stock-based compensation expense, restructuring charges, impairment charges, acquisition costs and gain on asset sales. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below for more information about adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to income or loss from operations. Our adjusted EBITDA for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 was split among the following geographic regions (dollars in thousands):
 Years Ended December 31, % Change
 2016 % 2015 % Actual Constant Currency
Americas$787,311
 47% $698,604
 55% 13% 13%
EMEA494,263
 30% 318,561
 25% 55% 59%
Asia-Pacific375,900
 23% 254,462
 20% 48% 46%
Total$1,657,474
 100% $1,271,627
 100% 30% 31%
Americas Adjusted EBITDA. The increase in our Americas adjusted EBITDA was due to higher revenues as result of our IBX data center expansion activity and organic growth as described above. During the year ended December 31, 2016, currency fluctuations resulted in approximately $2.2 million of net unfavorable foreign currency impact on our Americas adjusted EBITDA primarily due to the generally stronger U.S. dollar relative to the Brazilian real and Canadian dollar during the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the year ended December 31, 2015.
EMEA Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA for our EMEA region includes $189.0 million of adjusted EBITDA attributable to our acquisition of TelecityGroup, which closed in January 2016, and the Paris IBX Data Center Acquisition, which closed in August 2016. Excluding adjusted EBITDA attributable to TelecityGroup and the Paris IBX Data Center Acquisition, the decrease in our EMEA adjusted EBITDA was primarily due to higher operating costs as result of our IBX data center expansion activity and organic growth as described above and integration costs relating to TelecityGroup acquisition. During the year ended

December 31, 2016, currency fluctuations resulted in approximately $10.7 million of net unfavorable foreign currency impact to our EMEA adjusted EBITDA primarily due to a generally stronger U.S. dollar relative to the British pound during the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the year ended December 31, 2015.
Asia-Pacific Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA for our Asia-Pacific region includes $50.3 million and $5.2 million of adjusted EBITDA attributable to our acquisition of Bit-isle, which closed in November 2015, for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Excluding adjusted EBITDA attributable to Bit-isle, the increase in our Asia-Pacific adjusted EBITDA was primarily due to higher revenues as result of our IBX data center expansion activity and organic growth as described above. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the U.S. dollar was generally weaker relative to the Japanese Yen than during the year ended December 31, 2015, resulting in approximately $4.1 million of net favorable foreign currency impact to our Asia-Pacific revenues during the year ended December 31, 2016 when compared to average exchange rates during the year ended December 31, 2015.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We provide all information required in accordance with GAAP, but we believe that evaluating our ongoing operating results may be difficult if limited to reviewing only GAAP financial measures. Accordingly, we use non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate our operations.
Non-GAAP financial measures are not a substitute for financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. Non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation, but should be considered together with the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures and the reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures. We have presented such non-GAAP financial measures to provide investors with an additional tool to evaluate our operating results in a manner that focuses on what management believes to be our core, ongoing business operations. We believe that the inclusion of these non-GAAP financial measures provides consistency and comparability with past reports and provides a better understanding of the overall performance of the business and ability to perform in subsequent periods. We believe that if we did not provide such non-GAAP financial information, investors would not have all the necessary data to analyze Equinix effectively.
Investors should note that the non-GAAP financial measures used by us may not be the same non-GAAP financial measures, and may not be calculated in the same manner, as those of other companies. Investors should therefore exercise caution when comparing non-GAAP financial measures used by us to similarly titled non-GAAP financial measures of other companies.
Our primary non-GAAP financial measures, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted funds from operations ("AFFO"), exclude depreciation expense as these charges primarily relate to the initial construction costs of our IBX data centers and do not reflect our current or future cash spending levels to support our business. Our IBX data centers are long-lived assets and have an economic life greater than 10 years. The construction costs of an IBX data center do not recur with respect to such data center, although we may incur initial construction costs in future periods with respect to additional IBX data centers, and future capital expenditures remain minor relative to our initial investment. This is a trend we expect to continue. In addition, depreciation is also based on the estimated useful lives of our IBX data centers. These estimates could vary from actual performance of the asset, are based on historical costs incurred to build out our IBX data centers and are not indicative of current or expected future capital expenditures. Therefore, we exclude depreciation from our operating results when evaluating our operations.
In addition, in presenting adjusted EBITDA and AFFO, we exclude amortization expense related to acquired intangible assets. Amortization expense is significantly affected by the timing and magnitude of our acquisitions and these charges may vary in amount from period to period. We exclude amortization expense to facilitate a more meaningful evaluation of our current operating performance and comparisons to our prior periods. We exclude accretion expense, both as it relates to asset retirement obligations as well as accrued restructuring charge liabilities, as these expenses represent costs which we believe are not meaningful in evaluating our current operations. We exclude stock-based compensation expense, as it can vary significantly from period to period based on share price, the timing, size and nature of equity awards. As such, we, and many investors and analysts, exclude stock-based compensation expense to compare our operating results with those of other companies. We also exclude restructuring charges. The restructuring charges relate to our decisions to exit leases for excess space adjacent to several of our IBX data centers, which we did not intend to build out, or our decision to reverse such restructuring charges. We also exclude impairment charges related to certain long-lived assets. The impairment charges are related to expense recognized whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of long-lived assets are not recoverable. We also exclude gain or loss on asset sales as it represents profit or loss that is not meaningful in evaluating the current or future operating performance. Finally, we exclude acquisition costs from AFFO and adjusted EBITDA to allow more comparable comparisons of our financial results to our historical operations. The acquisition costs relate to costs we incur in connection with business combinations. Such charges generally are not relevant to assessing the long-term performance of the company. In addition, the frequency and amount of such charges vary significantly

based on the size and timing of the acquisitions. Management believes items such as restructuring charges, impairment charges, gain or loss on asset sales and acquisition costs are non-core transactions; however, these types of costs may occur in future periods.
Adjusted EBITDA
We define adjusted EBITDA as income or loss from operations plus depreciation, amortization, accretion, stock-based compensation expense, restructuring charges, impairment charges, acquisition costs, and gain on asset sales as presented below (in thousands):
 Years Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Income from operations$809,014
 $618,739
 $567,342
Depreciation, amortization, and accretion expense1,028,892
 843,510
 528,929
Stock-based compensation expense175,500
 156,148
 133,633
Acquisition costs38,635
 64,195
 41,723
Impairment charges
 7,698
 
Gain on asset sales
 (32,816) 
Adjusted EBITDA$2,052,041
 $1,657,474
 $1,271,627
Our adjusted EBITDA results have improved each year and in each region in total dollars due to the improved operating results discussed earlier in "Results of Operations", as well as the nature of our business model consisting of a recurring revenue stream and a cost structure which has a large base that is fixed in nature also discussed earlier in "Overview".
Funds from Operations ("FFO") and AFFO
We use FFO and AFFO, which are non-GAAP financial measures commonly used in the REIT industry. FFO is calculated in accordance with the standards established by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts ("NAREIT"). FFO represents net income (loss), excluding gain (loss) from the disposition of real estate assets, depreciation and amortization on real estate assets and adjustments for unconsolidated joint ventures’ and non-controlling interests’ share of these items.
We use AFFO to evaluate our performance on a consolidated basis and as a metric in the determination of employees’ annual bonuses beginning in 2015 and vesting of restricted stock units that were granted beginning in 2015 and that have both service and performance conditions. In presenting AFFO, we exclude certain items that we believe are not good indicators of our current or future operating performance. AFFO represents FFO excluding depreciation and amortization expense on non-real estate assets, accretion, stock-based compensation, restructuring charges, impairment charges, acquisition costs, an installation revenue adjustment, a straight-line rent expense adjustment, amortization of deferred financing costs, gain (loss) on debt extinguishment, an income tax expense adjustment, recurring capital expenditures and adjustments for unconsolidated joint ventures' and noncontrolling interests’ share of these items and net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax. The adjustments for both installation revenue and straight-line rent expense are intended to isolate the cash activity included within the straight-lined or amortized results in the consolidated statement of operations. We exclude the amortization of deferred financing costs as these expenses relate to the initial costs incurred in connection with debt financings that have no current or future cash obligations. We exclude gain (loss) on debt extinguishment since it generally represents the write-off of initial costs incurred in connection with debt financings or a cost that is incurred to reduce future interest costs and is not a good indicator of our current or future operating performance. We include an income tax expense adjustment, which represents the non-cash tax impact due to changes in valuation allowances, uncertain tax positions and deferred taxes that do not relate to current period’s operations. We deduct recurring capital expenditures, which represent expenditures to extend the useful life of its IBX data centers or other assets that are required to support current revenues. We also exclude net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax, which represents results that may not recur and are not a good indicator of our current future operating performance.

Our FFO and AFFO were as follows (in thousands):
 Years Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Net income$232,982
 $126,800
 $187,774
Adjustments:     
Real estate depreciation and amortization754,351
 626,564
 439,969
(Gain) loss on disposition of real estate property4,945
 (28,388) 1,382
Adjustments for FFO from unconsolidated joint ventures85
 113
 113
NAREIT FFO attributable to common stockholders$992,363
 $725,089
 $629,238
 Years Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
NAREIT FFO attributable to common stockholders$992,363
 $725,089
 $629,238
Adjustments:     
Installation revenue adjustment24,496
 20,161
 35,498
Straight-line rent expense adjustment8,925
 7,700
 7,931
Amortization of deferred financing costs24,449
 18,696
 16,135
Stock-based compensation expense175,500
 156,149
 133,633
Non-real estate depreciation expense111,121
 87,781
 58,165
Amortization expense177,008
 122,862
 27,446
Accretion expense (adjustment)(13,588) 6,303
 3,349
Recurring capital expenditures(167,995) (141,819) (120,281)
Loss on debt extinguishment65,772
 12,276
 289
Acquisition costs38,635
 64,195
 41,723
Impairment charges
 7,698
 
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax
 (12,392) 
Income tax expense adjustment371
 3,680
 (1,270)
Adjustments for AFFO from unconsolidated joint ventures(17) (40) (58)
AFFO$1,437,040
 $1,078,339
 $831,798
Our AFFO results have improved due to the improved operating results discussed earlier in "Results of Operations," as well as due to the nature of our business model which consists of a recurring revenue stream and a cost structure which has a large base that is fixed in nature as discussed earlier in "Overview."
Constant Currency Presentation
Our revenues and certain operating expenses (cost of revenues, sales and marketing and general and administrative expenses) from our international operations have represented and will continue to represent a significant portion of our total revenues and certain operating expenses. As a result, our revenues and certain operating expenses have been and will continue to be affected by changes in the U.S. dollar against major international currencies such as the Euro, British pound, Japanese yen, Singapore dollar, Australian dollar and Brazilian real. In order to provide a framework for assessing how each of our business segments performed excluding the impact of foreign currency fluctuations, we present period-over-period percentage changes in our revenues and certain operating expenses on a constant currency basis in addition to the historical amounts as reported. Presenting constant currency results of operations is a non-GAAP financial measure and is not meant to be considered in isolation or as an alternative to GAAP results of operations. However, we have presented this non-GAAP financial measure to provide investors with an additional tool to evaluate our operating results. To present this information, our current and comparative prior period revenues and certain operating expenses from entities reporting in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are converted into U.S. dollars at constant exchange rates rather than the actual exchange rates in effect during the respective periods (i.e. average rates in effect for the year ended December 31, 2016 are used as exchange rates for the year ended December 31, 2017 when comparing the year ended December 31, 2017 with the year ended December 31, 2016, and average rates in effect for the year ended December 31,

2015 are used as exchange rates for the year ended December 31, 2016 when comparing the year ended December 31, 2016 with the year ended December 31, 2015).
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Contractual Obligations and Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Overview
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Equinix provides a global, vendor-neutral data center, interconnection and edge services platform with offerings that aim to enable our customers to reach everywhere, interconnect everyone and integrate everything. Global enterprises, service providers and business ecosystems of industry partners rely on Equinix IBX data centers and expertise around the world for the safe housing of their critical IT equipment and to protect and connect the world's most valued information assets. They also look to Platform Equinix® for the ability to directly and securely interconnect

to the networks, clouds and content that enable today's information-driven global digital economy. Recent Equinix IBX data center openings and acquisitions, as well as xScale data center investments, have expanded our total global footprint to 210 IBX and xScale data centers across 55 markets around the world. Equinix offers the following solutions:
premium data center colocation;
interconnection and data exchange solutions;
edge services for deploying networking, security and hardware; and
remote expert support and professional services.
Our interconnected data centers around the world allow our customers to increase information and application delivery performance to users, and quickly access distributed IT infrastructures and business and digital ecosystems, while significantly reducing costs. The Equinix global platform and the quality of our IBX data centers, interconnection offerings and edge services have enabled us to establish a critical mass of customers. As more customers choose Platform Equinix, for bandwidth cost and performance reasons it benefits their suppliers and business partners to colocate in the same data centers. This adjacency creates a “network effect” that enables our customers to capture the full economic and performance benefits of our offerings. These partners, in turn, pull in their business partners, creating a "marketplace" for their services. Our global platform enables scalable, reliable and cost-effective interconnection that increases data traffic exchange while lowering overall cost and increasing flexibility. Our focused business model is built on our critical mass of enterprise and service provider customers and the resulting "marketplace" effect. This global platform, combined with our strong financial position, continues to drive new customer growth and bookings.
Historically, our market was served by large telecommunications carriers who have bundled their products and services with their colocation offerings. The data center market landscape has evolved to include private and vendor-neutral multitenant data center providers, hyperscale cloud providers, managed infrastructure and application hosting providers, and systems integrators. It is estimated that Equinix is one of more than 1,200 companies that provide MTDC offerings around the world. Each of these data center solutions providers can bundle various colocation, interconnection and network offerings and outsourced IT infrastructure solutions. We are able to offer our customers a global platform that reaches 26 countries with the industry’s largest and most active ecosystem of partners in our sites, proven operational reliability, improved application performance and a highly scalable set of offerings.
The cabinet utilization rate represents the percentage of cabinet space billed versus total cabinet capacity, which is used to measure how efficiently we are managing our cabinet capacity. Our cabinet utilization rate varies from market to market among our IBX data centers across the Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific regions. Our cabinet utilization rates were approximately 79% and 81%, respectively, as of December 31, 2019 and 2018. Excluding the impact of our IBX data center expansion projects that have opened during the last 12 months, our cabinet utilization rate would have increased to approximately 82% as of December 31, 2019. We continue to monitor the available capacity in each of our selected markets. To the extent we have limited capacity available in a given market, it may limit our ability for growth in that market. We perform demand studies on an ongoing basis to determine if future expansion is warranted in a market. In addition, power and cooling requirements for most customers are growing on a per unit basis. As a result, customers are consuming an increasing amount of power per cabinet. Although we generally do not control the amount of power our customers draw from installed circuits, we have negotiated power consumption limitations with certain high power-demand customers. This increased power consumption has driven us to build out our new IBX data centers to support power and cooling needs twice that of previous IBX data centers. We could face power limitations in our IBX data centers, even though we may have additional physical cabinet capacity available within a specific IBX data center. This could have a negative impact on the available utilization capacity of a given IBX data center, which could have a negative impact on our ability to grow revenues, affecting our financial performance, operating results and cash flows.
In 2019, we closed our Joint Venture with GIC to develop and operate xScale data centers to serve the needs of the growing hyperscale data center market, including the world's largest cloud service providers. Upon closing, the Joint Venture acquired certain data center facilities in Europe, with the opportunity to add additional facilities to the Joint Venture in the future.
Strategically, we will continue to look at attractive opportunities to grow our market share and selectively improve our footprint and offerings. As was the case with our recent expansions and acquisitions, our expansion criteria will be dependent on a number of factors, including but not limited to demand from new and existing customers, quality of the design, power capacity, access to networks, clouds and software partners, capacity availability in the current market location, amount of incremental investment required by us in the targeted property, automation capabilities, developer

talent pool, lead-time to break even on a free cash flow basis and in-place customers. Like our recent expansions and acquisitions, the right combination of these factors may be attractive to us. Depending on the circumstances, these transactions may require additional capital expenditures funded by upfront cash payments or through long-term financing arrangements in order to bring these properties up to Equinix standards. Property expansion may be in the form of purchases of real property, long-term leasing arrangements or acquisitions. Future purchases, construction or acquisitions may be completed by us or with partners or potential customers to minimize the outlay of cash, which can be significant.
Revenue:
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Our business is based on a recurring revenue model comprised of colocation and related interconnection and managed infrastructure offerings. We consider these offerings recurring because our customers are generally billed on a fixed and recurring basis each month for the duration of their contract, which is generally one to three years in length. Our recurring revenues have comprised more than 90% of our total revenues during the past three years. In addition, during the past three years, more than 80% of our monthly recurring revenue bookings came from existing customers, contributing to our revenue growth. Our largest customer accounted for approximately 3% of our recurring revenues for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017. Our 50 largest customers accounted for approximately 39%, 38% and 37%, respectively, of our recurring revenues for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.
Our non-recurring revenues are primarily comprised of installation services related to a customer's initial deployment and professional services we perform. These services are considered to be non-recurring because they are billed typically once, upon completion of the installation or the professional services work performed. The majority of these non-recurring revenues are typically billed on the first invoice distributed to the customer in connection with their initial installation. However, revenues from installation services are deferred and recognized ratably over the period of the contract term. Additionally, revenue from contract settlements, when a customer wishes to terminate their contract early, is generally treated as a contract modification and recognized ratably over the remaining term of the contract, if any. As a percentage of total revenues, we expect non-recurring revenues to represent less than 10% of total revenues for the foreseeable future.
Operating Expenses:
Cost of Revenues. The largest components of our cost of revenues are depreciation, rental payments related to our leased IBX data centers, utility costs, including electricity, bandwidth access, IBX data center employees' salaries and benefits, including stock-based compensation, repairs and maintenance, supplies and equipment and security. A majority of our cost of revenues is fixed in nature and should not vary significantly from period to period, unless we expand our existing IBX data centers or open or acquire new IBX data centers. However, there are certain costs that are considered more variable in nature, including utilities and supplies that are directly related to growth in our existing and new customer base. We expect the cost of our utilities, specifically electricity, will generally increase in the future on a per-unit or fixed basis, in addition to the variable increase related to the growth in consumption by our customers. In addition, the cost of electricity is generally higher in the summer months, as compared to other times of the year. To the extent we incur increased utility costs, such increased costs could materially impact our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Furthermore, to the extent we incur increased electricity or other costs as a result of either climate change policies or the physical effects of climate change, such increased costs could materially impact our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. 

Sales and Marketing. Our sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of compensation and related costs for sales and marketing personnel, including stock-based compensation, amortization of contract costs, marketing programs, public relations, promotional materials and travel, as well as bad debt expense and amortization of customer relationship intangible assets.
General and Administrative. Our general and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries and related expenses, including stock-based compensation, accounting, legal and other professional service fees, and other general corporate expenses, such as our corporate regional headquarters office leases and some depreciation expense on back office systems.
Taxation as a REIT
We elected to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes beginning with our 2015 taxable year. As of December 31, 2019, our REIT structure included all of our data center operations in the U.S., Canada, Japan, Singapore and the data center operations in EMEA with the exception of Bulgaria, the United Arab Emirates, and the data center operations outside Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Our data center operations in other jurisdictions are operated as TRSs. We included our interest in the Joint Venture in our REIT structure.
As a REIT, we generally are permitted to deduct from our U.S. taxable income the dividends we pay to our stockholders. The income represented by such dividends is not subject to U.S. federal income taxes at the entity level but is taxed, if at all, at the stockholder level. Nevertheless, the income of our TRSs which hold our U.S. operations that may not be REIT compliant is subject to U.S. corporate federal and state income taxes, as applicable. Likewise, our foreign subsidiaries continue to be subject to foreign income taxes in jurisdictions in which they hold assets or conduct operations, regardless of whether held or conducted through TRSs or through QRSs. We are also subject to a separate U.S. federal corporate income tax on any gain recognized from a sale of a REIT asset where our basis in the asset is determined by reference to the basis of the asset in the hands of a C corporation (such as an asset held by us or a QRS following the liquidation or other conversion of a former TRS). This built-in-gains tax is generally applicable to any disposition of such an asset during the five-year period after the date we first owned the asset as a REIT asset to the extent of the built-in-gain based on the fair market value of such asset on the date we first held the asset as a REIT asset. If we fail to remain qualified for U.S. federal income taxation as a REIT, we will be subject to U.S. federal income taxes at regular corporate income tax rates. Even if we remain qualified for U.S. federal income taxation as a REIT, we may be subject to some federal, state, local and foreign taxes on our income and property in addition to taxes owed with respect to our TRSs' operations. In particular, while state income tax regimes often parallel the U.S. federal income tax regime for REITs, many states do not completely follow federal rules, and some may not follow them at all.
We continue to monitor our REIT compliance in order to maintain our qualification for U.S. federal income taxation as a REIT. For this and other reasons, as necessary, we may convert some of our data center operations in other countries into the REIT structure in future periods. We converted our data center operations in Singapore into the REIT structure effective September 30, 2019.
On each of March 20, June 19, September 18, and December 11, 2019, we paid quarterly cash dividends of $2.46 per share. We expect these quarterly and other applicable distributions to equal or exceed the REIT taxable income that we recognized in 2019.
2019 Highlights:
In March, we issued and sold 2,985,575 shares of common stock for net proceeds of approximately $1,213.4 million, after underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses. See Note 12 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
In April, we completed the acquisition of Switch Datacenters' AMS1 data center business in Amsterdam, Netherlands (the "AM11 data center"), for a cash purchase price of approximately €30.6 million, or approximately $34.3 million. See Note 3 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
In October, we closed our Joint Venture with GIC to develop and operate xScale data centers in Europe. Upon closing, we sold certain data center facilities in Europe to the Joint Venture. See Note 5 and Note 6 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
In November, we issued $2.8 billion in Senior Notes due 2024, 2026 and 2029 with a weighted average interest rate of 2.93% and redeemed $1.9 billion in Senior Notes due 2022, 2023 and 2025 with a weighted average interest rate of 5.47% in November and December 2019. See Note 11 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.

By the end of December, we had sold 903,555 shares of our common stock for approximately $447.7 million in proceeds, net of payment of commissions and other offering expenses, under our current ATM program. See Note 12 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Results of Operations
Our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 include the results of operations from the acquisition of the AM11 data center from April 18, 2019 within the EMEA region. Our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2018 include the results of operations from the acquisition of Metronode from April 18, 2018 within the Asia-Pacific region and the acquisition of Infomart Dallas from April 2, 2018 within the Americas region.
Our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 reflect the adoption of Topic 842, Leases, while the comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the lease accounting standard in effect for those periods. See Note 1 within the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.
In order to provide a framework for assessing our performance excluding the impact of foreign currency fluctuations, we supplement the year-over-year actual change in operating results with comparative changes on a constant currency basis. Presenting constant currency results of operations is a non-GAAP financial measure. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for further discussion.
Years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018
Revenues.    Our revenues for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were generated from the following revenue classifications and geographic regions (dollars in thousands):
 Years Ended December 31, % Change
 2019 % 2018 % Actual Constant Currency
Americas:           
Recurring revenues$2,456,368
 44% $2,357,326
 46% 4% 5%
Non-recurring revenues131,359
 3% 127,408
 3% 3% 4%
 2,587,727
 47% 2,484,734
 49% 4% 5%
EMEA:           
Recurring revenues1,680,746
 30% 1,467,492
 29% 15% 12%
Non-recurring revenues125,698
 2% 95,145
 2% 32% 39%
 1,806,444
 32% 1,562,637
 31% 16% 14%
Asia-Pacific:           
Recurring revenues1,101,072
 20% 951,684
 19% 16% 17%
Non-recurring revenues66,897
 1% 72,599
 1% (8)% (6)%
 1,167,969
 21% 1,024,283
 20% 14% 16%
Total:           
Recurring revenues5,238,186
 94% 4,776,502
 94% 10% 10%
Non-recurring revenues323,954
 6% 295,152
 6% 10% 13%
 $5,562,140
 100% $5,071,654
 100% 10% 10%

Revenues
(dollars in thousands)
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Americas Revenues.During the year ended December 31, 2019, Americas revenue increased by 4% (5% on a constant currency basis). Growth in Americas revenues was primarily due to:
approximately $10.6 million of incremental revenues from the Infomart Dallas acquisition;
$52.6 million of incremental revenues generated from our recently-opened IBX data centers or IBX data center expansions; and
an increase in orders from both our existing customers and new customers during the period.
EMEA Revenues.During the year ended December 31, 2019, EMEA revenue increased by 16% (14% on a constant currency basis). Growth in EMEA revenues was primarily due to:
approximately $76.0 million of incremental revenues generated from our recently-opened IBX data centers or IBX data center expansions;
an increase in orders from both our existing customers and new customers during the period; and
a net increase of $110.6 million of realized cash flow hedge gains from foreign currency forward contracts.
Asia-Pacific Revenues.  During the year ended December 31, 2019, Asia-Pacific revenue increased by 14% (16% on a constant currency basis). Growth in Asia-Pacific revenue was primarily due to:
approximately $16.6 million of incremental revenues from the Metronode acquisition;
approximately $35.4 million of incremental revenues generated from our recently-opened IBX data centers or IBX data center expansions; and
an increase in orders from both our existing customers and new customers during the period.

Cost of Revenues.  Our cost of revenues for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were split among the following geographic regions (dollars in thousands):
 Years Ended December 31, % Change
 2019 % 2018 % Actual Constant Currency
Americas$1,146,639
 41% $1,113,854
 43% 3% 4%
EMEA1,017,580
 36% 916,751
 35% 11% 12%
Asia-Pacific645,965
 23% 574,870
 22% 12% 14%
Total$2,810,184
 100% $2,605,475
 100% 8% 9%
Cost of Revenues
(dollars in thousands; percentages indicate expenses as a percentage of revenues)
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Americas Cost of Revenues. During the year ended December 31, 2019, Americas cost of revenues increased by 3% (4% on a constant currency basis). The increase in our Americas cost of revenues was primarily due to:
$11.3 million of higher utilities costs driven by IBX data center expansions, increased utility usage and utility price increases;
$10.0 million of higher bandwidth costs in support of our business growth;
approximately $9.9 million of incremental cost of revenues from the Infomart Dallas acquisition;
$8.6 million of higher compensation costs, including salaries, bonuses, and stock-based compensation; and
$7.2 million of higher depreciation expense primarily due to IBX expansion activity.
This increase was partially offset by:
$8.9 million of reduced property tax expenses, primarily due to accrual releases based on tax appeal settlements; and
$6.9 million of reduced office expenses.
EMEA Cost of Revenues. During the year ended December 31, 2019, EMEA cost of revenues increased by 11% (12% on a constant currency basis). The increase in our EMEA cost of revenues was primarily due to:
a net increase of $40.6 million of realized cash flow hedge losses from foreign currency forward contracts;
$30.5 million of higher utilities costs driven by increased utility usage to support IBX data center expansions and utility price increases, primarily in Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom;
$21.3 million of higher costs from increased equipment resale activities, primarily in Germany and the United Kingdom;

$7.9 million of higher depreciation expenses driven by IBX data center expansions in London, Frankfurt and Amsterdam; and
$7.2 million of higher compensation costs, including salaries, bonuses, stock-based compensation and headcount growth.
This increase was partially offset by:
$5.9 million of reduced outside services consulting expenses.
Asia-Pacific Cost of Revenues. During the year ended December 31, 2019, Asia-Pacific cost of revenues increased by 12% (14% on a constant currency basis). The increase in our Asia-Pacific cost of revenues was primarily due to:
$45.3 million of higher rent and facility costs and utilities costs, primarily driven by expansions and higher utility usage in Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia and Japan;
$20.5 million of higher depreciation expense, primarily from IBX data center expansions in Singapore, Japan, Australia and Hong Kong;
approximately $11.2 million of incremental cost of revenues from the Metronode acquisition; and
$4.3 million of higher outside services consulting expenses.
This increase was partially offset by:
$12.8 million of reduced costs due to lower equipment resale activities in the current period as compared to the prior year.
We expect Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific cost of revenues to increase as we continue to grow our business, including from the impact of acquisitions.

Sales and Marketing Expenses. Our sales and marketing expenses for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were split among the following geographic regions (dollars in thousands):
 Years ended December 31, % Change
 2019 % 2018 % Actual Constant Currency
Americas$401,034
 62% $391,386
 62% 2% 3%
EMEA157,718
 24% 152,336
 24% 4% 4%
Asia-Pacific92,294
 14% 89,980
 14% 3% 4%
Total$651,046
 100% $633,702
 100% 3% 3%
Sales and Marketing Expenses
(dollars in thousands; percentages indicate expenses as a percentage of revenues)
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Americas Sales and Marketing ExpensesDuring the year ended December 31, 2019, Americas sales and marketing expenses increased by 2% (3% on a constant currency basis). The increase in our Americas sales and marketing expenses was primarily due to:
$7.4 million of higher compensation costs, including sales compensation, salaries and stock-based compensation and headcount growth; and 
$3.7 million of higher travel and entertainment expenses.
EMEA Sales and Marketing Expenses.During the year ended December 31, 2019, EMEA sales and marketing increased by 4% (and also 4% on a constant currency basis). The increase in our EMEA sales and marketing expenses was primarily due to:
a net increase of $7.2 million of realized cash flow hedge losses from foreign currency forward contracts; and
$5.6 million increase in compensation costs, including sales compensation, salaries and stock-based compensation and headcount growth.
This increase was partially offset by:
$6.2 million of reduced amortization expense driven by certain intangibles being fully amortized in the current year.
Asia-Pacific Sales and Marketing Expenses. Our Asia-Pacific sales and marketing expense did not materially change during the year ended December 31, 2019 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018.

We anticipate that we will continue to invest in Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific sales and marketing initiatives and expect our Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific sales and marketing expenses to increase as we grow our business. Additionally, given that certain global sales and marketing functions are located within the U.S., we expect Americas sales and marketing expenses as a percentage of revenues to be higher than our other regions.
General and Administrative Expenses. Our general and administrative expenses for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were split among the following geographic regions (dollars in thousands):
 Years Ended December 31, % Change
 2019 % 2018 % Actual Constant Currency
Americas$641,261
 69% $554,169
 67% 16% 16%
EMEA198,892
 21% 184,364
 22% 8% 7%
Asia-Pacific94,865
 10% 88,161
 11% 8% 9%
Total$935,018
 100% $826,694
 100% 13% 13%
General and Administrative Expenses
(dollars in thousands; percentages indicate expenses as a percentage of revenues)
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Americas General and Administrative Expenses. During the year ended December 31, 2019, Americas general and administrative expenses increased by 16% (and also 16% on a constant currency basis). The increase in our Americas general and administrative expenses was primarily due to:
$51.1 million of higher compensation costs, including salaries, bonuses, stock-based compensation, and headcount growth;
$22.3 million of higher depreciation expense associated with the implementation of certain systems to support the integration and growth of our business; and
$10.7 million of higher consulting expenses in support of our business growth.
EMEA General and Administrative Expenses. During the year ended December 31, 2019, EMEA general and administrative expenses increased by 8% (7% on a constant currency basis). The increase in our EMEA general and administrative expenses was primarily due to:
a net increase of $8.8 million of realized cash flow hedge losses from foreign currency forward contracts; and
$3.9 million of higher compensation costs, including salaries, bonuses, stock-based compensation and headcount growth.

Asia-Pacific General and Administrative Expenses.During the year ended December 31, 2019, Asia-Pacific general and administrative expenses increased by 8% (9% on a constant currency basis). The increase in our Asia-Pacific general and administrative expense was primarily due to:
$3.8 million of higher compensation costs, including salaries, bonuses, stock-based compensation and headcount growth.
Going forward, although we are carefully monitoring our spending, we expect Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific general and administrative expenses to increase as we continue to further scale our operations to support our growth, including investments in our back office systems and investments to maintain our qualification for taxation as a REIT and to integrate recent acquisitions. Additionally, given that our corporate headquarters is located within the U.S., we expect Americas general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues to be higher than our other regions.
Transaction Costs.  During the year ended December 31, 2019, we recorded transaction costs totaling $24.8 million primarily related to costs incurred in connection with the formation of the new Joint Venture in the EMEA region. During the year ended December 31, 2018, we recorded transaction costs totaling $34.4 million, primarily in the Asia-Pacific and Americas regions, due to our acquisitions of Metronode and Infomart Dallas.
Impairment Charges.  During the year ended December 31, 2019, we recorded impairment charges totaling $15.8 million in the Americas region primarily as a result of the fair value adjustment for the New York 12 ("NY12") data center, which was classified as a held for sale asset before it was sold in October 2019. We did not have impairment charges during the year ended December 31, 2018.
Gain on Asset Sales. During the year ended December 31, 2019, we recorded a gain on asset sales of $44.3 million primarily relating to the sale of both the London 10 and Paris 8 data centers, as well as certain construction development and leases in London and Frankfurt, as part of the closing of the Joint Venture. During the year ended December 31, 2018, we recorded gain on asset sales of $6.0 million primarily relating to the sale of a data center in Frankfurt.
Income from Operations. Our income from operations for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 was split among the following geographic regions (dollars in thousands):
 Years Ended December 31, % Change
 2019 % 2018 % Actual Constant Currency
Americas$413,936
 35% $412,610
 42% —% 1%
EMEA421,786
 36% 312,163
 32% 35% 24%
Asia-Pacific333,909
 29% 252,610
 26% 32% 35%
Total$1,169,631
 100% $977,383
 100% 20% 17%
Americas Income from Operations. Our Americas income from operations did not materially change during the year ended December 31, 2019 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018.
EMEA Income from Operations. During the year ended December 31, 2019, EMEA income from operations increased by 35% (24% on a constant currency basis). The increase in our EMEA income from operations was primarily due to higher revenues as a result of our IBX data center expansion activity and organic growth, as described above, as well as lower operating expenses as a percentage of revenues.
Asia-Pacific Income from Operations. During the year ended December 31, 2019, Asia-Pacific income from operations increased by 32% (35% on a constant currency basis). The increase in our Asia-Pacific income from operations was primarily due to higher revenues as a result of our IBX data center expansion activity, acquisition and organic growth as described above, lower operating expenses as a percentage of revenues and lower transaction costs in the current period as compared to the prior year.
Interest Income. Interest income was $27.7 million and $14.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The average yield for the year ended December 31, 2019 was 1.85% versus 1.24% for the year ended December 31, 2018.
Interest Expense.  Interest expense decreased to $479.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 from $521.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, primarily attributable to the reduction in lease interest expense

due to the conversion of certain build-to-suit leases to operating leases upon the adoption of ASC 842 and the utilization of cross-currency interest rate swaps in 2019. During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, we capitalized $32.2 million and $19.9 million, respectively, of interest expense to construction in progress.
Other Income. We recorded net other income of $27.8 million and $14.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Other income is primarily comprised of foreign currency exchange gains and losses during the periods.
Loss on Debt Extinguishment. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company recorded $52.8 million of loss on debt extinguishment primarily related to the loss on debt extinguishment from the redemption of the Senior Notes due 2022, 2023 and 2025.
During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recorded $51.4 million of loss on debt extinguishment comprised of:
$17.1 million of loss on debt extinguishment as a result of amendments to leases impacting the related financing obligations;
$19.5 million of loss on debt extinguishment from the settlement of financing obligations as a result of the Infomart Dallas acquisition;
$12.6 million of loss on debt extinguishment as a result of the settlement of financing obligations for properties purchased; and
$2.2 million of loss on debt extinguishment as a result of the redemption of the Japanese Yen Term Loan.
Income Taxes. We operate as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a REIT, we are generally not subject to U.S. federal and state income taxes on our taxable income distributed to stockholders. We intend to distribute or have distributed the entire taxable income generated by the operations of our REIT and QRSs for the tax years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. As such, other than tax attributable to built-in-gains recognized and withholding taxes, no provision for U.S. federal income taxes for the REIT and QRSs has been included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.
We have made TRS elections for some of our subsidiaries in and outside the U.S. In general, a TRS may provide services that would otherwise be considered impermissible for REITs to provide and may hold assets that may not be REIT compliant.
U.S. federal income taxes for the TRS entities located in the U.S. and foreign income taxes for our foreign operations regardless of whether the foreign operations are operated as QRSs or TRSs have been accrued, as necessary, for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.
For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, we recorded $185.4 million and $67.7 million of income tax expenses, respectively. Our effective tax rates were 26.8% and 15.6%, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. The higher effective tax rate in 2019 as compared to 2018 is primarily due to a release of valuation allowance in 2018 as a result of a legal entity reorganization in our Americas region.
Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA is a key factor in how we assess the operating performance of our segments and develop regional growth strategies such as IBX data center expansion decisions. We define adjusted EBITDA as income or loss from operations excluding depreciation, amortization, accretion, stock-based compensation expense, restructuring charges, impairment charges, transaction costs and gain on asset sales. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below for more information about adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to income or loss from operations. Our adjusted EBITDA for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 was split among the following geographic regions (dollars in thousands):
 Years Ended December 31, % Change
 2019 % 2018 % Actual Constant Currency
Americas$1,237,622
 46% $1,183,831
 49% 5% 5%
EMEA827,980
 31% 698,280
 29% 19% 17%
Asia-Pacific622,125
 23% 531,129
 22% 17% 19%
Total$2,687,727
 100% $2,413,240
 100% 11% 12%

Americas Adjusted EBITDA.During the year ended December 31, 2019, Americas adjusted EBITDA increased by 5% (and also 5% on a constant currency basis). The increase in our Americas adjusted EBITDA was primarily due to higher revenues as a result of our IBX data center expansion activity, acquisition and organic growth as described above.
EMEA Adjusted EBITDA. During the year ended December 31, 2019, EMEA adjusted EBITDA increased by 19% (17% on a constant currency basis). The increase in our EMEA adjusted EBITDA was primarily due to higher revenues as a result of our IBX data center expansion activity and organic growth, as described above, as well as lower operating expenses as a percentage of revenues.
Asia-Pacific Adjusted EBITDA. During the year ended December 31, 2019, Asia-Pacific adjusted EBITDA increased by 17% (19% on a constant currency basis). The increase in our Asia-Pacific adjusted EBITDA was primarily due to higher revenues as a result of our IBX data center expansion activity, acquisition and organic growth as described above and lower operating expenses as a percentage of revenues.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We provide all information required in accordance with GAAP, but we believe that evaluating our ongoing operating results may be difficult if limited to reviewing only GAAP financial measures. Accordingly, we use non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate our operations.
Non-GAAP financial measures are not a substitute for financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. Non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation, but should be considered together with the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures and the reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures. We have presented such non-GAAP financial measures to provide investors with an additional tool to evaluate our operating results in a manner that focuses on what management believes to be our core, ongoing business operations. We believe that the inclusion of these non-GAAP financial measures provides consistency and comparability with past reports and provides a better understanding of the overall performance of the business and ability to perform in subsequent periods. We believe that if we did not provide such non-GAAP financial information, investors would not have all the necessary data to analyze Equinix effectively.
Investors should note that the non-GAAP financial measures used by us may not be the same non-GAAP financial measures, and may not be calculated in the same manner, as those of other companies. Investors should therefore exercise caution when comparing non-GAAP financial measures used by us to similarly titled non-GAAP financial measures of other companies.
Our primary non-GAAP financial measures, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted funds from operations ("AFFO"), exclude depreciation expense as these charges primarily relate to the initial construction costs of our IBX data centers and do not reflect our current or future cash spending levels to support our business. Our IBX data centers are long-lived assets and have an economic life greater than 10 years. The construction costs of an IBX data center do not recur with respect to such data center, although we may incur initial construction costs in future periods with respect to additional IBX data centers, and future capital expenditures remain minor relative to our initial investment. This is a trend we expect to continue. In addition, depreciation is also based on the estimated useful lives of our IBX data centers. These estimates could vary from actual performance of the asset, are based on historical costs incurred to build out our IBX data centers and are not indicative of current or expected future capital expenditures. Therefore, we exclude depreciation from our operating results when evaluating our operations.

In addition, in presenting adjusted EBITDA and AFFO, we exclude amortization expense related to acquired intangible assets. Amortization expense is significantly affected by the timing and magnitude of our acquisitions and these charges may vary in amount from period to period. We exclude amortization expense to facilitate a more meaningful evaluation of our current operating performance and comparisons to our prior periods. We exclude accretion expense, both as it relates to asset retirement obligations as well as accrued restructuring charge liabilities, as these expenses represent costs which we believe are not meaningful in evaluating our current operations. We exclude stock-based compensation expense, as it can vary significantly from period to period based on share price, the timing, size and nature of equity awards. As such, we, and many investors and analysts, exclude stock-based compensation expense to compare our operating results with those of other companies. We also exclude restructuring charges. The restructuring charges relate to our decisions to exit leases for excess space adjacent to several of our IBX data centers, which we did not intend to build out, or our decision to reverse such restructuring charges. We also exclude impairment charges related to certain long-lived assets. The impairment charges are related to expense recognized whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of long-lived assets are not recoverable. We also exclude gain or loss on asset sales as it represents profit or loss that is not meaningful in evaluating the current or future operating performance. Finally, we exclude transaction costs from AFFO and adjusted EBITDA to allow more comparable comparisons of our financial results to our historical operations. The transaction costs relate to costs we incur in connection with business combinations and the formation of joint ventures, including advisory, legal, accounting, valuation, and other professional or consulting fees. Such charges generally are not relevant to assessing the long-term performance of the company. In addition, the frequency and amount of such charges vary significantly based on the size and timing of the transactions. Management believes items such as restructuring charges, impairment charges, gain or loss on asset sales and transaction costs are non-core transactions; however, these types of costs may occur in future periods.
Adjusted EBITDA
We define adjusted EBITDA as income from operations excluding depreciation, amortization, accretion, stock-based compensation expense, restructuring charges, impairment charges, transaction costs, and gain on asset sales as presented below (in thousands):
 Years Ended December 31,
 2019 2018 2017
Income from operations$1,169,631
 $977,383
 $809,014
Depreciation, amortization, and accretion expense1,285,296
 1,226,741
 1,028,892
Stock-based compensation expense236,539
 180,716
 175,500
Transaction costs24,781
 34,413
 38,635
Impairment charges15,790
 
 
Gain on asset sales(44,310) (6,013) 
Adjusted EBITDA$2,687,727
 $2,413,240
 $2,052,041
Our adjusted EBITDA results have improved each year and in each region in total dollars due to the improved operating results discussed earlier in "Results of Operations", as well as the nature of our business model consisting of a recurring revenue stream and a cost structure which has a large base that is fixed in nature also discussed earlier in "Overview".
Funds from Operations ("FFO") and AFFO
We use FFO and AFFO, which are non-GAAP financial measures commonly used in the REIT industry. FFO is calculated in accordance with the standards established by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts. FFO represents net income (loss), excluding gain (loss) from the disposition of real estate assets, depreciation and amortization on real estate assets and adjustments for unconsolidated joint ventures' and non-controlling interests' share of these items.
In presenting AFFO, we exclude certain items that we believe are not good indicators of our current or future operating performance. AFFO represents FFO excluding depreciation and amortization expense on non-real estate assets, accretion, stock-based compensation, restructuring charges, impairment charges, transaction costs, an installation revenue adjustment, a straight-line rent expense adjustment, a contract cost adjustment, amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discounts and premiums, gain (loss) on debt extinguishment, an income tax expense adjustment, recurring capital expenditures, net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax, and adjustments

from FFO to AFFO for unconsolidated joint ventures' and noncontrolling interests' share of these items. The adjustments for installation revenue, straight-line rent expense and contract costs are intended to isolate the cash activity included within the straight-lined or amortized results in the consolidated statement of operations. We exclude the amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discounts and premiums as these expenses relate to the initial costs incurred in connection with debt financings that have no current or future cash obligations. We exclude gain (loss) on debt extinguishment since it generally represents the write-off of initial costs incurred in connection with debt financings or a cost that is incurred to reduce future interest costs and is not a good indicator of our current or future operating performance. We include an income tax expense adjustment, which represents the non-cash tax impact due to changes in valuation allowances, uncertain tax positions and deferred taxes that do not relate to current period's operations. We deduct recurring capital expenditures, which represent expenditures to extend the useful life of its IBX data centers or other assets that are required to support current revenues. We also exclude net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax, which represents results that may not recur and are not a good indicator of our current future operating performance.
Our FFO and AFFO were as follows (in thousands):
 Years Ended December 31,
 2019 2018 2017
Net income$507,245
 $365,359
 $232,982
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests205
 
 
Net income attributable to Equinix507,450
 365,359
 232,982
Adjustments:     
Real estate depreciation845,798
 883,118
 754,351
(Gain) loss on disposition of real estate property(39,337) 4,643
 4,945
Adjustments for FFO from unconsolidated joint ventures645
 
 85
FFO$1,314,556
 $1,253,120
 $992,363
 Years Ended December 31,
 2019 2018 2017
FFO$1,314,556
 $1,253,120
 $992,363
Adjustments:     
Installation revenue adjustment11,031
 10,858
 24,496
Straight-line rent expense adjustment8,167
 7,203
 8,925
Contract cost adjustment(40,861) (20,358) 
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discounts and premiums13,042
 13,618
 24,449
Stock-based compensation expense236,539
 180,716
 175,500
Non-real estate depreciation expense242,761
 140,955
 111,121
Amortization expense196,278
 203,416
 177,008
Accretion expense (adjustment)459
 (748) (13,588)
Recurring capital expenditures(186,002) (203,053) (167,995)
Loss on debt extinguishment52,825
 51,377
 65,772
Transaction costs24,781
 34,413
 38,635
Impairment charges15,790
 
 
Income tax expense adjustment39,676
 (12,420) 371
Adjustments for AFFO from unconsolidated joint ventures2,080
 
 (17)
AFFO$1,931,122
 $1,659,097
 $1,437,040
Our AFFO results have improved due to the improved operating results discussed earlier in "Results of Operations," as well as due to the nature of our business model which consists of a recurring revenue stream and a cost structure which has a large base that is fixed in nature as discussed earlier in "Overview."

Constant Currency Presentation
Our revenues and certain operating expenses (cost of revenues, sales and marketing and general and administrative expenses) from our international operations have represented and will continue to represent a significant portion of our total revenues and certain operating expenses. As a result, our revenues and certain operating expenses have been and will continue to be affected by changes in the U.S. dollar against major international currencies. During the year ended December 31, 2019 as compared to the same period in 2018, the U.S. dollar was stronger relative to the Brazilian real, Euro, British Pound, Singapore dollar and Australian dollar, which resulted in an unfavorable foreign currency impact on revenue, operating income and adjusted EBITDA, and a favorable foreign currency impact on operating expenses. In order to provide a framework for assessing how each of our business segments performed excluding the impact of foreign currency fluctuations, we present period-over-period percentage changes in our revenues and certain operating expenses on a constant currency basis in addition to the historical amounts as reported. Our constant currency presentation excludes the impact of our foreign currency cash flow hedging activities. Presenting constant currency results of operations is a non-GAAP financial measure and is not meant to be considered in isolation or as an alternative to GAAP results of operations. However, we have presented this non-GAAP financial measure to provide investors with an additional tool to evaluate our operating results. To present this information, our current period revenues and certain operating expenses from entities reporting in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are converted into U.S. dollars at constant exchange rates rather than the actual exchange rates in effect during the respective periods (i.e. average rates in effect for the year ended December 31, 2018 are used as exchange rates for the year ended December 31, 2019 when comparing the year ended December 31, 2019 with the year ended December 31, 2018).
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of December 31, 2017,2019, our total indebtedness was comprised of debt and financinglease obligations totaling approximately $10.2$11.9 billion consisting of (a) approximately $7,002.0 million of principal from our senior notes, (b) approximately $1,699.0 million from our capital lease and other financing obligations and (c) $1,468.3 million of principal from our mortgage and other loans payable (gross of debt issuance cost, debt discount, plus debtmortgage premium). consisting of:
approximately $9,029.2 million of principal from our senior notes;
approximately $1,506.1 million from our finance lease liabilities; and
$1,371.9 million of principal from our loans payable and mortgage.
We believe we have sufficient cash, coupled with anticipated cash generated from operating activities, to meet our operating requirements, including repayment of the current portion of our debt as it becomes due, payment of regular dividend distributions and completion of our publicly-announced expansion projects.
During 2019, we completed the following significant financing activities:
issued $2,800.0 million in Senior Notes due 2024, 2026 and 2029;
redeemed $1,906.3 million of Senior Notes due 2022, 2023 and 2025;
repaid $300.0 million of 5.0% Infomart Senior Notes according to their repayment terms;
issued and sold 2,985,575 shares of common stock in a public equity offering and received net proceeds of approximately $1,213.4 million, net of underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses; and
issued and sold 903,555 shares of common stock under our ATM Program, for proceeds of approximately $447.5 million, net of payment of commissions to sales agents and other offering expenses.
As of December 31, 2017,2019, we had $1,450.0$1,879.9 million of cash, cash equivalents and short-term and long-term investments, of which approximately $929.3$1,456.8 million was held in the U.S. In addition to our cash and investment portfolio, we havehad $1.9 billion of additional liquidity available to us from our $2,000.0 million Revolving Facility$2.0 billion revolving facility and the ATM program described below. On May 1, 2017, we completed the acquisition of Verizon's colocation data centers and their operations located in the United States, Brazil and Colombia for a cash purchase price of approximately $3,594.7 million. The Verizon Data Center Acquisition was funded by the borrowing of our then existing €1,000.0 million Term B-2 Loan and proceeds from the issuance of our $1,250.0 million 2027 Senior Notes and the issuance of common stock. During the three months ended March 31, 2017, we borrowed the full amount of our €1,000.0 million Term B-2 Loan (see Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K), issued $1,250.0$300.0 million of 5.375% senior notes due 2027 (see Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K) and sold 6,069,444 shares of common stock in a public offeringissuance available for net proceeds of $2,126.3 million (see Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K).sale under our ATM Program. 
In August 2017, we entered into an equity distribution agreement to sell up to $750.0 million of common stock in at the market ("ATM") offerings. For the year ended December 31, 2017, we sold 763,201 shares for approximately $355.1 million, net of payment of commissions to the sales agents and estimated equity offering costs under the ATM program.
In September 2017, we issued €1,000.0 million 2025 Euro Senior Notes and redeemed the entire $500.0 million principal amount of our 4.875% Senior Notes due 2020. In December 2017, we issued €1,000.0 million 2026 Euro Senior Notes and entered into a credit agreement with a group of lenders for a $3,000.0 million Senior Credit Facility, comprised of a $2,000.0 million Revolving Facility and approximately a $1,000.0 million Term Loan Facility. We borrowed £500.0 million and SEK 2,800.0 million under the Term Loan Facility on December 12, 2017, or approximately $997.1 million at the exchange rate in effect on that date. Using the proceeds borrowed from the Term Loan Facility and the €1,000.0 million 2026 Euro Senior Notes and cash on hand, we terminated and repaid in full amounts outstanding under the 2014 Senior Credit Facility.
As of December 31, 2017, we had 41 irrevocable letters of credit totaling $62.6 million issued and outstanding under the Revolving Facility; as a result of these letters of credit, we had a total of approximately $1,937.4 million of additional liquidity available to us under the Revolving Facility. Besides any further financing activity we may pursue, customer collections are our primary source of cash. While we believe we have a strong customer base, and have continued to experience relatively strong collections, if the current market conditions were to deteriorate, some of our customers may have difficulty paying us and we may experience increased churn in our customer base, including reductions in their commitments to us, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity. Additionally, we may pursue additional expansion opportunities, primarily the build out of new IBX data centers, in certain of our existing markets which are at or near capacity within the next year, as well as potential acquisitions.acquisitions and joint ventures. While we expect to fund these plans with our existing resources, additional financing, either debt or equity, may be required, and if current market conditions were to deteriorate, we

may be unable to secure additional financing, or any such additional financing may only be available to us on unfavorable terms. An inability to pursue additional expansion opportunities will have a material adverse effect on our ability to maintain our desired level of revenue growth in future periods.
We completed our conversion to a REIT in 2014 and began operating as a REIT effective January 1, 2015. As a result of our conversion to a REIT, we made special distributions to our stockholders in 2015 and 2014. The distributions were payable in common stock or cash at the election of our stockholders, with the cash portion of the distributions subject to certain maximum amounts. As a result of the special distributions, we paid a total of $125.5 million in 2015 and $83.3 million in 2014 and distributed 1.7 million and 1.5 million shares of common stock in 2015 and 2014, respectively. Also as a result of our conversion to a REIT, we began paying quarterly dividends in 2015. We paid an aggregate of $621.5 million and $499.5 million of quarterly cash dividends during 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $521.5 million of quarterly cash dividends and special distribution during 2015.

Sources and Uses of Cash
Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2017 2016 20152019 2018
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Net cash provided by operating activities$1,439,233
 $1,019,353
 $894,823
$1,992,728
 $1,815,426
Net cash used in investing activities(5,400,826) (2,045,668) (637,797)(1,944,567) (3,075,528)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities4,607,860
 (897,065) 1,873,152
Net cash provided by financing activities1,202,082
 470,912
Operating Activities
Our cash provided by our operations is generated by colocation, interconnection, managed infrastructure and other revenues. Our primary useuses of cash from our operating activities include compensation and related costs, interest payments, other general corporate expenditures and taxes. The increase in net cash provided by operating activities during 20172019 compared to 20162018 was primarily due to improved operating results combined with incrementalthe inclusion of full year operating cash provided byresults of the Verizon Data Center Acquisitionacquisitions of Infomart Dallas and other acquisitionsMetronode closed in 2017,April 2018, offset by timing of collections on our receivables and increases in cash paid for cost of revenues, operating expenses, interest expense and income taxes. The increase in net cash provided by operating activities during 2016 compared to 2015 was primarily due to improved operating results combined with incremental operating cash provided by the acquisition of TelecityGroup in January 2016 and inclusion of full year operating results of Bit-isle.
Investing Activities
The increasedecrease in net cash used in investing activities during 20172019 compared to 20162018 was primarily due to the increasedecrease in spending for business acquisitions of approximately of $2,196.7$795.5 million, primarily relateddue to the Verizon Data Center Acquisition, a decreaseMetronode and Infomart Dallas acquisitions in 2018 combined with an increase in proceeds from asset sales of $803.8approximately $346.6 million, $265.4 million of higher capital expenditures and $67.0 million of higher purchases of real estate, primarily as a result of expansion activity. The increase in net cash used in investing activities during 2016 compared to 2015 was primarily due to the increasesale of xScale data center facilities in spending forconnection with the acquisitionsclosing of TelecityGroup and the Paris IBX Data Center of $1,521.4 million, net of cash acquired, over prior year acquisition spending, a decrease in sales and maturities of investments, net of purchases, of $503.3 million and $245.2 million of higher capital expenditures, primarily a result of expansion activity. This was partially offset by proceeds from sales of assets of $851.6 million, net of cash transferred.Joint Venture.
During 2018,2020, we expect to complete the acquisitions of Metronode and the Infomart Dallas. We also anticipate our IBX expansion construction activity will increase from our 20172019 levels. If the opportunity to expand is greater than planned and we have sufficient funding to pursue such expansion opportunities, we may further increase the level of capital expendituresexpenditure to support this growth as well as pursue additional business acquisitions, propertyand real estate acquisitions or joint ventures.
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities during 20172019 was primarily due to (i) borrowingsto:
the issuance of $2,800.0 million in Senior Notes due 2024, 2026 and 2029;
the sale and issuance of 2,985,575 shares of common stock in a public equity offering and receipt of net proceeds of approximately $1,213.4 million, net of underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses;
the sale of 903,555 shares under our €1,000.0ATM Program, for net proceeds of $447.5 million; and
proceeds from employee awards of $52.0 million.
The proceeds were partially offset by:
the redemption of $1,906.3 million Term B-2 Loan,in Senior Notes due 2022, 2023 and 2025;
the repayment of $300.0 million of 5.0% Infomart Senior Notes according to the repayment terms;
dividend distributions of $836.2 million;
repayments of capital lease and other financing obligations totaling $126.5 million;
repayments of mortgage and loans payable totaling $73.2 million;
payments of debt extinguishment costs of $43.3 million, primarily related to redemption premium paid related to the redemption of Senior Notes due 2022, 2023 and 2025; and
payments of debt issuance costs of $23.3 million.

Net cash provided by financing activities during 2018 was primarily due to:
the issuance of €750.0 million 2.875% Euro Senior Notes due 2024, or approximately $1,059.8$929.9 million in U.S. dollars, at the exchange rate in effect on January 6, 2017, (ii)March 14, 2018;
borrowing of the issuanceJPY Term Loan of $1,250.0 million 2027 Senior Notes, (iii) the issuance of €1,000.0 million 2025 Euro Senior Notes,¥47.5 billion, or approximately $1,199.7$424.7 million at the exchange rate effective on September 20, 2017, (iv) the issuance of €1,000.0 million 2026 Euro Senior Notes, approximately $1,179.0 million at the exchange rate on December 12, 2017, (v) borrowings under our Term Loan Facility of approximately $997.1 million on December 12, 2017, at the exchange rate in effect on that day, (vi) July 31, 2018;
the sale of common stock930,934 shares under our ATM Program, for net proceeds of $2,481.4 million$388.2 million; and (vii)
proceeds from employee awards of $41.7 million,$50.1 million.
The proceeds were partially offset by (i) repayment of the entire $500.0 million principal amount of our 4.875% Senior Notes due 2020 (ii) repayment in full of amounts outstanding under the 2014 Senior Credit Facility of approximately $2,207.7 million in total at the exchange rate on December 12, 2017, (iii) by:
dividend distributions of $621.5 million, (iv) $738.6 million;
repayments of capital lease and other financing obligations of $93.5 million and (v) debt issuance costs of $81.0 million. Net cash used in financing activities during 2016 was primarily due to (i) $1,462.9 million repayment of loans payable including repayment of loans assumed in the TelecityGroup acquisition, bridge term loan and revolving credit facility, (ii) $114.4 million repayment of capital lease and other financing obligations and (iii) $499.5 million payment of dividends, partially offset by (iv) $1,168.3 million of proceeds from loans payable including proceeds from our Term Loan B and Japanese Yen Term Loan. Net cash provided by financing activities during 2015 was primarily due to (i) $1,100.0 million of gross proceeds from the senior notes offering in December 2015, (ii) $829.5 million of net proceeds from our public offering of common stock in November 2015, (iii) $1,197.1 million of proceeds from loans payable including proceeds from our term loan modification, our bridge term loan and our revolving credit facility, partially offset by (iv) $715.3 million repayment$103.8 million;
repayments of mortgage and loans payable including repayment of $171.2$447.5 million, primarily related to the prepayment of loans assumed in the Bit-isle acquisition and repayment of $544.1 million of U.S. dollar-denominated term loan and other mortgage and loan payments, (v) $396.0 million of quarterly dividend distributions and (vi) $125.5 million of special distributions. Going forward, we expect that our financing activities will consist primarily of repayment and refinancing

remaining principal of our existing Japanese Yen Term Loan;
payments of debt and additional financings needed to support expansion opportunities, additional acquisitions or joint ventures, and the paymentextinguishment costs of our regular cash dividends.$20.6 million; and
Debt Obligations
Debt Facilities
We have various debt obligations with maturity dates ranging from 2018 to 2027 under which a total principal balance of $8,470.3 million remained outstanding (grosspayments of debt issuance cost and discounts) ascosts of December 31, 2017. For further information on debt obligations, see "Debt Facilities" in Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Capital Lease and Other Financing Obligations
We have numerous capital lease and other financing obligations with maturity dates ranging from 2018 to 2053 under which a total principal balance of $1,699.0 million remained outstanding as of December��31, 2017 with a weighted average effective interest rate of 7.86%. For further information on our capital leases and other financing obligations, see "Capital Lease and Other Financing Obligations" in Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.$12.2 million.
Contractual Obligations and Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements
We lease a majority of our IBX data centers and certain equipment under non-cancelablelong-term lease agreements expiring through 2065.agreements. The following represents our debt maturities, financings, leases and other contractual commitments as of December 31, 20172019 (in thousands):
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Thereafter Total2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Thereafter Total
Term loans and other loans payable (1)
$77,603
 $77,654
 $1,180,017
 $6,683
 $6,214
 $23,715
 $1,371,886
Senior notes (1)
$
 $
 $
 $
 $750,000
 $6,252,000
 $7,002,000
643,711
 150,000
 
 
 1,841,500
 6,394,000
 9,029,211
Term loans and other loans
payable (1)
64,472
 77,309
 77,237
 387,762
 857,402
 4,093
 1,468,275
Interest (2)
342,886
 353,152
 351,897
 349,754
 323,925
 852,118
 2,573,732
359,383
 333,710
 327,222
 303,722
 291,496
 574,633
 2,190,166
Capital lease and other financing obligations (3)
201,910
 182,262
 182,085
 182,050
 182,379
 1,687,514
 2,618,200
Finance leases (3)
173,994
 176,357
 176,992
 178,289
 177,338
 1,739,235
 2,622,205
Operating leases (4)(3)
176,789
 164,711
 154,329
 144,706
 140,451
 1,132,964
 1,913,950
193,663
 191,954
 183,908
 168,353
 156,502
 1,106,944
 2,001,324
Other contractual commitments (5)(4)
823,764
 69,466
 20,965
 17,929
 18,621
 201,043
 1,151,788
1,133,948
 256,508
 51,137
 33,587
 30,267
 277,739
 1,783,186
Asset retirement obligations (6)(5)
1,716
 12,357
 6,741
 3,516
 11,794
 62,415
 98,539
2,081
 4,667
 12,365
 5,442
 6,978
 70,882
 102,415
$1,611,537
 $859,257
 $793,254
 $1,085,717
 $2,284,572
 $10,192,147
 $16,826,484
$2,584,383
 $1,190,850
 $1,931,641
 $696,076
 $2,510,295
 $10,187,148
 $19,100,393
_________________________
(1)
Represents principal of senior notes, term loans and other loans payable, as well as premium only.on mortgage payable.
(2)
Represents interest on mortgage payable, senior notes, term loan facilities and other loans payable based on their approximate interest rates as of December 31, 2017,2019, as well as the credit facility fee for the revolving credit facility.
(3)
Represents principallease payments under finance and interest.operating lease arrangements, including renewal options that are certain to be exercised.
(4)
Represents minimum operating lease payments, excluding potential lease renewals.
(5)Represents unaccrued contractual commitments. Other contractual commitments are described below.
(6)
(5)
Represents liability, net of future accretion expense.
In connection with certain of our leases and other contracts requiring deposits, we entered into 41 irrevocable letters of credit totaling $62.6$84.0 million under the revolving credit facility. These letters of credit were provided in lieu of cash deposits. If the landlords for these IBX leases decide to draw down on these letters of credit triggered by an event of default under the lease, we will be required to fund these letters of credit either through cash collateral or borrowing under the revolving credit facility. These contingent commitments are not reflected in the table above.
We had accrued liabilities related to uncertain tax positions totaling approximately $57.5$132.2 million as of December 31, 2017.2019. These liabilities, which are reflected on our balance sheet, are not reflected in the table above since it is unclear when these liabilities will be paid.
Primarily as a result of our various IBX data center expansion projects, as of December 31, 2017,2019, we were contractually committed for $508.2$795.0 million of unaccrued capital expenditures, primarily for IBX equipment not yet delivered and labor not

yet provided in connection with the work necessary to complete construction and open these IBX data centers prior to making them available to customers

for installation. This amount, which is expected to be paid during 20182020 and thereafter, is reflected in the table above as "other contractual commitments."
We had other non-capital purchase commitments in place as of December 31, 2017,2019, such as commitments to purchase power in select locations and other open purchase orders, which contractually bind us for goods, services or servicesarrangements to be delivered or provided during 20182020 and beyond. Such other purchase commitments as of December 31, 2017,2019, which total $643.6$988.2 million, are also reflected in the table above as "other contractual commitments."
OnIn connection with the Joint Venture which closed in October 13, 2017,2019, we entered into an agreementagreed to purchase certain real property in Sydney, Australia, for a purchase pricemake future equity contributions to the Joint Venture of A$110.0€17.6 million and £15.7 million, or approximately $86.7$40.6 million subject to certain closing conditions, which is not reflected in the table above. We expect to close this transaction in 2018.
In December 2017, we entered into a transaction agreement to acquire the Metronode group of companies, for a cash purchase price of A$1.035 billion, or approximately $791.2 milliontotal at the exchange rate in effect on December 15, 2017. The transaction is expected31, 2019, to close infund the first half of 2018, subject to certain closing conditions,Joint Venture’s future development over the next 3 years, which isare not reflected in the table above.
Additionally, we entered into lease agreements with various landlords primarily for data center spaces and ground leases which have not yet commenced as of December 31, 2019. These leases will commence between fiscal years 2020 and 2022, with lease terms of 10 to 49 years and total lease commitments of approximately $608.1 million, which are not reflected in the table above.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Overview
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Equinix provides a global, vendor-neutral data center, interconnection and edge services platform with offerings that aim to enable our customers to reach everywhere, interconnect everyone and integrate everything. Global enterprises, service providers and business ecosystems of industry partners rely on Equinix IBX data centers and expertise around the world for the safe housing of their critical IT equipment and to protect and connect the world's most valued information assets. They also look to Platform Equinix® for the ability to directly and securely interconnect

to the networks, clouds and content that enable today's information-driven global digital economy. Recent Equinix IBX data center openings and acquisitions, as well as xScale data center investments, have expanded our total global footprint to 210 IBX and xScale data centers across 55 markets around the world. Equinix offers the following solutions:
premium data center colocation;
interconnection and data exchange solutions;
edge services for deploying networking, security and hardware; and
remote expert support and professional services.
Our interconnected data centers around the world allow our customers to increase information and application delivery performance to users, and quickly access distributed IT infrastructures and business and digital ecosystems, while significantly reducing costs. The Equinix global platform and the quality of our IBX data centers, interconnection offerings and edge services have enabled us to establish a critical mass of customers. As more customers choose Platform Equinix, for bandwidth cost and performance reasons it benefits their suppliers and business partners to colocate in the same data centers. This adjacency creates a “network effect” that enables our customers to capture the full economic and performance benefits of our offerings. These partners, in turn, pull in their business partners, creating a "marketplace" for their services. Our global platform enables scalable, reliable and cost-effective interconnection that increases data traffic exchange while lowering overall cost and increasing flexibility. Our focused business model is built on our critical mass of enterprise and service provider customers and the resulting "marketplace" effect. This global platform, combined with our strong financial position, continues to drive new customer growth and bookings.
Historically, our market was served by large telecommunications carriers who have bundled their products and services with their colocation offerings. The data center market landscape has evolved to include private and vendor-neutral multitenant data center providers, hyperscale cloud providers, managed infrastructure and application hosting providers, and systems integrators. It is estimated that Equinix is one of more than 1,200 companies that provide MTDC offerings around the world. Each of these data center solutions providers can bundle various colocation, interconnection and network offerings and outsourced IT infrastructure solutions. We are able to offer our customers a global platform that reaches 26 countries with the industry’s largest and most active ecosystem of partners in our sites, proven operational reliability, improved application performance and a highly scalable set of offerings.
The cabinet utilization rate represents the percentage of cabinet space billed versus total cabinet capacity, which is used to measure how efficiently we are managing our cabinet capacity. Our cabinet utilization rate varies from market to market among our IBX data centers across the Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific regions. Our cabinet utilization rates were approximately 79% and 81%, respectively, as of December 31, 2019 and 2018. Excluding the impact of our IBX data center expansion projects that have opened during the last 12 months, our cabinet utilization rate would have increased to approximately 82% as of December 31, 2019. We continue to monitor the available capacity in each of our selected markets. To the extent we have limited capacity available in a given market, it may limit our ability for growth in that market. We perform demand studies on an ongoing basis to determine if future expansion is warranted in a market. In addition, power and cooling requirements for most customers are growing on a per unit basis. As a result, customers are consuming an increasing amount of power per cabinet. Although we generally do not control the amount of power our customers draw from installed circuits, we have negotiated power consumption limitations with certain high power-demand customers. This increased power consumption has driven us to build out our new IBX data centers to support power and cooling needs twice that of previous IBX data centers. We could face power limitations in our IBX data centers, even though we may have additional physical cabinet capacity available within a specific IBX data center. This could have a negative impact on the available utilization capacity of a given IBX data center, which could have a negative impact on our ability to grow revenues, affecting our financial performance, operating results and cash flows.
In 2019, we closed our Joint Venture with GIC to develop and operate xScale data centers to serve the needs of the growing hyperscale data center market, including the world's largest cloud service providers. Upon closing, the Joint Venture acquired certain data center facilities in Europe, with the opportunity to add additional facilities to the Joint Venture in the future.
Strategically, we will continue to look at attractive opportunities to grow our market share and selectively improve our footprint and offerings. As was the case with our recent expansions and acquisitions, our expansion criteria will be dependent on a number of factors, including but not limited to demand from new and existing customers, quality of the design, power capacity, access to networks, clouds and software partners, capacity availability in the current market location, amount of incremental investment required by us in the targeted property, automation capabilities, developer

talent pool, lead-time to break even on a free cash flow basis and in-place customers. Like our recent expansions and acquisitions, the right combination of these factors may be attractive to us. Depending on the circumstances, these transactions may require additional capital expenditures funded by upfront cash payments or through long-term financing arrangements in order to bring these properties up to Equinix standards. Property expansion may be in the form of purchases of real property, long-term leasing arrangements or acquisitions. Future purchases, construction or acquisitions may be completed by us or with partners or potential customers to minimize the outlay of cash, which can be significant.
Revenue:
picture2recurringa04.jpg
Our business is based on a recurring revenue model comprised of colocation and related interconnection and managed infrastructure offerings. We consider these offerings recurring because our customers are generally billed on a fixed and recurring basis each month for the duration of their contract, which is generally one to three years in length. Our recurring revenues have comprised more than 90% of our total revenues during the past three years. In addition, during the past three years, more than 80% of our monthly recurring revenue bookings came from existing customers, contributing to our revenue growth. Our largest customer accounted for approximately 3% of our recurring revenues for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017. Our 50 largest customers accounted for approximately 39%, 38% and 37%, respectively, of our recurring revenues for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.
Our non-recurring revenues are primarily comprised of installation services related to a customer's initial deployment and professional services we perform. These services are considered to be non-recurring because they are billed typically once, upon completion of the installation or the professional services work performed. The majority of these non-recurring revenues are typically billed on the first invoice distributed to the customer in connection with their initial installation. However, revenues from installation services are deferred and recognized ratably over the period of the contract term. Additionally, revenue from contract settlements, when a customer wishes to terminate their contract early, is generally treated as a contract modification and recognized ratably over the remaining term of the contract, if any. As a percentage of total revenues, we expect non-recurring revenues to represent less than 10% of total revenues for the foreseeable future.
Operating Expenses:
Cost of Revenues. The largest components of our cost of revenues are depreciation, rental payments related to our leased IBX data centers, utility costs, including electricity, bandwidth access, IBX data center employees' salaries and benefits, including stock-based compensation, repairs and maintenance, supplies and equipment and security. A majority of our cost of revenues is fixed in nature and should not vary significantly from period to period, unless we expand our existing IBX data centers or open or acquire new IBX data centers. However, there are certain costs that are considered more variable in nature, including utilities and supplies that are directly related to growth in our existing and new customer base. We expect the cost of our utilities, specifically electricity, will generally increase in the future on a per-unit or fixed basis, in addition to the variable increase related to the growth in consumption by our customers. In addition, the cost of electricity is generally higher in the summer months, as compared to other times of the year. To the extent we incur increased utility costs, such increased costs could materially impact our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Furthermore, to the extent we incur increased electricity or other costs as a result of either climate change policies or the physical effects of climate change, such increased costs could materially impact our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. 

Sales and Marketing. Our sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of compensation and related costs for sales and marketing personnel, including stock-based compensation, amortization of contract costs, marketing programs, public relations, promotional materials and travel, as well as bad debt expense and amortization of customer relationship intangible assets.
General and Administrative. Our general and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries and related expenses, including stock-based compensation, accounting, legal and other professional service fees, and other general corporate expenses, such as our corporate regional headquarters office leases and some depreciation expense on back office systems.
Taxation as a REIT
We elected to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes beginning with our 2015 taxable year. As of December 31, 2019, our REIT structure included all of our data center operations in the U.S., Canada, Japan, Singapore and the data center operations in EMEA with the exception of Bulgaria, the United Arab Emirates, and the data center operations outside Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Our data center operations in other jurisdictions are operated as TRSs. We included our interest in the Joint Venture in our REIT structure.
As a REIT, we generally are permitted to deduct from our U.S. taxable income the dividends we pay to our stockholders. The income represented by such dividends is not subject to U.S. federal income taxes at the entity level but is taxed, if at all, at the stockholder level. Nevertheless, the income of our TRSs which hold our U.S. operations that may not be REIT compliant is subject to U.S. corporate federal and state income taxes, as applicable. Likewise, our foreign subsidiaries continue to be subject to foreign income taxes in jurisdictions in which they hold assets or conduct operations, regardless of whether held or conducted through TRSs or through QRSs. We are also subject to a separate U.S. federal corporate income tax on any gain recognized from a sale of a REIT asset where our basis in the asset is determined by reference to the basis of the asset in the hands of a C corporation (such as an asset held by us or a QRS following the liquidation or other conversion of a former TRS). This built-in-gains tax is generally applicable to any disposition of such an asset during the five-year period after the date we first owned the asset as a REIT asset to the extent of the built-in-gain based on the fair market value of such asset on the date we first held the asset as a REIT asset. If we fail to remain qualified for U.S. federal income taxation as a REIT, we will be subject to U.S. federal income taxes at regular corporate income tax rates. Even if we remain qualified for U.S. federal income taxation as a REIT, we may be subject to some federal, state, local and foreign taxes on our income and property in addition to taxes owed with respect to our TRSs' operations. In particular, while state income tax regimes often parallel the U.S. federal income tax regime for REITs, many states do not completely follow federal rules, and some may not follow them at all.
We continue to monitor our REIT compliance in order to maintain our qualification for U.S. federal income taxation as a REIT. For this and other reasons, as necessary, we may convert some of our data center operations in other countries into the REIT structure in future periods. We converted our data center operations in Singapore into the REIT structure effective September 30, 2019.
On each of March 20, June 19, September 18, and December 11, 2019, we paid quarterly cash dividends of $2.46 per share. We expect these quarterly and other applicable distributions to equal or exceed the REIT taxable income that we recognized in 2019.
2019 Highlights:
In March, we issued and sold 2,985,575 shares of common stock for net proceeds of approximately $1,213.4 million, after underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses. See Note 12 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
In April, we completed the acquisition of Switch Datacenters' AMS1 data center business in Amsterdam, Netherlands (the "AM11 data center"), for a cash purchase price of approximately €30.6 million, or approximately $34.3 million. See Note 3 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
In October, we closed our Joint Venture with GIC to develop and operate xScale data centers in Europe. Upon closing, we sold certain data center facilities in Europe to the Joint Venture. See Note 5 and Note 6 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
In November, we issued $2.8 billion in Senior Notes due 2024, 2026 and 2029 with a weighted average interest rate of 2.93% and redeemed $1.9 billion in Senior Notes due 2022, 2023 and 2025 with a weighted average interest rate of 5.47% in November and December 2019. See Note 11 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.

By the end of December, we had sold 903,555 shares of our common stock for approximately $447.7 million in proceeds, net of payment of commissions and other offering expenses, under our current ATM program. See Note 12 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Results of Operations
Our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 include the results of operations from the acquisition of the AM11 data center from April 18, 2019 within the EMEA region. Our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2018 include the results of operations from the acquisition of Metronode from April 18, 2018 within the Asia-Pacific region and the acquisition of Infomart Dallas from April 2, 2018 within the Americas region.
Our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 reflect the adoption of Topic 842, Leases, while the comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the lease accounting standard in effect for those periods. See Note 1 within the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.
In order to provide a framework for assessing our performance excluding the impact of foreign currency fluctuations, we supplement the year-over-year actual change in operating results with comparative changes on a constant currency basis. Presenting constant currency results of operations is a non-GAAP financial measure. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for further discussion.
Years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018
Revenues.    Our revenues for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were generated from the following revenue classifications and geographic regions (dollars in thousands):
 Years Ended December 31, % Change
 2019 % 2018 % Actual Constant Currency
Americas:           
Recurring revenues$2,456,368
 44% $2,357,326
 46% 4% 5%
Non-recurring revenues131,359
 3% 127,408
 3% 3% 4%
 2,587,727
 47% 2,484,734
 49% 4% 5%
EMEA:           
Recurring revenues1,680,746
 30% 1,467,492
 29% 15% 12%
Non-recurring revenues125,698
 2% 95,145
 2% 32% 39%
 1,806,444
 32% 1,562,637
 31% 16% 14%
Asia-Pacific:           
Recurring revenues1,101,072
 20% 951,684
 19% 16% 17%
Non-recurring revenues66,897
 1% 72,599
 1% (8)% (6)%
 1,167,969
 21% 1,024,283
 20% 14% 16%
Total:           
Recurring revenues5,238,186
 94% 4,776,502
 94% 10% 10%
Non-recurring revenues323,954
 6% 295,152
 6% 10% 13%
 $5,562,140
 100% $5,071,654
 100% 10% 10%

Revenues
(dollars in thousands)
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Americas Revenues.During the year ended December 31, 2019, Americas revenue increased by 4% (5% on a constant currency basis). Growth in Americas revenues was primarily due to:
approximately $10.6 million of incremental revenues from the Infomart Dallas acquisition;
$52.6 million of incremental revenues generated from our recently-opened IBX data centers or IBX data center expansions; and
an increase in orders from both our existing customers and new customers during the period.
EMEA Revenues.During the year ended December 31, 2019, EMEA revenue increased by 16% (14% on a constant currency basis). Growth in EMEA revenues was primarily due to:
approximately $76.0 million of incremental revenues generated from our recently-opened IBX data centers or IBX data center expansions;
an increase in orders from both our existing customers and new customers during the period; and
a net increase of $110.6 million of realized cash flow hedge gains from foreign currency forward contracts.
Asia-Pacific Revenues.  During the year ended December 31, 2019, Asia-Pacific revenue increased by 14% (16% on a constant currency basis). Growth in Asia-Pacific revenue was primarily due to:
approximately $16.6 million of incremental revenues from the Metronode acquisition;
approximately $35.4 million of incremental revenues generated from our recently-opened IBX data centers or IBX data center expansions; and
an increase in orders from both our existing customers and new customers during the period.

Cost of Revenues.  Our cost of revenues for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were split among the following geographic regions (dollars in thousands):
 Years Ended December 31, % Change
 2019 % 2018 % Actual Constant Currency
Americas$1,146,639
 41% $1,113,854
 43% 3% 4%
EMEA1,017,580
 36% 916,751
 35% 11% 12%
Asia-Pacific645,965
 23% 574,870
 22% 12% 14%
Total$2,810,184
 100% $2,605,475
 100% 8% 9%
Cost of Revenues
(dollars in thousands; percentages indicate expenses as a percentage of revenues)
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Americas Cost of Revenues. During the year ended December 31, 2019, Americas cost of revenues increased by 3% (4% on a constant currency basis). The increase in our Americas cost of revenues was primarily due to:
$11.3 million of higher utilities costs driven by IBX data center expansions, increased utility usage and utility price increases;
$10.0 million of higher bandwidth costs in support of our business growth;
approximately $9.9 million of incremental cost of revenues from the Infomart Dallas acquisition;
$8.6 million of higher compensation costs, including salaries, bonuses, and stock-based compensation; and
$7.2 million of higher depreciation expense primarily due to IBX expansion activity.
This increase was partially offset by:
$8.9 million of reduced property tax expenses, primarily due to accrual releases based on tax appeal settlements; and
$6.9 million of reduced office expenses.
EMEA Cost of Revenues. During the year ended December 31, 2019, EMEA cost of revenues increased by 11% (12% on a constant currency basis). The increase in our EMEA cost of revenues was primarily due to:
a net increase of $40.6 million of realized cash flow hedge losses from foreign currency forward contracts;
$30.5 million of higher utilities costs driven by increased utility usage to support IBX data center expansions and utility price increases, primarily in Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom;
$21.3 million of higher costs from increased equipment resale activities, primarily in Germany and the United Kingdom;

$7.9 million of higher depreciation expenses driven by IBX data center expansions in London, Frankfurt and Amsterdam; and
$7.2 million of higher compensation costs, including salaries, bonuses, stock-based compensation and headcount growth.
This increase was partially offset by:
$5.9 million of reduced outside services consulting expenses.
Asia-Pacific Cost of Revenues. During the year ended December 31, 2019, Asia-Pacific cost of revenues increased by 12% (14% on a constant currency basis). The increase in our Asia-Pacific cost of revenues was primarily due to:
$45.3 million of higher rent and facility costs and utilities costs, primarily driven by expansions and higher utility usage in Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia and Japan;
$20.5 million of higher depreciation expense, primarily from IBX data center expansions in Singapore, Japan, Australia and Hong Kong;
approximately $11.2 million of incremental cost of revenues from the Metronode acquisition; and
$4.3 million of higher outside services consulting expenses.
This increase was partially offset by:
$12.8 million of reduced costs due to lower equipment resale activities in the current period as compared to the prior year.
We expect Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific cost of revenues to increase as we continue to grow our business, including from the impact of acquisitions.

Sales and Marketing Expenses. Our sales and marketing expenses for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were split among the following geographic regions (dollars in thousands):
 Years ended December 31, % Change
 2019 % 2018 % Actual Constant Currency
Americas$401,034
 62% $391,386
 62% 2% 3%
EMEA157,718
 24% 152,336
 24% 4% 4%
Asia-Pacific92,294
 14% 89,980
 14% 3% 4%
Total$651,046
 100% $633,702
 100% 3% 3%
Sales and Marketing Expenses
(dollars in thousands; percentages indicate expenses as a percentage of revenues)
chart-4730da5ea2461254fe8a10.jpgchart-19acd3833e9a535bd25.jpgchart-1ab5299358b1247cc44.jpg
Americas Sales and Marketing ExpensesDuring the year ended December 31, 2019, Americas sales and marketing expenses increased by 2% (3% on a constant currency basis). The increase in our Americas sales and marketing expenses was primarily due to:
$7.4 million of higher compensation costs, including sales compensation, salaries and stock-based compensation and headcount growth; and 
$3.7 million of higher travel and entertainment expenses.
EMEA Sales and Marketing Expenses.During the year ended December 31, 2019, EMEA sales and marketing increased by 4% (and also 4% on a constant currency basis). The increase in our EMEA sales and marketing expenses was primarily due to:
a net increase of $7.2 million of realized cash flow hedge losses from foreign currency forward contracts; and
$5.6 million increase in compensation costs, including sales compensation, salaries and stock-based compensation and headcount growth.
This increase was partially offset by:
$6.2 million of reduced amortization expense driven by certain intangibles being fully amortized in the current year.
Asia-Pacific Sales and Marketing Expenses. Our Asia-Pacific sales and marketing expense did not materially change during the year ended December 31, 2019 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018.

We anticipate that we will continue to invest in Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific sales and marketing initiatives and expect our Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific sales and marketing expenses to increase as we grow our business. Additionally, given that certain global sales and marketing functions are located within the U.S., we expect Americas sales and marketing expenses as a percentage of revenues to be higher than our other regions.
General and Administrative Expenses. Our general and administrative expenses for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were split among the following geographic regions (dollars in thousands):
 Years Ended December 31, % Change
 2019 % 2018 % Actual Constant Currency
Americas$641,261
 69% $554,169
 67% 16% 16%
EMEA198,892
 21% 184,364
 22% 8% 7%
Asia-Pacific94,865
 10% 88,161
 11% 8% 9%
Total$935,018
 100% $826,694
 100% 13% 13%
General and Administrative Expenses
(dollars in thousands; percentages indicate expenses as a percentage of revenues)
chart-d3d53fe487ab82a37b5a10.jpgchart-8ac9e8a17a8d84c9137a10.jpgchart-c6e634df44924576fdaa10.jpg
Americas General and Administrative Expenses. During the year ended December 31, 2019, Americas general and administrative expenses increased by 16% (and also 16% on a constant currency basis). The increase in our Americas general and administrative expenses was primarily due to:
$51.1 million of higher compensation costs, including salaries, bonuses, stock-based compensation, and headcount growth;
$22.3 million of higher depreciation expense associated with the implementation of certain systems to support the integration and growth of our business; and
$10.7 million of higher consulting expenses in support of our business growth.
EMEA General and Administrative Expenses. During the year ended December 31, 2019, EMEA general and administrative expenses increased by 8% (7% on a constant currency basis). The increase in our EMEA general and administrative expenses was primarily due to:
a net increase of $8.8 million of realized cash flow hedge losses from foreign currency forward contracts; and
$3.9 million of higher compensation costs, including salaries, bonuses, stock-based compensation and headcount growth.

Asia-Pacific General and Administrative Expenses.During the year ended December 31, 2019, Asia-Pacific general and administrative expenses increased by 8% (9% on a constant currency basis). The increase in our Asia-Pacific general and administrative expense was primarily due to:
$3.8 million of higher compensation costs, including salaries, bonuses, stock-based compensation and headcount growth.
Going forward, although we are carefully monitoring our spending, we expect Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific general and administrative expenses to increase as we continue to further scale our operations to support our growth, including investments in our back office systems and investments to maintain our qualification for taxation as a REIT and to integrate recent acquisitions. Additionally, given that our corporate headquarters is located within the U.S., we expect Americas general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues to be higher than our other regions.
Transaction Costs.  During the year ended December 31, 2019, we recorded transaction costs totaling $24.8 million primarily related to costs incurred in connection with the formation of the new Joint Venture in the EMEA region. During the year ended December 31, 2018, we recorded transaction costs totaling $34.4 million, primarily in the Asia-Pacific and Americas regions, due to our acquisitions of Metronode and Infomart Dallas.
Impairment Charges.  During the year ended December 31, 2019, we recorded impairment charges totaling $15.8 million in the Americas region primarily as a result of the fair value adjustment for the New York 12 ("NY12") data center, which was classified as a held for sale asset before it was sold in October 2019. We did not have impairment charges during the year ended December 31, 2018.
Gain on Asset Sales. During the year ended December 31, 2019, we recorded a gain on asset sales of $44.3 million primarily relating to the sale of both the London 10 and Paris 8 data centers, as well as certain construction development and leases in London and Frankfurt, as part of the closing of the Joint Venture. During the year ended December 31, 2018, we recorded gain on asset sales of $6.0 million primarily relating to the sale of a data center in Frankfurt.
Income from Operations. Our income from operations for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 was split among the following geographic regions (dollars in thousands):
 Years Ended December 31, % Change
 2019 % 2018 % Actual Constant Currency
Americas$413,936
 35% $412,610
 42% —% 1%
EMEA421,786
 36% 312,163
 32% 35% 24%
Asia-Pacific333,909
 29% 252,610
 26% 32% 35%
Total$1,169,631
 100% $977,383
 100% 20% 17%
Americas Income from Operations. Our Americas income from operations did not materially change during the year ended December 31, 2019 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018.
EMEA Income from Operations. During the year ended December 31, 2019, EMEA income from operations increased by 35% (24% on a constant currency basis). The increase in our EMEA income from operations was primarily due to higher revenues as a result of our IBX data center expansion activity and organic growth, as described above, as well as lower operating expenses as a percentage of revenues.
Asia-Pacific Income from Operations. During the year ended December 31, 2019, Asia-Pacific income from operations increased by 32% (35% on a constant currency basis). The increase in our Asia-Pacific income from operations was primarily due to higher revenues as a result of our IBX data center expansion activity, acquisition and organic growth as described above, lower operating expenses as a percentage of revenues and lower transaction costs in the current period as compared to the prior year.
Interest Income. Interest income was $27.7 million and $14.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The average yield for the year ended December 31, 2019 was 1.85% versus 1.24% for the year ended December 31, 2018.
Interest Expense.  Interest expense decreased to $479.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 from $521.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, primarily attributable to the reduction in lease interest expense

due to the conversion of certain build-to-suit leases to operating leases upon the adoption of ASC 842 and the utilization of cross-currency interest rate swaps in 2019. During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, we capitalized $32.2 million and $19.9 million, respectively, of interest expense to construction in progress.
Other Income. We recorded net other income of $27.8 million and $14.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Other income is primarily comprised of foreign currency exchange gains and losses during the periods.
Loss on Debt Extinguishment. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company recorded $52.8 million of loss on debt extinguishment primarily related to the loss on debt extinguishment from the redemption of the Senior Notes due 2022, 2023 and 2025.
During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recorded $51.4 million of loss on debt extinguishment comprised of:
$17.1 million of loss on debt extinguishment as a result of amendments to leases impacting the related financing obligations;
$19.5 million of loss on debt extinguishment from the settlement of financing obligations as a result of the Infomart Dallas acquisition;
$12.6 million of loss on debt extinguishment as a result of the settlement of financing obligations for properties purchased; and
$2.2 million of loss on debt extinguishment as a result of the redemption of the Japanese Yen Term Loan.
Income Taxes. We operate as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a REIT, we are generally not subject to U.S. federal and state income taxes on our taxable income distributed to stockholders. We intend to distribute or have distributed the entire taxable income generated by the operations of our REIT and QRSs for the tax years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. As such, other than tax attributable to built-in-gains recognized and withholding taxes, no provision for U.S. federal income taxes for the REIT and QRSs has been included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.
We have made TRS elections for some of our subsidiaries in and outside the U.S. In general, a TRS may provide services that would otherwise be considered impermissible for REITs to provide and may hold assets that may not be REIT compliant.
U.S. federal income taxes for the TRS entities located in the U.S. and foreign income taxes for our foreign operations regardless of whether the foreign operations are operated as QRSs or TRSs have been accrued, as necessary, for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.
For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, we recorded $185.4 million and $67.7 million of income tax expenses, respectively. Our effective tax rates were 26.8% and 15.6%, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. The higher effective tax rate in 2019 as compared to 2018 is primarily due to a release of valuation allowance in 2018 as a result of a legal entity reorganization in our Americas region.
Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA is a key factor in how we assess the operating performance of our segments and develop regional growth strategies such as IBX data center expansion decisions. We define adjusted EBITDA as income or loss from operations excluding depreciation, amortization, accretion, stock-based compensation expense, restructuring charges, impairment charges, transaction costs and gain on asset sales. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below for more information about adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to income or loss from operations. Our adjusted EBITDA for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 was split among the following geographic regions (dollars in thousands):
 Years Ended December 31, % Change
 2019 % 2018 % Actual Constant Currency
Americas$1,237,622
 46% $1,183,831
 49% 5% 5%
EMEA827,980
 31% 698,280
 29% 19% 17%
Asia-Pacific622,125
 23% 531,129
 22% 17% 19%
Total$2,687,727
 100% $2,413,240
 100% 11% 12%

Americas Adjusted EBITDA.During the year ended December 31, 2019, Americas adjusted EBITDA increased by 5% (and also 5% on a constant currency basis). The increase in our Americas adjusted EBITDA was primarily due to higher revenues as a result of our IBX data center expansion activity, acquisition and organic growth as described above.
EMEA Adjusted EBITDA. During the year ended December 31, 2019, EMEA adjusted EBITDA increased by 19% (17% on a constant currency basis). The increase in our EMEA adjusted EBITDA was primarily due to higher revenues as a result of our IBX data center expansion activity and organic growth, as described above, as well as lower operating expenses as a percentage of revenues.
Asia-Pacific Adjusted EBITDA. During the year ended December 31, 2019, Asia-Pacific adjusted EBITDA increased by 17% (19% on a constant currency basis). The increase in our Asia-Pacific adjusted EBITDA was primarily due to higher revenues as a result of our IBX data center expansion activity, acquisition and organic growth as described above and lower operating expenses as a percentage of revenues.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We provide all information required in accordance with GAAP, but we believe that evaluating our ongoing operating results may be difficult if limited to reviewing only GAAP financial measures. Accordingly, we use non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate our operations.
Non-GAAP financial measures are not a substitute for financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. Non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation, but should be considered together with the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures and the reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures. We have presented such non-GAAP financial measures to provide investors with an additional tool to evaluate our operating results in a manner that focuses on what management believes to be our core, ongoing business operations. We believe that the inclusion of these non-GAAP financial measures provides consistency and comparability with past reports and provides a better understanding of the overall performance of the business and ability to perform in subsequent periods. We believe that if we did not provide such non-GAAP financial information, investors would not have all the necessary data to analyze Equinix effectively.
Investors should note that the non-GAAP financial measures used by us may not be the same non-GAAP financial measures, and may not be calculated in the same manner, as those of other companies. Investors should therefore exercise caution when comparing non-GAAP financial measures used by us to similarly titled non-GAAP financial measures of other companies.
Our primary non-GAAP financial measures, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted funds from operations ("AFFO"), exclude depreciation expense as these charges primarily relate to the initial construction costs of our IBX data centers and do not reflect our current or future cash spending levels to support our business. Our IBX data centers are long-lived assets and have an economic life greater than 10 years. The construction costs of an IBX data center do not recur with respect to such data center, although we may incur initial construction costs in future periods with respect to additional IBX data centers, and future capital expenditures remain minor relative to our initial investment. This is a trend we expect to continue. In addition, depreciation is also based on the estimated useful lives of our IBX data centers. These estimates could vary from actual performance of the asset, are based on historical costs incurred to build out our IBX data centers and are not indicative of current or expected future capital expenditures. Therefore, we exclude depreciation from our operating results when evaluating our operations.

In addition, in presenting adjusted EBITDA and AFFO, we exclude amortization expense related to acquired intangible assets. Amortization expense is significantly affected by the timing and magnitude of our acquisitions and these charges may vary in amount from period to period. We exclude amortization expense to facilitate a more meaningful evaluation of our current operating performance and comparisons to our prior periods. We exclude accretion expense, both as it relates to asset retirement obligations as well as accrued restructuring charge liabilities, as these expenses represent costs which we believe are not meaningful in evaluating our current operations. We exclude stock-based compensation expense, as it can vary significantly from period to period based on share price, the timing, size and nature of equity awards. As such, we, and many investors and analysts, exclude stock-based compensation expense to compare our operating results with those of other companies. We also exclude restructuring charges. The restructuring charges relate to our decisions to exit leases for excess space adjacent to several of our IBX data centers, which we did not intend to build out, or our decision to reverse such restructuring charges. We also exclude impairment charges related to certain long-lived assets. The impairment charges are related to expense recognized whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of long-lived assets are not recoverable. We also exclude gain or loss on asset sales as it represents profit or loss that is not meaningful in evaluating the current or future operating performance. Finally, we exclude transaction costs from AFFO and adjusted EBITDA to allow more comparable comparisons of our financial results to our historical operations. The transaction costs relate to costs we incur in connection with business combinations and the formation of joint ventures, including advisory, legal, accounting, valuation, and other professional or consulting fees. Such charges generally are not relevant to assessing the long-term performance of the company. In addition, the frequency and amount of such charges vary significantly based on the size and timing of the transactions. Management believes items such as restructuring charges, impairment charges, gain or loss on asset sales and transaction costs are non-core transactions; however, these types of costs may occur in future periods.
Adjusted EBITDA
We define adjusted EBITDA as income from operations excluding depreciation, amortization, accretion, stock-based compensation expense, restructuring charges, impairment charges, transaction costs, and gain on asset sales as presented below (in thousands):
 Years Ended December 31,
 2019 2018 2017
Income from operations$1,169,631
 $977,383
 $809,014
Depreciation, amortization, and accretion expense1,285,296
 1,226,741
 1,028,892
Stock-based compensation expense236,539
 180,716
 175,500
Transaction costs24,781
 34,413
 38,635
Impairment charges15,790
 
 
Gain on asset sales(44,310) (6,013) 
Adjusted EBITDA$2,687,727
 $2,413,240
 $2,052,041
Our adjusted EBITDA results have improved each year and in each region in total dollars due to the improved operating results discussed earlier in "Results of Operations", as well as the nature of our business model consisting of a recurring revenue stream and a cost structure which has a large base that is fixed in nature also discussed earlier in "Overview".
Funds from Operations ("FFO") and AFFO
We use FFO and AFFO, which are non-GAAP financial measures commonly used in the REIT industry. FFO is calculated in accordance with the standards established by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts. FFO represents net income (loss), excluding gain (loss) from the disposition of real estate assets, depreciation and amortization on real estate assets and adjustments for unconsolidated joint ventures' and non-controlling interests' share of these items.
In presenting AFFO, we exclude certain items that we believe are not good indicators of our current or future operating performance. AFFO represents FFO excluding depreciation and amortization expense on non-real estate assets, accretion, stock-based compensation, restructuring charges, impairment charges, transaction costs, an installation revenue adjustment, a straight-line rent expense adjustment, a contract cost adjustment, amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discounts and premiums, gain (loss) on debt extinguishment, an income tax expense adjustment, recurring capital expenditures, net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax, and adjustments

from FFO to AFFO for unconsolidated joint ventures' and noncontrolling interests' share of these items. The adjustments for installation revenue, straight-line rent expense and contract costs are intended to isolate the cash activity included within the straight-lined or amortized results in the consolidated statement of operations. We exclude the amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discounts and premiums as these expenses relate to the initial costs incurred in connection with debt financings that have no current or future cash obligations. We exclude gain (loss) on debt extinguishment since it generally represents the write-off of initial costs incurred in connection with debt financings or a cost that is incurred to reduce future interest costs and is not a good indicator of our current or future operating performance. We include an income tax expense adjustment, which represents the non-cash tax impact due to changes in valuation allowances, uncertain tax positions and deferred taxes that do not relate to current period's operations. We deduct recurring capital expenditures, which represent expenditures to extend the useful life of its IBX data centers or other assets that are required to support current revenues. We also exclude net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax, which represents results that may not recur and are not a good indicator of our current future operating performance.
Our FFO and AFFO were as follows (in thousands):
 Years Ended December 31,
 2019 2018 2017
Net income$507,245
 $365,359
 $232,982
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests205
 
 
Net income attributable to Equinix507,450
 365,359
 232,982
Adjustments:     
Real estate depreciation845,798
 883,118
 754,351
(Gain) loss on disposition of real estate property(39,337) 4,643
 4,945
Adjustments for FFO from unconsolidated joint ventures645
 
 85
FFO$1,314,556
 $1,253,120
 $992,363
 Years Ended December 31,
 2019 2018 2017
FFO$1,314,556
 $1,253,120
 $992,363
Adjustments:     
Installation revenue adjustment11,031
 10,858
 24,496
Straight-line rent expense adjustment8,167
 7,203
 8,925
Contract cost adjustment(40,861) (20,358) 
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discounts and premiums13,042
 13,618
 24,449
Stock-based compensation expense236,539
 180,716
 175,500
Non-real estate depreciation expense242,761
 140,955
 111,121
Amortization expense196,278
 203,416
 177,008
Accretion expense (adjustment)459
 (748) (13,588)
Recurring capital expenditures(186,002) (203,053) (167,995)
Loss on debt extinguishment52,825
 51,377
 65,772
Transaction costs24,781
 34,413
 38,635
Impairment charges15,790
 
 
Income tax expense adjustment39,676
 (12,420) 371
Adjustments for AFFO from unconsolidated joint ventures2,080
 
 (17)
AFFO$1,931,122
 $1,659,097
 $1,437,040
Our AFFO results have improved due to the improved operating results discussed earlier in "Results of Operations," as well as due to the nature of our business model which consists of a recurring revenue stream and a cost structure which has a large base that is fixed in nature as discussed earlier in "Overview."

Constant Currency Presentation
Our revenues and certain operating expenses (cost of revenues, sales and marketing and general and administrative expenses) from our international operations have represented and will continue to represent a significant portion of our total revenues and certain operating expenses. As a result, our revenues and certain operating expenses have been and will continue to be affected by changes in the U.S. dollar against major international currencies. During the year ended December 31, 2019 as compared to the same period in 2018, the U.S. dollar was stronger relative to the Brazilian real, Euro, British Pound, Singapore dollar and Australian dollar, which resulted in an unfavorable foreign currency impact on revenue, operating income and adjusted EBITDA, and a favorable foreign currency impact on operating expenses. In order to provide a framework for assessing how each of our business segments performed excluding the impact of foreign currency fluctuations, we present period-over-period percentage changes in our revenues and certain operating expenses on a constant currency basis in addition to the historical amounts as reported. Our constant currency presentation excludes the impact of our foreign currency cash flow hedging activities. Presenting constant currency results of operations is a non-GAAP financial measure and is not meant to be considered in isolation or as an alternative to GAAP results of operations. However, we have presented this non-GAAP financial measure to provide investors with an additional tool to evaluate our operating results. To present this information, our current period revenues and certain operating expenses from entities reporting in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are converted into U.S. dollars at constant exchange rates rather than the actual exchange rates in effect during the respective periods (i.e. average rates in effect for the year ended December 31, 2018 are used as exchange rates for the year ended December 31, 2019 when comparing the year ended December 31, 2019 with the year ended December 31, 2018).
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of December 31, 2019, our total indebtedness was comprised of debt and lease obligations totaling approximately $11.9 billion (gross of debt issuance cost, debt discount, plus mortgage premium) consisting of:
approximately $9,029.2 million of principal from our senior notes;
approximately $1,506.1 million from our finance lease liabilities; and
$1,371.9 million of principal from our loans payable and mortgage.
We believe we have sufficient cash, coupled with anticipated cash generated from operating activities, to meet our operating requirements, including repayment of the current portion of our debt as it becomes due, payment of regular dividend distributions and completion of our publicly-announced expansion projects.
During 2019, we completed the following significant financing activities:
issued $2,800.0 million in Senior Notes due 2024, 2026 and 2029;
redeemed $1,906.3 million of Senior Notes due 2022, 2023 and 2025;
repaid $300.0 million of 5.0% Infomart Senior Notes according to their repayment terms;
issued and sold 2,985,575 shares of common stock in a public equity offering and received net proceeds of approximately $1,213.4 million, net of underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses; and
issued and sold 903,555 shares of common stock under our ATM Program, for proceeds of approximately $447.5 million, net of payment of commissions to sales agents and other offering expenses.
As of December 31, 2019, we had $1,879.9 million of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, of which approximately $1,456.8 million was held in the U.S. In addition to our cash and investment portfolio, we had $1.9 billion of additional liquidity available to us from our $2.0 billion revolving facility and $300.0 million of shares issuance available for sale under our ATM Program. 
Besides any further financing activity we may pursue, customer collections are our primary source of cash. While we believe we have a strong customer base, and have continued to experience relatively strong collections, if the current market conditions were to deteriorate, some of our customers may have difficulty paying us and we may experience increased churn in our customer base, including reductions in their commitments to us, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity. Additionally, we may pursue additional expansion opportunities, primarily the build out of new IBX data centers, in certain of our existing markets which are at or near capacity within the next year, as well as potential acquisitions and joint ventures. While we expect to fund these plans with our existing resources, additional financing, either debt or equity, may be required, and if current market conditions were to deteriorate, we

may be unable to secure additional financing, or any such additional financing may only be available to us on unfavorable terms. An inability to pursue additional expansion opportunities will have a material adverse effect on our ability to maintain our desired level of revenue growth in future periods.
Sources and Uses of Cash
 Years Ended December 31,
 2019 2018
 (in thousands)
Net cash provided by operating activities$1,992,728
 $1,815,426
Net cash used in investing activities(1,944,567) (3,075,528)
Net cash provided by financing activities1,202,082
 470,912
Operating Activities
Our cash provided by our operations is generated by colocation, interconnection, managed infrastructure and other revenues. Our primary uses of cash from our operating activities include compensation and related costs, interest payments, other general corporate expenditures and taxes. The increase in net cash provided by operating activities during 2019 compared to 2018 was primarily due to improved operating results combined with the inclusion of full year operating results of the acquisitions of Infomart Dallas and Metronode closed in April 2018, offset by increases in cash paid for cost of revenues, operating expenses, interest expense and income taxes.
Investing Activities
The decrease in net cash used in investing activities during 2019 compared to 2018 was primarily due to the decrease in spending for business acquisitions of approximately $795.5 million, primarily due to the Metronode and Infomart Dallas acquisitions in 2018 combined with an increase in proceeds from asset sales of approximately $346.6 million, primarily due to the sale of xScale data center facilities in connection with the closing of the Joint Venture.
During 2020, we anticipate our IBX expansion construction activity will increase from our 2019 levels. If the opportunity to expand is greater than planned and we have sufficient funding to pursue such expansion opportunities, we may further increase the level of capital expenditure to support this growth as well as pursue additional business and real estate acquisitions or joint ventures.
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities during 2019 was primarily due to:
the issuance of $2,800.0 million in Senior Notes due 2024, 2026 and 2029;
the sale and issuance of 2,985,575 shares of common stock in a public equity offering and receipt of net proceeds of approximately $1,213.4 million, net of underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses;
the sale of 903,555 shares under our ATM Program, for net proceeds of $447.5 million; and
proceeds from employee awards of $52.0 million.
The proceeds were partially offset by:
the redemption of $1,906.3 million in Senior Notes due 2022, 2023 and 2025;
the repayment of $300.0 million of 5.0% Infomart Senior Notes according to the repayment terms;
dividend distributions of $836.2 million;
repayments of capital lease and other financing obligations totaling $126.5 million;
repayments of mortgage and loans payable totaling $73.2 million;
payments of debt extinguishment costs of $43.3 million, primarily related to redemption premium paid related to the redemption of Senior Notes due 2022, 2023 and 2025; and
payments of debt issuance costs of $23.3 million.

Net cash provided by financing activities during 2018 was primarily due to:
the issuance of €750.0 million 2.875% Euro Senior Notes due 2024, or approximately $929.9 million in U.S. dollars, at the exchange rate in effect on March 14, 2018;
borrowing of the JPY Term Loan of ¥47.5 billion, or approximately $424.7 million at the exchange rate effective on July 31, 2018;
the sale of 930,934 shares under our ATM Program, for net proceeds of $388.2 million; and
proceeds from employee awards of $50.1 million.
The proceeds were partially offset by:
dividend distributions of $738.6 million;
repayments of capital lease and other financing obligations of $103.8 million;
repayments of mortgage and loans payable of $447.5 million, primarily related to the prepayment of the remaining principal of our existing Japanese Yen Term Loan;
payments of debt extinguishment costs of $20.6 million; and
payments of debt issuance costs of $12.2 million.
Contractual Obligations and Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements
We have various guarantor arrangements with bothlease a majority of our directorsIBX data centers and officerscertain equipment under long-term lease agreements. The following represents our debt maturities, financings, leases and third parties, including customers, vendors and business partners. Asother contractual commitments as of December 31, 2017, there were no significant liabilities recorded for these arrangements. For additional information, see "Guarantor Arrangements" in Note 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.2019 (in thousands):
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of our financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates the accounting policies, assumptions, estimates and judgments to ensure that our consolidated financial statements are presented fairly and in accordance with GAAP. Management bases its assumptions, estimates and judgments on historical experience, current trends and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. However, because future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty, actual results may differ from these assumptions and estimates, and such differences could be material.
Our significant accounting policies are discussed in Note 1 to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Management believes that the following critical accounting policies and estimates are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our consolidated financial statements, and they require significant judgments, resulting from the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain:
Accounting for income taxes;
Accounting for business combinations;
Accounting for impairment of goodwill; and
Accounting for property, plant and equipment.

 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Thereafter Total
Term loans and other loans payable (1)
$77,603
 $77,654
 $1,180,017
 $6,683
 $6,214
 $23,715
 $1,371,886
Senior notes (1)
643,711
 150,000
 
 
 1,841,500
 6,394,000
 9,029,211
Interest (2)
359,383
 333,710
 327,222
 303,722
 291,496
 574,633
 2,190,166
Finance leases (3)
173,994
 176,357
 176,992
 178,289
 177,338
 1,739,235
 2,622,205
Operating leases (3)
193,663
 191,954
 183,908
 168,353
 156,502
 1,106,944
 2,001,324
Other contractual commitments (4)
1,133,948
 256,508
 51,137
 33,587
 30,267
 277,739
 1,783,186
Asset retirement obligations (5)
2,081
 4,667
 12,365
 5,442
 6,978
 70,882
 102,415
 $2,584,383
 $1,190,850
 $1,931,641
 $696,076
 $2,510,295
 $10,187,148
 $19,100,393

Description(1)

JudgmentsRepresents principal of senior notes, term loans and Uncertainties
other loans payable, as well as premium on mortgage payable.
Effect if Actual Results Differ from Assumptions
Accounting for Income Taxes.(2)

Deferred tax assets
Represents interest on mortgage payable, senior notes, term loan facilities and liabilities are recognizedother loans payable based on the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences that exist between the financial statement carrying value of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards on a taxing jurisdiction basis. We measure deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted taxapproximate interest rates that will apply in the years in which we expect the temporary differences to be recovered or settled.
The accounting standard for income taxes requires a reduction of the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets by recording a valuation allowance if, based on the available evidence, it is more likely than not (defined by the accounting standard as a likelihood of more than 50%) that such assets will not be realized.

A tax benefit from an uncertain income tax position may be recognized in the financial statements only if it is more likely than not that the position is sustainable, based solely on its technical merits and consideration of the relevant taxing authority’s widely understood administrative practices and precedents.


The valuation of deferred tax assets requires judgment in assessing the likely future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. Our accounting for deferred tax consequences represents our best estimate of those future events.

In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, we consider both positive and negative evidence related to the likelihood of realization of the deferred tax assets. If, based on the weight of that available evidence, it is more likely than not the deferred tax assets will not be realized, we record a valuation allowance. The weight given to the positive and negative evidence is commensurate with the extent to which the evidence may be objectively verified.

This assessment, which is completed on a taxing jurisdiction basis, takes into account a number of types of evidence, including the following: 1) the nature, frequency and severity of current and cumulative financial reporting losses, 2) sources of future taxable income and 3) tax planning strategies.

In assessing the tax benefit from an uncertain income tax position, the tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is initially and subsequently measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information.


As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, we had net total deferred tax liabilities of $186.3 million and $212.0 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, we had a total valuation allowance of $84.6 million and $29.2 million, respectively. If and when we reduce our remaining valuation allowances, it may have a favorable impact to our financial position and results of operations in the periods when such determinations are made. We will continue to assess the need for our valuation allowances, by country or location, in the future

During the year ended December 31, 2017, we provided full and partial valuation allowances on the Spanish and Turkish deferred tax assets acquired from the Itconic and Zenium data center acquisitions, respectively. In addition, we set up a full valuation allowance on the deferred tax asset associated with tax goodwill obtained as a result of a reorganization in Brazil. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we decided to release the valuation allowances related to the historical data center operations in Japan. This reduction in valuation allowance was partially offset by the full valuation allowance setups in Brazil and Canada2019, as well as the increase in valuation allowances in Europe due tocredit facility fee for the TelecityGroup acquisition and integration.

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, we had unrecognized tax benefits of $82.4 million and $72.2 million, respectively, exclusive of interest and penalties. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the unrecognized tax benefits increased by $10.2 million primarily due to the TelecityGroup integrations which was partially offset by the recognition of unrecognized tax benefits related to the Company’s tax positions in the U.S. and Brazil as a result of a lapse in statutes of limitations. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the unrecognized tax benefits increased by $41.4 million primarily due to the TelecityGroup acquisition and integration. The unrecognized tax benefits of $82.4 million as of December 31, 2017, if subsequently recognized, will affect our effective tax rate favorably at the time when such benefits are recognized.





revolving credit facility.


Description(3)

Judgments and Uncertainties
Effect if Actual Results Differ from Assumptions
Accounting for Business Combinations

In accordance with the accounting standard for business combinations, we allocate the purchase price of an acquired business to its identifiable assets and liabilities based on estimated fair values. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, if any, is recorded as goodwill.

We use all available information to estimate fair values. We typically engage outside appraisal firms to assist in determining the fair value of identifiable intangible assets such as customer contracts, leases and any other significant assets or liabilities and contingent consideration, as well as the estimated useful life of intangible assets. We adjust the preliminary purchase price allocation, as necessary, up to one year after the acquisition closing date if we obtain more information regarding asset valuations and liabilities assumed.
Our purchase price allocation methodology contains uncertainties because it requires assumptions and management’s judgment to estimate the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date. Key judgment used to estimate the fair value of intangible assets include projected revenue growthRepresents lease payments under finance and operating margins, discount rates, customer attrition rates, as well as the estimated useful life of intangible assets. Management estimates the fair value of assets and liabilities based upon quoted market prices, the carrying value of the acquired assets and widely accepted valuation techniques,lease arrangements, including discounted cash flows and market multiple analyses. Our estimatesrenewal options that are inherently uncertain and subjectcertain to refinement. Unanticipated events or circumstances may occur which could affect the accuracy of our fair value estimates, including assumptions regarding industry economic factors and business strategies.
During the last three years, we have completed a number of business combinations, including the Itconic Acquisition in October, 2017, Zenium data center acquisition in October, 2017, the Verizon Data Center Acquisition in May, 2017, IO Acquisition in February, 2017, the Paris IBX Data Center Acquisition in August 2016, TelecityGroup acquisition in January 2016, Bit-isle acquisition in November 2015, and Nimbo acquisition in January 2015. In 2017, we have finalized the purchase price allocation for the Paris IBX Data Center and IO acquisitions in the first and fourth quarters, respectively. The purchase price allocation for the TelecityGroup and Bit-isle acquisitions were completed in the fourth quarters of 2016 and 2015, respectively.

As of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, we had net intangible assets of $2.4 billion, $719.2 million and $224.6 million, respectively. We recorded amortization expense for intangible assets of $177.0 million, $122.9 million and $27.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the estimates or assumptions we used to complete the purchase price allocations and the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. However, if actual results are not consistent with our estimates or assumptions, we may be exposed to losses or gains that could be material, which would be recorded in our consolidated statements of operations in 2018 or beyond.

exercised.


Description(4)

Judgments and Uncertainties
Effect if Actual Results Differ from Assumptions
Accounting for Impairment of Goodwill andRepresents unaccrued contractual commitments. Other Intangible Assets

In accordance with the accounting standard for goodwill and other intangible assets, we perform goodwill and other intangible assets impairment reviews annually, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable.
We complete the annual goodwill impairment assessment for the Americas reporting unit, the EMEA reporting unit and the Asia-Pacific reporting unit to determine if the fair values of the reporting units exceeded their carrying values. If goodwill is not considered impaired and wecontractual commitments are not required to perform step two of goodwill impairment test.
We perform a review of other intangible assets for impairment by assessing events or changes in circumstances that indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.
In 2017, we elected to assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, this analysis requires assumptions and estimates before performing the two-step goodwill impairment test, where the assessment requires assumptions and estimates derived from a review of our actual and forecasted operating results, approved business plans, future economic conditions and other market data.

In 2016, we elected to perform the first step of the two-step goodwill impairment test, we used both the income and market approach. The income approach is based on the ten-year business plan. We apply the weighted-average cost of capital applicable to our reporting units as discount rates. This requires assumptions and estimates derived from a review of our actual and forecasted operating results, approved business plans, future economic conditions and other market data. The market approach requires judgment in determining the appropriate market comparables. These assumptions require significant management judgment and are inherently subject to uncertainties.

In 2017 and 2016, we performed our annual review of other intangible assets by assessing if there were events or changes in circumstances indicating that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable, such as a significant decrease in market price of an asset, a significant adverse change in the extent or manner in which an asset is being used, a significant adverse change in legal factors or business climate that could affect the value of an asset or a continuous deterioration of our financial condition. This assessment requires assumptions and estimates derived from a review of our actual and forecasted operating results, approved business plans, future economic conditions and other market data. There were no specific events in 2016 or 2017 that indicated a significant potential impairment.

As of December 31, 2017, goodwill attributable to the Americas reporting unit, the EMEA reporting unit and the Asia-Pacific reporting unit was $1.6 billion, $2.6 billion and $239.4 million, respectively.

Future events, changing market conditions and any changes in key assumptions may result in an impairment charge. While we have not recorded an impairment charge against our goodwill to date, the development of adverse business conditions in our Americas, EMEA or Asia-Pacific reporting units, such as higher than anticipated customer churn or significantly increased operating costs, or significant deterioration of our market comparables that we use in the market approach, could result in an impairment charge in future periods. 

The balance of our other intangible assets, net, for the year ended December 31, 2017 was $2.4 billion. While we have not recorded an impairment charge against our other intangible assets to date, future events or changes in circumstances, such as a significant decrease in market price of an asset, a significant adverse change in the extent or manner in which an asset is being used, a significant adverse change in legal factors or business climate, may result in an impairment charge in future periods.

Any potential impairment charge against our goodwill and other intangible assets would not exceed the amounts recorded on our consolidated balance sheets.
described below.


Description(5)

Judgments and Uncertainties
Effect if Actual Results Differ from Assumptions
Accounting for Property, Plant and Equipment

We have a substantial amountRepresents liability, net of property, plant and equipment recorded on our consolidated balance sheet. The vast majority of our property, plant and equipment represent the costs incurred to build out or acquire our IBX data centers. Our IBX data centers are long-lived assets. The majority of our IBX data centers are in properties that are leased. We depreciate our property, plant and equipment using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets (subject to the term of the lease in the case of leased assets or leasehold improvements and integral equipment located in leased properties).

Accounting for property, plant and equipment includes determining the appropriate period in which to depreciate such assets, making assessments for leased properties to determine whether they are capital or operating leases, determining if construction projects performed at leased properties trigger build-to-suit lease accounting, assessing such assets for potential impairment, capitalizing interest during periods of construction and assessing the asset retirement obligations required for certain leased properties that require us to return the leased properties back to their original condition at the time we decide to exit a leased property.
While there are numerous judgments and uncertainties involved in accounting for property, plant and equipment that are significant, arriving at the estimated useful life of an asset requires the most critical judgment for us and changes to these estimates would have the most significant impact on our financial position and results of operations. When we lease a property for our IBX data centers, we generally enter into long-term arrangements with initial lease terms of at least 8-10 years and with renewal options generally available to us. During the next several years, a number of leases for our IBX data centers will come up for renewal. As we start approaching the end of these initial lease terms, we will need to reassess the estimated useful lives of our property, plant and equipment. In addition, we may find that our estimates for the useful lives of non-leased assets may also need to be revised periodically. We periodically review the estimated useful lives of certain of our property, plant and equipment and changes in these estimates in the future are possible.

Another area of judgment for us in connection with our property, plant and equipment is related to lease accounting. Most of our IBX data centers are leased. Each time we enter into a new lease or lease amendment for one of our IBX data centers, we analyze each lease or lease amendment for the proper accounting. This requires certain judgments on our part such as establishing the lease term to include in a lease test, establishing the remaining estimated useful life of the underlying property or equipment and estimating the fair value of the underlying property or equipment, establishing the incremental borrowing rate to calculate the present value of the minimum lease payment for the lease test. All of these judgments are inherently uncertain. Different assumptions or estimates could result in a different accounting treatment for a lease.

The assessment of long-lived assets for impairment requires assumptions and estimates of undiscounted and discounted future cash flows. These assumptions and estimates require significant judgment and are inherently uncertain.

As of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, we had property, plant and equipment of $9.4 billion, $7.2 billion, and $5.6 billion, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, we recorded depreciation expense of $865.5 million, $714.3 million, and $498.1 million, respectively. While we evaluated the appropriateness, we did not revise the estimated useful lives of our property, plant and equipment during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015. Further changes in our estimated useful lives of our property, plant and equipment could have a significant impact on our results of operations.

As of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, we had property, plant and equipment under capital leases and other financing obligations of $1.8 billion, $1.6 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively. We recorded accumulated depreciation for assets under capital leases and other financing obligations of $348.4 million, $283.7 million and $221.8 million as of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Additionally, during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, we recorded rent expense of $157.9 million, $140.6 million, and $101.5 million under operating leases.
accretion expense.
In connection with certain of our leases and other contracts requiring deposits, we entered into 41 irrevocable letters of credit totaling $84.0 million under the revolving credit facility. These letters of credit were provided in lieu of cash deposits. If the landlords for these IBX leases decide to draw down on these letters of credit triggered by an event of default under the lease, we will be required to fund these letters of credit either through cash collateral or borrowing under the revolving credit facility. These contingent commitments are not reflected in the table above.
We had accrued liabilities related to uncertain tax positions totaling approximately $132.2 million as of December 31, 2019. These liabilities, which are reflected on our balance sheet, are not reflected in the table above since it is unclear when these liabilities will be paid.
Primarily as a result of our various IBX data center expansion projects, as of December 31, 2019, we were contractually committed for $795.0 million of unaccrued capital expenditures, primarily for IBX equipment not yet delivered and labor not

yet provided in connection with the work necessary to complete construction and open these IBX data centers prior to making them available to customers for installation. This amount, which is expected to be paid during 2020 and thereafter, is reflected in the table above as "other contractual commitments."
We had other non-capital purchase commitments in place as of December 31, 2019, such as commitments to purchase power in select locations and other open purchase orders, which contractually bind us for goods, services or arrangements to be delivered or provided during 2020 and beyond. Such other purchase commitments as of December 31, 2019, which total $988.2 million, are also reflected in the table above as "other contractual commitments."
In connection with the Joint Venture which closed in October 2019, we agreed to make future equity contributions to the Joint Venture of €17.6 million and £15.7 million, or $40.6 million in total at the exchange rate in effect on December 31, 2019, to fund the Joint Venture’s future development over the next 3 years, which are not reflected in the table above.
Additionally, we entered into lease agreements with various landlords primarily for data center spaces and ground leases which have not yet commenced as of December 31, 2019. These leases will commence between fiscal years 2020 and 2022, with lease terms of 10 to 49 years and total lease commitments of approximately $608.1 million, which are not reflected in the table above.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Overview
picture1overviewa05.jpg
Equinix provides a global, vendor-neutral data center, interconnection and edge services platform with offerings that aim to enable our customers to reach everywhere, interconnect everyone and integrate everything. Global enterprises, service providers and business ecosystems of industry partners rely on Equinix IBX data centers and expertise around the world for the safe housing of their critical IT equipment and to protect and connect the world's most valued information assets. They also look to Platform Equinix® for the ability to directly and securely interconnect

to the networks, clouds and content that enable today's information-driven global digital economy. Recent Equinix IBX data center openings and acquisitions, as well as xScale data center investments, have expanded our total global footprint to 210 IBX and xScale data centers across 55 markets around the world. Equinix offers the following solutions:
premium data center colocation;
interconnection and data exchange solutions;
edge services for deploying networking, security and hardware; and
remote expert support and professional services.
Our interconnected data centers around the world allow our customers to increase information and application delivery performance to users, and quickly access distributed IT infrastructures and business and digital ecosystems, while significantly reducing costs. The Equinix global platform and the quality of our IBX data centers, interconnection offerings and edge services have enabled us to establish a critical mass of customers. As more customers choose Platform Equinix, for bandwidth cost and performance reasons it benefits their suppliers and business partners to colocate in the same data centers. This adjacency creates a “network effect” that enables our customers to capture the full economic and performance benefits of our offerings. These partners, in turn, pull in their business partners, creating a "marketplace" for their services. Our global platform enables scalable, reliable and cost-effective interconnection that increases data traffic exchange while lowering overall cost and increasing flexibility. Our focused business model is built on our critical mass of enterprise and service provider customers and the resulting "marketplace" effect. This global platform, combined with our strong financial position, continues to drive new customer growth and bookings.
Historically, our market was served by large telecommunications carriers who have bundled their products and services with their colocation offerings. The data center market landscape has evolved to include private and vendor-neutral multitenant data center providers, hyperscale cloud providers, managed infrastructure and application hosting providers, and systems integrators. It is estimated that Equinix is one of more than 1,200 companies that provide MTDC offerings around the world. Each of these data center solutions providers can bundle various colocation, interconnection and network offerings and outsourced IT infrastructure solutions. We are able to offer our customers a global platform that reaches 26 countries with the industry’s largest and most active ecosystem of partners in our sites, proven operational reliability, improved application performance and a highly scalable set of offerings.
The cabinet utilization rate represents the percentage of cabinet space billed versus total cabinet capacity, which is used to measure how efficiently we are managing our cabinet capacity. Our cabinet utilization rate varies from market to market among our IBX data centers across the Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific regions. Our cabinet utilization rates were approximately 79% and 81%, respectively, as of December 31, 2019 and 2018. Excluding the impact of our IBX data center expansion projects that have opened during the last 12 months, our cabinet utilization rate would have increased to approximately 82% as of December 31, 2019. We continue to monitor the available capacity in each of our selected markets. To the extent we have limited capacity available in a given market, it may limit our ability for growth in that market. We perform demand studies on an ongoing basis to determine if future expansion is warranted in a market. In addition, power and cooling requirements for most customers are growing on a per unit basis. As a result, customers are consuming an increasing amount of power per cabinet. Although we generally do not control the amount of power our customers draw from installed circuits, we have negotiated power consumption limitations with certain high power-demand customers. This increased power consumption has driven us to build out our new IBX data centers to support power and cooling needs twice that of previous IBX data centers. We could face power limitations in our IBX data centers, even though we may have additional physical cabinet capacity available within a specific IBX data center. This could have a negative impact on the available utilization capacity of a given IBX data center, which could have a negative impact on our ability to grow revenues, affecting our financial performance, operating results and cash flows.
In 2019, we closed our Joint Venture with GIC to develop and operate xScale data centers to serve the needs of the growing hyperscale data center market, including the world's largest cloud service providers. Upon closing, the Joint Venture acquired certain data center facilities in Europe, with the opportunity to add additional facilities to the Joint Venture in the future.
Strategically, we will continue to look at attractive opportunities to grow our market share and selectively improve our footprint and offerings. As was the case with our recent expansions and acquisitions, our expansion criteria will be dependent on a number of factors, including but not limited to demand from new and existing customers, quality of the design, power capacity, access to networks, clouds and software partners, capacity availability in the current market location, amount of incremental investment required by us in the targeted property, automation capabilities, developer

talent pool, lead-time to break even on a free cash flow basis and in-place customers. Like our recent expansions and acquisitions, the right combination of these factors may be attractive to us. Depending on the circumstances, these transactions may require additional capital expenditures funded by upfront cash payments or through long-term financing arrangements in order to bring these properties up to Equinix standards. Property expansion may be in the form of purchases of real property, long-term leasing arrangements or acquisitions. Future purchases, construction or acquisitions may be completed by us or with partners or potential customers to minimize the outlay of cash, which can be significant.
Revenue:
picture2recurringa04.jpg
Our business is based on a recurring revenue model comprised of colocation and related interconnection and managed infrastructure offerings. We consider these offerings recurring because our customers are generally billed on a fixed and recurring basis each month for the duration of their contract, which is generally one to three years in length. Our recurring revenues have comprised more than 90% of our total revenues during the past three years. In addition, during the past three years, more than 80% of our monthly recurring revenue bookings came from existing customers, contributing to our revenue growth. Our largest customer accounted for approximately 3% of our recurring revenues for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017. Our 50 largest customers accounted for approximately 39%, 38% and 37%, respectively, of our recurring revenues for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.
Our non-recurring revenues are primarily comprised of installation services related to a customer's initial deployment and professional services we perform. These services are considered to be non-recurring because they are billed typically once, upon completion of the installation or the professional services work performed. The majority of these non-recurring revenues are typically billed on the first invoice distributed to the customer in connection with their initial installation. However, revenues from installation services are deferred and recognized ratably over the period of the contract term. Additionally, revenue from contract settlements, when a customer wishes to terminate their contract early, is generally treated as a contract modification and recognized ratably over the remaining term of the contract, if any. As a percentage of total revenues, we expect non-recurring revenues to represent less than 10% of total revenues for the foreseeable future.
Operating Expenses:
Cost of Revenues. The largest components of our cost of revenues are depreciation, rental payments related to our leased IBX data centers, utility costs, including electricity, bandwidth access, IBX data center employees' salaries and benefits, including stock-based compensation, repairs and maintenance, supplies and equipment and security. A majority of our cost of revenues is fixed in nature and should not vary significantly from period to period, unless we expand our existing IBX data centers or open or acquire new IBX data centers. However, there are certain costs that are considered more variable in nature, including utilities and supplies that are directly related to growth in our existing and new customer base. We expect the cost of our utilities, specifically electricity, will generally increase in the future on a per-unit or fixed basis, in addition to the variable increase related to the growth in consumption by our customers. In addition, the cost of electricity is generally higher in the summer months, as compared to other times of the year. To the extent we incur increased utility costs, such increased costs could materially impact our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Furthermore, to the extent we incur increased electricity or other costs as a result of either climate change policies or the physical effects of climate change, such increased costs could materially impact our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. 

Sales and Marketing. Our sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of compensation and related costs for sales and marketing personnel, including stock-based compensation, amortization of contract costs, marketing programs, public relations, promotional materials and travel, as well as bad debt expense and amortization of customer relationship intangible assets.
General and Administrative. Our general and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries and related expenses, including stock-based compensation, accounting, legal and other professional service fees, and other general corporate expenses, such as our corporate regional headquarters office leases and some depreciation expense on back office systems.
Taxation as a REIT
We elected to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes beginning with our 2015 taxable year. As of December 31, 2019, our REIT structure included all of our data center operations in the U.S., Canada, Japan, Singapore and the data center operations in EMEA with the exception of Bulgaria, the United Arab Emirates, and the data center operations outside Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Our data center operations in other jurisdictions are operated as TRSs. We included our interest in the Joint Venture in our REIT structure.
As a REIT, we generally are permitted to deduct from our U.S. taxable income the dividends we pay to our stockholders. The income represented by such dividends is not subject to U.S. federal income taxes at the entity level but is taxed, if at all, at the stockholder level. Nevertheless, the income of our TRSs which hold our U.S. operations that may not be REIT compliant is subject to U.S. corporate federal and state income taxes, as applicable. Likewise, our foreign subsidiaries continue to be subject to foreign income taxes in jurisdictions in which they hold assets or conduct operations, regardless of whether held or conducted through TRSs or through QRSs. We are also subject to a separate U.S. federal corporate income tax on any gain recognized from a sale of a REIT asset where our basis in the asset is determined by reference to the basis of the asset in the hands of a C corporation (such as an asset held by us or a QRS following the liquidation or other conversion of a former TRS). This built-in-gains tax is generally applicable to any disposition of such an asset during the five-year period after the date we first owned the asset as a REIT asset to the extent of the built-in-gain based on the fair market value of such asset on the date we first held the asset as a REIT asset. If we fail to remain qualified for U.S. federal income taxation as a REIT, we will be subject to U.S. federal income taxes at regular corporate income tax rates. Even if we remain qualified for U.S. federal income taxation as a REIT, we may be subject to some federal, state, local and foreign taxes on our income and property in addition to taxes owed with respect to our TRSs' operations. In particular, while state income tax regimes often parallel the U.S. federal income tax regime for REITs, many states do not completely follow federal rules, and some may not follow them at all.
We continue to monitor our REIT compliance in order to maintain our qualification for U.S. federal income taxation as a REIT. For this and other reasons, as necessary, we may convert some of our data center operations in other countries into the REIT structure in future periods. We converted our data center operations in Singapore into the REIT structure effective September 30, 2019.
On each of March 20, June 19, September 18, and December 11, 2019, we paid quarterly cash dividends of $2.46 per share. We expect these quarterly and other applicable distributions to equal or exceed the REIT taxable income that we recognized in 2019.
2019 Highlights:
In March, we issued and sold 2,985,575 shares of common stock for net proceeds of approximately $1,213.4 million, after underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses. See "Recent Accounting Pronouncements"Note 12 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
In April, we completed the acquisition of Switch Datacenters' AMS1 data center business in Amsterdam, Netherlands (the "AM11 data center"), for a cash purchase price of approximately €30.6 million, or approximately $34.3 million. See Note 3 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
In October, we closed our Joint Venture with GIC to develop and operate xScale data centers in Europe. Upon closing, we sold certain data center facilities in Europe to the Joint Venture. See Note 5 and Note 6 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
In November, we issued $2.8 billion in Senior Notes due 2024, 2026 and 2029 with a weighted average interest rate of 2.93% and redeemed $1.9 billion in Senior Notes due 2022, 2023 and 2025 with a weighted average interest rate of 5.47% in November and December 2019. See Note 11 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.

By the end of December, we had sold 903,555 shares of our common stock for approximately $447.7 million in proceeds, net of payment of commissions and other offering expenses, under our current ATM program. See Note 12 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Results of Operations
Our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 include the results of operations from the acquisition of the AM11 data center from April 18, 2019 within the EMEA region. Our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2018 include the results of operations from the acquisition of Metronode from April 18, 2018 within the Asia-Pacific region and the acquisition of Infomart Dallas from April 2, 2018 within the Americas region.
Our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 reflect the adoption of Topic 842, Leases, while the comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the lease accounting standard in effect for those periods. See Note 1 within the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.
In order to provide a framework for assessing our performance excluding the impact of foreign currency fluctuations, we supplement the year-over-year actual change in operating results with comparative changes on a constant currency basis. Presenting constant currency results of operations is a non-GAAP financial measure. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for further discussion.
Years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018
Revenues.    Our revenues for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were generated from the following revenue classifications and geographic regions (dollars in thousands):
 Years Ended December 31, % Change
 2019 % 2018 % Actual Constant Currency
Americas:           
Recurring revenues$2,456,368
 44% $2,357,326
 46% 4% 5%
Non-recurring revenues131,359
 3% 127,408
 3% 3% 4%
 2,587,727
 47% 2,484,734
 49% 4% 5%
EMEA:           
Recurring revenues1,680,746
 30% 1,467,492
 29% 15% 12%
Non-recurring revenues125,698
 2% 95,145
 2% 32% 39%
 1,806,444
 32% 1,562,637
 31% 16% 14%
Asia-Pacific:           
Recurring revenues1,101,072
 20% 951,684
 19% 16% 17%
Non-recurring revenues66,897
 1% 72,599
 1% (8)% (6)%
 1,167,969
 21% 1,024,283
 20% 14% 16%
Total:           
Recurring revenues5,238,186
 94% 4,776,502
 94% 10% 10%
Non-recurring revenues323,954
 6% 295,152
 6% 10% 13%
 $5,562,140
 100% $5,071,654
 100% 10% 10%

Revenues
(dollars in thousands)
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capture1.jpg
Americas Revenues.During the year ended December 31, 2019, Americas revenue increased by 4% (5% on a constant currency basis). Growth in Americas revenues was primarily due to:
approximately $10.6 million of incremental revenues from the Infomart Dallas acquisition;
$52.6 million of incremental revenues generated from our recently-opened IBX data centers or IBX data center expansions; and
an increase in orders from both our existing customers and new customers during the period.
EMEA Revenues.During the year ended December 31, 2019, EMEA revenue increased by 16% (14% on a constant currency basis). Growth in EMEA revenues was primarily due to:
approximately $76.0 million of incremental revenues generated from our recently-opened IBX data centers or IBX data center expansions;
an increase in orders from both our existing customers and new customers during the period; and
a net increase of $110.6 million of realized cash flow hedge gains from foreign currency forward contracts.
Asia-Pacific Revenues.  During the year ended December 31, 2019, Asia-Pacific revenue increased by 14% (16% on a constant currency basis). Growth in Asia-Pacific revenue was primarily due to:
approximately $16.6 million of incremental revenues from the Metronode acquisition;
approximately $35.4 million of incremental revenues generated from our recently-opened IBX data centers or IBX data center expansions; and
an increase in orders from both our existing customers and new customers during the period.

Cost of Revenues.  Our cost of revenues for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were split among the following geographic regions (dollars in thousands):
 Years Ended December 31, % Change
 2019 % 2018 % Actual Constant Currency
Americas$1,146,639
 41% $1,113,854
 43% 3% 4%
EMEA1,017,580
 36% 916,751
 35% 11% 12%
Asia-Pacific645,965
 23% 574,870
 22% 12% 14%
Total$2,810,184
 100% $2,605,475
 100% 8% 9%
Cost of Revenues
(dollars in thousands; percentages indicate expenses as a percentage of revenues)
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Americas Cost of Revenues. During the year ended December 31, 2019, Americas cost of revenues increased by 3% (4% on a constant currency basis). The increase in our Americas cost of revenues was primarily due to:
$11.3 million of higher utilities costs driven by IBX data center expansions, increased utility usage and utility price increases;
$10.0 million of higher bandwidth costs in support of our business growth;
approximately $9.9 million of incremental cost of revenues from the Infomart Dallas acquisition;
$8.6 million of higher compensation costs, including salaries, bonuses, and stock-based compensation; and
$7.2 million of higher depreciation expense primarily due to IBX expansion activity.
This increase was partially offset by:
$8.9 million of reduced property tax expenses, primarily due to accrual releases based on tax appeal settlements; and
$6.9 million of reduced office expenses.
EMEA Cost of Revenues. During the year ended December 31, 2019, EMEA cost of revenues increased by 11% (12% on a constant currency basis). The increase in our EMEA cost of revenues was primarily due to:
a net increase of $40.6 million of realized cash flow hedge losses from foreign currency forward contracts;
$30.5 million of higher utilities costs driven by increased utility usage to support IBX data center expansions and utility price increases, primarily in Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom;
$21.3 million of higher costs from increased equipment resale activities, primarily in Germany and the United Kingdom;

$7.9 million of higher depreciation expenses driven by IBX data center expansions in London, Frankfurt and Amsterdam; and
$7.2 million of higher compensation costs, including salaries, bonuses, stock-based compensation and headcount growth.
This increase was partially offset by:
$5.9 million of reduced outside services consulting expenses.
Asia-Pacific Cost of Revenues. During the year ended December 31, 2019, Asia-Pacific cost of revenues increased by 12% (14% on a constant currency basis). The increase in our Asia-Pacific cost of revenues was primarily due to:
$45.3 million of higher rent and facility costs and utilities costs, primarily driven by expansions and higher utility usage in Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia and Japan;
$20.5 million of higher depreciation expense, primarily from IBX data center expansions in Singapore, Japan, Australia and Hong Kong;
approximately $11.2 million of incremental cost of revenues from the Metronode acquisition; and
$4.3 million of higher outside services consulting expenses.
This increase was partially offset by:
$12.8 million of reduced costs due to lower equipment resale activities in the current period as compared to the prior year.
We expect Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific cost of revenues to increase as we continue to grow our business, including from the impact of acquisitions.

Sales and Marketing Expenses. Our sales and marketing expenses for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were split among the following geographic regions (dollars in thousands):
 Years ended December 31, % Change
 2019 % 2018 % Actual Constant Currency
Americas$401,034
 62% $391,386
 62% 2% 3%
EMEA157,718
 24% 152,336
 24% 4% 4%
Asia-Pacific92,294
 14% 89,980
 14% 3% 4%
Total$651,046
 100% $633,702
 100% 3% 3%
Sales and Marketing Expenses
(dollars in thousands; percentages indicate expenses as a percentage of revenues)
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Americas Sales and Marketing ExpensesDuring the year ended December 31, 2019, Americas sales and marketing expenses increased by 2% (3% on a constant currency basis). The increase in our Americas sales and marketing expenses was primarily due to:
$7.4 million of higher compensation costs, including sales compensation, salaries and stock-based compensation and headcount growth; and 
$3.7 million of higher travel and entertainment expenses.
EMEA Sales and Marketing Expenses.During the year ended December 31, 2019, EMEA sales and marketing increased by 4% (and also 4% on a constant currency basis). The increase in our EMEA sales and marketing expenses was primarily due to:
a net increase of $7.2 million of realized cash flow hedge losses from foreign currency forward contracts; and
$5.6 million increase in compensation costs, including sales compensation, salaries and stock-based compensation and headcount growth.
This increase was partially offset by:
$6.2 million of reduced amortization expense driven by certain intangibles being fully amortized in the current year.
Asia-Pacific Sales and Marketing Expenses. Our Asia-Pacific sales and marketing expense did not materially change during the year ended December 31, 2019 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018.

We anticipate that we will continue to invest in Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific sales and marketing initiatives and expect our Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific sales and marketing expenses to increase as we grow our business. Additionally, given that certain global sales and marketing functions are located within the U.S., we expect Americas sales and marketing expenses as a percentage of revenues to be higher than our other regions.
General and Administrative Expenses. Our general and administrative expenses for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were split among the following geographic regions (dollars in thousands):
 Years Ended December 31, % Change
 2019 % 2018 % Actual Constant Currency
Americas$641,261
 69% $554,169
 67% 16% 16%
EMEA198,892
 21% 184,364
 22% 8% 7%
Asia-Pacific94,865
 10% 88,161
 11% 8% 9%
Total$935,018
 100% $826,694
 100% 13% 13%
General and Administrative Expenses
(dollars in thousands; percentages indicate expenses as a percentage of revenues)
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Americas General and Administrative Expenses. During the year ended December 31, 2019, Americas general and administrative expenses increased by 16% (and also 16% on a constant currency basis). The increase in our Americas general and administrative expenses was primarily due to:
$51.1 million of higher compensation costs, including salaries, bonuses, stock-based compensation, and headcount growth;
$22.3 million of higher depreciation expense associated with the implementation of certain systems to support the integration and growth of our business; and
$10.7 million of higher consulting expenses in support of our business growth.
EMEA General and Administrative Expenses. During the year ended December 31, 2019, EMEA general and administrative expenses increased by 8% (7% on a constant currency basis). The increase in our EMEA general and administrative expenses was primarily due to:
a net increase of $8.8 million of realized cash flow hedge losses from foreign currency forward contracts; and
$3.9 million of higher compensation costs, including salaries, bonuses, stock-based compensation and headcount growth.

Asia-Pacific General and Administrative Expenses.During the year ended December 31, 2019, Asia-Pacific general and administrative expenses increased by 8% (9% on a constant currency basis). The increase in our Asia-Pacific general and administrative expense was primarily due to:
$3.8 million of higher compensation costs, including salaries, bonuses, stock-based compensation and headcount growth.
Going forward, although we are carefully monitoring our spending, we expect Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific general and administrative expenses to increase as we continue to further scale our operations to support our growth, including investments in our back office systems and investments to maintain our qualification for taxation as a REIT and to integrate recent acquisitions. Additionally, given that our corporate headquarters is located within the U.S., we expect Americas general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues to be higher than our other regions.
Transaction Costs.  During the year ended December 31, 2019, we recorded transaction costs totaling $24.8 million primarily related to costs incurred in connection with the formation of the new Joint Venture in the EMEA region. During the year ended December 31, 2018, we recorded transaction costs totaling $34.4 million, primarily in the Asia-Pacific and Americas regions, due to our acquisitions of Metronode and Infomart Dallas.
Impairment Charges.  During the year ended December 31, 2019, we recorded impairment charges totaling $15.8 million in the Americas region primarily as a result of the fair value adjustment for the New York 12 ("NY12") data center, which was classified as a held for sale asset before it was sold in October 2019. We did not have impairment charges during the year ended December 31, 2018.
Gain on Asset Sales. During the year ended December 31, 2019, we recorded a gain on asset sales of $44.3 million primarily relating to the sale of both the London 10 and Paris 8 data centers, as well as certain construction development and leases in London and Frankfurt, as part of the closing of the Joint Venture. During the year ended December 31, 2018, we recorded gain on asset sales of $6.0 million primarily relating to the sale of a data center in Frankfurt.
Income from Operations. Our income from operations for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 was split among the following geographic regions (dollars in thousands):
 Years Ended December 31, % Change
 2019 % 2018 % Actual Constant Currency
Americas$413,936
 35% $412,610
 42% —% 1%
EMEA421,786
 36% 312,163
 32% 35% 24%
Asia-Pacific333,909
 29% 252,610
 26% 32% 35%
Total$1,169,631
 100% $977,383
 100% 20% 17%
Americas Income from Operations. Our Americas income from operations did not materially change during the year ended December 31, 2019 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018.
EMEA Income from Operations. During the year ended December 31, 2019, EMEA income from operations increased by 35% (24% on a constant currency basis). The increase in our EMEA income from operations was primarily due to higher revenues as a result of our IBX data center expansion activity and organic growth, as described above, as well as lower operating expenses as a percentage of revenues.
Asia-Pacific Income from Operations. During the year ended December 31, 2019, Asia-Pacific income from operations increased by 32% (35% on a constant currency basis). The increase in our Asia-Pacific income from operations was primarily due to higher revenues as a result of our IBX data center expansion activity, acquisition and organic growth as described above, lower operating expenses as a percentage of revenues and lower transaction costs in the current period as compared to the prior year.
Interest Income. Interest income was $27.7 million and $14.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The average yield for the year ended December 31, 2019 was 1.85% versus 1.24% for the year ended December 31, 2018.
Interest Expense.  Interest expense decreased to $479.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 from $521.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, primarily attributable to the reduction in lease interest expense

due to the conversion of certain build-to-suit leases to operating leases upon the adoption of ASC 842 and the utilization of cross-currency interest rate swaps in 2019. During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, we capitalized $32.2 million and $19.9 million, respectively, of interest expense to construction in progress.
Other Income. We recorded net other income of $27.8 million and $14.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Other income is primarily comprised of foreign currency exchange gains and losses during the periods.
Loss on Debt Extinguishment. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company recorded $52.8 million of loss on debt extinguishment primarily related to the loss on debt extinguishment from the redemption of the Senior Notes due 2022, 2023 and 2025.
During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recorded $51.4 million of loss on debt extinguishment comprised of:
$17.1 million of loss on debt extinguishment as a result of amendments to leases impacting the related financing obligations;
$19.5 million of loss on debt extinguishment from the settlement of financing obligations as a result of the Infomart Dallas acquisition;
$12.6 million of loss on debt extinguishment as a result of the settlement of financing obligations for properties purchased; and
$2.2 million of loss on debt extinguishment as a result of the redemption of the Japanese Yen Term Loan.
Income Taxes. We operate as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a REIT, we are generally not subject to U.S. federal and state income taxes on our taxable income distributed to stockholders. We intend to distribute or have distributed the entire taxable income generated by the operations of our REIT and QRSs for the tax years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. As such, other than tax attributable to built-in-gains recognized and withholding taxes, no provision for U.S. federal income taxes for the REIT and QRSs has been included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.
We have made TRS elections for some of our subsidiaries in and outside the U.S. In general, a TRS may provide services that would otherwise be considered impermissible for REITs to provide and may hold assets that may not be REIT compliant.
U.S. federal income taxes for the TRS entities located in the U.S. and foreign income taxes for our foreign operations regardless of whether the foreign operations are operated as QRSs or TRSs have been accrued, as necessary, for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.
For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, we recorded $185.4 million and $67.7 million of income tax expenses, respectively. Our effective tax rates were 26.8% and 15.6%, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. The higher effective tax rate in 2019 as compared to 2018 is primarily due to a release of valuation allowance in 2018 as a result of a legal entity reorganization in our Americas region.
Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA is a key factor in how we assess the operating performance of our segments and develop regional growth strategies such as IBX data center expansion decisions. We define adjusted EBITDA as income or loss from operations excluding depreciation, amortization, accretion, stock-based compensation expense, restructuring charges, impairment charges, transaction costs and gain on asset sales. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below for more information about adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to income or loss from operations. Our adjusted EBITDA for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 was split among the following geographic regions (dollars in thousands):
 Years Ended December 31, % Change
 2019 % 2018 % Actual Constant Currency
Americas$1,237,622
 46% $1,183,831
 49% 5% 5%
EMEA827,980
 31% 698,280
 29% 19% 17%
Asia-Pacific622,125
 23% 531,129
 22% 17% 19%
Total$2,687,727
 100% $2,413,240
 100% 11% 12%

Americas Adjusted EBITDA.During the year ended December 31, 2019, Americas adjusted EBITDA increased by 5% (and also 5% on a constant currency basis). The increase in our Americas adjusted EBITDA was primarily due to higher revenues as a result of our IBX data center expansion activity, acquisition and organic growth as described above.
EMEA Adjusted EBITDA. During the year ended December 31, 2019, EMEA adjusted EBITDA increased by 19% (17% on a constant currency basis). The increase in our EMEA adjusted EBITDA was primarily due to higher revenues as a result of our IBX data center expansion activity and organic growth, as described above, as well as lower operating expenses as a percentage of revenues.
Asia-Pacific Adjusted EBITDA. During the year ended December 31, 2019, Asia-Pacific adjusted EBITDA increased by 17% (19% on a constant currency basis). The increase in our Asia-Pacific adjusted EBITDA was primarily due to higher revenues as a result of our IBX data center expansion activity, acquisition and organic growth as described above and lower operating expenses as a percentage of revenues.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We provide all information required in accordance with GAAP, but we believe that evaluating our ongoing operating results may be difficult if limited to reviewing only GAAP financial measures. Accordingly, we use non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate our operations.
Non-GAAP financial measures are not a substitute for financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. Non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation, but should be considered together with the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures and the reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures. We have presented such non-GAAP financial measures to provide investors with an additional tool to evaluate our operating results in a manner that focuses on what management believes to be our core, ongoing business operations. We believe that the inclusion of these non-GAAP financial measures provides consistency and comparability with past reports and provides a better understanding of the overall performance of the business and ability to perform in subsequent periods. We believe that if we did not provide such non-GAAP financial information, investors would not have all the necessary data to analyze Equinix effectively.
Investors should note that the non-GAAP financial measures used by us may not be the same non-GAAP financial measures, and may not be calculated in the same manner, as those of other companies. Investors should therefore exercise caution when comparing non-GAAP financial measures used by us to similarly titled non-GAAP financial measures of other companies.
Our primary non-GAAP financial measures, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted funds from operations ("AFFO"), exclude depreciation expense as these charges primarily relate to the initial construction costs of our IBX data centers and do not reflect our current or future cash spending levels to support our business. Our IBX data centers are long-lived assets and have an economic life greater than 10 years. The construction costs of an IBX data center do not recur with respect to such data center, although we may incur initial construction costs in future periods with respect to additional IBX data centers, and future capital expenditures remain minor relative to our initial investment. This is a trend we expect to continue. In addition, depreciation is also based on the estimated useful lives of our IBX data centers. These estimates could vary from actual performance of the asset, are based on historical costs incurred to build out our IBX data centers and are not indicative of current or expected future capital expenditures. Therefore, we exclude depreciation from our operating results when evaluating our operations.

In addition, in presenting adjusted EBITDA and AFFO, we exclude amortization expense related to acquired intangible assets. Amortization expense is significantly affected by the timing and magnitude of our acquisitions and these charges may vary in amount from period to period. We exclude amortization expense to facilitate a more meaningful evaluation of our current operating performance and comparisons to our prior periods. We exclude accretion expense, both as it relates to asset retirement obligations as well as accrued restructuring charge liabilities, as these expenses represent costs which we believe are not meaningful in evaluating our current operations. We exclude stock-based compensation expense, as it can vary significantly from period to period based on share price, the timing, size and nature of equity awards. As such, we, and many investors and analysts, exclude stock-based compensation expense to compare our operating results with those of other companies. We also exclude restructuring charges. The restructuring charges relate to our decisions to exit leases for excess space adjacent to several of our IBX data centers, which we did not intend to build out, or our decision to reverse such restructuring charges. We also exclude impairment charges related to certain long-lived assets. The impairment charges are related to expense recognized whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of long-lived assets are not recoverable. We also exclude gain or loss on asset sales as it represents profit or loss that is not meaningful in evaluating the current or future operating performance. Finally, we exclude transaction costs from AFFO and adjusted EBITDA to allow more comparable comparisons of our financial results to our historical operations. The transaction costs relate to costs we incur in connection with business combinations and the formation of joint ventures, including advisory, legal, accounting, valuation, and other professional or consulting fees. Such charges generally are not relevant to assessing the long-term performance of the company. In addition, the frequency and amount of such charges vary significantly based on the size and timing of the transactions. Management believes items such as restructuring charges, impairment charges, gain or loss on asset sales and transaction costs are non-core transactions; however, these types of costs may occur in future periods.
Adjusted EBITDA
We define adjusted EBITDA as income from operations excluding depreciation, amortization, accretion, stock-based compensation expense, restructuring charges, impairment charges, transaction costs, and gain on asset sales as presented below (in thousands):
 Years Ended December 31,
 2019 2018 2017
Income from operations$1,169,631
 $977,383
 $809,014
Depreciation, amortization, and accretion expense1,285,296
 1,226,741
 1,028,892
Stock-based compensation expense236,539
 180,716
 175,500
Transaction costs24,781
 34,413
 38,635
Impairment charges15,790
 
 
Gain on asset sales(44,310) (6,013) 
Adjusted EBITDA$2,687,727
 $2,413,240
 $2,052,041
Our adjusted EBITDA results have improved each year and in each region in total dollars due to the improved operating results discussed earlier in "Results of Operations", as well as the nature of our business model consisting of a recurring revenue stream and a cost structure which has a large base that is fixed in nature also discussed earlier in "Overview".
Funds from Operations ("FFO") and AFFO
We use FFO and AFFO, which are non-GAAP financial measures commonly used in the REIT industry. FFO is calculated in accordance with the standards established by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts. FFO represents net income (loss), excluding gain (loss) from the disposition of real estate assets, depreciation and amortization on real estate assets and adjustments for unconsolidated joint ventures' and non-controlling interests' share of these items.
In presenting AFFO, we exclude certain items that we believe are not good indicators of our current or future operating performance. AFFO represents FFO excluding depreciation and amortization expense on non-real estate assets, accretion, stock-based compensation, restructuring charges, impairment charges, transaction costs, an installation revenue adjustment, a straight-line rent expense adjustment, a contract cost adjustment, amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discounts and premiums, gain (loss) on debt extinguishment, an income tax expense adjustment, recurring capital expenditures, net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax, and adjustments

from FFO to AFFO for unconsolidated joint ventures' and noncontrolling interests' share of these items. The adjustments for installation revenue, straight-line rent expense and contract costs are intended to isolate the cash activity included within the straight-lined or amortized results in the consolidated statement of operations. We exclude the amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discounts and premiums as these expenses relate to the initial costs incurred in connection with debt financings that have no current or future cash obligations. We exclude gain (loss) on debt extinguishment since it generally represents the write-off of initial costs incurred in connection with debt financings or a cost that is incurred to reduce future interest costs and is not a good indicator of our current or future operating performance. We include an income tax expense adjustment, which represents the non-cash tax impact due to changes in valuation allowances, uncertain tax positions and deferred taxes that do not relate to current period's operations. We deduct recurring capital expenditures, which represent expenditures to extend the useful life of its IBX data centers or other assets that are required to support current revenues. We also exclude net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax, which represents results that may not recur and are not a good indicator of our current future operating performance.
Our FFO and AFFO were as follows (in thousands):
 Years Ended December 31,
 2019 2018 2017
Net income$507,245
 $365,359
 $232,982
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests205
 
 
Net income attributable to Equinix507,450
 365,359
 232,982
Adjustments:     
Real estate depreciation845,798
 883,118
 754,351
(Gain) loss on disposition of real estate property(39,337) 4,643
 4,945
Adjustments for FFO from unconsolidated joint ventures645
 
 85
FFO$1,314,556
 $1,253,120
 $992,363
 Years Ended December 31,
 2019 2018 2017
FFO$1,314,556
 $1,253,120
 $992,363
Adjustments:     
Installation revenue adjustment11,031
 10,858
 24,496
Straight-line rent expense adjustment8,167
 7,203
 8,925
Contract cost adjustment(40,861) (20,358) 
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discounts and premiums13,042
 13,618
 24,449
Stock-based compensation expense236,539
 180,716
 175,500
Non-real estate depreciation expense242,761
 140,955
 111,121
Amortization expense196,278
 203,416
 177,008
Accretion expense (adjustment)459
 (748) (13,588)
Recurring capital expenditures(186,002) (203,053) (167,995)
Loss on debt extinguishment52,825
 51,377
 65,772
Transaction costs24,781
 34,413
 38,635
Impairment charges15,790
 
 
Income tax expense adjustment39,676
 (12,420) 371
Adjustments for AFFO from unconsolidated joint ventures2,080
 
 (17)
AFFO$1,931,122
 $1,659,097
 $1,437,040
Our AFFO results have improved due to the improved operating results discussed earlier in "Results of Operations," as well as due to the nature of our business model which consists of a recurring revenue stream and a cost structure which has a large base that is fixed in nature as discussed earlier in "Overview."

Constant Currency Presentation
Our revenues and certain operating expenses (cost of revenues, sales and marketing and general and administrative expenses) from our international operations have represented and will continue to represent a significant portion of our total revenues and certain operating expenses. As a result, our revenues and certain operating expenses have been and will continue to be affected by changes in the U.S. dollar against major international currencies. During the year ended December 31, 2019 as compared to the same period in 2018, the U.S. dollar was stronger relative to the Brazilian real, Euro, British Pound, Singapore dollar and Australian dollar, which resulted in an unfavorable foreign currency impact on revenue, operating income and adjusted EBITDA, and a favorable foreign currency impact on operating expenses. In order to provide a framework for assessing how each of our business segments performed excluding the impact of foreign currency fluctuations, we present period-over-period percentage changes in our revenues and certain operating expenses on a constant currency basis in addition to the historical amounts as reported. Our constant currency presentation excludes the impact of our foreign currency cash flow hedging activities. Presenting constant currency results of operations is a non-GAAP financial measure and is not meant to be considered in isolation or as an alternative to GAAP results of operations. However, we have presented this non-GAAP financial measure to provide investors with an additional tool to evaluate our operating results. To present this information, our current period revenues and certain operating expenses from entities reporting in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are converted into U.S. dollars at constant exchange rates rather than the actual exchange rates in effect during the respective periods (i.e. average rates in effect for the year ended December 31, 2018 are used as exchange rates for the year ended December 31, 2019 when comparing the year ended December 31, 2019 with the year ended December 31, 2018).
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of December 31, 2019, our total indebtedness was comprised of debt and lease obligations totaling approximately $11.9 billion (gross of debt issuance cost, debt discount, plus mortgage premium) consisting of:
approximately $9,029.2 million of principal from our senior notes;
approximately $1,506.1 million from our finance lease liabilities; and
$1,371.9 million of principal from our loans payable and mortgage.
We believe we have sufficient cash, coupled with anticipated cash generated from operating activities, to meet our operating requirements, including repayment of the current portion of our debt as it becomes due, payment of regular dividend distributions and completion of our publicly-announced expansion projects.
During 2019, we completed the following significant financing activities:
issued $2,800.0 million in Senior Notes due 2024, 2026 and 2029;
redeemed $1,906.3 million of Senior Notes due 2022, 2023 and 2025;
repaid $300.0 million of 5.0% Infomart Senior Notes according to their repayment terms;
issued and sold 2,985,575 shares of common stock in a public equity offering and received net proceeds of approximately $1,213.4 million, net of underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses; and
issued and sold 903,555 shares of common stock under our ATM Program, for proceeds of approximately $447.5 million, net of payment of commissions to sales agents and other offering expenses.
As of December 31, 2019, we had $1,879.9 million of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, of which approximately $1,456.8 million was held in the U.S. In addition to our cash and investment portfolio, we had $1.9 billion of additional liquidity available to us from our $2.0 billion revolving facility and $300.0 million of shares issuance available for sale under our ATM Program. 
Besides any further financing activity we may pursue, customer collections are our primary source of cash. While we believe we have a strong customer base, and have continued to experience relatively strong collections, if the current market conditions were to deteriorate, some of our customers may have difficulty paying us and we may experience increased churn in our customer base, including reductions in their commitments to us, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity. Additionally, we may pursue additional expansion opportunities, primarily the build out of new IBX data centers, in certain of our existing markets which are at or near capacity within the next year, as well as potential acquisitions and joint ventures. While we expect to fund these plans with our existing resources, additional financing, either debt or equity, may be required, and if current market conditions were to deteriorate, we

may be unable to secure additional financing, or any such additional financing may only be available to us on unfavorable terms. An inability to pursue additional expansion opportunities will have a material adverse effect on our ability to maintain our desired level of revenue growth in future periods.
Sources and Uses of Cash
 Years Ended December 31,
 2019 2018
 (in thousands)
Net cash provided by operating activities$1,992,728
 $1,815,426
Net cash used in investing activities(1,944,567) (3,075,528)
Net cash provided by financing activities1,202,082
 470,912
Operating Activities
Our cash provided by our operations is generated by colocation, interconnection, managed infrastructure and other revenues. Our primary uses of cash from our operating activities include compensation and related costs, interest payments, other general corporate expenditures and taxes. The increase in net cash provided by operating activities during 2019 compared to 2018 was primarily due to improved operating results combined with the inclusion of full year operating results of the acquisitions of Infomart Dallas and Metronode closed in April 2018, offset by increases in cash paid for cost of revenues, operating expenses, interest expense and income taxes.
Investing Activities
The decrease in net cash used in investing activities during 2019 compared to 2018 was primarily due to the decrease in spending for business acquisitions of approximately $795.5 million, primarily due to the Metronode and Infomart Dallas acquisitions in 2018 combined with an increase in proceeds from asset sales of approximately $346.6 million, primarily due to the sale of xScale data center facilities in connection with the closing of the Joint Venture.
During 2020, we anticipate our IBX expansion construction activity will increase from our 2019 levels. If the opportunity to expand is greater than planned and we have sufficient funding to pursue such expansion opportunities, we may further increase the level of capital expenditure to support this growth as well as pursue additional business and real estate acquisitions or joint ventures.
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities during 2019 was primarily due to:
the issuance of $2,800.0 million in Senior Notes due 2024, 2026 and 2029;
the sale and issuance of 2,985,575 shares of common stock in a public equity offering and receipt of net proceeds of approximately $1,213.4 million, net of underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses;
the sale of 903,555 shares under our ATM Program, for net proceeds of $447.5 million; and
proceeds from employee awards of $52.0 million.
The proceeds were partially offset by:
the redemption of $1,906.3 million in Senior Notes due 2022, 2023 and 2025;
the repayment of $300.0 million of 5.0% Infomart Senior Notes according to the repayment terms;
dividend distributions of $836.2 million;
repayments of capital lease and other financing obligations totaling $126.5 million;
repayments of mortgage and loans payable totaling $73.2 million;
payments of debt extinguishment costs of $43.3 million, primarily related to redemption premium paid related to the redemption of Senior Notes due 2022, 2023 and 2025; and
payments of debt issuance costs of $23.3 million.

Net cash provided by financing activities during 2018 was primarily due to:
the issuance of €750.0 million 2.875% Euro Senior Notes due 2024, or approximately $929.9 million in U.S. dollars, at the exchange rate in effect on March 14, 2018;
borrowing of the JPY Term Loan of ¥47.5 billion, or approximately $424.7 million at the exchange rate effective on July 31, 2018;
the sale of 930,934 shares under our ATM Program, for net proceeds of $388.2 million; and
proceeds from employee awards of $50.1 million.
The proceeds were partially offset by:
dividend distributions of $738.6 million;
repayments of capital lease and other financing obligations of $103.8 million;
repayments of mortgage and loans payable of $447.5 million, primarily related to the prepayment of the remaining principal of our existing Japanese Yen Term Loan;
payments of debt extinguishment costs of $20.6 million; and
payments of debt issuance costs of $12.2 million.
Contractual Obligations and Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements
We lease a majority of our IBX data centers and certain equipment under long-term lease agreements. The following represents our debt maturities, financings, leases and other contractual commitments as of December 31, 2019 (in thousands):
 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Thereafter Total
Term loans and other loans payable (1)
$77,603
 $77,654
 $1,180,017
 $6,683
 $6,214
 $23,715
 $1,371,886
Senior notes (1)
643,711
 150,000
 
 
 1,841,500
 6,394,000
 9,029,211
Interest (2)
359,383
 333,710
 327,222
 303,722
 291,496
 574,633
 2,190,166
Finance leases (3)
173,994
 176,357
 176,992
 178,289
 177,338
 1,739,235
 2,622,205
Operating leases (3)
193,663
 191,954
 183,908
 168,353
 156,502
 1,106,944
 2,001,324
Other contractual commitments (4)
1,133,948
 256,508
 51,137
 33,587
 30,267
 277,739
 1,783,186
Asset retirement obligations (5)
2,081
 4,667
 12,365
 5,442
 6,978
 70,882
 102,415
 $2,584,383
 $1,190,850
 $1,931,641
 $696,076
 $2,510,295
 $10,187,148
 $19,100,393
(1)
Represents principal of senior notes, term loans and other loans payable, as well as premium on mortgage payable.
(2)
Represents interest on mortgage payable, senior notes, term loan facilities and other loans payable based on their approximate interest rates as of December 31, 2019, as well as the credit facility fee for the revolving credit facility.
(3)
Represents lease payments under finance and operating lease arrangements, including renewal options that are certain to be exercised.
(4)
Represents unaccrued contractual commitments. Other contractual commitments are described below.
(5)
Represents liability, net of future accretion expense.
In connection with certain of our leases and other contracts requiring deposits, we entered into 41 irrevocable letters of credit totaling $84.0 million under the revolving credit facility. These letters of credit were provided in lieu of cash deposits. If the landlords for these IBX leases decide to draw down on these letters of credit triggered by an event of default under the lease, we will be required to fund these letters of credit either through cash collateral or borrowing under the revolving credit facility. These contingent commitments are not reflected in the table above.
We had accrued liabilities related to uncertain tax positions totaling approximately $132.2 million as of December 31, 2019. These liabilities, which are reflected on our balance sheet, are not reflected in the table above since it is unclear when these liabilities will be paid.
Primarily as a result of our various IBX data center expansion projects, as of December 31, 2019, we were contractually committed for $795.0 million of unaccrued capital expenditures, primarily for IBX equipment not yet delivered and labor not

yet provided in connection with the work necessary to complete construction and open these IBX data centers prior to making them available to customers for installation. This amount, which is expected to be paid during 2020 and thereafter, is reflected in the table above as "other contractual commitments."
We had other non-capital purchase commitments in place as of December 31, 2019, such as commitments to purchase power in select locations and other open purchase orders, which contractually bind us for goods, services or arrangements to be delivered or provided during 2020 and beyond. Such other purchase commitments as of December 31, 2019, which total $988.2 million, are also reflected in the table above as "other contractual commitments."
In connection with the Joint Venture which closed in October 2019, we agreed to make future equity contributions to the Joint Venture of €17.6 million and £15.7 million, or $40.6 million in total at the exchange rate in effect on December 31, 2019, to fund the Joint Venture’s future development over the next 3 years, which are not reflected in the table above.
Additionally, we entered into lease agreements with various landlords primarily for data center spaces and ground leases which have not yet commenced as of December 31, 2019. These leases will commence between fiscal years 2020 and 2022, with lease terms of 10 to 49 years and total lease commitments of approximately $608.1 million, which are not reflected in the table above.
Other Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements
We have various guarantor arrangements with both our directors and officers and third parties, including customers, vendors and business partners. As of December 31, 2019, there were no significant liabilities recorded for these arrangements. For additional information, see "Guarantor Arrangements" in Note 115 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Concurrent with the closing of Notesthe Joint Venture, the Joint Venture entered into a credit agreement with a group of lenders for secured credit facilities of €850.0 million, or $953.7 million in total at the exchange rate in effect on December 31, 2019, consisting of two secured term loan facilities and a secured revolving credit facility. The Joint Venture’s debt is secured by net assets of the Joint Venture, is without recourse to the partners, and does not represent a liability of the partners. We do not provide any guarantees to make principle payment to the lenders for the Joint Ventures’ indebtedness. Under the Joint Venture agreement, we and our joint venture partner GIC are also required to make additional equity contribution proportionately to the Joint Venture upon situations such as interest shortfall, cost-overrun or capital shortfall to complete certain construction phases.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of our financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates the accounting policies, assumptions, estimates and judgments to ensure that our consolidated financial statements are presented fairly and in accordance with GAAP. Management bases its assumptions, estimates and judgments on historical experience, current trends and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. However, because future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty, actual results may differ from these assumptions and estimates, and such differences could be material.
Our significant accounting policies are discussed in Note 1 to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Management believes that the following critical accounting policies and estimates are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our consolidated financial statements, and they require significant judgments, resulting from the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain:
Accounting for income taxes;
Accounting for business combinations;
Accounting for impairment of goodwill;
Accounting for property, plant and equipment; and
Accounting for leases.

ITEM 7A    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Description

Judgments and Uncertainties
Effect if Actual Results Differ from Assumptions
Accounting for Income Taxes.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences that exist between the financial statement carrying value of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards on a taxing jurisdiction basis. We measure deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates that will apply in the years in which we expect the temporary differences to be recovered or settled.
The accounting standard for income taxes requires a reduction of the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets by recording a valuation allowance if, based on the available evidence, it is more likely than not (defined by the accounting standard as a likelihood of more than 50%) that such assets will not be realized.

A tax benefit from an uncertain income tax position may be recognized in the financial statements only if it is more likely than not that the position is sustainable, based solely on its technical merits and consideration of the relevant taxing authority's widely understood administrative practices and precedents. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within income tax benefit (expense) in the consolidated statements of operations.


The valuation of deferred tax assets requires judgment in assessing the likely future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. Our accounting for deferred tax consequences represents our best estimate of those future tax consequences.

In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, we consider both positive and negative evidence related to the likelihood of realization of the deferred tax assets. If, based on the weight of that available evidence, it is more likely than not the deferred tax assets will not be realized, we record a valuation allowance. The weight given to the positive and negative evidence is commensurate with the extent to which the evidence may be objectively verified.

This assessment, which is completed on a taxing jurisdiction basis, takes into account a number of types of evidence, including the following: 1) the nature, frequency and severity of current and cumulative financial reporting losses, 2) sources of future taxable income and 3) tax planning strategies.

In assessing the tax benefit from an uncertain income tax position, the tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is initially and subsequently measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information.

For purposes of the quarterly REIT asset tests, we estimate the fair market value of assets within our QRSs and TRSs using a discounted cash flow approach, by calculating the present value of forecasted future cash flows. We apply discount rates based on industry benchmarks relative to the market and forecasting risks. Other significant assumptions used to estimate the fair market value of assets in QRSs and TRSs include projected revenue growth, projected operating margins and projected capital expenditure. We revisit significant assumptions periodically to reflect any changes due to business or economic environment.



As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, we had net total deferred tax liabilities of $211.4 million and $189.6 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, we had a total valuation allowance of $57.8 million and $57.0 million, respectively. If and when we reduce our remaining valuation allowances, it may have a favorable impact to our financial position and results of operations in the periods when such determinations are made. We will continue to assess the need for our valuation allowances, by jurisdiction, in the future.
During the year ended December 31, 2019, we released the full valuation allowances against the deferred tax assets of one of our Brazilian legal entities due to the evidence of achieving sustainable profitability. For the Metronode Acquisition, we increased the valuation allowance that was assessed in prior year as a result of finalizing the provisional estimates related to the realizability of certain deferred tax assets.

During the year ended December 31, 2018, we released the full or partial valuation allowances against the deferred tax assets in certain jurisdictions in the Americas, Asia-Pacific and EMEA regions. As part of the purchase accounting determination for the Metronode Acquisition, we provided full valuation allowance against certain deferred tax assets in Australia that are not expected to be realizable in the foreseeable future.

As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, we had unrecognized tax benefits of $173.7 million and $150.9 million, respectively, exclusive of interest and penalties. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the unrecognized tax benefit increased by $22.8 million primarily due to integrations, which was partially offset by the recognition of unrecognized tax benefits related to the Company’s tax positions in France as a result of a lapse in statutes of limitations and the partial payment of the Metronode pre-acquisition tax audit assessment which was fully indemnified by the seller. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the unrecognized tax benefits increased by $68.5 million primarily due to the Metronode Acquisition and the reorganization of the Spanish entities from the Itconic acquisition. The unrecognized tax benefits of $173.7 million as of December 31, 2019, if subsequently recognized, will affect our effective tax rate favorably at the time when such a benefit is recognized, of which $30.8 million is subject to an indemnification agreement.


Description

Judgments and Uncertainties
Effect if Actual Results Differ from Assumptions
Accounting for Business Combinations

In accordance with the accounting standard for business combinations, we allocate the purchase price of an acquired business to its identifiable assets and liabilities based on estimated fair values. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, if any, is recorded as goodwill.
 
We use all available information to estimate fair values. We typically engage outside appraisal firms to assist in determining the fair value of identifiable intangible assets such as customer contracts, leases and any other significant assets or liabilities and contingent consideration, as well as the estimated useful life of intangible assets. We adjust the preliminary purchase price allocation, as necessary, up to one year after the acquisition closing date if we obtain more information regarding asset valuations and liabilities assumed.



Our purchase price allocation methodology contains uncertainties because it requires assumptions and management's judgment to estimate the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date. Key judgments used to estimate the fair value of intangible assets include projected revenue growth and operating margins, discount rates, customer attrition rates, as well as the estimated useful life of intangible assets. Management estimates the fair value of assets and liabilities based upon quoted market prices, the carrying value of the acquired assets and widely accepted valuation techniques, including discounted cash flows and market multiple analyses. Our estimates are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement. Unanticipated events or circumstances may occur which could affect the accuracy of our fair value estimates, including assumptions regarding industry economic factors and business strategies.



During the last three years, we have completed a number of business combinations, including the acquisition of Switch Datacenters' AMS1 data center business in Amsterdam, Netherlands in April 2019, the Metronode Acquisition and the Infomart Dallas Acquisition in April 2018, the Itconic Acquisition and the Zenium data center acquisition in October 2017, the Verizon Data Center Acquisition in May 2017, and the IO Acquisition in February 2017. The purchase price allocation for these acquisitions has been finalized.

As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, we had net intangible assets of $2.1 billion and $2.3 billion, respectively. We recorded amortization expense for intangible assets of $196.3 million, $203.4 million and $177.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
 
We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the estimates or assumptions we used to complete the purchase price allocations and the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. However, if actual results are not consistent with our estimates or assumptions, we may be exposed to losses or gains that could be material, which would be recorded in our consolidated statements of operations in 2019 or beyond.



Description

Judgments and Uncertainties
Effect if Actual Results Differ from Assumptions
Accounting for Impairment of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

In accordance with the accounting standard for goodwill and other intangible assets, we perform goodwill and other intangible assets impairment reviews annually, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable.
We complete the annual goodwill impairment assessment for the Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific reporting units to determine if the fair values of the reporting units exceeded their carrying values.
We perform a review of other intangible assets for impairment by assessing events or changes in circumstances that indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.




To perform annual goodwill impairment assessment, we elected to assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. This analysis requires assumptions and estimates before performing the quantitative goodwill impairment test, where the assessment requires assumptions and estimates derived from a review of our actual and forecasted operating results, approved business plans, future economic conditions and other market data. There were no specific factors present in 2019 or 2018 that indicated a potential goodwill impairment.

We performed our annual review of other intangible assets by assessing if there were events or changes in circumstances indicating that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable, such as a significant decrease in market price of an asset, a significant adverse change in the extent or manner in which an asset is being used, a significant adverse change in legal factors or business climate that could affect the value of an asset or a continuous deterioration of our financial condition. This assessment requires assumptions and estimates derived from a review of our actual and forecasted operating results, approved business plans, future economic conditions and other market data. There were no specific events in 2019 or 2018 that indicated a potential impairment.



As of December 31, 2019, goodwill attributable to the Americas, the EMEA and the Asia-Pacific reporting units was $1.7 billion, $2.4 billion and $0.6 billion, respectively.

Future events, changing market conditions and any changes in key assumptions may result in an impairment charge. While we have not recorded an impairment charge against our goodwill to date, the development of adverse business conditions in our Americas, EMEA or Asia-Pacific reporting units, such as higher than anticipated customer churn or significantly increased operating costs, or significant deterioration of our market comparables that we use in the market approach, could result in an impairment charge in future periods.

The balance of our other intangible assets, net, for the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 was $2.1 billion and $2.3 billion, respectively. While we have not recorded an impairment charge against our other intangible assets to date, future events or changes in circumstances, such as a significant decrease in market price of an asset, a significant adverse change in the extent or manner in which an asset is being used, a significant adverse change in legal factors or business climate, may result in an impairment charge in future periods.

Any potential impairment charge against our goodwill and other intangible assets would not exceed the amounts recorded on our consolidated balance sheets.


Description

Judgments and Uncertainties
Effect if Actual Results Differ from Assumptions
Accounting for Property, Plant and Equipment

We have a substantial amount of property, plant and equipment recorded on our consolidated balance sheet. The vast majority of our property, plant and equipment represent the costs incurred to build out or acquire our IBX data centers. Our IBX data centers are long-lived assets. We depreciate our property, plant and equipment using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets (subject to the term of the lease in the case of leased assets or leasehold improvements and integral equipment located in leased properties).

Accounting for property, plant and equipment includes determining the appropriate period in which to depreciate such assets, assessing such assets for potential impairment, capitalizing interest during periods of construction and assessing the asset retirement obligations required for certain leased properties that require us to return the leased properties back to their original condition at the time we decide to exit a leased property.



Judgments are required in arriving at the estimated useful life of an asset and changes to these estimates would have significant impact on our financial position and results of operations. When we lease a property for our IBX data centers, we generally enter into long-term arrangements with initial lease terms of at least 8-10 years and with renewal options generally available to us. In the next several years, a number of leases for our IBX data centers will come up for renewal. As we start approaching the end of these initial lease terms, we will need to reassess the estimated useful lives of our property, plant and equipment. In addition, we may find that our estimates for the useful lives of non-leased assets may also need to be revised periodically. We periodically review the estimated useful lives of certain of our property, plant and equipment and changes in these estimates in the future are possible.

The assessment of long-lived assets for impairment requires assumptions and estimates of undiscounted and discounted future cash flows. These assumptions and estimates require significant judgment and are inherently uncertain.



As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, we had property, plant and equipment of $12.2 billion and $11.0 billion, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, we recorded depreciation expense of $1.1 billion, $1.0 billion, and $0.9 billion, respectively. While we evaluated the appropriateness, we did not revise the estimated useful lives of our property, plant and equipment during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017. Further changes in our estimated useful lives of our property, plant and equipment could have a significant impact on our results of operations.

Accounting for Leases

A significant portion of our data center spaces, office spaces and equipment are leased. Each time we enter into a new lease or lease amendments, we analyze each lease or lease amendment for the proper accounting, including determining if an arrangement is or contains a lease at inception and making assessment of the leased properties to determine if they are operating or finance leases.



Determination of accounting treatment, including the result of the lease classification test for each new lease or lease amendment, is dependent on a variety of judgments, such as identification of lease and non-lease components, allocation of total consideration between lease and non-lease components, determination of lease term, including assessing the likelihood of lease renewals, valuation of leased property, and establishing the incremental borrowing rate to calculate the present value of the minimum lease payment for the lease test. The judgments used in the accounting for leases are inherently subjective; different assumptions or estimates could result in different accounting treatment for a lease.


As of December 31, 2019, we recorded operating lease right-of-use assets of $1.5 billion, finance lease assets of $1.3 billion, operating lease liabilities of $1.5 billion, and finance lease liabilities of $1.5 billion.
Additionally, during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, we recorded rent expense of approximately $219.0 million, $185.4 million and $157.9 million respectively.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See "Recent Accounting Pronouncements" in Note 1 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.

ITEM 7A.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Market Risk
The following discussion about market risk involves forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. We may be exposed to market risks related to changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates and fluctuations in the prices of certain commodities, primarily electricity.
We employ foreign currency forward exchangeand option contracts, cross-currency interest rate swaps and interest rate locks for the purpose of hedging certain specifically-identified exposures. The use of these financial instruments is intended to mitigate some of the risks associated with fluctuations in currency exchange and interest rates, but does not eliminate such risks. We do not use financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
Investment Portfolio Risk
We maintain an investment portfolio of various holdings, types, and maturities that is prioritized on meeting REIT asset requirements. All of our marketable securities are recorded on our consolidated balance sheets at fair value with unrealized gains or losses reported as a component of other comprehensive income,changes in fair values recognized in net of tax.income. We consider various factors in determining whether we should recognize an impairment charge for our securities, including the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than our cost basis and our intent and ability to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery. We anticipate that we will recover the entire cost basis of these securities and have determined that no other-than-temporary impairments associated with credit losses were required to be recognized during the year ended December 31, 2017.2019.
As of December 31, 2017,2019, our investment portfolio of cash equivalents and marketable securities consisted of money market funds, certificates of deposits and publicly traded equity securities. The amount in our investment portfolio that could be susceptible to market risk totaled $464.6$896.9 million.
Interest Rate Risk
We are exposed to interest rate risk related to our outstanding debt. An immediate 10% increase or decrease in current interest rates from their position as of December 31, 20172019 would not have a material impact on our debt obligationsinterest expense due to the fixed nature ofcoupon rate on the majority of our debt obligations. However, the interest expense associated with our senior credit facility and term loans, whichthat bear interest at variable rates, could be affected. For every 100 basis point change in interest rates, our annual interest expense could increase by a total of approximately $12.6$11.5 million or decrease by a total of approximately $3.8$4.8 million based on the total balance of our primary borrowings under the Term A loan facility and the Japanese yen term loanLoan Facility as of December 31, 2017.2019. As of December 31, 2017,2019, we had not employed anyno outstanding interest rate derivative productshedges against our debt obligations. However, we may enter into interest rate hedging agreements in the future to mitigate our exposure to interest rate risk.
The fair value of our long-term fixed interest rate debt is subject to interest rate risk. Generally, the fair value of fixed interest rate debt will increase as interest rates fall and decrease as interest rates rise. These interest rate changes may affect the fair value of the fixed interest rate debt but do not impact our earnings or cash flows. The fair value of our senior notes, which are traded in the market, was based on quoted market prices. The fair value of our mortgage and loans payable and 5.000% Infomart Senior Notes, which are not traded in the market, is estimated by considering our credit rating, current rates available to us for debt of the same remaining maturities and the terms of the debt. The fair value of our other senior notes, which are traded in the market, was based on quoted market prices. The following table represents the carrying value and estimated fair value of our mortgage and loans payable and senior notes as of (in thousands):
December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
Carrying
Value (1)
 Fair Value 
Carrying
 Value (1)
 Fair Value
Carrying
Value (1)
 Fair Value 
Carrying
 Value (1)
 Fair Value
Mortgage and loans payable$1,468,275
 $1,464,877
 $1,459,826
 $1,461,954
$1,370,118
 $1,378,429
 $1,388,524
 $1,389,632
Senior notes7,002,000
 7,288,673
 3,850,000
 4,033,985
9,029,211
 9,339,497
 8,500,125
 8,422,211
___________________
(1)
The carrying value is gross of debt issuance cost, debt discount and discount.debt premium.

Foreign Currency Risk
A significant portion of our revenue is denominated in U.S. dollars, however, approximately 54.8%58% of our revenues and 53.8%55% of our operating costs are attributable to Brazil, Canada, Colombia and the EMEA and Asia-Pacific regions, and a large portion of those revenues and costs are denominated in a currency other than the U.S. dollar, primarily the Euro, British pound, Japanese yen,

Singapore dollar, Hong Kong dollar, Australian dollar and Brazilian real. To help manage the exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, we have implemented a number of hedging programs, in particular (i) particular:
a cash flow hedging program to hedge the forecasted revenues and expenses in our EMEA region, (ii) region;
a balance sheet hedging program to hedge the remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies,currencies; and (iii)
a net investment hedging program to hedge the long term investments in our foreign subsidiaries.
Our hedging programs reduce, but do not entirely eliminate, the impact of currency exchange rate movements and its impact on theour consolidated balance sheets, statements of operations. Asoperations and statements of December 31, 2017, the outstanding foreign currency forward contracts had maturities of up to two years.cash flows.
We have entered into various foreign currency loans and senior notes which are designated as hedges against our net investment in foreign subsidiaries.debt obligations. As of December 31, 2017,2019, the total principal amount of foreign currency loans and senior notesdebt obligations was $3,819.4 million,$4.4 billion, including $2,402.0 million$3.1 billion denominated in Euro, $675.9$604.3 million denominated in British pound, $341.9Pound, $410.1 million denominated in Japanese Yen and $272.7 million denominated in Swedish krona and $399.6 million denominated in Japanese Yen.Krona. As of December 31, 2017,2019, we have designated $3,149.5 million$4.1 billion of the total principal amount of foreign currency loans and senior notesdebt obligations as net investment hedges.hedges against our net investments in foreign subsidiaries. For a net investment hedge, changes in the fair value of the hedging instrument designated as a net investment hedge except the ineffective portion and forward points, are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated balance sheets. We did not record any ineffectiveness during 2017. Any remaining change in the carrying value of the foreign currency loans and senior notes is recognized in other income (expense) in our consolidated statements of operations.
Fluctuations in the exchange rates between these foreign currencies (i.e. Euro, British pound, Swedish krona and Japanese Yen) and the U.S. Dollar will impact the amount of U.S. Dollars that we will require to settle the foreign currency loans and senior notesdebt obligations at maturity. If the U.S. Dollar would have been weaker or stronger by 10% in comparison to these foreign currencies as of December 31, 2017,2019, we estimate our obligation to cash settle the principal of these foreign currency loans and senior notesdebt obligations in U.S. Dollars would have increased or decreased by approximately $382.0$485.9 million and $397.5 million, respectively.
For the foreseeable future,In 2019, we anticipate that approximately 50% or lessalso entered into cross-currency interest rate swaps where we receive a fixed amount of U.S. Dollars and pay a fixed amount of Euros, with a total notional amount of $750.0 million. The cross-currency interest rate swaps are designated as hedges of our revenuesnet investment in European operations and operating costs will continue to be generated and incurred outsidechanges in the fair value of these swaps are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. If the U.S. Dollar weakened or strengthened by 10% in currenciescomparison to Euro, we would have recorded an additional loss of $93.1 million or gain of $76.2 million, respectively, within accumulated other than thecomprehensive income (loss) as of December 31, 2019.
The U.S. dollar. During fiscal 2017, the U.S. dollar became generally weakerDollar strengthened relative to certain of the currencies of the foreign countries in which we operate.operate during the year ended December 31, 2019. This overall weakening of the U.S. dollar had a positive impact onhas impacted our consolidated results of operations because the foreign denominations translated into more U.S. dollars. In future periods, the volatility of the U.S. dollar as compared to the other currencies in which we do business could have a significant impact on ourcondensed consolidated financial position and results of operations during this period, including the amount of revenuerevenues that we reportreported. Continued strengthening or weakening of the U.S. Dollar will continue to impact us in future periods.
With the existing cash flow hedges in place, a hypothetical additional 10% strengthening of the U.S. dollar during the year ended December 31, 20172019 would have resulted in a reduction of our revenues and operating expenses, including depreciation and amortization expenses, for the year by approximately $132.4$153.7 million and $134.4$152.5 million, respectively.
With the existing cash flow hedges in place, a hypothetical additional 10% weakening of the U.S. dollar during the year ended December 31, 20172019 would have resulted in an increase of our revenues and operating expenses, including depreciation and amortization expenses, for the year by approximately $127.3$188.2 million and $136.0$188.4 million, respectively.
We may enter into additional hedging activities in the future to mitigate our exposure to foreign currency risk as our exposure to foreign currency risk continues to increase due to our growing foreign operations; however, we do not currently intend to eliminate all foreign currency transaction exposure.

Commodity Price Risk
Certain operating costs incurred by us are subject to price fluctuations caused by the volatility of underlying commodity prices. The commodities most likely to have an impact on our results of operations in the event of price changes are electricity, supplies and equipment used in our IBX data centers. We closely monitor the cost of electricity at all of our locations. We have entered into several power contracts to purchase power at fixed prices in certain locations in the U.S., Switzerland, Italy, Sweden, Ireland, Bulgaria, Poland, Spain, Portugal, Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Singapore and the United Kingdom.
In addition, as we are building new, or expanding existing, IBX data centers, we are subject to commodity price risk for building materials related to the construction of these IBX data centers, such as steel and copper. In addition, the lead-time to procure certain pieces of equipment, such as generators, is substantial. Any delays in procuring the necessary pieces of equipment for the construction of our IBX data centers could delay the anticipated openings of these new IBX data centers and, as a result, increase the cost of these projects.
We do not currently employ forward contracts or other financial instruments to address commodity price risk other than the power contracts discussed above.

ITEM 8.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
ITEM 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
The financial statements and supplementary data required by this Item 8 are listed in Item 15(a)(1) and begin at page F-1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 9.CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSUREChanges in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
There is no disclosure to report pursuant to Item 9.
ITEM 9A.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
ITEM 9A.Controls and Procedures
Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level as of December 31, 2017.2019.
Management’sManagement's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
Based on our evaluation under the framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013), our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2017.2019.
The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20172019 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein on page F-1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls
Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, believes that our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting are designed and operated to be effective at the reasonable assurance level. However, our management does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of a simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is also based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions; over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There was no change in our internal controls over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of fiscal 20172019 that has materially affected, or is reasonable likely to affect, our internal controls over financial reporting. While we implemented certain internal controls related to the adoption of ASC 842, Leases, to ensure we adequately assessed the impact of the new lease accounting standard on our financial statements to facilitate the adoption effective January 1, 2019, we do not believe these have had a material effect on our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 9B.Other Information
There is no disclosure to report pursuant to Item 9B.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
ITEM 10.Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the Equinix proxy statement for the 20182020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
We have adopted a Code of Ethics applicable for the Chief Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officers and a Code of Business Conduct. This information is incorporated by reference to the Equinix proxy statement for the 20182020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is also available on our website, www.equinix.com.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
ITEM 11.Executive Compensation
Information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the Equinix proxy statement for the 20182020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
ITEM 12.Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the Equinix proxy statement for the 20182020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
ITEM 13.Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the Equinix proxy statement for the 20182020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
ITEM 14.Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the Equinix proxy statement for the 20182020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

PART IV
ITEM 15.    EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
ITEM 15.Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
(a)(1) Financial Statements:
(a)(2) Financial statements and schedules:

(a)(3) Exhibits:
    Incorporated by Reference  
Exhibit Number Exhibit Description Form 
Filing Date/
Period End Date
 Exhibit 
Filed
Herewith
           
  8-K 5/29/15 2.1  
           
  8-K 5/29/15 2.2  
           
  10-K 12/31/15 2.3  
           
  8-K 12/6/16 2.1  
           
  10-K 12/31/16 2.5  
           
  8-K 5/1/17 2.1  
           
  10-K/A 12/31/02 3.1  
           
  8-K 6/14/11 3.1  
           
  8-K 6/11/13 3.1  
           
    Incorporated by Reference  
Exhibit Number Exhibit Description Form 
Filing Date/
Period End Date
 Exhibit 
Filed
Herewith
           
  8-K 5/29/2015 2.1  
           
  8-K 5/29/2015 2.2  
           
  10-K 12/31/2015 2.3  
           
  8-K 12/6/2016 2.1  
           
  10-K 12/31/2016 2.5  
           
  8-K 5/1/2017 2.1  
           
  10-Q 8/8/2018 2.7  
           
  10-K/A 12/31/2002 3.1  
           

    Incorporated by Reference  
Exhibit Number Exhibit Description Form 
Filing Date/
Period End Date
 Exhibit 
Filed
Herewith
  10-Q 6/30/2014 3.4  
           
  10-K/A 12/31/02 3.3  
           
  8-K 3/29/16 3.1  
           
4.1 Reference is made to Exhibits 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5 and 3.6.        
           
  8-K 3/5/13 4.3  
           
4.3 Form of 5.375% Senior Note due 2023 (see Exhibit 4.2)        
           
  8-K 11/20/14 4.1  
           
  8-K 11/20/14 4.2  
           
4.6 Form of 5.375% Senior Note due 2022 (see Exhibit 4.5)        
           
  8-K 11/20/14 4.4  
           
4.8 Form of 5.750% Senior Note due 2025 (see Exhibit 4.7)        
           
  8-K 12/04/15 4.2  
           
4.10 Form of 5.875% Senior Note due 2026 (see Exhibit 4.9)        
           
  8-K 3/22/17 4.2  
           
4.12 Form of 5.375% Senior Notes due 2027 (see Exhibit 4.11)        
           
  8-K 9/20/17 4.2  
           
4.14 Form of 2.875% Senior Notes due 2025 (see Exhibit 4.13)        
           
  8-K 12/05/17 4.1  
           
    Incorporated by Reference  
Exhibit Number Exhibit Description Form 
Filing Date/
Period End Date
 Exhibit 
Filed
Herewith
  8-K 6/14/2011 3.1  
           
  8-K 6/11/2013 3.1  
           
  10-Q 6/30/2014 3.4  
           
  10-K/A 12/31/2002 3.3  
           
  8-K 3/29/2016 3.1  
           
4.1 Reference is made to Exhibits 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5 and 3.6.        
           
  8-K 3/5/2013 4.3  
           
4.3 Form of 5.375% Senior Note due 2023 (see Exhibit 4.2).        
           
  8-K 11/20/2014 4.1  
           
  8-K 11/20/2014 4.2  
           
4.6 Form of 5.375% Senior Note due 2022 (see Exhibit 4.5).        
           
  8-K 11/20/2014 4.4  
           
4.8 Form of 5.750% Senior Note due 2025 (see Exhibit 4.7).        
           
  8-K 12/4/2015 4.2  
           
4.10 Form of 5.875% Senior Note due 2026 (see Exhibit 4.9).        
           
  8-K 3/22/2017 4.2  
           
4.12 Form of 5.375% Senior Notes due 2027 (see Exhibit 4.11).        
           

    Incorporated by Reference  
Exhibit Number Exhibit Description Form 
Filing Date/
Period End Date
 Exhibit 
Filed
Herewith
  8-K 12/05/17 4.2  
           
4.17 Form of 2.875% Senior Notes due 2026 (see Exhibit 4.16)        
           
  10-K 12/31/14 4.13  
           
  S-4 (File No. 333-93749) 12/29/1999 10.5  
           
  10-K 12/31/16 10.2  
           
  10-K 12/31/16 10.3  
           
  10-K 12/31/16 10.4  
           
  10-Q 6/30/14 10.5  
           
  10-K 12/31/08 10.31  
           
  10-K 12/31/08 10.32  
           
  10-K 12/31/08 10.33  
           
  10-K 12/31/08 10.35  
           
  
S-1/A
 (File No. 333-137607) filed by Switch & Data Facilities Company
 2/5/07 10.9  
           
  10-Q 9/30/10 10.42  
           
  10-K 12/31/10 10.33  
           
  10-K 12/31/10 10.34  
           
  10-Q 6/30/13 10.51  
           
    Incorporated by Reference  
Exhibit Number Exhibit Description Form 
Filing Date/
Period End Date
 Exhibit 
Filed
Herewith
  8-K 9/20/2017 4.2  
           
4.14 Form of 2.875% Senior Notes due 2025 (see Exhibit 4.13).        
           
  8-K 12/5/2017 4.1  
           
  8-K 12/5/2017 4.2  
           
4.17 Form of 2.875% Senior Notes due 2026 (see Exhibit 4.16).        
           
  8-K 3/14/2018 4.2  
           
4.19 Form of 2.875% Senior Notes due 2024 (see Exhibit 4.18).        
           
  8-K 4/3/2018 4.2  
           
4.21 Form of 5.00% Senior Notes due April 2020 (see Exhibit 4.20).        
           
4.22 Form of 5.00% Senior Notes due October 2020 (see Exhibit 4.20).        
           
4.23 Form of 5.00% Senior Notes due April 2021 (see Exhibit 4.20).        
           
  8-K 11/18/2019 4.2  
           
4.25 Form of 2.625% Senior Notes due 2024 (See Exhibit 4.26).        
           
  8-K 11/18/2019 4.4  
           
4.27 Form of 2.900% Senior Notes due 2026 (See Exhibit 4.28).        
           
  8-K 11/18/2019 4.6  
           
4.29 Form of 3.200% Senior Notes due 2029 (See Exhibit 4.30)        
           

    Incorporated by Reference  
Exhibit Number Exhibit Description Form 
Filing Date/
Period End Date
 Exhibit 
Filed
Herewith
  10-Q 9/30/13 10.54  
           
  10-Q 9/30/13 10.55  
           
  10-Q 3/31/14 10.49  
           
  10-Q 3/31/14 10.50  
           
  10-Q 3/31/14 10.51  
           
  10-Q 3/31/15 10.50  
           
  10-Q 3/31/15 10.51  
           
  10-Q 3/31/15 10.52  
           
  10-Q 3/31/16 10.57  
           
  10-Q 3/31/16 10.58  
           
  10-Q 3/31/16 10.59  
           
  10-Q 3/31/17 10.35  
           
  10-Q 3/31/17 10.36  
           
  10-Q 3/31/17 10.37  
           
  10-Q 3/31/17 10.39  
           
  10-Q 3/31/17 10.40  
           
  10-Q 9/30/14 10.67  
           
    Incorporated by Reference  
Exhibit Number Exhibit Description Form 
Filing Date/
Period End Date
 Exhibit 
Filed
Herewith
  10-K 12/31/2014 4.13  
           
        X
           
  S-4 (File No. 333-93749) 12/29/1999 10.5  
           
  10-K 12/31/2016 10.2  
           
  10-K 12/31/2016 10.3  
           
  10-K 12/31/2016 10.4  
           
  10-Q 6/30/2014 10.5  
           
  
S-1/A
 (File No. 333-137607) filed by Switch & Data Facilities Company
 2/5/2007 10.9  
           
  10-Q 6/30/2019 10.17  
           
  10-Q 3/31/2017 10.35  
           
  10-Q 3/31/2017 10.36  
           
  10-Q 3/31/2017 10.37  
           
  10-Q 3/31/2018 10.31  
           
  10-Q 3/31/2018 10.32  
           
  10-Q 3/31/2018 10.33  
           
  10-Q 3/31/2019 10.28  
           
  10-Q 3/31/2019 10.29  
           
  10-Q 3/31/2019 10.30  
           
  10-Q 3/31/2019 10.31  
           

    Incorporated by Reference  
Exhibit Number Exhibit Description Form 
Filing Date/
Period End Date
 Exhibit 
Filed
Herewith
  10-K 12/31/14 10.48  
           
  10-Q 9/30/15 10.52  
           
  10-K 12/31/15 10.55  
           
  10-K 12/31/16 10.39  
           
  10-Q 9/30/17 10.1  
           
  10-Q 6/30/16 10.55  
           
  10-Q 6/30/16 10.56  
           
  10-Q 9/30/16 10.42  
           
    Incorporated by Reference  
Exhibit Number Exhibit Description Form 
Filing Date/
Period End Date
 Exhibit 
Filed
Herewith
  10-Q 9/30/2014 10.67  
           
  10-Q 6/30/2016 10.55  
           
  10-K 12/31/2017 10.40  
           
  10-Q 8/8/2018 10.35  
           
  10-Q 8/8/2018 10.36  
           
  10-Q 6/30/2019 10.34  
           
  10-K 2/22/2019 10.37  
           

    Incorporated by Reference  
Exhibit Number Exhibit Description Form 
Filing Date/
Period End Date
 Exhibit 
Filed
Herewith
10-Q9/30/201910.25
10-Q9/30/201910.26
10-Q9/30/201910.27
10-Q9/30/201910.28
10-Q9/30/201910.29
10-Q9/30/201910.30
10-Q9/30/201910.31
10-Q9/30/201910.32
10-Q9/30/201910.33
10-Q9/30/201910.34
10-Q9/30/201910.35
10-Q9/30/201910.36
10-Q9/30/201910.37
10-Q9/30/201910.38
10-Q9/30/201910.39
10-Q9/30/201910.4
 X

Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit NumberExhibit DescriptionForm
Filing Date/
Period End Date
Exhibit
Filed
Herewith
       X
           
        X
           
        X
           
        X
           
 X
X
X
       X
           
101.INS XBRL Instance Document.Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.       X
           
101.SCH Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.       X
           
101.CAL Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.       X
           
101.DEF Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.       X
           
101.LAB Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension LabelsLabel Linkbase Document.       X
           
101.PRE Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.X
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** Management contracts or compensation plans or arrangements in which directors or executive officers are eligible to participate.
(b)Exhibits.
See (a) (3) above.
(c)Financial Statement Schedule.
See (a) (2) above.
ITEM 16.    FORM 10-K SUMMARY
ITEM 16.Form 10-K Summary
Not applicable.

SIGNATURESSignatures
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Annual Report on Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
  
EQUINIX, INC.
(Registrant)
   
February 26, 201821, 2020By/s/ PETER F. VAN CAMPCHARLES MEYERS
  Peter F. Van CampCharles Meyers
  Chief Executive Officer and President
POWER OF ATTORNEYPower of Attorney
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Peter F. Van CampCharles Meyers or Keith D. Taylor, or either of them, each with the power of substitution, their attorney-in-fact, to sign any amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K (including post-effective amendments), and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact, or their substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

SignatureTitle
Date


/s/ PETER F. VAN CAMPCHARLES MEYERSChief Executive Officer and President (Principal Executive Officer), President and Executive ChairmanFebruary 26, 201821, 2020
Peter F. Van CampCharles Meyers
/s/ KEITH D. TAYLORChief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)February 26, 201821, 2020
Keith D. Taylor
/s/ SIMON MILLER
Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer)

February 21, 2020
Simon Miller
/s/ PETER F. VAN CAMPExecutive ChairmanFebruary 21, 2020
Peter F. Van Camp
/s/ THOMAS A. BARTLETTDirectorFebruary 26, 201821, 2020
Thomas A. Bartlett
/s/ NANCI CALDWELLDirectorFebruary 26, 201821, 2020
Nanci Caldwell
/s/ ADAIRE FOX-MARTINDirectorFebruary 21, 2020
Adaire Fox-Martin
/s/ GARY F. HROMADKODirectorFebruary 26, 201821, 2020
Gary F. Hromadko
/s/ SCOTT G. KRIENSDirectorFebruary 26, 201821, 2020
Scott G. Kriens
/s/ WILLIAM K. LUBYDirectorFebruary 26, 201821, 2020
William K. Luby
/s/ IRVING F. LYONS, IIIDirectorFebruary 26, 201821, 2020
Irving F. Lyons, III
/s/ CHRISTOPHER B. PAISLEYDirectorFebruary 26, 201821, 2020
Christopher B. Paisley
/s/ SANDRA RIVERADirectorFebruary 21, 2020
Sandra Rivera


INDEX TO EXHIBITSIndex to Exhibits
Exhibit
Number
 Description of Document
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
101.INS XBRL Instance Document.Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
   
101.SCH Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
   
101.CAL Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Document.
   
101.DEF Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Document.
   
101.LAB Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Document.
   
101. PRE Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Document.
104Cover Page Interactive Data File - the cover page interactive data file does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.

** Management contracts or compensation plans or arrangements in which directors or executive officers are eligible to participate.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Equinix, Inc.
Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Equinix, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 20172019 and December 31, 2016,2018, and the related consolidated statements of operations, of comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’of stockholders' equity and other comprehensive income (loss), and of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017,2019, including the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under itemItem 15(a)(2) (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017,2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 20172019 and December 31, 2016,2018, and the results of theirits operations and theirits cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 20172019 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017,2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.
Changes in Accounting Principles
As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for leases as of January 1, 2019 and the manner in which it accounts for revenue from contracts with customers as of January 1, 2018.

Basis for Opinions

The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management’sManagement's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’sCompany's consolidated financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB")(PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.


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Table of Contents

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company’scompany's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’scompany's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’scompany's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.



Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.


Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Income taxes - Real estate investment trust asset tests

As described in Notes 1 and 14 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company recorded income tax expense of $185.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The Company has been operating as a real estate investment trust for federal income tax purposes (“REIT”) effective January 1, 2015. As a result, the Company may deduct the distributions made to its stockholders from taxable income generated by the Company and its qualified REIT subsidiaries ("QRSs"). The Company’s qualification and taxation as a REIT depends on its satisfaction of certain asset, income, organizational, distribution, stockholder ownership and other requirements on a continuing basis.  The Company’s ability to satisfy quarterly asset tests depends upon its analysis and the fair market values of its REIT and non-REIT assets. For purposes of the quarterly REIT asset tests, management estimates the fair market value of assets within its QRSs and taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRSs”) using a discounted cash flow approach, by calculating the present value of forecasted future cash flows. Management applies discount rates based on industry benchmarks relative to the market and forecasting risks. Other significant assumptions used by management to estimate the fair market value of assets in QRSs and TRSs include projected revenue growth, projected operating margins, and projected capital expenditures. Management revisits significant assumptions periodically to reflect any changes due to business or economic environment.

The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the REIT asset tests is a critical audit matter are (i) there was significant judgment by management in determining the fair market value of REIT and non-REIT assets, which in turn led to a high degree of subjectivity in performing procedures relating to the REIT asset test, (ii) there was significant audit effort and judgment in evaluating audit evidence related to the significant assumptions used in the REIT asset test, including the discount rates, projected revenue growth, projected operating margins, and projected capital expenditures, and (iii) the audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge to assist in performing these procedures.

Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to the REIT asset test, including controls over the determination of the fair market value of REIT and non-REIT assets. These procedures also included, among others, testing management’s process for estimating the fair market value of the REIT and non-REIT assets; evaluating the appropriateness of the discounted cash flow approach; testing

F-2


Table of Contents

the completeness and accuracy of underlying data used in the approach; and evaluating the significant assumptions used by management, including the discount rates, projected revenue growth, projected operating margins, and projected capital expenditures. Evaluating management’s assumptions related to projected revenue growth, projected operating margins, and projected capital expenditures involved considering the current and past performance of the Company, economic and industry trends, as well as whether these assumptions were consistent with evidence obtained in other areas of the audit. Professionals with specialized skill and knowledge were used to assist in the evaluation of the Company’s discounted cash flow approach and certain significant assumptions, including the discount rates.

/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
San Jose, California
February 26, 201821, 2020
We have served as the Company’sCompany's auditor since 2000.


F-3


Table of Contents

EQUINIX, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except share and per share data)

December 31,December 31,

2017
20162019
2018
Assets
Current assets:





Cash and cash equivalents$1,412,517

$748,476
$1,869,577

$606,166
Short-term investments28,271

3,409
10,362

4,540
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $18,228 and $15,675576,313

396,245
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $13,026 and $15,950689,134

630,119
Other current assets232,027

319,396
303,543

274,857
Total current assets2,249,128

1,467,526
2,872,616

1,515,682
Long-term investments9,243

10,042
Property, plant and equipment, net9,394,602

7,199,210
12,152,597

11,026,020
Operating lease right-of-use assets1,475,367
 
Goodwill4,411,762

2,986,064
4,781,858

4,836,388
Intangible assets, net2,384,972

719,231
2,102,389

2,333,296
Other assets241,750

226,298
580,788

533,252
Total assets$18,691,457

$12,608,371
$23,965,615

$20,244,638
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities:





Accounts payable and accrued expenses$719,257

$581,739
$760,718

$756,692
Accrued property, plant and equipment220,367

144,842
301,535

179,412
Current portion of capital lease and other financing obligations78,705

101,046
Current portion of operating lease liabilities145,606


Current portion of finance lease liabilities75,239
 77,844
Current portion of mortgage and loans payable64,491

67,928
77,603

73,129
Current portion of senior notes643,224
 300,999
Other current liabilities159,914

133,140
153,938

126,995
Total current liabilities1,242,734

1,028,695
2,157,863

1,515,071
Capital lease and other financing obligations, less current portion1,620,256

1,410,742
Operating lease liabilities, less current portion1,315,656


Finance lease liabilities, less current portion1,430,882
 1,441,077
Mortgage and loans payable, less current portion1,393,118

1,369,087
1,289,434

1,310,663
Senior notes6,923,849

3,810,770
Senior notes, less current portion8,309,673

8,128,785
Other liabilities661,710

623,248
621,725

629,763
Total liabilities11,841,667

8,242,542
15,125,233

13,025,359
Commitments and contingencies (Note 14)


Stockholders' equity:


Preferred stock, $0.001 par value per share: 100,000,000 shares authorized in 2017 and 2016; zero shares issued and outstanding


Common stock, $0.001 par value per share: 300,000,000 shares authorized in 2017 and 2016; 79,440,404 issued and 79,038,062 outstanding in 2017 and 71,817,430 issued and 71,409,015 outstanding in 201679

72
Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)



Equinix stockholders' equity:


Preferred stock, $0.001 par value per share: 100,000,000 shares authorized in 2019 and 2018; zero shares issued and outstanding


Common stock, $0.001 par value per share: 300,000,000 shares authorized in 2019 and 2018; 85,700,953 issued and 85,308,386 outstanding in 2019 and 81,119,117 issued and 80,722,258 outstanding in 201886

81
Additional paid-in capital10,121,323

7,413,519
12,696,433

10,751,313
Treasury stock, at cost; 402,342 shares in 2017 and 408,415 shares in 2016(146,320)
(147,559)
Treasury stock, at cost; 392,567 shares in 2019 and 396,859 shares in 2018(144,256)
(145,161)
Accumulated dividends(2,592,792)
(1,969,645)(4,168,469)
(3,331,200)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(785,189)
(949,142)(934,613)
(945,702)
Retained earnings252,689

18,584
1,391,425

889,948
Total Equinix stockholders' equity8,840,606

7,219,279
Non-controlling interests(224) 
Total stockholders' equity6,849,790

4,365,829
8,840,382
 7,219,279
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity$18,691,457

$12,608,371
$23,965,615

$20,244,638


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


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EQUINIX, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except per share data)
Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2017 2016 20152019 2018 2017
Revenues$4,368,428
 $3,611,989
 $2,725,867
$5,562,140
 $5,071,654
 $4,368,428
Costs and operating expenses:          
Cost of revenues2,193,149
 1,820,870
 1,291,506
2,810,184
 2,605,475
 2,193,149
Sales and marketing581,724
 438,742
 332,012
651,046
 633,702
 581,724
General and administrative745,906
 694,561
 493,284
935,018
 826,694
 745,906
Acquisition costs38,635
 64,195
 41,723
Transaction costs24,781
 34,413
 38,635
Impairment charges
 7,698
 
15,790
 
 
Gain on asset sales
 (32,816) 
(44,310) (6,013) 
Total costs and operating expenses3,559,414
 2,993,250
 2,158,525
4,392,509
 4,094,271
 3,559,414
Income from operations809,014
 618,739
 567,342
1,169,631
 977,383
 809,014
Interest income13,075
 3,476
 3,581
27,697
 14,482
 13,075
Interest expense(478,698) (392,156) (299,055)(479,684) (521,494) (478,698)
Other income (expense)9,213
 (57,924) (60,581)
Other income27,778
 14,044
 9,213
Loss on debt extinguishment(65,772) (12,276) (289)(52,825) (51,377) (65,772)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes286,832
 159,859
 210,998
Income before income taxes692,597
 433,038
 286,832
Income tax expense(53,850) (45,451) (23,224)(185,352) (67,679) (53,850)
Net income from continuing operations232,982
 114,408
 187,774
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax
 12,392
 
Net income$232,982
 $126,800
 $187,774
507,245
 365,359
 232,982
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests205
 
 
Net income attributable to Equinix$507,450
 $365,359
 $232,982
          
Earnings per share ("EPS"):     
Basic EPS from continuing operations$3.03
 $1.63
 $3.25
Basic EPS from discontinued operations
 0.18
 
Earnings per share ("EPS") attributable to Equinix:     
Basic EPS$3.03
 $1.81
 $3.25
$6.03
 $4.58
 $3.03
Weighted-average shares76,854
 70,117
 57,790
Dilutive EPS from continuing operations$3.00
 $1.62
 $3.21
Dilutive EPS from discontinued operations
 0.17
 
Weighted-average shares for basic EPS84,140
 79,779
 76,854
Diluted EPS$3.00
 $1.79
 $3.21
$5.99
 $4.56
 $3.00
Weighted-average shares77,535
 70,816
 58,483
Cash dividends declared per common share$8.00
 $7.00
 $17.71
Weighted-average shares for diluted EPS84,679
 80,197
 77,535
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


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EQUINIX, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(in thousands)
 Years Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Net income$232,982
 $126,800
 $187,774
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:     
Foreign currency translation adjustment ("CTA") gain (loss)454,269
 (507,420) (186,763)
Net investment hedge CTA gain (loss)(235,292) 45,505
 4,484
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax effects of $(10), $(784) and $(4)14
 2,249
 (40)
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges, net of tax effects of $18,542, $(6,760) and $(1,840)(54,895) 19,551
 4,550
Net actuarial gain (loss) on defined benefit plans, net of tax effects of $39, $(8) and $(214)(143) 32
 1,153
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax163,953
 (440,083) (176,616)
Comprehensive income (loss), net of tax$396,935
 $(313,283) $11,158
 Years Ended December 31,
 2019 2018 2017
Net income$507,245
 $365,359
 $232,982
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:     
Foreign currency translation adjustment ("CTA") gain (loss), net of tax effects of $(51), $4,419 and $0(58,334) (421,743) 454,269
Net investment hedge CTA gain (loss), net of tax effects of $10, $1,358 and $073,294
 219,628
 (235,292)
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax effects of $0, $0 and $(10)
 
 14
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges, net of tax effects of $2,938, $(14,557) and $18,542(3,842) 43,671
 (54,895)
Net actuarial gain (loss) on defined benefit plans, net of tax effects of $(9), $(15) and $39(48) 55
 (143)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax11,070
 (158,389) 163,953
Comprehensive income, net of tax518,315
 206,970
 396,935
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests205
 
 
Other comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interests19
 
 
Comprehensive income attributable to Equinix$518,539
 $206,970
 $396,935
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.



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Table of Contents

EQUINIX, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the Three Years Ended December 31, 2017
(in thousands, except share data)
EQUINIX, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the Three Years Ended December 31, 2019
(in thousands, except share data)
EQUINIX, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the Three Years Ended December 31, 2019
(in thousands, except share data)
            
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Retained
Earnings
(Accumulated
Deficit)
 
Total
Stockholders'
Equity
            AOCI (Loss) 
Retained
Earnings
 Equinix
Stockholders'
Equity
 Non-controlling Interests Total Stockholders' Equity
Common stock Treasury stock 
Additional
Paid-in Capital
 
Accumulated
Dividends
 Common stock Treasury stock 
Additional
Paid-in Capital
 
Accumulated
Dividends
 
Shares Amount Shares Amount 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Retained
Earnings
(Accumulated
Deficit)
Shares Amount Shares Amount 
Retained
Earnings
Equinix
Stockholders'
Equity
Non-controlling Interests
Balance as of December 31, 201456,505,122
 $57
 (53,867) $(11,411) $3,334,305
 $(424,387) $(332,443)$(295,990)$2,270,131
Balance as of December 31, 201671,817,430
 $72
 (408,415) $(147,559) $7,413,519
 $(1,969,645) $(949,142) $18,584
$4,365,829
$
$4,365,829
Adjustment from adoption of new accounting standard
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1,123
 1,123
 
 1,123
Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 187,774
 187,774

 
 
 
 
 
 
 232,982
 232,982
 
 232,982
Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 
 
 (176,616) 
 (176,616)
Other comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 
 163,953
 
 163,953
 
 163,953
Issuance of common stock in public offering of common stock, net2,994,792
 3
 
 
 829,493
 
 
 
 829,496
6,069,444
 6
 
 
 2,126,333
 
 
 
 2,126,339
 
 2,126,339
Issuance of common stock and release of treasury stock for employee equity awards856,406
 1
 7,348
 1,546
 28,493
 
 
 
 30,040
790,329
 1
 6,073
 1,239
 40,449
 
 
 
 41,689
 
 41,689
Issuance of common stock and release of treasury stock for the exchanges and conversions of 4.75% convertible debt90,163
 
 11,784
 2,492
 5,392
 
 
 
 7,884
Dividend distributions
 
 
 
 
 (393,584) 
 
 (393,584)
Issuance of common stock under ATM Program763,201
 
 
 
 355,082
 
 
 
 355,082
 
 355,082
Dividend distribution on common stock, $8.00 per share
 
 
 
 
 (612,085) 
 
 (612,085) 
 (612,085)
Settlement of accrued dividends on vested equity awards
 
 
 
 3,775
 
 
 
 3,775

 
 
 
 4,280
 (890) 
 
 3,390
 
 3,390
Issuance of common stock and cash payment for special distribution1,688,411
 1
 
 
 501,513
 (627,221) 
 
 (125,707)
Accrued dividends on unvested equity awards
 
 
 
 
 (23,280) 
 
 (23,280)
 
 
 
 
 (10,172) 
 
 (10,172) 
 (10,172)
Tax benefit from employee stock plans
 
 
 
 30
 
 
 
 30
Stock-based compensation, net of estimated forfeitures
 
 
 
 135,443
 
 
 
 135,443

 
 
 
 181,660
 
 
 
 181,660
 
 181,660
Balance as of December 31, 201562,134,894
 62
 (34,735) (7,373) 4,838,444
 (1,468,472) (509,059) (108,216) 2,745,386
Balance as of December 31, 201779,440,404
 79
 (402,342) (146,320) 10,121,323
 (2,592,792) (785,189) 252,689
 6,849,790
 
 6,849,790
Adjustment from adoption of new accounting standard
 
 
 
 
 
 (2,124) 271,900
 269,776
 
 269,776
Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 126,800
 126,800

 
 
 
 
 
 
 365,359
 365,359
 
 365,359
Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 
 
 (440,083) 
 (440,083)
 
 
 
 
 
 (158,389) 
 (158,389) 
 (158,389)
Issuance of common stock and release of treasury stock for employee equity awards847,374
 1
 7,099
 1,502
 33,172
 
 
 
 34,675
747,779
 1
 5,483
 1,159
 48,976
 
 
 
 50,136
 
 50,136
Issuance of common stock for TelecityGroup acquisition6,853,500
 7
 
 
 2,077,905
 
 
 
 2,077,912
Issuance of common stock, net and release of treasury stock for the exchanges and conversions of 4.75% convertible debt1,981,662
 2
 (380,779) (141,688) 291,711
 
 
 
 150,025
Dividend distributions
 
 
 
 
 (492,403) 
 
 (492,403)
Issuance of common stock under ATM Program930,934
 1
 
 
 388,171
 
 
 
 388,172
 
 388,172
Dividend distribution on common stock, $9.12 per share
 
 
 
 
 (727,448) 
 
 (727,448) 
 (727,448)
Settlement of accrued dividends on vested equity awards
 
 
 
 8,270
 (1,000) 
 
 7,270

 
 
 
 2,319
 (876) 
 
 1,443
 
 1,443
Accrued dividends on unvested equity awards
 
 
 
 
 (7,770) 
 
 (7,770)
 
 
 
 
 (10,084) 
 
 (10,084) 
 (10,084)
Tax benefit from employee stock plans
 
 
 
 2,773
 
 
 
 2,773
Stock-based compensation, net of estimated forfeitures
 
 
 
 161,244
 
 
 
 161,244

 
 
 
 189,799
 
 
 
 189,799
 
 189,799
Noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 725
 
 
 
 725
 
 725


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Table of Contents

EQUINIX, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - continued
For the Three Years Ended December 31, 2017
(in thousands, except share data)
             
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Retained
Earnings
(Accumulated
Deficit)
 
Total
Stockholders'
Equity
 Common stock Treasury stock 
Additional
Paid-in Capital
 
Accumulated
Dividends
   
 Shares Amount Shares Amount     
Balance as of December 31, 201671,817,430
 72
 (408,415) (147,559) 7,413,519
 (1,969,645) (949,142) 18,584
 4,365,829
Adjustment from adoption of new accounting standard
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1,123
 1,123
Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 232,982
 232,982
Other comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 
 163,953
 
 163,953
Issuance of common stock in public offering of common stock, net6,069,444
 6
 
 
 2,126,333
 
 
 
 2,126,339
Issuance of common stock and release of treasury stock for employee equity awards790,329
 1
 6,073
 1,239
 40,449
 
 
 
 41,689
Issuance of common stock under ATM Program, net763,201
 
 
 
 355,082
 
 
 
 355,082
Dividend distributions
 
 
 
 
 (612,085) 
 
 (612,085)
Settlement of accrued dividends on vested equity awards
 
 
 
 4,280
 (890) 
 
 3,390
Accrued dividends on unvested equity awards
 
 
 
 
 (10,172) 
 
 (10,172)
Stock-based compensation, net of estimated forfeitures
 
 
 
 181,660
 
 
 
 181,660
Balance as of December 31, 201779,440,404
 $79
 (402,342) $(146,320) $10,121,323
 $(2,592,792) $(785,189) $252,689
 $6,849,790
EQUINIX, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - continued
For the Three Years Ended December 31, 2019
(in thousands, except share data)
             AOCI (Loss) 
Retained
Earnings
 Equinix
Stockholders'
Equity
 Non-controlling Interests Total Stockholders' Equity
 Common stock Treasury stock 
Additional
Paid-in Capital
 
Accumulated
Dividends
     
 Shares Amount Shares Amount       
Balance as of December 31, 201881,119,117
 81
 (396,859) (145,161) 10,751,313
 (3,331,200) (945,702) 889,948
 7,219,279
 
 7,219,279
Adjustment from adoption of new accounting standard
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (5,973) (5,973) 
 (5,973)
Net income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 507,450
 507,450
 (205) 507,245
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 11,089
 
 11,089
 (19) 11,070
Issuance of common stock and release of treasury stock for employee equity awards692,706
 1
 4,292
 905
 51,111
 
 
 
 52,017
 
 52,017
Issuance of common stock for equity offering2,985,575
 3
 
 
 1,213,431
 
 
 
 1,213,434
 
 1,213,434
Issuance of common stock under ATM Program903,555
 1
 
 
 447,541
 
 
 
 447,542
 
 447,542
Dividend distribution on common stock, $9.84 per share
 
 
 
 
 (825,893) 
 
 (825,893) 
 (825,893)
Settlement of accrued dividends on vested equity awards
 
 
 
 308
 (688) 
 
 (380) 
 (380)
Accrued dividends on unvested equity awards
 
 
 
 
 (10,688) 
 
 (10,688) 
 (10,688)
Stock-based compensation, net of estimated forfeitures
 
 
 
 232,729
 
 
 
 232,729
 
 232,729
Balance as of December 31, 201985,700,953
 $86
 (392,567) $(144,256) $12,696,433
 $(4,168,469) $(934,613) $1,391,425
 $8,840,606
 $(224) $8,840,382
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


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EQUINIX, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2017 2016 20152019 2018 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:          
Net income$232,982
 $126,800
 $187,774
$507,245
 $365,359
 $232,982
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:          
Depreciation865,472
 714,345
 498,134
1,088,559
 1,024,073
 865,472
Stock-based compensation175,500
 155,567
 132,443
236,539
 180,716
 175,500
Amortization of intangible assets177,008
 122,862
 27,446
196,278
 203,416
 177,008
Amortization of debt issuance costs and debt discounts24,449
 19,137
 16,050
Amortization of debt issuance costs and debt discounts and premiums13,042
 13,618
 24,449
Provision for allowance for doubtful accounts5,627
 8,260
 5,037
8,459
 7,236
 5,627
Impairment charges
 7,698
 
15,790
 
 
Gain on asset sales
 (32,816) 
(44,310) (6,013) 
Gain on sale of discontinued operations
 (2,351) 
Loss on debt extinguishment65,772
 12,276
 289
52,825
 51,377
 65,772
Other items(11,243) 20,609
 16,490
11,620
 19,660
 (11,243)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:          
Accounts receivable(161,774) (100,230) (44,583)(26,909) (52,931) (161,774)
Income taxes, net(34,936) 29,020
 (109,579)32,495
 (10,670) (34,936)
Other assets20,180
 (72,831) (70,371)(100,144) (47,635) 20,180
Operating lease right-of-use assets149,031
 
 
Operating lease liabilities(152,091) 
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses74,488
 61,565
 109,125
(27,928) 35,495
 74,488
Other liabilities5,708
 (50,558) 126,568
32,227
 31,725
 5,708
Net cash provided by operating activities1,439,233
 1,019,353
 894,823
1,992,728
 1,815,426
 1,439,233
Cash flows from investing activities:          
Purchases of investments(57,926) (42,325) (359,031)(60,909) (65,180) (57,926)
Sales and maturities of investments46,421
 53,164
 873,139
40,386
 85,777
 46,421
Business acquisitions, net of cash and restricted cash acquired(3,963,280) (1,766,606) (245,503)(34,143) (829,687) (3,963,280)
Purchases of real estate(95,083) (28,118) (38,282)(169,153) (182,418) (95,083)
Purchases of other property, plant and equipment(1,378,725) (1,113,365) (868,120)(2,079,521) (2,096,174) (1,378,725)
Proceeds from sale of assets, net of cash transferred47,767
 851,582
 
358,773
 12,154
 47,767
Net cash used in investing activities(5,400,826) (2,045,668) (637,797)(1,944,567) (3,075,528) (5,400,826)
Cash flows from financing activities:          
Proceeds from employee equity awards41,696
 34,179
 30,040
52,018
 50,136
 41,696
Payment of dividends and special distribution(621,497) (499,463) (521,461)(836,164) (738,600) (621,497)
Proceeds from public offering of common stock, net of issuance costs2,481,421
 
 829,496
1,660,976
 388,172
 2,481,421
Proceeds from senior notes3,628,701
 
 1,100,000
Proceeds from senior notes, net of debt discounts2,797,906
 929,850
 3,628,701
Proceeds from loans payable2,056,876
 1,168,304
 1,197,108

 424,650
 2,056,876
Repayment of senior notes(500,000) 
 
(2,206,289) 
 (500,000)
Repayment of capital lease and other financing obligations(93,470) (114,385) (28,663)
Repayment of finance lease liabilities(126,486) (103,774) (93,470)
Repayment of mortgage and loans payable(2,277,798) (1,462,888) (715,270)(73,227) (447,473) (2,277,798)
Debt extinguishment costs(26,122) (11,380) 
(43,311) (20,556) (26,122)
Debt issuance costs(81,047) (11,381) (18,098)(23,341) (12,218) (81,047)
Other financing activities(900) (51) 

 725
 (900)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities4,607,860
 (897,065) 1,873,152
Net cash provided by financing activities1,202,082
 470,912
 4,607,860
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash31,187
 (21,800) (39,784)8,766
 (33,907) 31,187
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash677,454
 (1,945,180) 2,090,394
1,259,009
 (823,097) 677,454
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period773,247
 2,718,427
 628,033
627,604
 1,450,701
 773,247
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period$1,450,701
 $773,247
 $2,718,427
$1,886,613
 $627,604
 $1,450,701
Supplemental cash flow information          
Cash paid for taxes$72,641
 $39,320
 $132,302
$136,583
 $93,375
 $72,641
Cash paid for interest$444,793
 $350,083
 $237,410
$553,815
 $496,795
 $444,793
          
          
Cash and cash equivalents$1,412,517
 $748,476
 $2,228,838
$1,869,577
 $606,166
 $1,412,517
Current portion of restricted cash included in other current assets26,919
 15,065
 479,417
7,090
 10,887
 26,919
Non-current portion of restricted cash included in other assets11,265
 9,706
 10,172
9,946
 10,551
 11,265
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the consolidated statement of cash flows$1,450,701
 $773,247
 $2,718,427
$1,886,613
 $627,604
 $1,450,701
          
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


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EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1.    Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Nature of Business
Equinix, Inc. ("Equinix" or the "Company") was incorporated in Delaware on June 22, 1998. Equinix provides colocation space and related services.offerings. Global enterprises, content providers, financial companies and network service providers rely upon Equinix’sEquinix's insight and expertise to safehouse and connect their most valued information assets. The Company operates International Business ExchangeTM ("IBX®") data centers, or IBX data centers, across the Americas; Europe, Middle East and Africa ("EMEA") and Asia-Pacific geographic regions where customers directly interconnect with a network ecosystem of partners and customers. More than 1,7001,800 network service providers offer access to the world’sworld's internet routes inside the Company’sCompany's IBX data centers. This access to internet routes provides Equinix customers improved reliability and streamlined connectivity while significantly reducing costs by reaching a critical mass of networks within a centralized physical location. As of December 31, 2019, the Company operated 204 IBX data centers in 53 markets across 5 continents.
The Company has been operating as a Real Estate Investment Trustreal estate investment trust for federal income tax purposes ("REIT") effective January 1, 2015. See "Income Taxes" in Note 1314 below for additional information.
On January 14, 2015, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding share capital of Nimbo Technologies Inc. ("Nimbo"). On November 2, 2015, the Company acquired Bit-isle, Inc. ("Bit-isle"), a Tokyo-based company which primarily provided data center solutions in Japan. On January 15, 2016, the Company completed its acquisition of Telecity Group plc ("TelecityGroup") which provided data center solutions in Europe. On August 1, 2016, the Company completed the purchase of Digital Realty's operating business in Paris (the "Paris IBX Data Center Acquisition"), which housed Equinix' Paris 2 and Paris 3 data centers. On February 3, 2017, the Company acquired IO UK's data center operating business in Slough, United Kingdom ("IO Acquisition"). On May 1, 2017, the Company completed the acquisition of certain colocation business from Verizon Communications Inc. ("Verizon") consisting of 29 data center buildings located in the United States, Brazil and Colombia (the "Verizon Data Center Acquisition"). On October 6, 2017, the Company completed the acquisition of Zenium's data center business in Istanbul and on October 9, 2017, the Company completed the acquisition of Itconic, a data center business in Spain and Portugal. As a result of these acquisitions, the Company operates 190 IBX data centers in 48 markets across five continents.
Basis of Presentation, Consolidation and Foreign Currency
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Equinix and its subsidiaries, including the acquisitions of of:
Switch Datacenters' AMS1 data center business in Amsterdam, Netherlands from April 18, 2019;
Metronode from the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan Board (the "Metronode Acquisition") from April 18, 2018;
Infomart Dallas, including its operations and tenants, from ASB Real Estate Investments (the "Infomart Dallas Acquisition") from April 2, 2018;
Itconic, a data center business in Spain and Portugal from October 9, 2017, the Zenium2017;
Zenium's data center business in Istanbul from October 6, 2017, the2017;
certain colocation business from Verizon Communications Inc. ("Verizon") consisting of 29 data center businessbuildings located in the United States ("U.S."), Brazil and Colombia (the "Verizon Data Center Acquisition") from May 1, 2017, the 2017;
IO UKUK's data center operating business in Slough, United Kingdom ("IO Acquisition") from February 3, 2017, the Paris IBX Data Center from August 1, 2016, TelecityGroup from January 15, 2016, Bit-isle from November 2, 2015 and Nimbo from January 14, 2015. 2017.
All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Foreign exchange gains or losses resulting from foreign currency transactions, including intercompany foreign currency transactions, that are anticipated to be repaid within the foreseeable future, are reported within other income (expense) on the Company’sCompany's accompanying consolidated statements of operations. For additional information on the impact of foreign currencies to the Company’sCompany's consolidated financial statements, see "Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss" in Note 11.12.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S."GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, including, but not limited to, those related to the allowance for doubtful accounts, fair values of financial instruments, intangible assets and goodwill, and assets acquired and liabilities assumed from acquisitions, useful lives of intangible assets and property, plant and equipment, assets acquired and liabilities assumed from acquisitions,leases, asset retirement obligations, other accruals, and income taxes. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable.

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EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)



Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term and Long-Term Investments
The Company considers all highly liquid instruments with an original maturity from the date of purchase of three months90 days or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents consist of money market mutual funds and certificates of deposit with original maturities up to 90 days. Short-term investments generally consist of certificates of deposit with original maturities of between

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EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)



90 days and one1 year. Long-term investments consist of certificates of deposit with original maturities of one year or more and publicly traded equity securities. The Company’s investments in publiclyPublicly traded equity securities are classified as "available-for-sale" and are carriedmeasured at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reportedchanges in stockholders’ equity as a componentthe fair values recognized within other income (expense) in the Company's consolidated statements of other comprehensive income (loss). The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method.operations. The Company reviews its investment portfolio quarterly to determine if any securities may be other-than-temporarily impaired due to increased credit risk, changes in industry or sector of a certain instrument or ratings downgrades.
Equity Method and Cost Method Investments
The Company'sCompany enters into joint venture or partnership arrangements to invest in certain entities for business development objectives. At the inception of these arrangements, the Company assesses its interests with other entities to determine whether any of such entities meet the definition of a variable interest entity ("VIE"). A VIE is an entity that either (i) has insufficient equity to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support, or (ii) has equity investors who lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest. The Company is required to consolidate the assets and liabilities of VIEs when it is deemed to be the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is the entity that meets both of the following criteria: (i) has the power to make decisions that most significantly affect the economic performance of the VIE; and (ii) has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that in either case could potentially be significant to the VIE. As of December 31, 2019, the Company concluded that it did not have any significant investments in non-marketable equity securitiesentities that are deemed to be VIEs.
The Company’s investments in joint ventures and partnerships are generally accounted for under the costequity method orof accounting, as the equity method. For costCompany concluded it does not have control, but has the ability to exercise significant influence over the investees. Equity method investments the Company records the dividends declared by the investees in other income and expenseare initially measured at cost, or at fair value for a retained investment in the consolidated statement of operations and records any dividends in excess of earnings as a reduction of cost of investment. For equity method investments, the Company adjusts the carrying amountcommon stock of an investmentinvestee in a deconsolidation transaction. Equity investments are subsequently adjusted for itscash contributions, distributions and the Company's share of the earningsincome and losses of the investees and recognizes its share of income or loss in other income and expense in the consolidated statement of operations.investees. The Company records cost method andits equity method investments in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet. The Company's proportionate share of the income or loss from its equity method investments are recorded in other income in the consolidated statement of operations. The Company reviews theseits investments periodically to determine if any investments may be other-than-temporarily impaired primarily basedconsidering both qualitative and quantitative factors that may have a significant impact on the financial conditioninvestees' fair value. The Company did 0t record any impairment charges related to its equity method investments for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and near-term prospects of these companies2017.
Non-marketable Equity Investments
The Company also has investments in non-marketable equity securities, where the Company does not have the ability to exercise significant influence over the investees. The Company elected the measurement alternative under which the securities are measured at cost minus impairment, if any, and funds.adjusted for changes resulting from qualifying observable price changes. The Company records non-marketable equity investment in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet. The Company reviews its non-marketable equity investments quarterly to determine if any investments may be impaired considering both qualitative and quantitative factors that may have a significant impact on the investees' fair value. The Company did 0t record any impairment charges related to its non-marketable equity investments for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.
Financial Instruments and Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments long-term investments and accounts receivable. Risks associated with cash and cash equivalents short-term investments and long-termshort-term investments are mitigated by the Company’sCompany's investment policy, which limits the Company’sCompany's investing to only those marketable securities rated at least A-1/P-1 Short Term Rating andor A-/A3 Long Term Rating, as determined by independent credit rating agencies.
A significant portion of the Company’sCompany's customer base is comprised of businesses throughout the Americas. However, a portion of the Company’sCompany's revenues are derived from the Company’sCompany's EMEA and Asia-Pacific operations.

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EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)



The following table sets forth percentages of the Company’sCompany's revenues by geographic region for the years ended December 31:
 2019 2018 2017
Americas47% 49% 50%
EMEA32% 31% 31%
Asia-Pacific21% 20% 19%
 2017 2016 2015
Americas50% 47% 55%
EMEA31% 32% 26%
Asia-Pacific19% 21% 19%

No single customer accounted for greater than 10% of accounts receivable or revenues as of or for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162019, 2018 and 2015.2017.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at the Company’sCompany's original cost or at fair value for property, plant and equipment acquired through acquisitions, net of depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets. Leasehold improvements and integral equipment at leased locations are amortized over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the asset or improvement. Leasehold improvements acquired through acquisition are amortized over the shorter of the useful life of the assets or terms that include required lease periods and renewals that are deemed to be reasonably assured at the date of acquisition. Leasehold improvements that are placed into service significantly after and not contemplated at or near the beginning of the lease term are amortized over the shorter of the useful life of the assets or a term that includes required lease periods and renewals that are deemed to be reasonably assured at the date the leasehold improvements are purchased.

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EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)



The Company’sCompany's estimated useful lives of its property, plant and equipment are as follows:
Core systems3-253-40 years
Buildings12-5012-58 years
Leasehold improvements12-40 years
Personal Property3-10 years

The Company’sCompany's construction in progress includes direct and indirect expenditures for the construction and expansion of IBX data centers and is stated at original cost. The Company has contracted out substantially all of the construction and expansion efforts of its IBX data centers to independent contractors under construction contracts. Construction in progress includes costs incurred under construction contracts including project management services, engineering and schematic design services, design development, construction services and other construction-related fees and services. In addition, the Company has capitalized interest costs during the construction phase. Once an IBX data center or expansion project becomes operational, these capitalized costs are allocated to certain property, plant and equipment categories and are depreciated over the estimated useful life of the underlying assets.
The Company reviews its property, plant and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable such as a significant decrease in market price of an asset, a significant adverse change in the extent or manner in which an asset is being used or in its physical condition, a significant adverse change in legal factors or business climate that could affect the value of an asset or a continuous deterioration of the Company’sCompany's financial condition. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is assessed by comparing the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its estimated discountedundiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset.
The Company did not record any impairment charges related to its property, plant and equipment during the years ended December 31, 20172019, 2018 and 2015. However,2017.

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EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)



The Company enters into non-cancellable lease arrangements as the lessee primarily for its data center spaces, office spaces and equipment. Assets acquired through finance leases are included in property, plant and equipment, net on the consolidated balance sheets. In addition, a portion of the Company's property, plant and equipment are used for revenue arrangements which are accounted for as operating leases where the Company recorded an impairment charge of $7.7 million relating to assets held for sale foris the year ended December 31, 2016 as described below.lessor.
Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations
Assets and liabilities to be disposed of that meet all of the criteria to be classified as held for sale as set forth in the accounting standard for impairment or disposal of long-lived assets are reported at the lower of their carrying amounts or fair values less costs to sell. The Company recorded an impairment charge of $15.8 million relating to assets held for sale for the year ended December 31, 2019. Assets are not depreciated or amortized while they are classified as held for sale. A component of a reporting entity or a group of components of a reporting entity that are disposed or meet the criteria to be classified as held for sale should be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results. The accounting guidance requires a business activity that, on acquisition, meets the criteria to be classified as held for sale be reported as a discontinued operation. For further information on the Company's assets held for sale, and discontinued operations, see Notes 4 andNote 5.
Asset Retirement Costs and Asset Retirement Obligations
The fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation is recognized in the period in which it is incurred. The associated retirement costs are capitalized and included as part of the carrying value of the long-lived asset and amortized over the useful life of the asset. Subsequent to the initial measurement, the Company accretes the liability in relation to the asset retirement obligations over time and the accretion expense is recorded as a cost of revenue. The Company’sCompany's asset retirement obligations are primarily related to its IBX data centers, of which the majority are leased under long-term arrangements and in certain cases, are required to be returned to the landlords in their original condition. The majority of the Company’sCompany's IBX data center leases have been subject to significant development by the Company in order to convert them from, in most cases, vacant buildings or warehouses into IBX data centers. The majority ofFor further information on the Company’s IBX data centers’ initial lease terms expire at various dates ranging from 2018 to 2065 and most of them enable the Company to extend the lease terms.Company's leases, see Note 10.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The Company has three3 reportable segments comprised of the 1) Americas, 2) EMEA and 3) Asia-Pacific geographic regions, which the Company also determined are its reporting units. Goodwill willis not be amortized and will beis tested for impairment at

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EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)



lease annually. As of December 31, 2017, the Company had least annually or more often if and when circumstances indicate that goodwill attributable to its Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific reporting units.is not recoverable.
The Company has the option to assessassesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. Qualitative factors considered in the assessment include industry and market conditions, overall financial performance, and other relevant events and factors affecting the reporting unit. If, after assessing the qualitative factors, the Company determines that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then performing the two-stepa quantitative impairment test is unnecessary. However, if the Company concludes otherwise, then it is required to perform the first step of the two-stepa quantitative goodwill impairment test. The first step, identifying a potentialquantitative impairment test, which is used to identify both the existence of impairment and the amount of impairment loss, compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is not considered impaired. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step would need to be conducted; otherwise, no further steps are necessary as no potential impairment exists. The second step, measuring the impairment loss, compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. Anyany excess of the reporting unit goodwill carrying value over the respective implied fair value is recognized as an impairment loss.
The Company assessed qualitative and quantitative factors during the fourth quarter of 2017 to determine whether it was more likely than not that the fair value of its Americas reporting unit, EMEA reporting unit and Asia-Pacific reporting unit was less than its carrying value. Qualitative factors considered in the assessment include industry and market conditions, overall financial performance, and other relevant events and factors affecting the reporting unit. Additionally, as part of this analysis, the Company may perform a quantitative analysis to support the qualitative factors by evaluating sensitivities to assumptions and inputs used in measuring a reporting unit's fair value. In 2016, the Company elected to bypass the qualitative assessment and performed the first step of the two-step goodwill impairment test for its Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific reporting units during the fourth quarter of 2016. In order to determine the fair value of each reporting unit, the Company utilizes the discounted cash flow and market methods. The assumptions supporting the discounted cash flow method was determined using the Company’s best estimates as of the date of the impairment review. 
As of December 31, 20172019, 2018 and December 31, 2016,2017, the Company concluded that it was more likely than not that goodwill attributed to the Company’sCompany's Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific reporting units was not impaired as the fair value of each reporting unit exceeded the carrying value of its respective reporting unit, including goodwill.
Impairment assessments inherently involve judgment as to assumptions about expected future cash flows and the impact of market conditions on those assumptions. Future events and changing market conditions may impact the Company’s assumptions as to prices, costs, growth rates or other factors that may result in changes in the Company’s estimates of future cash flows. Although the Company believes the assumptions it used in its evaluation of impairment are reasonable, significant changes in any oneSubstantially all of the Company’s assumptions could produce a significantly different result. Indicators of potential impairment that might lead the Company to perform interim goodwill impairment assessments include significant and unforeseen customer losses, a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate, a significant adverse action or assessment by a regulator, a significant stock price decline or unanticipated competition.
All of ourCompany's intangible assets are subject to amortization and are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated period of benefit. We performThe Company performs a review of other intangible assets for impairment by assessing events or changes in circumstances that indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is assessed by comparing the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its estimated discountedundiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. The Company did not record any impairment charges related to its other intangible assets during the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162019, 2018 and 2015.2017.
For further information on goodwill and other intangible assets, see Note 23 and Note 67 below.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)



Debt Issuance Costs
LoanCosts and fees and costsincurred upon debt issuances are capitalized and are amortized over the life of the related loansdebt based on the effective interest method. Such amortization is included as a component of interest expense. Debt issuance costs related to outstanding debt are presented as a reduction of the carrying amount of the debt liabilityobligation and debt issuance costs related to the revolving credit facility are presented as other assets. For the year ended December 31, 2016, debt issuance costs related to the unsecured bridge facility and undrawn term B-2 Loan are presented as other current assets.

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Derivatives and Hedging Activities
The Company uses derivative instruments, including foreign currency forwards and options and cross-currency interest rate swaps, to manage certain foreign currency exposures. Derivative instruments are viewed as risk management tools by the Company and are not used for speculative purposes. The Company recognizes all derivatives on the Company's consolidated balance sheets at fair value. The accounting for changes in the value of a derivative depends on whether or not the contract qualifies and has been designated and qualifies for hedge accounting. In order to qualify for hedge accounting, a derivative must be considered highly effective at reducing the risk associated with the exposure being hedged. In order for a derivative to be designated as a hedge,hedged and there must be documentation of the risk management objective and strategy, including identification of the hedging instrument, the hedged item and the risk exposure, and howthe effectiveness is to be assessed prospectively and retrospectively. To assess effectiveness of derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting, the Company uses a regression analysis. The extent to which a hedging instrument has been and is expected to continue to be effective at achieving offsetting changes in cash flows is assessed and documented at least quarterly.assessment methodology. For qualifying cash flow hedges, the effective portionCompany uses regression analysis at the time they are designated to assess their effectiveness. Hedge designations are reviewed on a quarterly basis to assess whether circumstances have changed that would disrupt the hedge instrument's relationship to the forecasted transactions or net investment.
The Company uses the forward method to assess effectiveness of qualifying foreign currency forwards that are designated as cash flow hedges, whereby, the change in the fair value of the derivative is recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) and recognizedreclassified to the same line item in the consolidated statementsstatement of operations that is used to present the earnings effect of the hedged item when the hedged item affects earnings. The Company uses the spot method to assess effectiveness of qualifying foreign currency exchange options that are designated as cash flows affect earningsflow hedges, whereby, the change in fair value due to foreign currency exchange spot rates is recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassified to the same line item in the sameconsolidated statement of operations that is used to present the earnings effect of the hedged item when the hedged item affects earnings, and the change in fair value of the excluded component is recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) and amortized on a straight-line basis to the same line item asin the consolidated statement of operations that is used to present the earnings effect of the hedged item. The ineffective portion ofWhen two or more derivative instruments in combination are jointly designated as a cash flow hedges is immediately recognized in earnings. If it is determined thathedging instrument, as with foreign currency exchange option collars, they are treated as a derivative is not highly effective at hedging the designated exposure, hedge accounting is discontinued.single instrument. If the hedge relationship is terminated for any derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, then the change in fair value of the derivative recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) is recognized in earnings when the cash flows that werepreviously hedged occur,item affects earnings, consistent with the original hedge strategy. For hedge relationships that are discontinued because the forecasted transaction is not expected to occur according to the original strategy, then any related derivative amounts recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) are immediately recognized in earnings.
From time to time, the Company enters into treasury lock agreements to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. A treasury lock is a synthetic forward sale of a U.S. treasury note which is settled in cash based upon the difference between an agreed upon treasury rate and the prevailing treasury rate at settlement. It is entered into to effectively fix the treasury rate component of an upcoming debt issuance. The treasury lock transactions are designated as cash flow hedges, with all changes in value reported in other comprehensive income (loss). Subsequent to settlement, amounts in other comprehensive income are reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are accrued on the debt.
The Company uses the spot method to assess effectiveness of cross-currency interest rate swaps that are designated as net investment hedges, whereby, the change in fair value due to foreign currency exchange spot rates is recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) and the change in fair value of the excluded component is recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) and amortized to interest expense on a straight-line basis.
From time to time, the Company also uses foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge against the effect of foreign exchange rate fluctuations on a portion of its net investment in the foreign subsidiaries. The Company uses the spot method to assess effectiveness of qualifying foreign currency forwards that are designated as net investment hedges, whereby, the change in fair value due to foreign currency exchange spot rates is recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) and the change in fair value of the excluded component is recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) and amortized to interest expense on a straight-line basis.

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Foreign currency gains or losses associated with derivatives that doare not qualifydesignated as hedging instruments for hedge accounting purposes are recorded within other income (expense) in the Company’sCompany's condensed consolidated statements of operations, with the exception of (i) foreign currency embedded derivatives contained in certain of the Company’sCompany's customer contracts (see "Revenue Recognition" below),and (ii) foreign exchange forward contracts that are entered into to hedge the accounting impact of the foreign currency embedded derivatives, which are recorded within revenues in the Company’sCompany's condensed consolidated statements of operations. The Company does not use derivatives for speculative or trading purposes.
For further information on derivatives and hedging activities, see Note 78 below.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying value of the Company’sCompany's cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, long-term investments and derivative instruments represent their fair value, while the Company’sCompany's accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses and accrued property, plant and equipment approximate their fair value due primarily to the short-term maturity of the related instruments. The fair value of the Company’sCompany's debt, which is traded in the public debt market, is based on quoted market prices. The fair value of the Company’sCompany's debt, which is not publicly traded, is estimated by considering the Company’sCompany's credit rating, current rates available to the Company for debt of the same remaining maturities and terms of the debt.
Fair Value Measurements
The Company measures and reports certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis, including its investments in money market funds, certificates of deposit, publicly traded equity securities and derivatives.
The Company also follows the accounting standard for the measurement of fair value for non-financial assets and liabilities on a nonrecurring basis. These include:
Non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities initially measured at fair value in a business combination or other new basis event, but not measured at fair value in subsequent reporting periods;
Reporting units and non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities measured at fair value for goodwill impairment tests;
Indefinite-lived intangible assets measured at fair value for impairment assessments;
Non-financial long-lived assets or asset groups measured at fair value for impairment assessments or disposal; and
Asset retirement obligations initially measured at fair value but not subsequently measured at fair value.
For further information on fair value measurements, see Note 89 below.

Leases
The Company determines if an arrangement is or contains a lease at its inception. The Company enters into lease arrangements primarily for data center spaces, office spaces and equipment. The Company recognizes a right-of-use ("ROU") asset and lease liability on the consolidated balance sheet for all leases with a term longer than 12 months, including renewals.

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ROU assets represent the Company's right to use an underlying asset for the lease term. Lease liabilities represent the Company's obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU assets and liabilities are classified and recognized at the commencement date. ROU liabilities are measured based on the present value of fixed lease payments over the lease term. ROU assets consist of (i) initial measurement of the lease liability; (ii) lease payments made to the lessor at or before the commencement date less any lease incentives received; and (iii) initial direct costs incurred by the Company. Lease payments may vary because of changes in facts or circumstances occurring after the commencement, including changes in inflation indices. Variable lease payments that depend on an index or a rate (such as the Consumer Price Index or a market interest rate) are included in the measurement of ROU assets and lease liabilities using the index or rate at the commencement date. Variable lease payments that do not depend on an index or a rate are excluded from the measurement of ROU assets and lease liabilities and are recognized in the period in which the obligation for those payments is incurred. Since most of the Company's leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its own incremental borrowing rate ("IBR") on a collateralized basis in determining the present value of lease payments. The Company utilizes a market-based approach to estimate the IBR. The approach requires significant judgment. Therefore, the Company utilizes different data sets to estimate IBRs via an analysis of (i) yields on comparable credit rating composite curves; (ii) sovereign rates; (iii) yields on our outstanding public debt; and (iv) historical difference in yields on the curves of our secured and unsecured rated debt. The Company also applies adjustments to account for considerations related to (i) tenor; and (ii) country credit rating that may not be fully incorporated by the aforementioned data sets.
The majority of the Company's lease arrangements include options to extend the lease. If the Company is reasonably certain to exercise such options, the periods covered by the options are included in the lease term. The depreciable lives of certain fixed assets and leasehold improvements are limited by the expected lease term. The Company has certain leases with an initial term of 12 months or less. For such leases, the Company elected not to recognize any ROU asset or lease liability on the consolidated balance sheet. The Company has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components. The Company elected to account for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component for all classes of underlying assets for which the Company has identified lease arrangements.
Revenue
Revenue Recognition
Equinix derives more than 90% of its revenues from recurring revenue streams, consisting primarily of (1) colocation, which includes the licensing of cabinet space and power; (2) interconnection offerings, such as cross connects and Equinix Exchange ports; (3) managed infrastructure solutions and (4) other revenues consisting of rental income from tenants or subtenants. The remainder of the Company’sCompany's revenues are from non-recurring revenue streams, such as installation revenues, certain professional services, contract settlements and equipment sales. Revenues by service lines and geographic areas are included in segment information (see Note 17).
Under the revenue accounting guidance, revenues are recognized when control of these products and services is transferred to its customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to be entitled to in exchange for the products and services. Revenues from recurring revenue streams are generally billed monthly and recognized ratably over the term of the contract, generally one1 to three3 years for IBX data center colocation customers. Non-recurring installation fees, although generally paid in a lump sumupfront upon installation, are deferred and recognized ratably over the period the customer is expected to benefit from the installation.contract term. Professional service fees and equipment sales are recognized in the period in whichwhen the services were provided and representprovided. For the culminationcontracts with customers that contain multiple performance obligations, the Company accounts for individual performance obligations separately if they are distinct or as a series of a separate earnings process as long as theydistinct obligations if the individual performance obligations meet the criteriaseries criteria. Determining whether products and services are considered distinct performance obligations that should be accounted for separately versus together may require significant judgment. The transaction price is allocated to the separate recognition underperformance obligation on a relative standalone selling price basis. The standalone selling price is determined based on overall pricing objectives, taking into consideration market conditions, geographic locations and other factors. Other judgments include determining if any variable consideration should be included in the accounting standard related to revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables. total contract value of the arrangement such as price increases.
Revenue from providing bandwidth access and equipment sales is generally recognized on a gross basis in accordance with the accounting standard related to reporting revenue gross as a principal versus on a net basis as an agent, primarily becauseas the Company acts asis primarily responsible for fulfilling the principal in the transaction, takes title to products and services andcontract, bears inventory risk and credit risk.has discretion in establishing the price when selling to the customer. To the extent the Company does not meet the criteria for recognizing bandwidth access and equipment services asrevenue on a gross revenue,basis, the Company records the revenue on a net basis. Revenue from contract settlements, when a customer wishes to

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terminate their contract early, is generallytreated as a contract modification and recognized asratably over the termination occurs, when no remaining related performance obligations exist andterm of the customer is deemed to be creditworthy, to the extent that the revenue has not previously been recognized.contract, if any.
The Company guarantees certain service levels, such as uptime, as outlined in individual customer contracts. If these service levels are not achieved due to any failure of the physical infrastructure or offerings, or in the event of certain instances of damage to customer infrastructure within the Company’sCompany's IBX data centers, the Company would generally reduce revenue for any credits or cash payments given to the customer as a result. The Company generally determines such service level credits and cash payments prior to the associated revenue being recognized, and historically,customer. Historically, these credits and cash payments have generally not been significant.
RevenueThe Company enters into revenue contracts with customers for data centers and office spaces, which contain both lease and non-lease components. The Company elected to adopt the practical expedient which allows lessors to combine lease and non-lease components, by underlying class of asset, and account for them as one component if they have the same timing and pattern of transfer. The combined component is recognized only whenaccounted for in accordance with the service has been providedcurrent lease accounting guidance ("Topic 842") if the lease component is predominant, and when therein accordance with the current revenue accounting guidance ("Topic 606") if the non-lease component is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the fee is fixed or determinable and collection of the receivable is reasonably assured. It is the Company’s customary business practicepredominant. Lessors are permitted to obtain a signed master sales agreement and sales order prior to recognizing revenue in an arrangement. Taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are reportedadopt this practical expedient on a net basisretrospective or prospective basis. The Company elected to apply the practical expedient prospectively based on classes of underlying assets. In general, customer contracts for data centers are accounted for under Topic 606 and Customer contracts for the use of office space are accounted for under Topic 842, which are generally classified as operating leases and are excluded from revenue.recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
As a result of certainCertain customer agreements being pricedare denominated in currencies different fromother than the functional currencies of the parties involved, underinvolved. Under applicable accounting rules, the Company is deemed to have foreign currency forward contracts embedded in these contracts. The Company refersassessed these embedded contracts and concluded them to these asbe foreign currency embedded derivatives (see Note 7)8). These instruments are separated from their host contracts and held on the Company’sCompany's consolidated balance sheet at their fair value. The majority of these foreign currency embedded derivatives arise in certain of the Company’sCompany's subsidiaries where the local currency is the subsidiary’ssubsidiary's functional currency and the customer contract is denominated in the U.S. dollar. Changes in their fair values are recognized within revenues in the Company’sCompany's consolidated statements of operations.
Contract Balances
The timing of revenue recognition, billings and cash collections result in accounts receivables, contract assets and deferred revenues. A receivable is recorded at the invoice amount, net of an allowance for doubtful account and is recognized in the period when the Company has transferred products or provided services to its customers and when its right to consideration is unconditional. Payment terms and conditions vary by contract type, although terms generally include a requirement of payment within 30 to 45 days. In instances where the timing of revenue recognition differs from the timing of invoicing, the Company has determined that the Company's contracts generally do not include a significant financing component. The Company assesses collectability based on a number of factors, including past transaction history with the customer and the credit-worthiness of the customer. The Company generally does not request collateral from its customers although in certain cases the Company obtains a security interest in a customer’scustomer's equipment placed in its IBX data centers or obtains a deposit. If the Company determines that collection of a fee is not reasonably assured, the fee is deferred and revenue is recognized at the time collection becomes reasonably assured, which is generally upon receipt of cash. In addition, theThe Company also maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments for which the Company had expected to collect the revenues. If the financial condition of the Company’sCompany's customers were to deteriorate or if they became insolvent, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, greater allowances for doubtful accounts may be required. Management specifically analyzes accounts receivable and current economic news and trends, historical bad debts, customer concentrations, customer credit-worthiness and changes in customer payment terms when evaluating revenue recognition and the adequacy of the Company’sCompany's reserves. Any amounts that were previously recognized as revenue and subsequently determined to be uncollectable are charged to bad debt expense included in generalsales and administrativemarketing expense in the consolidated statements of operations. A specific bad debt reserve of up to the full amount of a particular invoice value is provided for certain problematic customer balances. An additional reserve is established for all other accounts based on the age of the invoices and an analysis of historical credits issued. Delinquent account balances are written-offwritten off after management has determined that the likelihood of collection is not probable.

A contract asset exists when the Company has transferred products or provided services to its customers, but customer payment is contingent upon satisfaction of additional performance obligations. Certain contracts include terms related to price arrangements such as price increases and free months. The Company recognizes revenues

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ratably over the contract term, which could potentially give rise to contract assets during certain periods of the contract term. Contract assets are recorded in other current assets and other assets in the consolidated balance sheet.
Deferred revenue (a contract liability) is recognized when the Company has an unconditional right to a payment before it transfers products or services to customers. Deferred revenue is included in other current liabilities and other liabilities, respectively, in the consolidated balance sheet.
Contract Costs
Direct and indirect incremental costs solely related to obtaining revenue contracts are capitalized as costs of obtaining a contract, when they are incremental and if they are expected to be recovered. Such costs consist primarily of commission fees and sales bonuses, as well as indirect related payroll costs. Contract costs are amortized over the estimated period of benefit on a straight-line basis. The Company elected to apply the practical expedient which allows the Company to expense contract costs when incurred, if the amortization period is one year or less.
For further information on revenue recognition, see Note 2 below.
Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases.bases and operating loss and tax credits carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts that are expected more likely than not to be realized in the future. A tax benefit from an uncertain income tax position may be recognized in the financial statements only if it is more likely than not that the position is sustainable, based solely on its technical merits and consideration of the relevant taxing authority’sauthority's widely understood administrative practices and precedents. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized. Any subsequent changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs.
The Company has been operatingelected to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes effective January 1, 2015.beginning with its 2015 taxable year. As a result, the Company may deduct the distributions made to its stockholders from taxable income generated by the Company and its qualified REIT subsidiaries ("QRSs"). The Company’sCompany's dividends paid deduction generally eliminates the U.S. federal taxable income of the Company and its QRSs, resulting in no U.S. income tax due. However, the Company's taxable REIT subsidiaries ("TRSs") will continue to be subject to the U.S. corporate income taxes on any taxable income generated by them. In addition, the foreign operations of the Company will continue to be subject to local income taxes regardless of whether the foreign operations are operated as QRSs or TRSs.
The Company's qualification and taxation as a QRSREIT depends on its satisfaction of certain asset, income, organizational, distribution, stockholder ownership and other requirements on a continuing basis. The Company's ability to satisfy quarterly asset tests depends upon its analysis and the fair market values of its REIT and non-REIT assets. For purposes of the quarterly REIT asset tests, the Company estimates the fair market value of assets within its QRSs and TRSs using a discounted cash flow approach, by calculating the present value of forecasted future cash flows. The Company applies discount rates based on industry benchmarks relative to the market and forecasting risks. Other significant assumptions used to estimate the fair market value of assets in QRSs and TRSs include projected revenue growth, projected operating margins, and projected capital expenditures. The Company revisits significant assumptions periodically to reflect any changes due to business or TRS.economic environment.
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date for all stock-based awards made to employees and directors based on the fair value of the award and is recognized asaward. The Company generally recognizes stock-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the awards, which is generally the vesting period. However, for awards with market conditions or performance conditions, stock-based compensation expense is recognized on a

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straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each vesting tranche of the award. The Company elected to estimate forfeitures based on historical forfeiture rates. 
The Company grants restricted stock units to its employees and these equity awards generally have only a service condition. The Company grants restricted stock units to its executives and these awards generally have a service and performance condition or a service and market condition. To date, any performance conditions contained in an equity award are tied to the financial performance of the Company or a specific region of the Company. The Company assesses the probability of meeting these performance conditions on a quarterly basis. The majority of the Company’sCompany's equity awards vest over four4 years, although certain of the equity awards for executives vest over a range of two2 to four4 years. The valuation of restricted stock units with only a service condition or a service and performance condition requires no significant assumptions as the fair value for these types of equity awards is based solely on the fair value of the Company’sCompany's stock price on the date of grant. The Company uses a Monte Carlo simulation option-pricing model to determine the fair value of restricted stock units with a service and market condition.
The Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine the fair value of its employee stock purchase plan. The determination of the fair value of shares purchased under the employee stock purchase plan is affected by assumptions regarding a number of complex and subjective variables including the Company’sCompany's expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards and actual and projected employee stock purchase behaviors. The Company estimated the expected volatility by using the average historical volatility of its common stock that it believed was best representative of future volatility. The risk-free interest rate used was based on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with remaining terms similar to the expected term of the equity awards. The expected dividend rate used was based on average dividend yields and the expected term used was equal to the term of each purchase window.
The accounting standard for stock-based compensation does not allow the recognition of unrealized tax benefits associated with the tax deductions in excess of the compensation recorded (excess tax benefit) until the excess tax benefit is realized (i.e., reduces taxes payable). In periods prior to 2017, the Company recognized the benefit from stock-based compensation in equity when the excess tax benefit is realized by following the "with-and-without" approach. Upon adoption of ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718) on January 1, 2017, theThe Company records the excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation as income tax expense through the statement of operations instead of additional paid-in capital as required under the previous guidance.operations.
For further information on stock-based compensation, see Note 1213 below.
Foreign Currency Translation
The financial position of foreign subsidiaries is translated using the exchange rates in effect at the end of the period, while income and expense items are translated at average rates of exchange during the period. Gains or losses from translation of foreign

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operations where the local currency is the functional currency are included as other comprehensive income (loss). The net gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are recorded in net income (loss) in the period incurred and reportedrecorded within other income and expense.(expense). Certain inter-company balances are designated as loans of a long-term investment-type nature. Accordingly, exchange gains and losses associated with these long-term inter-company balances are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income (loss), along with translation adjustments.
Earnings Per Share
The Company computes basic and diluted EPS for net income. Basic EPS is computed using net income and the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted EPS is computed using net income adjusted for interest expense as a result of the assumed conversion of the Company’s 4.75% Convertible Subordinated Notes, if dilutive, and the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding plus any dilutive potential common shares outstanding. Dilutive potential common shares include the assumed exercise, vesting and issuance activity of employee equity awards using the treasury stock method, as well as shares issuable upon the assumed conversion of the 4.75% Convertible Subordinated Notes.method. See Note 34 below.
Treasury Stock
The Company accounts for treasury stock under the cost method. When treasury stock is re-issued at a higher price than its cost, the difference is recorded as a component of additional paid-in capital to the extent that there are gains to offset the losses. If there are no treasury stock gains in additional paid-in capital, the losses are recorded as a component of retained earnings (accumulated deficit).earnings.

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
In August 2017,December 2019, Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No.2019-12, Income Taxes ("Topic 740"): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. The ASU simplifies accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740. The ASU also improves consistent application of and simplifies GAAP for other areas of Topic 740 by clarifying and amending existing guidance. For public entities, the ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted including adoption in any interim period for periods for which financial statements have not yet been issued. The Company is currently evaluating the extent of the impact that the adoption of this standard will have on its condensed consolidated financial statements.
In June 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses ("Topic 326"): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The ASU requires the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The ASU requires enhanced qualitative and quantitative disclosures to help investors and other financial statement users better understand significant estimates and judgments used in estimating credit losses, as well as the credit quality and underwriting standards of an organization's portfolio. In addition, the ASU amends the accounting for credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities and purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. The ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for all organizations for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company will adopt this new ASU on January 1, 2020. The Company is assessing the impact of this ASU on its accounting for allowances for doubtful accounts, but does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a significant impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements.
Accounting Standards Recently Adopted
Revenue
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASU 2014-09") and issued subsequent amendments to the initial guidance, collectively referred as "Topic 606." On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted Topic 606 using the modified retrospective approach applied to those contracts, which were not completed as of January 1, 2018, and recognized a net increase to the opening retained earnings of $269.8 million, net of tax impacts. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under Topic 606, while the comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under accounting standards in effect for those periods.
Derivatives and Hedging
In August 2017, FASB issued ASU 2017-12 Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815)("Topic 815"): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. This ASU was issued to improve the financial reporting of hedging relationships to better portray the economic results of an entity’sentity's risk management activities in its financial statements and to simplify the application of the hedge accounting guidance in current generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP").GAAP. This ASU permits hedge accounting for risk components involving nonfinancial risk and interest rate risk, requires an entity to present the earnings effect of the hedging instrument in the same income statement line item in which the hedged item is reported, no longer requires separate measurement and reporting of hedge ineffectiveness, eases the requirement for hedge effectiveness assessment, and requires a tabular disclosure related to the effect on the income statement of fair value and cash flow hedges. This ASU is effective for annual or any interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 with early adoption permitted.
The Company is currently evaluatingadopted ASU 2017-12 on January 1, 2019 using the impact thatmodified retrospective approach. For cash flow hedges existing on the date of adoption, the Company recognized the cumulative effect of the change on the opening balance of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) with a corresponding adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings for amounts previously recognized in earnings related to ineffectiveness. The adoption of this standard willdid not have a material impact on itsthe Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.
In May 2017, FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09 Compensation–Stock Compensation (Topic 718). This ASU was issued primarily to provide clarity and reduce both diversity in practice and cost and complexity when applying the guidance in Topic 718 to a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award. This ASU affects any entity that changes the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award. This ASU provides guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in Topic 718. This ASU is effective for annual or any interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 with early adoption permitted. The Company will adopt this standard effective January 1, 2018. The adoption of ASU 2017-09 is not expected to have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In March 2017, FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07 Compensation–Retirement Benefits (Topic 715). This ASU was issued primarily to improve the presentation of net periodic pension cost and net periodic post-retirement benefit cost. This ASU requires that an employer reports the service cost component in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. It also requires the other components of net periodic pension cost and net periodic post-retirement benefit cost to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations, if one is presented. Additionally, only the service cost component is eligible for capitalization, when applicable. This ASU is effective for annual or any interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company will adopt this standard effective January 1, 2018. The adoption of ASU 2017-07 is not expected to have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In February 2017, FASB issued ASU No. 2017-05 Other Income—Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Non-Financial Assets (Subtopic 610-20). This ASU is to clarify the scope of the non-financial asset guidance in Subtopic 610-20 and to add


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)






guidance for partial sales of non-financial assets. This ASU defines the term in substance non-financial asset and clarifies that non-financial assets within the scope of Subtopic 610-20 may include non-financial assets transferred within a legal entity to a counterparty. The ASU also provides guidance on the accounting for what often are referred to as partial sales of non-financial assets within the scope of Subtopic 610-20 and contributions of non-financial assets to a joint venture or other non-controlled investee. This ASU is effective for annual or any interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company will adopt this standard effective January 1, 2018. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In January 2017, FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04 Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. This ASU is to simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill. The ASU eliminates step 2 from the goodwill impairment test and the requirements for any reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount to perform a qualitative assessment and, if it fails that qualitative test, to perform step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. An entity still has the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. This ASU should be applied on a prospective basis. This ASU is effective for the Company for its annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company elected to early adopt the standard effective January 1, 2018. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In January 2017, FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business. The ASU provides new guidance to assist entities with evaluating when a set of transferred assets and activities is a business. The definition of a business affects many areas of accounting including acquisitions, disposals, goodwill, and consolidation. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those periods with early adoption being permitted. The Company will adopt this standard prospectively effective January 1, 2018. The adoption of this standard may impact the accounting of future transactions.
In October 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory. This ASU requires the recognition of the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. This ASU is effective for fiscal years and interim period within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The Company will adopt this standard effective January 1, 2018. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In June 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The ASU requires the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The ASU requires enhanced disclosures to help investors and other financial statement users better understand significant estimates and judgments used in estimating credit losses, as well as the credit quality and underwriting standards of an organization's portfolio. These disclosures include qualitative and quantitative requirements that provide additional information about the amounts recorded in the financial statements. In addition, the ASU amends the accounting for credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities and purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. The ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for all organizations for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company expects this ASU to impact its accounts receivable and is currently evaluating the extent of the impact that the adoption of this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.Leases
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) ("ASU 2016-02"). In September 2017,and issued subsequent amendments to the FASB issued ASU 2017-13initial guidance, collectively referred to as "Topic 842." Topic 842 replaces the guidance in former ASC Topic 840, Leases. The new lease guidance increases transparency and ASU 2018-01, which provide additional implementation guidance oncomparability among organizations by requiring the previously issued ASU 2016-02. Under the new guidance, lessees will be required to recognizerecognition of the following for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases) at the commencement date: (1) a lease liability, which is a lessee's future obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis; and (2) a right-of-use ("ROU") asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee's right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. The new lease guidance simplified the accounting for sale and leaseback transactions primarily because lessees must recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. Lessees (for capital and operating leases) and lessors (for sales-type, direct financing, and operating leases) must apply a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. The modified retrospective approach would not require any transition accounting for leases that expired before the earliest comparative period presented. Lessees and lessors may not apply a full retrospective transition approach. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company plans to elect the practical expedient that it will not reassess whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases, the lease classification for any expired or existing leases or initial direct costs for any existing leases. The Company does not plan to elect

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EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)



the practical expedient to use hindsight in determining the lease term and in assessing impairment of right-of-use assets. The Company expects to record a significant increase in assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet at adoption due to the recording of right-of-use assets and corresponding lease liabilities.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments- Overall (Subtopic 825-10) ("ASU 2016-01"), which requires all equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized through net income other than those accounted for under equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investees. The ASU also requires that an entity present separately in other comprehensive income the portion of the total change in the fair value of a liability resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk when the entity has elected to measure the liability at fair value in accordance with the fair value option for financial instruments. In addition, the ASU eliminates the requirement to disclose the fair value of financial instruments measured at amortized cost for entities that are not public business entities and the requirement to disclose the method(s) and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet for public business entities. ASU 2016-01 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company currently holds publicly traded equity securities that are classified as "available-for-sale" and are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported in stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Upon the adoption of this ASU, the unrealized gains and losses will be recognized through net income. The Company will adopt this standard effective January 1, 2018. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASU 2014-09") and issued subsequent amendments to the initial guidance with ASU 2015-14, ASU 2016-08, ASU 2016-10, ASU 2016-11, ASU 2016-12, ASU 2016-20, ASU 2017-13 and ASU 2017-14 collectively referred as "Topic 606." Topic 606 supersedes the existing guidance and requires the entity to recognize revenue for the transfer of goods or services equal to the amount that it expects to be entitled to receive for those goods or services. Topic 606 requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments. Topic 606 is effective for entities beginning January 1, 2018, with early adoption permitted.

The standard842 allows entities to adopt with one of these two methods: full retrospective, which applies retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented, orthe modified retrospective which recognizestransition method or the alternative transition method.
On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted Topic 842 using the alternative transition method. Therefore, results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2019 are presented under Topic 842, while comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under accounting standards in effect for those periods. The Company recognized the cumulative effecteffects of initially applying the revenue standard as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption.
In adopting the new guidance, the Company elected to apply the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance which allows the Company not to reassess (1) whether any expired or existing contracts contain leases under the new definition of a lease; (2) lease classification for any expired or existing leases; and (3) whether previously capitalized initial application. Ondirect costs would qualify for capitalization under Topic 842. The Company also elected to apply the land easements practical expedient which permits the Company not to assess at transition whether any expired or existing land easements are, or contain, leases if they were not previously accounted for as leases under Topic 840.
Adoption of the standard had a significant impact on the Company's financial results, including the (1) recognition of new ROU assets and liabilities on its balance sheet for all operating leases; and (2) de-recognition of existing build-to-suit assets and liabilities with cumulative effects of initially applying the standard as an adjustment to the retained earnings. The cumulative effect of the changes made to its consolidated January 1, 2018, the Company adopted Topic 606 using the modified retrospective approach applied to the contracts which were not completed as of January 1, 2018 and expects to recognize an increase to retained earnings of approximately $267 million to $307 million before any potential tax impact. The Company is still assessing tax impacts related to this adjustment.

The most significant impact to the Company2019 balance sheet from this standard relates to installation revenue and cost to obtain contracts. Under the new standard, the Company expects to recognize installation revenue over the contract period rather than over the estimated installation life under the prior revenue standard. Under the new standard, the Company is also required to capitalize and amortize certain costs to obtain contracts, rather than expense them immediately under existing GAAP.

Accounting Standards Adopted
In January 2017, FASB issued ASU No. 2017-03, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections (Topic 250). The ASU adds SEC disclosure requirements for both the quantitative and qualitative impacts that certain recently issued accounting standards will have on the financial statements of a registrant when such standards are adopted in a future period. Specially, these disclosure requirements apply to the adoption of ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606); ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842); and ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326)Topic 842 was as follows (in thousands): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. This ASU is effective immediately. The Company adopted ASU 2017-03 in the three months ended March 31, 2017 by including appropriate disclosure requirements within its condensed consolidated financial statements to adhere to this new standard.
In December 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-19, Technical Corrections and Improvements. This ASU covers a wide range of Topics in the Accounting Standards Codification. Certain aspects of this ASU were effective immediately, while a few of the corrections are effective for the Company for its fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted ASU 2016-19 in the three months ended March 31, 2017. The adoption of ASU 2016-19 did not impact the Company's consolidated financial statements.

F-18
Balance Sheet Balances at December 31, 2018 Adjustments due to adoption of Topic 842 Balances at January 1, 2019
Assets      
Other current assets $274,857
 $(15,949) $258,908
Property, plant and equipment, net 11,026,020
 (293,111) 10,732,909
Operating lease right-of-use assets 
 1,468,762
 1,468,762
Intangible assets, net 2,333,296
 (23,205) 2,310,091
Other assets 533,252
 (63,468) 469,784
Liabilities      
Current portion of operating lease liabilities 
 144,405
 144,405
Current portion of finance lease liabilities 
 70,795
 70,795
Current portion of capital lease and other financing obligations 77,844
 (77,844) 
Other current liabilities 126,995
 (6,455) 120,540
Operating lease liabilities, less current portion 
 1,312,262
 1,312,262
Finance lease liabilities, less current portion 
 1,165,188
 1,165,188
Capital lease and other financing obligations, less current portion 1,441,077
 (1,441,077) 
Other liabilities 629,763
 (88,272) 541,491
Equity      
Retained Earnings 889,948
 (5,973) 883,975


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)






2.Revenue Recognition
Contract Balances
In November 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, StatementThe following table summarizes the opening and closing balances of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash. This ASU applies to all entities that have restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents and are required to present a statement of cash flows. The ASU requires that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. As a result, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. This ASU is effective for the Company for its fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years with early adoption being permitted. This ASU should be applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. The Company adopted ASU 2016-18 in the three months ended March 31, 2017 and applied this ASU retrospectively to the periods presented in the Company's consolidated statementsaccounts receivable, net; contract asset, current; contract asset, non-current; deferred revenue, current; and deferred revenue, non-current (in thousands):
 Accounts receivable, net Contract asset, current Contract asset, non-current Deferred revenue, current Deferred revenue, non-current
Beginning balances as of January 1, 2019$630,119
 $9,778
 $16,396
 $73,143
 $46,641
Closing balances as of December 31, 2019689,134
 10,033
 31,521
 76,193
 46,555
Increase/(decrease)$59,015
 $255
 $15,125
 $3,050
 $(86)
          
Beginning balances as of January 1, 2018 (1)
$576,313
 $9,002
 $16,186
 $71,085
 $53,101
Closing balances as of December 31, 2018630,119
 9,778
 16,396
 73,143
 46,641
Increase/(decrease)$53,806
 $776
 $210
 $2,058
 $(6,460)

(1)
Includes cumulative adjustments made to these accounts on January 1, 2018 from the adoption of Topic 606.
The difference between the opening and closing balances of cash flows. Net cash used in investing activities were adjusted to exclude the change in restricted cash primarily related to restricted cash set aside for the TelecityGroup acquisition, resulting in an increased in the previously reported amount by $453.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 and a decrease in the previously reported amount by $497.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. Restricted cash amounts are primarily time deposits or cash set side as a pledge for our mortgage loan in Germany, an escrow account for a data center project and collateral for the Company's various bank guarantees foraccounts receivable, net, contract assets and deferred revenues primarily results from the periods ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.
In October 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-17, Consolidation (Topic 810): Interests Held through Related Parties That Are under Common Control. This ASU alters how a decision maker needs to consider indirect interests in a variable interest entity ("VIE") held through an entity under common control. Under this ASU, if a decision maker is required to evaluate whether it istiming difference between the primary beneficiarysatisfaction of a VIE, it will need to consider only its proportionate indirect interest in the VIE held through a common control party. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2016-17 in the three months ended March 31, 2017. The adoption of this standard did not impact the Company's consolidated financial statements as it does not hold any interests in a VIE through related parties that are under common control.
In August 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receiptsperformance obligation and Cash Payments. This ASU provides guidance on the classification of eight cash flow issues to reduce the existing diversification in practice, including (a) debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs; (b) settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments or other debt instruments with coupon interest rates that are not significant in relation to the effective interest rate of the borrowing; (c) contingent consideration payments made after a business combination; (d) proceeds from settlement of insurance claims; (e) proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies, including bank-owned life insurance policies; (f) distributions received from equity method investees; (g) beneficial interests in securitization transactions; and (h) separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. The ASU is effective for fiscal years and interim period within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2016-15 in the three months ended March 31, 2017 and applied this ASU using a retrospective transition method to each period presented in the Company's consolidated statements of cash flows. The adoption of ASU 2016-15 did not impact the Company's consolidated statements of cash flows.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting ("ASU 2016-09"). This ASU simplifies several areas of the accounting for share-basedcustomer's payment, award transactions, including (a) income tax consequences; (b) classification of awards as either equity or liabilities; and (c) classification on the statement of cash flows. This ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2016-09 in the three months ended March 31, 2017. Beginning on January 1, 2017, the Company began to record the excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation as income tax expense through the statement of operations instead of additional paid-in capital as required under the previous guidance. There was no adjustment to excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation recorded as additional paid-in capital in prior years. Excess tax benefits that were not previously recognized, as well as a valuation allowance recognized for deferred tax assets as a result of the adoption of this ASU, were recorded on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of 2017 totaling $1.1 million. As a part of the adoption of this ASU, stock compensation awards will have more dilutive effect on the Company's earnings per share prospectively.
Under this guidance, cash flows related to excess tax benefits will no longer be separately classified as financing activities apart from other income tax cash flow. The Company elected to apply this part of the guidance retrospectively, which resulted in a change of $2.8 million and $30.0 thousand in both net cash provided by operating activities and net cash used in financing activities in the Company's consolidated statements of cash flows forbusiness combinations closed during the years ended December 31, 20162019 and 2018. The amounts of revenue recognized during the years ended December 31, 20152019 and 2018 from the opening deferred revenue balance were approximately $87.3 million and $81.8 million, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, no impairment loss related to contract balances was recognized in the consolidated statement of operations.
Contract Costs
The ending balances of net capitalized contract costs as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 were $229.2 million and $188.2 million, respectively, which were included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet. $72.9 million and $73.1 million of contract costs were amortized during years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, which were included in sales and marketing expense in the consolidated statement of operations.
Remaining performance obligations
As of December 31, 2019, approximately $7.4 billion of total revenues and deferred installation revenues are expected to conform withbe recognized in future periods, the currentmajority of which will be recognized over the next 24 months. While initial contract terms vary in length, substantially all contracts thereafter automatically renew in one-year increments. Included in the remaining performance obligations is either 1) remaining performance obligations under the initial contract terms or 2) remaining performance obligations related to contracts in the renewal period presentation. Additionally, this guidance permits entitiesonce the initial terms have lapsed. The remaining performance obligations do not include variable consideration related to make an accounting policyunsatisfied performance obligations such as the usage of metered power, service fees from xScale data centers, which are calculated based on future events or actual costs incurred in the future, or any contracts that could be terminated without any significant penalties such as the majority of interconnection revenues. The remaining performance obligations above include revenues to estimate forfeitures each period orbe recognized in the future related to account for forfeitures as they occur. Thearrangements where the Company elected to continue to estimate forfeitures.is considered the lessor.


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)






3.Acquisitions
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-06, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), Contingent Put and Call Options in Debt Instruments ("ASU 2016-06"). This ASU clarifies the requirements for assessing whether contingent call (put) options that can accelerate the payment of principal on debt instruments are clearly and closely related to their debt hosts. An entity performing the assessment under the amendments in this ASU is required to assess the embedded call (put) options solely in accordance with the four-step decision sequence. This guidance is to be applied on a modified retrospective basis to existing debt instruments as of the beginning of the fiscal year in which the amendments are effective, and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted ASU 2016-06 in the three months ended March 31, 2017. The adoption of this standard did not impact the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-05, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), Effect of Derivative Contract Novations on Existing Hedge Accounting Relationships ("ASU 2016-05"). This ASU clarifies that a change in the counterparty to a derivative instrument that has been designated as a hedging instrument under Topic 815 does not, in and of itself, require dedesignation of that hedging relationship provided that all other hedge accounting criteria continue to be met. This ASU may be applied prospectively or using a modified retrospective approach, and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted ASU 2016-05 in the three months ended March 31, 2017. The adoption of ASU 2016-05 did not impact the Company's consolidated financial statements.
2.2019 Acquisitions
Proposed Acquisition of the Metronode group of companies
On December 15, 2017,April 18, 2019, the Company entered into a transaction agreement with Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan to acquire allcompleted the acquisition of the equity interests in the Metronode group of companies, an AustralianSwitch Datacenters' AMS1 data center business in an all-cash transactionAmsterdam, Netherlands, for A$1.035 billion,a cash purchase price of approximately €30.6 million or approximately $791.2$34.3 million, at the exchange rate in effect on April 18, 2019. As of September 30, 2019, the Company had completed the detailed valuation analysis to derive the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed and updated the final allocation of purchase price. The operating results of the acquisition were reported in the EMEA region following the date of acquisition and were not significant to the Company's total operations for the year ended December 15, 2017.31, 2019.
2018 Acquisitions
On April 18, 2018, the Company acquired all of the equity interests in Metronode operatesfrom the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan Board for a cash purchase price of A$1.034 billion, or approximately $804.6 million at the exchange rate in effect on April 18, 2018. Metronode operated 10 data centers in six6 metro areas in Australia. The acquisition will further strengthensupports the Company’s leadership positionCompany's ongoing global expansion to meet customer demand in the Asia-Pacific regionregion.
On April 2, 2018, the Company completed the acquisition of Infomart Dallas, including its operations and support its ongoing global expansion.tenants, from ASB Real Estate Investments, for total consideration of approximately $804.0 million. The acquisition is expected to closeconsideration was comprised of approximately $45.8 million in the first half of 2018 and iscash, subject to customary closing conditions including regulatory approval.adjustments and $758.2 million aggregate fair value of 5.000% senior unsecured notes. Prior to the acquisition, a portion of the building was leased to the Company and was being used as its Dallas 1, 2, 3 and 6 data centers, which were all accounted for as build-to-suit leases. Upon acquisition, the Company effectively terminated the leases and settled the related financing obligations and other liabilities related to the leases for approximately $170.3 million and $1.9 million, respectively, and recognized a loss on debt extinguishment of $19.5 million. The Company expectsacquisition of this highly interconnected facility and tenants adds to account for the Metronode acquisition asCompany's global platform and secures the ability to further expand in the Americas market in the future.
Both acquisitions constitute a business combinationunder the accounting standard for business combinations and, therefore, were accounted for as business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting. Under the acquisition method of accounting, the total purchase price is allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed measured at fair value on the date of acquisition. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company completed the detailed valuation analysis of Metronode and Infomart Dallas to derive the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed and finalized the allocation of purchase price for Metronode and Infomart Dallas. For the Metronode Acquisition, the adjustments made during the three months ended March 31, 2019 primarily resulted in a decrease in deferred tax liability and goodwill of $4.2 million and $3.7 million, respectively. No purchase price allocation adjustments were made during the three months ended March 31, 2019 for the Infomart Dallas Acquisition.
For the Metronode Acquisition, the adjustments made from the provisional amounts reported as of June 30, 2018 primarily resulted in a decrease in property, plant and equipment, other assets, other liabilities and deferred tax assets of $10.1 million, $10.0 million, $9.7 million and $4.1 million, respectively, and an increase in goodwill, intangible assets and deferred tax liabilities of $41.6 million, $4.8 million and $31.3 million, respectively. The adjustments for the Infomart Dallas Acquisition made from the provisional amounts reported as of June 30, 2018 primarily resulted in a decrease in goodwill of $6.2 million and an increase in intangible assets of $4.6 million. The changes in fair value of acquired assets and liabilities assumed did not have a significant impact on the Company's results of operations for any reporting periods prior to March 31, 2019.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)



A summary of the final allocation of total purchase consideration is presented as follows (in thousands):
 Metronode Infomart Dallas
Cash and cash equivalents$3,206
 $17,432
Accounts receivable8,318
 637
Other current assets9,421
 395
Property, plant and equipment297,092
 362,023
Intangible assets128,229
 65,847
Goodwill410,188
 197,378
Other assets (1)
44,373
 
Total assets acquired900,827
 643,712
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities(17,104) (5,056)
Other current liabilities(2,038) (2,141)
Deferred tax liabilities(31,281) 
Other liabilities (1)
(45,851) (4,723)
Net assets acquired$804,553
 $631,792
(1)
In connection with the Metronode Acquisition, the Company recorded indemnification assets of $44.4 million, which represented the seller's obligation under the purchase agreement to reimburse pre-acquisition tax liabilities settled after the acquisition.
The following table presents certain information on the acquired intangible assets (in thousands):
Intangible Assets Fair Value Estimated Useful Lives (Years) Weighted-average Estimated Useful Lives (Years)
Customer relationships (Metronode) $128,229
 20.0 20.0
Customer relationships (Infomart Dallas) 35,860
 20.0 20.0
In-place leases (Infomart Dallas) 19,960
 3.6 - 7.5 6.8
Trade names (Infomart Dallas) 9,552
 20.0 20.0
Favorable leases (Infomart Dallas) 475
 3.6 - 7.5 7.0

The fair value of customer relationships was estimated by applying an income approach, by calculating the present value of estimated future operating cash flows generated from existing customers less costs to realize the revenue. The Company applied discount rates of 7.3% for Metronode and 8.2% for Infomart Dallas, which reflected the nature of the assets as they relate to the risk and uncertainty of the estimated future operating cash flows. Other assumptions used to estimate the fair value of customer relationships included projected revenue growth, capital expenditures, probability of renewal, customer attrition rates and operating margins. The fair value of Infomart Dallas' trade name was estimated using the relief from royalty method under the income approach. The Company applied a relief from royalty rate of 1.5% and a discount rate of 8.2%. The fair value of in-place leases was estimated by projecting the avoided costs, such as the cost of originating the acquired in-place leases, during a typical lease up period. The fair value measurements were based on significant inputs that are not observable in the market and thus represent Level 3 measurements as defined in the accounting standard for fair value measurements.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)



The fair value of property, plant and equipment was estimated by applying the cost approach, with the exception of land, which was estimated by applying the market approach, for the Metronode Acquisition. For the Infomart Dallas Acquisition, the fair values of land, building and personal property were estimated by applying the market approach, residual income method and cost approach, respectively. The cost approach uses the replacement or reproduction cost as an indicator of fair value. The premise of the cost approach is that a market participant would pay no more for an asset than the amount for which the asset could be replaced or reproduced. The key assumptions of the cost approach include replacement cost new, physical deterioration, functional and economic obsolescence, economic useful life, remaining useful life, age and effective age. The residual income method estimates the fair value of the Infomart Dallas building using an income approach less the fair values attributed to land, personal property, in-place leases and favorable and unfavorable leases.
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Goodwill is attributable to the workforce of the acquired business and the projected revenue increase expected to arise from future customers after the Metronode and Infomart Dallas acquisitions. Goodwill from the acquisition of Metronode is not amortizable for local tax purposes and is attributable to the Company's Asia-Pacific region. Goodwill from the acquisition of Infomart Dallas is expected to be deductible for local tax purposes and is attributable to the Company's Americas region. Operating results of Metronode and Infomart Dallas have been reported in the Asia-Pacific and Americas regions, respectively.
The Company incurred transaction costs of approximately $31.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2018 for both acquisitions. The Company's results of operations include $78.7 million of revenues and an insignificant amount of net income from operations from the combined operations of Metronode and Infomart Dallas during the year ended December 31, 2018.
Certain Verizon Data Center Assets Acquisition
On May 1, 2017, the Company completed the acquisition of certain colocation business from Verizon consisting of 29 data center buildings located in the United States, Brazil and Colombia, for a cash purchase price of approximately $3.6 billion. The addition of these facilities and customers will further strengthenadds to the Company's global platform, by increasingincreases interconnections and acceleratingassists with the Company's penetration of the enterprise and strategic markets, including government and energy. The Company funded the Verizon Data Center Acquisition with proceeds from debt and equity financings, which closed in January and March 2017 (See further discussions on the term loan borrowing and senior notes issuance in Note 10 and common stock issuance in Note 11).
In connection with the Verizon Data Center Acquisition, the Company entered into a commitment letter (the "Commitment Letter"), dated December 6, 2016, pursuant to which a group of lenders committed to provide a senior unsecured bridge facility in an aggregate principal amount of $2.0 billion for the purposes of funding a portion of the cash consideration for the Verizon Data Center Acquisition. Following the completion of the debt and equity financings associated with the Verizon Data Center Acquisition in March 2017, the Company terminated the Commitment Letter. The Company paid $10.0 million of commitment fees associated with the Commitment Letter and recorded $2.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 and $7.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 to interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations.
The Company included the Verizon Data Center Acquisition's results of operations from May 1, 2017 in its consolidated statements of operations and the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in its consolidated balance sheets beginning May 1, 2017. The Company incurred acquisition costs of approximately $28.5 million and $7.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, related to the Verizon Data Center Acquisition.
Purchase Price Allocation
The Verizon Data Center Acquisition constitutes a business under the accounting standard for business combinations and, therefore, was accounted for as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting. UnderDuring the acquisition method of accounting, the total purchase price is allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed measured at fair value on the date of acquisition. As of Decemberthree months ended March 31, 2017,2018, the Company has nothad completed the detailed valuation analysis to derive the fair value of the following items, including but not limited to: property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and deferred taxes. Therefore,

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the allocation of the purchase price to assets acquired and liabilities assumed is based on provisional estimates and is subject to continuing management analysis, with assistance from third party valuation advisers. As of December 31, 2017, the Company has updated the preliminaryfinal allocation of purchase price for Verizon Data Center Acquisition from the provisional amounts reported as of June 30, 2017, which primarily resulted in a decrease in intangible assets of $9.0 million and an increase in goodwill of $7.7 million. The changes in fair value of acquired assets and liabilities assumed did not have a significant impact on the Company’sCompany's results of operations for any reporting periods prior to and including December 31, 2017.2018.

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The Company may further adjust these amounts as valuations are finalized and the Company obtains information necessary to complete the analyses, but no later than one year from the acquisition date. The preliminaryfinal purchase price allocation is as follows (in thousands):
 Certain Verizon Data Center Assets
Cash and cash equivalents$1,073
Accounts receivable2,019
Other current assets7,319
Property, plant and equipment840,335
Intangible assets (1)
1,693,900
Goodwill1,095,262
Total assets acquired3,639,908
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities(1,725)
Other current liabilities(2,020)
Capital lease and other financing obligations(17,659)
Deferred tax liabilities(18,129)
Other liabilities(5,689)
Net assets acquired$3,594,686

 Certain Verizon Data Center Assets
Cash and cash equivalents$1,073
Accounts receivable2,019
Other current assets7,319
Property, plant, and equipment840,335
Intangible assets (1)
1,693,900
Goodwill1,095,262
Total assets acquired3,639,908
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities(1,725)
Other current liabilities(2,020)
Capital lease and other financing obligations(17,659)
Deferred tax liabilities(18,129)
Other liabilities(5,689)
Net assets acquired$3,594,686
(1)
The nature of the intangible assets acquired is customer relationships with an estimated useful life of 15 years. Included in this amount is a customer relationship intangible asset for Verizon totaling $245.3 million. Pursuant to the acquisition agreement, the Company formalized agreements to provide pre-existing space and services to Verizon at the acquired data centers.
The fair value of customer relationships was estimated by applying an income approach. The fair value was determined by calculating the present value of estimated future operating cash flows generated from existing customers less costs to realize the revenue. The Company applied discount rates ranging from 7.7% to 12.2%, which reflected the nature of the assets as they relate to the risk and uncertainty of the estimated future operating cash flows. Other significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of customer relationships include projected revenue growth, customer attrition rates, sales and marketing expenses and operating margins. The fair value measurements were based on significant inputs that are not observable in the market and thus represent Level 3 measurements as defined in the accounting standard for fair value measurements.
The fair value of property, plant and equipment was estimated by applying the cost approach, with the exception of land which was estimated by applying the market approach. The cost approach is to use the replacement or reproduction cost as an indicator of fair value. The premise of the cost approach is that a market participant would pay no more for an asset than the amount for which the asset could be replaced or reproduced. The key assumptions of the cost approach include replacement cost new, physical deterioration, functional and economic obsolescence, economic useful life, remaining useful life, age and effective age.
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The goodwill is attributable to the workforce of the acquired business and the projected revenue increase expected to arise from future customers after the Verizon Data Center Acquisition. The goodwillGoodwill is not expected to be deductible for localU.S. tax purposes. Goodwill recorded as a result of the Verizon Data Center Acquisition waspurposes and is attributable to the Company's Americas region. The Company incurred transaction costs of approximately $28.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2017 related to the Verizon Data Center Acquisition. The Company's results of continuing operations include the Verizon Data Center Acquisition's revenues of $359.1 million and net income from continuing operations of $87.8 million for the period May 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017.

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Other 2017 Acquisitions
In addition to the Verizon Data Center Acquisition, the Company completed three other acquisitionsalso acquired Itconic, Zenium's data center business in Istanbul, Turkey and IO UK's data center business during 2017. The Company incurred acquisitiontransaction costs of approximately $8.1 million in total during the year ended December 31, 2017 related to these acquisitions. A summary of the allocation of total purchase consideration is presented as follows (in thousands):
 Itconic 
Zenium
data center
 
IO UK's
data center
Cash and cash equivalents$15,659
 $692
 $1,388
Accounts receivable16,429
 198
 7
Other current assets1,885
 6,430
 1,082
Property, plant, and equipment68,051
 53,749
 40,251
Intangible assets99,993
 6,400
 6,252
Goodwill125,112
 23,077
 15,804
Deferred tax assets
 
 6,714
Other assets4,025
 5,494
 3,396
Total assets acquired331,154
 96,040
 74,894
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities(15,846) (1,012) (439)
Other current liabilities(12,374) (451) (168)
Capital lease and other financing obligations(30,666) 
 (33,091)
Loans payable(3,253) 
 (4,067)
Deferred tax liabilities(2,389) (1,969) 
Other liabilities(7,515) (614) (828)
Net assets acquired$259,111
 $91,994
 $36,301
On October 9, 2017, the Company completed the acquisition of Itconic for a cash purchase price of €220.5 million, or $259.1 million at the exchange rate in effect on October 9, 2017. Itconic is a data center provider in Spain and Portugal, and also includes CloudMas, an Itconic subsidiary which is focused on supporting enterprise adoption and use of cloud services. The acquisition includes five5 data centers in four4 metro areas, with two2 located in Madrid and one1 each in Barcelona, Seville and Lisbon. Itconic’sItconic's operating results will behave been reported in the EMEA region following the date of acquisition.

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The nature of the intangible assets acquired from the Itconic acquisition is customer relationships with an estimated useful life of 15 years. The fair value of customer relationships was estimated by applying an income approach, by calculating the present value of estimated future operating cash flows generated from existing customers less costs to realize the revenue.approach. The Company applied a discount rate of 16.0%, which reflects the risk and uncertainty of the estimated future operating cash flows. Other significant assumptions include projected revenue growth, customer attrition rates and operating margins. The fair value measurements were based on significant inputs that are not observable in the market and thus represent Level 3 measurements as defined in the accounting standard for fair value measurements. Goodwill is attributable to the workforce of the acquired business and the projected revenue increase from future customers expected to arise after the acquisition.
On October 6, 2017, the Company acquired Zenium's a data center business in Istanbul for a cash payment of approximately $92.0 million. The acquired facility located in Istanbul, Turkey will be renamed as the Istanbul 2 ("IS2") data center. IS2’sZenium's operating results will behave been reported in the EMEA region following the date of acquisition. The nature of the intangible assets acquired from this acquisition is customer relationships with an estimated useful life of 15 years.
As of December 31, 2017,2018, the Company has not completed the detailed valuation analysis of Itconic or the Zenium data center to derive the fair value of the following items including, but not limited to: property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and deferred taxes; therefore, the allocation of the purchase price to assets acquired and liabilities assumed is basedfrom the Itconic and the Zenium data center acquisitions and updated the final allocation of purchase price from the provisional amounts reported as of December 31, 2017. The adjustments for the Zenium data center acquisition primarily resulted in an increase in property, plant and equipment of $5.2 million and a corresponding decrease in other assets of $5.2 million. The adjustments for Itconic primarily resulted in a decrease in property, plant and equipment of $3.6 million and an increase in goodwill of $2.6 million. The changes in fair value of acquired assets and liabilities assumed did not have a significant impact on provisional estimatesthe Company's results of operations for any reporting periods prior to and is subject to continuing management analysis.including December 31, 2018.
On February 3, 2017, the Company acquired IO UK's data center operating business in Slough, United Kingdom, for a cash payment of £29.1 million, or approximately $36.3 million.million at the exchange rate in effect on February 3, 2017. The acquired facility was renamed as the London 10 ("LD10") data center. LD10's operating results will behave been reported in the EMEA region following the date of acquisition. The nature of the intangible assets acquired from this acquisition is customer relationships with an estimated useful life of 10 years. As of December 31, 2017, the Company

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has had finalized the allocation of purchase price for the IO Acquisition from the provisional amounts first reported as of March 31, 2017 and the adjustments made during the year ended December 31, 2017 were not significant. The changes in fair value of acquired assets and liabilities assumed did not have a significant impact on the Company’sCompany's results of operations for any reporting periods prior to and including December 31, 2017.
The final purchase price allocations for the three acquisitions are as follows (in thousands):
 Itconic 
Zenium
data center
 IO UK's
data center
Cash and cash equivalents$15,659
 $692
 $1,388
Accounts receivable16,429
 198
 7
Other current assets1,885
 6,430
 1,082
Property, plant and equipment64,499
 58,931
 40,251
Intangible assets101,755
 7,900
 6,252
Goodwill127,711
 21,834
 15,804
Deferred tax assets
 
 6,714
Other assets4,025
 313
 3,396
Total assets acquired331,963
 96,298
 74,894
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities(15,846) (1,012) (439)
Other current liabilities(12,374) (451) (168)
Capital lease and other financing obligations(30,666) 
 (33,091)
Loans payable(3,253) 
 (4,067)
Deferred tax liabilities(3,198) (2,227) 
Other liabilities(7,515) (614) (828)
Net assets acquired$259,111
 $91,994
 $36,301


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Goodwill from the acquisitions of Itconic, the Zenium data center and IO UK's data center is not expected to be deductible for local tax purposes and is attributable to the Company's EMEA region. The Company's results of continuing operations include $22.4 million of revenues from the combined operations of Itconic, the Zenium data center and IO UK’sUK's data center and an insignificant net loss from continuing operations for the periods from their respective dates of acquisition through December 31, 2017.
TelecityGroup Acquisition
On January 15, 2016, the Company completed the acquisition of the entire issued and to be issued share capital of TelecityGroup. TelecityGroup operated data center facilities in cities across Europe. The acquisition of TelecityGroup enhances the Company's existing data center portfolio by adding new IBX metro markets in Europe including Dublin, Helsinki, Istanbul, Manchester, Milan, Sofia, Stockholm and Warsaw. As a result of the transaction, TelecityGroup has become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Equinix.
Under the terms of the acquisition, the Company acquired all outstanding shares of TelecityGroup and all vested equity awards of TelecityGroup at 572.5 pence in cash and 0.0336 new shares of Equinix common stock for a total purchase consideration of approximately £2,624.5 million or approximately $3,743.6 million at the exchange rate in effect on the acquisition date. In addition, the Company assumed $1.3 million of vested TelecityGroup's employee equity awards as part of consideration transferred. The Company incurred acquisition costs of approximately $42.5 million and $38.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, related to the TelecityGroup acquisition.
In connection with the TelecityGroup acquisition, the Company placed £322.9 million or approximately $475.7 million into a restricted cash account, which was included in the current portion of restricted cash in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2015. The cash was released upon completion of the acquisition.
Also, in connection with the TelecityGroup acquisition, the Company entered into a bridge credit agreement with a group of lenders for a principal amount of £875.0 million or approximately $1,289.0 million at the exchange rate in effect on December 31, 2015 (the "Bridge Loan"). The Company did not make any borrowings under the Bridge Loan and the Bridge Loan was terminated on January 8, 2016.
Purchase Price Allocation
Under the acquisition method of accounting, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination shall be measured at fair value at the date of the acquisition. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had completed the detailed valuation analysis to derive the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed and had updated the final allocation of purchase price from provisional amounts reported as of March 31, 2016, which primarily resulted in increases to intangible assets of $36.8 million and deferred tax liabilities of $19.5 million and decreases in capital lease and other financing obligations of $34.4 million, goodwill of $22.5 million and assets held for sale of $36.9 million. The adjustments in fair value of acquired assets and liabilities assumed did not have a significant impact on the Company’s results of operations for any reporting periods prior to December 31, 2016.

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As of the acquisition date, the allocation of the purchase price was as follows (in thousands):
 TelecityGroup
Cash and cash equivalents$73,368
Accounts receivable24,042
Other current assets41,079
Assets held for sale877,650
Property, plant and equipment1,058,583
Goodwill2,215,567
Intangible assets694,243
Deferred tax assets994
Other assets4,102
Total assets acquired4,989,628
Accounts payable and accrued expenses(84,367)
Accrued property, plant and equipment(3,634)
Other current liabilities(27,233)
Liabilities held for sale(155,650)
Capital lease and other financing obligations(165,365)
Mortgage and loans payable(592,304)
Deferred tax liabilities(176,168)
Other liabilities(40,021)
Net assets acquired$3,744,886
The purchase price allocation above, as of the acquisition date, included acquired assets and liabilities that were classified by the Company as held for sale (Note 4).
The following table presents certain information on the acquired intangible assets (dollars in thousands):




Intangible Assets




Fair Value
 


Estimated Useful Lives (Years)
 Weighted-average Estimated Useful Lives (Years)
Customer relationships$591,956
 13.5 13.5
Trade names72,033
 1.5 1.5
Favorable leases30,254
 2.0 - 25.4 19.7
The fair value of customer relationships was estimated by applying an income approach. The fair value was determined by calculating the present value of estimated future operating cash flows generated from existing customers less costs to realize the revenue. The Company applied a weighted-average discount rate of approximately 8.5%, which reflected the nature of the assets as it relates to the estimated future operating cash flows. Other significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the customer relationships include projected revenue growth, customer attrition rates, sales and marketing expenses and operating margins. The fair value of the TelecityGroup's trade names was estimated using the relief of royalty approach. The Company applied a relief of royalty rate of 2.0% and a weighted-average discount rate of approximately 9.0%. The other acquired identifiable intangible assets were estimated by applying a relief of royalty or cost approach as appropriate. The fair value measurements were based on significant inputs that are not observable in the market and thus represent Level 3 measurements as defined in the accounting standard for fair value measurements.
The fair value of the property, plant and equipment was estimated by applying the income approach or cost approach. The income approach is used to estimate fair value based on the income stream, such as cash flows or earnings that an asset can be expected to generate over its useful life. There are two primary methods of applying the income approach to determine the fair value of assets: the discounted cash flow method and the direct capitalization method. The key assumptions include the estimated earnings, discount rate and direct capitalization rate. The cost approach is to use the replacement or reproduction cost as an indicator of fair value. The premise of the cost approach is that a market participant would pay no more for an asset than the amount for

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which the asset could be replaced or reproduced. The key assumptions of the cost approach include replacement cost, physical deterioration, functional and economic obsolescence, economic useful life, remaining useful life, age and effective age.
The Company determined the fair value of the loans payable assumed in the TelecityGroup acquisition by estimating TelecityGroup’s debt rating and reviewing market data with a similar debt rating and other characteristics of the debt, including the maturity date and security type. On January 15, 2016, the Company prepaid and terminated these loans payable. In conjunction with the repayment of the loans payable, the Company incurred an insignificant amount of pre-payment penalties and interest rate swap termination costs, which were recorded as interest expense in the consolidated statement of operations.
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The goodwill is attributable to the workforce of the acquired business and the significant synergies expected to arise after the acquisition. Goodwill is not expected to be deductible for local tax purposes. Goodwill recorded as a result of the TelecityGroup acquisition, except for the goodwill associated with asset held for sale, is attributable to the Company’s EMEA region. The Company's results of continuing operations include TelecityGroup revenues of $400.0 million and net loss from continuing operations of $47.1 million for the period January 15, 2016 through December 31, 2016.
Other 2016 Acquisition
In addition to the TelecityGroup Acquisition, the Company completed one other acquisition during 2016. A summary of the allocation of total purchase consideration is presented as follows (in thousands):
 
Paris IBX
data center
Cash and cash equivalent$4,073
Accounts receivable1,507
Other current assets794
Property, plant and equipment143,972
Intangible assets11,758
Goodwill48,835
Other assets81
Total assets acquired211,020
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities(2,044)
Other current liabilities(2,798)
Deferred tax liabilities(42,395)
Other liabilities(755)
Net assets acquired$163,028
On August 1, 2016, the Company completed the purchase of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.'s ("Digital Realty's") operating business, including its real estate and facility, located in St. Denis, Paris for cash consideration of approximately €193.8 million or $216.4 million at the exchange rate in effect on August 1, 2016. A portion of the building was leased to the Company and was being used by the Company as its Paris 2 and Paris 3 data centers. The Paris 2 lease was accounted for as an operating lease and the Paris 3 lease was accounted for as a financing lease. Upon acquisition, the Company in effect terminated both leases. The Company settled the financing lease obligation of Paris 3 for €47.8 million or approximately $53.4 million and recognized a loss on debt extinguishment of €8.8 million or approximately $9.9 million. The nature of the purchased intangible assets acquired is in-place leases and favorable leasehold interests with weighted average estimated useful lives of 4.3 and 5.3 years, respectively. The goodwill is attributable to the Company's EMEA segment and is not expected to be deductible for local tax purposes.
The Company's results of continuing operations include the Paris IBX Data Center Acquisition revenues of $4.1 million and insignificant net income from continuing operations for the period August 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016. The Company incurred acquisition costs of approximately $12.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 related to the Paris IBX Data Center Acquisition.

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Bit-isle Acquisition
On November 2, 2015, the Company, acting through its Japanese subsidiary, completed a cash tender offer for approximately 97% of the equity instruments, including stock options, of Tokyo-based Bit-isle. The Company acquired the remaining outstanding equity instruments of Bit-isle in December 2015. The offer price was JPY 922 per share, in an all cash transaction totaling ¥33,196.0 million or approximately $275.4 million at the exchange rate in effect on the date of the acquisition.
On September 30, 2015, the Company, acting through its Japanese subsidiaries as borrowers, entered into a term loan agreement (the "Bridge Term Loan Agreement") with the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. ("BTMU"). Pursuant to the Bridge Term Loan Agreement, BTMU committed to provide a senior bridge loan facility (the "Bridge Term Loan") in the amount of up to ¥47,500.0 million, or approximately $395.7 million at the exchange rate in effect on September 30, 2015. Proceeds from the Bridge Term Loan were to be used exclusively for the acquisition of Bit-isle, the repayment of Bit-isle’s existing debt and transaction costs incurred in connection with the closing of the Bridge Term Loan and the acquisition of Bit-isle. In October 2016, the Company borrowed ¥47,500.0 million on a five year term loan agreement with BTMU and repaid the Bridge Term Loan. See Note 10 for further information.
Purchase Price Allocation
Under the acquisition method of accounting, the total purchase price was allocated to Bit-isle’s net tangible and intangible assets based upon their fair value as of the Bit-isle acquisition date. Based upon the purchase price and the valuation of Bit-isle, the final purchase price allocation was as follows (in thousands):
 Bit-isle
Cash and cash equivalent$33,198
Accounts receivable7,359
Other current assets51,038
Long-term investments3,806
Property, plant and equipment308,985
Goodwill95,444
Intangible assets111,374
Other assets22,981
Total assets acquired634,185
Accounts payable and accrued expenses(15,028)
Accrued property, plant and equipment(465)
Capital lease and other financing obligations(108,833)
Mortgage and loans payable(190,227)
Other current liabilities(8,689)
Deferred tax liabilities(32,192)
Other liabilities(3,384)
Net assets acquired$275,367
The following table presents certain information on the acquired identifiable intangible assets (dollars in thousands):




Intangible Assets




Fair Value
 


Estimated Useful Lives (Years)
 Weighted-average Estimated Useful Lives (Years)
Customer relationships$105,434
 13 13
Trade name3,455
 2 2
Favorable solar contracts2,410
 18 18
Other intangible assets75
 0.25 0.25

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The fair value of customer relationships was estimated by applying an income approach. The fair value was determined by calculating the present value of estimated future operating cash flows generated from existing customers less costs to realize the revenue. The Company applied a weighted-average discount rate of approximately 11.0%, which reflected the nature of the assets as it relates to the estimated future operating cash flows. Other significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the customer relationships include projected revenue growth, customer attrition rates, sales and marketing expenses and operating margins. The fair value of the Bit-isle trade name was estimated using the relief of royalty approach. The Company applied a relief of royalty rate of 2.0% and a weighted-average discount rate of approximately 12.0%. The other acquired identifiable intangible assets were estimated by applying an income or cost approach as appropriate. The fair value measurements were based on significant inputs that are not observable in the market and thus represent Level 3 measurements as defined in the accounting standard for fair value measurements.
The fair value of the property, plant and equipment was estimated by applying the income approach or cost approach. The income approach is used to estimate fair value based on the income stream, such as cash flows or earnings that an asset can be expected to generate over its useful live. There are two primary methods of applying the income approach to determine the fair value assets: the discounted cash flow method and the direct capitalization method. The key assumptions include the estimated earnings, discount rate and direct capitalization rate. The cost approach is to use the replacement or reproduction cost as an indicator of fair value. The premise of the cost approach is that a market participant would pay no more for an asset than the amount that the asset could be replaced or reproduced. The key assumptions of the cost approach include replacement cost new, physical deterioration, functional and economic obsolescence, economic useful life, remaining useful life, age and effective age.
The goodwill is attributable to the workforce of the acquired business and the significant synergies expected to arise after the acquisition. The goodwill is not expected to be deductible for local tax purposes. Goodwill recorded as a result of the Bit-isle acquisition is attributable to the Company’s Asia-Pacific reportable segment.
The Company's results of continuing operations include Bit-isle revenues of $21.6 million and net losses from continuing operations of $3.2 million for the period from November 2, 2015 through December 31, 2015. The Company incurred acquisition costs of approximately $8.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 related to the Bit-isle Acquisition.
In June 2016, the Company approved the divestiture of the solar power assets of Bit-isle. See Note 4 below for further information.
Nimbo Acquisition
On January 14, 2015, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding share capital of Nimbo Technologies Inc., a company which specializes in migrating business applications to the cloud with extensive experience moving legacy applications into a hybrid cloud architecture, and connecting legacy data centers to the cloud, for a cash payment of $10.0 million (the "Nimbo Acquisition"). As a result of the Nimbo Acquisition, the Company recorded goodwill of $17.2 million. Nimbo continues to operate under the Nimbo name. The results of operations for Nimbo are not significant to the Company.
Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Consolidated Financial Information
The following unaudited pro forma combined consolidated financial information has been prepared by the Company using the acquisition method of accounting to give effect to the Verizon Data Center Acquisition as though it occurred on January 1, 2016 and the TelecityGroup acquisition as though it occurred on January 1, 2015. The incremental results of operations from the other acquisitions are not significant and are therefore not reflected in the pro forma combined results of operations.
The Company completed the Verizon Data Center Acquisition on May 1, 2017. The unaudited pro forma combined consolidated financial information for the years ending December 31, 2017 and 2016 combine the actual results of the Company and the actual Verizon Data Center Acquisition operating results for the period prior to the acquisition date and reflect certain adjustments, such as additional depreciation, amortization and interest expense on assets and liabilities acquired and acquisition financings.
The Company and Verizon entered into agreements at the closing of the Verizon Data Center Acquisition pursuant to which the Company will provide space and services to Verizon at the acquired data centers. These arrangements are not reflected in the unaudited pro forma combined financial information. The Company recognized $359.1 million of revenues attributed to the Verizon Data Center Acquisition, which included these arrangements, from May 1 through December 31, 2017.
The Company completed the TelecityGroup acquisition on January 15, 2016. The unaudited pro forma combined consolidated financial information for the year ending December 31, 2015 combine the actual results of the Company and the actual TelecityGroup's operating results for the year ending December 31, 2015 and reflect certain adjustments, such as additional

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depreciation, amortization and interest expense on assets and liabilities acquired and acquisition financings. The pro forma effect for the period January 1 through January 14, 2016 was not significant.
The unaudited pro forma combined consolidated financial information is presented for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that would have actually been reported had the acquisition occurred on the above dates, nor is it necessarily indicative of the future results of operations of the combined company.
The following table sets forth the unaudited pro forma consolidated combined results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands):
 2017 2016 2015
Revenues$4,509,602
 $4,053,280
 $3,244,349
Net income from continuing operations258,618
 19,248
 141,496
Basic EPS3.31
 0.25
 2.10
Diluted EPS3.28
 0.25
 2.08
3.    Earnings Per Share
4.Earnings Per Share
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted EPS for the years ended December 31 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
 2019 2018 2017
Net income$507,245
 $365,359
 $232,982
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests205
 
 
Net income attributable to Equinix$507,450
 $365,359
 $232,982
      
Weighted-average shares used to calculate basic EPS84,140
 79,779
 76,854
Effect of dilutive securities:     
Employee equity awards539
 418
 681
Weighted-average shares used to calculate diluted EPS84,679
 80,197
 77,535
      
EPS attributable to Equinix:     
Basic EPS$6.03
 $4.58
 $3.03
Diluted EPS$5.99
 $4.56
 $3.00
 2017 2016 2015
Net income from continuing operations$232,982
 $114,408
 $187,774
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax
 12,392
 
Net income$232,982
 $126,800
 $187,774
      
Weighted-average shares used to calculate basic EPS76,854
 70,117
 57,790
Effect of dilutive securities:     
Employee equity awards681
 699
 693
Weighted-average shares used to calculate diluted EPS77,535
 70,816
 58,483
      
Basic EPS:     
Continuing operations$3.03
 $1.63
 $3.25
Discontinued operations
 0.18
 
Basic EPS$3.03
 $1.81
 $3.25
      
Diluted EPS:     
Continuing operations$3.00
 $1.62
 $3.21
Discontinued operations
 0.17
 
Diluted EPS$3.00
 $1.79
 $3.21

The following table sets forth potential shares of common stock that are not included in the diluted EPS calculation above because to do so would be anti-dilutive for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):
 2019 2018 2017
Common stock related to employee equity awards21
 265
 63
Total21
 265
 63

 2017 2016 2015
Shares related to the potential conversion of 4.75% convertible subordinated notes
 893
 1,977
Common stock related to employee equity awards63
 27
 88
 63
 920
 2,065
5.Assets Held for Sale
Sale of xScale™ data center facilities in Europe

In June 2019, the Company entered into an agreement to form a joint venture in the form of a limited liability partnership with GIC, Singapore's sovereign wealth fund (the "Joint Venture"), to develop and operate xScale data centers in Europe. The Company agreed to sell certain data center facilities in Europe to the Joint Venture. The assets and liabilities of these data center facilities, which were included within the Company's EMEA operating segment, were classified as held for sale as of June 30, 2019 and through September 30, 2019.
On October 8, 2019, the Company closed the Joint Venture and sold both its London 10 and Paris 8 data centers, as well as certain construction development and leases in London and Frankfurt, to the Joint Venture in exchange for a total consideration of $433.0 million, which is comprised of 1) net cash proceeds of $351.8 million, 2) a 20% partnership interest in the Joint Venture with a fair value of $41.9 million, and 3) a contingent consideration with fair value of approximately $39.3 million, receivable upon completion of certain performance milestones. As part of the transaction, the Company recorded liabilities of $41.4 million within other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet, which represents its obligation to complete future construction for certain sites sold. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company recognized a total gain of $45.1 million on the sale of its xScale data center facilities in Europe to the Joint Venture.

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EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)






4.    Assets HeldThe milestone payments are primarily contingent on the receipt of local regulatory approval for certain sites. The contingent consideration is considered a derivative and is remeasured at its fair value each reporting period using inputs such as probabilities of payment, discount rates, foreign currency forward rates and projected payment dates. The fair value measurements were based on significant inputs that are not observable in the market and thus represent Level 3 measurements. The fair value of the contingent consideration of $40.1 million at December 31, 2019, of which $34.3 million was included in other current assets and the remaining $5.8 million was included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheet. Future changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration will continue to be recorded in gain (loss) on asset sales on the consolidated statement of operations.
For further information on the Joint Venture, see Note 6 below.
Sale of New York 12 ("NY12") data center
In June 2016, the Company approved the divestiture of the solar power assets of Bit-isle. In October 2016,January 2019, the Company entered into a Share Transfer Agreementan agreement to sell its NY12 data center, which was reported in its Americas' region. The assets of the NY12 data center to be divested were classified as held for sale. During the transferyear ended December 31, 2019, the Company recorded an impairment charge of common stock$15.8 million, reducing the carrying value of Terra Power Co., Ltd., relatingNY12 assets to the divestiture ofestimated fair value less cost to sell. The transaction closed in October 2019 and the solar power assets of Bit-isle. Thegain on sale recognized was insignificant.
6.Equity Method Investments
As described in Note 5 above, the Company received ¥400.0and GIC closed their Joint Venture on October 8, 2019. Upon closing, GIC contributed €152.6 million upon the closing of the transaction,in cash, or approximately $3.8$167.4 million at the exchange rate in effect on October 8, 2019, for an 80% partnership interest in the Joint Venture. Equinix sold certain xScale data center facilities to the Joint Venture in exchange for net cash proceeds of $351.8 million and a 20% partnership interest in the Joint Venture with a fair value of $41.9 million. The Company accounts for its investments in the Joint Venture using the equity method of accounting, whereby the investments were recorded initially at fair value, which equals to the cost of the Company's initial equity contribution, and subsequently adjusted for cash contributions and the Company's share of the income and losses of the investees.
As of December 31, 2016. In November 2016,2019, the Company had received an additional ¥2,500.0equity method investments of $59.7 million or approximately $22.1 million atwithin other assets on the exchange rate in effect at the time of receipt.consolidated balance sheet. The Company received the remaining payment of ¥5,313.4 million in the first quarter of 2017, or approximately $47.8 million at the exchange rate in effect on March 31, 2017. During the three months ended September 30, 2016, the Company evaluated the recoverabilityCompany's share of the carrying valueincome and losses of its assets held for sale related to the sales agreement signed in October, as discussed above, and concluded that the Company would not recover the carrying value of certain assets. Accordingly, the Company recorded an impairment charge on other current assets of $7.7 million at September 30, 2016, reducing the carrying value of such assets from $79.5 million to the estimated fair value of $71.8 million. The associated loss on the saleequity method investments was not significant. Furthermore, the revenue and net income generated by the solar power assets of Bit-isle duringsignificant for the years ended December 31, 20162019, and 2015 were not significant.
During the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company and TelecityGroup agreed to divest certain data centers, including the Company’s London 2 ("LD2") data center and certain data centers of TelecityGroupwas included in the United Kingdom, Netherlands and Germany, in order to obtain the approval of the European Commission for the acquisition of TelecityGroup. The assets and liabilities of LD2 were classified as held for sale in the fourth quarter of 2015 and, therefore, the corresponding depreciation and amortization expense was ceased at that time. This divestiture was not presented as discontinued operations inother income on the consolidated statementsstatement of operations, because it did not represent a strategic shift in the Company's business, as the Company continued operating similar businesses after the divestiture. The assets and liabilities of data centers from TelecityGroup were classified as held for sale on January 15, 2016, upon close TelecityGroup acquisition. The divestiture of these data centers was completed on July 5, 2016. The Company recognized a gain on the sale of LD2 data center of $27.9 million in gains on asset sales in the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2016. During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, the LD2 data center generated revenue of $6.1 million and $17.6 million, respectively, and net income of $2.3 million and $7.2 million, respectively. The results of operations for the TelecityGroup data centers that were divested, as well as the gain on divestiture, were classified as discontinued operations from January 15, 2016, the date the acquisition closed, through July 5, 2016 (see Note 5).operations.
During the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company entered into an agreement to sell a parcel of land in San Jose, California. The sale was completed in February 2016 and the Company recognized a gain on sale of $5.2 million.
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5.    Discontinued Operations
In order to obtain the approval of the European Commission for the acquisition of TelecityGroup, the Company and TelecityGroup agreed to divest certain data centers of TelecityGroup in the United Kingdom, Netherlands and Germany. These TelecityGroup data centers were classified as held for sale on the acquisition date and were reported as discontinued operations.
On July 5, 2016, the Company completed the sale of these data centers and related assets to Digital Realty for approximately €304.6 million and £376.2 million, or approximately total of $827.3 million at the exchange rates in effect on July 5, 2016. The Company recognized a gain on sale of the TelecityGroup data centers in discontinued operations of $2.4 million. The results of operations for these data centers that were divested, as well as the gain on divestiture, have been reported as net income from discontinued operations, net of tax, from January 15, 2016, the date of the acquisition, to July 5, 2016 in the Company's consolidated statements of operations. As of the date of acquisition, depreciation and amortization of discontinued operations ceased. Capital expenditures from the date of acquisition through the date of sale were $31.5 million.

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EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)






The following table presents the financial results of the Company's discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2016 (in thousands). The Company did not record income from discontinued operations, net of tax for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2015.
 2016
Revenues$48,782
Costs and operating expenses: 
Cost of revenues24,795
Sales and marketing1,030
General and administrative7,026
Total costs and operating expenses32,851
Income from operations of discontinued operations15,931
Interest expense and other, net(1,286)
Income from discontinued operations before income taxes14,645
Income tax expense(4,604)
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax2,351
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax$12,392
6.    Balance Sheet Components
7.Balance Sheet Components
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term and Long-Term Investments
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term and long-term investments consisted of the following as of December 31 (in thousands):
 2019 2018
Cash and cash equivalents:   
Cash$983,030
 $486,648
Cash equivalents:   
Money market funds886,547
 119,518
Total cash and cash equivalents1,869,577
 606,166
Short-term investments:   
Certificates of deposit7,583
 2,823
Publicly traded equity securities2,779
 1,717
Total short-term investments10,362
 4,540
Total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments$1,879,939
 $610,706

 2017 2016
Cash and cash equivalents:   
Cash (1)
$985,382
 $345,119
Cash equivalents:   
Money market funds427,135
 400,388
Certificate of deposit
 2,969
Total cash and cash equivalents1,412,517
 748,476
Short-term and long-term investments:   
Certificates of deposit31,351
 6,988
Publicly traded equity securities6,163
 6,463
Total short-term and long-term investments37,514
 13,451
Total cash, cash equivalents and short-term and long-term investments$1,450,031
 $761,927
_________________________
(1)Excludes restricted cash.
As of December 31, 20172019 and 2016,2018, cash and cash equivalents included investments which were readily convertible to cash and had original maturity dates of 90 days or less. The maturities of certificates of deposit classified as short-term investments were one year or less as of December 31, 20172019 and 2016.2018. The maturities ofCompany does not have any certificates of deposits classified as long-term investments werewith maturities greater than one year and less than three years as of December 31, 20172019 and 2016. The balance of certificates of deposits, by contractual maturity, as of December 31 (in thousands):
 2017 2016
Due within one year$28,271
 $3,409
Due after one year through three years3,080
 3,579
Total$31,351
 $6,988

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EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)



The net unrealized gains (losses) on its investments as of December 31 were comprised of the following (in thousands):
 2017 2016
 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value
Certificate of deposit

$31,351
 $
 $
 $31,351
 $6,988
 $
 $
 $6,988
Publicly traded equity securities3,716
 2,447
 
 6,163
 4,850
 1,613
 
 6,463
Total$35,067
 $2,447
 $
 $37,514
 $11,838
 $1,613
 $
 $13,451
2018.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable, net, consisted of the following as of December 31 (in thousands):
 2019 2018
Accounts receivable$702,160
 $646,069
Allowance for doubtful accounts(13,026) (15,950)
Accounts receivable, net$689,134
 $630,119
 2017 2016
Accounts receivable$594,541
 $411,920
Allowance for doubtful accounts(18,228) (15,675)
Accounts receivable, net$576,313
 $396,245

Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and generally do not bear interest.
The following table summarizes the activity of the Company’sCompany's allowance for doubtful accounts (in thousands):
Balance as of December 31, 2016$15,675
Provision for allowance for doubtful accounts5,627
Net write-offs(4,546)
Impact of foreign currency exchange1,472
Balance as of December 31, 201718,228
Provision for allowance for doubtful accounts7,236
Net write-offs(8,396)
Impact of foreign currency exchange(1,118)
Balance as of December 31, 201815,950
Provision for allowance for doubtful accounts8,459
Net write-offs(11,341)
Impact of foreign currency exchange(42)
Balance as of December 31, 2019$13,026


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EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)


Balance as of December 31, 2014$9,466
Provision for allowance for doubtful accounts5,037
Net write-offs(3,438)
Impact of foreign currency exchange(713)
Balance as of December 31, 201510,352
Provision for allowance for doubtful accounts8,260
Net write-offs(2,521)
Impact of foreign currency exchange(416)
Balance as of December 31, 201615,675
Provision for allowance for doubtful accounts5,627
Net write-offs(4,546)
Impact of foreign currency exchange1,472
Balance as of December 31, 2017$18,228

Other Current Assets
Other current assets consisted of the following as of December 31 (in thousands):
 2019 2018
Prepaid expenses$55,954
 $70,433
Taxes receivable122,823
 98,245
Restricted cash, current7,090
 10,887
Other receivables36,350
 12,611
Derivative instruments25,426
 62,170
Contract asset, current10,033
 9,778
Other current assets (1)
45,867
 10,733
Total other current assets$303,543
 $274,857

 2017 2016
Prepaid expenses$64,832
 $79,258
Taxes receivable110,961
 102,002
Restricted cash, current26,919
 15,065
Other receivables7,797
 46,809
Derivative instruments4,175
 54,072
Other current assets17,343
 22,190
Total other current assets$232,027
 $319,396
(1)
The December 31, 2019 balance included $34.3 million representing the current portion of the fair value of the contingent consideration from the sale of xScale data center facilities to the Joint Venture. See Note 5 for further discussion.

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EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)




Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
Property, plant and equipment, net consisted of the following as of December 31 (in thousands):
 2019 2018
Core systems$8,131,835
 $7,073,912
Buildings5,398,525
 4,822,501
Leasehold improvements1,764,058
 1,637,133
Construction in progress1,002,104
 974,152
Personal property1,009,701
 857,585
Land781,024
 631,367
 18,087,247
 15,996,650
Less accumulated depreciation(5,934,650) (4,970,630)
Property, plant and equipment, net$12,152,597
 $11,026,020


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EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)


 2017 2016
Core systems$6,334,702
 $4,760,868
Buildings3,906,686
 2,785,799
Leasehold improvements1,850,351
 1,599,424
Construction in progress425,428
 645,388
Personal property798,133
 622,069
Land423,539
 237,349
 13,738,839
 10,650,897
Less accumulated depreciation(4,344,237) (3,451,687)
Property, plant and equipment, net$9,394,602
 $7,199,210
Core systems, buildings, leasehold improvements, personal property and construction in progress recorded under capital leases aggregated to $760.4 million and $715.3 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company recorded accumulated depreciation for assets under capital leases of $199.2 million and $161.4 million, respectively.
Goodwill and Other Intangibles
The following table presents goodwill and other intangible assets, net, for the years ended December 31, 20172019 and 20162018 (in thousands):
 2019 2018
Goodwill:   
Americas$1,741,689
 $1,745,804
EMEA2,426,306
 2,474,164
Asia-Pacific613,863
 616,420
 $4,781,858
 $4,836,388
Intangible assets, net:   
Intangible assets - customer relationships$2,712,701
 $2,733,864
Intangible assets - trade names46,601
 71,778
Intangible assets - favorable leases
 35,969
Intangible assets - in-place leases33,295
 33,671
Intangible assets - licenses9,697
 9,697
Intangible assets - other6,402
 
 2,808,696
 2,884,979
Accumulated amortization - customer relationships(646,632) (467,111)
Accumulated amortization - trade names(37,885) (62,585)
Accumulated amortization - favorable leases
 (9,986)
Accumulated amortization - in-place leases(14,329) (8,118)
Accumulated amortization - licenses(4,529) (3,883)
Accumulated amortization - other(2,932) 
 (706,307) (551,683)
Total intangible assets, net$2,102,389
 $2,333,296
 2017 2016
Goodwill:   
Americas$1,561,512
 $469,438
EMEA2,610,899
 2,281,306
Asia-Pacific239,351
 235,320
 $4,411,762
 $2,986,064
Intangible assets, net:   
Intangible assets - customer relationships$2,682,656
 $839,593
Intangible assets - trade names73,295
 69,519
Intangible assets - favorable leases39,470
 38,139
Intangible assets - licenses9,696
 9,697
Intangible assets - others
 19
 2,805,117
 956,967
Accumulated amortization - customer relationships(334,985) (183,270)
Accumulated amortization - trade names(71,728) (43,830)
Accumulated amortization - favorable leases(10,196) (8,027)
Accumulated amortization - licenses(3,236) (2,591)
Accumulated amortization - others
 (18)
 (420,145) (237,736)
Total intangible assets, net$2,384,972
 $719,231

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EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)




Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by geographic regions are as follows (in thousands):
 Americas EMEA Asia-Pacific Total
Balance as of December 31, 2017$1,561,512
 $2,610,899
 $239,351
 $4,411,762
Purchase accounting - Infomart Dallas acquisition197,378
 
 
 197,378
Purchase accounting - Metronode acquisition
 
 413,871
 413,871
Purchase accounting - other acquisitions333
 1,357
 
 1,690
Impact of foreign currency exchange(13,419) (138,092) (36,802) (188,313)
Balance as of December 31, 20181,745,804
 2,474,164
 616,420
 4,836,388
Purchase accounting - acquisition
 25,863
 (3,683) 22,180
Asset sales - xScale data center facilities
 (59,246) 
 (59,246)
Asset sales - NY12 data center(950) 
 
 (950)
Impact of foreign currency exchange(3,165) (14,475) 1,126
 (16,514)
Balance as of December 31, 2019$1,741,689
 $2,426,306
 $613,863
 $4,781,858


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Table of Contents
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)


 Americas EMEA Asia-Pacific Total
Balance as of December 31, 2015$460,203
 $374,070
 $228,927
 $1,063,200
Purchase accounting adjustments - TelecityGroup
 2,215,567
 
 2,215,567
Purchase accounting adjustments - Paris IBX Data Center Acquisition
 48,835
 
 48,835
Asset held for sale adjustments
 1,605
 
 1,605
Impact of foreign currency exchange9,235
 (358,771) 6,393
 (343,143)
Balance as of December 31, 2016469,438
 2,281,306
 235,320
 2,986,064
Purchase accounting adjustments - Verizon Data Center Acquisition1,095,262
 
 

 1,095,262
Purchase accounting adjustments - Other 2017 acquisitions
 163,993
 
 163,993
Impact of foreign currency exchange(3,188) 165,600
 4,031
 166,443
Balance as of December 31, 2017$1,561,512
 $2,610,899
 $239,351
 $4,411,762

Changes in the net book value of intangible assets by geographic regions are as follows (in thousands):
 Americas EMEA Asia-Pacific Total
Balance as of December 31, 2016$40,117
 $562,361
 $116,753
 $719,231
Verizon Data Center acquisition1,693,900
 
 
 1,693,900
Other 2017 acquisitions
 112,645
 
 112,645
Write-off of intangible asset
 (725) 
 (725)
Amortization of intangibles(84,749) (79,105) (13,154) (177,008)
Impact of foreign currency exchange(2,895) 36,043
 3,781
 36,929
Balance as of December 31, 20171,646,373
 631,219
 107,380
 2,384,972
Infomart Dallas acquisition65,847
 
 
 65,847
Metronode acquisition
 
 128,229
 128,229
Other acquisitions
 8,342
 
 8,342
Write-off of intangible asset(334) (1,661) (3) (1,998)
Amortization of intangibles(125,683) (62,283) (15,450) (203,416)
Impact of foreign currency exchange(7,232) (31,757) (9,691) (48,680)
Balance as of December 31, 20181,578,971
 543,860
 210,465
 2,333,296
ASC 842 adoption adjustment(108) (20,692) (2,405) (23,205)
Switch AMS1 data center acquisition
 4,889
 
 4,889
Asset sales - NY12 data center(8,412) 
 
 (8,412)
Other
 1,096
 472
 1,568
Amortization of intangibles(125,390) (54,432) (16,456) (196,278)
Impact of foreign currency exchange(1,769) (8,157) 457
 (9,469)
Balance as of December 31, 2019$1,443,292
 $466,564
 $192,533
 $2,102,389
 Americas EMEA Asia-Pacific Total
Balance as of December 31, 2014$62,954
 $62,185
 $22,388
 $147,527
Nimbo acquisition1,089
 
 
 1,089
Bit-isle acquisition
 
 111,374
 111,374
Asset held for sale adjustments
 (784) 
 (784)
Write-off of intangible asset
 (357) 
 (357)
Amortization of intangibles(11,432) (11,675) (4,339) (27,446)
Impact of foreign currency exchange(1,968) (5,014) 144
 (6,838)
Balance as of December 31, 201550,643
 44,355
 129,567
 224,565
TelecityGroup acquisition
 694,243
 
 694,243
Paris IBX Data Center Acquisition
 11,758
 
 11,758
Sale of Terra Power
 
 (2,460) (2,460)
Write-off of intangible asset(573) 
 
 (573)
Amortization of intangibles(11,348) (97,715) (13,799) (122,862)
Impact of foreign currency exchange1,395
 (90,280) 3,445
 (85,440)
Balance as of December 31, 201640,117
 562,361
 116,753
 719,231
Verizon Data Center Acquisition1,693,900
 
 
 1,693,900
Other 2017 acquisitions
 112,645
 
 112,645
Write-off of intangible asset
 (725) 
 (725)
Amortization of intangibles(84,749) (79,105) (13,154) (177,008)
Impact of foreign currency exchange(2,895) 36,043
 3,781
 36,929
Balance as of December 31, 2017$1,646,373
 $631,219
 $107,380
 $2,384,972

The Company’sCompany's goodwill and intangible assets in EMEA,which are denominated in Euros, British Pounds, Turkish Lira, andcurrencies other than the United Arab Emirates Dirham, goodwill and intangible assets in Asia-Pacific, denominated in Singapore Dollars, Hong Kong Dollars, Japanese Yen and Chinese Yuan and certain goodwill and intangibles in Americas, denominated in Canadian Dollars, Brazilian Reals and Colombian Pesos,U.S. Dollar are subject to foreign currency fluctuations. The Company’sCompany's foreign currency translation gains and losses, including goodwill and intangibles, are a component of other comprehensive income and loss.

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Table of Contents
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)



Estimated future amortization expense related to these intangibles is as follows (in thousands):
Years ending: 
2020$190,222
2021182,765
2022178,780
2023178,513
2024177,733
Thereafter1,194,376
Total$2,102,389


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Table of Contents
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)


Years ending: 
2018$196,469
2019191,298
2020184,602
2021176,740
2022172,547
Thereafter1,463,316
Total$2,384,972

Other Assets
Other assets consisted of the following as of December 31 (in thousands):
 2019 2018
Deferred tax assets, net$35,806
 $58,300
Prepaid expenses61,690
 125,158
Debt issuance costs, net6,395
 8,532
Deposits56,567
 54,986
Restricted cash9,946
 10,551
Derivative instruments32,280
 10,904
Contract assets, non-current31,521
 16,396
Contract costs229,205
 188,200
Equity method investments59,737
 10,000
Other assets57,641
 50,225
Total other assets$580,788
 $533,252
 2017 2016
Deferred tax assets, net$66,031
 $62,308
Prepaid expenses89,784
 80,888
Debt issuance costs, net10,670
 6,611
Deposits48,296
 40,893
Restricted cash11,265
 9,706
Derivative instruments4,110
 15,907
Other assets11,594
 9,985
Total other assets$241,750
 $226,298

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses
Accounts payable and accrued expenses consisted of the following as of December 31 (in thousands):
 2017 2016
Accounts payable$101,744
 $60,211
Accrued compensation and benefits214,585
 172,808
Accrued interest100,347
 95,832
Accrued taxes(1)
130,272
 133,562
Accrued utilities and security68,916
 44,202
Accrued professional fees13,830
 14,071
Accrued repairs and maintenance11,232
 5,430
Accrued other78,331
 55,623
Total accounts payable and accrued expenses$719,257
 $581,739
__________________________
(1)Includes income taxes payable of $56.4 million and $44.0 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.

 2019 2018
Accounts payable$52,232
 $96,980
Accrued compensation and benefits241,361
 235,697
Accrued interest103,345
 126,142
Accrued taxes (1)
135,099
 118,818
Accrued utilities and security107,404
 78,547
Accrued professional fees20,741
 17,010
Accrued repairs and maintenance10,699
 10,736
Accrued other89,837
 72,762
Total accounts payable and accrued expenses$760,718
 $756,692
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Table of Contents
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)



(1)
Includes income taxes payable of $57.7 million and $67.9 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2019 and 2018.
Other Current Liabilities
Other current liabilities consisted of the following as of December 31 (in thousands):
 2019 2018
Deferred revenue, current$76,193
 $73,143
Customer deposits16,707
 20,430
Derivative instruments31,596
 8,812
Deferred rent
 6,466
Dividends payable9,029
 8,795
Asset retirement obligations2,081
 6,776
Other current liabilities18,332
 2,573
Total other current liabilities$153,938
 $126,995


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EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)


 2017 2016
Deferred installation revenue$74,452
 $61,399
Customer deposits16,598
 13,894
Derivative instruments34,466
 10,819
Deferred recurring revenue12,848
 18,704
Deferred rent6,546
 4,158
Dividends payable11,181
 11,999
Asset retirement obligations1,716
 10,036
Other current liabilities2,107
 2,131
Total other current liabilities$159,914
 $133,140

Other Liabilities
Other liabilities consisted of the following as of December 31 (in thousands):
 2019 2018
Asset retirement obligations$100,334
 $89,887
Deferred tax liabilities, net247,179
 247,849
Deferred revenue, non-current46,555
 46,641
Deferred rent
 108,693
Accrued taxes146,046
 116,735
Dividends payable7,108
 6,545
Customer deposits9,306
 9,671
Derivative instruments4,017
 928
Other liabilities (1)
61,180
 2,814
Total other liabilities$621,725
 $629,763
 2017 2016
Asset retirement obligations$96,823
 $92,979
Deferred tax liabilities, net252,287
 274,341
Deferred installation revenue117,021
 96,744
Deferred rent97,782
 76,566
Accrued taxes64,378
 56,208
Dividends payable6,669
 8,495
Customer deposits10,849
 4,773
Deferred recurring revenue4,236
 2,681
Derivative instruments6,381
 140
Other liabilities5,284
 10,321
Total other liabilities$661,710
 $623,248

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EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)



(1)
The balance as of December 31, 2019 includes $41.4 million of liabilities recorded upon the closing of the Joint Venture, which represents the Company’s obligation to pay for future construction that was not completed at the close of the transaction. See Note 5 for further discussion.
The following table summarizes the activities of the Company’sCompany's asset retirement obligation ("ARO") (in thousands):
Asset retirement obligations as of December 31, 2014$64,858
Additions17,337
Adjustments (1)
(4,676)
Accretion expense3,349
Impact of foreign currency exchange(2,386)
Asset retirement obligations as of December 31, 201578,482
Additions22,955
Adjustments (1)
(2,366)
Accretion expense6,685
Impact of foreign currency exchange(2,741)
Asset retirement obligations as of December 31, 2016103,015
$103,015
Additions17,736
17,736
Adjustments (1)
(34,576)(34,576)
Accretion expense7,335
7,335
Impact of foreign currency exchange5,029
5,029
Asset retirement obligations as of December 31, 2017$98,539
98,539
Additions5,126
Adjustments (1)
(11,288)
Accretion expense6,285
Impact of foreign currency exchange(1,999)
Asset retirement obligations as of December 31, 201896,663
Additions6,980
Adjustments (1)
(7,969)
Accretion expense6,290
Impact of foreign currency exchange451
Asset retirement obligations as of December 31, 2019$102,415
__________________________
(1) The ARO adjustments are primarily due to lease amendments, acquisition of real estate assets and other adjustments.

(1)
The ARO adjustments are primarily due to lease amendments and acquisition of real estate assets, as well as other adjustments.
7.     Derivatives and Hedging Instruments
8.Derivatives and Hedging Instruments
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Net Investment Hedges.The Company is exposed to the impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations on itsthe value of investments in its foreign subsidiaries whose functional currencies are other than the U.S. dollar.Dollar. In order to mitigate the impact of foreign currency exchange rates, the Company has entered into various foreign currency loansdebt obligations, which are designated as hedges against the Company's net investmentinvestments in foreign subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2017

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EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)



2019 and 2016,2018, the total principal amountamounts of foreign currency loans, which weredebt obligations designated as net investment hedges was $3,149.5were $4,078.7 million and $646.2$4,139.8 million, respectively. In March 2016, the
The Company began using foreign exchange forward contractsalso uses cross-currency interest rate swaps to hedge against the effect of foreign exchange rate fluctuations on a portion of its net investment in its European operations. As of December 31, 2019, U.S. Dollar to Euro cross-currency interest rate swap contracts with a total notional amount of $750.0 million were outstanding, with maturity dates in April 2022, January 2024 and January 2025. At maturity of each outstanding contract, the foreign subsidiaries. ForCompany will receive U.S. Dollars from and pay Euros to the contract counterparty. During the term of each contract, the Company receives interest payments in U.S. Dollars and makes interest payments in Euros based on a notional amount and fixed interest rates determined at contract inception. The Company did not have any cross-currency interest rate swaps outstanding as of December 31, 2018.
The effect of net investment hedge, changes in the fair value of the hedging instrument designated as a net investment hedge, except the ineffective portion and forward points, are recorded as a component ofhedges on accumulated other comprehensive income inand the consolidated balance sheet.
The Company recorded net foreign exchange lossesstatements of $235.3 million and net foreign exchanges gains of $85.5 million in other comprehensive income (loss)operations for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 and 2016, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company reclassified net foreign exchange gains of $40.0 million to gain on sale of discontinued operations. The Company recorded no ineffectiveness from its net investment hedges for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.was as follows (in thousands):
Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income:  
   Years Ended December 31,
   2019 2018 2017
Foreign currency debt $47,033
 $218,269
 $(235,292)
Cross-currency interest rate swaps (included component) (1)
 15,514
 
 
Cross-currency interest rate swaps (excluded component) (2)
 10,737
 
 
Total $73,284
 $218,269
 $(235,292)
        
Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in earnings:  
 Location of gain or (loss) Years Ended December 31,
  2019 2018 2017
Cross-currency interest rate swaps (excluded component) (2)
Interest expense $19,261
 $
 $
Total  $19,261
 $
 $
(1)
Included component represents foreign exchange spot rates.
(2)
Excluded component represents cross-currency basis spread and interest rates.
Cash Flow Hedges. Hedges. The Company hedges its foreign currency translation exposure for forecasted revenues and expenses in its EMEA region between the U.S. dollarDollar and the British Pound, Euro, Swedish Krona and Swiss Franc. The foreign currency forward and option contracts that the Company uses from time to time to hedge this exposure are designated as cash flow hedges underhedges. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the accounting standard for derivativestotal notional amounts of these foreign exchange contracts were $824.8 million and hedging. $760.9 million, respectively.
The Company also uses purchased collar options to manage a portionhedges the interest rate exposure created by anticipated fixed rate debt issuances through the use of its exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, where the Company writes a foreign currency call option and purchases a foreign currency put option. When two or more derivative instruments in combinationtreasury locks, which are jointly designated as a cash flow hedges. During the fourth quarter of 2019, we entered into and settled 10 treasury locks designated as cash flow hedges with an aggregate notional amount of $1.5 billion, hedging instrument, they are treatedanticipated fixed-rate debt issuances. The settlement of these contracts during the fourth quarter of 2019, resulted in a gain of $5.1 million, which was deferred and included as a single instrument.component of other comprehensive income (loss), and is being amortized to interest expense over the life of the associated debt.
Effective January 1, 2015, theThe Company began to enterenters into intercompany hedging instruments ("intercompany derivatives") with a wholly-owned subsidiarysubsidiaries of the Company in order to hedge certain forecasted revenues and expenses denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar.Dollar. Simultaneously, the Company enters into derivative contracts with unrelated third parties to externally hedge the net exposure created by such intercompany derivatives.


F-36


EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)






The following disclosure is preparedeffect of cash flow hedges on aaccumulated other comprehensive income and the consolidated basis. Assets and liabilities resulting from intercompany derivatives have been eliminated in consolidation. Asstatements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 the Company's cash flow hedge instruments had maturity dates ranging from January 2018 to October 2019was as followsfollows (in thousands):
 Notional Amount 
Fair Value (1)
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (2)(3)
Derivative assets$72,262
 $2,379
 $2,055
Derivative liabilities440,637
 (29,777) (34,311)
 $512,899
 $(27,398) $(32,256)
Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income:  
   Years Ended December 31,
   2019 2018 2017
Foreign currency forward and option contracts (included component) (1)
 $(9,945) $58,227
 $(73,437)
Foreign currency option contracts (excluded component) (2)
 (1,807) 
 
Treasury locks 4,972
 
 
Total $(6,780) $58,227
 $(73,437)
 
Amount of gain or (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to income:
   Years Ended December 31,
 Location of gain or (loss) 2019 2018 2017
Foreign currency forward contractsRevenues $80,046
 $(30,603) $20,845
Foreign currency forward contractsCosts and operating expenses (41,262) 15,341
 (11,183)
Treasury locksInterest Expense 79
 
 
Total  $38,863
 $(15,262) $9,662
        
Amount of gain or (loss) excluded from effectiveness testing and included in income:
   Years Ended December 31,
 Location of gain or (loss) 2019 2018 2017
Foreign currency forward contractsOther income (expense) $88
 $16,470
 $3,805
Foreign currency option contracts (excluded component) (2)
Revenues (1,082) 
 
Total  $(994) $16,470
 $3,805
__________________________
(1)
All derivative assets related to cash flow hedges are included in the consolidated balance sheets within other current assets, other assets, other current liabilities and other liabilities.Included component represents foreign exchange spot rates.
(2)
Included in the consolidated balance sheets within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
(3)The Company recorded a net loss of $26.7 million within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) relating to cash flow hedges that will be reclassified to revenue and expenses as they mature over the next 12 months.Excluded component represents option's time value.
As of December 31, 2016,2019, the Company's foreign currency cash flow hedge instruments had maturity dates ranging from January 20172020 to November 2018 as follows (in thousands):
 Notional Amount 
Fair Value (1)
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (2)(3)
Derivative assets$545,638
 $44,570
 $42,634
Derivative liabilities42,207
 (1,815) (1,453)
 $587,845
 $42,755
 $41,181
__________________________
(1)All derivative assets related to cash flow hedges are included in the consolidated balance sheets within other current assets, other assets, other current liabilities and other liabilities.
(2)Included in the consolidated balance sheets within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
(3)The Company recorded a net gain of $31.9December 2021 and the Company recorded a net gain of $16.3 million within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) relating to cash flow hedges that will be reclassified to revenue and expenses as they mature over the next 12 months.
During the year ended December 31, 2017, the amount of net gains from the ineffective and excluded portions of cash flow hedges recognizedthat will be reclassified to revenues and expenses as they mature in other income (expense) was $3.8 million. During the year endednext 12 months. As of December 31, 2016,2018, the amountCompany's foreign currency cash flow hedge instruments had maturity dates ranging from January 2019 to December 2020 and the Company recorded a net gain of net gains from the ineffective and excluded portions of$21.4 million within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) relating to cash flow hedges recognizedthat will be reclassified to revenues and expenses as they mature in other income (expense) were not significant. During the year endednext 12 months. As of December 31, 2017,2019, the amount ofCompany had no interest rate cash flow hedges outstanding. The net gains reclassified fromgain in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to revenues was $20.8 million andbe reclassified to interest expense in the amount of net losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to operating expenses were $11.2next 12 months for settled interest rate cash flow hedges is $0.7 million. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the amount of net gains reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to revenues was $38.4 million and the amount of net losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to operating expenses was $19.9 million. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the amount of net gains reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to revenues was $28.0 million and the amount of net losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to operating expenses was $6.3 million.
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
Embedded Derivatives. The Company is deemed to have foreign currency forward contracts embedded in certain of the Company’sCompany's customer agreements that are priced in currencies different from the functional or local currencies of the parties involved. These embedded derivatives are separated from their host contracts and carried on the Company’sCompany's balance sheet at their fair value. The majority of these embedded derivatives arise as a result of the Company’sCompany's foreign subsidiaries pricing their customer contracts in the U.S. dollar. Gains and losses on these embedded derivatives are included within revenues in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. The company recognized a net loss of $6.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2017. During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, the gain or loss associated with these embedded derivatives was not significant.Dollars.

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EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)



Economic Hedges of Embedded Derivatives.Derivatives. The Company uses foreign currency forward contracts to help manage the foreign exchange risk associated with the Company’sCompany's customer agreements that are priced in currencies different from the functional or local currencies of the parties involved ("economic hedges of embedded derivatives"). Foreign

F-37


EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)



currency forward contracts represent agreements to exchange the currency of one country for the currency of another country at an agreed-upon price on an agreed-upon settlement date. Gains and losses on these contracts are included in revenues along with gains and losses of the related embedded derivatives. The Company entered into various economic hedges of embedded derivatives during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the gain or loss associated with these economic hedges of embedded derivatives was not significant. The Company recognized a net gain of $2.9 million and a net loss of $2.3 million during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Foreign Currency Forward and Option Contracts.Contracts. The Company also uses foreign currency forward and option contracts to manage the foreign exchange risk associated with certain foreign currency-denominated monetary assets and liabilities. As a result of foreign currency fluctuations, the U.S. dollarDollar equivalent values of its foreign currency-denominated monetary assets and liabilities change. Gains and losses on these contracts are included in other income (expense), on a net basis, along with the foreign currency gains and losses of the related foreign currency-denominated monetary assets and liabilities associated with these foreign currency forward contracts. The Company entered into variousAs of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the total notional amounts of these foreign currency forwardcontracts were $2,467.0 million and option contracts during$1,500.4 million, respectively.
The following table presents the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015. The Company recognized a net losseffect of $69.0 million duringderivatives not designated as hedging instruments in the year ended December 31, 2017, a net gainCompany's consolidated statements of $74.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2016 and a net lossoperations (in thousands):
Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in earnings:      
   Years Ended December 31,
 Location of gain or (loss) 2019 2018 2017
Embedded derivativesRevenues $63
 $618
 $(6,756)
Economic hedge of embedded derivativesRevenues 550
 (877) 1,655
Foreign currency forward contractsOther income (expense) 36,846
 91,233
 (68,962)
    Total  $37,459
 $90,974
 $(74,063)

Fair Value of $24.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2015.
Offsetting Derivative Assets and LiabilitiesInstruments
The following table presents the fair value of derivative instruments recognized in the Company’sCompany's consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 20172019 and 2018 (in thousands):
Gross Amounts Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet 
Net Consolidated Balance Sheet Amounts(1)
 
Gross Amounts not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet (2)
 NetDecember 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
Assets:         
Assets (1)
 
Liabilities (2)
 
Assets (1)
 
Liabilities (2)
Designated as hedging instruments:                
Foreign currency forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges$2,379
 $
 $2,379
 $(2,379) $
Cash flow hedges       
Foreign currency forward and option contracts$24,853
 $5,898
 $38,606
 $865
Net investment hedges       
Cross-currency interest rate swaps26,251
 
 
 
Total designated as hedging51,104
 5,898
 38,606
 865
       
Not designated as hedging instruments:                
Embedded derivatives5,076
 
 5,076
 
 5,076
4,595
 2,268
 4,656
 2,426
Economic hedges of embedded derivatives325
 
 325
 
 325
1,367
 
 525
 180
Foreign currency forward contracts505
 
 505
 (340) 165
641
 27,446
 29,287
 6,269
5,906
 
 5,906
 (340) 5,566
Additional netting benefit
 
 
 (490) (490)
$8,285
 $
 $8,285
 $(3,209) $5,076
Liabilities:         
Designated as hedging instruments:         
Foreign currency forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges$29,777
 $
 $29,777
 $(2,379) $27,398
Not designated as hedging instruments:         
Embedded derivatives3,503
 
 3,503
 
 3,503
Economic hedges of embedded derivatives20
 
 20
 
 20
Foreign currency forward contracts7,547
 
 7,547
 (340) 7,207
11,070
 
 11,070
 (340) 10,730
Additional netting benefit
 
 
 (490) (490)
$40,847
 $
 $40,847
 $(3,209) $37,638
Total not designated as hedging6,603
 29,714
 34,468
 8,875
Total Derivatives$57,707
 $35,612
 $73,074
 $9,740
_______________________

(1)
As presented in the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheets within other current assets and other assets.
(2)
As presented in the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheets within other current liabilities and other liabilities.

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EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)






(1)As presented in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets within other current assets, other assets, other current liabilities and other liabilities.
(2)
Offsetting Derivative Assets and Liabilities
The Company presents its derivative instruments and the accrued interest related to cross-currency interest rate swaps at gross fair values in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company enters into master netting agreements with its counterparties for transactions other than embedded derivatives to mitigate credit risk exposure to any single counterparty. Master netting agreements allow for individual derivative contracts with a single counterparty to offset in the event of default. For presentation on the consolidated balance sheets, the Company does not offset fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments under master netting arrangements.
The following table presents the fair value of derivative instruments recognized in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2016 (in thousands):
 Gross Amounts Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet 
Net Consolidated Balance Sheet Amounts(1)
 
Gross Amounts not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet (2)
 Net
Assets:         
Designated as hedging instruments:         
Cash flow hedges         
Foreign currency forward and option contracts$44,570
 $
 $44,570
 $(1,815) $42,755
Net investment hedges         
Foreign currency forward contracts6,930
 
 6,930
 (3,310) 3,620
 51,500
 
 51,500
 (5,125) 46,375
          
Not designated as hedging instruments:         
Embedded derivatives9,745
 
 9,745
 
 9,745
Foreign currency forward contracts8,734
 
 8,734
 (1,873) 6,861
 18,479
 
 18,479
 (1,873) 16,606
Additional netting benefit
 
 
 (2,436) (2,436)
 $69,979
 $
 $69,979
 $(9,434) $60,545
          
Liabilities:         
Designated as hedging instruments:         
Cash flow hedges         
Foreign currency forward and option contracts$1,815
 $
 $1,815
 $(1,815) $
Net investment hedges         
Foreign currency forward contracts3,525
 
 3,525
 (3,310) 215
 5,340
 
 5,340
 (5,125) 215
          
Not designated as hedging instruments:         
Embedded derivatives1,525
 
 1,525
 
 1,525
Economic hedges of embedded derivatives866
 
 866
 
 866
Foreign currency forward contracts3,228
 
 3,228
 (1,873) 1,355
 5,619
 
 5,619
 (1,873) 3,746
Additional netting benefit
 
 
 (2,436) (2,436)
 $10,959
 $
 $10,959
 $(9,434) $1,525
_________________________
(1)As presented in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets within other current assets, other assets, other current liabilities and other liabilities.
(2)The Company enters into master netting agreements with its counterparties for transactions other than embedded derivatives to mitigate credit risk exposure to any single counterparty. Master netting agreements allow for individual derivative contracts with a single

F-39

EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)



counterparty to offset in the event of default. For presentation on the consolidated balance sheets, the Company does not offset fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments or the accrued interest related to cross-currency interest rate swaps under master netting arrangements. The following table presents information related to these offsetting arrangements as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands):
 
Gross Amounts Offset in
Consolidated Balance Sheet
    
 Gross Amounts Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet Net Amounts Gross Amounts not Offset in the Balance Sheet Net
December 31, 2019         
Derivative assets$76,640
 $
 $76,640
 $(37,820) $38,820
Derivative liabilities45,832
 
 45,832
 (37,820) 8,012
          
December 31, 2018         
Derivative assets$73,074
 $
 $73,074
 $(6,517) $66,557
Derivative liabilities9,740
 
 9,740
 (6,517) 3,223

8.     Fair Value Measurements
9.Fair Value Measurements
Valuation Methods
Fair value estimates are made as of a specific point in time based on methods using the market approach valuation method which uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities or other valuation techniques. These techniques involve uncertainties and are affected by the assumptions used and the judgments made regarding risk characteristics of various financial instruments, discount rates, estimates of future cash flows, future expected loss experience and other factors.
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments. The fair value of the Company's investments in money market funds approximates their face value. Such instruments are included in cash equivalents. The Company’sCompany's money market funds and publicly traded equity securities are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets. The fair value of the Company's other investments, including certificates of deposit, approximates their face value. The fair value of these investments is priced based on the quoted market price for similar instruments or nonbinding market prices that are corroborated by observable market data. Such instruments are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The Company determines the fair values of its Level 2 investments by using inputs such as actual trade data, benchmark yields, broker/dealer quotes and other similar data, which are obtained from quoted market prices, custody bank, third-party pricing vendors or other sources. The Company uses such pricing data as the primary input to make its assessments and determinations as to the ultimate valuation of its investment portfolio and has not made, during the periods presented, any material adjustments to such inputs. The Company is responsible for its consolidated financial statements and underlying estimates.
The Company uses the specific identification method in computing realized gains and losses. Realized gains and losses onfrom the sale of investments are included within other income (expense) in the Company’sCompany's consolidated statements of operations. Short-term and long-termThe Company's investments are classified as available-for-sale andin publicly traded equity securities are carried at fair value withvalue. Subsequent to the adoption of ASU 2016-01, unrealized gains and losses on publicly traded equity securities are reported within other income (expense) in the Company's consolidated statements of operations. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-01, unrealized gains and losses on publicly traded equity securities were reported in stockholders’stockholders' equity as a component of other comprehensive income or loss,loss. Upon adoption of ASU 2016-01, the Company recorded a net cumulative effect increase of any related tax effect. The Company reviews its investment portfolio quarterly$2.1 million to determine if any securities may be other-than-temporarily impaired due to increased credit risk, changes in industry or sectorretained earnings.

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EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)



Derivative Assets and Liabilities. ForInputs used for valuations of derivatives are based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant inputs are observable in the Company uses forward contract and option models employing market or can be corroborated by observable market data. The significant inputs such asused include spot currency rates and forward points, with adjustments made to these values utilizinginterest rate curves, and published credit default swap rates of its foreign exchange trading counterparties and other comparable companies. The Company has determined that the inputs used to value its derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, therefore the derivatives are categorized as Level 2.
During the years ended December 31, 20172019 and 2016,2018, the Company did not have any nonfinancial assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
The Company’sCompany's financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 20172019 were as follows (in thousands):
 
Fair Value at
December 31,
 
Fair Value
Measurement Using
 2019 Level 1 Level 2
Assets:     
Money market and deposit accounts$886,547
 $886,547
 $
Publicly traded equity securities2,779
 2,779
 
Certificates of deposit7,583
 
 7,583
Derivative instruments57,707
 
 57,707
 $954,616
 $889,326
 $65,290
Liabilities:     
Derivative instruments$35,612
 $
 $35,612

 
Fair Value at
December 31,
 
Fair Value
Measurement Using
 2017 Level 1 Level 2
Assets:     
Cash$985,382
 $985,382
 $
Money market and deposit accounts427,135
 427,135
 
Publicly traded equity securities6,163
 6,163
 
Certificates of deposit31,351
 
 31,351
Derivative instruments (1)
8,285
 
 8,285
 $1,458,316
 $1,418,680
 $39,636
Liabilities:     
Derivative instruments (1)
$40,847
 $
 $40,847


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EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)



_________________________
(1)Includes both foreign currency embedded derivatives and foreign currency forward and option contracts. Amounts are included within other current assets, other assets, other current liabilities and other liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.
The Company’sCompany's financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 20162018 were as follows (in thousands):
 
Fair Value at
December 31,
 
Fair Value
Measurement Using
 2018 Level 1 Level 2
Assets:     
Money market and deposit accounts$119,518
 $119,518
 $
Publicly traded equity securities1,717
 1,717
 
Certificates of deposit2,823
 
 2,823
Derivative instruments73,074
 
 73,074
 $197,132
 $121,235
 $75,897
Liabilities:     
Derivative instruments$9,740
 $
 $9,740

 
Fair Value at
December 31,
 
Fair Value
Measurement Using
 2016 Level 1 Level 2
Assets:     
Cash$345,119
 $345,119
 $
Money market and deposit accounts400,388
 400,388
 
Publicly traded equity securities6,463
 6,463
 
Certificates of deposit9,957
 
 9,957
Derivative instruments (1)
69,979
 
 69,979
 $831,906
 $751,970
 $79,936
Liabilities:     
Derivative instruments (1)
$10,959
 $
 $10,959

_________________________
(1)Includes embedded derivatives, foreign currency embedded derivatives and foreign currency forward contracts. Amounts are included within other current assets, other assets, other current liabilities and other liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.
The Company did not have any Level 3 financial assets or financial liabilities during the years ended December 31, 20172019 and 2016.2018.

F-40


9.     Leases
Capital Lease and Other Financing Obligations
The Company’s capital lease and other financing obligations expire at various dates ranging from 2018 to 2053. The weighted average effective interest rate of the Company’s capital lease and other financing obligations was 7.86% as of December 31, 2017.
The Company’s capital lease and other financing obligations are summarized as follows as of December 31, 2017 (in thousands):
 Capital Lease Obligations Other Financing Obligations Total
2018$100,815
 $101,095
 $201,910
201994,234
 88,028
 182,262
202094,327
 87,758
 182,085
202192,455
 89,595
 182,050
202292,309
 90,070
 182,379
Thereafter801,237
 886,277
 1,687,514
Total minimum lease payments1,275,377
 1,342,823
 2,618,200
Plus amount representing residual property value
 545,656
 545,656
Less amount representing interest(531,820) (933,075) (1,464,895)
Present value of net minimum lease payments743,557
 955,404
 1,698,961
Less current portion(41,117) (37,588) (78,705)
 $702,440
 $917,816
 $1,620,256

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EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)






10.Leases
Significant Lease Transactions
Amsterdam 5Hong Kong 4 ("AM5"HK4") Data Center
In May 2017,August 2018, the Company acquiredentered into a lease agreement with the landlandlord to lease the remaining floors of the HK4 Data Center. The lease did not commence until May 2019. The lease has an initial term of 9.4 years and building1 10-year renewal option which the Company determined it was not reasonably certain to exercise. The Company therefore excluded the renewal option from the lease term. The Company assessed the lease classification of the HK4 lease at the commencement date and determined the lease should be accounted for as an operating lease. During the AM5 IBX data center for cash considerationthree months ended June 30, 2019, the Company recorded operating lease ROU asset and liability of €26.7317.3 million Hong Kong dollars, or $30.4$40.6 million at the exchange rate in effect on June 30, 2017. The Company had previously accounted for the construction and related agreements as a build-to-suit arrangement. As a result of the purchase, the prior arrangement was effectively terminated and the financing obligation was settled in full. The Company settled the financing obligation of the AM5 data center for €20.0 million or approximately $22.8 million and recognized a loss on debt extinguishment of €7.2 million or approximately $8.2 million. The fair value allocated to the ground lease was €6.7 million or $7.6 million, which was recorded as other assets and will be amortized through December 2054.2019.
Hong Kong 5Seoul 1 ("HK5"SL1") Data Center
In January 2017,October 2018, the Company entered into a lease agreement with the landlord for several leased spaces in SL1 Data Center. Phase 1 commenced in August 2019 with an agreementinitial term of 5 years. The lease includes 3 5-year renewal options. The Company concluded that 1 renewal option of 5 years is reasonably certain to be exercised after considering all relevant factors that create an economic incentive for certain elementsthe Company. The Company assessed the lease classification of the construction ofSL1 lease at the HK5 Data Center. The terms ofcommencement date and determined the construction agreement triggered the Company tolease should be in substance, the owner of the asset during the construction phase. The Company has accounted for the construction and related agreements as a build-to-suit arrangement. As of December 31, 2017,finance lease. During the three months ended September 30, 2019, the Company recorded finance lease ROU asset and liability of 35,747 million Korean Won and 34,804 million Korean Won, respectively, or $29.9 million and $29.1 million, respectively, at the exchange rate in effect on September 30, 2019.
Tokyo 11 ("TY11") Data Center
In July 2019, the Company entered into 2 new lease agreements for building I and building II in TY11 Data Center for a financing obligation totalinglease term of 28.6 years. At the same time, the Company terminated the original lease agreement of certain leased space in building I. The new spaces in building I and building II provide additional right-of-use assets that are not included in the original lease agreement and the lease payments for the new spaces are commensurate with the stand-alone price of the additional right-of-use assets. As a result, the Company concluded the new spaces in building I and building II met the criteria to be treated as a separate contract and did not modify the accounting treatment of the original leased space. The Company assessed the lease classification of TY11 leases at the commencement date and determined that the leases for both the new spaces in building I and building II should be accounted for as finance leases. During the three months ended September 30, 2019, the Company recorded finance lease ROU asset and liability of ¥6,922.3 million in aggregate for both new spaces in building I and II, or approximately 577.4 million Hong Kong dollars, or $73.9$64.0 million at the exchange rate in effect as of December 31, 2017.on September 30, 2019.
Operating LeasesSingapore 4 ("SG4") Data Center
In July 2019, the Company entered into a lease agreement with the landlord to lease the land and building for its new SG4 Data Center. The initial lease term is 25 years with a renewal option to extend the lease until 2053. The Company also leases its IBX data centersdetermined the renewal option was not reasonably certain to exercise; therefore, the renewal option was not included in the lease term. The Company assessed the lease classification of the SG4 lease at the commencement date and certain equipment under noncancelabledetermined that the lease for the building and land components should be accounted for as a finance lease and an operating lease, agreements. The majority ofrespectively. During the Company’s operating leases for its land and IBX data centers expire at various dates through 2065 with renewal options available to the Company. The lease agreements typically provide for base rental rates that increase at defined intervals during the term of the lease. In addition,three months ended September 30, 2019, the Company has negotiated some rent expense abatement periods for certain leases to better match the phased build outrecorded finance lease ROU asset and liability of its IBX data centers. The Company accounts for such abatements75.5 million Singapore dollars, or approximately $54.6 million, and increasing base rentals using the straight-line method over the life of the lease. The difference between the straight-line expense and the cash payment is recorded as deferred rent (see Note 6, "Other Current Liabilities" and "Other Liabilities").
Minimum future operating lease payments asROU asset and liability of December 31, 2017 are summarized as follows (in thousands):48.5 million Singapore dollars, or approximately $35.1 million, at the exchange rate in effect on September 30, 2019.

F-41
Years ending: 
2018$176,789
2019164,711
2020154,329
2021144,706
2022140,451
Thereafter1,132,964
Total$1,913,950
Total rent expense was approximately $157.9 million, $140.6 million and $101.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

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EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)






10.    Debt FacilitiesSilicon Valley 3 ("SV3") Data Center
In July 2019, the Company entered into a lease agreement with the landlord to extend the term of the SV3 lease for an additional 12 years. The lease includes 2 5-year renewal options which the Company determined it was not reasonably certain to exercise; therefore, the renewal options were not included in the lease term. The SV3 lease renewal is accounted for as a lease modification. The Company assessed the lease classification of the SV3 lease at modification date and determined that the lease for the building and land components should be accounted for as a finance lease and an operating lease, respectively. During the three months ended September 30, 2019, the Company recorded incremental finance lease ROU asset and liability of $39.9 million. The Company also recorded an incremental operating lease ROU asset and liability of $13.1 million.
Hong Kong 1 ("HK1") Data Center
In October 2019, the Company extended certain leased spaces in HK1 Data Center for another 18 years. The HK1 lease is accounted for as a lease modification. The Company assessed the lease classification of the HK1 lease at modification date and determined that the lease should be accounted for as a finance lease. The Company recorded finance lease ROU asset and liability of 426.0 million Hong Kong dollars, or approximately $54.7 million at the exchange rate in effect on December 31, 2019.
Toronto 2 ("TR2") Data Center
In October 2019, the Company entered into an agreement with the landlord to purchase the TR2 Data Center for 223 million Canadian dollars, or approximately $171.8 million at the exchange rate in effect on December 31, 2019. The deal was closed on December 18, 2019. As part of the transaction, the Company assumed the outstanding mortgage financing on the property of 56.9 million Canadian dollars, or approximately $43.8 million, at the exchange rate in effect on December 31, 2019 (see Note 11). The cash consideration was reduced by the outstanding mortgage amount. The Company had previously accounted for the TR2 land and building as operating and finance leases, respectively. Upon the purchase, the Company effectively terminated the leases and settled the operating and finance lease liabilities of 13.1 million Canadian dollars and 61.7 million Canadian dollars, respectively, or approximately $10.1 million and $47.5 million, respectively, at the exchange rate in effect on December 31, 2019. The Company also derecognized operating lease and finance lease ROU assets of 13.1 million Canadian dollars and 49.2 million Canadian dollars, respectively, or approximately $10.1 million and $37.9 million, respectively, at the exchange rate in effect on December 31, 2019. The Company recorded land and building of 135.3 million Canadian dollars and 85.0 million Canadian dollars, respectively, or approximately $104.3 million and $65.5 million, respectively, at the exchange rate in effect on December 31, 2019.
London 10 ("LD10") Data Center
In October 2019, the Company signed a sub-lease agreement with the Joint Venture to sub-lease a portion of Equinix's former LD10 Data Center for 15 years. The sub-lease agreement includes 1 5-year renewal option which the Company determined it was not reasonably certain to exercise; therefore, the renewal option was not included in the lease term. Additionally, Equinix and the Joint Venture signed an agreement for the Joint Venture to operate the leased space for 15 years. The Company determined that the sub-lease and other agreements should be combined into a single contract as the contracts were negotiated at the same time and with the same commercial objective to operate a data center. The Company assessed the lease classification of the lease at the commencement date and determined the lease should be accounted for as a finance lease. The Company recorded finance lease ROU asset and liability of £103.2 million, or approximately $136.7 million at the exchange rate in effect on December 31, 2019.

F-42


EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)



Lease Expenses
The components of lease expenses are as follows (in thousands):
 Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2019
Finance lease cost 
Amortization of right-of-use assets (1)
$82,893
Interest on lease liabilities110,688
Total finance lease cost193,581
  
Operating lease cost219,021
Total lease cost$412,602
(1) Amortization of right-of-use assets is included with depreciation expense, and is recorded within cost of revenues, sales and marketing and general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.
Other Information
Other information related to leases is as follows (in thousands, except years and percent):
 Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: 
Operating cash flows from finance leases$107,000
Operating cash flows from operating leases210,848
Financing cash flows from finance leases126,486
  
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations: (1)
 
Finance leases$387,808
Operating leases145,025
  
 As of December 31, 2019
Weighted-average remaining lease term - finance leases (2)
15 years
Weighted-average remaining lease term - operating leases (2)
13 years
Weighted-average discount rate - finance leases9%
Weighted-average discount rate - operating leases4%
Finance lease assets (3)
$1,277,614
(1) Represents all non-cash changes in ROU assets.
(2) Includes lease renewal options that are reasonably certain to be exercised.
(3) Finance lease assets, net of accumulated amortization of $474.8 million, are recorded within property, plant and equipment, net on the consolidated balance sheets.

F-43


EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)



Maturities of Lease Liabilities
Maturities of lease liabilities under Topic 842 as of December 31, 2019 are as follows (in thousands):
 Operating Leases Finance Leases Total
2020$193,663
 $173,994
 $367,657
2021191,954
 176,357
 368,311
2022183,908
 176,992
 360,900
2023168,353
 178,289
 346,642
2024156,502
 177,338
 333,840
Thereafter1,106,944
 1,739,235
 2,846,179
Total lease payments2,001,324
 2,622,205
 4,623,529
Plus amount representing residual property value
 18,164
 18,164
Less imputed interest(540,062) (1,134,248) (1,674,310)
Total$1,461,262
 $1,506,121
 $2,967,383

For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company's operating lease, capital lease and other financing obligations under ASC Topic 840 are summarized as follows (in thousands):
 
Capital Lease
Obligations
 
Other
Financing
Obligations (1)
 Total Capital Lease and Other Financing Obligations Operating Leases
2019$103,859
 $80,292
 $184,151
 $187,280
202097,326
 73,266
 170,592
 179,515
202195,414
 73,672
 169,086
 166,159
202294,954
 73,856
 168,810
 158,115
202395,463
 69,423
 164,886
 147,677
Thereafter878,755
 722,496
 1,601,251
 1,130,494
Total minimum lease payments1,365,771
 1,093,005
 2,458,776
 1,969,240
Plus amount representing residual property value
 389,643
 389,643
 
Less amount representing interest(602,026) (727,472) (1,329,498) 
Present value of net minimum lease payments763,745
 755,176
 1,518,921
 1,969,240
Less current portion(43,498) (34,346) (77,844) 
Total$720,247
 $720,830
 $1,441,077
 $1,969,240
(1) Other financing obligations are primarily related to build-to-suit arrangements. 
The Company entered into lease agreements with various landlords primarily for data center spaces and ground lease which have not yet commenced as of December 31, 2019. These leases will commence between fiscal years 2020 and 2022, with lease terms of 10 to 49 years and a total lease commitment of approximately $608.1 million.

F-44


EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)



11.Debt Facilities
Mortgage and Loans Payable
The Company’sCompany's mortgage and loans payable consisted of the following as of December 31 (in thousands):
 2019 2018
Term loans$1,287,151
 $1,344,482
Mortgage payable and other loans payable82,967
 44,042
 1,370,118
 1,388,524
Less the amount representing unamortized debt discount and debt issuance cost(4,849) (6,614)
Add the amount representing unamortized mortgage premium1,768
 1,882
 1,367,037
 1,383,792
Less current portion(77,603) (73,129)
 $1,289,434
 $1,310,663
 2017 2016
Term loans$1,417,352
 $1,413,582
Mortgage payable and other loans payable48,872
 44,382
 1,466,224
 1,457,964
Less the amount representing debt discount and debt issuance cost(10,666) (22,811)
Add the amount representing mortgage premium2,051
 1,862
 1,457,609
 1,437,015
Less current portion(64,491) (67,928)
 $1,393,118
 $1,369,087

Senior Credit Facility
On December 12, 2017, the Company entered into a credit agreement with a group of lenders for a $3,000.0 million credit facility ("Senior Credit Facility"), comprised of a $2,000.0 million senior unsecured multicurrency revolving credit facility ("Revolving Facility") and an approximately $1,000.0 million senior unsecured multicurrency term loan facility ("Term Loan Facility"). The Senior Credit Facility contains customary covenants, including financial covenants which require the Company to maintain certain financial coverage and leverage ratios, as well as customary events of default, and is guaranteed by certain of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries.default. The Senior Credit Facility has a five-year5 year term, maturing on December 12, 2022.
The Company borrowed £500.0 million and SEK 2,800.0 million under the Term LoanRevolving Facility on December 12, 2017, or approximately $997.1 million at the exchange rates in effect on that date. The Company is required to repay the Term Loan Facility at the rate of 5% of the original principle amount per annum with the remaining balance to be repaid in full at the maturity of the Senior Credit Facility. The Term Loan Facility bears interest at a rate based on LIBOR plus a margin that can vary from 1.00% to 1.70%.
The Revolving Credit Facility allows the Company to borrow, repay and reborrow over its term. The Revolving Credit Facility provides a sublimit for the issuance of letters of credit of up to $250.0 million at any one time. Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at a rate based on LIBORa benchmark rate defined in the credit agreement plus a margin that can vary from 0.85% to 1.40% or, at the Company’sCompany's option, the base rate, which is defined as the highest of (a) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5%, (b) the Bank of America prime rate and (c) one-month LIBOR plus 1% plus a margin that can vary from 0.0% to 0.4%. The Company is required to pay a quarterly letter of credit fee on the face amount of each letter of credit, which fee is based on the same margin that applies from time to time to LIBOR-indexed borrowings under the revolving credit line.Revolving Facility. The Company is also required to pay a quarterly facility fee ranging from 0.15% to 0.30% per annum based on the total revolving credit facilityRevolving Facility amount.
Outstanding BorrowingsTerm Loan Facility
On December 12, 2017, the Company borrowed £500.0 million and SEK 2,800.0 million under the Term Loan Facility, or approximately $997.1 million at the exchange rates in effect on that date. The Company is required to repay the Term Loan Facility at the rate of 5% of the original principal amount per annum with the remaining balance to be repaid in full at the maturity of the Senior Credit Facility. The Term Loan Facility bears interest at a rate based on LIBOR plus a margin that can vary from 1.00% to 1.70%. As of December 31, 2017,2019, the Company had £500.0£456.3 million and SEK2,800.0SEK2,555.0 million, or approximately $1,017.8$877.0 million in U.SU.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect as of December 31, 2017,2019, outstanding under the Term Loan Facility with a weighted average effective interest rate of 1.85%1.86% per annum. Debt issuance costs related to the Term Loan Facility, net of amortization, were $3.2$1.7 million as of December 31, 2017.2019.
2014 Senior Credit Facility
On December 17, 2014, the Company entered into a credit agreement with a group of lenders for a $1,500.0 million credit facility ("2014 Senior Credit Facility"), comprised of a $1,000.0 million multicurrency revolving credit facility ("2014 Revolving Credit Facility") and a $500.0 million multicurrency term loan facility ("2014 Term Loan A Facility").
The 2014 Revolving Credit Facility allowed the Company to borrow, repay and reborrow over the term. The 2014 Revolving Credit Facility provided a sublimit for the issuance of letters of credit of up to $150.0 million at any one time.  Borrowings under the 2014 Revolving Credit Facility bore interest at a rate based on LIBOR plus a margin that could vary from 1.0% to 1.4%. The Company paid a quarterly letter of credit fee on the face amount of each letter of credit, which fee was based on the same margin


F-43F-45


EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)





that applies from time to time to LIBOR-indexed borrowings under the revolving credit line. The Company also paid a quarterly facility fee ranging from 0.25% to 0.35% per annum of the revolving credit facility, regardless of the amount utilized.
First Amendment
On April 30, 2015,July 26, 2018, the Company entered into the firstan amendment (the "First Amendment") to the 2014its Senior Credit Facility. The First Amendmentamendment provided for a senior unsecured term loan in an aggregate principal amount of ¥47.5 billion (the "JPY Term Loan"). On July 31, 2018, the conversionCompany drew down the full ¥47.5 billion of the outstanding U.S. dollar-denominated borrowings under the 2014JPY Term Loan, A Facility into an approximately equivalent amount denominated in four foreign currencies. In connection with the execution of the First Amendment, on April 30, 2015 the Company repaid the U.S. dollar-denominated $490.0 million remaining principal balance of the Term Loan A Facility and immediately reborrowed under the 2014 Term Loan A Facility in the aggregate principal amounts of CHF 47.8 million, €184.9 million, £92.6 million and ¥11,924.0 million, or approximately $490.0$424.7 million in U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect on April 30, 2015. The Company accounted for this transaction as a debt modification.
The Company repaid the foreign-currency denominated borrowings under the 2014 Term Loan A Facility in equal quarterly installments on the last business day of each March, June, September and December, commencing on June 30, 2015, equal to the amount of 2.00% of the result of the respective 2014 Term Loan A Facility on April 30, 2015 divided by 0.98 with the remaining principal amount to be paid on the maturity date of the Term Loan A Facility.
Second Amendment
On December 8, 2015, the Company entered into the second amendment (the "Second Amendment") to the 2014 Senior Credit Facility. Pursuant to the Second Amendment, the 2014 Revolving Credit Facility was increased from $1,000.0 million to $1,500.0 million and the Company received commitments from the lenders for a $250.0 million seven year term loan (the "USD Term Loan B Commitment") and for a £300.0 million, or approximately $442.0 million in U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effecteffective on DecemberJuly 31, 2015, seven year term loan (the "Sterling2018, and prepaid the remaining principal of its existing Japanese Yen Term Loan B Commitment", and collectively,of ¥43.8 billion or approximately $391.3 million. The Company is required to repay the "Term Loan B Commitments"). On January 8, 2016, the Company borrowed the full amount of the $250.0 million and £300.0 million under theJPY Term Loan B Commitment.
Fundingat the rate of the Term Loan B was net of the original issue discounts of 0.25% of the principal of the USD Term Loan B and 0.50% of the principal of the Sterling Term Loan B. Loans made under the Term Loan B Commitments (the "Term Loan B") were repaid in equal quarterly installments of 0.25%5% of the original principal amount per annum with the remaining amount outstandingbalance to be repaid in full onat the seventh anniversarymaturity of the funding date of theSenior Credit Facility. The JPY Term Loan B. The USD Term Loan B borebears interest at a rate based on LIBOR plus a margin of 3.25% that can vary from 1.00% to 1.70% and contains customary covenants consistent with the Sterling Term Loan B bore interest at a rate based on LIBOR plus a margin of 3.75%.
Third Amendment
On December 22, 2016, the Company, entered into the third amendment (the "Third Amendment") to the 2014 Senior Credit Facility. Pursuant to the Third Amendment, (i) the Company may borrow up to €1,000.0 million in additional term B loan (the "Term B-2 Loan"), (ii) the interest rate margin applicable to the existing Term Loan B (the "Term Loan B Facility") in US Dollars was reduced from 3.25% to 2.50% and the LIBOR floor applicable to such loans were reduced from 0.75% to zero and (iii) the interest rate margin applicable to the loans borrowedAs of December 31, 2019, total outstanding borrowings under the Term Loan B Facility in Pounds Sterling was reduced from 3.75% to 3.00%, with no change to the existing LIBOR floor of 0.75% applicable to such loans. The Company accounted for this transaction as a debt modification.
On January 6, 2017, the Company borrowed the full amount of the Term B-2 Loan for €1,000.0 million, or approximately $1,059.8 million in U.S dollars at the exchange rate in effect on January 6, 2017. The Term B-2 Loan bore interest at an index rate based on LIBOR plus a margin of 3.25%. No original issue discount is applicable to the Term B-2 Loan. The Term B-2 Loan was repaid in equal quarterly installments of 0.25% of the original principal amount starting in the second quarter of 2017, with the remaining amount outstanding to be repaid in full on the seventh anniversary of the funding date of the Term B-2 Loan.
Fourth Amendment
On August 15, 2017, the Company entered into the fourth amendment (the "Fourth Amendment") to the 2014 Senior Credit Facility. Pursuant to the Fourth Amendment, (a) the interest rate margin applicable to loans borrowed under the Term Loan B Facility in US Dollars (the "USD Term Loan B Loans") was reduced from 2.50% to 2.00%, (b) the LIBOR floor applicable to loans borrowed under the Term Loan B Facility in Pounds Sterling (the "GBP Term Loan B Loans") was reduced from 0.75% to zero and (c) the interest rate margin applicable to loans borrowed under the Term Loan B Facility in Euro was reduced from 3.25% to 2.50%.

F-44

EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)



On December 12, 2017, using the proceeds from the sale of 2.875% Euro Senior Notes due 2026 and amounts borrowed under the Term Loan Facility, the Company repaid in full amounts outstanding under the 2014 Term Loan A Facility, the Term B Loans and the Term B-2 Loan, and terminated the 2014 Senior Credit Facility.
Bridge Term Loan
In connection with its acquisition of Bit-isle, on September 30, 2015, the Company entered into a term loan agreement (the “Bridge Term Loan Agreement”) with the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. (“BTMU”). Pursuant to the Bridge Term Loan Agreement, BTMU has committed to provide a senior bridge loan facility (the “Bridge Term Loan”) in the amount of up to ¥47,500.0 million, or approximately $395.2 million in U.S dollars at the exchange rate in effect on December 31, 2015. Proceeds from the BridgeJPY Term Loan were used exclusively for the acquisition of Bit-isle, the repayment of Bit-isle’s existing debt and transaction costs incurred in connection with the closing of the Bridge Term Loan and the acquisition of Bit-isle. Borrowings under the Bridge Term Loan bore interest at the Tokyo Interbank Offered Rate for Japanese Yen, plus a margin of 0.4% per annum for the first ten months following the first draw down. Thereafter, the margin increased to 1.75% per annum. The Company repaid the Bridge Term Loan in full at the end of its term on October 31, 2016.
Japanese Yen Term Loan
On September 30, 2016, the Company entered into a five year term loan agreement (the "Japanese Yen Term Loan") with BTMU for ¥47,500.0 million,¥44.5 billion, or approximately $468.4$410.1 million at the exchange rate in effecteffective on September 30, 2016. Loans made under the Japanese Yen Term Loan must be repaid in equal quarterly installmentsthat date, with an effective interest rate of ¥625.0 million, with the remaining balance of ¥35,625.0 million to be repaid in full on October 29, 2021. Borrowings under the Japanese Yen Term Loan bear interest at the Tokyo Interbank Offered Rate for Japanese Yen, plus a margin of 1.5% per annum.
In October 2016, the Company drew down the full amount of the Japanese Yen Term Loan of ¥47,500.0 million, or approximately $453.2 million at the exchange rate in effect on October 31, 2016, and repaid the one-year Bridge Term Loan agreement which was used to facilitate the acquisition of Bit-isle. Total outstanding borrowings under the Japanese Yen Term Loan were ¥45,000.0 million, or approximately $399.6 million in U.S dollars at the exchange rate in effect as of December 31, 2017. As of December 31, 2017, debt1.74%. Debt issuance cost,costs, net of amortization, related to the Japanese YenJPY Term Loan was ¥843.6were $3.2 million or approximately $7.5 million in U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect onas of December 31, 2017.2019.
Brazil Financings
In June 2016, the Company prepaid and terminated its 2012 and 2013 Brazil financings. In connection with this prepayment, the Company paid 90.7 million Brazilian Reals, including principal, accrued interest and termination fees, or approximately $28.3 million at the exchange rate in effect as of June 30, 2016.
Mortgage Payable
In October 2013, as a result of the Frankfurt Kleyer 90 Carrier Hotel Acquisition, the Company assumed a mortgage payable of $42.9 million with an effective interest rate of 4.25%. The mortgage payable has monthly principal and interest payments and has an expiration date of August 2022.
Convertible Debt
4.75% Convertible Subordinated Notes
In June 2009,December 2019, as a result of the TR2 Data Center purchase as described in Note 10 above, the Company issued $373.8assumed a mortgage payable of $43.8 million aggregatewith an effective interest rate of 3.63%. The mortgage payable has monthly principal amountand interest payments and has an expiration date of 4.75% Convertible Subordinated Notes due June 15, 2016 (the "4.75% Convertible Subordinated Notes"). Interest was payable semi-annually on June 15 and December 15 of each year and commenced on December 15, 2009. In May and June 2014, certain holders of the 4.75% Convertible Subordinated Notes elected to convert a total of $215.8 million of the principal amount of the notes for 2,411,851 shares of the Company’s common stock and $51.7 million in cash, comprised of accrued interest, premium and cash paid in lieu of issuing shares for certain note holders’ principal amount.
In December 2015, certain holders of the 4.75% Convertible Subordinated Notes elected to convert a total of $7.8 million of the principal amount of the notes for 101,947 shares of the Company's common stock and approximately $1,000 in cash for residual shares in connection with the conversions.
In April and June 2016, holders of the 4.75% convertible subordinated notes converted or redeemed a total of $150.1 million of the principal amount of the notes for 1,981,662 shares of the Company’s common stock and $3.6 million in cash, comprised of

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)



accrued interest, cash paid in lieu of fractional shares and principal redemption. In the Company’s consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2016, the principal redemption and cash paid in lieu of issuing fractional shares to settle a portion of the principal amount were included within net cash provided by (used in) financing activities and the accrued interest paid was included within net cash provided by operating activities.
The following table sets forth total interest expense recognized related to the 4.75% Convertible Subordinated Notes for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):
 2016
Contractual interest expense$3,267
Amortization of debt issuance costs186
Amortization of debt discount3,775
 $7,228
Effective interest rate of the liability component10.48%
To minimize the impact of potential dilution upon conversion of the 4.75% Convertible Subordinated Notes, the Company entered into capped call transactions (the "Capped Call") separate from the issuance of the 4.75% Convertible Subordinated Notes and paid a premium of $49.7 million for the Capped Call in 2009. The Capped Call covers a total of approximately 4,432,638 shares of the Company’s common stock, subject to adjustment.
Upon maturity of the 4.75% Convertible Subordinated Notes on June 15, 2016, the Company settled the capped call transaction and received 380,779 shares of common stock, which were placed in treasury and resulted in a credit of $141.7 million to additional paid in capital at the market price of $372.10 on June 15, 2016.November 2029.
Senior Notes
The Company’sCompany's senior notes consisted of the following as of December 31 (in thousands):
      2019 2018
Senior Notes Issuance Date Maturity Date Amount Effective Rate Amount Effective Rate
5.000% Infomart Senior Notes April 2018 April 2019 - April 2021 $450,000
 4.46% $750,000
 4.40%
5.375% Senior Notes due 2022 November 2014 January 2022 343,711
 5.56% 750,000
 5.56%
5.375% Senior Notes due 2023 March 2013 April 2023 
 % 1,000,000
 5.51%
2.625% Senior Notes due 2024 November 2019 November 2024 1,000,000
 2.79% 
 %
2.875% Euro Senior Notes due 2024 March 2018 March 2024 841,500
 3.08% 859,125
 3.08%
5.750% Senior Notes due 2025 November 2014 January 2025 
 % 500,000
 5.88%
2.875% Euro Senior Notes due 2025 September 2017 October 2025 1,122,000
 3.04% 1,145,500
 3.04%
2.900% Senior Notes due 2026 November 2019 November 2026 600,000
 3.04% 
 %
5.875% Senior Notes due 2026 December 2015 January 2026 1,100,000
 6.03% 1,100,000
 6.03%
2.875% Euro Senior Notes due 2026 December 2017 February 2026 1,122,000
 3.04% 1,145,500
 3.04%
5.375% Senior Notes due 2027 March 2017 May 2027 1,250,000
 5.51% 1,250,000
 5.51%
3.200% Senior Notes due 2029 November 2019 November 2029 1,200,000
 3.30% 
 %
      9,029,211
   8,500,125
  
Less amount representing unamortized debt discount and debt issuance cost (78,030)   (75,372)  
Add amount representing unamortized debt premium   1,716
   5,031
  
      8,952,897
   8,429,784
  
Less current portion     (643,224)   (300,999)  
      $8,309,673
   $8,128,785
  

 2017 2016
 Amount Effective Rate Amount Effective Rate
4.875% Senior Notes due 2020$
 
 $500,000
 5.07%
5.375% Senior Notes due 2022750,000
 5.56% 750,000
 5.56%
5.375% Senior Notes due 20231,000,000
 5.51% 1,000,000
 5.51%
5.75% Senior Notes due 2025500,000
 5.88% 500,000
 5.88%
2.875% Euro Senior Notes due 20251,201,000
 3.04% 
 
5.875% Senior Notes due 20261,100,000
 6.03% 1,100,000
 6.03%
2.875% Euro Senior Notes due 20261,201,000
 3.04% 
 
5.375% Senior Notes due 20271,250,000
 5.51% 
 
 7,002,000
   3,850,000
  
Less amount representing debt issuance cost(78,151)   (39,230)  
 $6,923,849
   $3,810,770
  
2026 Euro2.625% Senior Notes due 2024, 2.900% Senior Notes due 2026 and 3.200% Senior Notes due 2029
In December 2017,On November 18, 2019, the Company issued €1,000.0$1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 2.625% senior notes due 2024 (the “2024 Notes”), $600.0 million aggregate principal amount of 2.875%2.900% senior notes due February 1, 2026 which are referred to as the "2026 Euro Senior Notes"(the “2026 Notes”) and $1.2 billion aggregate principal amount of 3.200% senior notes due 2029 (the “2029 Notes”). Interest on thethese notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on February 1May 18 and August 1November 18 of each year, commencing on August 1, 2018.May 18, 2020. Debt issuance costs related to the 2026 Euro Senior Notes were $15.7 million. As of December 31, 2017, debt issuance costs related to the 2026 Euro Senior Notes, net of amortization, were $15.9 million at the exchange rate in effect on that date.
2025 Euro Senior Notes
In September 2017, the Company issued €1,000.0 million aggregate principal amount of 2.875% senior notes due October 1, 2025, which are referred to as the "2025 Euro Senior Notes". Interest on the notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on April 1


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costs and October 1 of each year, commencing on April 1, 2018. Debt issuance costsdebt discounts related to the 2025 Euro2024 Notes, the 2026 Notes and the 2029 Notes were $8.1 million, $5.9 million and $11.5 million, respectively.
Tender and Redemption of 5.375% Senior Notes were $16.3 million. Debt issuance costs related to the 2025 Eurodue 2022, 5.375% Senior Notes net of amortization, were $15.7 million as of December 31, 2017.
2027due 2023 and 5.750% Senior Notes due 2025
In March 2017,On November 6, 2019, the Company issued $1,250.0 millionannounced a cash tender offer to purchase any and all of its outstanding 5.375% Senior Notes due 2022 (the “2022 Notes”), 5.375% Senior Notes due 2023 (the “2023 Notes”) and 5.750% Senior Notes due 2025 (the “2025 Notes”), with an aggregated principal amount of $2.25 billion. On November 18, 2019, the Company closed the tender offer and completed the purchase of $1.24 billion in aggregate principal amount of 5.375% senior notes due May 15, 2027, which are referred to as the "2027 Senior Notes". Interest on the notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on May 152022, 2023 and November 15 of each year, and commenced on May 15, 2017. Debt issuance costs related to the 2027 Senior Notes were $16.8 million. Debt issuance costs related to the 2027 Senior Notes, net of amortization, were $15.6 million as of December 31, 2017.
2026 Senior Notes
2025 Notes. In December 2015,connection with this tender offer, the Company issued $1,100.0 million aggregate principal amountpaid a tender premium of 5.875% senior notes due January 15, 2026, which are referred to as the "2026 Senior Notes". Interest on the notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year, and commenced on July 15, 2016. As of$27.2 million. On December 31, 2017 and 2016, debt issuance costs related to the 2026 Senior Notes, net of amortization, were $13.4 million and $15.1 million, respectively.
2022 Senior Notes and 2025 Senior Notes
In November 2014, the Company issued $750.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.375% senior notes due January 1, 2022, and $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.750% senior notes due January 1, 2025, which are referred to as the "2022 Senior Notes" and "2025 Senior Notes", respectively, and collectively, as the "2022 and 2025 Senior Notes". Interest on each series of the notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on January 1 and July 1 of each year, and commenced on July 1, 2015. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, debt issuance costs related to the 2022 and 2025 Senior Notes, net of amortization, were $10.4 million and $12.5 million, respectively.
2020 Senior Notes and 2023 Senior Notes
In March 2013, the Company issued $1,500.0 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes, which consist of $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.875% senior notes due April 1, 2020 (the "2020 Senior Notes") and $1,000.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.375% senior notes due April 1, 2023 (the "2023 Senior Notes"). Interest on both the 2020 Senior Notes and the 2023 Senior Notes is payable semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 of each year and commenced on October 1, 2013. On September 28, 2017,16, 2019, the Company redeemed the entire $500.0remaining $662.7 million principal amount of the 2020 Senior2023 and 2025 Notes. Debt issuance costs related toThe purchase of the 2022, 2023 and 2025 Notes under the tender offer and the subsequent redemption of the 2023 Seniorand 2025 Notes were funded with a portion of the net cash proceeds from the issuance of amortization, were $7.1 million2024, 2026 and 2029 Notes as of December 31, 2017. Debt issuance costs related to the 2020 Senior Notes and 2023 Senior Notes, net of amortization, were $11.6 million as of December 31, 2016.described above.
All of the Company's senior notes are unsecured and rank equal in right of payment to the Company’sCompany's existing or future senior indebtedness and senior in right of payment to the Company’sCompany's existing and future subordinated indebtedness. Interest on the senior notes is paid semi-annually in arrears. The senior notes are effectively subordinated to all of the existing and future secured debt, including debt outstanding under any bank facility or secured by any mortgage, to the extent of the assets securing such debt. They are also structurally subordinated to any existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities (including trade payables) of any of the Company’sCompany's subsidiaries.
Each series of senior notes is governed by an indenture and a supplemental indenture between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee. These supplemental indentures contain covenants that limit the Company’sCompany's ability and the ability of its subsidiaries to, among other things(1):
incur additional debt;
pay dividends or make other restricted payments;things:
purchase, redeem or retire capital stock or subordinated debt;
make asset sales;
enter into transactions with affiliates;
incur liens(2)(1);
enter into sale-leaseback transactions(2)(1);
provide subsidiary guarantees;
make investments; and
merge or consolidate with any other person(2)(1).
 
(1)
The supplemental indentures for the 5.000% Infomart Senior Notes, 2.875% Euro Senior Notes due 2024, 2.625% Senior Notes due 2024, 2.875% Euro Senior Notes due 2026, 2.900% Senior Notes due 2026, and 3.200% Senior Notes due 2029 only contain covenants footnoted with (1).
(1)If
As of December 31, 2019, the senior notes are rated investment grade at any time by two or more of Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s and Fitch, most of the restrictive covenants containedCompany was in the supplemental indentures will be suspended.

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(2) The supplemental indenture for the 2.875% Euro Senior Notes due 2026 only contains these covenants footnotedcompliance with (2).

all covenants. Subject to compliance with the limitations described above, the Company may issue an unlimited principal amount of additional notes at later dates under the same indenture as the senior notes. Any additional notes the Company issues under the indenture will be identical in all respects to the terms of the 2.875% Euro Senior Notes due 2026, except that the additional notes will have different issuance dates and may have different issuance prices.
The Company is not required to make any mandatory redemption with respect to the senior notes; however, upon the event of a change in control, the Company may be required to offer to purchase the senior notes.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)



Optional Redemption Schedule
Senior Note DescriptionEarly Equity Redemption PriceFirst Scheduled Redemption DateFirst Scheduled Redemption PriceSecond Year Redemption PriceThird Year Redemption Price
Fourth Year
(if scheduled) Redemption Price
5.375% due 2022105.375%January 1, 2018104.031%102.688%101.344%100.000%
5.375% due 2023105.375%April 1, 2018102.688%101.792%100.896%100.000%
5.75% due 2025105.750%January 1, 2020102.875%101.917%100.958%100.000%
2.875% Euro due 2025102.875%October 1, 2020101.438%100.719%100.000% 
5.875% due 2026105.875%January 15, 2021102.938%101.958%100.979%100.000%
2.875% Euro due 2026102.875%February 1, 2021101.438%100.719%100.000% 
5.375% due 2027105.375%May 15, 2022102.688%101.792%100.896%100.000%
Each series of the Company's senior notes, provideswith the exception of 5.000% Infomart Senior Notes, provide for optional redemption. Within 90 daysSix series of the closing of one or more equity offerings and at any time prior to the first scheduled redemption date listed in the Optional Redemption Schedule, the Company may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of any series ofCompany’s senior notes outstanding, at the respective early equityprovide for optional redemption price listed in the Optional Redemption Schedule, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date, provided that at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of the senior notes issued in such series remains outstanding immediately after such redemption(s).as summarized below:
On or after the first scheduled redemption date listed in the Optional Redemption Schedule, the Company may redeem all or a part of a series of senior notes, on one or more occasions, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) set forth in the Optional Redemption Schedule, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, if redeemed during the twelve-month periods beginning on the first scheduled redemption date and at reduced scheduled redemption prices during the twelve-month periods beginning on the anniversaries of the first scheduled redemption date.
Senior Notes Description
Early Equity Redemption Price (1)
First Scheduled Redemption Date (2)
First Scheduled Redemption PriceSecond Year Redemption PriceThird Year Redemption Price
Fourth Year
(if scheduled) Redemption Price
5.375% Senior Notes due 2022105.375%January 1, 2018104.031%102.688%101.344%100.000%
2.875% Euro Senior Notes due 2024102.875%September 15, 2020101.438%100.719%100.000% 
2.875% Euro Senior Notes due 2025102.875%October 1, 2020101.438%100.719%100.000% 
5.875% Senior Notes due 2026105.875%January 15, 2021102.938%101.958%100.979%100.000%
2.875% Euro Senior Notes due 2026102.875%February 1, 2021101.438%100.719%100.000% 
5.375% Senior Notes due 2027105.375%May 15, 2022102.688%101.792%100.896%100.000%

In addition,
(1)
Within 90 days of the closing of one or more equity offerings and at any time prior to the first scheduled redemption date, the Company may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of any series of senior notes outstanding, at the respective early equity redemption price, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date, provided that at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of the senior notes issued in such series remains outstanding immediately after such redemption(s).
(2)
On or after the first scheduled redemption date, the Company may redeem all or a part of a series of senior notes at the first scheduled redemption price plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if redeemed during the 12 month period beginning on the first scheduled redemption date and at reduced scheduled redemption prices during the 12 or 18 month periods beginning on the anniversaries of the first scheduled redemption date.
At any time prior to the first scheduled redemption date, the Company may redeem all or a part of any series of senior notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of such senior notes redeemed plus thean applicable premium (the "Applicable Premium") and accrued and unpaid interest, subject to the rights of the holders of record of such senior notes on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date.
With respect to the 2024 Notes, the 2026 Notes and the 2029 Notes, the Company may redeem at its election, at any time or from time to time, some or all of the notes of any series before they mature. The Applicable Premium means the greater of:
(1)1.0% of the principal amount of the senior notes;
(2)the excess of:
(a)the present value at such redemption date of (i) the first scheduled redemption price will equal the sum of the senior notes at the first scheduled redemption date, plus (ii) all required interest payments due on the senior notes through the first scheduled redemption date computed using a discount rate(1) an amount equal to the treasury rate asone hundred percent (100%) of such redemption date plus 50 basis points; over
(b)the principal amount of the seniornotes being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest up to, but not including, the redemption date and (2) a make-whole premium. If the 2024 Notes are redeemed on or after October 18, 2024, the 2026 Notes are redeemed on or after September 18, 2026, or the 2029 Notes are redeemed on or after August 18, 2029, in each case, the redemption price will not include a make-whole premium for the applicable notes.
Loss on Debt Extinguishment
During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company recorded $52.8 million of loss on debt extinguishment primarily comprised of:
$52.9 million of loss on debt extinguishment from the tender and subsequent redemption of the 2022, 2023 and 2025 Notes, which included $43.3 million tender and redemption premium that was paid in cash and $9.6 million related to the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs.
During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recorded $51.4 million of loss on debt extinguishment comprised of:
$17.1 million of loss on debt extinguishment as a result of amendments to leases impacting the related financing obligations;
$19.5 million of loss on debt extinguishment from the settlement of financing obligations as a result of the Infomart Dallas Acquisition;

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$12.6 million of loss on debt extinguishment as a result of the settlement of financing obligations for properties purchased; and
$2.2 million of loss on debt extinguishment as a result of the redemption of the Japanese Yen Term Loan.
During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recorded $65.8 million of loss on debt extinguishment comprised of (i) $14.6of:
$14.6 million of loss on debt extinguishment from the redemption of senior notes, which included $12.2 million redemption premium that was paid in cash and $2.4 million related to the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs;
$22.5 million of loss on debt extinguishment from the redemption of the 2020 Senior Notes, which included the $12.2term loans;
$16.7 million redemption premium that was paid in cash and $2.4 million related to the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs, (ii) $13.2

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million of loss on debt extinguishment from the redemption of the Term B-2 Loan, (iii) $9.3 million of loss on debt extinguishment as a result of the redemption of the Term B Loans, (iv) $16.7 million loss on debt extinguishment as a result of amendments to leases and financing obligationsobligations; and (v) $12.0
$12.0 million of loss on debt extinguishment as a result offrom the settlement of financing obligations for properties purchased.
During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company recorded $12.3 million of loss on debt extinguishment as a result of (i) the settlement of the financing obligations for Paris 3 IBX data center, (ii) a portion of the lender fees associated with the Japanese Yen Term Loan and (iii) the prepayment and terminations of the 2012 and 2013 Brazil financings.properties purchased.
During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company recorded $0.3 million of loss on debt extinguishment as a result of the conversions of the 4.75% Convertible Subordinated Notes.
Maturities of Debt FacilitiesInstruments
The following table sets forth maturities of the Company’sCompany's debt, including mortgage and loans payable, and senior notes, gross of debt issuance costs, debt discounts and debt discounts,premiums, as of December 31, 20172019 (in thousands):
Years ending: 
2020$721,314
2021227,654
20221,180,017
20236,683
20241,847,714
Thereafter6,417,715
 $10,401,097
Years ending: 
2018$64,472
201977,309
202077,237
2021387,762
20221,607,402
Thereafter6,256,093
 $8,470,275

Fair Value of Debt FacilitiesInstruments
The following table sets forth the estimated fair values of the Company’sCompany's mortgage and loans payable and senior notes including current maturities, as of December 31 (in thousands):
 2019 2018
Mortgage and loans payable$1,378,429
 $1,389,632
Senior notes9,339,497
 8,422,211
 2017 2016
Mortgage and loans payable$1,464,877
 $1,461,954
Senior notes7,288,673
 4,033,985

The fair valuevalues of the mortgage and loans payable and 5.000% Infomart Senior Notes, which were not publicly traded, waswere estimated by considering the Company’sCompany's credit rating, current rates available to the Company for debt of the same remaining maturities and terms of the debt (level 2). The fair value of the senior notes, which were traded in the public debt market, was based on quoted market prices (level 1).

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)



Interest Charges
The following table sets forth total interest costs incurred and total interest costs capitalized for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):
2017 2016 20152019 2018 2017
Interest expense$478,698
 $392,156
 $299,055
$479,684
 $521,494
 $478,698
Interest capitalized22,625
 13,338
 10,943
32,173
 19,880
 22,625
Interest charges incurred$501,323
 $405,494
 $309,998
$511,857
 $541,374
 $501,323
Total interest paid, net of capitalized interest, during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 2016was $521.6 million, $476.9 million and 2015 was $422.2 million, $336.7 million and $226.5 million, respectively.

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11.     Stockholders’ Equity
12.Stockholders' Equity
The Company’sCompany's authorized share capital is 300,000,000 shares of common stock and 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock, of which 25,000,000 is designated Series A, 25,000,000 is designated as Series A-1 and 50,000,000 is undesignated. As of December 31, 20172019 and 2016,2018, the Company had no0 preferred stock issued and outstanding.
Common Stock
In August 2017, the Company entered into an equity distribution agreement with RBC Capital Market, LLC, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, establishing an "at the market" equity offering program, under which the Company may offer and sell from time to time up to an aggregate of $750.0 million of its common stock in "at the market" transactions (the "ATM Program"). For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company sold 763,201 shares under the ATM Program, for approximately $355.1 million, net of payment of commissions to the sales agents and estimated equity offering costs.
In March 2017, the Company issued and sold 6,069,444 shares of its common stock in a public offering pursuant to a registration statement and a related prospectus and prospectus supplement, in each case filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). The shares issued and sold included the full exercise of the underwriters' option to purchase 791,666 additional shares.supplement. The Company received net proceeds of approximately $2,126.3 million, after deductingnet of underwriting discounts, and commissions and offering expenses of $58.7 million.
expenses. In April and June 2016, upon the maturity of the Company's 4.75% Convertible Subordinated Notes, holders of the Company's 4.75% Convertible Subordinated Notes converted $150.1 million principal amount of the notes into 1,981,662 shares of the Company's common stock. In June 2016, the Company also settled the capped call transaction and received 380,779 shares of common stock, which were placed in treasury and resulted in a credit of $141.7 million to additional paid in capital at the market price of $372.10 on June 15, 2016. See convertible debt in Note 10 for additional information.
In December 2015, certain holders of the Company's 4.75% Convertible Subordinated Notes elected to convert a portion of the notes into 101,947 shares of the Company's common stock. See convertible debt in Note 10 for additional information.
In November 2015,March 2019, the Company issued and sold 2,994,7922,985,575 shares of its common stock in a public offering pursuant to a registration statement and a related prospectus and prospectus supplement, in each case filed with the SEC. The shares issued and sold included the full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase 390,625 additional shares.supplement. The Company received net proceeds of approximately $829.5$1,213.4 million, after deductingnet of underwriting discounts, commissions and commissionsoffering expenses.
In August 2017, the Company established an "at the market" equity offering program (the "2017 ATM Program"), under which the Company may, from time to time, offer and sell shares of $32.3its common stock to or through sales agents up to an aggregate of $750.0 million. For the year ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company sold 930,934 shares and 763,201 shares, respectively, for approximately $388.2 million and $355.1 million, respectively, net of payment of commissions to the sales agents and estimated equity offering costs. As of December 31, 2018, no shares remained available for sale under the 2017 ATM Program. In December 2018, the Company established another ATM program, under which it may, from time to time, offer and sell up to an aggregate of $750.0 million of its common stock to or through sales agents in "at the market" transactions (the "2018 ATM Program"). For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company sold 903,555 shares for approximately $447.5 million, net of payment of commissions to sales agents and other offering expenses, of $0.7 million.under the 2018 ATM Program.
As of December 31, 2017,2019, the Company had reserved the following shares of authorized but unissued shares of common stock for future issuances:
Common stock options and restricted stock units4,499,3893,334,130

Common stock employee purchase plans3,265,7912,973,785

Total7,765,1806,307,915




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EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)






Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The components of the Company’schanges in accumulated other comprehensive loss, (OCI) consistednet of the followingtax, by components are as of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015follows (in thousands):
 December 31, 2014 Net
Change
 December 31, 2015 Net
Change
 December 31, 2016 Net
Change
 December 31, 2017
Foreign currency translation adjustment ("CTA") loss$(336,946) $(186,763) $(523,709) $(507,420) $(1,031,129) $454,269
 $(576,860)
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges(1)
6,603
 4,550
 11,153
 19,551
 30,704
 (54,895) (24,191)
Net investment hedge CTA gain (loss)(1)

 4,484
 4,484
 45,505
 49,989
 (235,292) (185,303)
Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities(2)
(99) (40) (139) 2,249
 2,110
 14
 2,124
Net actuarial loss on defined benefit plans(3)
(2,001) 1,153
 (848) 32
 (816) (143) (959)
 $(332,443) $(176,616) $(509,059) $(440,083) $(949,142) $163,953
 $(785,189)
 December 31, 2016 Net
Change
 December 31, 2017 Net
Change
 Cumulative Effect Adjustment December 31, 2018 Net
Change
 December 31, 2019
Foreign currency translation adjustment ("CTA") gain (loss)$(1,031,129) $454,269
 $(576,860) $(421,743) $
 $(998,603) $(58,315) $(1,056,918)
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges (1)
30,704
 (54,895) (24,191) 43,671
 
 19,480
 (3,842) 15,638
Net investment hedge CTA gain (loss) (1)
49,989
 (235,292) (185,303) 219,628
 
 34,325
 73,294
 107,619
Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities (2)
2,110
 14
 2,124
 
 (2,124) 
 
 
Net actuarial gain (loss) on defined benefit plans (3)
(816) (143) (959) 55
 
 (904) (48) (952)
 $(949,142) $163,953
 $(785,189) $(158,389) $(2,124) $(945,702) $11,089
 $(934,613)
__________________________
(1)
Refer to Note 78 for a discussion of the amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income (loss).income.
(2)
Upon adoption of ASU 2016-01 during the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company recorded a net cumulative effect adjustment of $2.1 million from accumulated other comprehensive loss to retained earnings. The realized gains and losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income (loss) as a result of sale of available for sale securities were not significant for the years ended December 31, 2017 2016 and 2015.2016.
(3)
The Company has a defined benefit pension plan covering all employees in one country where such plans are mandated by law. The Company does not have any defined benefit plans in any other countries. The unamortized gain (loss) on defined benefit plans includes gains or losses resulting from a change in the value of either the projected benefit obligation or the plan assets resulting from a change in an actuarial assumption, net of amortization.
Changes in foreign currencies can have a significant impact to the Company’sCompany's consolidated balance sheets (as evidenced above in the Company’sCompany's foreign currency translation gain or loss), as well as its consolidated results of operations, as amounts in foreign currencies are generally translatingtranslated into more U.S. dollars when the U.S. dollar weakens or less U.S. dollars when the U.S. dollar strengthens. AtAs of December 31, 2017,2019, the U.S. dollar was generally weakerstronger relative to certain of the currencies of the foreign countries in which the Company operates.operates as compared to December 31, 2018. This overall weakeningstrengthening of the U.S. dollar had an overall positivenegative impact on the Company’sCompany's consolidated financial position because the foreign denominations translated into moreless U.S. dollars as evidenced by the decreaseincrease in foreign currency translation loss for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the year ended December 31, 20162019 as reflected in the above table. In future periods, the volatility of the U.S. dollar as compared to the other currencies in which the Company does business could have a significant impact on its consolidated financial position and results of operations including the amount of revenue that the Company reports in future periods.
Treasury Stock
During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company re-issued 6,073 shares of its treasury stock with a total value of $2.6 million related to the settlement of restricted stock units. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company re-issued 7,099 shares of its treasury stock with a total value of $2.4 million related to the settlement of restricted stock units. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company re-issued 7,348 shares of its treasury stock with a total value of $1.8 million related to the settlement of restricted stock units and 11,784 shares of its treasury stock with a total value of $3.5 million related to the exchange and conversion of the 4.75% Convertible Subordinated Notes (see Note 10).
Special Distributions
In September 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a special distribution of $627.0 million, or approximately $10.95 per share (the "2015 Special Distribution"), to its common stockholders. The 2015 Special Distribution represents an amount that includes the sum of: (1) foreign earnings and profits repatriated as dividend income in 2015; (2) taxable income in 2015 from depreciation recapture in respect of accounting method changes commenced in the Company’s pre-REIT period; and (3) certain other items of taxable income.
The 2015 Special Distribution was paid on November 10, 2015 to the Company’s common stockholders of record as of the close of business on October 8, 2015. Common stockholders had the option to elect to receive payment of the 2015 Special Distribution in the form of stock or cash. The number of shares distributed was determined based upon common stockholder


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EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)





elections and the average closing price of the Company’s common stock on the three trading days commencing on November 3, 2015 or $297.03 per share. As such, the Company issued 1,688,411 shares of its common stock and paid $125.5 million in connection with the 2015 Special Distribution.
Shares issued in connection with the 2015 Special Distribution impact weighted average shares outstanding from the date of issuance, thus impacting the Company’s earnings per share data prospectively from the distribution date.
Dividends
During the yearyears ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, the Company's Board of Directors declared quarterly cash dividends of $2.00 per share on November 1, August 2, April 26, and February 15, 2017, to stockholders of record on November 15, August 23, May 24, and February 27, 2017, respectively, and payment dates of December 13, September 20, June 21, and March 22, 2017, respectively. The Company paid a total of $612.1 million in cash dividends during the year ended December 31, 2017.whose treatment for federal income tax purposes were as follows:
During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company's Board of Directors declared quarterly cash dividends of $1.75 per share on November 2, August 3, May 4, and February 18, 2016, to stockholders of record on November 16, August 24, May 25, and March 9, 2016, respectively, and payment dates of December 14, September 14, June 15, and March 23, 2016, respectively. The Company paid a total of $492.4 million in cash dividends during the year ended December 31, 2016.
Declaration Date Record Date Payment Date 
Total Distribution (1)
 
Nonqualified Ordinary Dividend (2)
 Total Distribution Amount
      (per share) (in thousands)
Fiscal 2019          
2/13/2019 2/27/2019 3/20/2019 $2.460000
 $2.460000
 $198,933
5/1/2019 5/22/2019 6/19/2019 2.460000
 2.460000
 207,949
7/31/2019 8/21/2019 9/18/2019 2.460000
 2.460000
 209,226
10/30/2019 11/20/2019 12/11/2019 2.460000
 2.460000
 209,785
Total     $9.840000
 $9.840000
 $825,893
           
Fiscal 2018          
2/14/2018 2/26/2018 3/21/2018 $2.280000
 $2.280000
 $180,640
5/2/2018 5/23/2018 6/20/2018 2.280000
 2.280000
 181,207
8/8/2018 8/22/2018 9/19/2018 2.280000
 2.280000
 182,304
11/1/2018 11/14/2018 12/12/2018 2.280000
 2.280000
 183,297
Total     $9.120000
 $9.120000
 $727,448
           
Fiscal 2017          
2/15/2017 2/27/2017 3/22/2017 $2.000000
 $2.000000
 $143,275
4/26/2017 5/24/2017 6/21/2017 2.000000
 2.000000
 155,824
8/2/2017 8/23/2017 9/20/2017 2.000000
 2.000000
 156,055
11/1/2017 11/15/2017 12/13/2017 2.000000
 2.000000
 156,931
Total     $8.000000
 $8.000000
 $612,085

During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company's Board of Directors declared quarterly cash dividends of $1.69 per share on October 28, July 29, May 7 and February 19, 2015, to stockholders of record on December 9, August 26, May 27 and March 11, 2015, respectively, and payment dates of December 16, September 16, June 17 and March 25, 2015, respectively. The Company paid a total of $393.6 million in cash dividends during the year ended December 31, 2015.
(1)
Common stock dividends are characterized for federal income tax purposes as nonqualified ordinary dividend, qualified ordinary dividend, capital gains or return of capital. During the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, the Company did not classify any portion of the distributions as qualified ordinary dividend, capital gains or return of capital.
(2)
All 2019 and 2018 nonqualified ordinary dividends are eligible for the 20% deduction generally allowable to non-corporate shareholders under Internal Revenue Code Section 199A.
In addition, as of December 31, 2017,2019, for dividends and special distributions attributed to the restricted stock units, the Company recorded a short term dividend payable of $11.2$9.0 million and a long term dividend payable of $6.7$7.1 million for the restricted stock units that have not yet vested. As of December 31, 2016,2018, for dividends and special distributions attributed to the RSU awards,restricted stock units, the Company recorded a short term dividend payable of $12.0$8.8 million and a long term dividend payable of $8.5$6.5 million for the restricted stock units that have not yet vested.
For federal income tax purposes, distributions to stockholders are treated as ordinary income, capital gains, return of capital or a combination thereof. For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the quarterly dividends were classified as follows:
Record Date Payment Date Total Distribution Nonqualified Ordinary Dividend Qualified Ordinary Dividend Return of Capital
    (per share)
Fiscal 2017          
2/27/2017 3/22/2017 $2.000000
 $2.000000
 $
 $
5/24/2017 6/21/2017 2.000000
 2.000000
 
 
8/23/2017 9/20/2017 2.000000
 2.000000
 
 
11/15/2017 12/13/2017 2.000000
 2.000000
 
 
Total   $8.000000
 $8.000000
 $
 $
           
Fiscal 2016          
3/9/2016 3/23/2016 $1.750000
 $1.231334
 $0.518666
 $
5/25/2016 6/15/2016 1.750000
 1.231334
 0.518666
 
8/24/2016 9/14/2016 1.750000
 1.231334
 0.518666
 
11/16/2016 12/14/2016 1.750000
 1.231334
 0.518666
 
Total   $7.000000
 $4.925336
 $2.074664
 $

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EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)



12.     Stock-Based Compensation
Equinix Equity Awards
13.Stock-Based Compensation
Equity Compensation Plans
In May 2000, the Company’s stockholders approved the adoption of the 2000 Equity Incentive Plan as the successor plan to the 1998 Stock Plan. Beginning in August 2000, the Company no longer issued additional grants under the 1998 Stock Plan, and unexercised options under the 1998 Stock Plan that are canceled due to an optionee’s termination may be reissued under the successor 2000 Equity Incentive Plan. Under the 2000 Equity Incentive Plan, nonstatutory stock options, restricted shares, restricted stock units, and stock appreciation rights may be granted to employees, outside directors and consultants at not less than 85% of the fair value on the date of grant, and incentive stock options may be granted to employees at not less than 100% of the fair value on the date of grant. Options granted prior to October 1, 2005 generally expire 10 years from the grant date, and equity awards granted to employees and consultants on or after October 1, 2005 will generally expire 7 years from the grant date, subject to continuous service of the optionee. Equity awards granted under the 2000 Equity Incentive Plan generally vest over 4 years. The Company had reserved a total of 16,636,172 shares for issuance under the 2000 Equity Incentive Plan of which 2,423,051 shares were still available for grant asAs of December 31, 2017.2019, The Company’s equity compensation plans include:
2000 Equity Incentive Plan: Under the 2000 Equity Incentive Plan, nonstatutory stock options, restricted shares, restricted stock units and stock appreciation rights may be granted to employees, outside directors and consultants at not less than 85% of the fair value on the date of grant, and incentive stock options may be granted to employees at not less than 100% of the fair value on the date of grant. Equity awards granted under the 2000 Equity Incentive Plan generally vest over 4 years.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)



2000 Director Option Plan: Under the 2000 Director Option Plan, each non-employee board member who was not previously an employee of the Company would receive an automatic initial nonstatutory stock option grant as well as an annual non-statutory stock option grant on the date of the Company's regular Annual Meeting of Stockholders. On December 18, 2008, the Company's Board of Directors passed resolutions eliminating all automatic stock option grant mechanisms under the 2000 Director Option Plan and replaced them with an automatic restricted stock unit grant mechanism under the 2000 Equity Incentive Plan.
2001 Supplemental Stock Plan: Under the 2001 Supplemental Stock Plan, non-statutory stock options and restricted shares/restricted stock units may be granted to consultants and employees who are not executive officers or board members, at not less than 85% of the fair value on the date of grant. Current stock options granted under the 2001 Supplemental Stock Plan generally vest over 4 years.
2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (2004 Purchase Plan): The 2004 Purchase Plan permits eligible employees to purchase common stock on favorable terms via payroll deductions of up to 15% of the employee's cash compensation, subject to certain share and statutory dollar limits. NaN overlapping offering periods commence during each calendar year, on each February 15 and August 15 or such other periods or dates as determined by the Compensation Committee from time to time, and the offering periods last up to 24 months with a purchase date every 6 months. The price of each share purchased is 85% of the lower of a) the fair value per share of common stock on the last trading day before the commencement of the applicable offering period or b) the fair value per share of common stock on the purchase date.
The Equity Incentive Plan iscompensation plans are administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the "Compensation Committee"), and the Compensation Committee may terminate or amend the plan,these plans, with approval of the stockholders as may be required by applicable law, at any time.
In May 2000, the Company’s stockholders approved the adoption As of the 2000 Director Option Plan, which was amendedDecember 31, 2019, shares reserved and restated effective January 1, 2003. Under the 2000 Director Option Plan, each non-employee board member who was not previously an employee of the Company will receive an automatic initial nonstatutory stock option grant, which vests in four annual installments. In addition, each non-employee board member will receive an annual non-statutory stock option grant on the date of the Company’s regular Annual Meeting of Stockholders, provided the board member will continue to serve as a director thereafter. Such annual option grants shall vest in full on the earlier of a) the first anniversary of the grant, or b) the date of the regular Annual Meeting of Stockholders held in the year following the grant date. A new director who receives an initial option will not receive an annual option in the same calendar year. Options granted under the 2000 Director Option Plan will have an option price not less than 100% of the fair value on the date of grant and will have a 10-year contractual term, subject to continuous service of the board member. On December 18, 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors passed resolutions eliminating all automatic stock option grant mechanisms under the 2000 Director Option Plan, and replaced them with an automatic restricted stock unit grant mechanism under the 2000 Equity Incentive Plan. The Company had reserved 594,403 sharesavailable for issuance under the 2000 Director Option Plan of which 505,646 shares were still available for grantequity compensation plans are as of December 31, 2017. The 2000 Director Option Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee and the Compensation Committee may terminate or amend the plan, with approval of the stockholders as may be required by applicable law, at any time.follows:
In September 2001, the Company adopted the 2001 Supplemental Stock Plan, under which non-statutory stock options and restricted shares/restricted stock units may be granted to consultants and employees who are not executive officers or board members, at not less than 85% of the fair value on the date of grant. Options granted prior to October 1, 2005 generally expire 10 years from the grant date, and options granted on or after October 1, 2005 will generally expire 7 years from the grant date, subject to continuous service of the optionee. Current stock options granted under the 2001 Supplemental Stock Plan generally vest over four years. The Company had reserved a total of 1,494,275 shares for issuance under the 2001 Supplemental Stock Plan, of which 260,498 shares were still available for grant as of December 31, 2017. The 2001 Supplemental Stock Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee, and the plan will continue in effect indefinitely unless the Compensation Committee decides to terminate it earlier.
 Shares reserved Shares available for grant
2000 Equity Incentive Plan16,636,172
 1,255,261
2000 Director Option Plan594,403
 505,646
2001 Supplemental Stock Plan1,494,275
 260,498
2004 Purchase Plan5,392,206
 2,973,785

The 1998 Stock Plan, 2000 Equity Incentive Plan, 2000 Director Option Plan and 2001 Supplemental Stock Plan are collectively referred to as the "Equity Compensation Plans."


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EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)






Stock Options
Stock option activity under the Equity Compensation Plans is summarized as follows:

Number of Shares Outstanding
Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(1) 
(Dollars in Thousands)
Stock options outstanding at December 31, 201477,934

$73.84





Stock options exercised(41,889)
64.18





Additional shares granted due to special distribution1,454







Stock options expired(250)
41.12





Stock options outstanding at December 31, 201537,249

82.06





Stock options exercised(18,183)
80.10





Stock options outstanding at December 31, 201619,066

82.01





Stock options exercised(12,763)
83.51





Stock options outstanding at December 31, 20176,303

$78.97

0.57
$2,359
Stock options vested and exercisable at December 31, 20176,303

$78.97

0.57
$2,359
__________________________
(1)The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the market value of the stock as of December 31, 2017 and the exercise price of the option.
The following table summarizes information about outstanding stock options as of December 31, 2017:
 Outstanding
Exercisable
Range of exercise pricesNumber of Shares
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Number of Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price
$28.56 to $28.561,007

1.18
$28.56

1,007
 $28.56
$88.56 to $88.565,296

0.45
88.56

5,296
 88.56

6,303

0.57
$78.97

6,303
 $78.97
The Company provides the following additional disclosures for stock options as of December 31 (in thousands):

2017 2016 2015
Total aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised (1)
$3,818
 $4,712
 $7,198
_________________________
(1)The intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the market value of the stock on the date of exercise and the exercise price of the option.

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EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)



Restricted Stock Units
Since 2008, the Company primarily grants restricted stock units to its employees, including executives and non-employee directors, in lieu of stock options. The Company generally grants restricted stock units that have a service condition only or have both a service and performance condition. Each restricted stock unit is not considered issued and outstanding and does not have voting rights until it is converted into one share of the Company’sCompany's common stock upon vesting. Restricted stock unit activity is summarized as follows:
Number of Shares Outstanding
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)
Aggregate Intrinsic Value (1) (Dollars in Thousands)
Number of Shares Outstanding
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)
Aggregate Intrinsic Value (1) (Dollars in Thousands)
Restricted stock units outstanding, December 31, 20141,403,974

$114.56



Restricted stock units granted711,990

236.89



Additional shares granted due to special distribution51,432

297.03



Restricted stock units released, vested(623,554)
173.79



Special distribution shares released(19,966)
227.99



Restricted stock units canceled(103,922)
198.67



Special distribution shares canceled(3,516)
235.43



Restricted stock units outstanding, December 31, 20151,416,438

148.53



Restricted stock units granted720,601

309.18



Additional shares granted due to special distribution37

297.03



Restricted stock units released, vested(655,584)
213.72



Special distribution shares released(35,354)
269.94



Restricted stock units canceled(93,940)
242.41



Special distribution shares canceled(4,319)
272.84



Restricted stock units outstanding, December 31, 20161,347,879

192.59



1,347,879

$192.59



Restricted stock units granted658,196

389.60



658,196

389.60



Restricted stock units released, vested(606,064)
260.75



(606,064)
260.75



Special distribution shares released(15,667)
243.06



(15,667)
243.06



Restricted stock units canceled(79,451)
313.83



(79,451)
313.83



Special distribution shares canceled(1,002)
282.49



(1,002)
282.49



Restricted stock units outstanding, December 31, 20171,303,891

$252.30

1.22
$590,950
1,303,891

252.30



Restricted stock units granted704,249

387.31



Restricted stock units released, vested(593,528)
299.07



Special distribution shares released(13,880)
283.14



Restricted stock units canceled(173,460)
336.75



Special distribution shares canceled(485)
295.77



Restricted stock units outstanding, December 31, 20181,226,787

361.22



Restricted stock units granted779,478

448.16



Restricted stock units released, vested(549,259)
362.66



Special distribution shares released(1,781)
295.31



Restricted stock units canceled(142,477)
364.42



Special distribution shares canceled(23)
297.04



Restricted stock units outstanding, December 31, 20191,312,725

$411.99

1.29
$766,238
__________________________
(1)The intrinsic value is calculated based on the market value of the stock as of December 31, 2017.
(1)
The intrinsic value is calculated based on the market value of the stock as of December 31, 2019.
The total fair value of restricted stock units vested and released during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 2016 and 2015 was $259.1$269.1 million, $227.4$249.8 million and $157.6$259.1 million, respectively.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
In June 2004, the Company’s stockholders approved the adoption of the 2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "2004 Purchase Plan") as a successor plan to a previous plan that ceased activity in 2005. A total of 500,000 shares have been reserved for issuance under the 2004 Purchase Plan, and the number of shares available for issuance under the 2004 Purchase Plan automatically increased on January 1 each year, beginning in 2005 and ending in 2014 by the lesser of 2% of the shares of common stock then outstanding or 500,000 shares. Effective November 25, 2014, 3,197 shares were added to the 2004 Purchase Plan, representing an anti-dilutive adjustment pursuant to the 2014 Special Distribution. Effective November 10, 2015, 9,020 shares were added to the 2004 Purchase Plan, representing an anti-dilutive adjustment pursuant to the 2015 Special Distribution. As of December 31, 2017, a total of 3,265,791 shares remained available for purchase under the 2004 Purchase Plan. The 2004 Purchase Plan permits eligible employees to purchase common stock on favorable terms via payroll deductions of up to 15% of the employee’s cash compensation, subject to certain share and statutory dollar limits. Two overlapping offering periods commence during each

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)



calendar year, on each February 15 and August 15 or such other periods or dates as determined by the Compensation Committee from time to time, and the offering periods last up to 24 months with a purchase date every six months. The price of each share purchased is 85% of the lower of a) the fair value per share of common stock on the last trading day before the commencement of the applicable offering period or b) the fair value per share of common stock on the purchase date. The 2004 Purchase Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, and such plan will terminate automatically in June 2024 unless a) the 2004 Purchase Plan is extended by the Board of Directors and b) the extension is approved within 12 months by the Company’s stockholders.
The Company provides the following disclosures for the 2004 Purchase Plan as of December 31 (dollars, except shares):
 2019 2018 2017
Weighted-average purchase price per share$354.72
 $341.48
 $250.65
Weighted average grant-date fair value per share of shares purchased$104.84
 $90.04
 $72.21
Number of shares purchased146,640
 145,346
 162,076


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)


 2017 2016 2015
Weighted-average purchase price per share$250.65
 $217.91
 $150.13
Weighted average grant-date fair value per share of shares purchased$72.21
 $60.49
 $57.63
Number of shares purchased162,076
 150,044
 182,175

The Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine the fair value of shares under the 2004 Purchase Plan with the following assumptions during the years ended December 31:
 2019 2018 2017
Range of dividend yield2.07 - 2.09%
 1.97 - 2.00%
 2.10 - 2.31%
Range of risk-free interest rate1.55 - 2.58%
 1.79 - 2.68%
 0.70 - 1.35%
Range of expected volatility19.27 - 25.55%
 19.04 - 24.33%
 16.42 - 24.27%
Weighted-average expected volatility22.95% 20.74% 20.30%
Weighted average expected life (in years)1.24
 1.43
 1.52
 2017 2016 2015
Range of dividend yield2.10 - 2.31%
 2.38 - 2.53%
 2.65 - 2.81%
Range of risk-free interest rate0.70 - 1.35%
 0.48 - 0.76%
 0.08 - 0.77%
Range of expected volatility16.42 - 24.27%
 18.80 - 30.94%
 19.96 - 25.78%
Weighted-average expected volatility20.30% 25.01% 21.72%
Weighted average expected life (in years)1.52
 1.41
 1.59

Stock-Based Compensation Recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations
The Company generally recognizes stock-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the awards. However, for awards with market conditions or performance conditions, stock-based compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each vesting tranche of the award.
In October 2014, the Compensation Committee approved amendments to the terms of all outstanding restricted stock units ("RSUs") granted prior to January 1, 2014 to provide for dividend equivalent rights ("DERs") in the event of future dividends paid on the Company’s common stock.  The Compensation Committee also approved an adjustment to outstanding stock options, including those under the Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP"), to ensure that the cash portion of the 2014 Special Distribution would not negatively impact the intrinsic value of the options. Pursuant to the accounting standard for stock compensation, these actions affecting the terms of the awards are considered modifications for accounting purposes that resulted in incremental stock-based compensation expenses and will be recognized over the requisite service period for each vesting tranche of the award. The total charges associated with this modification are not significant to the financial statements.
As of December 31, 2017, the total stock-based compensation cost related to unvested equity awards not yet recognized, net of estimated forfeitures, totaled $296.7 million which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.08 years.
The following table presents, by operating expense, the Company’sCompany's stock-based compensation expense recognized in the Company’sCompany's consolidated statement of operations for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):
 2019 2018 2017
Cost of revenues$25,355
 $18,247
 $13,621
Sales and marketing56,719
 53,448
 50,094
General and administrative154,465
 109,021
 111,785
Total$236,539
 $180,716
 $175,500
 2017 2016 2015
Cost of revenues$13,621
 $13,086
 $9,878
Sales and marketing50,094
 43,030
 36,847
General and administrative111,785
 100,032
 86,908
Total$175,500
 $156,148
 $133,633

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)




The Company’sCompany's stock-based compensation recognized in the consolidated statement of operations was comprised of the following types of equity awards for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):
 2019 2018 2017
Restricted stock units$217,541
 $165,141
 $164,321
Employee stock purchase plan18,998
 15,575
 11,179
Total$236,539
 $180,716
 $175,500
 2017 2016 2015
Stock options$
 $
 $1,679
Restricted stock units164,321
 145,769
 124,512
Employee stock purchase plan11,179
 10,379
 7,442
Total$175,500
 $156,148
 $133,633

During the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162019, 2018 and 2015,2017, the Company capitalized $6.2$9.1 million, $4.2$9.1 million and $3.0$6.2 million, respectively, of stock-based compensation expense as construction in progress in property, plant and equipment.
As of December 31, 2019, the total stock-based compensation cost related to unvested equity awards not yet recognized, net of estimated forfeitures, totaled $413.8 million which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.25 years.
13.     Income Taxes
14.Income Taxes
Income (loss) before income taxes is attributable to the following geographic locations for the years ended December 31, (in thousands):
 2019 2018 2017
Domestic$328,806
 $298,009
 $148,500
Foreign363,791
 135,029
 138,332
Income before income taxes$692,597
 $433,038
 $286,832


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EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)


 2017 2016 2015
Domestic$148,500
 $215,010
 $123,153
Foreign138,332
 (55,151) 87,845
Income from continuing operations before income taxes$286,832
 $159,859
 $210,998

The tax benefit (expenses) for income taxes consisted of the following components for the years ended December 31, (in thousands):
 2019 2018 2017
Current:     
Federal$(17,906) $7,085
 $9,346
State and local(4,624) (2,663) (849)
Foreign(135,356) (118,175) (109,032)
Subtotal(157,886) (113,753) (100,535)
Deferred:     
Federal(7,459) (27,874) 9,684
State and local(1,775) (1,165) 2,018
Foreign(18,232) 75,113
 34,983
Subtotal(27,466) 46,074
 46,685
Income tax expense$(185,352) $(67,679) $(53,850)
 2017 2016 2015
Current:     
Federal$9,346
 $(16,365) $(85,352)
State and local(849) (2,147) (3,984)
Foreign(109,032) (62,278) (27,090)
Subtotal(100,535) (80,790) (116,426)
Deferred:     
Federal9,684
 (11,184) 87,801
State and local2,018
 (3,328) 4,600
Foreign34,983
 49,851
 801
Subtotal46,685
 35,339
 93,202
Provision for income taxes$(53,850) $(45,451) $(23,224)

State and foreign taxes not based on income are included in general and administrative expenses and the aggregate amounts were not significant for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162019, 2018 and 2015.

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2017.
The fiscal 2017, 20162019, 2018, and 20152017 income tax expensebenefit (expenses) differed from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate of 21%, 21% and 35%, respectively, to pre-tax income as a result of the following for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):
 2019 2018 2017
Federal tax at statutory rate$(145,445) $(90,938) $(100,391)
State and local tax (expense) benefit(5,852) (3,616) 1,000
Deferred tax assets generated in current year not benefited(5,398) (3,777) (7,643)
Foreign income tax rate differential(11,610) (4,072) 26,151
Non-deductible expenses(1,021) (756) (2,629)
Stock-based compensation expense(2,105) (2,308) (616)
Change in valuation allowance(2,870) 38,684
 (716)
Foreign financing activities(18,738) (17,548) 1,319
Loss on debt extinguishment
 
 (1,604)
Loss on divestments(3,277) 
 
Uncertain tax positions reserve(35,724) (20,440) (66)
Tax adjustments related to REIT63,614
 32,189
 41,973
Enactment of the US tax reform
 
 (6,513)
Change in deferred tax adjustments(10,574) 
 
Other, net(6,352) 4,903
 (4,115)
Total income tax expense$(185,352) $(67,679) $(53,850)
 2017 2016 2015
Federal tax at statutory rate$(100,391) $(55,951) $(73,849)
State and local tax (expense) benefit1,000
 (4,895) 945
Deferred tax assets generated in current year not benefited(7,643) (6,246) (4,916)
Foreign income tax rate differential26,151
 22,016
 30,387
Non-deductible expenses(2,629) (15,828) (14,252)
Stock-based compensation expense(616) (5,890) (3,922)
Change in valuation allowance(716) 11,995
 710
Foreign financing activities1,319
 (26,708) 2,592
Loss on debt extinguishment(1,604) (8,288) 
Gain on divestments
 8,828
 
Uncertain tax positions reserve(66) (9,371) (3,191)
Tax adjustments related to REIT41,973
 45,060
 45,823
Enactment of the US tax reform(6,513) 
 
Other, net(4,115) (173) (3,551)
Total income tax expense$(53,850) $(45,451) $(23,224)

Legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("TCJA"), which was signed into law on December 22, 2017, containscontained many significant changes to the existing U.S. federal income tax laws. Among other things, the TCJA reducesreduced the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018, limitslimited the tax deductibility of interest expense, acceleratesaccelerated expensing of certain business assets and transitionstransitioned the U.S. international taxation from a worldwide tax system to a territorial tax system by imposing a one-time mandatory repatriation of undistributed foreign earnings. As a result of the reduced corporate tax rate, the Company recognized an income tax expense of $6.5 million during the fourth quarter of 2017 as a provisional amountestimate due to the remeasurement of the net deferred tax assets in the U.S. TRS. The Company is still analyzing the new tax legislation and assessing the impact. The Company will be able to conclude whether any adjustments are required to its net deferred tax asset balance in the U.S. when it files its 2017 U.S. federal tax return inIn the fourth quarter of 2018. Any adjustments2018, the Company completed the analysis of the TCJA's income tax effects and the adjustment to thesethe provisional amounts will be reported as a componentamount was insignificant.

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EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)



The TCJA mandatesincluded a one-time deemed repatriation of undistributed foreign earnings, which will increase the Company’s 2017Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income ("GILTI") provision that increases U.S. federal taxable income by certain foreign subsidiary income in the year it is earned. The Company's accounting policy is to treat any tax on GILTI inclusions as well as its required REIT distribution. Based on the interpretation and guidance of the new tax legislation, the Company estimated a provisional amount of $195 million as the one-time mandatory repatriation of its cumulative foreign earnings that was not previouslycurrent period cost included in the U.S. taxable income. The Company has an option of including the entire amount in its 2017 taxable income or spreading the amount over 8 years in its taxable income. The Company has tentatively determined to include the entire amount in its 2017 taxable income. However, the final decision will be made upon the filing of its 2017 tax returnexpense in the fourth quarter of 2018.year incurred. The Company believes the mandatory repatriationGILTI inclusion provision will result in no financial statement impact provided the Company satisfies its REIT distribution requirement.requirement with respect to the GILTI inclusions.
As a result of the Company’sCompany's conversion to a REIT effective January 1, 2015, it is no longer the Company’sCompany's intent to indefinitely reinvest undistributed foreign earnings. However, no deferred tax liability has been recognized to account for this change because the expected recovery of the basis difference will not result in U.S. taxes in the post-REIT conversion periods due to the fact that none of its foreign subsidiaries is owned by a U.S. taxable REIT subsidiary and the withholding tax effect would be immaterial. As it continues to qualify as a REIT, the Company will not incur U.S. tax liability on the future repatriation of the foreign earnings and profits due to the zero tax rate that will apply provided the Company distributes 100% of its taxable income. During the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company repatriated approximately $63.7 million of foreign earnings from Singapore, which increased the taxable income for 2016 and was included in the REIT distribution for the year. There was no foreign withholding tax triggered by the repatriation. The Company continues to assess the foreign withholding tax impact of its current policy and does not believe the distribution of its foreign earnings would trigger any significant foreign withholding taxes, as a majority of the foreign jurisdictions where the Company operates doesdo not impose withholding taxes on dividend distributions to a corporate U.S. parent.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)



The types of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the Company’sCompany's deferred tax assets and liabilities are set out below as of December 31 (in thousands):
 2019 2018
Deferred tax assets:   
Reserves and accruals$7,670
 $24,136
Stock-based compensation expense2,675
 2,524
Unrealized losses6,492
 1,471
Operating loss carryforwards59,735
 49,169
Gross deferred tax assets76,572
 77,300
Valuation allowance(57,812) (57,003)
Total deferred tax assets, net18,760
 20,297
Deferred tax liabilities:   
Property, plant and equipment(85,729) (50,610)
Intangible assets(144,404) (159,237)
Total deferred tax liabilities(230,133) (209,847)
Net deferred tax liabilities$(211,373) $(189,550)
 2017 2016
Deferred tax assets:   
Reserves and accruals$27,673
 $11,276
Stock-based compensation expense1,960
 1,752
Unrealized losses10,768
 
Operating loss carryforwards95,864
 37,594
Others, net
 5
Gross deferred tax assets136,265
 50,627
Valuation allowance(84,573) (29,167)
Total deferred tax assets, net51,692
 21,460
Deferred tax liabilities:   
Property, plant and equipment(65,825) (57,006)
Unrealized gains
 (7,832)
Intangible assets(172,123) (168,655)
Total deferred tax liabilities(237,948) (233,493)
Net deferred tax liabilities$(186,256) $(212,033)

The tax basis of REIT assets, excluding investments in TRSs, is greater than the amounts reported for such assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet by approximately $1,390.1 million at$1.9 billion as of December 31, 2017.
2019.
The Company's accounting for deferred taxes involves weighing positive and negative evidence concerning the realizability of the Company's deferred tax assets in each tax jurisdiction. After considering such evidence as the nature, frequency and severity of current and cumulative financial reporting losses, and the sources of future taxable income and tax planning strategies, managementthe Company concluded that valuation allowances were required in certain foreign jurisdictions. A valuation allowance continues to be provided for the deferred tax assets, net of deferred tax liabilities, associated with the Company's operations in Brazil, Canada, and certain jurisdictions located in the Company’s EMEA and Asia-Pacific regions. The operations in thesethe jurisdictions for which a valuation allowance has been established have a history of significant losses as of December 31, 2017.2019. As such, managementthe Company does not believe these operations have established a sustained history of profitability and that a valuation allowance is, therefore, necessary. The Company also provided a valuation allowance against certain gross deferred tax assets in certain tax jurisdictions as these deferred tax assets are not expected to be realizable in the foreseeable future.


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)



Changes in the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162019, 2018 and 20152017 are as follows (in thousands):
 2019 2018 2017
Beginning balance$57,003
 $84,573
 $29,167
Amounts from acquisitions(2,707) 33,070
 25,283
Divested balances(351) 
 
Amounts recognized into income2,870
 (38,684) 716
Current increase (decrease)697
 (13,086) 28,431
Impact of foreign currency exchange300
 (8,870) 976
Ending balance$57,812
 $57,003
 $84,573
 2017 2016 2015
Beginning balance$29,167
 $29,894
 $27,181
Amounts from acquisitions25,283
 5,053
 
Amounts recognized into income716
 (11,995) (710)
Current increase28,431
 6,557
 4,513
Impact of foreign currency exchange976
 (342) (1,090)
Ending balance$84,573
 $29,167
 $29,894
Federal and state tax laws, including California tax laws, impose substantial restrictions on the utilization of NOL and credit carryforwards in the event of an "ownership change" for tax purposes, as defined in Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. In 2003, the Company conducted an analysis to determine whether an ownership change had occurred due to significant stock transactions in each of the reporting years disclosed at that time. The analysis indicated that an ownership change occurred during fiscal year 2002, which resulted in an annual limitation of approximately $0.8 million for NOL carryforwards generated prior to 2003. Therefore, the Company substantially reduced its federal and state NOL carryforwards for the periods prior to 2003 to approximately $16.4 million.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)




The Company’sCompany's NOL carryforwards for federal, state and foreign tax purposes which expire, if not utilized, at various intervals from 2018,2020, are outlined below (in thousands):
Expiration Date 
Federal (1)
 
State (1)
 Foreign Total
2018 $
 $
 $11,730
 $11,730
2019 to 2021 190,125
 474
 16,638
 207,237
2022 to 2024 46,827
 
 4,294
 51,121
2025 to 2027 13,005
 
 9,425
 22,430
2031 to 2033 
 767
 
 767
Thereafter 61,375
 18,909
 242,382
 322,666
  $311,332
 $20,150
 $284,469
 $615,951
Expiration Date 
Federal (1)
 State 
Foreign (2) (3)
 Total
2020 $78,458
 $
 $9,739
 $88,197
2021 to 2023 149,057
 
 6,191
 155,248
2024 to 2026 15,564
 
 19,867
 35,431
2027 to 2029 6,065
 
 14,383
 20,448
2030 to 2032 
 
 
 
2033 to 2035 
 197
 
 197
Thereafter 
 
 322,729
 322,729
  $249,144
 $197
 $372,909
 $622,250
__________________________
(1)
The total amount of NOL carryforwards that will not be available to offset the Company’sCompany's future taxable income after dividend paid deduction due to Section 382 limitations was $242.0 million, comprising $241.8 million of federal and $0.2 million of state.for federal.
(2)
In certain jurisdictions, the net operating loss carryforwards can only be used to offset a percentage of taxable income in a given year.
(3)
If certain substantial changes in the entity's ownership occur or have determined to have occurred, there may be a limitation on the amount of the carryforwards that can be utilized.
As of December 31, 2019, the Company had tax credit carryforwards of $8.6 million, which expire, if not utilized, from 2020 to 2031.
The beginning and ending balances of the Company's unrecognized tax benefits are reconciled below for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):
 2019 2018 2017
Beginning balance$150,930
 $82,390
 $72,187
Gross increases related to prior year tax positions
 33,436
 6,095
Gross decreases related to prior year tax positions(1,160) 
 
Gross increases related to current year tax positions31,332
 48,685
 19,832
Decreases resulting from expiration of statute of limitation(2,112) (1,276) (15,410)
Decreases resulting from settlements(5,264) (12,305) (314)
Ending balance$173,726
 $150,930
 $82,390
 2017 2016 2015
Beginning balance$72,187
 $30,845
 $36,138
Gross increases related to prior year tax positions6,095
 570
 
Gross decreases related to prior year tax positions
 
 (8,645)
Gross increases related to current year tax positions19,832
 41,972
 4,802
Decreases resulting from expiration of statute of limitation(15,410) (826) (1,450)
Decreases resulting from settlements(314) (374) 
Ending balance$82,390
 $72,187
 $30,845

The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within income tax benefit (expense)expense in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company has accrued $2.9$14.2 million and $4.4$8.4 million for interest and penalties as of December 31, 20172019 and 2016,2018, respectively.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)



The unrecognized tax benefits of $82.4$173.7 million as of December 31, 2017,2019, if subsequently recognized, will affect the Company's effective tax rate favorably at the time when such a benefit is recognized.recognized, of which $30.8 million is subject to an indemnification agreement.
Due to various tax years open for examination and the ongoing tax audits and inquiries by the tax authorities in different jurisdictions, it is reasonably possible that the balance of unrecognized tax benefits could significantly increase or decrease over the next 12 months as the Company may be subject to either examination by tax authorities, tax audit settlements, or a lapse in statute of limitations. The Company is currently unable to estimate the range of possible adjustments to the balance of unrecognized tax benefits.
The Company's income tax returns for the years from 20142016 through current year remain open to examination by federal and state taxing authorities. In addition, the Company's tax years of 20052007 through 2017current year remain open and subject to examination by local tax authorities in certain foreign jurisdictions in which the Company has major operations.
14.     Commitments and Contingencies
15.Commitments and Contingencies
Purchase Commitments
Primarily as a result of the Company’sCompany's various IBX expansion projects, as of December 31, 2017,2019, the Company was contractually committed for $508.2 million$0.8 billion of unaccrued capital expenditures, primarily for IBX equipment not yet delivered and labor not yet provided, in connection with the work necessary to open these IBX data centers and make them available to customers for installation. In addition, the Company had numerous other, non-capital purchase commitments in place as of December 31, 2017,2019, such as commitments to purchase power in select locations primarily in select locations through 20182020 and thereafter, and

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)



other open purchase orders for goods, services or servicesarrangements to be delivered or provided during 20182020 and thereafter. Such other miscellaneous purchase commitments totaled $643.6 million$1.0 billion as of December 31, 2017.2019. In addition, the Company entered into lease agreements with various landlords primarily for data center spaces and ground lease which have not yet commenced as of December 31, 2019. These leases will commence between fiscal years 2020 and 2022, with lease terms of 10 to 49 years and a total lease commitment of approximately $608.1 million.
Equity Contribution Commitments
In connection with the Joint Venture closed in October 2019, the Company agreed to make future equity contributions to the Joint Venture of €17.6 million and £15.7 million, or $40.6 million in total at the exchange rate in effect on December 31, 2019.
Contingent Liabilities
The Company estimates exposure on certain liabilities, such as indirect and property taxes, based on the best information available at the time of determination. With respect to real and personal property taxes, the Company records what it can reasonably estimate based on prior payment history, current landlord estimates or estimates based on current or changing fixed asset values in each specific municipality, as applicable. However, there are circumstances beyond the Company’sCompany's control whereby the underlying value of the property or basis for which the tax is calculated on the property may change, such as a landlord selling the underlying property of one of the Company’sCompany's IBX data center leases or a municipality changing the assessment value in a jurisdiction and, as a result, the Company’sCompany's property tax obligations may vary from period to period. Based upon the most current facts and circumstances, the Company makes the necessary property tax accruals for each of its reporting periods. However, revisions in the Company’sCompany's estimates of the potential or actual liability could materially impact the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.
The Company's indirect and property tax filings in various jurisdictions are subject to examination by local tax authorities. Although we believe that we have adequately assessed and accounted for our potential tax liabilities, and that our tax estimates are reasonable, there can be no certainty that additional taxes will not be due upon audit of our tax returns or as a result of further changes to the tax laws and interpretations thereof. For example, we are currently undergoing audits and appealing the tentative assessments in a number of jurisdictions where we operate, such as France and Brazil. The final results of these audits and outcome of any examinations cannotthe appeals are uncertain and may not be predicted with certainty.resolved

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)



in our favor. The Company regularly assesses the likelihood of adverse outcomes resulting from these examinations and appeals that would affect the adequacy of its tax accruals for each of the reporting periods. If any issues arising from the tax examinations and appeals are resolved in a manner inconsistent with the Company’sCompany's expectations, the revision of the estimates of the potential or actual liabilities could materially impact the financial position, results of operations, or cash flows of the Company.
From time to time, the Company may have certain contingent liabilities that arise in the ordinary course of its business activities. The Company accrues contingent liabilities when it is probable that future expenditures will be made and such expenditures can be reasonably estimated. In the opinion of management, there are no0 pending claims for which the outcome is expected to result in a material adverse effect in the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.
Employment Agreements
The Company has entered into a severance agreement with eachcertain of its executive officers that provides for a severance payment equal to 100% of the executive officer’sofficer's annual base salary and maximum bonus in the event his or her employment is terminated for any reason other than cause or he or she voluntarily resigns under certain circumstances as described in the agreement.agreement, or 200% of the executive officer's annual base salary and maximum bonus in the event this occurs after a change-in-control of the Company. For certain other executive officers, these benefits are only triggered after a change-in-control of the Company, in which case the officer is entitled to 200% of the executive officer's annual base salary and maximum bonus. In addition, under the agreement,these agreements, the executive officer is entitled to the payment of his or her monthly health care premiums under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act for up to 1224 months. For certain executive officers, these benefits are only triggered after a change-in-control of the Company.
Indemnification and Guarantor Arrangements
As permitted under Delaware law, the Company has agreements whereby the Company indemnifies its officers and directors for certain events or occurrences while the officer or director is, or was serving, at the Company’sCompany's request in such capacity. The term of the indemnification period is for the officer's or director's lifetime. The maximum potential amount of future payments the Company could be required to make under these indemnification agreements is unlimited; however, the Company has a director and officer insurance policy that limits the Company’sCompany's exposure and enables the Company to recover a portion of any future amounts paid. As a result of the Company’sCompany's insurance policy coverage, the Company believes the estimated fair value of these indemnification agreements is minimal. The Company has no0 liabilities recorded for these agreements as of December 31, 2017.2019.
The Company enters into standard indemnification agreements in the ordinary course of business. Pursuant to these agreements, the Company indemnifies, holds harmless, and agrees to reimburse the indemnified party for losses suffered or incurred by the indemnified party, generally the Company’sCompany's business partners or customers, in connection with any U.S. patent, or any copyright or other intellectual property infringement claim by any third party with respect to the Company’sCompany's offerings. The term of these indemnification agreements is generally perpetual any time after execution of the agreement. The maximum potential amount of future payments the Company could be required to make under these indemnification agreements is unlimited; however, the Company has never incurred costs to defend lawsuits or settle claims related to these indemnification agreements. As a result, the Company believes the estimated fair value of these agreements is minimal. The Company has no0 liabilities recorded for these agreements as of December 31, 2017.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)



2019.
The Company enters into arrangements with its business partners, whereby the business partner agrees to provide services as a subcontractor for the Company’sCompany's installations. Accordingly, the Company enters into standard indemnification agreements with its customers, whereby the Company indemnifies them for other acts, such as personal property damage, of its subcontractors. The maximum potential amount of future payments the Company could be required to make under these indemnification agreements is unlimited; however, the Company has general and umbrella insurance policies that enable the Company to recover a portion of any amounts paid. The Company has never incurred costs to defend lawsuits or settle claims related to these indemnification agreements. As a result, the Company believes the estimated fair value of these agreements is minimal. The Company has no0 liabilities recorded for these agreements as of December 31, 2017.2019.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)



The Company has service level commitment obligations to certain of its customers. As a result, service interruptions or significant equipment damage in the Company’sCompany's IBX data centers, whether or not within the Company’sCompany's control, could result in service level commitments to these customers. The Company’sCompany's liability insurance may not be adequate to cover those expenses. In addition, any loss of services, equipment damage or inability to meet the Company’sCompany's service level commitment obligations could reduce the confidence of the Company’sCompany's customers and could consequently impair the Company’sCompany's ability to obtain and retain customers, which would adversely affect both the Company’sCompany's ability to generate revenues and the Company’sCompany's operating results. The Company generally has the ability to determine such service level credits prior to the associated revenue being recognized. The Company has nodoes not have significant liabilities in connection with service level credits as of December 31, 2017.2019.
16.Related Party Transactions
15.Related Party Transactions with the Joint Venture
Upon closing of the Joint Venture, the Company sold certain data center facilities in Europe to the Joint Venture and recognized a gain on assets sale of $45.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2019. For further information on the transaction, see Note 5 above.
The Company entered into a sub-lease agreement with the Joint Venture to sub-lease a portion of Equinix's former LD10 Data Center. The Company accounted for the lease as a finance lease. As of December 31, 2019, the Company recorded a finance lease ROU asset and liability of £103.2 million, or approximately $136.7 million at the exchange rate in effect on December 31, 2019. For further information on the lease, see Note 10 above.
The Company also entered an agreement to lease to the Joint Venture a portion of land at its Frankfurt 2 data center site and a new building that is under construction at the land. The lease will have an initial term of 30 years and 2 renewal options of 10 years each. The consideration of the lease agreement will be based on the total cost of construction as determined when the construction is completed. As of December 31, 2019, the lease has not commenced yet.
In connection with the Joint Venture investment, the Company entered into multiple agreements to provide various services to the Joint Venture, including sales and marketing, development management, facilities management, and asset management services. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the total revenue recorded from these services was insignificant.
Other Related Party Transactions
The Company has several significant stockholders and other related parties that are also customers and/or vendors. The Company’sCompany's activity of related party transactions was as follows (in thousands):
Years ended December 31,Years ended December 31,
2017 2016 20152019 2018 2017
Revenues$13,726
 $11,822
 $10,745
$25,905
 $19,439
 $13,726
Costs and services11,211
 14,574
 10,808
15,844
 19,708
 11,211
 As of December 31,
 2019 2018
Accounts receivable$3,345
 $4,031
Accounts payable800
 585
 As of December 31,
 2017 2016
Accounts receivable$1,321
 $1,109
Accounts payable744
 1,720
On February 10, 2016, the Company entered into a purchase and sale agreement to acquire land and a building from Prologis, L.P., with which it shares a common board member, for approximately $6.3 million. This transaction is considered a related party transaction but is not reflected in the related party data presented above.
16.     Segment Information
17.Segment Information
While the Company has a single line of business, which is the design, build-out and operation of IBX data centers, it has determined that it has three3 reportable segments comprised of its Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific geographic regions.

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EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)



The Company’sfollowing tables present revenue information disaggregated by service lines and geographic areas (in thousands):
 Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2019
 
Americas (2)
 EMEA Asia-Pacific Total
Colocation (1)
$1,769,654
 $1,395,544
 $857,009
 $4,022,207
Interconnection576,709
 161,552
 155,328
 893,589
Managed infrastructure90,262
 113,631
 88,735
 292,628
Other (1)
19,743
 10,019
 
 29,762
Recurring revenues2,456,368
 1,680,746
 1,101,072
 5,238,186
Non-recurring revenues131,359
 125,698
 66,897
 323,954
Total$2,587,727
 $1,806,444
 $1,167,969
 $5,562,140
(1)
Includes some leasing and hedging activities. For further information on revenue recognition, see Note 1 and Note 2 above.
(2)
Includes revenues of $2.4 billion attributed to the U.S.
 Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2018
 
Americas (2)
 EMEA Asia-Pacific Total
Colocation (1)
$1,732,998
 $1,201,769
 $735,404
 $3,670,171
Interconnection532,163
 138,874
 130,928
 801,965
Managed infrastructure75,595
 118,685
 85,352
 279,632
Other (1)
16,570
 8,164
 
 24,734
Recurring revenues2,357,326
 1,467,492
 951,684
 4,776,502
Non-recurring revenues127,408
 95,145
 72,599
 295,152
Total$2,484,734
 $1,562,637
 $1,024,283
 $5,071,654
(1)
Includes some leasing and hedging activities. For further information on revenue recognition, see Note 1 and Note 2 above.
(2)
Includes revenues of $2.3 billion attributed to the U.S.
 Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2017
 
Americas (2)
 EMEA Asia-Pacific Total
Colocation (1)
$1,518,929
 $1,063,543
 $595,673
 $3,178,145
Interconnection469,268
 104,891
 107,014
 681,173
Managed infrastructure68,937
 88,122
 88,110
 245,169
Other (1)
5,218
 10,415
 
 15,633
Recurring revenues2,062,352
 1,266,971
 790,797
 4,120,120
Non-recurring revenues110,408
 79,285
 58,615
 248,308
Total$2,172,760
 $1,346,256
 $849,412
 $4,368,428
(1)
Includes some leasing and hedging activities. For further information on revenue recognition, see Note 1 and Note 2 above.
(2)
Includes revenues of $2.0 billion attributed to the U.S.

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EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)



The Company's chief operating decision-maker evaluates performance, makes operating decisions and allocates resources based on the Company’sCompany's revenues and adjusted EBITDA performance both on a consolidated basis and these three reportable segments. The Company defines adjusted EBITDA as income or loss from operations plusexcluding depreciation, amortization, accretion, stock-based compensation expense, restructuring charges, impairment charges, acquisitiontransaction costs and gain on asset sales as presented below for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):

F-62
 2019 2018 2017
Adjusted EBITDA:     
Americas$1,237,622
 $1,183,831
 $1,034,694
EMEA827,980
 698,280
 582,697
Asia-Pacific622,125
 531,129
 434,650
Total adjusted EBITDA2,687,727
 2,413,240
 2,052,041
Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense(1,285,296) (1,226,741) (1,028,892)
Stock-based compensation expense(236,539) (180,716) (175,500)
Transaction costs(24,781) (34,413) (38,635)
Impairment charges(15,790) 
 
Gain on asset sales44,310
 6,013
 
Income from operations$1,169,631
 $977,383
 $809,014

Table of Contents
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)



 2017 2016 2015
Adjusted EBITDA:     
Americas$1,034,694
 $787,311
 $698,604
EMEA582,697
 494,263
 318,561
Asia-Pacific434,650
 375,900
 254,462
Total adjusted EBITDA2,052,041
 1,657,474
 1,271,627
Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense(1,028,892) (843,510) (528,929)
Stock-based compensation expense(175,500) (156,148) (133,633)
Acquisitions costs(38,635) (64,195) (41,723)
Impairment charges
 (7,698) 
Gain on asset sales
 32,816
 
Income from operations$809,014
 $618,739
 $567,342

The Company provides the following segment disclosures related to its continuing operations as follows for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):
 2019 2018 2017
Depreciation and amortization:     
Americas$669,498
 $636,214
 $515,726
EMEA353,765
 355,895
 316,250
Asia-Pacific261,574
 235,380
 210,504
Total$1,284,837
 $1,227,489
 $1,042,480
      
Capital expenditures:     
Americas$805,360
 $773,514
 $621,158
EMEA733,326
 884,790
 555,346
Asia-Pacific540,835
 437,870
 202,221
Total$2,079,521
 $2,096,174
 $1,378,725

 2017 2016 2015
Total revenues:     
Americas(1)
$2,172,760
 $1,679,549
 $1,512,535
EMEA1,346,256
 1,171,339
 698,807
Asia-Pacific849,412
 761,101
 514,525
 $4,368,428
 $3,611,989
 $2,725,867
      
Total depreciation and amortization:     
Americas$515,726
 $319,202
 $278,216
EMEA316,250
 313,291
 117,655
Asia-Pacific210,504
 204,714
 129,709
 $1,042,480
 $837,207
 $525,580
      
Capital expenditures:     
Americas$621,158
 $503,855
 $401,685
EMEA555,346
 400,642
 202,322
Asia-Pacific202,221
 208,868
 264,113
 $1,378,725
 $1,113,365
 $868,120
__________________________
(1)Includes revenues of $2.0 billion, $1.5 billion and $1.4 billion, respectively, attributed to the U.S. for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.
The Company’sCompany's long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment, net and operating lease right-of-use assets, are located in the following geographic areas as of December 31 (in thousands):
2017 20162019 2018
Americas (1)
$4,425,077
 $3,339,518
$5,400,287
 $5,010,507
EMEA3,265,088
 2,355,943
4,051,701
 3,726,596
Asia-Pacific1,704,437
 1,503,749
2,700,609
 2,288,917
$9,394,602
 $7,199,210
Total Property, plant and equipment, net$12,152,597
 $11,026,020
_________________________
(1)
Includes $4.0$4.8 billion and $3.0$4.6 billion, respectively, of long-lived assetsproperty, plant and equipment, net attributed to the U.S. as of December 31, 20172019 and 2016.2018.


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EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)





The following table presents revenue information on a service basis for the year ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands):
 2017 2016 2015
Colocation$3,178,145
 $2,647,094
 $2,019,875
Interconnection681,173
 543,045
 441,749
Managed infrastructure245,169
 210,292
 96,836
Rental15,633
 16,943
 10,681
Recurring revenues4,120,120
 3,417,374
 2,569,141
Non-recurring revenues248,308
 194,615
 156,726
 $4,368,428
 $3,611,989
 $2,725,867
 2019 2018
Americas (1)
$387,598
 $
EMEA521,129
 
Asia-Pacific566,640
 
Total Operating lease right-of-use assets$1,475,367
 $
(1)
Includes $373.7 million of operating lease right-of-use assets attributed to the U.S. as of December 31, 2019.
17.     Subsequent Events
18.Subsequent Events
On February 14, 2018,12, 2020, the Company's Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $2.28$2.66 per share, which is payable on March 21, 201818, 2020 to the Company’sCompany's common stockholders of record as of the close of business on February 26, 2018.2020.
On February 11, 2018,January 14, 2020, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire Packet Host, Inc., the Infomart Dallas, including its operations and tenants, from ASB Real Estate Investments. At the closing, the Company will deliver $31.0 million in cash, subject to customary adjustments, and will issue $750.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.000% senior unsecured notes.bare metal automation company. The transactionacquisition is expected to close in mid-2018,the first quarter of 2020, subject to satisfaction ofcustomary closing conditions. The
On January 8, 2020, the Company will account for this transaction as a business combination usingcompleted the acquisition method of accounting.3 data centers in Mexico for a cash purchase price of approximately $175.0 million. The operating results of the acquisition are reported in the Americas region following the date of acquisition. The valuation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed are still being appraised by a third-party and the purchase price allocation is not yet complete.
On January 2, 2020, the Company redeemed the remaining $343.7 million principal amount of the 5.375% Senior Notes due 2022, using a portion of the net cash proceeds from the 2024, 2026 and 2029 Notes as described in Note 11 above. In connection with the redemption, the Company incurred $5.9 million of loss on debt extinguishment, including $4.6 million redemption premium that was paid in cash and $1.3 million related to the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs.
19.Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
18.     Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
The Company believes that period-to-period comparisons of its financial results should not be relied upon as an indication of future performance. The Company’sCompany's revenues and results of operations have been subject to significant fluctuations, particularly on a quarterly basis, and the Company’sCompany's revenues and results of operations could fluctuate significantly quarter-to-quarter and year-to-year. Significant quarterly fluctuations in revenues will cause fluctuations in the Company’sCompany's cash flows and the cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable accounts on the Company’sCompany's consolidated balance sheet. Causes of such fluctuations may include the volume and timing of new orders and renewals, the timing of the opening of new IBX data centers, the sales cycle for the Company’sCompany's offerings, the introduction of new offerings, changes in prices and pricing models, trends in the internet infrastructure industry, general economic conditions, extraordinary events such as acquisitions or litigation and the occurrence of unexpected events.
The unaudited quarterly financial information presented below has been prepared by the Company and reflects all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, which in the opinion of management are necessary to present fairly the financial position and results of operations for the interim periods presented.


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EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)






The following tables present selected quarterly information (in thousands, except per share data):
 2017
 Quarters Ended
 March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31
Revenues$949,525
 $1,066,421
 $1,152,261
 $1,200,221
Gross profit480,564
 544,218
 569,901
 580,596
Net income42,062
 45,805
 79,900
 65,215
EPS       
Basic EPS0.58
 0.59
 1.02
 0.83
Diluted EPS0.57
 0.58
 1.02
 0.82
 2019
 Quarters Ended
 March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31
Revenues$1,363,218
 $1,384,977
 $1,396,810
 $1,417,135
Gross profit681,188
 686,798
 692,471
 691,499
Net income attributable to Equinix118,078
 143,527
 120,850
 124,995
        
Earnings per share attributable to Equinix:       
Basic1.44
 1.70
 1.42
 1.47
Diluted1.44
 1.69
 1.41
 1.46
 2016
 Quarters Ended
 March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31
Revenues$844,156
 $900,510
 $924,676
 $942,647
Gross profit416,476
 443,543
 454,374
 476,726
Net income (loss)(31,111) 44,711
 51,450
 61,750
EPS       
Basic EPS(0.46) 0.64
 0.73
 0.86
Diluted EPS(0.46) 0.64
 0.72
 0.86
 2018
 Quarters Ended
 March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31
Revenues$1,215,877
 $1,261,943
 $1,283,751
 $1,310,083
Gross profit593,447
 610,142
 623,442
 639,148
Net income attributable to Equinix62,894
 67,618
 124,825
 110,022
        
Earnings per share attributable to Equinix:       
Basic0.79
 0.85
 1.56
 1.37
Diluted0.79
 0.85
 1.55
 1.36


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EQUINIX INC.
SCHEDULE III-III - SCHEDULE OF REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
DECEMBER 31, 20172019
(Dollars in Thousands)
Initial Costs to Company (1)
            Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition or Lease Total Costs  
Initial Costs to Company (1)
 Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition or Lease Total Costs  
Encumbrances Land 
Buildings and Improvements (2)
 Land 
Buildings and Improvements (2)
 Land 
Buildings and Improvements (2)
 
Accumulated Depreciation (3)
 Date of Construction 
Date of Acquisition or Lease (4)
Encumbrances Land 
Buildings and Improvements (2)
 Land 
Buildings and Improvements (2)
 Land 
Buildings and Improvements (2)
 
Accumulated Depreciation (3)
 
Date of Acquisition or Lease (4)
Americas:  
AT1 ATLANTA (METRO)    123,655  123,655 (42,278) N/A 2010$— $— $— $— $147,120 $— $147,120 $(60,777) 2010
AT2 ATLANTA (METRO)    42,574  42,574 (20,048) N/A 2010    39,988  39,988 (23,173) 2010
AT3 ATLANTA (METRO)    4,095  4,095 (1,678) N/A 2010    4,571  4,571 (2,638) 2010
AT4 ATLANTA (METRO) 5,400 20,209  1,823 5,400 22,032 (2,955) 2017 2017 5,400 20,209  16,914 5,400 37,123 (8,279) 2017
AT5 ATLANTA (METRO)  5,011  1,552  6,563 (1,029) 2017 2017  5,011  1,962  6,973 (3,193) 2017
BG1 BOGOTÁ (METRO), COLOMBIA  8,779  409  9,188 (769) 2017 2017  8,779 899 4,859 899 13,638 (3,097) 2017
BO1 BOSTON (METRO)    11,185  11,185 (6,713) N/A 2010    10,770  10,770 (8,928) 2010
BO2 BOSTON (METRO) 2,500 30,383  214 2,500 30,597 (2,917) 2017 2017 2,500 30,383  19,941 2,500 50,324 (9,841) 2017
CH1 CHICAGO (METRO)    161,324  161,324 (103,562) 2001 1999    153,749  153,749 (95,232) 1999
CH2 CHICAGO (METRO)    108,257  108,257 (53,744) 2005 2005    110,736  110,736 (60,803) 2005
CH3 CHICAGO (METRO) 9,759  351 279,869 10,110 279,869 (99,791) 2007 2006 9,759  351 319,029 10,110 319,029 (121,456) 2006
CH4 CHICAGO (METRO)    21,976  21,976 (9,792) 2010 2009    22,444  22,444 (12,658) 2009
CH7 CHICAGO (METRO) 670 10,564  88 670 10,652 (1,046) 2017 2017 670 10,564  5,077 670 15,641 (3,679) 2017
CU1 CULPEPER (METRO) 1,019 37,581  311 1,019 37,892 (2,788) 2017 2017 1,019 37,581  4,523 1,019 42,104 (10,596) 2017
CU2 CULPEPER (METRO) 1,244 48,000  367 1,244 48,367 (3,254) 2017 2017 1,244 48,000  7,813 1,244 55,813 (11,365) 2017
CU3 CULPEPER (METRO) 1,088 37,387  54 1,088 37,441 (2,437) 2017 2017 1,088 37,387  1,010 1,088 38,397 (8,692) 2017
CU4 CULPEPER (METRO) 1,372 27,832  1,963 1,372 29,795 (1,285) 2017 2017 1,372 27,832  32,477 1,372 60,309 (6,588) 2017
DA1 DALLAS (METRO)    74,900  74,900 (48,583) 2000 2000    70,861  70,861 (38,772) 2000
DA2 DALLAS (METRO)    78,659  78,659 (21,955) 2011 2010    80,240  80,240 (28,647) 2010
DA3 DALLAS (METRO)    92,408  92,408 (30,450) N/A 2010    96,101  96,101 (37,901) 2010
DA4 DALLAS (METRO)    18,010  18,010 (8,616) N/A 2010    17,206  17,206 (8,878) 2010
DA6 DALLAS (METRO)  20,522  110,282  130,804 (16,735) 2013 2012  20,522  162,223  182,745 (30,483) 2012
DA7 DALLAS (METRO)    26,888  26,888 (4,964) 2015 2015    29,417  29,417 (10,489) 2015
DA9 DALLAS (METRO) 610 15,398  89 610 15,487 (1,191) 2017 2017 610 15,398  4,212 610 19,610 (4,730) 2017
DA10 DALLAS (METRO)  117  4,535  4,652 (349) 2017 2017  117  4,633  4,750 (3,105) 2017
DA11 DALLAS (METRO)    107,889  107,889  2018
INFOMART BUILDING DALLAS (METRO) 24,380 337,643  9,111 24,380 346,754 (19,765) 2018
DC1 WASHINGTON, DC (METRO)    2,435  2,435 (574) 2007 1999    4,762  4,762 (1,245) 1999
DC2 WASHINGTON, DC (METRO)   5,047 158,709 5,047 158,709 (128,668) 1999 1999   5,047 124,621 5,047 124,621 (95,146) 1999
DC3 WASHINGTON, DC (METRO)  37,451  50,453  87,904 (52,127) 2004
DC4 WASHINGTON, DC (METRO) 1,906 7,272  72,553 1,906 79,825 (53,710) 2005
DC5 WASHINGTON, DC (METRO) 1,429 4,983  89,414 1,429 94,397 (63,448) 2005


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Initial Costs to Company (1)
            Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition or Lease Total Costs  
Initial Costs to Company (1)
 Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition or Lease Total Costs  
Encumbrances Land 
Buildings and Improvements (2)
 Land 
Buildings and Improvements (2)
 Land 
Buildings and Improvements (2)
 
Accumulated Depreciation (3)
 Date of Construction 
Date of Acquisition or Lease (4)
Encumbrances Land 
Buildings and Improvements (2)
 Land 
Buildings and Improvements (2)
 Land 
Buildings and Improvements (2)
 
Accumulated Depreciation (3)
 
Date of Acquisition or Lease (4)
DC3 WASHINGTON, DC (METRO)  37,451  53,210  90,661 (49,386) 2004 2004
DC4 WASHINGTON, DC (METRO) 1,906 7,272  72,961 1,906 80,233 (49,250) 2007 2005
DC5 WASHINGTON, DC (METRO) 1,429 4,983  89,024 1,429 94,007 (57,411) 2008 2005
DC6 WASHINGTON, DC (METRO) 1,429 5,082  87,709 1,429 92,791 (39,873) 2010 2005 1,429 5,082  92,078 1,429 97,160 (49,377) 2005
DC7 WASHINGTON, DC (METRO)    20,851  20,851 (11,503) N/A 2010    18,939  18,939 (12,156) 2010
DC8 WASHINGTON, DC (METRO)    5,185  5,185 (4,739) N/A 2010    4,598  4,598 (4,495) 2010
DC10 WASHINGTON, DC (METRO)  44,601  71,706  116,307 (41,225) 2012 2011  44,601  76,413  121,014 (72,826) 2011
DC11 WASHINGTON, DC (METRO) 1,429 5,082  175,361 1,429 180,443 (30,071) 2013 2005 1,429 5,082  181,683 1,429 186,765 (50,834) 2005
DC12 WASHINGTON, DC (METRO)  101,783  19,101  120,884 (1,869) 2017 2017  101,783  64,510  166,293 (17,654) 2017
DC13 WASHINGTON, DC (METRO) 5,500 25,423  364 5,500 25,787 (3,015) 2017 2017 5,500 25,423  9,680 5,500 35,103 (10,464) 2017
DC14 WASHINGTON, DC (METRO) 2,560 33,511  206 2,560 33,717 (2,330) 2017 2017 2,560 33,511  9,565 2,560 43,076 (8,427) 2017
DC15 WASHINGTON, DC (METRO)    91,836  91,836  2018
DC21 WASHINGTON, DC (METRO)    15,176  15,176  2019
DC97 WASHINGTON, DC (METRO)  2,021  141  2,162 (259) 2017 2017  2,021  971  2,992 (1,108) 2017
DE1 DENVER (METRO)    10,260  10,260 (7,172) N/A 2010    9,764  9,764 (8,662) 2010
DE2 DENVER (METRO) 5,240 23,053  14,764 5,240 37,817 (3,814) 2017 2017 5,240 23,053  29,163 5,240 52,216 (11,831) 2017
HO1 HOUSTON (METRO) 1,440 23,780  3,996 1,440 27,776 (2,679) 2017 2017 1,440 23,780  32,179 1,440 55,959 (11,094) 2017
LA1 LOS ANGELES (METRO)    112,209  112,209 (64,914) 2000 1999    107,714  107,714 (67,186) 1999
LA2 LOS ANGELES (METRO)    11,066  11,066 (8,887) 2001 2000    10,904  10,904 (8,869) 2000
LA3 LOS ANGELES (METRO)  34,727 3,959 24,296 3,959 59,023 (45,521) 2005 2005  34,727 3,959 21,283 3,959 56,010 (46,154) 2005
LA4 LOS ANGELES (METRO) 19,333 137,630  29,032 19,333 166,662 (68,944) 2009 2009 19,333 137,630  47,458 19,333 185,088 (85,994) 2009
LA7 LOS ANGELES (METRO) 7,800 33,621  124 7,800 33,745 (2,544) 2017 2017 7,800 33,621  7,584 7,800 41,205 (10,070) 2017
MI1 MIAMI (METRO) 18,920 127,194  31,502 18,920 158,696 (11,253) 2017 2017 18,920 127,194  94,472 18,920 221,666 (42,736) 2017
MI2 MIAMI (METRO)    25,776  25,776 (11,815) N/A 2010    23,223  23,223 (13,246) 2010
MI3 MIAMI (METRO)    31,148  31,148 (10,329) 2012 2012    32,602  32,602 (15,320) 2012
MI6 MIAMI (METRO) 4,750 23,017  1,538 4,750 24,555 (2,231) 2017 2017 4,750 23,017  8,286 4,750 31,303 (9,083) 2017
NY1 NEW YORK (METRO)    80,528  80,528 (45,712) 1999 1999    71,186  71,186 (41,346) 1999
NY2 NEW YORK (METRO)   17,859 199,508 17,859 199,508 (125,823) 2002 2000   17,859 204,510 17,859 204,510 (130,020) 2000
NY4 NEW YORK (METRO)    338,384  338,384 (167,338) 2007 2006    352,069  352,069 (188,961) 2006
NY5 NEW YORK (METRO)    254,899  254,899 (50,791) 2012 2010    269,478  269,478 (67,199) 2010
NY6 NEW YORK (METRO)    73,350  73,350 (8,658) 2015 2010    66,897  66,897 (12,312) 2010
NY7 NEW YORK (METRO)  24,660  146,688  171,348 (101,925) N/A 2010  24,660  167,514  192,174 (123,495) 2010
NY8 NEW YORK (METRO)    12,188  12,188 (7,195) N/A 2010    11,267  11,267 (7,928) 2010
NY9 NEW YORK (METRO)    50,868  50,868 (33,241) 2010
NY11 NEW YORK (METRO) 2,050 58,717  10,940 2,050 69,657 (17,997) 2017
NY13 NEW YORK (METRO)  31,603  6,463  38,066 (11,081) 2017
PH1 PHILADELPHIA (METRO)    43,724  43,724 (16,725) 2010
RJ1 RIO DE JANEIRO (METRO), BRAZIL    22,642  22,642 (15,816) 2011
RJ2 RIO DE JANEIRO (METRO), BRAZIL  2,012 1,635 56,081 1,635 58,093 (18,176) 2012
SE2 SEATTLE (METRO)    27,912  27,912 (23,071) 2010


F-67


Table of Contents

Initial Costs to Company (1)
            Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition or Lease Total Costs  
Initial Costs to Company (1)
 Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition or Lease Total Costs  
Encumbrances Land 
Buildings and Improvements (2)
 Land 
Buildings and Improvements (2)
 Land 
Buildings and Improvements (2)
 
Accumulated Depreciation (3)
 Date of Construction 
Date of Acquisition or Lease (4)
Encumbrances Land 
Buildings and Improvements (2)
 Land 
Buildings and Improvements (2)
 Land 
Buildings and Improvements (2)
 
Accumulated Depreciation (3)
 
Date of Acquisition or Lease (4)
NY9 NEW YORK (METRO)    54,514  54,514 (31,583) N/A 2010
NY11 NEW YORK (METRO) 2,050 58,717  3,086 2,050 61,803 (4,707) 2017 2017
NY12 NEW YORK (METRO) 3,460 10,380  1,571 3,460 11,951 (942) 2017 2017
NY13 NEW YORK (METRO)  31,603  1,527  33,130 (2,829) 2017 2017
PH1 PHILADELPHIA (METRO)    43,862  43,862 (12,765) N/A 2010
RJ1 RIO DE JANEIRO (METRO), BRAZIL    23,297  23,297 (16,898) 2011 2011
RJ2 RIO DE JANEIRO (METRO), BRAZIL  2,012 1,986 53,635 1,986 55,647 (13,460) 2013 2012
SE2 SEATTLE (METRO)    30,282  30,282 (23,003) N/A 2010
SE3 SEATTLE (METRO)  1,760  95,706  97,466 (28,649) 2013 2011  1,760  99,026  100,786 (48,609) 2011
SE4 SEATTLE (METRO) 4,000 12,903  (112) 4,000 12,791 (1,669) 2017 2017 4,000 12,903  30,171 4,000 43,074 (4,990) 2017
SP1 SÃO PAULO (METRO), BRAZIL  10,188  24,862  35,050 (21,485) 2011 2011  10,188  20,427  30,615 (24,774) 2011
SP2 SÃO PAULO (METRO), BRAZIL    85,948  85,948 (46,937) 2011 2011   3,979 67,644 3,979 67,644 (52,426) 2011
SP3 SÃO PAULO (METRO), BRAZIL 12,148 72,997  8,208 12,148 81,205 (5,011) 2017 2017 9,998 72,997  33,856 9,998 106,853 (21,392) 2017
SP4 SÃO PAULO (METRO), BRAZIL  24,633  1,572  26,205 (2,810) 2017 2017  22,027  46,673  68,700 (8,156) 2017
SV1 SILICON VALLEY (METRO)   15,545 162,162 15,545 162,162 (108,646) 1999 1999   15,545 142,396 15,545 142,396 (92,746) 1999
SV2 SILICON VALLEY (METRO)    150,653  150,653 (76,489) 2003 2003    150,225  150,225 (85,449) 2003
SV3 SILICON VALLEY (METRO)    45,592  45,592 (40,301) 2004 1999    80,591  80,591 (38,156) 1999
SV4 SILICON VALLEY (METRO)    27,184  27,184 (20,935) 2005 2005    25,031  25,031 (21,991) 2005
SV5 SILICON VALLEY (METRO) 6,238 98,991  90,853 6,238 189,844 (53,708) 2010 2010 6,238 98,991  98,181 6,238 197,172 (73,271) 2010
SV6 SILICON VALLEY (METRO)  15,585  22,785  38,370 (25,454) N/A 2010  15,585  28,778  44,363 (33,612) 2010
SV8 SILICON VALLEY (METRO)    50,520  50,520 (26,134) N/A 2010    51,084  51,084 (32,480) 2010
SV10 SILICON VALLEY (METRO) 12,646 123,594  6,939 12,646 130,533 (2,816) 2017 2017 12,646 123,594  85,811 12,646 209,405 (19,993) 2017
SV11 SILICON VALLEY (METRO)    2,809  2,809  2019
SV12 SILICON VALLEY (METRO) 20,313   2,340 20,313 2,340  2015 2015 20,313   6,925 20,313 6,925  2015
SV13 SILICON VALLEY (METRO)  3,828  52  3,880 (635) 2017 2017  3,828  73  3,901 (2,459) 2017
SV14 SILICON VALLEY (METRO) 3,638 5,503  181 3,638 5,684 (361) 2017 2017 3,638 5,503  3,742 3,638 9,245 (1,768) 2017
SV15 SILICON VALLEY (METRO) 7,651 23,060  72 7,651 23,132 (1,605) 2017 2017 7,651 23,060  1,188 7,651 24,248 (5,827) 2017
SV16 SILICON VALLEY (METRO) 4,271 15,018  274 4,271 15,292 (1,201) 2017 2017 4,271 15,018  1,384 4,271 16,402 (4,237) 2017
SV17 SILICON VALLEY (METRO)  17,493  526  18,019 (2,906) 2017 2017  17,493  3,805  21,298 (10,830) 2017
TR1 TORONTO (METRO), CANADA    96,425  96,425 (25,161) N/A 2010    90,620  90,620 (30,501) 2010
TR2 TORONTO (METRO), CANADA  21,113  101,996  123,109 (12,821) 2015 2015  21,113 104,289 120,080 104,289 141,193 (19,385) 2015
OTHERS (5)
 70,803 19,365  8,408 70,803 27,773 (4,085) Various Various 77,527 21,580 227 36,770 77,754 58,350 (2,876) Various
 
EMEA: 
AD1 ABU DHABI (METRO), UNITED ARAB EMIRATES    353  353 (108) 2017
AM1 AMSTERDAM (METRO), THE NETHERLANDS    86,937  86,937 (42,564) 2008
AM2 AMSTERDAM (METRO), THE NETHERLANDS    80,238  80,238 (30,339) 2008
AM3 AMSTERDAM (METRO), THE NETHERLANDS  27,099  125,459  152,558 (52,150) 2011
AM4 AMSTERDAM (METRO), THE NETHERLANDS    190,025  190,025 (14,637) 2016
AM5 AMSTERDAM (METRO), THE NETHERLANDS  92,199  12,882  105,081 (25,529) 2016
AM6 AMSTERDAM (METRO), THE NETHERLANDS 6,616 50,876 437 81,635 7,053 132,511 (18,039) 2016


F-68


Table of Contents

Initial Costs to Company (1)
            Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition or Lease Total Costs  
Initial Costs to Company (1)
 Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition or Lease Total Costs  
Encumbrances Land 
Buildings and Improvements (2)
 Land 
Buildings and Improvements (2)
 Land 
Buildings and Improvements (2)
 
Accumulated Depreciation (3)
 Date of Construction 
Date of Acquisition or Lease (4)
Encumbrances Land 
Buildings and Improvements (2)
 Land 
Buildings and Improvements (2)
 Land 
Buildings and Improvements (2)
 
Accumulated Depreciation (3)
 
Date of Acquisition or Lease (4)
 
EMEA: 
AD1 ABU DHABI (METRO), UNITED ARAB EMIRATES    387  387 (45) N/A 2017
AM1 AMSTERDAM (METRO), THE NETHERLANDS    88,460  88,460 (33,378) 2008 2008
AM2 AMSTERDAM (METRO), THE NETHERLANDS    75,488  75,488 (24,556) 2010 2008
AM3 AMSTERDAM (METRO), THE NETHERLANDS  27,099  124,113  151,212 (36,011) 2012 2011
AM4 AMSTERDAM (METRO), THE NETHERLANDS    119,113  119,113 (1,087) 2016 2016
AM5 AMSTERDAM (METRO), THE NETHERLANDS  92,199  17,650  109,849 (13,629) N/A 2016
AM6 AMSTERDAM (METRO), THE NETHERLANDS 6,616 50,876 933 59,412 7,549 110,288 (6,985) N/A 2016
AM7 AMSTERDAM (METRO), THE NETHERLANDS  7,397  8,528  15,925 (1,699) N/A 2016  7,397  62,235  69,632 (5,773) 2016
AM8 AMSTERDAM (METRO), THE NETHERLANDS    10,657  10,657 (2,670) N/A 2016    11,060  11,060 (4,178) 2016
AM11 AMSTERDAM (METRO), THE NETHERLANDS  6,405 410 1,314 410 7,719 (410) 2019
BA1 BARCELONA (METRO), SPAIN  9,443  290  9,733 (256) N/A 2017  9,443  6,785  16,228 (3,710) 2017
DB1 DUBLIN (METRO), IRELAND    3,080  3,080 (731) N/A 2016    3,597  3,597 (2,446) 2016
DB2 DUBLIN (METRO), IRELAND  12,460  3,032  15,492 (3,543) N/A 2016  12,460  3,734  16,194 (6,469) 2016
DB3 DUBLIN (METRO), IRELAND 3,334 54,387 470 18,163 3,804 72,550 (7,754) N/A 2016 3,334 54,387 220 14,652 3,554 69,039 (15,205) 2016
DB4 DUBLIN (METRO), IRELAND  26,875  17,297  44,172 (3,307) N/A 2016  26,875  14,977  41,852 (6,898) 2016
DU1 DÜSSELDORF (METRO), GERMANY   8,644 33,567 8,644 33,567 (21,137) 2001 2000   8,117 30,189 8,117 30,189 (18,332) 2000
DX1 DUBAI (METRO), UNITED ARAB EMIRATES    84,493  84,493 (8,695) 2012 2008    89,340  89,340 (25,114) 2008
DX2 DUBAI (METRO), UNITED ARAB EMIRATES    2,594  2,594 (11) N/A 2017    653  653 (175) 2017
EN1 ENSCHEDE (METRO), THE NETHERLANDS    29,382  29,382 (17,764) 2008 2008    31,702  31,702 (21,705) 2008
FR1 FRANKFURT (METRO), GERMANY    7,615  7,615 (7,371) N/A 2007    4,151  4,151 (3,800) 2007
FR2 FRANKFURT (METRO), GERMANY   13,132 335,573 13,132 335,573 (99,648) N/A 2007   24,342 497,924 24,342 497,924 (126,263) 2007
FR3 FRANKFURT (METRO), GERMANY    1,172  1,172 (1,157) N/A 2007
FR4 FRANKFURT (METRO), GERMANY 11,578 9,307 1,633 74,071 13,211 83,378 (21,689) 2009 2009 11,578 9,307 764 80,031 12,342 89,338 (28,865) 2009
FR5 FRANKFURT (METRO), GERMANY30,310   14,002 189,912 14,002 189,912 (41,597) 2012
FR6 FRANKFURT (METRO), GERMANY    135,071  135,071 (16,536) 2016
FR7 FRANKFURT (METRO), GERMANY  43,634  27,003  70,637 (18,717) 2016
GV1 GENEVA (METRO), SWITZERLAND    15,117  15,117 (3,841) 2004
GV2 GENEVA (METRO), SWITZERLAND    24,648  24,648 (21,916) 2009
HE1 HELSINKI (METRO), FINLAND    3,626  3,626 (2,541) 2016
HE3 HELSINKI (METRO), FINLAND    13,920  13,920 (8,134) 2016
HE4 HELSINKI (METRO), FINLAND  29,092  5,841  34,933 (13,389) 2016
HE5 HELSINKI (METRO), FINLAND  7,564  5,856  13,420 (3,627) 2016
HE6 HELSINKI (METRO), FINLAND  17,204 1,571 25,830 1,571 43,034 (8,828) 2016
HE7 HELSINKI (METRO), FINLAND 7,348 6,946 1,019 16,128 8,367 23,074 (1,310) 2018
HH1 HAMBURG (METRO), GERMANY

 3,612 5,360 549 26,734 4,161 32,094 (290) 2018
IL2 ISTANBUL (METRO), TURKEY 14,460 39,289  12,428 14,460 51,717 (4,603) 2017
LD3 LONDON (METRO), UNITED KINGDOM    17,513  17,513 (15,831) 2000
LD4 LONDON (METRO), UNITED KINGDOM  23,044  119,830  142,874 (43,675) 2007
LD5 LONDON (METRO), UNITED KINGDOM  16,412  181,903  198,315 (88,458) 2010
LD6 LONDON (METRO), UNITED KINGDOM    138,942  138,942 (27,330) 2013
LD7 LONDON (METRO), UNITED KINGDOM    130,759  130,759 (3,320) 2018


F-69


Table of Contents

 
Initial Costs to Company (1)
            Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition or Lease Total Costs  
 Encumbrances Land 
Buildings and Improvements (2)
 Land 
Buildings and Improvements (2)
 Land 
Buildings and Improvements (2)
 
Accumulated Depreciation (3)
 Date of Construction 
Date of Acquisition or Lease (4)
FR5 FRANKFURT (METRO), GERMANY30,310   4,240 148,382 4,240 148,382 (30,480) 2012 2012
FR6 FRANKFURT (METRO), GERMANY    106,231  106,231 (2,336) 2016 2016
FR7 FRANKFURT (METRO), GERMANY  43,634  12,865  56,499 (8,816) N/A 2016
GV1 GENEVA (METRO), SWITZERLAND    7,493  7,493 (4,625) 2004 2004
GV2 GENEVA (METRO), SWITZERLAND    23,250  23,250 (17,044) 2010 2009
HE1 HELSINKI (METRO), FINLAND    3,626  3,626 (1,362) N/A 2016
HE2 HELSINKI (METRO), FINLAND    1,638  1,638 (1,023) N/A 2016
HE3 HELSINKI (METRO), FINLAND    11,758  11,758 (4,971) N/A 2016
HE4 HELSINKI (METRO), FINLAND  29,092  8,007  37,099 (6,697) N/A 2016
HE5 HELSINKI (METRO), FINLAND  7,564  1,233  8,797 (2,358) N/A 2016
HE6 HELSINKI (METRO), FINLAND  17,204 1,791 25,836 1,791 43,040 (2,717) N/A 2016
IS1 ISTANBUL (METRO), TURKEY    8,166  8,166 (4,042) N/A 2016
IS2 ISTANBUL (METRO), TURKEY 14,460 39,289  1,332 14,460 40,621 (298) N/A 2017
LD3 LONDON (METRO), UNITED KINGDOM    16,526  16,526 (11,886) 2005 2000
LD4 LONDON (METRO), UNITED KINGDOM  23,044  69,365  92,409 (39,185) 2007 2007
LD5 LONDON (METRO), UNITED KINGDOM  16,412  183,250  199,662 (68,682) 2010 2010
LD6 LONDON (METRO), UNITED KINGDOM    121,069  121,069 (12,525) 2015 2013
LD8 LONDON (METRO), UNITED KINGDOM  107,544  18,577  126,121 (15,891) N/A 2016
LD9 LONDON (METRO), UNITED KINGDOM  181,431  32,756  214,187 (26,163) N/A 2016
LD10 LONDON (METRO), UNITED KINGDOM  40,251  63,905  104,156 (2,203) N/A 2017
LS1 LISBON (METRO), PORTUGAL  7,374 2,789 820 2,789 8,194 (193) 2017 2017
MA1 MANCHESTER (METRO), UNITED KINGDOM    6,453  6,453 (1,765) N/A 2016
MA2 MANCHESTER (METRO), UNITED KINGDOM    10,439  10,439 (2,586) N/A 2016
MA3 MANCHESTER (METRO), UNITED KINGDOM  44,931  6,813  51,744 (9,862) N/A 2016
MA4 MANCHESTER (METRO), UNITED KINGDOM  6,697  1,957  8,654 (3,245) N/A 2016
 
Initial Costs to Company (1)
 Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition or Lease Total Costs  
 Encumbrances Land 
Buildings and Improvements (2)
 Land 
Buildings and Improvements (2)
 Land 
Buildings and Improvements (2)
 
Accumulated Depreciation (3)
 
Date of Acquisition or Lease (4)
LD8 LONDON (METRO), UNITED KINGDOM  107,544  37,898  145,442 (38,935) 2016
LD9 LONDON (METRO), UNITED KINGDOM  181,431  152,279  333,710 (58,823) 2016
LD10 LONDON (METRO), UNITED KINGDOM  40,251  98,955  139,206 (3,115) 2017
LS1 LISBON (METRO), PORTUGAL  7,374 3,467 4,061 3,467 11,435 (2,313) 2017
MA1 MANCHESTER (METRO), UNITED KINGDOM    10,480  10,480 (4,260) 2016
MA2 MANCHESTER (METRO), UNITED KINGDOM    10,211  10,211 (5,824) 2016
MA3 MANCHESTER (METRO), UNITED KINGDOM  44,931  5,883  50,814 (20,007) 2016
MA4 MANCHESTER (METRO), UNITED KINGDOM  6,697  2,403  9,100 (6,634) 2016
MD1 MADRID (METRO), SPAIN  7,917 10,961 1,086 10,961 9,003 (3,074) 2017
MD2 MADRID (METRO), SPAIN  40,952  29,913  70,865 (18,467) 2017
ML2 MILAN (METRO), ITALY    18,941  18,941 (8,119) 2016
ML3 MILAN (METRO), ITALY   3,564 41,678 3,564 41,678 (11,036) 2016
ML4 MILAN (METRO), ITALY    8,978  8,978 (4,812) 2016
ML5 MILAN (METRO), ITALY 7,741 20,952   7,741 20,952  2019
MU1 MUNICH (METRO), GERMANY    26,282  26,282 (15,088) 2007
MU3 MUNICH (METRO), GERMANY    4,759  4,759 (2,001) 2010
PA1 PARIS (METRO), FRANCE    21,810  21,810 (11,154) 2007
PA2 & PA3 PARIS (METRO), FRANCE  29,615 25,290 286,113 25,290 315,728 (121,808) 2007
PA4 PARIS (METRO), FRANCE 1,598 9,503  225,703 1,598 235,206 (61,380) 2011
PA5 PARIS (METRO), FRANCE  16,554  442  16,996 (5,081) 2016
PA6 PARIS (METRO), FRANCE    66,720  66,720 (25,375) 2016
PA7 PARIS (METRO), FRANCE    18,611  18,611 (7,477) 2016
PA9x PARIS (METRO), FRANCE    54,834  54,834  2019
SA1 SEVILLE (METRO), SPAIN  1,567  809  2,376 (1,459) 2017
SK1 STOCKHOLM, (METRO), SWEDEN  15,495  7,865  23,360 (7,424) 2016
SK2 STOCKHOLM, (METRO), SWEDEN  80,148 3,775 59,319 3,775 139,467 (20,755) 2016
SK3 STOCKHOLM, (METRO), SWEDEN    15,769  15,769 (3,738) 2016
SO1 SOFIA (METRO), BULGARIA  5,236  2,471  7,707 (1,780) 2016
SO2 SOFIA (METRO), BULGARIA 2,719   17,074 2,719 17,074 (454) 2017
WA1 WARSAW (METRO), POLAND  5,950  10,951  16,901 (5,390) 2016
WA2 WARSAW (METRO), POLAND  4,709  8,536  13,245 (3,528) 2016
WA3 WARSAW (METRO), POLAND 2,784   33,930 2,784 33,930 (67) 2017
ZH1 ZURICH (METRO), SWITZERLAND    36  36  2007
ZH2 ZURICH (METRO), SWITZERLAND    3,158  3,158 (2,579) 2002
ZH4 ZURICH (METRO), SWITZERLAND  11,284  23,137  34,421 (23,774) 2009


F-70


Table of Contents

 
Initial Costs to Company (1)
            Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition or Lease Total Costs  
 Encumbrances Land 
Buildings and Improvements (2)
 Land 
Buildings and Improvements (2)
 Land 
Buildings and Improvements (2)
 
Accumulated Depreciation (3)
 Date of Construction 
Date of Acquisition or Lease (4)
MD1 MADRID (METRO), SPAIN  8,120  250  8,370 (165) N/A 2017
MD2 MADRID (METRO), SPAIN  40,952  2,733  43,685 (1,083) N/A 2017
ML1 MILAN (METRO), ITALY    134  134 (1) 2011 2011
ML2 MILAN (METRO), ITALY    7,967  7,967 (5,026) N/A 2016
ML3 MILAN (METRO), ITALY   3,344 33,566 3,344 33,566 (8,620) N/A 2016
ML4 MLAN (METRO), ITALY    8,424  8,424 (2,667) N/A 2016
MU1 MUNICH (METRO), GERMANY    19,124  19,124 (14,244) N/A 2007
MU3 MUNICH (METRO), GERMANY    2,431  2,431 (1,088) 2010 2010
PA1 PARIS (METRO), FRANCE    25,484  25,484 (19,996) N/A 2007
PA2 & PA3 PARIS (METRO), FRANCE  29,615 27,071 292,453 27,071 322,068 (101,473) 2010 2007
PA4 PARIS (METRO), FRANCE 1,701 9,503 239 228,289 1,940 237,792 (40,718) 2012 2011
PA5 PARIS (METRO), FRANCE  16,554  3,072  19,626 (3,263) N/A 2016
PA6 PARIS (METRO), FRANCE    66,000  66,000 (13,605) N/A 2016
PA7 PARIS (METRO), FRANCE    16,137  16,137 (3,976) N/A 2016
SA1 SEVILLE (METRO), SPAIN  1,594  49  1,643 (75) N/A 2017
SK1 STOCKHOLM, (METRO), SWEDEN  15,495  6,758  22,253 (4,131) N/A 2016
SK2 STOCKHOLM, (METRO), SWEDEN  80,148  14,171  94,319 (10,539) N/A 2016
SK3 STOCKHOLM, (METRO), SWEDEN    15,255  15,255 (2,005) N/A 2016
SO1 SOFIA (METRO), BULGARIA  5,236 2,984 1,654 2,984 6,890 (860) N/A 2016
WA1 WARSAW (METRO), POLAND  5,950  5,356  11,306 (2,402) N/A 2016
WA2 WARSAW (METRO), POLAND  4,709 3,038 8,278 3,038 12,987 (1,649) N/A 2016
ZH1 ZURICH (METRO), SWITZERLAND    4,919  4,919 (4,376) N/A 2007
ZH2 ZURICH (METRO), SWITZERLAND    5,025  5,025 (3,502) 2003 2002
ZH4 ZURICH (METRO), SWITZERLAND  11,284  29,805  41,089 (21,868) 2010 2009
ZH5 ZURICH (METRO), SWITZERLAND   7,987 59,474 7,987 59,474 (15,119) 2013 2009
ZW1 ZWOLLE (METRO), THE NETHERLANDS    9,453  9,453 (5,416) 2008 2008
OTHERS (5)
 3,184 1,293 395 22,490 3,579 23,783 (914) Various Various
                    
 
Initial Costs to Company (1)
 Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition or Lease Total Costs  
 Encumbrances Land 
Buildings and Improvements (2)
 Land 
Buildings and Improvements (2)
 Land 
Buildings and Improvements (2)
 
Accumulated Depreciation (3)
 
Date of Acquisition or Lease (4)
ZH5 ZURICH (METRO), SWITZERLAND   7,613 122,801 7,613 122,801 (20,735) 2009
ZW1 ZWOLLE (METRO), THE NETHERLANDS    9,934  9,934 (6,829) 2008
OTHERS (5)
 16,652 7,956 16,763 54,557 33,415 62,513 (3,756) Various
                  
Asia-Pacific:                 
AE1 ADELAIDE (METRO), AUSTRALIA 2,654 1,015  1,689 2,654 2,704 (400) 2018
BR1 BRISBANE (METRO), AUSTRALIA 3,159 1,053  1,712 3,159 2,765 (249) 2018
CA1 CANBERRA (METRO), AUSTRALIA  18,410  1,416  19,826 (1,397) 2018
HK1 HONG KONG (METRO), CHINA    217,236  217,236 (102,231) 2003
HK2 HONG KONG (METRO), CHINA    230,373  230,373 (117,462) 2010
HK3 HONG KONG (METRO), CHINA    137,773  137,773 (70,771) 2012
HK4 HONG KONG (METRO), CHINA    67,853  67,853 (7,278) 2012
HK5 HONG KONG (METRO), CHINA  70,002  36,845  106,847 (13,545) 2017
ME1 MELBOURNE (METRO), AUSTRALIA 14,926   83,929 14,926 83,929 (18,291) 2013
ME2 MELBOURNE (METRO), AUSTRALIA    74,262  74,262 (130) 2018
ME4 MELBOURNE (METRO), AUSTRALIA 3,426 84,175  7,387 3,426 91,562 (10,436) 2018
ME5 MELBOURNE (METRO), AUSTRALIA 6,655 4,094  3,523 6,655 7,617 (1,167) 2018
OS1 OSAKA (METRO), JAPAN  14,876  97,754  112,630 (26,774) 2013
OS2x OSAKA (METRO), JAPAN 12,023  651 4,255 12,674 4,255  2018
PE1 PERTH (METRO), AUSTRALIA 1,348 1,337  1,064 1,348 2,401 (184) 2018
PE2 PERTH (METRO), AUSTRALIA  16,327  12,344  28,671 (3,003) 2018
SG1 SINGAPORE (METRO)    173,068  173,068 (116,934) 2003
SG2 SINGAPORE (METRO)    293,336  293,336 (188,277) 2008
SG3 SINGAPORE (METRO)  34,844  210,664  245,508 (50,346) 2013
SG4 SINGAPORE (METRO)  54,602  72,084  126,686 (287) 2019
SG5 SINGAPORE (METRO)    24,320  24,320  2019
SH2 SHANGHAI (METRO), CHINA    5,037  5,037 (1,919) 2012
SH3 SHANGHAI (METRO), CHINA  7,066  9,950  17,016 (5,570) 2012
SH5 SHANGHAI (METRO), CHINA  11,284  20,369  31,653 (11,965) 2012
SH6 SHANGHAI (METRO), CHINA  16,545  12,469  29,014 (1,448) 2017
SL1 SEOUL (METRO), SOUTH KOREA  29,236  4,729  33,965 (1,306) 2019
SY1 SYDNEY (METRO), AUSTRALIA    28,195  28,195 (17,494) 2003
SY2 SYDNEY (METRO), AUSTRALIA  3,080  23,572  26,652 (20,289) 2008
SY3 SYDNEY (METRO), AUSTRALIA  8,712  140,746  149,458 (68,935) 2010
SY4 SYDNEY (METRO), AUSTRALIA    160,001  160,001 (28,402) 2014
SY5 SYDNEY (METRO), AUSTRALIA 82,091   167,426 82,091 167,426 (374) 2018
SY6 SYDNEY (METRO), AUSTRALIA 8,859 64,197  5,540 8,859 69,737 (5,847) 2018


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Table of Contents

 
Initial Costs to Company (1)
            Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition or Lease Total Costs  
 Encumbrances Land 
Buildings and Improvements (2)
 Land 
Buildings and Improvements (2)
 Land 
Buildings and Improvements (2)
 
Accumulated Depreciation (3)
 Date of Construction 
Date of Acquisition or Lease (4)
Asia-Pacific:                   
HK1 HONG KONG (METRO), CHINA    148,027  148,027 (76,233) N/A 2003
HK2 HONG KONG (METRO), CHINA    241,480  241,480 (74,971) 2011 2010
HK3 HONG KONG (METRO), CHINA    133,673  133,673 (52,731) N/A 2012
HK4 HONG KONG (METRO), CHINA    6,913  6,913 (4,882) N/A 2012
HK5 HONG KONG (METRO), CHINA  70,002  31,781  101,783 (548) 2017 2017
ME1 MELBOURNE (METRO), AUSTRALIA 15,341  1,269 73,238 16,610 73,238 (10,711) 2013 2013
OS1 OSAKA (METRO), JAPAN  14,876  53,015  67,891 (12,946) 2013 2013
SG1 SINGAPORE (METRO)    178,617  178,617 (116,756) N/A 2003
SG2 SINGAPORE (METRO)    322,842  322,842 (135,587) 2008 2008
SG3 SINGAPORE (METRO)  34,844  110,842  145,686 (20,324) 2013 2013
SH2 SHANGHAI (METRO), CHINA    3,921  3,921 (1,369) 2012 2012
SH3 SHANGHAI (METRO), CHINA  7,066  9,650  16,716 (4,595) 2012 2012
SH4 SHANGHAI (METRO), CHINA    1,707  1,707 (1,875) 2012 2012
SH5 SHANGHAI (METRO), CHINA  11,284  21,513  32,797 (8,463) 2012 2012
SH6 SHANGHAI (METRO), CHINA  16,545  1,893  18,438  N/A 2017
SY1 SYDNEY (METRO), AUSTRALIA    26,684  26,684 (14,867) N/A 2003
SY2 SYDNEY (METRO), AUSTRALIA  3,080  35,042  38,122 (21,647) 2008 2008
SY3 SYDNEY (METRO), AUSTRALIA  8,712  148,640  157,352 (56,626) 2010 2010
SY4 SYDNEY (METRO), AUSTRALIA    145,683  145,683 (9,490) 2015 2014
TY1 TOKYO (METRO), JAPAN    19,426  19,426 (10,395) 2000 2000
TY2 TOKYO (METRO), JAPAN    85,617  85,617 (60,135) 2007 2006
TY3 TOKYO (METRO), JAPAN    73,526  73,526 (29,924) 2010 2010
TY4 TOKYO (METRO), JAPAN    53,000  53,000 (15,975) 2012 2012
TY5 TOKYO (METRO), JAPAN  102  52,606  52,708 (5,060) 2014 2014
TY6 TOKYO (METRO), JAPAN  37,941  11,646  49,587 (12,113) N/A 2015
TY7 TOKYO (METRO), JAPAN  13,175  4,669  17,844 (5,597) N/A 2015
TY8 TOKYO (METRO), JAPAN  53,848  5,505  59,353 (10,006) N/A 2015
TY9 TOKYO (METRO), JAPAN  106,710  6,877  113,587 (24,123) N/A 2015
TY10 TOKYO (METRO), JAPAN  69,881  11,665  81,546 (10,751) N/A 2015
OTHERS (5)
    32,794  32,794 (15,986) Various Various
 
Initial Costs to Company (1)
 Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition or Lease��Total Costs  
 Encumbrances Land 
Buildings and Improvements (2)
 Land 
Buildings and Improvements (2)
 Land 
Buildings and Improvements (2)
 
Accumulated Depreciation (3)
 
Date of Acquisition or Lease (4)
SY7 SYDNEY (METRO), AUSTRALIA 2,745 47,350  3,057 2,745 50,407 (3,921) 2018
SY8 SYDNEY (METRO), AUSTRALIA  1,073  367  1,440 (487) 2018
TY1 TOKYO (METRO), JAPAN    23,400  23,400 (18,214) 2000
TY2 TOKYO (METRO), JAPAN    90,190  90,190 (65,613) 2006
TY3 TOKYO (METRO), JAPAN    78,646  78,646 (39,806) 2010
TY4 TOKYO (METRO), JAPAN    75,422  75,422 (26,281) 2012
TY5 TOKYO (METRO), JAPAN  102  57,228  57,330 (13,578) 2014
TY6 TOKYO (METRO), JAPAN  37,941  11,992  49,933 (25,728) 2015
TY7 TOKYO (METRO), JAPAN  13,175  5,958  19,133 (11,043) 2015
TY8 TOKYO (METRO), JAPAN  53,848  7,981  61,829 (22,012) 2015
TY9 TOKYO (METRO), JAPAN  106,710  20,043  126,753 (63,550) 2015
TY10 TOKYO (METRO), JAPAN  69,881  17,422  87,303 (20,679) 2015
TY11 TOKYO (METRO), JAPAN  22,099  134,708  156,807 (3,320) 2018
TY12x TOKYO (METRO), JAPAN 10,285  101 66,560 10,386 66,560  2018
OTHERS (5)
 14,536 875  14,593 14,536 15,468 (8,213) Various
TOTAL LOCATIONS$30,310 $509,259 $3,777,257 $277,406 $12,363,410 $786,665 $16,140,667 $(5,329,182)  


 
Initial Costs to Company (1)
            Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition or Lease Total Costs  
 Encumbrances Land 
Buildings and Improvements (2)
 Land 
Buildings and Improvements (2)
 Land 
Buildings and Improvements (2)
 
Accumulated Depreciation (3)
 Date of Construction 
Date of Acquisition or Lease (4)
TOTAL LOCATIONS$30,310 $298,830 $3,058,446 $124,706 $9,465,753 $423,536 $12,524,199 $(3,980,198)    
__________________________
(1)
The initial cost was $0 if the lease of the respective IBX was classified as an operating lease.
(2)
Building and improvements include all fixed assets except for land.
(3)
Buildings and improvements are depreciated on a straight line basis over estimated useful live as described under described in Note 1 of Notes to Condensedwithin the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-KStatements.
(4)
Date of lease or acquisition represents the date the Company leased the facility or acquired the facility through purchase or acquisition.
(5)
Includes various IBXs that are under initial development and costs incurred at certain central locations supporting various IBX functions.


The aggregate gross cost of the Company's properties for federal income tax purpose approximated $17,901.9$23,111.1 million (unaudited) as of December 31, 2017.2019.

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Table of Contents

The following table reconciles the historical cost of the Company’sCompany's properties for financial reporting purposes for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 20172019 (in thousands).
Gross Fixed Assets:
2017 2016 20152019 2018 2017
Balance, beginning of period$9,855,811
 $7,871,890
 $7,006,695
$15,020,198
 $12,947,735
 $9,855,811
ASC 842 adoption impact (1)
(276,671) 
 
Additions (including acquisitions and improvements)2,508,333
 2,187,306
 1,172,855
2,632,472
 2,756,218
 2,508,333
Disposals(78,886) (78,607) (9,295)(463,485) (289,157) (78,886)
Foreign currency transaction adjustments and others662,477
 (124,778) (298,365)14,818
 (394,598) 662,477
Balance, end of year$12,947,735
 $9,855,811
 $7,871,890
$16,927,332
 $15,020,198
 $12,947,735
Accumulated Depreciation:
2017 2016 20152019 2018 2017
Balance, beginning of period$(3,175,972) $(2,595,648) $(2,242,345)$(4,517,016) $(3,980,198) $(3,175,972)
ASC 842 adoption impact (1)
(7,846) 
 
Additions (depreciation expense)(748,942) (618,970) (440,002)(926,046) (882,848) (748,942)
Disposals65,922
 9,401
 7,396
128,352
 261,928
 65,922
Foreign currency transaction adjustments and others(121,206) 29,245
 79,303
(6,626) 84,102
 (121,206)
Balance, end of year$(3,980,198) $(3,175,972) $(2,595,648)$(5,329,182) $(4,517,016) $(3,980,198)

(1)
Upon the adoption of Topic 842 on January 1, 2019, the Company de-recognized certain fixed assets under built-to-suite leases due to the conversion of certain build-to-suit leases to operating leases. See Note 1 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.

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