0001101239eqix:EMEASegmentMembereqix:SO1SOFIAMETROBULGARIAMember2020-12-31 UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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FORM 10-K
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x☒ | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 20172020
OR
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¨☐ | 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)
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| Delaware | | 77-0487526 |
| (State of incorporation) | | (IRS Employer Identification No.) |
One Lagoon Drive, Redwood City, California 94065
(Address of principal executive offices, including ZIP code)
(650) 598-6000
(Registrant’sRegistrant's telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
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| Title of each class | | Trading Symbol | | Name of each exchange on which registered |
| Common Stock, $0.001 | | EQIX | | The 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. Yes x☒ 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 ¨☐ No x☒
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. Yes x☒ 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). Yes x☒ 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):
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| Large accelerated filer | ☒ | Accelerated filer | ☐ |
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Large accelerated filer x
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| Non-accelerated filero | ☐ | Smaller reporting companyo | ☐ |
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| | 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 has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒
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$62.2 billion. As of February 23, 2018,18, 2021, a total of 79,228,07289,287,863 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 2021 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, 2017.2020. 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
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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PART I
Table of Contents
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PARTI
Forward-Looking Statements
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.
Overview
Equinix, Inc. connects more than 9,800 companies directlySummary of Risk Factors
Our business is subject to theirnumerous risks and uncertainties that make an investment in our common stock speculative or risky, any one of which could materially adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition or business. These risks include, but are not limited to, those listed below. This list is not complete, and should be read together with the section titled “Risk Factors” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as the other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and the other filings that we make with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).
Risks Related to Our Business and Our Operations
•The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic could have a negative effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
•We experienced an information technology security breach in the past and may be vulnerable to future security breaches, which could disrupt our operations and have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operation and financial condition.
•Terrorist activity, or violence stemming from the current climate of political and economic uncertainty, could adversely impact our business.
•Our offerings have a long sales cycle that may harm our revenue and results of operations.
•Any failure of our physical infrastructure or negative impact on our ability to meet our obligations to our customers or damage to customer infrastructure within our IBX data centers, could lead to significant costs and partners acrossdisruptions that could reduce our revenue and harm our business reputation and financial condition.
•We are currently making significant investments in our back-office information technology systems and processes. Difficulties from or disruptions to these efforts may interrupt our normal operations and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
•The level of insurance coverage that we purchase may prove to be inadequate.
•The use of high power density equipment may limit our ability to fully utilize our older IBX data centers.
•If we are unable to implement our evolving organizational structure or if we are unable to recruit or retain key executives and qualified personnel, our business could be harmed.
•We may not be able to compete successfully against current and future competitors.
•If we cannot continue to develop, acquire, market and provide new offerings or enhancements to existing offerings that meet customer requirements and differentiate us from our competitors, our results of operations could suffer.
•Our results of operations results may fluctuate.
•Our days sales outstanding ("DSO") may be negatively impacted by process and system upgrades and acquisitions.
•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.
•We have incurred substantial losses in the world’s most interconnectedpast and may incur additional losses in the future.
•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 interconnection platform.results of operations.
•We depend on a number of third parties to provide internet connectivity to our IBX data centers; if connectivity is interrupted or terminated, our results of operations and cash flow could be materially and adversely affected.
•We have government customers, which subjects us to risks including early termination, audits, investigations, sanctions and penalties.
•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 results of operations.
•Industry consolidation may have a negative impact on our business model.
Risks Related to Our Expansion Plans
•Our construction of additional new IBX data centers or IBX data center expansions could involve significant risks to our business.
•Acquisitions present many risks, and we may not realize the financial or strategic goals that were contemplated at the time of any transaction.
•The anticipated benefits of our joint ventures with GIC Private Limited, Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund (“GIC”) may not be fully realized or take longer to realize than expected.
•Joint venture investments, such as our joint ventures 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.
•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.
•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.
Risks Related to Our Capital Needs and Capital Strategy
•Our substantial debt could adversely affect our cash flows and limit our flexibility to raise additional capital.
•The phase-out of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), and uncertainty as to its replacement, may adversely affect our business.
•Sales or issuances of shares of our common stock may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
•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.
•Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates in the markets in which we operate internationally could harm our results of operations.
•Our derivative transactions expose us to counterparty credit risk.
Risks Related to Environmental Laws and Climate Change Impacts
•Environmental regulations may impose upon us new or unexpected costs.
•Our business may be adversely affected by climate change and responses to it.
•Our business could be harmed by prolonged power outages, shortages or capacity constraints.
Risks Related to Certain Regulations and Laws, including Tax Laws
•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.
•Government regulation may adversely affect our business.
Risks Related to Our Taxation as a REIT
•We have a number of risks related to our taxation as a REIT, including the risk that we may not be able to maintain our qualification as a REIT which could expose us to substantial corporate income tax and have a materially adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
ITEM 1.Business
Overview: Powering the World’s Digital Leaders
Equinix is a global digital infrastructure company. Digital leaders harness our trusted platform to bring together and interconnect the foundational infrastructure that powers their digital success. We enable our customers to access all the right places, partners and possibilities they need to accelerate their digital advantage. Platform Equinix® combines a global footprint of state-of-the-art International Business Exchange™ (IBX("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 ("AMER"), Asia-Pacific ("APAC"), and Europe, the Middle East and Africa ("EMEA"). regions, 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 (composed from the words "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 bring together and interconnect the infrastructure they need to fast-track their digital advantage. With Equinix, they can scale with agility, speed the launch of digital services, deliver world-class experiences and multiply their value. We enable them 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 and latency. 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 enable customers to connect on demand to any other customer from any Equinix location, equipping digital businesses to scale their operations rapidly across the largest markets globally. By connecting to more business partnersinterconnection offerings 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 occurring 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 exchanging 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, government and nonprofit organizations established places where these networks could peer with each other. These points were known as network access points, or NAPs. Over time, many NAPs became a natural extension of carrieredge services, and were run by companies such as MFS (now a part of Verizon Business), Sprint, Ameritech and Pacific Bell (the latter two now part of AT&T).
Ultimately, these NAPs were unable to scale with the growth 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-neutral 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, as the importance of their internet operations continued to grow. These were the seeds of the connected era, when peering expanded exponentially among new players, 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 occurred 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 or 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:
Private interconnection is a rapidly growing business practice for leading companies, as their businesses become increasingly digital. According to the Global Interconnection Index, a market study published in 2017 by Equinix, the capacity for private data exchange between businesses is growing at nearly twice the rate of the public internet and is on pace to reach nearly six 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.
Significant increases 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.
Industry analysts project the compound annual growth rate of the global carrier neutral colocation market to be approximately 8% between 2016 and 2020.
Equinix Value Proposition
Equinix’s global platform for digital business offers these unique value propositions to customers:
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 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
On 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 business 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 attractestablish 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.customers. As more customers choose Platform 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 capitalfor bandwidth 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,reasons it benefits their suppliers and business partners benefit by doingto colocate in the same data centers and they gain the fullconnect 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.
In 2020, we opened six new IBX data centers, invested in xScaleTM data centers, and added capacity in 14 markets resulting in an increase in our total number of IBX and xScaleTM data center facilities to more than 225, including our acquisition of 13 data centers in Canada. 2020 highlights include:
•New data center openings in 2020 included six new IBX sites in the following metros: Washington DC, Dallas, Warsaw, and Hamburg, with an opening in Muscat, Oman held in an unconsolidated entity and a new market entry announced for Bordeaux, France.
•We began construction on five additional xScaleTM sites in 2020. xScaleTM data centers serve the needs of the growing hyperscale data center market, including the world's largest cloud service providers, and are engineered to meet the technical and operational requirements and price points of core hyperscale workload deployments. xScaleTM data centers also offer access to our comprehensive suite of interconnection and edge services that tie into the hyperscale companies' existing access points at Equinix, thereby increasing the speed of connectivity to their existing and future enterprise customers. In xScaleTM sites, hyperscale companies can consolidate core and access point deployments into one global interconnection forprovider to streamline and simplify their business ecosystems. These partners,rapid growth.
•In the fourth quarter of 2020, we acquired 13 data centers from BCE Inc. ("Bell') in turn, pullCanada (the "Bell Acquisition"), solidifying our position as a leading digital infrastructure provider 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 interconnectthe country, with a wide varietytotal of 15 data centers that we now operate coast-to-coast across eight metros. The Bell Acquisition allows us to expand our reach with seven new metros in six provinces, adding more than 600 customer accounts from diverse sectors, including enterprise, cloud, IT, government, energy and financial services. In addition to adding new capacity in Toronto where we already operated two IBX data centers, we acquired data centers in Calgary, Kamloops, Saint John, Montreal, Ottawa, Vancouver and Winnipeg. The transaction opens key gateways from North America to Asia through Vancouver and North America to Europe through the submarine cable systems in the Saint John area in New Brunswick.
•In August 2020, we announced our intended expansion into India, a new market, entering into an agreement to purchase the India operations of GPX Global Systems, Inc. ("GPX India"). The acquisition, expected to close in Q2 2021 subject to regulatory approval, includes the two most interconnected data centers in India, with a well-established ecosystem in Mumbai that includes more than 200 interconnection-rich customers, international brands and key local players. India has the world’s second largest population and the second largest base of internet subscribers, fueling demand for data centers and colocation offerings. This planned acquisition underscores our goal to extend Platform Equinix to support our customers’ digital edge strategies.
•In March 2020, we completed our acquisition of leading bare metal automation company Packet Host, Inc. ("Packet") (the "Packet Acquisition"). Packet’s capabilities became Equinix MetalTM which adds direct integration to Equinix FabricTM and expands the services to new global locations. With Equinix Metal, enterprises, SaaS companies is a key differentiator for us and enables companies to create new opportunities within unique ecosystems by working together. Wedigital service providers can provision interconnected bare metal resources in minutes instead of months, while reducing the capital expenditures and operational requirements of owning hardware. They can also have efficientreduce cloud costs while retaining the flexibility and innovative internet andoperational expenditures of cloud exchange platformsservices via on demand, reserved or spot market capacity 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 appreciateglobal data centers using the Equinix value propositionMetal portal or DevOps-friendly APIs and integrations. An important piece of interconnection, reliability,our Platform strategy, this acquisition advances our vision to deliver the most advanced solutions for customers to rapidly deploy digital infrastructure at 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,scale.
•In January 2020, we will continue to identify and focusexpanded into two new Mexico metros, with 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 29acquisition of three data centers across 15from Axtel S.A.B. de C.V. ("Axtel") that serve the Mexico City and Monterrey metro areas. This strategic acquisition strengthenedexpansion, when combined with previous Equinix acquisitions of key regional traffic hubs in Dallas ("Infomart") and Miami (the NAP of the Americas), further strengthens our global platform by increasing interconnection between North, Central and South America. Mexico is the world's eleventh-largest economy and the second largest in Latin America. The country's telecommunications reform of 2013 has created opportunities for many businesses seeking to expand into Mexico, allowing for open competition by non-governmental entities and providing an opportunity for the growth of service provider and enterprise ecosystems that flourish within our network-neutral data centers globally.
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. The convergence of these global trends and the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic have created additional pressure for many companies to transform. The collective influence of these trends is driving complexity and risk that must be addressed in multiple locations for companies to effectively compete in the U.S.global digital economy. These trends include:
•Digital business: As organizations transform their traditional lines of business, they are being asked to reduce costs and Latin Americabecome more efficient while accelerating the development of new insights. This requires transforming network architecture while distributing digital infrastructure in strategic locations to support local interconnection between user services, data, clouds and accelerated Equinix'secosystem partners.
•Urbanization: This is driving an increase in population centers needing digital engagement; however, a more recent trend has been migration out of cities due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This is causing an expansion in the overall digital edge, which requires 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 it cost effective to distribute applications, data, content and networking to serve these locations.
•Cybersecurity: A cybersecurity breach is one of the most serious risks facing companies today, and many of the most serious breaches occur via a penetration of a company’s business partners’ networks. To protect against this, businesses need to develop best practices to distribute their security controls and infrastructure out to digital exchanges where most traffic exchange is happening.
•Data volumes and compliance: Demand for local data analysis and data exchange to support digital workflows is outpacing organizations’ ability to classify, secure, privately transport and process data across regions. To meet new regulations and drive new strategic value, companies need to deploy distributed data storage, analytics and clouds within the enterprisesame jurisdiction, and strategicthen replicate this across multiple global locations.
•Business ecosystems: Digital trade flows involve an increasing variety of customers, partners and employees. To enable this, companies deploy a digital presence in close physical proximity to an application exchange point and then connect to it directly to support real-time engagement. In the aggregate, these form a business ecosystem. These ecosystems are expanding in depth and number.
These trends are accelerating the need for companies like Equinix who can provide a secure, agile global business platform that leverages digital interconnection—or private data exchange—to deliver real-time interactions around the world.
As part of their 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 digital business value. To realize the full potential of the edge, IT organizations require greater interconnection bandwidth. Interconnection bandwidth is defined as the total capacity provisioned to privately and directly exchange traffic, with a diverse set of partners and providers, at distributed IT exchange points inside carrier-neutral colocation data centers. Private interconnection capacity between businesses, as reported in the fourth annual Global Interconnection Index ("GXI"), a market sectors, including governmentstudy published by Equinix, is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 45% by 2023, reaching 16,300+ terabits per second of data exchanged annually.
Worldwide Interconnection Bandwidth Capacity Growth (2018 - 2022) in Terabits per Second (Tbps)
Source: GXI Volume 4
Equinix Business Proposition: Bring together and energy.interconnect the infrastructure you need to fast-track your digital advantage
In 2020, we continued to build new data center, interconnection and edge services capabilities that we intend will further our vision to power the world’s digital leaders. On Platform Equinix, digital leaders can bring together all the right places, partners and possibilities to create the foundational infrastructure they need to succeed. We made several other important, smaller acquisitions in 2017, including the purchase of IO UK’s facility in Slough, United Kingdom, the purchaseoffer a comprehensive, integrated suite of data center, interconnection and edge services and products to close to 10,000 enterprise and service provider Itconiccustomers worldwide.
The following are the leading revenue generating product and its fiveother offerings that collectively make up Platform Equinix:
Data Center Solutions
Our global, state-of-the-art data centers (fourmeet strict standards of security, reliability, certification and sustainability. Offerings 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 10these data centers spanning Australia. In February 2018, we announcedare typically billed based on the entry intospace and power a transaction agreement to acquire Infomart Dallas, including its operationscustomer consumes, are delivered under a fixed duration contract and tenants. We also saw significant organic growth in 2017, opening newgenerate monthly recurring revenue ("MRR").
•IBX Data Centers consist of more than 220 IBX vendor-neutral colocation 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 Services | Content Providers | Enterprise | Financial Companies | Network 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 provideworldwide, providing our customers with secure, reliable and robust environments (including space and power) that are necessary for optimum internet commerce interconnection. Ourto 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.
•xScaleTM Data Centers are designed to serve the unique core workload deployment needs of a targeted group of hyperscale companies, which include multiple layers of physical security, scalable cabinet space availability, on-site trained staff (24x7x365), dedicated areas for customer care and equipment staging, redundant AC/DC power systems and other redundant and fault-tolerant infrastructure systems. Some specifications of offerings provided by individual IBXthe world's largest cloud service providers. With xScaleTM data centers, may differ based on original facility design or market.
Within our IBXhyperscale customers add to their core hyperscale data centers, customers can deploy their equipmentcenter deployments and interconnectexisting customer access points at Equinix, allowing streamlined expansion with a choicesingle global vendor.
•IBX SmartView is a fully integrated monitoring software which provides 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, server and storage equipment. They can placevisibility into 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 theoperating 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 ongoing recurring monthly charge.
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 proximityrelevant 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 usedspecific Equinix footprint 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 thatif they were in-house. The software provides real-timeonline access to real-time environmental and operating information within andata through the Equinix IBX footprint, as if those cages were all on site with the customer.Customer Portal or API integrations. With real-time alerts and configurable reporting, IBX SmartView helps itsallows customers consistentlyto 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 nodesplan 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.future growth.
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 eithertypically billed based on the outbound connections from a one-to-one basis with direct cross connects or oncustomer and generate MRR.
•Equinix Fabric™ provides secure, on-demand, software-defined interconnection. Built specifically for digital infrastructure, Equinix Fabric enables businesses to connect globally to their choice of thousands of networking, storage, compute and application service providers in the industry’s largest infrastructure ecosystem. As the foundation of Platform Equinix’s interconnection capability, Equinix Fabric enables customers to quickly and easily connect their physical and virtual digital infrastructures.
•Cross Connects provide a one-to-many basis through our ECX Fabric or other exchange solutions. Inpoint-to-point cable link between two Equinix customers 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 oursame IBX data center. Cross Connects deliver fast, convenient, affordable and highly reliable connectivity and data exchange with business partners and service providers within the Equinix 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.
•Equinix Connect is an agile, scalable, resilient and high performing internet access solution. With at least two upstream ISPs in each market, Equinix Connect offers the resiliency that organizations demand and direct connections to major content destinations, resulting in superior performance. It provides the convenience of a one-stop shop and the flexibility required to connect to the internet as a primary or secondary access solution. Available globally in more than 40 markets, Equinix Connect allows businesses to grow as their needs grow with scalable bandwidth options to meet their emerging usage requirements.
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 within minutes, 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 encryption key management.
•Equinix Metal™ allows enterprises, SaaS companies and digital service providers to provision interconnected bare metal resources in minutes instead of months, while reducing the capital expenditures and operational requirements of owning hardware. They can also reduce cloud costs while retaining the flexibility and operational expenditures of cloud services via on demand, reserved or spot market capacity in Equinix’s global data centers using the Equinix Metal portal or DevOps-friendly APIs and now, between regionally distributedintegrations.
Colocation Offerings
Equinix offers a variety of colocation offerings 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 Smart Hands provides around-the-clock, on-site, operational support service for remote management, installation and troubleshooting of customer data center equipment. Using Equinix 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)
center technicians, Smart Hands allows customers to manage and the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). Members of our staff have published industry-recognized white papersoutsource their business operations 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 anothermaximize uptime whether from within an IBX data center customer can do soor from a remote location. Providing remote management through single or multi-mode fiber. These cross connections areSmart Hands has helped enable some customers to continue managing business operations in spite of the physical link betweenimpact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
•Equinix Infrastructure Services (EIS) provides 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 IBXone-stop shop for data center with an initial installation, feemigration and an ongoing monthly recurring charge.
Equinix Metro Connect. Customers who are located in one IBXequipment procurement. With proven practices developed over many years of successfully building, migrating and optimizing our customers’ data center may needneeds, EIS services lend expertise to interconnect with networks or other customers located in an adjacent or nearby IBXaddress larger, more complex data center jobs including installation and implementation of new builds, planned migrations, structured cabling, labelling and documentation, procurement recommendations and coordination, and secure de-installation.
Competition
While a large number of enterprises and service providers, such as hyperscale cloud service providers, own their own data centers, We believe the industry is shifting away from single-tenant solutions and outsourcing some or all of their IT housing and interconnection requirements to third party facilities, such as those operated by us.
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 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. The global MTDC 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 accelerate in the same metro area. Metro Connect allowscoming years, especially in light of changes to digital business as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Equinix is differentiated in this market by being able to offer 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 feea global platform that reaches 26 countries and an ongoing monthly recurring charge dependent oncontains the capacity purchased by the customer.
Internet Connectivity. Customers who are installing equipmentindustry’s largest and most active ecosystem of partners 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.sites. This bandwidth access is targeted to customers who requireecosystem creates 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 charge based on the amount of bandwidth committed.
Equinix Cloud Exchange™ (ECX) Fabric. The ECX Fabric directly, securely and dynamically connects distributed infrastructure and digital ecosystems on Platform Equinix via global, software-defined interconnection. It enables businesses 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 available 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, Equinix is rolling out ECX Fabric to new metros 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 network“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
Our customers include telecommunications carriers, mobile 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.
Equinix Professional Services
Exponential increases in data traffic 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, ready2020. As of December 31, 2020, we had over 10,000 customers worldwide. No one customer made up 10% or more of our total business revenues for the challenges of digital business today and tomorrow.year ended December 31, 2020.
Global Solutions Architects®
Equinix Global Solutions Architects (GSAs) are industry experts, innovators and thought leaders, committed to helpingThe following 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 extensionsrepresent some of our customers’ ITleading customers 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.partners:
Solution Validation Centers®
Equinix Solution Validation Centers (SVCs) are state-of-the-art facilities that allowWe serve our customers to test and fine-tune their IT infrastructure, network, cloud and data center rollouts 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 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 one of our secure data center facilities, right down to telephone services and multiple desktop monitors. BCTR offerings are protected 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. We also support our customers with a global customer care organization.
Human Capital
As of December 31, 2020, we had 10,013 employees worldwide with 4,599 based in the Americas, 3,405 based in EMEA and 2,009 based in APAC. Of those employees, 4,436 employees were in engineering and operations, 1,911 employees were in sales and marketing and 3,666 employees were in management, finance and administration. We recognize that attracting, developing and retaining talent at all levels is vital to continuing our success and offer industry competitive compensation and benefits, along with development opportunities to help every employee achieve their full potential. In 2020, we expanded our portfolio of development programs for our employees. We have invested in a digital learning platform, providing access to on-demand learning to each of our employees. We have developed and rolled out several programs to help our leaders navigate the current environment. To ensure we are continuously improving employee experience and enabling our talent to thrive, we have enhanced our listening strategy, moving to more frequent surveys at several steps along an employee’s journey at Equinix.
At Equinix, we strive to build a culture where every employee, every day, can say “I’m Safe, I Belong and I Matter” and develop our workforce, at all levels, to better reflect and represent the communities in which we operate. Our objective is to continue to make our culture a critical competitive advantage, engaging every leader and every employee in the process. To ensure we are upholding our core corporate values and making progress toward our goals, we monitor our employee satisfaction through our quarterly survey, which is our listening mechanism. In 2020, employee satisfaction averaged 85%.
We are integrating a focus on diversity, inclusion and belonging ("DIB") into every aspect of how we run our business and have initiated a multi-year DIB strategy with governance through a DIB Council chaired by our CEO and CHRO, in partnership with our Sustainability Program Office, that oversees our progress on environment, social and governance ("ESG") matters. Our DIB strategy focuses on attracting, retaining and developing a diverse, global workforce; building leadership capability; and empowering our people to bring DIB to life. Equinix representatives have joined the G100 Talent Consortium Task Force on Racial Inequity in Business to consider core inequity issues, including anti-racism, bias, and hiring and promotability practices, in order to develop tangible best practices that companies can use as guide rails to increase representation and career mobility for black, indigenous and people of color ("BIPOC") employees. In 2020, we hosted a Days of Understanding event as part of an initiative of CEO ACT!ON, a pledge Equinix has taken along with hundreds of other companies to embrace difference in our organizations, educate our people and build more inclusive cultures inside and outside of our workplaces. We also have employee-led connection networks ("ECNs"), each representing an identity/community that is underrepresented at Equinix, has faced historical discrimination or shares unique challenges, integrated in our DIB strategy.
Our Community Impact program promotes connection and belonging, and enables employees to give back, with the support of Equinix, to the communities in which we work and live. In total, our Community Impact efforts in 2020 resulted in approximately $2.8 million in employee donations, corporate matching and grants, and more than 9,350 volunteer hours, to approximately 1,750 nonprofits worldwide.
We believe our commitment to the highest standards of honesty, integrity and ethical behavior differentiates our business as much as our technology. We promote these high standards through a number of policies including the Equinix Code of Business Conduct. All employees are required to complete trainings on ethics and the company’s anti-bribery and corruption policies. In addition, we maintain a confidential ethics helpline where employees are encouraged to speak up if they have any questions or concerns that our code is being violated. We have a zero-tolerance, non-retaliation policy that protects our employees when they speak up.
In a year disrupted by the unprecedented global pandemic caused by COVID-19, we implemented a number of precautionary measures in line with our business continuity and pandemic plans to minimize the risk of operational impacts and to protect the health and safety of employees, customers, partners and our communities. During the pandemic, we have offered a range of support to our worldwide headquartersemployees including “work from home” policies, financial assistance and health and wellness resources. We also incurred one-time cash bonuses and compensation expense of $8.6 million for our IBX employees as well as other employees to support their work-from-home requirements during the first quarter of 2020. To ensure a careful, safe and responsible eventual return to office, we have developed a roadmap based on guidance from health experts and other leaders from around the world.
We believe that all of these programs and initiatives support our human capital goals, align with our company culture, and increase employee satisfaction.
Sustainability
Equinix is committed to protecting, connecting and powering a more sustainable digital world and to greening our customers' supply chains. Through our sustainability efforts, Equinix strives to protect our planet and climate, unleash our people's potential to be a force for good, and lead with purpose and integrity in everything we do. Our definition of business growth and success includes steadfastly adhering to best-in-class ESG practices.
Environmental Performance
Equinix was the first data center company to commit to a long-term goal of 100% renewable energy across our global portfolio. Equinix uses local renewable energy sources where possible, seeks new or recently built renewable sources and advocates for favorable renewable energy policies. In the U.S., Equinix purchases nearly 2.3 million megawatt-hours ("MWh") of green power annually from a portfolio of renewable energy projects, including 225 MW of wind power under long-term virtual power purchase agreements ("VPPAs") located in Silicon Valley,Texas and Oklahoma. In 2019, over 90% of Equinix's global electricity consumption, and 100% of U.S. electricity consumption was covered by renewable energy sources. Calendar year data for 2020 will become available Q2 2021 and will be published in our annual Corporate Sustainability Report.
We have won numerous awards for our leading sustainability practices and our significant contributions to the renewable energy market. In 2020, Equinix was named the Green Power Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA"). The award recognizes Equinix's leadership and commitment to advancing the development of the nation's voluntary green power market.
Equinix is committed to transparently measuring and reporting our global carbon footprint across direct (Scope 1), indirect energy (Scope 2) and indirect value chain (Scope 3) emissions. Since 2015, we have establishedachieved a 60% reduction in carbon emissions on an Asia-Pacific regional headquartersabsolute basis (Scope 1 and Scope 2 market-based metric tons of carbon dioxide-equivalent (mtCO2e)), even as we doubled our footprint in Hong Kongboth energy consumption and number of sites. In 2020, CDP, 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, Tampaglobal non-governmental organization ("NGO") dedicated to helping investors 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, Warsawcompanies measure and Zurich. Our Asia-Pacific sales offices are located in Beijing, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Osaka, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, Melbournemanage their climate risks, recognized our commitments, actions and Tokyo.progress on climate change. Equinix received an 'A-' CDP leadership score for climate action.
Our sales team works closely with each customer to foster the natural network effect of our IBX model, resulting in access to a wider potential customer base via our existing customers. 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 to 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, 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 effortsongoing sustainability initiatives, in 2020, we issued our first green bonds totaling $1.35 billion. An amount equal to the net proceeds of the green bonds will be allocated to finance or refinance, in whole or in part, ongoing and new projects in categories such as green buildings, renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable water and wastewater management, waste management and clean transportation, as outlined in our Green Finance Framework. Our Green Finance Framework aligns Equinix's sustainability commitments with our long-term financing needs and highlights our pipeline of green projects and data center innovations.
Sustainability Accounting Standards Board ("SASB") Disclosures
SASB published the Sustainability Accounting Standard ("Standard") for the Real Estate Industry in October 2018. Equinix has aligned its SASB disclosures with the Real Estate Standard to actively promoteenhance corporate disclosure around ESG performance. In our brandcomprehensive disclosures in our annual Corporate Sustainability Report we also document our progress against metrics as outlined in other frameworks such as the Global Reporting Initiative ("GRI"), UN Sustainable Development Goals ("SDGs") and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures ("TCFD"). The following tables detail our energy metrics, aligned with the SASB Real Estate Standard. We intend to expand our reporting around the Real Estate Standard in the Americas, Asia-Pacificfuture.
The following metrics represent Equinix's colocation and EMEA, we conduct comprehensive marketing programs. Our marketing strategies include active public relationshyperscale (xScaleTM) data center facilities' performance in the calendar years specified. Energy, renewable energy and ongoing customer communications programs. Our marketing effortsgreenhouse gas emissions are focused on major businessindependently assured to ISO 14064-3:2006 standards for the quantification and trade publications, online media outlets, industry eventsreporting of greenhouse gas emissions. Calendar year data for 2020 is expected to become available Q2 2021.
Energy Management: Energy Consumption
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| Year | Energy Consumption Data as a % of Floor Area | Total Energy Consumed by Portfolio Area with Data Coverage (MWh)(1) | Like-for-Like Change in Energy Consumption of Portfolio Area with Data Coverage (MWh)(2) | Grid Electricity Consumption as a % of Energy Consumption | Energy Consumption from Renewable Sources(3) (kWh) | Renewable Energy as a % of Energy Consumption | Renewable Energy as a % of Electricity Consumption |
2018(4)(5) | 99.9% | 5,162,000 | N/A | 95.3% | 4,689,000 | 91% | 92% |
2019(6)(7) | 94.9% | 5,711,000 | 3.6% | 94.4% | 5,168,000 | 91% | 91% |
(1)The scope of energy consumed includes diesel, natural gas, purchased electricity, purchased chilled water 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 ownpurchased electricity from fuel cells installed onsite. The only asset type included is data centers many others outsource some or all(Equinix’s 2019 sustainability report also included offices and the Infomart at DA99). The coverage is Whole Building.
(2)Like-for-like computed for stabilized asset list for the overlapping list of their requirements to multi-tenant data center (MTDC) facilities, suchsites designated as those operated by Equinix. We believe that the outsourcing trend is likely to acceleratestabilized in 2018 and 2019.
(3)Excludes renewable energy supplied in the coming years. standard generation mix from local utilities. Includes renewable energy certificates (through VPPAs, bundled supplier agreements, green tariffs and unbundled purchases).
(4)Excludes reseller sites (DA99, JK1, OS99, SH1).
(5)2018 portfolio coverage excludes xScaleTM sites: PA8x, LD13x.
(6)The global MTDC market is highly fragmented. It is estimated2019 10-K included recently constructed or acquired sites for which no utility data had been included within the greenhouse gas inventory boundary. This includes the following sites with no energy data reported within the SASB metrics for 2019: Data Centers: Asia-Pacific (ME2, SG4, SY5, TY11, SL1). Reseller sites are also excluded in the energy metrics (DA99, JK1, OS99, SH1). Equinix's Axtel Acquisition and Bell Acquisition sites from 2020 are also excluded.
(7)2019 portfolio coverage includes xScaleTM sites: PA8x, LD13x.
Energy Management: Green Building Ratings
Equinix's environmental efforts aim to deliver meaningful and measurable progress against sustainability goals 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
Colocationpositively impact its customers, partners, investors and employees. Our data centers are a typedesigned to take advantage of MTDC that can also be referredlocal environmental conditions and to as "retail"maximize operational efficiency. Equinix evaluates cost-efficient opportunities to enhance energy efficiency and bring renewable energy to the site for existing or acquired sites.
Equinix is protecting our planet's resources through green data center space. Typically, colocationinnovations and building and operating energy-efficient data center spacecenters around the world. Equinix's Energy Efficiency Center of Excellence is offered ondriving a global approach to cooling its existing data centers more efficiently. The program engages customers to manage their implementations more sustainably at Equinix's facilities, leading to overall improved site efficiencies.
Equinix certifies to numerous green buildings and energy management certifications and schemes. These include USGBC LEED green buildings certifications, ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management Standard, ISO 50001:2011 Energy Management Standard, BCA Green Mark, U.S. EPA Energy Star for Data Centers and others.
Data centers receiving green building ratings in 2019 and 2020 totaled more than 1.3 million gross sq. ft. The following new sites received ratings in 2019 or 2020. Additional sites and phases are pending final submissions.
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| Data Center | Metro Area | Rating Scheme | Level Achieved |
| DC15 Phase 1 | Ashburn, Virginia | Green Globes | Three Globes |
| HK4 Phase 2 | Hong Kong | LEED | Silver |
| ME2 Phase 1 | Melbourne, Australia | LEED | Gold |
| SG4 Phase 1 | Singapore | BCA Green Mark | GoldPlus |
| SH6 Partner Site | Shanghai, China | LEED | Platinum |
| SY5 Phase 1 | Sydney, Australia | LEED | Silver |
| TY11 Phase 1 | Tokyo, Japan | LEED | Silver |
In 2020, Equinix had 16.1 million gross sq. ft., or 72% of global footprint, in operation with green buildings and energy management certifications. Within the basisU.S., Equinix had 4.7 million gross sq. ft or 49% of individual racks/cabinetsits footprint under certification including 0.8 million of gross sq. ft., or cages ranging8% of U.S. footprint, having achieved U.S. EPA Energy Star for Data Centers.
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| Year | Total Gross sq. ft. (million) | Countries with Eligible Portfolio(1) | Area of Eligible Portfolio with Green Building Rating (million sq. ft.)(2 | Eligible Portfolio with Green Building Rating (%) |
| Global Total through 2020 | 22.3 | Americas: U.S., Canada, Columbia, Brazil
Asia-Pacific: Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore
EMEA: Bulgaria, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UAE, United Kingdom | 16.1 | 72% |
| U.S. Total through 2020 | 9.5 | Americas: U.S. | 4.7 (LEED and Energy Star) 0.8 (Energy Star)(3) | 49% (LEED and Energy Star)
8% (Energy Star) |
(1)Countries excluded from 500 to 10,000 square feet in size. Typical customers of colocation providers include:metrics above: Americas (Mexico), Asia-Pacific (Indonesia, South Korea).
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(2)Ratings included in managed colocation offerings. A varietyour totals: ISO 50001 Energy Management, ISO 14001 Environmental Management, LEED green buildings certifications, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Energy Star for Data Centers, BCA Green Mark, NABERS and Green Globes.
(3)Equinix is currently evaluating its approach to U.S. EPA Energy Star for Data Centers. In 2019 and 2020, five sites received Energy Star for Data Centers recognition, representing 8% 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
our U.S. portfolio. 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-neutralcontrast, Equinix's U.S. portfolio has 17 LEED-certified 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 management41% 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 hostingU.S. portfolio by organizations of any size, including large enterprisesgross square footage.
Hosted or managed messaging, including Microsoft Exchange and other complex messaging applications
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.
Risks Related to Our Business Segment Financial InformationTaxation as a REIT
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 to 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.
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 our website is not part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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:
Acquisitions present many risks, and we may not realize the financial or strategic goals that were contemplated at the time of any transaction.
•We have completed numerous acquisitions. We currently have acquisitions pending and expecta number of risks related to make additional acquisitions in the future. These 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 centers 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’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:
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◦ | an injunction, law or order that makes unlawful the consummation of the acquisition; |
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◦ | inaccuracy or breach of the representations and warranties of, or the non-compliance with covenants by, either party; |
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◦ | the nonreceipt of closing documents; or |
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;
REIT, including the possibilityrisk 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 be in geographies and regulatory environments to which we are unaccustomed;
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.
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 will be numerous challenges associated with the Verizon Data Center integration
On May 1, 2017, we acquired Verizon's colocation business (the "Business"), for a cash purchase price of approximately $3.6 billion. The success of the Verizon Data Center Acquisition will depend, in part, on our ability 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, or at all, the anticipated benefits may not be realized fully or at all, or may take longer to realize than expected and 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, which could materially impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
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, our total indebtedness (gross of debt issuance cost, debt discount, and debt premium) was approximately $10.2 billion, our stockholders’ equity was $6.8 billion and our cash, cash equivalents, and investments totaled $1.5 billion. In addition, as of December 31, 2017, 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 majority 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 minimum operating lease commitments under those lease agreements, excluding potential lease renewals, was approximately $1.9 billion, which represents off-balance sheet commitments.
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 rating agencies;
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;
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.
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. The uncertain economic environment could also have an impact on our foreign exchange forward contracts if our 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, our revenues may not increase and our business and results of operations would be harmed.
For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, we recognized approximately 55%, 57% and 49%, respectively, of our revenues outside the U.S. We currently operate outside of the U.S. in Asia-Pacific, Canada, EMEA and South America.
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’ 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;
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.
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, 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 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.
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, we 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. 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 would lead to additional dilution for our stockholders. Please see Note 11 of Notes to 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 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 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’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, our sales and revenues could be adversely affected by declines in foreign currencies relative to the U.S. 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. dollar 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.
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. dollar 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. However, if the U.S. dollar 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. For additional information on foreign currency risk, 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.
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 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. 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. The nature and timing of any future changes to each jurisdiction’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 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’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, 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’ infrastructure and equipment located in our IBX data centers and ensure our IBX data centers and non-IBX offices remain operational. 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 and IBX data centers are subject to failure resulting from, and infrastructure within such IBX data centers is at risk 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; 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’ 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 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 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, or to support our compliance with evolving U.S. GAAP, such as the new revenue accounting 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
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 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 including 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 must 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. Any related construction requires 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 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, regulations 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 cost of electricity could adversely affect us. The generators that provide electricity to our facilities are subject to environmental laws, regulations and permit requirements that are subject to material change, which could result in increases in generators’ compliance costs that may be passed through to us. Regulations recently promulgated by the U.S. EPA could limit air emissions from power plants, restrict discharges of cooling water, and otherwise impose new operational restraints on conventional power plants that could increase costs of 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, and to additional unexpected operational limitations or 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. The U.S. EPA initially published a 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 remain difficult to predict or estimate.
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, certain 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. Some other states limit 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, could do so in the future. Such laws and regulations are also subject to change at any time.
Aside from regulatory requirements, we have separately undertaken 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.
If we are unable to recruit or retain qualified personnel, including a new CEO, our business could be harmed.
On January 19, 2018, 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 morale and our business.
Additionally, we must continue to identify, hire, train and retain IT professionals, technical engineers, operations employees, and sales, marketing, finance and senior management personnel who maintain relationships with our customers and who can provide the technical, strategic and marketing skills required for our company to grow. 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 personnel, including, but not limited to, a new CEO, could harm our business and our ability to grow our company.
We may not be able to compete successfully against current and future competitors.
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 outages or shortages, increased costs of energy or general lack of availability of electrical resources.
Our IBX data centers are susceptible to regional costs of power, power shortages, planned or unplanned power outages 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 harm our customers and our business. We attempt to limit our exposure to system downtime by using backup generators 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 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.
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 control the amount of power our customers draw from their installed circuits. This means that 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 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.
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. 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’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.
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 services 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’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;
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;
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's 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 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 line 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, our retained earnings were $252.7 million. 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 and IBX data center expansions as well as acquisitions of complementary businesses. As a result, we will incur higher depreciation and other operating expenses, as well as acquisition 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 our 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. 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 to 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.
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’ 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’ 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 reputationsubstantial corporate income tax 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’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 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’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 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 materialmaterially adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
ITEM 1.Business
Overview: Powering the World’s Digital Leaders
Equinix is a global digital infrastructure company. Digital leaders harness our trusted platform to bring together and interconnect the foundational infrastructure that powers their digital success. We enable our customers to access all the right places, partners and possibilities they need to accelerate their digital advantage. Platform Equinix® combines a global footprint of International Business Exchange™ ("IBX®") data centers in the Americas ("AMER"), Asia-Pacific ("APAC"), and Europe, the Middle East and Africa ("EMEA") regions, 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").
Al Avery and Jay Adelson founded Equinix as a vendor-neutral multi-tenant data center ("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 (composed from the words "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 world. Two decades later, we have expanded upon that vision to build Platform Equinix, with unmatched scale and reach.
Our interconnected data centers around the world allow our customers to bring together and interconnect the infrastructure they need to fast-track their digital advantage. With Equinix, they can scale with agility, speed the launch of digital services, deliver world-class experiences and multiply their value. We enable them 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 and latency. 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 and connect 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.
In 2020, we opened six new IBX data centers, invested in xScaleTM data centers, and added capacity in 14 markets resulting in an increase in our total number of IBX and xScaleTM data center facilities to more than 225, including our acquisition of 13 data centers in Canada. 2020 highlights include:
•New data center openings in 2020 included six new IBX sites in the following metros: Washington DC, Dallas, Warsaw, and Hamburg, with an opening in Muscat, Oman held in an unconsolidated entity and a new market entry announced for Bordeaux, France.
•We began construction on five additional xScaleTM sites in 2020. xScaleTM data centers serve the needs of the growing hyperscale data center market, including the world's largest cloud service providers, and are engineered to meet the technical and operational requirements and price points of core hyperscale workload deployments. xScaleTM data centers also offer access to our comprehensive suite of interconnection and edge services that tie into the hyperscale companies' existing access points at Equinix, thereby increasing the speed of connectivity to their existing and future enterprise customers. In xScaleTM sites, hyperscale companies can consolidate core and access point deployments into one global provider to streamline and simplify their rapid growth.
•In the fourth quarter of 2020, we acquired 13 data centers from BCE Inc. ("Bell') in Canada (the "Bell Acquisition"), solidifying our position as a leading digital infrastructure provider in the country, with a total of 15 data centers that we now operate coast-to-coast across eight metros. The Bell Acquisition allows us to expand our reach with seven new metros in six provinces, adding more than 600 customer accounts from diverse sectors, including enterprise, cloud, IT, government, energy and financial services. In addition to adding new capacity in Toronto where we already operated two IBX data centers, we acquired data centers in Calgary, Kamloops, Saint John, Montreal, Ottawa, Vancouver and Winnipeg. The transaction opens key gateways from North America to Asia through Vancouver and North America to Europe through the submarine cable systems in the Saint John area in New Brunswick.
•In August 2020, we announced our intended expansion into India, a new market, entering into an agreement to purchase the India operations of GPX Global Systems, Inc. ("GPX India"). The acquisition, expected to close in Q2 2021 subject to regulatory approval, includes the two most interconnected data centers in India, with a well-established ecosystem in Mumbai that includes more than 200 interconnection-rich customers, international brands and key local players. India has the world’s second largest population and the second largest base of internet subscribers, fueling demand for data centers and colocation offerings. This planned acquisition underscores our goal to extend Platform Equinix to support our customers’ digital edge strategies.
•In March 2020, we completed our acquisition of leading bare metal automation company Packet Host, Inc. ("Packet") (the "Packet Acquisition"). Packet’s capabilities became Equinix MetalTM which adds direct integration to Equinix FabricTM and expands the services to new global locations. With Equinix Metal, enterprises, SaaS companies and digital service providers can provision interconnected bare metal resources in minutes instead of months, while reducing the capital expenditures and operational requirements of owning hardware. They can also reduce cloud costs while retaining the flexibility and operational expenditures of cloud services via on demand, reserved or spot market capacity in our global data centers using the Equinix Metal portal or DevOps-friendly APIs and integrations. An important piece of our Platform strategy, this acquisition advances our vision to deliver the most advanced solutions for customers to rapidly deploy digital infrastructure at global scale.
•In January 2020, we expanded into two new Mexico metros, with our acquisition of three data centers from Axtel S.A.B. de C.V. ("Axtel") that serve the Mexico City and Monterrey metro areas. This expansion, when combined with previous Equinix acquisitions of key regional traffic hubs in Dallas ("Infomart") and Miami (the NAP of the Americas), further strengthens our global platform by increasing interconnection between North, Central and South America. Mexico is the world's eleventh-largest economy and the second largest in Latin America. The country's telecommunications reform of 2013 has created opportunities for many businesses seeking to expand into Mexico, allowing for open competition by non-governmental entities and providing an opportunity for the growth of service provider and enterprise ecosystems that flourish within our network-neutral data centers globally.
Industry consolidation mayTrends: 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. The convergence of these global trends and the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic have created additional pressure for many companies to transform. The collective influence of these trends is 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: As organizations transform their traditional lines of business, they are being asked to reduce costs and become more efficient while accelerating the development of new insights. This requires transforming network architecture while distributing digital infrastructure in strategic locations to support local interconnection between user services, data, clouds and ecosystem partners.
•Urbanization: This is driving an increase in population centers needing digital engagement; however, a more recent trend has been migration out of cities due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This is causing an expansion in the overall digital edge, which requires 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 it cost effective to distribute applications, data, content and networking to serve these locations.
•Cybersecurity: A cybersecurity breach is one of the most serious risks facing companies today, and many of the most serious breaches occur via a penetration of a company’s business partners’ networks. To protect against this, businesses need to develop best practices to distribute their security controls and infrastructure out to digital exchanges where most traffic exchange is happening.
•Data volumes and compliance: Demand for local data analysis and data exchange to support digital workflows is outpacing organizations’ ability to classify, secure, privately transport and process data across regions. To meet new regulations and drive new strategic value, companies need to deploy distributed data storage, analytics and clouds 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 deploy a digital presence in close physical proximity to an application exchange point and then connect to it directly to support real-time engagement. In the aggregate, these form a business ecosystem. These ecosystems are expanding in depth and number.
These trends are accelerating the need for companies like Equinix who can provide a secure, agile global business platform that leverages digital interconnection—or private data exchange—to deliver real-time interactions around the world.
As part of their 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 digital business value. To realize the full potential of the edge, IT organizations require greater interconnection bandwidth. Interconnection bandwidth is defined as the total capacity provisioned to privately and directly exchange traffic, with a diverse set of partners and providers, at distributed IT exchange points inside carrier-neutral colocation data centers. Private interconnection capacity between businesses, as reported in the fourth annual Global Interconnection Index ("GXI"), a market study published by Equinix, is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 45% by 2023, reaching 16,300+ terabits per second of data exchanged annually.
Worldwide Interconnection Bandwidth Capacity Growth (2018 - 2022) in Terabits per Second (Tbps)
Source: GXI Volume 4
Equinix Business Proposition: Bring together and interconnect the infrastructure you need to fast-track your digital advantage
In 2020, we continued to build new data center, interconnection and edge services capabilities that we intend will further our vision to power the world’s digital leaders. On Platform Equinix, digital leaders can bring together all the right places, partners and possibilities to create the foundational infrastructure they need to succeed. We offer a comprehensive, integrated suite of data center, interconnection and edge services and products to close to 10,000 enterprise and service provider customers worldwide.
The following are the leading revenue generating product and other offerings that collectively make up Platform Equinix:
Data Center Solutions
Our global, state-of-the-art data centers meet strict standards of security, reliability, certification and sustainability. Offerings in these data centers are typically billed based on the space and power a customer consumes, are delivered under a fixed duration contract and generate monthly recurring revenue ("MRR").
•IBX Data Centers consist of more than 220 IBX vendor-neutral colocation data centers worldwide, providing our customers with secure, reliable and robust environments (including space and power) 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.
•xScaleTM 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 xScaleTM 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.
•IBX SmartView is a fully integrated monitoring software which provides customers visibility into the operating data relevant to their specific Equinix footprint as if they were in-house. The software provides online access to real-time environmental and operating data through the Equinix Customer Portal or API integrations. With real-time alerts and configurable reporting, IBX SmartView allows customers to maintain their IBX operations and plan for future growth.
Interconnection Solutions
Our interconnection solutions connect businesses directly, securely and dynamically within and between our data centers across our global platform. Our interconnection services are typically billed based on the outbound connections from a customer and generate MRR.
•Equinix Fabric™ provides secure, on-demand, software-defined interconnection. Built specifically for digital infrastructure, Equinix Fabric enables businesses to connect globally to their choice of thousands of networking, storage, compute and application service providers in the industry’s largest infrastructure ecosystem. As the foundation of Platform Equinix’s interconnection capability, Equinix Fabric enables customers to quickly and easily connect their physical and virtual digital infrastructures.
•Cross Connects provide a point-to-point cable link between two Equinix customers in the same IBX data center. Cross Connects deliver fast, convenient, affordable and highly reliable connectivity and data exchange with business partners and service providers within the Equinix 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.
•Equinix Connect is an agile, scalable, resilient and high performing internet access solution. With at least two upstream ISPs in each market, Equinix Connect offers the resiliency that organizations demand and direct connections to major content destinations, resulting in superior performance. It provides the convenience of a one-stop shop and the flexibility required to connect to the internet as a primary or secondary access solution. Available globally in more than 40 markets, Equinix Connect allows businesses to grow as their needs grow with scalable bandwidth options to meet their emerging usage requirements.
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 within minutes, 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 encryption key management.
•Equinix Metal™ allows enterprises, SaaS companies and digital service providers to provision interconnected bare metal resources in minutes instead of months, while reducing the capital expenditures and operational requirements of owning hardware. They can also reduce cloud costs while retaining the flexibility and operational expenditures of cloud services via on demand, reserved or spot market capacity in Equinix’s global data centers using the Equinix Metal portal or DevOps-friendly APIs and integrations.
Colocation Offerings
Equinix offers a variety of colocation offerings 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 Smart Hands provides around-the-clock, on-site, operational support service for remote management, installation and troubleshooting of customer data center equipment. Using Equinix IBX data
center technicians, Smart Hands allows customers to manage and outsource their business operations and maximize uptime whether from within an IBX data center or from a remote location. Providing remote management through Smart Hands has helped enable some customers to continue managing business operations in spite of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
•Equinix Infrastructure Services (EIS) provides customers with a one-stop shop for data center installation, migration and equipment procurement. With proven practices developed over many years of successfully building, migrating and optimizing our customers’ data center needs, EIS services lend expertise to address larger, more complex data center jobs including installation and implementation of new builds, planned migrations, structured cabling, labelling and documentation, procurement recommendations and coordination, and secure de-installation.
Competition
While a large number of enterprises and service providers, such as hyperscale cloud service providers, own their own data centers, We believe the industry is shifting away from single-tenant solutions and outsourcing some or all of their IT housing and interconnection requirements to third party facilities, such as those operated by us.
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 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. The global MTDC 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 accelerate in the coming years, especially in light of changes to digital business as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Equinix is differentiated in this market by being able to offer customers a global platform that reaches 26 countries and contains the industry’s largest and most active ecosystem of partners in our sites. This ecosystem creates a “network effect” which improves performance and lowers cost for our customers and is a significant source of competitive advantage for Equinix.
Customers
Our customers include telecommunications carriers, mobile and other network services providers, cloud and IT services providers, digital media and content providers, financial services companies, and global enterprise ecosystems in various industries. We provide each company access to a choice of business partners and solutions based on their colocation, interconnection and managed IT service needs, and delivered 99.9999% operational uptime across our global data centers in 2020. As of December 31, 2020, we had over 10,000 customers worldwide. No one customer made up 10% or more of our total business revenues for the year ended December 31, 2020.
The following companies represent some of our leading customers and partners:
We serve our customers with a direct sales force and channel marketing 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. We also support our customers with a global customer care organization.
Human Capital
As of December 31, 2020, we had 10,013 employees worldwide with 4,599 based in the Americas, 3,405 based in EMEA and 2,009 based in APAC. Of those employees, 4,436 employees were in engineering and operations, 1,911 employees were in sales and marketing and 3,666 employees were in management, finance and administration. We recognize that attracting, developing and retaining talent at all levels is vital to continuing our success and offer industry competitive compensation and benefits, along with development opportunities to help every employee achieve their full potential. In 2020, we expanded our portfolio of development programs for our employees. We have invested in a digital learning platform, providing access to on-demand learning to each of our employees. We have developed and rolled out several programs to help our leaders navigate the current environment. To ensure we are continuously improving employee experience and enabling our talent to thrive, we have enhanced our listening strategy, moving to more frequent surveys at several steps along an employee’s journey at Equinix.
At Equinix, we strive to build a culture where every employee, every day, can say “I’m Safe, I Belong and I Matter” and develop our workforce, at all levels, to better reflect and represent the communities in which we operate. Our objective is to continue to make our culture a critical competitive advantage, engaging every leader and every employee in the process. To ensure we are upholding our core corporate values and making progress toward our goals, we monitor our employee satisfaction through our quarterly survey, which is our listening mechanism. In 2020, employee satisfaction averaged 85%.
We are integrating a focus on diversity, inclusion and belonging ("DIB") into every aspect of how we run our business and have initiated a multi-year DIB strategy with governance through a DIB Council chaired by our CEO and CHRO, in partnership with our Sustainability Program Office, that oversees our progress on environment, social and governance ("ESG") matters. Our DIB strategy focuses on attracting, retaining and developing a diverse, global workforce; building leadership capability; and empowering our people to bring DIB to life. Equinix representatives have joined the G100 Talent Consortium Task Force on Racial Inequity in Business to consider core inequity issues, including anti-racism, bias, and hiring and promotability practices, in order to develop tangible best practices that companies can use as guide rails to increase representation and career mobility for black, indigenous and people of color ("BIPOC") employees. In 2020, we hosted a Days of Understanding event as part of an initiative of CEO ACT!ON, a pledge Equinix has taken along with hundreds of other companies to embrace difference in our organizations, educate our people and build more inclusive cultures inside and outside of our workplaces. We also have employee-led connection networks ("ECNs"), each representing an identity/community that is underrepresented at Equinix, has faced historical discrimination or shares unique challenges, integrated in our DIB strategy.
Our Community Impact program promotes connection and belonging, and enables employees to give back, with the support of Equinix, to the communities in which we work and live. In total, our Community Impact efforts in 2020 resulted in approximately $2.8 million in employee donations, corporate matching and grants, and more than 9,350 volunteer hours, to approximately 1,750 nonprofits worldwide.
We believe our commitment to the highest standards of honesty, integrity and ethical behavior differentiates our business as much as our technology. We promote these high standards through a number of policies including the Equinix Code of Business Conduct. All employees are required to complete trainings on ethics and the company’s anti-bribery and corruption policies. In addition, we maintain a confidential ethics helpline where employees are encouraged to speak up if they have any questions or concerns that our code is being violated. We have a negative impact onzero-tolerance, non-retaliation policy that protects our employees when they speak up.
In a year disrupted by the unprecedented global pandemic caused by COVID-19, we implemented a number of precautionary measures in line with our business model.continuity and pandemic plans to minimize the risk of operational impacts and to protect the health and safety of employees, customers, partners and our communities. During the pandemic, we have offered a range of support to our employees including “work from home” policies, financial assistance and health and wellness resources. We also incurred one-time cash bonuses and compensation expense of $8.6 million for our IBX employees as well as other employees to support their work-from-home requirements during the first quarter of 2020. To ensure a careful, safe and responsible eventual return to office, we have developed a roadmap based on guidance from health experts and other leaders from around the world.
If customers combine businesses, they may require less colocation space, which couldWe believe that all of these programs and initiatives support our human capital goals, align with our company culture, and increase employee satisfaction.
Sustainability
Equinix is committed to protecting, connecting and powering a more sustainable digital world and to greening our customers' supply chains. Through our sustainability efforts, Equinix strives to protect our planet and climate, unleash our people's potential to be a force for good, and lead with purpose and integrity in everything we do. Our definition of business growth and success includes steadfastly adhering to churnbest-in-class ESG practices.
Environmental Performance
Equinix was the first data center company to commit to a long-term goal of 100% renewable energy across our global portfolio. Equinix uses local renewable energy sources where possible, seeks new or recently built renewable sources and advocates for favorable renewable energy policies. In the U.S., Equinix purchases nearly 2.3 million megawatt-hours ("MWh") of green power annually from a portfolio of renewable energy projects, including 225 MW of wind power under long-term virtual power purchase agreements ("VPPAs") located in Texas and Oklahoma. In 2019, over 90% of Equinix's global electricity consumption, and 100% of U.S. electricity consumption was covered by renewable energy sources. Calendar year data for 2020 will become available Q2 2021 and will be published 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.annual Corporate Sustainability Report.
We have various mechanismswon numerous awards for our leading sustainability practices and our significant contributions to the renewable energy market. In 2020, Equinix was named the Green Power Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA"). The award recognizes Equinix's leadership and commitment to advancing the development of the nation's voluntary green power market.
Equinix is committed to transparently measuring and reporting our global carbon footprint across direct (Scope 1), indirect energy (Scope 2) and indirect value chain (Scope 3) emissions. Since 2015, we have achieved a 60% reduction in placecarbon emissions on an absolute basis (Scope 1 and Scope 2 market-based metric tons of carbon dioxide-equivalent (mtCO2e)), even as we doubled our footprint in both energy consumption and number of sites. In 2020, CDP, a global non-governmental organization ("NGO") dedicated to helping investors and companies measure and manage their climate risks, recognized our commitments, actions and progress on climate change. Equinix received an 'A-' CDP leadership score for climate action.
To support our ongoing sustainability initiatives, in 2020, we issued our first green bonds totaling $1.35 billion. An amount equal to the net proceeds of the green bonds will be allocated to finance or refinance, in whole or in part, ongoing and new projects in categories such as green buildings, renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable water and wastewater management, waste management and clean transportation, as outlined in our Green Finance Framework. Our Green Finance Framework aligns Equinix's sustainability commitments with our long-term financing needs and highlights our pipeline of green projects and data center innovations.
Sustainability Accounting Standards Board ("SASB") Disclosures
SASB published the Sustainability Accounting Standard ("Standard") for the Real Estate Industry in October 2018. Equinix has aligned its SASB disclosures with the Real Estate Standard to enhance corporate disclosure around ESG performance. In our comprehensive disclosures in our annual Corporate Sustainability Report we also document our progress against metrics as outlined in other frameworks such as the Global Reporting Initiative ("GRI"), UN Sustainable Development Goals ("SDGs") and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures ("TCFD"). The following tables detail our energy metrics, aligned with the SASB Real Estate Standard. We intend to expand our reporting around the Real Estate Standard in the future.
The following metrics represent Equinix's colocation and hyperscale (xScaleTM) data center facilities' performance in the calendar years specified. Energy, renewable energy and greenhouse gas emissions are independently assured to ISO 14064-3:2006 standards for the quantification and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions. Calendar year data for 2020 is expected to become available Q2 2021.
Energy Management: Energy Consumption
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year | Energy Consumption Data as a % of Floor Area | Total Energy Consumed by Portfolio Area with Data Coverage (MWh)(1) | Like-for-Like Change in Energy Consumption of Portfolio Area with Data Coverage (MWh)(2) | Grid Electricity Consumption as a % of Energy Consumption | Energy Consumption from Renewable Sources(3) (kWh) | Renewable Energy as a % of Energy Consumption | Renewable Energy as a % of Electricity Consumption |
2018(4)(5) | 99.9% | 5,162,000 | N/A | 95.3% | 4,689,000 | 91% | 92% |
2019(6)(7) | 94.9% | 5,711,000 | 3.6% | 94.4% | 5,168,000 | 91% | 91% |
(1)The scope of energy consumed includes diesel, natural gas, purchased electricity, purchased chilled water and purchased electricity from fuel cells installed onsite. The only asset type included is data centers (Equinix’s 2019 sustainability report also included offices and the Infomart at DA99). The coverage is Whole Building.
(2)Like-for-like computed for stabilized asset list for the overlapping list of sites designated as stabilized in 2018 and 2019.
(3)Excludes renewable energy supplied in the standard generation mix from local utilities. Includes renewable energy certificates (through VPPAs, bundled supplier agreements, green tariffs and unbundled purchases).
(4)Excludes reseller sites (DA99, JK1, OS99, SH1).
(5)2018 portfolio coverage excludes xScaleTM sites: PA8x, LD13x.
(6)The 2019 10-K included recently constructed or acquired sites for which no utility data had been included within the greenhouse gas inventory boundary. This includes the following sites with no energy data reported within the SASB metrics for 2019: Data Centers: Asia-Pacific (ME2, SG4, SY5, TY11, SL1). Reseller sites are also excluded in the energy metrics (DA99, JK1, OS99, SH1). Equinix's Axtel Acquisition and Bell Acquisition sites from 2020 are also excluded.
(7)2019 portfolio coverage includes xScaleTM sites: PA8x, LD13x.
Energy Management: Green Building Ratings
Equinix's environmental efforts aim to deliver meaningful and measurable progress against sustainability goals that may discourage takeover attempts.positively impact its customers, partners, investors and employees. Our data centers are designed to take advantage of local environmental conditions and to maximize operational efficiency. Equinix evaluates cost-efficient opportunities to enhance energy efficiency and bring renewable energy to the site for existing or acquired sites.
Certain provisionsEquinix is protecting our planet's resources through green data center innovations and building and operating energy-efficient data centers around the world. Equinix's Energy Efficiency Center of Excellence is driving a global approach to cooling its existing data centers more efficiently. The program engages customers to manage their implementations more sustainably at Equinix's facilities, leading to overall improved site efficiencies.
Equinix certifies to numerous green buildings and energy management certifications and schemes. These include USGBC LEED green buildings certifications, ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management Standard, ISO 50001:2011 Energy Management Standard, BCA Green Mark, U.S. EPA Energy Star for Data Centers and others.
Data centers receiving green building ratings in 2019 and 2020 totaled more than 1.3 million gross sq. ft. The following new sites received ratings in 2019 or 2020. Additional sites and phases are pending final submissions.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Data Center | Metro Area | Rating Scheme | Level Achieved |
| DC15 Phase 1 | Ashburn, Virginia | Green Globes | Three Globes |
| HK4 Phase 2 | Hong Kong | LEED | Silver |
| ME2 Phase 1 | Melbourne, Australia | LEED | Gold |
| SG4 Phase 1 | Singapore | BCA Green Mark | GoldPlus |
| SH6 Partner Site | Shanghai, China | LEED | Platinum |
| SY5 Phase 1 | Sydney, Australia | LEED | Silver |
| TY11 Phase 1 | Tokyo, Japan | LEED | Silver |
In 2020, Equinix had 16.1 million gross sq. ft., or 72% of global footprint, in operation with green buildings and energy management certifications. Within the U.S., Equinix had 4.7 million gross sq. ft or 49% of its footprint under certification including 0.8 million of gross sq. ft., or 8% of U.S. footprint, having achieved U.S. EPA Energy Star for Data Centers.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year | Total Gross sq. ft. (million) | Countries with Eligible Portfolio(1) | Area of Eligible Portfolio with Green Building Rating (million sq. ft.)(2 | Eligible Portfolio with Green Building Rating (%) |
| Global Total through 2020 | 22.3 | Americas: U.S., Canada, Columbia, Brazil
Asia-Pacific: Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore
EMEA: Bulgaria, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UAE, United Kingdom | 16.1 | 72% |
| U.S. Total through 2020 | 9.5 | Americas: U.S. | 4.7 (LEED and Energy Star) 0.8 (Energy Star)(3) | 49% (LEED and Energy Star)
8% (Energy Star) |
(1)Countries excluded from metrics above: Americas (Mexico), Asia-Pacific (Indonesia, South Korea).
(2)Ratings included in our totals: ISO 50001 Energy Management, ISO 14001 Environmental Management, LEED green buildings certifications, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Energy Star for Data Centers, BCA Green Mark, NABERS and Green Globes.
(3)Equinix is currently evaluating its approach to U.S. EPA Energy Star for Data Centers. In 2019 and 2020, five sites received Energy Star for Data Centers recognition, representing 8% of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws may discourage, delayU.S. portfolio. In contrast, Equinix's U.S. portfolio has 17 LEED-certified data centers 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 20341% 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.U.S. portfolio by gross square footage.
Risks Related to Our Taxation as a REIT
•We have a number of risks related to our taxation as a REIT, including the risk that we may not be able to maintain our qualification as a REIT which could expose us to substantial corporate income tax and have a materially adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
ITEM 1.Business
Overview: Powering the World’s Digital Leaders
Equinix is a global digital infrastructure company. Digital leaders harness our trusted platform to bring together and interconnect the foundational infrastructure that powers their digital success. We enable our customers to access all the right places, partners and possibilities they need to accelerate their digital advantage. Platform Equinix® combines a global footprint of International Business Exchange™ ("IBX®") data centers in the Americas ("AMER"), Asia-Pacific ("APAC"), and Europe, the Middle East and Africa ("EMEA") regions, 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").
Al Avery and Jay Adelson founded Equinix as a vendor-neutral multi-tenant data center ("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 (composed from the words "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 world. Two decades later, we have expanded upon that vision to build Platform Equinix, with unmatched scale and reach.
Our interconnected data centers around the world allow our customers to bring together and interconnect the infrastructure they need to fast-track their digital advantage. With Equinix, they can scale with agility, speed the launch of digital services, deliver world-class experiences and multiply their value. We enable them 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 and latency. 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 and connect 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.
In 2020, we opened six new IBX data centers, invested in xScaleTM data centers, and added capacity in 14 markets resulting in an increase in our total number of IBX and xScaleTM data center facilities to more than 225, including our acquisition of 13 data centers in Canada. 2020 highlights include:
•New data center openings in 2020 included six new IBX sites in the following metros: Washington DC, Dallas, Warsaw, and Hamburg, with an opening in Muscat, Oman held in an unconsolidated entity and a new market entry announced for Bordeaux, France.
•We began construction on five additional xScaleTM sites in 2020. xScaleTM data centers serve the needs of the growing hyperscale data center market, including the world's largest cloud service providers, and are engineered to meet the technical and operational requirements and price points of core hyperscale workload deployments. xScaleTM data centers also offer access to our comprehensive suite of interconnection and edge services that tie into the hyperscale companies' existing access points at Equinix, thereby increasing the speed of connectivity to their existing and future enterprise customers. In xScaleTM sites, hyperscale companies can consolidate core and access point deployments into one global provider to streamline and simplify their rapid growth.
•In the fourth quarter of 2020, we acquired 13 data centers from BCE Inc. ("Bell') in Canada (the "Bell Acquisition"), solidifying our position as a leading digital infrastructure provider in the country, with a total of 15 data centers that we now operate coast-to-coast across eight metros. The Bell Acquisition allows us to expand our reach with seven new metros in six provinces, adding more than 600 customer accounts from diverse sectors, including enterprise, cloud, IT, government, energy and financial services. In addition to adding new capacity in Toronto where we already operated two IBX data centers, we acquired data centers in Calgary, Kamloops, Saint John, Montreal, Ottawa, Vancouver and Winnipeg. The transaction opens key gateways from North America to Asia through Vancouver and North America to Europe through the submarine cable systems in the Saint John area in New Brunswick.
•In August 2020, we announced our intended expansion into India, a new market, entering into an agreement to purchase the India operations of GPX Global Systems, Inc. ("GPX India"). The acquisition, expected to close in Q2 2021 subject to regulatory approval, includes the two most interconnected data centers in India, with a well-established ecosystem in Mumbai that includes more than 200 interconnection-rich customers, international brands and key local players. India has the world’s second largest population and the second largest base of internet subscribers, fueling demand for data centers and colocation offerings. This planned acquisition underscores our goal to extend Platform Equinix to support our customers’ digital edge strategies.
•In March 2020, we completed our acquisition of leading bare metal automation company Packet Host, Inc. ("Packet") (the "Packet Acquisition"). Packet’s capabilities became Equinix MetalTM which adds direct integration to Equinix FabricTM and expands the services to new global locations. With Equinix Metal, enterprises, SaaS companies and digital service providers can provision interconnected bare metal resources in minutes instead of months, while reducing the capital expenditures and operational requirements of owning hardware. They can also reduce cloud costs while retaining the flexibility and operational expenditures of cloud services via on demand, reserved or spot market capacity in our global data centers using the Equinix Metal portal or DevOps-friendly APIs and integrations. An important piece of our Platform strategy, this acquisition advances our vision to deliver the most advanced solutions for customers to rapidly deploy digital infrastructure at global scale.
•In January 2020, we expanded into two new Mexico metros, with our acquisition of three data centers from Axtel S.A.B. de C.V. ("Axtel") that serve the Mexico City and Monterrey metro areas. This expansion, when combined with previous Equinix acquisitions of key regional traffic hubs in Dallas ("Infomart") and Miami (the NAP of the Americas), further strengthens our global platform by increasing interconnection between North, Central and South America. Mexico is the world's eleventh-largest economy and the second largest in Latin America. The country's telecommunications reform of 2013 has created opportunities for many businesses seeking to expand into Mexico, allowing for open competition by non-governmental entities and providing an opportunity for the growth of service provider and enterprise ecosystems that flourish within our network-neutral data centers globally.
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. The convergence of these global trends and the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic have created additional pressure for many companies to transform. The collective influence of these trends is 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: As organizations transform their traditional lines of business, they are being asked to reduce costs and become more efficient while accelerating the development of new insights. This requires transforming network architecture while distributing digital infrastructure in strategic locations to support local interconnection between user services, data, clouds and ecosystem partners.
•Urbanization: This is driving an increase in population centers needing digital engagement; however, a more recent trend has been migration out of cities due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This is causing an expansion in the overall digital edge, which requires 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 it cost effective to distribute applications, data, content and networking to serve these locations.
•Cybersecurity: A cybersecurity breach is one of the most serious risks facing companies today, and many of the most serious breaches occur via a penetration of a company’s business partners’ networks. To protect against this, businesses need to develop best practices to distribute their security controls and infrastructure out to digital exchanges where most traffic exchange is happening.
•Data volumes and compliance: Demand for local data analysis and data exchange to support digital workflows is outpacing organizations’ ability to classify, secure, privately transport and process data across regions. To meet new regulations and drive new strategic value, companies need to deploy distributed data storage, analytics and clouds 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 deploy a digital presence in close physical proximity to an application exchange point and then connect to it directly to support real-time engagement. In the aggregate, these form a business ecosystem. These ecosystems are expanding in depth and number.
These trends are accelerating the need for companies like Equinix who can provide a secure, agile global business platform that leverages digital interconnection—or private data exchange—to deliver real-time interactions around the world.
As part of their 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 digital business value. To realize the full potential of the edge, IT organizations require greater interconnection bandwidth. Interconnection bandwidth is defined as the total capacity provisioned to privately and directly exchange traffic, with a diverse set of partners and providers, at distributed IT exchange points inside carrier-neutral colocation data centers. Private interconnection capacity between businesses, as reported in the fourth annual Global Interconnection Index ("GXI"), a market study published by Equinix, is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 45% by 2023, reaching 16,300+ terabits per second of data exchanged annually.
Worldwide Interconnection Bandwidth Capacity Growth (2018 - 2022) in Terabits per Second (Tbps)
Source: GXI Volume 4
Equinix Business Proposition: Bring together and interconnect the infrastructure you need to fast-track your digital advantage
In 2020, we continued to build new data center, interconnection and edge services capabilities that we intend will further our vision to power the world’s digital leaders. On Platform Equinix, digital leaders can bring together all the right places, partners and possibilities to create the foundational infrastructure they need to succeed. We offer a comprehensive, integrated suite of data center, interconnection and edge services and products to close to 10,000 enterprise and service provider customers worldwide.
The following are the leading revenue generating product and other offerings that collectively make up Platform Equinix:
Data Center Solutions
Our global, state-of-the-art data centers meet strict standards of security, reliability, certification and sustainability. Offerings in these data centers are typically billed based on the space and power a customer consumes, are delivered under a fixed duration contract and generate monthly recurring revenue ("MRR").
•IBX Data Centers consist of more than 220 IBX vendor-neutral colocation data centers worldwide, providing our customers with secure, reliable and robust environments (including space and power) 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.
•xScaleTM 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 xScaleTM 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.
•IBX SmartView is a fully integrated monitoring software which provides customers visibility into the operating data relevant to their specific Equinix footprint as if they were in-house. The software provides online access to real-time environmental and operating data through the Equinix Customer Portal or API integrations. With real-time alerts and configurable reporting, IBX SmartView allows customers to maintain their IBX operations and plan for future growth.
Interconnection Solutions
Our interconnection solutions connect businesses directly, securely and dynamically within and between our data centers across our global platform. Our interconnection services are typically billed based on the outbound connections from a customer and generate MRR.
•Equinix Fabric™ provides secure, on-demand, software-defined interconnection. Built specifically for digital infrastructure, Equinix Fabric enables businesses to connect globally to their choice of thousands of networking, storage, compute and application service providers in the industry’s largest infrastructure ecosystem. As the foundation of Platform Equinix’s interconnection capability, Equinix Fabric enables customers to quickly and easily connect their physical and virtual digital infrastructures.
•Cross Connects provide a point-to-point cable link between two Equinix customers in the same IBX data center. Cross Connects deliver fast, convenient, affordable and highly reliable connectivity and data exchange with business partners and service providers within the Equinix 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.
•Equinix Connect is an agile, scalable, resilient and high performing internet access solution. With at least two upstream ISPs in each market, Equinix Connect offers the resiliency that organizations demand and direct connections to major content destinations, resulting in superior performance. It provides the convenience of a one-stop shop and the flexibility required to connect to the internet as a primary or secondary access solution. Available globally in more than 40 markets, Equinix Connect allows businesses to grow as their needs grow with scalable bandwidth options to meet their emerging usage requirements.
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 within minutes, 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 encryption key management.
•Equinix Metal™ allows enterprises, SaaS companies and digital service providers to provision interconnected bare metal resources in minutes instead of months, while reducing the capital expenditures and operational requirements of owning hardware. They can also reduce cloud costs while retaining the flexibility and operational expenditures of cloud services via on demand, reserved or spot market capacity in Equinix’s global data centers using the Equinix Metal portal or DevOps-friendly APIs and integrations.
Colocation Offerings
Equinix offers a variety of colocation offerings 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 Smart Hands provides around-the-clock, on-site, operational support service for remote management, installation and troubleshooting of customer data center equipment. Using Equinix IBX data
center technicians, Smart Hands allows customers to manage and outsource their business operations and maximize uptime whether from within an IBX data center or from a remote location. Providing remote management through Smart Hands has helped enable some customers to continue managing business operations in spite of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
•Equinix Infrastructure Services (EIS) provides customers with a one-stop shop for data center installation, migration and equipment procurement. With proven practices developed over many years of successfully building, migrating and optimizing our customers’ data center needs, EIS services lend expertise to address larger, more complex data center jobs including installation and implementation of new builds, planned migrations, structured cabling, labelling and documentation, procurement recommendations and coordination, and secure de-installation.
Competition
While a large number of enterprises and service providers, such as hyperscale cloud service providers, own their own data centers, We believe the industry is shifting away from single-tenant solutions and outsourcing some or all of their IT housing and interconnection requirements to third party facilities, such as those operated by us.
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 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. The global MTDC 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 accelerate in the coming years, especially in light of changes to digital business as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Equinix is differentiated in this market by being able to offer customers a global platform that reaches 26 countries and contains the industry’s largest and most active ecosystem of partners in our sites. This ecosystem creates a “network effect” which improves performance and lowers cost for our customers and is a significant source of competitive advantage for Equinix.
Customers
Our customers include telecommunications carriers, mobile and other network services providers, cloud and IT services providers, digital media and content providers, financial services companies, and global enterprise ecosystems in various industries. We provide each company access to a choice of business partners and solutions based on their colocation, interconnection and managed IT service needs, and delivered 99.9999% operational uptime across our global data centers in 2020. As of December 31, 2020, we had over 10,000 customers worldwide. No one customer made up 10% or more of our total business revenues for the year ended December 31, 2020.
The following companies represent some of our leading customers and partners:
We serve our customers with a direct sales force and channel marketing 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. We also support our customers with a global customer care organization.
Human Capital
As of December 31, 2020, we had 10,013 employees worldwide with 4,599 based in the Americas, 3,405 based in EMEA and 2,009 based in APAC. Of those employees, 4,436 employees were in engineering and operations, 1,911 employees were in sales and marketing and 3,666 employees were in management, finance and administration. We recognize that attracting, developing and retaining talent at all levels is vital to continuing our success and offer industry competitive compensation and benefits, along with development opportunities to help every employee achieve their full potential. In 2020, we expanded our portfolio of development programs for our employees. We have invested in a digital learning platform, providing access to on-demand learning to each of our employees. We have developed and rolled out several programs to help our leaders navigate the current environment. To ensure we are continuously improving employee experience and enabling our talent to thrive, we have enhanced our listening strategy, moving to more frequent surveys at several steps along an employee’s journey at Equinix.
At Equinix, we strive to build a culture where every employee, every day, can say “I’m Safe, I Belong and I Matter” and develop our workforce, at all levels, to better reflect and represent the communities in which we operate. Our objective is to continue to make our culture a critical competitive advantage, engaging every leader and every employee in the process. To ensure we are upholding our core corporate values and making progress toward our goals, we monitor our employee satisfaction through our quarterly survey, which is our listening mechanism. In 2020, employee satisfaction averaged 85%.
We are integrating a focus on diversity, inclusion and belonging ("DIB") into every aspect of how we run our business and have initiated a multi-year DIB strategy with governance through a DIB Council chaired by our CEO and CHRO, in partnership with our Sustainability Program Office, that oversees our progress on environment, social and governance ("ESG") matters. Our DIB strategy focuses on attracting, retaining and developing a diverse, global workforce; building leadership capability; and empowering our people to bring DIB to life. Equinix representatives have joined the G100 Talent Consortium Task Force on Racial Inequity in Business to consider core inequity issues, including anti-racism, bias, and hiring and promotability practices, in order to develop tangible best practices that companies can use as guide rails to increase representation and career mobility for black, indigenous and people of color ("BIPOC") employees. In 2020, we hosted a Days of Understanding event as part of an initiative of CEO ACT!ON, a pledge Equinix has taken along with hundreds of other companies to embrace difference in our organizations, educate our people and build more inclusive cultures inside and outside of our workplaces. We also have employee-led connection networks ("ECNs"), each representing an identity/community that is underrepresented at Equinix, has faced historical discrimination or shares unique challenges, integrated in our DIB strategy.
Our Community Impact program promotes connection and belonging, and enables employees to give back, with the support of Equinix, to the communities in which we work and live. In total, our Community Impact efforts in 2020 resulted in approximately $2.8 million in employee donations, corporate matching and grants, and more than 9,350 volunteer hours, to approximately 1,750 nonprofits worldwide.
We believe our commitment to the highest standards of honesty, integrity and ethical behavior differentiates our business as much as our technology. We promote these high standards through a number of policies including the Equinix Code of Business Conduct. All employees are required to complete trainings on ethics and the company’s anti-bribery and corruption policies. In addition, we maintain a confidential ethics helpline where employees are encouraged to speak up if they have any questions or concerns that our code is being violated. We have a zero-tolerance, non-retaliation policy that protects our employees when they speak up.
In a year disrupted by the unprecedented global pandemic caused by COVID-19, we implemented a number of precautionary measures in line with our business continuity and pandemic plans to minimize the risk of operational impacts and to protect the health and safety of employees, customers, partners and our communities. During the pandemic, we have offered a range of support to our employees including “work from home” policies, financial assistance and health and wellness resources. We also incurred one-time cash bonuses and compensation expense of $8.6 million for our IBX employees as well as other employees to support their work-from-home requirements during the first quarter of 2020. To ensure a careful, safe and responsible eventual return to office, we have developed a roadmap based on guidance from health experts and other leaders from around the world.
We believe that all of these programs and initiatives support our human capital goals, align with our company culture, and increase employee satisfaction.
Sustainability
Equinix is committed to protecting, connecting and powering a more sustainable digital world and to greening our customers' supply chains. Through our sustainability efforts, Equinix strives to protect our planet and climate, unleash our people's potential to be a force for good, and lead with purpose and integrity in everything we do. Our definition of business growth and success includes steadfastly adhering to best-in-class ESG practices.
Environmental Performance
Equinix was the first data center company to commit to a long-term goal of 100% renewable energy across our global portfolio. Equinix uses local renewable energy sources where possible, seeks new or recently built renewable sources and advocates for favorable renewable energy policies. In the U.S., Equinix purchases nearly 2.3 million megawatt-hours ("MWh") of green power annually from a portfolio of renewable energy projects, including 225 MW of wind power under long-term virtual power purchase agreements ("VPPAs") located in Texas and Oklahoma. In 2019, over 90% of Equinix's global electricity consumption, and 100% of U.S. electricity consumption was covered by renewable energy sources. Calendar year data for 2020 will become available Q2 2021 and will be published in our annual Corporate Sustainability Report.
We have won numerous awards for our leading sustainability practices and our significant contributions to the renewable energy market. In 2020, Equinix was named the Green Power Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA"). The award recognizes Equinix's leadership and commitment to advancing the development of the nation's voluntary green power market.
Equinix is committed to transparently measuring and reporting our global carbon footprint across direct (Scope 1), indirect energy (Scope 2) and indirect value chain (Scope 3) emissions. Since 2015, we have achieved a 60% reduction in carbon emissions on an absolute basis (Scope 1 and Scope 2 market-based metric tons of carbon dioxide-equivalent (mtCO2e)), even as we doubled our footprint in both energy consumption and number of sites. In 2020, CDP, a global non-governmental organization ("NGO") dedicated to helping investors and companies measure and manage their climate risks, recognized our commitments, actions and progress on climate change. Equinix received an 'A-' CDP leadership score for climate action.
To support our ongoing sustainability initiatives, in 2020, we issued our first green bonds totaling $1.35 billion. An amount equal to the net proceeds of the green bonds will be allocated to finance or refinance, in whole or in part, ongoing and new projects in categories such as green buildings, renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable water and wastewater management, waste management and clean transportation, as outlined in our Green Finance Framework. Our Green Finance Framework aligns Equinix's sustainability commitments with our long-term financing needs and highlights our pipeline of green projects and data center innovations.
Sustainability Accounting Standards Board ("SASB") Disclosures
SASB published the Sustainability Accounting Standard ("Standard") for the Real Estate Industry in October 2018. Equinix has aligned its SASB disclosures with the Real Estate Standard to enhance corporate disclosure around ESG performance. In our comprehensive disclosures in our annual Corporate Sustainability Report we also document our progress against metrics as outlined in other frameworks such as the Global Reporting Initiative ("GRI"), UN Sustainable Development Goals ("SDGs") and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures ("TCFD"). The following tables detail our energy metrics, aligned with the SASB Real Estate Standard. We intend to expand our reporting around the Real Estate Standard in the future.
The following metrics represent Equinix's colocation and hyperscale (xScaleTM) data center facilities' performance in the calendar years specified. Energy, renewable energy and greenhouse gas emissions are independently assured to ISO 14064-3:2006 standards for the quantification and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions. Calendar year data for 2020 is expected to become available Q2 2021.
Energy Management: Energy Consumption
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| Year | Energy Consumption Data as a % of Floor Area | Total Energy Consumed by Portfolio Area with Data Coverage (MWh)(1) | Like-for-Like Change in Energy Consumption of Portfolio Area with Data Coverage (MWh)(2) | Grid Electricity Consumption as a % of Energy Consumption | Energy Consumption from Renewable Sources(3) (kWh) | Renewable Energy as a % of Energy Consumption | Renewable Energy as a % of Electricity Consumption |
2018(4)(5) | 99.9% | 5,162,000 | N/A | 95.3% | 4,689,000 | 91% | 92% |
2019(6)(7) | 94.9% | 5,711,000 | 3.6% | 94.4% | 5,168,000 | 91% | 91% |
(1)The scope of energy consumed includes diesel, natural gas, purchased electricity, purchased chilled water and purchased electricity from fuel cells installed onsite. The only asset type included is data centers (Equinix’s 2019 sustainability report also included offices and the Infomart at DA99). The coverage is Whole Building.
(2)Like-for-like computed for stabilized asset list for the overlapping list of sites designated as stabilized in 2018 and 2019.
(3)Excludes renewable energy supplied in the standard generation mix from local utilities. Includes renewable energy certificates (through VPPAs, bundled supplier agreements, green tariffs and unbundled purchases).
(4)Excludes reseller sites (DA99, JK1, OS99, SH1).
(5)2018 portfolio coverage excludes xScaleTM sites: PA8x, LD13x.
(6)The 2019 10-K included recently constructed or acquired sites for which no utility data had been included within the greenhouse gas inventory boundary. This includes the following sites with no energy data reported within the SASB metrics for 2019: Data Centers: Asia-Pacific (ME2, SG4, SY5, TY11, SL1). Reseller sites are also excluded in the energy metrics (DA99, JK1, OS99, SH1). Equinix's Axtel Acquisition and Bell Acquisition sites from 2020 are also excluded.
(7)2019 portfolio coverage includes xScaleTM sites: PA8x, LD13x.
Energy Management: Green Building Ratings
Equinix's environmental efforts aim to deliver meaningful and measurable progress against sustainability goals that positively impact its customers, partners, investors and employees. Our data centers are designed to take advantage of local environmental conditions and to maximize operational efficiency. Equinix evaluates cost-efficient opportunities to enhance energy efficiency and bring renewable energy to the site for existing or acquired sites.
Equinix is protecting our planet's resources through green data center innovations and building and operating energy-efficient data centers around the world. Equinix's Energy Efficiency Center of Excellence is driving a global approach to cooling its existing data centers more efficiently. The program engages customers to manage their implementations more sustainably at Equinix's facilities, leading to overall improved site efficiencies.
Equinix certifies to numerous green buildings and energy management certifications and schemes. These include USGBC LEED green buildings certifications, ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management Standard, ISO 50001:2011 Energy Management Standard, BCA Green Mark, U.S. EPA Energy Star for Data Centers and others.
Data centers receiving green building ratings in 2019 and 2020 totaled more than 1.3 million gross sq. ft. The following new sites received ratings in 2019 or 2020. Additional sites and phases are pending final submissions.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Data Center | Metro Area | Rating Scheme | Level Achieved |
| DC15 Phase 1 | Ashburn, Virginia | Green Globes | Three Globes |
| HK4 Phase 2 | Hong Kong | LEED | Silver |
| ME2 Phase 1 | Melbourne, Australia | LEED | Gold |
| SG4 Phase 1 | Singapore | BCA Green Mark | GoldPlus |
| SH6 Partner Site | Shanghai, China | LEED | Platinum |
| SY5 Phase 1 | Sydney, Australia | LEED | Silver |
| TY11 Phase 1 | Tokyo, Japan | LEED | Silver |
In 2020, Equinix had 16.1 million gross sq. ft., or 72% of global footprint, in operation with green buildings and energy management certifications. Within the U.S., Equinix had 4.7 million gross sq. ft or 49% of its footprint under certification including 0.8 million of gross sq. ft., or 8% of U.S. footprint, having achieved U.S. EPA Energy Star for Data Centers.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year | Total Gross sq. ft. (million) | Countries with Eligible Portfolio(1) | Area of Eligible Portfolio with Green Building Rating (million sq. ft.)(2 | Eligible Portfolio with Green Building Rating (%) |
| Global Total through 2020 | 22.3 | Americas: U.S., Canada, Columbia, Brazil
Asia-Pacific: Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore
EMEA: Bulgaria, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UAE, United Kingdom | 16.1 | 72% |
| U.S. Total through 2020 | 9.5 | Americas: U.S. | 4.7 (LEED and Energy Star) 0.8 (Energy Star)(3) | 49% (LEED and Energy Star)
8% (Energy Star) |
(1)Countries excluded from metrics above: Americas (Mexico), Asia-Pacific (Indonesia, South Korea).
(2)Ratings included in our totals: ISO 50001 Energy Management, ISO 14001 Environmental Management, LEED green buildings certifications, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Energy Star for Data Centers, BCA Green Mark, NABERS and Green Globes.
(3)Equinix is currently evaluating its approach to U.S. EPA Energy Star for Data Centers. In 2019 and 2020, five sites received Energy Star for Data Centers recognition, representing 8% of our U.S. portfolio. In contrast, Equinix's U.S. portfolio has 17 LEED-certified data centers or 41% of the U.S. portfolio by gross square footage.
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 17 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Available Information
Equinix owns and maintains intellectual property in the form of trademarks, patents, application programming interfaces, customer portals and a variety of products and other offerings.
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"). The SEC 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
In addition to the other information contained in this report, the following risk factors should be considered carefully in evaluating our business:
Risk Factors
Risks Related to Our Business and Our Operations
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic could have a negative effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We have continuously monitored our global operations as the COVID-19 pandemic has spread across the globe and have implemented procedures focusing on the health and safety of our employees, customers, partners and communities, the continuity of our business offerings and compliance with governmental regulations and local public health guidance and ordinances. We have activated our business continuity and pandemic plans and while our business operations have continued without interruption and our IBX data centers have remained fully operational to date, we cannot guarantee our business operations or our IBX data centers will not be negatively impacted in the future. Our IBX data centers have been designated “essential businesses” or “critical infrastructure” for purposes of remaining open during the COVID-19 pandemic in all of the jurisdictions that have published these exemptions but not all jurisdictions have created such designations. Any change in these classifications could cause operational disruptions or closures of the affected IBX data centers.
We have implemented processes to limit and schedule access to certain IBX data centers as well as implemented social distancing and hygiene protocols in response to the growing number of suspected and confirmed COVID-19 cases. These proactive actions we have taken or may take in the future and any restrictions imposed by the government could result in business delays, operational disruption and customer dissatisfaction. Employee illnesses resulting from the pandemic could result in further inefficiencies or delays and a suspected or confirmed case in an IBX data center could require temporary closure of the affected IBX data center for cleaning or until local regulatory requirements are fulfilled. Any closure of an IBX data center or limitation of customer access could cause customer dissatisfaction if customers are unable to access their equipment within the IBX data center. We also have service level agreements which could be affected if we are required to close an IBX data center for any reason.
Preventative measures instituted by governments and businesses to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, including travel restrictions, social distancing requirements, shelter in place orders and quarantines, have negatively impacted the global economy and may adversely impact us, our customers and vendors. Some of our customers have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic which could affect our revenues. Certain customers have requested revised payment terms and more customers could potentially request such terms. If such an increase in requests for revised payment terms occurs, some delays in accounts receivable collection would result. We also expect some customers are relying on the governmental support via various COVID-19 related stimulus packages. If these stimulus packages do not continue or if they are not sufficient to meet our customers' needs, we could experience more customer churn as a result. In general, a prolonged economic downturn could result in a larger customer churn than we currently anticipate and reduced demand for our services, in which case our revenues could be significantly impacted. Given the uncertainty around the duration and extent of the COVID-19 pandemic, we cannot accurately predict at this time how the pandemic will affect our business over time.
We do not expect the construction delays that we have experienced to have a material effect on the company at this time, but additional supply disruptions because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic could occur and cause construction delays that are significant in the future. Significant construction delays would interfere with our ability to meet commitments to customers who have contracted for space in new IBX data centers under construction and could have a material impact on our business. While we have received "essential business" permits for construction in some jurisdictions, these classifications may not extend to the construction of new IBX data centers in all of our jurisdictions. We are also reliant on third party construction labor to build and expand our IBX data centers, to which we may not have access due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We rely on materials, products and manufacturing from regions of the world which are impacted by the pandemic. It may not be possible to find replacement products or supplies and ongoing delays could affect our business and growth.
While the full extent and impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic cannot be reasonably estimated at this time, it could have a material adverse impact on our business and financial condition. The extent to which the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic will impact our financial condition or results of operations will depend on many factors and future developments, including new information about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, additional surges in infection rates and any new government regulations which may emerge to contain the virus, among others.
We experienced an information technology security breach in the past and may be vulnerable to future security breaches, which could disrupt our operations and have a material adverse effect on our business results of operation and financial performance.
Despite our efforts to protect against cyber-attacks, we are not fully insulated from these types of security breaches, and such an attack could adversely impact our competitiveness and results of operations. In September 2020, we discovered ransomware on certain of our internal systems, encrypting files and holding them for ransom. Our teams responded quickly to address the incident and notified law enforcement, and after a thorough review of the incident by our management and experts retained to assist in this incident, the investigation was closed as of October 14, 2020. Our IBX data centers and our service offerings, including managed services, remained fully operational during the attack and the incident did not affect our ability to support our customers. We further believe that we were able to contain the incident and that the resolution will prevent the release of any data associated with this attack. While the event has been resolved and has not caused a material disruption to our systems nor resulted in any material costs to Equinix, our team is also working to protect against any future attacks. We will continue to face risks associated with unauthorized access to our computer systems, loss or destruction of data, computer viruses, ransomware, 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, vendors or third parties. 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. Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many of our non-IBX employees are working from home and could potentially be exposed to new security risks or attempted breaches because of these new work environments. 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. Any breaches that may occur in the future 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 results of operations. 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 responsible for any such 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.
Terrorist activity, or violence stemming from the current climate of political and economic uncertainty, could adversely impact our business.
The continued threat of terrorist activity and other acts of war or hostility both domestically and abroad, along with violence stemming from political unrest, 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 and employees, our ability to raise capital and the operation and maintenance of our IBX data centers.
Our offerings have a long sales cycle that may harm our revenue and results of operations.
A customer'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 may be further exacerbated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Delays due to the length of our sales cycle may materially and adversely affect our revenues and results of operations, which could harm our ability to meet our forecasts and cause volatility in our stock price.
Any failure of our physical infrastructure or negative impact on our ability to meet our obligations to our customers, 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' infrastructure and equipment located in our IBX data centers and ensure our IBX data centers and non-IBX offices 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 IBX data centers. Newly acquired data centers also may not have the same power infrastructure and design in place as our own IBX data centers. These legacy designs could require upgrades in order to meet our standards and our customers’ expectations. Until the legacy systems are brought up to Equinix standards, customers in these legacy IBX data centers could be exposed to higher risks of unexpected power outages. We have experienced power outages because of these legacy design issues in the past and our customers could experience these in the future.
Problems at one or more of our IBX data centers or corporate offices, whether or not within our control, could result in service interruptions or significant infrastructure or 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 such as the COVID-19 pandemic; and
•failure of business partners who provide our resale products.
We have service level commitment obligations to certain 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' 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 results of operations.
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-office information technology systems and processes. Difficulties from or disruptions to these efforts may interrupt our normal operations and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
We have been investing heavily in our back-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 onto our various information technology systems; and 3) implementation of new tools and technologies to either further streamline and automate processes, or to support our compliance with evolving U.S. GAAP. 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 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 results of operations.
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 earthquake insurance for certain of our IBX data centers, but for our IBX data centers in high-risk zones, including those in California and Japan, 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.
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 IBX data 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.
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 IBX data 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 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'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 we are unable to implement our evolving organizational structure or if we are unable to recruit or retain key executives and qualified personnel, our business could be harmed.
In connection with the evolving needs of our customers and our 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 key personnel who maintain relationships with our customers and who can provide the technical, strategic and marketing skills required for our 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 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.
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.
Failure to compete successfully may materially adversely affect our financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
If we cannot continue to develop, acquire, market and provide new offerings or enhancements to existing offerings that meet customer requirements and differentiate us from our competitors, our results of operations 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 cloud 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 anticipate customers’ evolving needs and expectations or do not adapt 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 new offerings. If we misjudge customer needs in the future, our new offerings may not succeed, and our revenues and earnings may be 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 Ventures with GIC and are also in discussions with a targeted 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.
We also recently acquired Packet a bare metal automation company to facilitate a new product offering for Equinix. While we believe this new product offering will be desirable to our customers and will complement our other 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 is a new market area for us which can bring challenges and could harm our business if not executed in the time or manner that we expect.
Our results of operations may fluctuate.
We have experienced fluctuations in our results of operations on a quarterly and annual basis. The fluctuations in our results of operations may cause the market price of our common stock to be volatile. We may experience significant fluctuations in our results of operations 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 solutions at our IBX data centers;
•changes in general economic conditions, such as from the COVID-19 pandemic or other economic downturns, or specific market conditions in the telecommunications and internet industries, any of which could have a material impact on us or 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'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 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 results of operations. 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 results of operations results in one or more future quarters may fail to meet the expectations of securities analysts or investors.
Our 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 customers' 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 condition.
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, including at the individual IBX data center level. Although each individual IBX data center is currently performing in accordance 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, 2020, our retained earnings were $1.8 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, expansions of IBX data centers and acquisitions of complementary businesses. As a result, we will incur higher depreciation and other operating expenses, as well as transaction 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 the 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. These leased IBX data 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 disrupt our business, harm our customer relationships, expose us to liability under our customer contracts, cause us to take impairment charges and affect our results of operations 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 results of operations and cash flow could be materially and adversely affected.
The presence of diverse telecommunications 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' customers to encourage them to invest the capital and operating resources required to connect from their data 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.
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.
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 results of operations and financial condition will be adversely affected.
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 results of operations.
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'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, any uncertain global economic climate, including the one we are currently experiencing as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, could 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.
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.
Risks Related to Our Expansion
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 may 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. These construction projects expose us to many risks which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. As described above, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated many of
these construction risks and has created additional risks for our business. Some of the risks associated with construction 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 and delays in obtaining building supplies, raw materials and data center equipment;
•labor availability, labor disputes and work stoppages with contractors, subcontractors and other third parties, including interruptions in work due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic;
•unanticipated environmental issues and geological problems;
•delays related to permitting and approvals to open 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. Any delay in permitting could affect our growth. We are currently experiencing permitting delays in most metros due to reduced production from labor availability and from other COVID-19 pandemic related permitting restrictions or stoppages. While we don't currently anticipate any material long-term negative impact to our business because of these construction delays, these types of delays and stoppages related to permitting from public agencies and utility companies could worsen and have an adverse effect on our bookings, revenue or 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, significant subcontractor or key supplier 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 metro connect solutions to connect these two IBX data 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.
Acquisitions present many risks, and we may not realize the financial or strategic goals that were contemplated at the time of any transaction.
Over the last several years, we have completed numerous acquisitions, including most recently that of data centers from Bell in the fourth quarter of 2020, Packet in March 2020, and three data centers from Axtel in Mexico in January 2020. We expect to make additional acquisitions in the future, 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 centers; (iii) acquisitions through investments in local data center operators; or (iv) acquisitions in new markets with higher risk profiles. 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, many of which could be exacerbated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, including:
•the possible disruption of our ongoing business and diversion of management'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 adverse effects resulting from such uncertainty;
•the possibility that our projections about the success of an acquisition could be inaccurate and any such inaccuracies could have a material adverse effect on our financial projections;
•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;
•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 and we may become subject to complex requirements and risks with which we have limited experience;
•the possibility that future acquisitions may appear less attractive due to fluctuations in foreign currency rates;
•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;
•the possibility of pre-existing undisclosed liabilities, including, but not limited to, lease or landlord related liability, tax liability, environmental liability or asbestos liability, for which insurance coverage may be insufficient or unavailable, or other issues not discovered in the diligence process;
•the possibility that we receive limited or incorrect information about the acquired business in the diligence process, particularly in light of the travel bans and other restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic; and
•the possibility that we do not have full visibility into customer agreements and customer termination rights during the diligence process which could expose us to additional liabilities after completing the acquisition.
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.
The anticipated benefits of our Joint Ventures with GIC may not be fully realized, or take longer to realize than expected.
On October 8, 2019, we entered into a joint venture with GIC to develop and operate xScale™ data centers in Europe (the "EMEA Joint Venture"). We sold our London 10 and Paris 8 IBX data centers and certain construction development and leases in London and Frankfurt to the EMEA Joint Venture. The data centers and facilities are now owned by wholly-owned subsidiaries of EMEA Hyperscale 1 C.V., a Dutch limited partnership of which Equinix owns a 20% interest, GIC owns an 80% interest, and Equinix will operate the facilities. In December 2020, we also sold our Paris 9 IBX data center to EMEA Joint Venture.
On December 17, 2020, we entered into a second joint venture with GIC, to develop and operate xScale™ data centers in Asia-Pacific (the “Asia-Pacific Joint Venture” and together with the EMEA Joint Venture, the “Joint Ventures”). We sold 3 development sites in Japan to the Asia-Pacific Joint Venture upon closing. The sites are now held by a wholly-owned subsidiary of APAC 1 Hyperscale LP, a limited partnership formed and registered under the laws of Singapore, of which Equinix owns a 20% interest and GIC owns an 80% interest, and Equinix will develop the data centers and operate the facilities.
We are investing in developing certain sites with the intent of selling these assets to these Joint Ventures. The success of the these Joint Venture will depend, in part, on the successful development of the data center sites, and we may not realize all of the anticipated benefits. Such development may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected and could result in increased costs, decreases in the amount of expected revenues and diversion of management's time and energy, which could materially impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, if it is determined these sites are no longer desirable for the Joint Ventures, we would need to find a different buyer or invest in the sites in order to develop them for a different purpose.
We may not realize all of the anticipated benefits from either of the Joint Ventures. The success of these Joint Ventures will depend, in part, on the successful partnership between Equinix and GIC. Such a partnership is subject to risks as outlined below in our risk factor related to Joint Ventures under the General Risk Factors section, and
more generally, to the same types of business risks as would impact our IBX data center business. A failure to successfully partner, or a failure to realize our expectations for the Joint Ventures, could materially impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. These Joint Ventures could also be negatively impacted by development and construction delays, including those resulting from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Joint venture investments, such as our Joint Ventures 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 current and proposed Joint Ventures 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 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 results of operations may be adversely affected.
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, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we recognized approximately 59%, 58% and 55%, respectively, of our revenues outside the U.S. We currently operate outside of the U.S. in Canada, Mexico, Asia-Pacific, EMEA, and South America.
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' 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 such as the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union ("Brexit"), the recent Hong Kong security law, and the current trade war between the U.S. and China;
•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;
•compliance with evolving governmental regulation with which we have little experience; and
•compliance with evolving and varied regulations related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Geo-political events, such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Brexit, political unrest in Hong Kong, the recent Hong Kong security law, and the trade war between the U.S. and China, may increase the likelihood of the listed risks to occur and could have a negative effect on our business in those regions. 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 laws and 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. With respect to the current trade war between the U.S. and China, we have several customers in China named in restrictive executive orders by the previous U.S. administration that are currently covered by a freeze issued by the current U.S. administration or currently enjoined from enforcement subject to pending litigation. If Equinix is required to cease business with these companies, or additional companies in the future, our revenues could be adversely affected. Violations of any of these domestic or international 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 results of operations. Our success depends, in part, on our ability to anticipate and address these risks and manage these difficulties.
Risks Related to Our Capital Needs and Capital Strategy
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, 2020, our total indebtedness (gross of debt issuance cost, debt discount, and debt premium) was approximately $12.6 billion, our stockholders' equity was $10.6 billion and our cash, cash equivalents, and investments totaled $1.6 billion. In addition, as of December 31, 2020, we had approximately $1.9 billion of additional liquidity available to us from our $2.0 billion revolving credit facility. In addition to our substantial debt, we lease many of our IBX data centers and certain equipment under lease agreements, some of which are accounted for as operating leases. As of December 31, 2020, we recorded operating lease liabilities of $1.5 billion, which represents our obligation to make lease payments under those lease 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, 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;
•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 results of operations.
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 October 2020, we established a new “at-the-market” (“ATM”) program in the amount of $1.5 billion under which we may, from time to time, issue and sell shares of our common stock to or through sales agents up to established limits; this new ATM program remained unused at the end of 2020. We expect to refresh our ATM program periodically, which could lead to additional dilution for our stockholders in the future. We may also seek authorization to sell additional shares of common stock through other means which could
lead to additional dilution for our stockholders. Please see Note 12 within the Consolidated Financial Statements of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for sales of our common stock under the ATM program.
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, our sales and revenues could be adversely affected by declines in foreign currencies relative to the U.S. 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. Dollar 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.
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. Dollar 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. However, if the U.S. Dollar 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. For additional information on foreign currency 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.
Risks Related to Environmental Laws and Climate Change Impacts
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, permits or leases for the removal or cleanup of such substances or materials, the cost of which could be substantial.
We purchase significant amounts of electricity from generating facilities and utility companies that are subject to environmental laws, regulations and permit requirements. These environmental requirements are subject to material change, which could result in increases in our electricity suppliers' compliance costs that may be passed through to us. Regulations promulgated by the U.S. EPA or other international regulators could limit air emissions from fossil fuel-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 additional capital requirements, limitations upon our operations and unexpected increased 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 and in countries where we operate abroad in addressing climate change. In the U.S., with the new administration, there is a likelihood that new regulations or legislation will be proposed and potentially enacted that would seek to limit carbon dioxide emissions and the use of fossil fuels. Past legislative proposals to address climate change include measures ranging from "carbon taxes," to tax credits, to federally imposed limitations on GHG emissions. The course of future legislation and regulation in the U.S. and abroad remains difficult to predict and the potential increased costs associated with GHG regulation or taxes cannot be estimated at this time.
State regulations also have the potential to increase our costs of obtaining electricity. Certain states and countries in which we operate have issued or are considering and may enact environmental regulations that could materially affect our facilities and electricity costs. For example, California has limited GHG emissions from new and existing conventional power plants by imposing regulatory caps and by auctioning the rights to emission allowances. Washington, Oregon and Massachusetts have issued regulations to implement similar carbon cap and trade programs, 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 and international 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 have a material adverse effect on electricity costs in the future.
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 IBX 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 are dedicated to sustainability and 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 goals and 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 elsewhere 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.
Any power outages, shortages or capacity constraints may have an adverse effect on our business and our results of operations.
In each of our markets, we rely on third parties, and their infrastructure, 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 original plan 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, results of operations and cash flows.
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 any failures of electrical power grids more generally, 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. While many of our offices are closed because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, our employees in California may be subjected to planned power outages at home which could be difficult to track and could affect our day to day operations of our non-IBX employees. 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.
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.
Risks Related to Certain Regulations and Laws including Tax Laws
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 and 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 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 outcomes of the appeals are uncertain and may not be resolved in our favor.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development ("OECD") is an international association made up of 37 countries including the U.S. The OECD has proposed and made numerous changes to long-standing tax principles, which, if adopted by the member countries, could have a materially adverse effect on our tax liabilities. For example, various jurisdictions are starting to explore the taxation of digital service through the adoption of tax principles which could have a negative effect on Equinix’s tax liability.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased spending by many governments. Because of this, there could be pressure to increase taxes in the future to pay back debts and generate revenues. The nature and timing of any future changes to each jurisdiction's tax laws and the impact on our future tax liabilities because of the COVID-19 pandemic or for any other reason cannot be predicted with any accuracy but could materially and adversely impact our results of operations and financial position or cash flows.
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 uncertain. Changes could have a material adverse effect on us and our customers. There may also be forthcoming regulation in the U.S. on a federal or state level in the areas of cybersecurity, data privacy, taxation and data security, any of which could impact Equinix and our customers. Similarly, data privacy regulations continue to evolve and must be addressed by Equinix as a global company.
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 those which might have a material effect on our customers’ decisions to purchase our services. 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.
While our business and IBX data centers are currently all operational and have been designated "critical infrastructure" or "essential services" in order to remain open in many jurisdictions during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, any regulations restricting our ability to operate our business due to the COVID-19 pandemic could have a material adverse effect on our business. Additionally, the "essential services" and "critical infrastructure" designations we have experienced could lead countries or local regulators to impose additional regulations on the data center industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic in order to have better visibility and control over our industry for future events.
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.
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 U.S. 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 2020 and have declared a quarterly distribution to be paid on March 17, 2021. 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.taxable REIT subsidiaries ("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 the
The 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%50% (30% for tax years after 2020) 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 the
The 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 respect of dealer property income or 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 U.S. 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%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 tomay 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.TRSs. 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 adjusted funds from operations ("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 that meet specified holding period requirements 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 U.S. federal or state income tax laws governing REITs, or the administrative interpretations of those laws, may be amended. FederalU.S. 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.
General Risk Factors
Adverse global economic conditions, like the ones we are currently experiencing during the COVID-19 pandemic, could adversely impact our business and financial condition.
Adverse global economic conditions like the ones we are currently experiencing because of the COVID-19 pandemic and uncertain conditions in the credit markets have created, and in the future may increase risk to our financial outlook. The uncertain global economy could also result in material churn in our customer base, reductions in revenues from our offerings, adverse effects to our DSO, longer sales cycles, slower adoption of new technologies and increased price competition, which could adversely affect our liquidity. Customers and vendors filing for bankruptcy could also lead to costly and time-intensive actions with adverse effects, including greater difficulty or delay in accounts receivable collection. The uncertain economic environment could also have an impact on our foreign exchange forward contracts if our counterparties' credit deteriorates or if they are otherwise unable to perform their obligations. Finally, volatility in the financial markets like we are currently experiencing could affect our ability to access the capital markets at a time when we desire, 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.
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 recently been and may continue to be highly volatile. General economic and market conditions, like the current instability due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 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:
•news or regulations regarding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic;
•our results of operations or forecasts;
•new issuances of equity, debt or convertible debt by us, including issuances through our 2020 ATM Program;
| |
ITEM 1B. | UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS |
•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's attention from other business concerns, which could seriously harm our business.
Inadequate or inaccurate external and internal information, including budget and planning data, could lead to inaccurate financial forecasts and inappropriate financial decisions.
Our financial forecasts are dependent on estimates and assumptions regarding 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.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is expected have a material effect on many aspects of the economy, but the extent of its impact on Equinix is difficult to predict at this time. We continue to evolve our forecasting models as the situation unfolds but if our predictions are inaccurate and our results differ materially from our forecasts, we could make inappropriate financial decisions. Additionally, inaccuracies in our models could adversely impact our compliance with REIT asset tests, future profitability, stock price and/or stockholder confidence.
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, 2020, 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.
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'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 results of operations 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.
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.
ITEM 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
There is no disclosure to report pursuant to Item 1B.
ITEM 2. Properties
Our executive offices are located in Redwood City, California, and we also havewith 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 certainxScaleTM data centers investments as of ourDecember 31, 2020.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| AMERICAS |
| Metro | | Leased (1) | | Owned (1) (2) |
| Atlanta | | ● | | ● |
| Bogota | | | | ● |
| Boston | | ● | | ● |
| Calgary | | ● | | ● |
| Chicago | | ● | | ● |
| Culpeper | | | | ● |
| Dallas | | ● | | ● |
| Washington DC/Ashburn | | ● | | ● |
| Denver | | ● | | ● |
| Houston | | | | ● |
| Kamloops | | | | ● |
| Los Angeles | | ● | | ● |
| Mexico City | | | | ● |
| Miami | | ● | | ● |
| Monterrey | | ● | | |
| Montreal | | ● | | |
| New York | | ● | | ● |
| Ottawa | | | | ● |
| Philadelphia | | ● | | |
| Rio de Janeiro | | ● | | ● |
| Saint John | | | | ● |
| Sao Paulo | | ● | | ● |
| Seattle | | ● | | ● |
| Silicon Valley | | ● | | ● |
| Toronto | | ● | | ● |
| Vancouver | | ● | | |
| Winnipeg | | ● | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| EMEA |
| Metro | | Leased (1) | | Owned (1)(2) |
| Abu Dhabi | | ● | | |
| Amsterdam | | ● | | ● |
| Barcelona | | ● | | |
| Dubai | | ● | | |
| Dublin | | ● | | ● |
| Dusseldorf | | | | ● |
| East Netherlands | | ● | | |
| Frankfurt | | ● | | ● |
| Geneva | | ● | | |
| Hamburg | | | | ● |
| Helsinki | | ● | | ● |
| Istanbul | | | | ● |
| Lisbon | | | | ● |
| London | | ● | | ● |
| Madrid | | ● | | |
| Manchester | | ● | | |
| Milan | | ● | | ● |
| Munich | | ● | | |
| Muscat | | | | ● |
| Paris | | ● | | ● |
| Seville | | ● | | |
| Sofia | | | | ● |
| Stockholm | | ● | | ● |
| Warsaw | | ● | | ● |
| Zurich | | ● | | ● |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Asia-Pacific |
| Metro | | Leased (1) | | Owned (1) (2) |
| Adelaide | | | | ● |
| Brisbane | | | | ● |
| Canberra | | | | ● |
| Hong Kong | | ● | | |
| Melbourne | | | | ● |
| Osaka | | ● | | |
| Perth | | | | ● |
| Seoul | | ● | | |
| Singapore | | ● | | |
| Shanghai | | ● | | ● |
| Sydney | | ● | | ● |
| Tokyo | | ● | | ● |
(1)"●" denotes locations with one or more data centers.
(2)Owned sites include IBX data centers. In the Americas region: Chicago, Illinois; Washington D.C., Ashburn and Culpeper, Virginia; Silicon Valley and Los Angeles, California; Rio 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, Portugalcenters subject to long-term ground leases.
The following table presents an overview of our portfolio of IBX data centers as of December 31, 2017:2020:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| # of IBXs (1) | | Total Cabinet Capacity (1)(2) | | Cabinets Billed(1) | | Cabinet Utilization % (1)(3) | | MRR per Cabinet (1)(4) |
| Americas | 104 | | | 119,400 | | | 86,800 | | | 73 | % | | $ | 2,415 | |
| EMEA | 75 | | | 125,000 | | | 104,400 | | | 84 | % | | 1,530 | |
| Asia-Pacific | 45 | | | 66,100 | | | 54,600 | | | 83 | % | | 1,901 | |
| Total | 224 | | | 310,500 | | | 245,800 | | | | | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | # of IBXs | | Total Cabinet Capacity (1) | | Cabinets Billed | | Cabinet Utilization % (2) | | MRR per Cabinet (3) |
| Americas | 87 |
| | 96,300 |
| | 78,900 |
| | 82 | % | | $ | 2,371 |
|
| EMEA | 73 |
| | 101,900 |
| | 83,200 |
| | 82 | % | | 1,342 |
|
| Asia-Pacific | 30 |
| | 44,400 |
| | 33,000 |
| | 74 | % | | 2,007 |
|
| Total | 190 |
| | 242,600 |
| | 195,100 |
| | | | |
_________________________
| | |
(1) | 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) | The cabinet utilization rate represents the percentage of cabinet space billing 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) | MRR per cabinet represents average monthly recurring revenue recognized during the year divided by the average number of cabinets billing during 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 from MRR per cabinet calculations. |
(1)Excludes three unconsolidated entities (two xScaleTM IBX data centers and the MC1 IBX data center)
(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.
(3)The cabinet utilization rate represents the percentage of cabinet space billed versus total cabinet capacity, taking into consideration power limitations.
(4)MRR per cabinet represents average monthly recurring revenue recognized divided by the average number of cabinets billing during the fourth quarter of the year. Americas MRR per cabinet excludes Brazil, Columbia 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, 2017:2020:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Property | | Property Location | | Target Open Date | | Sellable Cabinets | | Total Capex (in Millions) (1) |
| Americas: | | | | | | | | |
| SP3 phase III | | São Paulo | | Q1 2021 | | 1,050 | | | $ | 25 | |
| LA7 phase II | | Los Angeles | | Q2 2021 | | 750 | | | 54 | |
| SV11 phase I | | Silicon Valley | | Q2 2021 | | 1,450 | | | 142 | |
| MX2 phase II | | Mexico City | | Q4 2021 | | 1,075 | | | 54 | |
| NY6 phase II | | New York | | Q4 2021 | | 525 | | | 28 | |
| | | | | | 4,850 | | | 303 | |
| EMEA: | | | | | | | | |
| AM7 phase III | | Amsterdam | | Q1 2021 | | 1,425 | | | 63 | |
| LD7 phase IB | | London | | Q1 2021 | | 875 | | | 30 | |
| ML5 phase I | | Milan | | Q1 2021 | | 500 | | | 51 | |
| BX1 phase I | | Bordeaux | | Q2 2021 | | 225 | | | 28 | |
| HE7 phase II | | Helsinki | | Q2 2021 | | 600 | | | 28 | |
| IL2 phase II | | Istanbul | | Q2 2021 | | 400 | | | 25 | |
| LD8 phase IV | | London | | Q2 2021 | | 550 | | | 36 | |
| SK2 phase VII | | Stockholm | | Q2 2021 | | 250 | | | 6 | |
| FR8 phase I | | Frankfurt | | Q3 2021 | | 1,675 | | | 109 | |
| MU4 phase I | | Munich | | Q3 2021 | | 825 | | | 69 | |
| WA3 phase II | | Warsaw | | Q3 2021 | | 475 | | | 29 | |
| ZH5 phase IV | | Zurich | | Q3 2021 | | 250 | | | 42 | |
| GV2 phase III | | Geneva | | Q4 2021 | | 300 | | | 22 | |
| GN1 phase I | | Genoa | | Q4 2021 | | 150 | | | 21 | |
| ML5 phase II | | Milan | | Q4 2021 | | 1,025 | | | 29 | |
| DX3 phase I | | Dubai | | Q1 2022 | | 900 | | | 61 | |
| MD2 phase IV | | Madrid | | Q1 2022 | | 375 | | | 16 | |
| MC1 phase II | | Muscat | | Q1 2022 | | 475 | | | 19 | |
| LD7 phase II | | London | | Q2 2022 | | 2,275 | | | 111 | |
| MA5 phase I | | Manchester | | Q2 2022 | | 1,025 | | | 78 | |
| PA10 phase I | | Paris | | Q2 2022 | | 2,250 | | | 163 | |
| | | | | | 16,825 | | | 1,036 | |
| Asia-Pacific: | | | | | | | | |
| SG4 phase II | | Singapore | | Q1 2021 | | 1,400 | | | 49 | |
| TY11 phase II | | Tokyo | | Q1 2021 | | 1,225 | | | 58 | |
| SH6 phase II | | Shanghai | | Q2 2021 | | 575 | | | 18 | |
| SG5 phase I | | Singapore | | Q2 2021 | | 1,300 | | | 144 | |
| HK1 phase XIII-A | | Hong Kong | | Q3 2021 | | 525 | | | 30 | |
| SG1 phase XV | | Singapore | | Q3 2021 | | 300 | | | 22 | |
| SY5 phase II | | Sydney | | Q3 2021 | | 2,150 | | | 49 | |
| OS3 phase I | | Osaka | | Q4 2021 | | 900 | | | 55 | |
| PE3 phase I | | Perth | | Q4 2021 | | 650 | | | 54 | |
| SG5 phase II | | Singapore | | Q4 2021 | | 1,525 | | | 75 | |
| | | | | | 10,550 | | | 554 | |
| Total | | | | | | 32,225 | | | $ | 1,893 | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| 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 |
|
(1)Capital expenditures are approximate and may change based on final construction details. ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGSLegal Proceedings
None.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 requested a trial date. Our defense was filed April 15, 2019. A trial date was set for March 6, 2020, but the hearing was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The prosecutor has agreed to a plea bargain for Mr. Schwartz comprising of payment of an amount between €12,700 and €25,000, plus a fine of €2,700. This arrangement must be approved by the Court. In a hearing on December 17, 2020, the presiding judge decided that there was insufficient evidence of a crime and acquitted Equinix. The Public Prosecutor has until February 24, 2021 to issue an appeal.
We have recently completed adoption of 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 any Court verdict by 50%. After adoption of Decree 231, the exposure for Equinix would be effectively reduced to €175,000.
While it is not possible to accurately predict whether the Public Prosecutor will appeal this decision, if an appeal is lodged and any subsequent final outcome of this pending Court proceeding 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 in effect at the inception of this proceeding.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSUREMine Safety Disclosure
Not applicable.
PART II
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
ITEM 5. | MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES | | | |
ITEM 5. Market 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 Quarter | 418.43 |
| | 474.42 |
|
| Second Fiscal Quarter | 399.11 |
| | 444.97 |
|
| First Fiscal Quarter | 358.72 |
| | 400.37 |
|
| | Low | | High |
| Fiscal 2016 | | | |
| Fourth Fiscal Quarter | $ | 325.05 |
| | $ | 373.22 |
|
| Third Fiscal Quarter | 355.01 |
| | 389.45 |
|
| Second Fiscal Quarter | 319.89 |
| | 387.73 |
|
| First Fiscal Quarter | 265.05 |
| | 330.71 |
|
As of January 31, 2018,2021, we had 79,122,30089,184,799 shares of our common stock outstanding held by approximately 280329 registered holders. During the years ended December 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, 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, 20122015 and December 31, 20172020 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, 20122015 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*
*$100 invested on 12/31/1215 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends.
Fiscal year ending December 31.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATASelected Financial Data
The following consolidated statement of operations data for the five years ended December 31, 20172020 and the consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017,, 2016, 2015, 2014 and 20132016 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, 20172020 and as of December 31, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013,2016, 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 certain data centers from Bell in Canada in October 2020, Packet bare metal automation platform in March 2020, Axtel data center business in Mexico in January 2020, 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"), and Telecity Group plc in January 2016, Bit-isle2016. In December 2020, we sold three Japan development sites, Osaka 2, Tokyo 12, and Tokyo 14 in November 2015the Asia-Pacific region to the Asia-Pacific Joint Venture with GIC. In December 2020, we sold Paris 9 to the EMEA Joint Venture and Nimbo Technologies Inc. ("Nimbo") in January 2015. We also completed the acquisition of the 100% controlling equity interest in ALOG Data Centers do Brasil S.A. ("ALOG") in July 2014 and we acquired the Frankfurt Kleyer 90 carrier hotel in October 2013. We2019, we sold our London 10 and Paris 8 data centers, as well as certain data center sites in Europe to the EMEA Joint Venture. In addition, we sold our New York 12 data center in October 2019, 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 to2020, 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 8for further discussion.
| | | | Years Ended December 31, | | Years Ended December 31, |
| | 2017 | | 2016 | | 2015 | | 2014 | | 2013 | | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2017 | | 2016 |
| | (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 |
| Revenues | $ | 5,998,545 | | | $ | 5,562,140 | | | $ | 5,071,654 | | | $ | 4,368,428 | | | $ | 3,611,989 | |
| Costs and operating expenses: | | | | | | | | | | Costs and operating expenses: | | | | | | | | | |
| Cost of revenues | 2,193,149 |
| | 1,820,870 |
| | 1,291,506 |
| | 1,197,885 |
| | 1,064,403 |
| Cost of revenues | 3,074,340 | | | 2,810,184 | | | 2,605,475 | | | 2,193,149 | | | 1,820,870 | |
| Sales and marketing | 581,724 |
| | 438,742 |
| | 332,012 |
| | 296,103 |
| | 246,623 |
| Sales and marketing | 718,356 | | | 651,046 | | | 633,702 | | | 581,724 | | | 438,742 | |
| General and administrative | 745,906 |
| | 694,561 |
| | 493,284 |
| | 438,016 |
| | 374,790 |
| General and administrative | 1,090,981 | | | 935,018 | | | 826,694 | | | 745,906 | | | 694,561 | |
| Restructuring reversals | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (4,837 | ) | |
| Acquisition costs | 38,635 |
| | 64,195 |
| | 41,723 |
| | 2,506 |
| | 10,855 |
| |
| Transaction costs | | Transaction costs | 55,935 | | | 24,781 | | | 34,413 | | | 38,635 | | | 64,195 | |
| Impairment charges | — |
| | 7,698 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| Impairment charges | 7,306 | | | 15,790 | | | — | | | — | | | 7,698 | |
| Gain on asset sales | — |
| | (32,816 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| Gain on asset sales | (1,301) | | | (44,310) | | | (6,013) | | | — | | | (32,816) | |
| Total costs and operating expenses | 3,559,414 |
| | 2,993,250 |
| | 2,158,525 |
| | 1,934,510 |
| | 1,691,834 |
| Total costs and operating expenses | 4,945,617 | | | 4,392,509 | | | 4,094,271 | | | 3,559,414 | | | 2,993,250 | |
| Income from operations | 809,014 |
| | 618,739 |
| | 567,342 |
| | 509,266 |
| | 460,932 |
| Income from operations | 1,052,928 | | | 1,169,631 | | | 977,383 | | | 809,014 | | | 618,739 | |
| Interest income | 13,075 |
| | 3,476 |
| | 3,581 |
| | 2,891 |
| | 3,387 |
| Interest income | 8,654 | | | 27,697 | | | 14,482 | | | 13,075 | | | 3,476 | |
| Interest expense | (478,698 | ) | | (392,156 | ) | | (299,055 | ) | | (270,553 | ) | | (248,792 | ) | Interest expense | (406,466) | | | (479,684) | | | (521,494) | | | (478,698) | | | (392,156) | |
| Other income (expense) | 9,213 |
| | (57,924 | ) | | (60,581 | ) | | 119 |
| | 5,253 |
| Other income (expense) | 6,913 | | | 27,778 | | | 14,044 | | | 9,213 | | | (57,924) | |
| Loss on debt extinguishment | (65,772 | ) | | (12,276 | ) | | (289 | ) | | (156,990 | ) | | (108,501 | ) | Loss on debt extinguishment | (145,804) | | | (52,825) | | | (51,377) | | | (65,772) | | | (12,276) | |
| Income from continuing operations before income taxes | 286,832 |
| | 159,859 |
| | 210,998 |
| | 84,733 |
| | 112,279 |
| Income from continuing operations before income taxes | 516,225 | | | 692,597 | | | 433,038 | | | 286,832 | | | 159,859 | |
Income tax expense (1) | (53,850 | ) | | (45,451 | ) | | (23,224 | ) | | (345,459 | ) | | (16,156 | ) | |
| Net income (loss) from continuing operations | 232,982 |
| | 114,408 |
| | 187,774 |
| | (260,726 | ) | | 96,123 |
| |
| Income tax expense | | Income tax expense | (146,151) | | | (185,352) | | | (67,679) | | | (53,850) | | | (45,451) | |
| Net income from continuing operations | | Net income from continuing operations | 370,074 | | | 507,245 | | | 365,359 | | | 232,982 | | | 114,408 | |
| Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax | — |
| | 12,392 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 12,392 | |
| Net income (loss) | 232,982 |
| | 126,800 |
| | 187,774 |
| | (260,726 | ) | | 96,123 |
| |
| Net income | | Net income | 370,074 | | | 507,245 | | | 365,359 | | | 232,982 | | | 126,800 | |
| Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interest | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 1,179 |
| | (1,438 | ) | Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interest | (297) | | | 205 | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Net income (loss) attributable to Equinix | $ | 232,982 |
| | $ | 126,800 |
| | $ | 187,774 |
| | $ | (259,547 | ) | | $ | 94,685 |
| |
| Net income attributable to Equinix | | Net income attributable to Equinix | $ | 369,777 | | | $ | 507,450 | | | $ | 365,359 | | | $ | 232,982 | | | $ | 126,800 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Earnings per share ("EPS") attributable to Equinix: | | | | | | | | | | Earnings per share ("EPS") attributable to Equinix: | |
| Basic EPS from continuing operations | $ | 3.03 |
| | $ | 1.63 |
| | $ | 3.25 |
| | $ | (4.96 | ) | | $ | 1.92 |
| Basic EPS from continuing operations | $ | 4.22 | | | $ | 6.03 | | | $ | 4.58 | | | $ | 3.03 | | | $ | 1.63 | |
| Basic EPS from discontinued operations | — |
| | 0.18 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| Basic EPS from discontinued operations | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 0.18 | |
| Basic EPS | $ | 3.03 |
| | $ | 1.81 |
| | $ | 3.25 |
| | $ | (4.96 | ) | | $ | 1.92 |
| Basic EPS | $ | 4.22 | | | $ | 6.03 | | | $ | 4.58 | | | $ | 3.03 | | | $ | 1.81 | |
| Weighted-average shares | 76,854 |
| | 70,117 |
| | 57,790 |
| | 52,359 |
| | 49,438 |
| |
| Weighted-average shares for basic EPS | | Weighted-average shares for basic EPS | 87,700 | | | 84,140 | | | 79,779 | | | 76,854 | | | 70,117 | |
| Diluted EPS from continuing operations | $ | 3.00 |
| | $ | 1.62 |
| | $ | 3.21 |
| | $ | (4.96 | ) | | $ | 1.89 |
| Diluted EPS from continuing operations | $ | 4.18 | | | $ | 5.99 | | | $ | 4.56 | | | $ | 3.00 | | | $ | 1.62 | |
| Diluted EPS from discontinued operations | — |
| | 0.17 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| Diluted EPS from discontinued operations | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 0.17 | |
| Diluted EPS | $ | 3.00 |
| | $ | 1.79 |
| | $ | 3.21 |
| | $ | (4.96 | ) | | $ | 1.89 |
| Diluted EPS | $ | 4.18 | | | $ | 5.99 | | | $ | 4.56 | | | $ | 3.00 | | | $ | 1.79 | |
| Weighted-average shares | 77,535 |
| | 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 EPS | | Weighted-average shares for diluted EPS | 88,410 | | | 84,679 | | | 80,197 | | | 77,535 | | | 70,816 | |
| Dividends per share | | Dividends per share | $ | 10.64 | | | $ | 9.84 | | | $ | 9.12 | | | $ | 8.00 | | | $ | 7.00 | |
_______________________
| | |
(1) | 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 activities | 4,607,860 |
| | (897,065 | ) | | 1,873,152 |
| | 87,819 |
| | 574,907 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| As of December 31, |
| 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2017 | | 2016 |
| Consolidated Balance Sheet Data: | (in thousands) |
| Cash, cash equivalents and short-term and long-term investments | $ | 1,609,401 | | | $ | 1,879,939 | | | $ | 610,706 | | | $ | 1,450,031 | | | $ | 761,927 | |
| Accounts receivable, net | 676,738 | | | 689,134 | | | 630,119 | | | 576,313 | | | 396,245 | |
| Property, plant and equipment, net | 14,503,084 | | | 12,152,597 | | | 11,026,020 | | | 9,394,602 | | | 7,199,210 | |
| Total assets | 27,006,841 | | | 23,965,615 | | | 20,244,638 | | | 18,691,457 | | | 12,608,371 | |
| Operating lease liabilities, less current portion | 1,308,627 | | | 1,315,656 | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Finance lease liabilities, less current portion | 1,784,816 | | | 1,430,882 | | | 1,441,077 | | | 1,620,256 | | | 1,410,742 | |
| Mortgage and loans payable, less current portion | 1,287,254 | | | 1,289,434 | | | 1,310,663 | | | 1,393,118 | | | 1,369,087 | |
| Senior notes, less current portion | 9,018,277 | | | 8,309,673 | | | 8,128,785 | | | 6,923,849 | | | 3,810,770 | |
| Total stockholders' equity | 10,634,118 | | | 8,840,382 | | | 7,219,279 | | | 6,849,790 | | | 4,365,829 | |
_________________________
| |
(1) | For a discussion of our primary non-GAAP financial metrics, see our non-GAAP financial measures discussion in "Management’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, net | 576,313 |
| | 396,245 |
| | 291,964 |
| | 262,570 |
| | 184,840 |
|
| Property, plant and equipment, net | 9,394,602 |
| | 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 portion | 1,620,256 |
| | 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' equity | 6,849,790 |
| | 4,365,829 |
| | 2,745,386 |
| | 2,270,131 |
| | 2,459,064 |
|
_________________________ITEM 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
| |
(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. |
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ITEM 7. | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS |
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 2020 and 2019 items as well as 2020 results as compared to 2019 results. For the discussion of 2018 items and 2019 results as compared to 2018 results, please refer to Item 7 of our 2019 Form 10-K as filed with the SEC on February 21, 2020.
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
Overview
Equinix is a global digital infrastructure company, enabling digital leaders to harness a trusted platform to bring together and interconnect the foundational infrastructure that powers their success. Equinix enables today’s businesses to access all the right places, partners and possibilities they need to accelerate their advantage. 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 xScaleTM data center investments, have expanded our total global footprint to 227 IBXs, including two xScaleTM data centers and the MC1 data center that were held in unconsolidated joint ventures, across 63 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 MTDC 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%, as of December 31, 2020 and 2019. 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 80% as of December 31, 2020. 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, results of operations and cash flows.
In 2019, we closed our EMEA Joint Venture with GIC to develop and operate xScaleTM data centers to serve the needs of the growing hyperscale data center market, including the world's largest cloud service providers. Upon closing, the EMEA Joint Venture acquired certain data center sites, including the London 10 data center, Paris 8 data center and few data center sites in London and Frankfurt, with the opportunity to add additional facilities in the future. In 2020, we sold the Paris 9 data center to the EMEA Joint Venture. In addition, we closed our Asia-Pacific Joint Venture with GIC in APAC to develop and operate xScaleTM data centers. Upon closing, the Asia-Pacific Joint
Venture acquired Osaka 2, Tokyo 12, and Tokyo 14 data center development sites in the APAC region, with the opportunity to add additional facilities 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:
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, 2020, 2019 and 2018. Our 50 largest customers accounted for approximately 39%, 39% and 38%, respectively, of our recurring revenues for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.
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, 2020, our REIT structure included all of our data center operations in the U.S., Canada (with the exception of our data center in Ottawa), Mexico, 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 investment interest in the EMEA and Asia-Pacific Joint Ventures in our REIT structure.
As a REIT, we generally are permitted to deduct from our U.S. federal 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. In addition, should we have net income from "prohibited transactions," we will be subject to tax on this income at a 100% rate. "Prohibited transactions," for this purpose, are defined as dispositions, at a gain, of inventory or property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business other than dispositions of foreclosure property and other than dispositions excepted by statutory safe harbors. 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.
On each of March 18, June 17, September 23, and December 9, 2020 we paid quarterly cash dividends of $2.66 per share. We expect the amount of our applicable dividends and other applicable distributions to equal or exceed the REIT taxable income that we recognized in 2020.
The Impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on Our Results and Operations
In December 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus, referred to as Coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19, emerged. In February 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the COVID-19 threat from high to very high, and in March 2020, the WHO characterized COVID-19 as a global pandemic. The global pandemic and the efforts implemented to address the pandemic, including the issuance of “shelter-in-place” orders and social distancing guidelines, have impacted major economic and financial markets globally.
Many of our IBX data centers have been identified as "essential businesses" or "critical infrastructure" by local governments for purposes of remaining open during the COVID-19 pandemic. All of our IBX data centers remain operational at the time of filing of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We have activated our business continuity plans globally with the goal of providing seamless operations throughout our facilities, including provisions for ensuring all data centers remain staffed and fully operational and that our IBXs are equipped with the necessary equipment and supplies. We have implemented precautionary measures to minimize the risk of operational impact and to protect the health and safety of our employees, customers, partners and communities. These include implementing tools such as an appointment-based system to control timing and frequency of visits while also encouraging our customers to leverage our IBX technicians via Smart Hands, our remote operational support service, in order to restrict visits and minimize the number of people and the amount of time spent in our IBX facilities.
Most of our corporate offices remain closed as a result of the pandemic and we instructed our non-IBX employees in these offices to work from home until further notice. We have announced a phased plan for return-to-office for non-IBX attached sites and have been following this plan to open certain offices with occupancy limits as local conditions allow. Additionally, we have decided to continue to limit employee travel and postpone or virtualize global events in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
We are experiencing some construction delays, however, to date, the construction delays and additional costs are insignificant relative to the overall project duration and budget. Equipment for construction projects which are scheduled to be placed in the near future has been ordered, and is currently being manufactured or delivered with minimal delays. We are actively monitoring our vendors and suppliers to evaluate any anticipated changes in equipment availability or delivery timetables. We have redundancies built into our supply chain of vendors and, to the best of our ability, we keep a stock of critical items on site to ensure repairs can be completed. To date, we have not observed any significant disruption to our IBX data center operations due to supply chain impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic did not have a material impact on our results of operations. The majority of our revenue is derived from large companies across a diverse set of industries. Customers operating in sectors more drastically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as retail, travel, and energy, made up an insignificant percentage of our revenue. Smart Hands service revenues declined during the year ended December 31, 2020, as we waived Smart Hands service fees from the affected customers in certain circumstances during the first few months of the pandemic. We ceased to waive Smart Hands service fees for most customers as of June 30, 2020. We assessed realized and potential credit deterioration of our customers due to changes in the macroeconomic environment, considered the potential for payment term revision requests, and as a result, increased our allowance for credit losses for accounts receivable by an insignificant amount for the year ended December 31, 2020. We also incurred one-time cash bonuses and compensation expense of $8.6 million for our IBX employees as well as other employees to support their work-from-home requirements during the first quarter of 2020. We have experienced some travel expense savings during the year ended December 31, 2020 resulting from travel restrictions imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Looking ahead, the full impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on our future financial condition or results of operations remains uncertain and will depend on a number of factors, including the duration and potential cyclicity of the health crisis and further public policy actions to be taken in response, as well as the continued impact of the pandemic on the global economy and our customers and vendors. Our past results may not be indicative of our future performance and historical trends may differ materially.
For additional details regarding the risks to our business from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, refer to Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
2020 Highlights:
•In January, we redeemed the remaining $343.7 million principal amount of the 5.375% Senior Notes due 2022. See Note 11 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
•In January, we completed the acquisition of three data centers in Mexico from Axtel for a total purchase consideration of approximately $189.0 million. See Note 3 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
•In March, we completed the Packet Acquisition, a leading bare metal automation platform for a total purchase consideration of approximately $290.3 million. See Note 3 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
•In March, we borrowed a total of $250.0 million under our Revolving Facility, which was fully repaid in May. As of December 31, 2020, the amount available to borrow under the Revolving Facility was approximately $1.9 billion. See Note 11 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
•In April, we entered into a credit agreement which provided for senior unsecured 364-day term loan facilities in an aggregate principal amount of $750.0 million. On April 15, 2020, we borrowed $391.0 million, as well as €100.0 million or $109.8 million at the exchange rate in effect on that date. In May and June, we repaid all amounts outstanding under the 364-day term loan facilities. See Note 11 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
•In April, we entered into an agreement to form a second joint venture in the form of a limited liability partnership with GIC to develop and operate xScaleTM data centers in APAC. In the third quarter of 2020, we recorded an impairment charge of $7.3 million, reducing the carrying value of the three Japan development sites to be sold, Osaka 2, Tokyo 12, and Tokyo 14, to the estimated fair value less cost to sell. On December 17, 2020, we closed the Asia-Pacific Joint Venture transaction which included the sale of the three development sites in exchange for $209.8 million of cash proceeds and $15.6 million of receivables. We recognized an insignificant gain on the sale of these xScaleTM data center facilities to the Asia-Pacific Joint Venture. See Note 5 and Note 6 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
•In May, we issued and sold 2,587,500 shares of common stock in a public offering for net proceeds of approximately $1,683.1 million, after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses. See Note 12 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
•In June, we issued $2.6 billion in Senior Notes due 2025, 2027, 2030 and 2050. In July, using a portion of the proceeds, we redeemed all of our outstanding €750.0 million 2.875% Senior Notes due 2024 and $1.1 billion 5.875% Senior Notes due 2026. See Note 11 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
•In August, we entered into an agreement to purchase the India operations of GPX Global Systems, Inc. ("GPX India"), representing two data centers in Mumbai, India, for approximately $161.0 million in an all-cash transaction (the “GPX India Acquisition”). The GPX India Acquisition is expected to close in the second quarter of 2021, subject to customary closing conditions including regulatory approval. See Note 3 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
•In the fourth quarter, we completed the acquisition of 13 data center sites in Canada, and their operations from Bell, for a total combined purchase consideration of approximately C$931.7 million, or $702.0 million at the exchange rates in effect on the transaction dates. See Note 3 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
•In October, we issued $1.85 billion in Senior Notes due in 2025, 2028 and 2051. On October 23, 2020, using a portion of the net proceeds, we redeemed all of our outstanding €1.0 billion aggregate principal amount 2.875% Senior Notes due 2025, as well as €0.5 billion of our outstanding €1.0 billion aggregate principal amount 2.875% Senior Notes due 2026. See Note 11 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
•In September, we entered into an agreement to sell the Paris 9 ("PA9") data center to the EMEA Joint Venture. The assets and liabilities of the data center, which was included within our EMEA region, were classified as held for sale as of September 30, 2020. The transaction was completed on December 15, 2020 for a total consideration of $131.5 million, which is comprised of net cash proceeds of $124.6 million, a contract asset with a fair value of $5.6 million and an insignificant amount of contingent consideration that is receivable upon completion of certain performance milestones. See Note 5 and Note 6 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
•During 2020, we had sold 415,512 shares of our common stock for approximately $298.3 million in proceeds, net of payment of commissions and other offering expenses under the 2018 ATM Program, reaching the capacity of this program and subsequently closed. In October, we launched a new ATM program, under which we may offer and sell from time to time up to an aggregate of $1.5 billion of our common stock in "at the market" transactions (the "2020 ATM Program"). As of December 31, 2020 we had not sold any shares under the 2020 ATM Program. See Note 12 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
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, 2020, our REIT structure included all of our data center operations in the U.S., Canada (with the exception of our data center in Ottawa), Mexico, 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 investment interest in the EMEA and Asia-Pacific Joint Ventures in our REIT structure.
As a REIT, we generally are permitted to deduct from our U.S. federal 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. In addition, should we have net income from "prohibited transactions," we will be subject to tax on this income at a 100% rate. "Prohibited transactions," for this purpose, are defined as dispositions, at a gain, of inventory or property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business other than dispositions of foreclosure property and other than dispositions excepted by statutory safe harbors. 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.
On each of March 18, June 17, September 23, and December 9, 2020 we paid quarterly cash dividends of $2.66 per share. We expect the amount of our applicable dividends and other applicable distributions to equal or exceed the REIT taxable income that we recognized in 2020.
The Impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on Our Results ofand 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 December 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus, referred to as Coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19, emerged. In February 2018,2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the COVID-19 threat from high to very high, and in March 2020, the WHO characterized COVID-19 as more fully described in Note 17a global pandemic. The global pandemic and the efforts implemented to address the pandemic, including the issuance of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8“shelter-in-place” orders and social distancing guidelines, have impacted major economic and financial markets globally.
Many of our IBX data centers have been identified as "essential businesses" or "critical infrastructure" by local governments for purposes of remaining open during the COVID-19 pandemic. All of our IBX data centers remain operational at the time of filing of this Annual Report on Form 10-K,10-K. We have activated our business continuity plans globally with the goal of providing seamless operations throughout our facilities, including provisions for ensuring all data centers remain staffed and fully operational and that our IBXs are equipped with the necessary equipment and supplies. We have implemented precautionary measures to minimize the risk of operational impact and to protect the health and safety of our employees, customers, partners and communities. These include implementing tools such as an appointment-based system to control timing and frequency of visits while also encouraging our customers to leverage our IBX technicians via Smart Hands, our remote operational support service, in order to restrict visits and minimize the number of people and the amount of time spent in our IBX facilities.
Most of our corporate offices remain closed as a result of the pandemic and we enteredinstructed our non-IBX employees in these offices to work from home until further notice. We have announced a phased plan for return-to-office for non-IBX attached sites and have been following this plan to open certain offices with occupancy limits as local conditions allow. Additionally, we have decided to continue to limit employee travel and postpone or virtualize global events in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
We are experiencing some construction delays, however, to date, the construction delays and additional costs are insignificant relative to the overall project duration and budget. Equipment for construction projects which are scheduled to be placed in the near future has been ordered, and is currently being manufactured or delivered with minimal delays. We are actively monitoring our vendors and suppliers to evaluate any anticipated changes in equipment availability or delivery timetables. We have redundancies built into our supply chain of vendors and, to the best of our ability, we keep a stock of critical items on site to ensure repairs can be completed. To date, we have not observed any significant disruption to our IBX data center operations due to supply chain impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic did not have a material impact on our results of operations. The majority of our revenue is derived from large companies across a diverse set of industries. Customers operating in sectors more drastically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as retail, travel, and energy, made up an agreementinsignificant percentage of our revenue. Smart Hands service revenues declined during the year ended December 31, 2020, as we waived Smart Hands service fees from the affected customers in certain circumstances during the first few months of the pandemic. We ceased to acquirewaive Smart Hands service fees for most customers as of June 30, 2020. We assessed realized and potential credit deterioration of our customers due to changes in the Infomart Dallas, including itsmacroeconomic environment, considered the potential for payment term revision requests, and as a result, increased our allowance for credit losses for accounts receivable by an insignificant amount for the year ended December 31, 2020. We also incurred one-time cash bonuses and compensation expense of $8.6 million for our IBX employees as well as other employees to support their work-from-home requirements during the first quarter of 2020. We have experienced some travel expense savings during the year ended December 31, 2020 resulting from travel restrictions imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Looking ahead, the full impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on our future financial condition or results of operations and tenants, from ASB Real Estate Investments. At the closing, we will deliver $31.0 million in cash, subject to customary adjustments,remains uncertain and will issue $750.0 million aggregate principal amountdepend on a number of 5.000% senior unsecured notes. The transaction is expectedfactors, including the duration and potential cyclicity of the health crisis and further public policy actions to closebe taken in mid-2018, subjectresponse, as well as the continued impact of the pandemic on the global economy and our customers and vendors. Our past results may not be indicative of our future performance and historical trends may differ materially.
For additional details regarding the risks to satisfaction of closing conditions. We will account for this transaction as aour business combination usingfrom the acquisition method of accounting.
In December 2017, as more fully describedongoing COVID-19 pandemic, refer to Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors included elsewhere in Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K,10-K.
2020 Highlights:
•In January, we entered into a transaction agreement to acquireredeemed the Metronode group of companies, for a cash purchase price of A$1.035 billion, or approximately $791.2remaining $343.7 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 notesthe 5.375% Senior Notes due February 1, 2026 (the "2026 Euro Senior Notes"), or2022. See Note 11 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
•In January, we completed the acquisition of three data centers in Mexico from Axtel for a total purchase consideration of approximately $1,179.0$189.0 million. See Note 3 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
•In March, we completed the Packet Acquisition, a leading bare metal automation platform for a total purchase consideration of approximately $290.3 million. See Note 3 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
•In March, we borrowed a total of $250.0 million under our Revolving Facility, which was fully repaid in U.S. dollars, atMay. As of December 31, 2020, the exchange rate in effect on December 12, 2017, and recorded debt issuance costs of $15.7 million. We alsoamount available to borrow under the Revolving Facility was approximately $1.9 billion. See Note 11 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
•In April, we entered into a credit agreement which provided for senior unsecured 364-day term loan facilities in thean aggregate principal amount of approximately $3,000.0$750.0 million. On April 15, 2020, we borrowed $391.0 million, ("Senior Credit Facility"), comprised of a $2,000.0as well as €100.0 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$109.8 million at the exchange rate in effect on that date. With the proceeds from the issuance of the 2026 Euro Senior NotesIn May and borrowings under the Term Loan Facility and cash on hand,June, we terminated and prepaid in full therepaid all amounts outstanding under the senior secured credit facility364-day term loan facilities. See Note 11 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
•In April, we entered into an agreement to form a second joint venture in 2014the form of a limited liability partnership with GIC to develop and operate xScaleTM data centers in APAC. In the third quarter of 2020, we recorded an impairment charge of $7.3 million, reducing the carrying value of the three Japan development sites to be sold, Osaka 2, Tokyo 12, and Tokyo 14, to the estimated fair value less cost to sell. On December 17, 2020, we closed the Asia-Pacific Joint Venture transaction which included the sale of the three development sites in exchange for $209.8 million of cash proceeds and $15.6 million of receivables. We recognized an insignificant gain on the sale of these xScaleTM data center facilities to the Asia-Pacific Joint Venture. See Note 5 and Note 6 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
•In May, we issued and sold 2,587,500 shares of common stock in a public offering for net proceeds of approximately $1,683.1 million, after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses. See Note 12 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
•In June, we issued $2.6 billion in Senior Notes due 2025, 2027, 2030 and 2050. In July, using a portion of the proceeds, we redeemed all of our outstanding €750.0 million 2.875% Senior Notes due 2024 and $1.1 billion 5.875% Senior Notes due 2026. See Note 11 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
•In August, we entered into an agreement to purchase the India operations of GPX Global Systems, Inc. ("GPX India"), representing two data centers in Mumbai, India, for approximately $161.0 million in an all-cash transaction (the "2014 Senior Credit Facility"“GPX India Acquisition”). As a result, we recognized a loss on debt extinguishmentThe GPX India Acquisition is expected to close in the second quarter of $22.5 million during2021, subject to customary closing conditions including regulatory approval. See Note 3 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
•In the fourth quarter, we completed the acquisition of 2017.
In October 2017, as more fully described13 data center sites 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 SpainCanada, and Portugal,their operations from Bell, for a cashtotal combined purchase priceconsideration of approximately €220.5C$931.7 million, or $259.1$702.0 million at the exchange raterates 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.transaction dates. See Note 3 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
•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$1.85 billion in U.S. dollars, at the exchange rateSenior Notes due in effect on September 20, 2017, in aggregate principal amount of 2.875% senior notes due2025, 2028 and 2051. On October 1, 2025 (the "2025 Euro Senior Notes") and recorded debt issuance costs of $16.3 million. We used23, 2020, using a portion of the net proceeds, from the 2025 Euro Senior Notes to redeemwe redeemed all of our 4.875% senior notes with anoutstanding €1.0 billion aggregate principal amount 2.875% Senior Notes due 2025, as well as €0.5 billion of $500.0our outstanding €1.0 billion aggregate principal amount 2.875% Senior Notes due 2026. See Note 11 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
•In September, we entered into an agreement to sell the Paris 9 ("PA9") data center to the EMEA Joint Venture. The assets and liabilities of the data center, which was included within our EMEA region, were classified as held for sale as of September 30, 2020. The transaction was completed on December 15, 2020 for a total consideration of $131.5 million, which is comprised of net cash proceeds of $124.6 million, a contract asset with a fair value of $5.6 million and an insignificant amount of contingent consideration that is receivable upon completion of certain performance milestones. See Note 5 and Note 6 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
•During 2020, we had sold 415,512 shares of our common stock for approximately $298.3 million in September 2017. As a result, we recognized a loss on debt extinguishmentproceeds, net of $14.6 million duringpayment of commissions and other offering expenses under the third quarter of 2017.
In August 2017, as more fully described in Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 82018 ATM Program, reaching the capacity of this Annual Report on Form 10-K,program and subsequently closed. In October, we launched thea new 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 sharesup to an aggregate 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$1.5 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"at the market" transactions (the "2027 Senior Notes""2020 ATM Program") 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, 2017,2020 we have finalizedhad not sold any shares under the allocation of purchase price for2020 ATM Program. See Note 12 within 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 8Statements.
Overview
Equinix provides global data center offerings that protect and connect the world’s most valued information assets. Global enterprises, financial services companies and content and network service providers rely upon Equinix's leading insight and data centers around the world for the safehousing of their critical IT equipment and the ability to directly connect to the networks that enable today's information-driven economy. The Verizon Data Center Acquisition, along with the acquisitions of Itconic, LD10 and IS2, expanded the Company's total global footprint to 190 IBX data centers across 48 markets around the world. Equinix offers the following solutions: (i) premium data center colocation, (ii) interconnection and (iii) exchange and outsourced IT infrastructure solutions. As of December 31, 2017, we operated or had partner IBX 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 allows our customers to increase information and application delivery performance while significantly reducing costs. This global platform and the quality of our IBX data centers have enabled us to establish a critical mass of customers. As more customers choose our IBX data centers, it benefits their suppliers and business partners to colocate with us as well, in order to gain 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 and traffic exchange that lowers overall cost and increases flexibility. Our focused business model is built on our critical mass of 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 been served by large telecommunications carriers who have bundled telecommunications products and services with their colocation offerings. The data center market landscape has evolved to include cloud computing/utility providers, application hosting providers and systems integrators, managed infrastructure hosting providers and colocation providers. More than 350 companies provide data center solutions in the U.S. alone. 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 24 countries with proven operational reliability, improved application performance, network choice and a highly scalable set of offerings.
Our utilization rate represents the percentage of our cabinet space billing versus net sellable 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. 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.
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 as demand from new and existing customers, quality of the design, power capacity, access to networks, capacity availability in the current market location, amount of incremental investment required by us in the targeted property, 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.
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 half 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, 2016 and 2015. Our 50 largest customers accounted for approximately 37%, 36% and 34%, respectively, of our recurring revenues for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.
Our non-recurring revenues are primarily comprised of installation services related to a customer’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 the customer is expected to benefit from the installation. Additionally, revenue from contract settlements, when a customer wishes to terminate their contract early, is generally recognized as the termination occurs, when no remaining related performance obligations exist and the customer is deemed to be creditworthy, to the extent that the revenue has not previously been recognized. As a percentage of total revenues, we expect non-recurring revenues to represent less than 10% of total revenues for the foreseeable future.
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 services. 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 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 expenses consist primarily of compensation and related costs for sales and marketing personnel, including stock-based compensation, sales commissions, marketing programs, public relations, promotional materials and travel, as well as bad debt expense and amortization of customer relationship intangible assets.
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.
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.
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, 2017,2020, our REIT structure included all of our data center operations in the U.S., Canada and(with the exception of our data center in Ottawa), Mexico, Japan, Singapore and the data center operations in EuropeEMEA with the exception of Bulgaria, Portugal, Spainthe United Arab Emirates, and Turkey.the data center operations outside Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Our data center operations in other jurisdictions are operated as taxableTRSs. We included our investment interest in the EMEA and Asia-Pacific Joint Ventures in our REIT subsidiaries.structure.
As a REIT, we generally are permitted to deduct from our U.S. 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).stockholders. The income represented by such dividends is not subject to U.S. federal income taxtaxes 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 U.S. corporate federal and state corporate income tax.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 (i) an asset that we held as of the effective date of our REIT election, that is, January 1, 2015, or (ii) 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 (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. If we fail to remain qualified for U.S. federal income taxtaxation as a REIT, we will be subject to U.S. federal income taxtaxes at regular corporate income tax rates. In addition, should we have net income from "prohibited transactions," we will be subject to tax on this income at a 100% rate. "Prohibited transactions," for this purpose, are defined as dispositions, at a gain, of inventory or property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business other than dispositions of foreclosure property and other than dispositions excepted by statutory safe harbors. Even if we remain qualified for U.S. federal income taxtaxation 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’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.
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 U.S. federal income taxtaxation 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.
On each of March 18, June 17, September 23, and December 9, 2020 we paid quarterly cash dividends of $2.66 per share. We expect the amount of our applicable dividends and other applicable distributions to equal or exceed the REIT taxable income that we recognized in 2020.
The Impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on Our Results and Operations
In December 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus, referred to as Coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19, emerged. In February 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the COVID-19 threat from high to very high, and in March 2020, the WHO characterized COVID-19 as a global pandemic. The global pandemic and the efforts implemented to address the pandemic, including the issuance of “shelter-in-place” orders and social distancing guidelines, have impacted major economic and financial markets globally.
Many of our IBX data centers have been identified as "essential businesses" or "critical infrastructure" by local governments for purposes of remaining open during the COVID-19 pandemic. All of our IBX data centers remain operational at the time of filing of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We have activated our business continuity plans globally with the goal of providing seamless operations throughout our facilities, including provisions for ensuring all data centers remain staffed and fully operational and that our IBXs are equipped with the necessary equipment and supplies. We have implemented precautionary measures to minimize the risk of operational impact and to protect the health and safety of our employees, customers, partners and communities. These include implementing tools such as an appointment-based system to control timing and frequency of visits while also encouraging our customers to leverage our IBX technicians via Smart Hands, our remote operational support service, in order to restrict visits and minimize the number of people and the amount of time spent in our IBX facilities.
Most of our corporate offices remain closed as a result of the pandemic and we instructed our non-IBX employees in these offices to work from home until further notice. We have announced a phased plan for return-to-office for non-IBX attached sites and have been following this plan to open certain offices with occupancy limits as local conditions allow. Additionally, we have decided to continue to limit employee travel and postpone or virtualize global events in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
We are experiencing some construction delays, however, to date, the construction delays and additional costs are insignificant relative to the overall project duration and budget. Equipment for construction projects which are scheduled to be placed in the near future has been ordered, and is currently being manufactured or delivered with minimal delays. We are actively monitoring our vendors and suppliers to evaluate any anticipated changes in equipment availability or delivery timetables. We have redundancies built into our supply chain of vendors and, to the best of our ability, we keep a stock of critical items on site to ensure repairs can be completed. To date, we have not observed any significant disruption to our IBX data center operations due to supply chain impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic did not have a material impact on our results of operations. The majority of our revenue is derived from large companies across a diverse set of industries. Customers operating in sectors more drastically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as retail, travel, and energy, made up an insignificant percentage of our revenue. Smart Hands service revenues declined during the year ended December 31, 2020, as we waived Smart Hands service fees from the affected customers in certain circumstances during the first few months of the pandemic. We ceased to waive Smart Hands service fees for most customers as of June 30, 2020. We assessed realized and potential credit deterioration of our customers due to changes in the macroeconomic environment, considered the potential for payment term revision requests, and as a result, increased our allowance for credit losses for accounts receivable by an insignificant amount for the year ended December 31, 2020. We also incurred one-time cash bonuses and compensation expense of $8.6 million for our IBX employees as well as other employees to support their work-from-home requirements during the first quarter of 2020. We have experienced some travel expense savings during the year ended December 31, 2020 resulting from travel restrictions imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Looking ahead, the full impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on our future financial condition or results of operations remains uncertain and will depend on a number of factors, including the duration and potential cyclicity of the health crisis and further public policy actions to be taken in response, as well as the continued impact of the pandemic on the global economy and our customers and vendors. Our past results may not be indicative of our future performance and historical trends may differ materially.
For additional details regarding the risks to our business from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, refer to Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
2020 Highlights:
•In January, we redeemed the remaining $343.7 million principal amount of the 5.375% Senior Notes due 2022. See Note 11 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
•In January, we completed the acquisition of three data centers in Mexico from Axtel for a total purchase consideration of approximately $189.0 million. See Note 3 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
•In March, we completed the Packet Acquisition, a leading bare metal automation platform for a total purchase consideration of approximately $290.3 million. See Note 3 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
•In March, we borrowed a total of $250.0 million under our Revolving Facility, which was fully repaid in May. As of December 31, 2020, the amount available to borrow under the Revolving Facility was approximately $1.9 billion. See Note 11 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
•In April, we entered into a credit agreement which provided for senior unsecured 364-day term loan facilities in an aggregate principal amount of $750.0 million. On April 15, 2020, we borrowed $391.0 million, as well as €100.0 million or $109.8 million at the exchange rate in effect on that date. In May and June, we repaid all amounts outstanding under the 364-day term loan facilities. See Note 11 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
•In April, we entered into an agreement to form a second joint venture in the form of a limited liability partnership with GIC to develop and operate xScaleTM data centers in APAC. In the third quarter of 2020, we recorded an impairment charge of $7.3 million, reducing the carrying value of the three Japan development sites to be sold, Osaka 2, Tokyo 12, and Tokyo 14, to the estimated fair value less cost to sell. On December 17, 2020, we closed the Asia-Pacific Joint Venture transaction which included the sale of the three development sites in exchange for $209.8 million of cash proceeds and $15.6 million of receivables. We recognized an insignificant gain on the sale of these xScaleTM data center facilities to the Asia-Pacific Joint Venture. See Note 5 and Note 6 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
•In May, we issued and sold 2,587,500 shares of common stock in a public offering for net proceeds of approximately $1,683.1 million, after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses. See Note 12 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
•In June, we issued $2.6 billion in Senior Notes due 2025, 2027, 2030 and 2050. In July, using a portion of the proceeds, we redeemed all of our outstanding €750.0 million 2.875% Senior Notes due 2024 and $1.1 billion 5.875% Senior Notes due 2026. See Note 11 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
•In August, we entered into an agreement to purchase the India operations of GPX Global Systems, Inc. ("GPX India"), representing two data centers in Mumbai, India, for approximately $161.0 million in an all-cash transaction (the “GPX India Acquisition”). The GPX India Acquisition is expected to close in the second quarter of 2021, subject to customary closing conditions including regulatory approval. See Note 3 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
•In the fourth quarter, we completed the acquisition of 13 data center sites in Canada, and their operations from Bell, for a total combined purchase consideration of approximately C$931.7 million, or $702.0 million at the exchange rates in effect on the transaction dates. See Note 3 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
•In October, we issued $1.85 billion in Senior Notes due in 2025, 2028 and 2051. On October 23, 2020, using a portion of the net proceeds, we redeemed all of our outstanding €1.0 billion aggregate principal amount 2.875% Senior Notes due 2025, as well as €0.5 billion of our outstanding €1.0 billion aggregate principal amount 2.875% Senior Notes due 2026. See Note 11 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
•In September, we entered into an agreement to sell the Paris 9 ("PA9") data center to the EMEA Joint Venture. The assets and liabilities of the data center, which was included within our EMEA region, were classified as held for sale as of September 30, 2020. The transaction was completed on December 15, 2020 for a total consideration of $131.5 million, which is comprised of net cash proceeds of $124.6 million, a contract asset with a fair value of $5.6 million and an insignificant amount of contingent consideration that is receivable upon completion of certain performance milestones. See Note 5 and Note 6 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
•During 2020, we had sold 415,512 shares of our common stock for approximately $298.3 million in proceeds, net of payment of commissions and other offering expenses under the 2018 ATM Program, reaching the capacity of this program and subsequently closed. In October, we launched a new ATM program, under which we may offer and sell from time to time up to an aggregate of $1.5 billion of our common stock in "at the market" transactions (the "2020 ATM Program"). As of December 31, 2020 we had not sold any shares under the 2020 ATM Program. See Note 12 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Results of Operations
Our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 20172020 include the results of operations from the acquisitions of the IO Acquisition from February 3, 2017, the Verizon Data Center Acquisition from May 1, 2017, the Zenium12 data center acquisitionsites across Canada from Bell from October 6, 20171, 2020 and the Itconic Acquisitionone additional data center acquired from October 9, 2017.Bell from November 2, 2020, Packet from March 2, 2020 and three data centers in Mexico from Axtel from January 8, 2020. Our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 20162019 include the results of operations from the acquisition of TelecityGroupthe AM11 data center from January 15, 2016 andApril 18, 2019 within the Paris IBX Data Center Acquisition from August 1, 2016. OurEMEA region.
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 results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2015 include thewith comparative changes on a constant currency basis. Presenting constant currency results of operations of the Nimbo and Bit-isle acquisitions from January 15, 2015 and November 2, 2015, respectively.is a non-GAAP financial measure. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for further discussion.
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, 20172020 and 20162019
Revenues. Our revenues for the years ended December 31, 20172020 and 20162019 were generated from the following revenue classifications and geographic regions (dollars in thousands):
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| Years Ended December 31, | | % Change |
| 2020 | | % | | 2019 | | % | | Actual | | Constant Currency |
| Americas: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Recurring revenues | $ | 2,582,800 | | | 43% | | $ | 2,456,368 | | | 44% | | 5% | | 7% |
| Non-recurring revenues | 124,958 | | | 2% | | 131,359 | | | 3% | | (5)% | | (4)% |
| 2,707,758 | | | 45% | | 2,587,727 | | | 47% | | 5% | | 6% |
| EMEA: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Recurring revenues | 1,864,720 | | | 31% | | 1,680,746 | | | 30% | | 11% | | 12% |
| Non-recurring revenues | 131,669 | | | 2% | | 125,698 | | | 2% | | 5% | | 3% |
| 1,996,389 | | | 33% | | 1,806,444 | | | 32% | | 11% | | 12% |
| Asia-Pacific: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Recurring revenues | 1,210,510 | | | 20% | | 1,101,072 | | | 20% | | 10% | | 10% |
| Non-recurring revenues | 83,888 | | | 2% | | 66,897 | | | 1% | | 25% | | 24% |
| 1,294,398 | | | 22% | | 1,167,969 | | | 21% | | 11% | | 10% |
| Total: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Recurring revenues | 5,658,030 | | | 94% | | 5,238,186 | | | 94% | | 8% | | 9% |
| Non-recurring revenues | 340,515 | | | 6% | | 323,954 | | | 6% | | 5% | | 4% |
| $ | 5,998,545 | | | 100% | | $ | 5,562,140 | | | 100% | | 8% | | 9% |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 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 revenues | 110,408 |
| | 3% | | 86,465 |
| | 3% | | 28% | | 27% |
| | 2,172,760 |
| | 50% | | 1,679,549 |
| | 47% | | 29% | | 29% |
| EMEA: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Recurring revenues | 1,266,971 |
| | 29% | | 1,106,652 |
| | 31% | | 14% | | 15% |
| Non-recurring revenues | 79,285 |
| | 2% | | 64,687 |
| | 1% | | 23% | | 23% |
| | 1,346,256 |
| | 31% | | 1,171,339 |
| | 32% | | 15% | | 15% |
| Asia-Pacific: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Recurring revenues | 790,797 |
| | 18% | | 717,638 |
| | 20% | | 10% | | 11% |
| Non-recurring revenues | 58,615 |
| | 1% | | 43,463 |
| | 1% | | 35% | | 36% |
| | 849,412 |
| | 19% | | 761,101 |
| | 21% | | 12% | | 12% |
| Total: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Recurring revenues | 4,120,120 |
| | 94% | | 3,417,374 |
| | 95% | | 21% | | 21% |
| Non-recurring revenues | 248,308 |
| | 6% | | 194,615 |
| | 5% | | 28% | | 28% |
| | $ | 4,368,428 |
| | 100% | | $ | 3,611,989 |
| | 100% | | 21% | | 21% |
(dollars in thousands)
Americas Revenues. Revenues for our Americas region forDuring 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 largest2020, Americas revenue contributor in the Americas region for the periods, represented approximately 91% and 92%, respectively, of the regional revenues. Excluding revenues attributable to the Verizon Data Center Acquisition, growthincreased by 5% (6% on a constant currency basis). Growth in Americas revenues was primarily due to (i) $34.5to:
•approximately $78.0 million of revenueincremental revenues from the Bell, Packet, and Axtel acquisitions;
•$21.0 million of incremental revenues generated from our recently-opened IBX data centers or IBX data center expansions in the Dallas, New York, Sao Paulo, Silicon Valley, Torontoexpansions; and Washington, D.C. areas and (ii)
•an increase in orders from both our existing customers and new customers during the period.
The increase was partially offset by lower non-recurring revenues, primarily due to decreases in EIS products sales and lower revenues from Smart Hands products in 2020 as we restricted visits to our IBX facilities and waived certain Smart Hands service fees from the affected customers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
EMEA Revenues.During the year ended December 31, 2017, the U.S. dollar2020, EMEA revenue increased by 11% (12% on a constant currency basis). Growth in EMEA revenues was generally weaker relative to the Canadian dollar and Brazilian real than during the year ended December 31, 2016, resulting in primarily due to:
•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$26.9 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 revenuegenerated from our recently-opened IBX data centers or IBX data center expansions in the Amsterdam, Dubai, Dublin, Frankfurt, Helsinki, London, Parisexpansions; and Zurich metro areas and (ii)
•an increase in orders from both our existing customers and new customers during the period.
The increase was partially offset by:
•a net decrease of $43.5 million of realized cash flow hedge gains from foreign currency forward contracts.
Asia-Pacific Revenues. 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. Our2020, Asia-Pacific revenue growthincreased by 11% (10% on a constant currency basis). Growth in Asia-Pacific revenue was primarily due to (i) to:
•approximately $42.6$19.8 million of revenueincremental revenues generated from our recently-opened IBX data centers or IBX data center expansionsexpansions;
•higher non-recurring revenues, primarily due to increases in the Hong Kong, OsakaEIS products sales; 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 of revenues for the years ended December 31, 20172020 and 20162019 were split among the following geographic regions (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Years Ended December 31, | | % Change |
| 2020 | | % | | 2019 | | % | | Actual | | Constant Currency |
| Americas | $ | 1,248,141 | | | 41% | | $ | 1,146,639 | | | 41% | | 9% | | 11% |
| EMEA | 1,094,335 | | | 36% | | 1,017,580 | | | 36% | | 8% | | 8% |
| Asia-Pacific | 731,864 | | | 23% | | 645,965 | | | 23% | | 13% | | 13% |
| Total | $ | 3,074,340 | | | 100% | | $ | 2,810,184 | | | 100% | | 9% | | 10% |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Years Ended December 31, | | % Change |
| | 2017 | | % | | 2016 | | % | | Actual | | Constant Currency |
| Americas | $ | 958,845 |
| | 44% | | $ | 700,544 |
| | 38% | | 37% | | 36% |
| EMEA | 749,933 |
| | 34% | | 653,766 |
| | 36% | | 15% | | 15% |
| Asia-Pacific | 484,371 |
| | 22% | | 466,560 |
| | 26% | | 4% | | 5% |
| Total | $ | 2,193,149 |
| | 100% | | $ | 1,820,870 |
| | 100% | | 20% | | 20% |
(dollars in thousands; percentages indicate expenses as a percentage of revenues) |
| | | | |
| | | 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 of revenues for our Americas region forDuring the year ended December 31, 2017 included approximately $177.4 million of costs2020, Americas cost of revenues attributable to the Verizon Data Center Acquisition. Excluding the impact from the Verizon Data Center Acquisition, depreciation expense was $273.0 million and $241.6 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.increased by 9% (11% on a constant currency basis). 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, 2017 compared to the year ended December 31, 2016 was primarily due to (i) $30.4to:
•approximately $64.4 million of incremental cost of revenues from the Bell, Packet, and Axtel acquisitions;
•$9.8 million of higher utilities repairscost driven by IBX data center expansions and maintenance, property taxes, and other cost of salesintegration, primarily in support of our business growth, and (ii) $13.2U.S.;
•$9.6 million of higher compensation costs, including general salaries, bonuses and stock-based compensation, (1,114 Americas costprimarily due to headcount growth and additional bonuses paid to IBX employees for supporting our business during the COVID-19 pandemic;
•$7.9 million of revenueshigher property tax costs driven by IBX data center expansions;
•$5.8 million of higher accretion and depreciation costs driven by IBX data center expansions; and
•$5.2 million of higher consulting services and office expense, primarily due to project integration and additional spending on personal protective equipment for our IBX employees excludingin response to the Verizon Data Center Acquisition, asCOVID-19 pandemic.
EMEA Cost of December 31, 2017 versus 1,023 as of December 31, 2016). Revenues. 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 Americas2020, EMEA cost of revenues primarily due toincreased by 8% (and also 8% on a generally weaker U.S. dollar relative 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 as 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, theconstant currency basis). 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 higher other cost of sales, including third party and managed service expenses, (iii) $10.7to:
•$42.8 million of higher depreciation expenseexpenses driven by IBX data center expansions in Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, United Arab Emirates, and (iv) $7.2France;
•$25.9 million of higher compensation costs, including general salaries, bonuses and stock-based compensation, (743 EMEAprimarily due to headcount growth and additional bonuses to IBX employees for supporting our business during the COVID-19 pandemic;
•$17.7 million of higher utilities costs driven by increased utility usage to support IBX data center expansions and utility price increases, primarily in Germany and France;
•$12.3 million of higher consulting services and office expense, primarily due to project integration and additional spending on personal protective equipment for our IBX employees in response to the COVID-19 pandemic; and
•$9.4 million of higher rent and facilities costs and repairs and maintenance expense, primarily in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and the Netherlands.
This increase was partially offset by:
•$15.5 million decrease in realized cash flow hedge losses from foreign currency forward contracts;
•$8.8 million of lower other expenses, as there was a general contractor bankruptcy during the year ended December 31, 2019, which resulted in incremental legal claim charges in the prior year; and
•$8.3 million of net decrease in other cost of revenue, primarily due to lower costs related to decreased EIS revenues employees, excluding TelecityGroup employees, asin Germany and the United Kingdom.
Asia-Pacific Cost of December 31, 2017 versus 623 as of December 31, 2016).Revenues. 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 EMEA2020, Asia-Pacific cost of revenues primarily due toincreased by 13% (and also 13% on 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 our acquisitions.
Asia-Pacific Cost of Revenues.constant currency basis). The increase in our Asia-Pacific cost of revenues was primarily due to (i) $16.7to:
•$42.0 million of higher depreciation expense, primarily from IBX data center expansions in Australia, Singapore, Japan, and Hong Kong;
•$14.6 million of higher utilities rent, facility costs, consulting, bandwidth cost, custom service ordersprimarily driven by expansions and repairshigher utility usage in Hong Kong, Japan, and maintenanceSingapore;
•$9.0 million of higher costs from increased EIS revenues, primarily in support of our business growth and (ii) $3.3Japan;
•$8.4 million of higher compensation costs, including general salaries, bonuses and stock-based compensation, andprimarily due to headcount growth (828 Asia-Pacific costand additional bonuses to IBX employees for supporting our business during the COVID-19 pandemic;
•$6.6 million of revenues employees ashigher taxes, licenses, and insurance, primarily driven by IBX data center expansions in Singapore, Australia, and Japan; and
•$5.3 million of December 31, 2017 versus 787 asrepairs and maintenance, primarily due to increases of December 31, 2016),maintenance projects in Japan and Australia.
This increase was partially offset by a decrease of $3.2 million in depreciation and accretion expenses. During the year endedby:
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•$4.8 million of net favorable foreign currency impactlower office, rent and facility expenses due to our Asia-Pacific cost of revenueslower computer hardware costs and lower equipment lease activity in 2017. Japan.
We expect Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific cost of revenues to increase as we continue to growin line with the growth of our business.business, including from the impacts of acquisitions.
Sales and Marketing Expenses. Our sales and marketing expenses for the years ended December 31, 20172020 and 20162019 were split among the following geographic regions (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Years ended December 31, | | % Change |
| 2020 | | % | | 2019 | | % | | Actual | | Constant Currency |
| Americas | $ | 457,551 | | | 64% | | $ | 401,034 | | | 62% | | 14% | | 15% |
| EMEA | 162,365 | | | 23% | | 157,718 | | | 24% | | 3% | | 4% |
| Asia-Pacific | 98,440 | | | 13% | | 92,294 | | | 14% | | 7% | | 6% |
| Total | $ | 718,356 | | | 100% | | $ | 651,046 | | | 100% | | 10% | | 11% |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Years ended December 31, | | % Change |
| | 2017 | | % | | 2016 | | % | | Actual | | Constant Currency |
| Americas | $ | 349,666 |
| | 60% | | $ | 230,900 |
| | 53% | | 51% | | 51% |
| EMEA | 153,811 |
| | 26% | | 137,887 |
| | 31% | | 12% | | 14% |
| Asia-Pacific | 78,247 |
| | 14% | | 69,955 |
| | 16% | | 12% | | 13% |
| Total | $ | 581,724 |
| | 100% | | $ | 438,742 |
| | 100% | | 33% | | 33% |
(dollars in thousands; percentages indicate expenses as a percentage of revenues) |
| | | |
| | Years Ended December 31, |
| | 2017 | | 2016 |
| Sales and marketing expenses as a percentage of revenues: | | | |
| Americas | 16% | | 14% |
| EMEA | 11% | | 12% |
| Asia-Pacific | 9% | | 9% |
| Total | 13% | | 12% |
Americas Sales and Marketing Expenses. During the year ended December 31, 2020, Americas sales and marketing expenses increased by 14% (15% on a constant currency basis). The increase in our Americas sales and marketing expenses was primarily due to (i) $75.3 million of amortization of the acquired intangible assets in connection with the Verizon Data Center Acquisition, (ii) $33.1to:
•$42.9 million of higher compensation costs, including sales compensation, general salaries bonuses and stock-based compensation, partially due to additional compensation expenses incurred related to our recent acquisitions and headcount growth (608 Americas salesgrowth;
•$10.6 million of higher advertising and promotions expenses primarily due to higher spending in online advertising, digital marketing employees, including those from the Verizon Data Center Acquisition, as December 31, 2017, versus 553 as of December 31, 2016)strategies and (ii) $4.1digital consultancy;
•$5.4 million of higher consulting services primarily due to higher fees and an increase in business deals; and
•$5.1 million of higher amortization expenses related to supportcustomer relationship intangibles acquired from our growth. recent acquisitions.
This increase was partially offset by:
•$6.4 million decrease in travel and entertainment expenses resulting from travel restrictions imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
EMEA Sales and Marketing Expenses.During the year ended December 31, 2017, the impact of foreign2020, EMEA sales and marketing increased by 3% (4% on a constant currency fluctuations tobasis). The increase in our AmericasEMEA sales and marketing expenses was not significant when comparedprimarily due to:
•$16.1 million of higher compensation costs, including sales compensation, salaries and stock-based compensation, partially due to average exchange rates duringadditional compensation expenses incurred related to headcount growth.
This increase was partially offset by:
•$4.7 million decrease in amortization expense driven by certain intangibles being fully amortized in the current year;
•$4.1 million decrease in travel and entertainment expenses resulting from travel restrictions imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic; and
•$2.7 million decrease of realized cash flow hedge losses from foreign currency forward contracts.
Asia-Pacific Sales and Marketing Expenses. During the year ended December 31, 2016. 2020, Asia-Pacific sales and marketing increased by 7% (6% on a constant currency basis). The increase in our Asia-Pacific sales and marketing expenses was primarily due to:
•$9.8 million increase in compensation costs, including sales compensation, salaries and stock-based compensation and headcount growth.
This increase was partially offset by:
•$3.5 million decrease in travel and entertainment expenses resulting from travel restrictions imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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 continueincrease in line with the growth of our business. We also expect travel and entertainment expenses to increase as we continueonce travel restrictions that were imposed in response to grow our business, including the impact from the Verizon Data Center Acquisition.
EMEA Sales and Marketing Expenses. The increase in the EMEACOVID-19 pandemic are reduced. Additionally, given that certain global sales and marketing 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 duringfunctions are located within 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 EMEAU.S., we expect Americas sales and marketing expenses primarily dueas a percentage of revenues 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 inbe higher than 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.other regions.
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. Our general and administrative expenses for the years ended December 31, 20172020 and 20162019 were split among the following geographic regions (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Years Ended December 31, | | % Change |
| 2020 | | % | | 2019 | | % | | Actual | | Constant Currency |
| Americas | $ | 782,038 | | | 72% | | $ | 641,261 | | | 69% | | 22% | | 23% |
| EMEA | 203,619 | | | 19% | | 198,892 | | | 21% | | 2% | | 3% |
| Asia-Pacific | 105,324 | | | 9% | | 94,865 | | | 10% | | 11% | | 11% |
| Total | $ | 1,090,981 | | | 100% | | $ | 935,018 | | | 100% | | 17% | | 17% |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Years Ended December 31, | | % Change |
| | 2017 | | % | | 2016 | | % | | Actual | | Constant Currency |
| Americas | $ | 472,942 |
| | 63% | | $ | 391,637 |
| | 56% | | 21% | | 20% |
| EMEA | 195,430 |
| | 26% | | 228,310 |
| | 33% | | (14)% | | (12)% |
| Asia-Pacific | 77,534 |
| | 11% | | 74,614 |
| | 11% | | 4% | | 5% |
| Total | $ | 745,906 |
| | 100% | | $ | 694,561 |
| | 100% | | 7% | | 8% |
(dollars in thousands; percentages indicate expenses as a percentage of revenues) |
| | | |
| | Years Ended December 31, |
| | 2017 | | 2016 |
| General and Administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues: | | | |
| Americas | 22% | | 23% |
| EMEA | 15% | | 19% |
| Asia-Pacific | 9% | | 10% |
| Total | 17% | | 19% |
Americas General and Administrative Expenses. Expenses. During the year ended December 31, 2020, Americas general and administrative expenses increased by 22% (23% on a constant currency basis). The increase in our Americas general and administrative expenses was primarily due to (i) $35.5to:
•$80.3 million of higher compensation costs, including general salaries, bonuses, and stock-based compensation related to recent acquisitions and headcount growth (1,207 Americas general and administrative employees, including those from the Verizon Data Center Acquisition, as of December 31, 2017 versus 934 as of December 31, 2016), (ii) $22.9growth;
•$25.2 million of higher depreciation expense associated with the Axtel and Packet acquisitions and the implementation of 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;
•$20.2 million of higher consulting expenses in support of our business and (iii) $16.6growth;
��$16.9 million of higher office expenseexpenses due to additional computer software, hardware, and consulting costsupport services;
•$4.6 million of higher third party services and other operating expenses due to support our growth.higher project costs; and
•$3.4 million of higher taxes, licenses, and insurance, primarily due to the Axtel and Packet acquisitions.
This increase was partially offset by:
•$12.1 million net decrease due to lower travel and entertainment expenses resulting from travel restrictions imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
EMEA General and Administrative Expenses. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the impact of foreign2020, EMEA general and administrative expenses increased by 2% (3% on a constant currency fluctuations tobasis). The increase in our AmericasEMEA general and administrative expenses was not significant when comparedprimarily due to:
•$24.4 million of higher compensation costs, including salaries, bonuses, and stock-based compensation, primarily due to average exchange rates forheadcount growth.
This increase was partially offset by:
•$6.0 million of lower travel and entertainment, resulting from travel restrictions imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic;
•$5.5 million of lower other operating expenses, primarily due to the favorable determination of a legal claim;
•$3.4 million of lower consulting expenses primarily related to lower accounting and tax fees; and
•$3.2 million decrease of realized cash flow hedge losses from foreign currency forward contracts.
Asia-Pacific General and Administrative Expenses.During the year ended December 31, 2016. Over the course of the past year, we have been investing in our Americas2020, Asia-Pacific general and administrative functionsexpenses increased by 11% (and also 11% on a constant currency basis). The increase in our Asia-Pacific general and administrative expense was primarily due to:
•$5.7 million of higher compensation costs, including salaries, bonuses, and stock-based compensation, primarily due to scale this region effectively for growth, which has includedheadcount growth;
•$3.8 million of higher rent and facility costs, primarily due to additional investmentsrent expenses in improving our backSingapore; and
•$3.5 million of higher office systems. We expect our current effortsand consulting costs, primarily due to improve our back office systems will continue overincrease in hardware, software, supplies and fees resulting from the next several years. response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This increase was partially offset by:
•$3.6 million of lower travel and entertainment expenses resulting from travel restrictions imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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 these investments in our back office systems and investments to maintain our qualification for taxation as a REIT qualification.and to integrate recent acquisitions. We also expect travel and entertainment expenses to increase once travel restrictions that were imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic are reduced. Additionally, given that our corporate headquarters is located within the U.S., we expect Americas general and administrative expenses to increase as wea percentage of revenues to continue to growbe higher than our business and as a result of the Verizon Data Center Acquisition.other regions.
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.
AcquisitionTransaction Costs. During the year ended December 31, 2017,2020, we recorded acquisitiontransaction costs totaling $38.6$55.9 million primarily in the Americas and EMEA regions, of which $28.5 million was related to costs incurred in connection with the Verizon Data Center Acquisition duringacquisitions of Bell, Packet, and Axtel, as well as the year
ended December 31, 2017 attributable tocosts incurred in connection with the Americas region.formation of the Asia-Pacific Joint Venture. During the year ended December 31, 2016,2019, we recorded acquisitiontransaction costs totaling $64.2$24.8 million, primarily related to costs incurred in connection with the formation of the new EMEA region due to the acquisitions of Telecity and the Paris IBX Data Center, and to a lesser degree, to the Americas region.Joint Venture.
Impairment Charges. During the year ended December 31, 2016,2020, we recorded impairment charges totaling $7.7$7.3 million in the Asia-Pacific region relating to assetsas a result of the fair value adjustment of the Asia-Pacific Joint venture xScaleTM data centers, which were classified as held for sale. We did not have impairment charges during the year endedsale assets before they were sold on December 31, 2017.
Gain on Asset Sales.17, 2020. During the year ended December 31, 2016,2019, 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.
Gain on Asset Sales. During the year ended December 31, 2020, we did not record a significant amount of gain on asset sales. During the year ended December 31, 2019, we recorded gain on asset sales of $32.8$44.3 million primarily relating to the sale of both the LD2London 10 and Paris 8 data centercenters, as well as certain construction development and leases in London and Frankfurt, as part of the closing of 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.Joint Venture.
Income from Operations. Our income from operations for the years ended December 31, 20172020 and 20162019 was split among the following geographic regions (dollars in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Years Ended December 31, | | % Change |
| 2020 | | % | | 2019 | | % | | Actual | | Constant Currency |
| Americas | $ | 178,454 | | | 17% | | $ | 413,936 | | | 35% | | (57)% | | (54)% |
| EMEA | 531,530 | | | 50% | | 421,786 | | | 36% | | 26% | | 32% |
| Asia-Pacific | 342,944 | | | 33% | | 333,909 | | | 29% | | 3% | | 5% |
| Total | $ | 1,052,928 | | | 100% | | $ | 1,169,631 | | | 100% | | (10)% | | (8)% |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Years Ended December 31, | | % Change |
| | 2017 | | % | | 2016 | | % | | Actual | | Constant Currency |
| Americas | $ | 363,220 |
| | 45% | | $ | 352,180 |
| | 57% | | 3% | | 3% |
| EMEA | 237,854 |
| | 29% | | 124,853 |
| | 20% | | 91% | | 85% |
| Asia-Pacific | 207,940 |
| | 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 forOperations. During the year ended December 31, 20172020, Americas income from operations decreased by 57% (54% on a constant currency basis). The decrease in our Americas income from operations was not significant when comparedprimarily due to higher operating expenses as a percentage of revenues and higher transaction costs in connection with the recent acquisitions. Namely, a large increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily driven by higher compensation costs and consulting expenses, which were in part related to recent acquisitions, higher office expenses and depreciation expense, and payments made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
EMEA Income from Operations. During the year ended December 31, 2016.
2020, EMEA Incomeincome from Continuing Operations.operations increased by 26% (32% on a constant currency basis). The increase in our EMEA income from continuingoperations 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, 2020, Asia-Pacific income from operations increased by 3% (5% 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, 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.above.
Interest Income. Interest income was $13.1$8.7 million and $3.5$27.7 million for the years ended December 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, 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, 20172020 was 0.64%0.43% versus 0.37%1.85% for the year ended December 31, 2016.2019.
Interest Expense. Interest expense increaseddecreased to $478.7$406.5 million for the year ended December 31, 20172020 from $392.2$479.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase in interest expense was2019, primarily dueattributable to the Term B-2 Loan borrowingsredemption of €1.0 billionlegacy high yield Senior Notes due 2022, 2024, 2025, and 2026, partially offset by the issuance of $1.25 billion of 2027new Senior Notes in March 2017, as well as additional financings such as various capital leasedue 2025, 2027, 2028, 2030, 2050 and other financing obligations2051. Due to support our expansion projects.the issuance and redemption of debt for the year ended December 31, 2020, the effective interest rate decreased from December 31, 2019. During the years ended December 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, we capitalized $22.6$26.8 million and $13.3$32.2 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).Income. We recorded net other income of $9.2$6.9 million and net expense of $57.9$27.8 million for the years ended December 31, 20172020 and 2016, respectively,2019, respectively. Other income is primarily due tocomprised of 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.periods.
Loss on Debt Extinguishment. We recorded $65.8 million net loss on debt extinguishment during During the year ended December 31, 2017 comprised of (i) $14.62020, we recorded $145.8 million of loss on debt extinguishment fromprimarily related to the early redemption of the 4.875% Senior Notes due 2020, (ii) $13.22022, 2024, 2025, and 2026.
During the year ended December 31, 2019, we recorded $52.8 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 ofprimarily related to the redemption of the Term B Loans, (iv) $16.7 million loss on debt extinguishment as a result of amendments to leasesSenior Notes due 2022, 2023 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.2025.
Income Taxes.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 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, 20172020 and December 31, 2016,2019, respectively. As such, other than tax attributable to built-in-gains recognized, state income taxes, and foreign income and withholding taxes, no provision for U.S. income taxes has been included for the REIT and its QRSs has been included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 20172020 and 2016.2019.
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. may not be REIT compliant.
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, 20172020 and 2016.2019.
For the years ended December 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, we recorded $53.9$146.2 million and $45.5$185.4 million of income tax expenses, respectively. Our effective tax rates were 18.8%28.3% and 28.4%26.8%, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 20172020 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.2019.
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 plusexcluding depreciation, amortization, accretion, stock-based compensation expense, restructuring charges, impairment charges, acquisitiontransaction 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, 20172020 and 20162019 was split among the following geographic regions (dollars in thousands):
| | | | Years Ended December 31, | | % Change | | Years Ended December 31, | | % Change |
| | 2017 | | % | | 2016 | | % | | Actual | | Constant Currency | | 2020 | | % | | 2019 | | % | | Actual | | Constant Currency |
| Americas | $ | 1,034,694 |
| | 51 | % | | $ | 787,311 |
| | 47 | % | | 31 | % | | 31 | % | Americas | $ | 1,186,022 | | | 42 | % | | $ | 1,237,622 | | | 46 | % | | (4) | % | | (3) | % |
| EMEA | 582,697 |
| | 28 | % | | 494,263 |
| | 30 | % | | 18 | % | | 17 | % | EMEA | 974,246 | | | 34 | % | | 827,980 | | | 31 | % | | 18 | % | | 19 | % |
| Asia-Pacific | 434,650 |
| | 21 | % | | 375,900 |
| | 23 | % | | 16 | % | | 16 | % | Asia-Pacific | 692,630 | | | 24 | % | | 622,125 | | | 23 | % | | 11 | % | | 11 | % |
| Total | $ | 2,052,041 |
| | 100 | % | | $ | 1,657,474 |
| | 100 | % | | 24 | % | | 24 | % | Total | $ | 2,852,898 | | | 100 | % | | $ | 2,687,727 | | | 100 | % | | 6 | % | | 7 | % |
Americas Adjusted EBITDA.During the year ended December 31, 2020, Americas adjusted EBITDA decreased by 4% (3% on a constant currency basis). The increasedecrease in our Americas adjusted EBITDA was primarily due to the Verizon Data Center Acquisition, higher revenues as result of our IBX data center expansion activityincrease in compensation expenses, consulting expenses and organic growth as described above. office expenses.
EMEA Adjusted EBITDA. During the year ended December 31, 2017, currency fluctuations resulted in approximately $4.5 million of net favorable foreign currency impact on our Americas2020, EMEA 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. increased by 18% (19% 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 and lower operating expenses as a percentage of revenues. above.
Asia-Pacific Adjusted EBITDA. During the year ended December 31, 2017, currency fluctuations resulted in approximately $2.1 million of net favorable
foreign currency impact to our EMEA2020, Asia-Pacific adjusted EBITDA primarily due toincreased by 11% (and also 11% on 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. 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 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.above.
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 revenues | 86,465 |
| | 3% | | 80,451 |
| | 3% | | 7% | | 8% |
| | 1,679,549 |
| | 47% | | 1,512,535 |
| | 55% | | 11% | | 11% |
| EMEA: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Recurring revenues | 1,106,652 |
| | 31% | | 651,778 |
| | 24% | | 70% | | 75% |
| Non-recurring revenues | 64,687 |
| | 1% | | 47,029 |
| | 2% | | 38% | | 42% |
| | 1,171,339 |
| | 32% | | 698,807 |
| | 26% | | 68% | | 72% |
| Asia-Pacific: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Recurring revenues | 717,638 |
| | 20% | | 485,279 |
| | 18% | | 48% | | 46% |
| Non-recurring revenues | 43,463 |
| | 1% | | 29,246 |
| | 1% | | 49% | | 46% |
| | 761,101 |
| | 21% | | 514,525 |
| | 19% | | 48% | | 46% |
| Total: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Recurring revenues | 3,417,374 |
| | 95% | | 2,569,141 |
| | 94% | | 33% | | 34% |
| Non-recurring revenues | 194,615 |
| | 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% |
| EMEA | 653,766 |
| | 36% | | 350,270 |
| | 27% | | 87% | | 91% |
| Asia-Pacific | 466,560 |
| | 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: | | | |
| Americas | 42% | | 42% |
| EMEA | 56% | | 50% |
| Asia-Pacific | 61% | | 59% |
| Total | 50% | | 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% |
| EMEA | 137,887 |
| | 31% | | 71,871 |
| | 22% | | 92% | | 98% |
| Asia-Pacific | 69,955 |
| | 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: | | | |
| Americas | 14% | | 14% |
| EMEA | 12% | | 10% |
| Asia-Pacific | 9% | | 10% |
| Total | 12% | | 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% |
| EMEA | 228,310 |
| | 33% | | 92,803 |
| | 19% | | 146% | | 157% |
| Asia-Pacific | 74,614 |
| | 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: | | | |
| Americas | 23% | | 23% |
| EMEA | 19% | | 13% |
| Asia-Pacific | 10% | | 10% |
| Total | 19% | | 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% |
| EMEA | 124,853 |
| | 20% | | 145,527 |
| | 26% | | (14)% | | (11)% |
| Asia-Pacific | 141,706 |
| | 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% |
| EMEA | 494,263 |
| | 30% | | 318,561 |
| | 25% | | 55% | | 59% |
| Asia-Pacific | 375,900 |
| | 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 of operations 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 of operations 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 of operations 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 acquisitiontransaction costs from AFFO and adjusted EBITDA to allow more comparable comparisons of our financial results to our historical operations. The acquisitiontransaction costs relate to costs we incur in connection with business combinations.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 acquisitions.transactions. Management believes items such as restructuring charges, impairment charges, gain or loss on asset sales and acquisitiontransaction costs are non-core transactions; however, these types of costs may occur in future periods.
Adjusted EBITDA
We defineThe following table shows the reconciliation from income from operations to 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, | | Years Ended December 31, |
| | 2017 | | 2016 | | 2015 | | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| Income from operations | $ | 809,014 |
| | $ | 618,739 |
| | $ | 567,342 |
| Income from operations | $ | 1,052,928 | | | $ | 1,169,631 | | | $ | 977,383 | |
| Depreciation, amortization, and accretion expense | 1,028,892 |
| | 843,510 |
| | 528,929 |
| Depreciation, amortization, and accretion expense | 1,427,010 | | | 1,285,296 | | | 1,226,741 | |
| Stock-based compensation expense | 175,500 |
| | 156,148 |
| | 133,633 |
| Stock-based compensation expense | 311,020 | | | 236,539 | | | 180,716 | |
| Acquisition costs | 38,635 |
| | 64,195 |
| | 41,723 |
| |
| Transaction costs | | Transaction costs | 55,935 | | | 24,781 | | | 34,413 | |
| Impairment charges | — |
| | 7,698 |
| | — |
| Impairment charges | 7,306 | | | 15,790 | | | — | |
| Gain on asset sales | — |
| | (32,816 | ) | | — |
| Gain on asset sales | (1,301) | | | (44,310) | | | (6,013) | |
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 2,052,041 |
| | $ | 1,657,474 |
| | $ | 1,271,627 |
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 2,852,898 | | | $ | 2,687,727 | | | $ | 2,413,240 | |
Our adjusted EBITDA results have improved each year in the EMEA and in each regionAsia-Pacific regions 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 streamstream. The increases in adjusted EBITDA results for the EMEA and a cost structure which has a large base that is fixedAsia-Pacific regions were partially offset by the decrease in nature also discussed earlier in "Overview".the AMER region, as noted above.
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").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’ventures' and non-controlling interests’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, acquisitiontransaction 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, and adjustments for unconsolidated joint ventures' and noncontrolling interests’ share of these items and net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax.tax, and adjustments from FFO to AFFO for unconsolidated joint ventures' and noncontrolling interests' share of these items. The adjustments for both installation revenue, and 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’speriod'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, |
| 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| Net income | $ | 370,074 | | | $ | 507,245 | | | $ | 365,359 | |
| Net gain (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests | (297) | | | 205 | | | — | |
| Net income attributable to Equinix | 369,777 | | | 507,450 | | | 365,359 | |
| Adjustments: | | | | | |
| Real estate depreciation | 924,064 | | | 845,798 | | | 883,118 | |
| (Gain) loss on disposition of real estate property | 4,063 | | | (39,337) | | | 4,643 | |
| Adjustments for FFO from unconsolidated joint ventures | 2,726 | | | 645 | | | — | |
| | | | | |
| FFO | $ | 1,300,630 | | | $ | 1,314,556 | | | $ | 1,253,120 | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Years Ended December 31, |
| | 2017 | | 2016 | | 2015 |
| Net income | $ | 232,982 |
| | $ | 126,800 |
| | $ | 187,774 |
|
| Adjustments: | | | | | |
| Real estate depreciation and amortization | 754,351 |
| | 626,564 |
| | 439,969 |
|
| (Gain) loss on disposition of real estate property | 4,945 |
| | (28,388 | ) | | 1,382 |
|
| Adjustments for FFO from unconsolidated joint ventures | 85 |
| | 113 |
| | 113 |
|
| NAREIT FFO attributable to common stockholders | $ | 992,363 |
| | $ | 725,089 |
| | $ | 629,238 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | Years Ended December 31, |
| | Years Ended December 31, | | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| | 2017 | | 2016 | | 2015 | |
| NAREIT FFO attributable to common stockholders | $ | 992,363 |
| | $ | 725,089 |
| | $ | 629,238 |
| |
| FFO | | FFO | $ | 1,300,630 | | | $ | 1,314,556 | | | $ | 1,253,120 | |
| Adjustments: | | | | | | Adjustments: | |
| Installation revenue adjustment | 24,496 |
| | 20,161 |
| | 35,498 |
| Installation revenue adjustment | (125) | | | 11,031 | | | 10,858 | |
| Straight-line rent expense adjustment | 8,925 |
| | 7,700 |
| | 7,931 |
| Straight-line rent expense adjustment | 10,787 | | | 8,167 | | | 7,203 | |
| Amortization of deferred financing costs | 24,449 |
| | 18,696 |
| | 16,135 |
| |
| Contract cost adjustment | | Contract cost adjustment | (35,675) | | | (40,861) | | | (20,358) | |
| Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discounts and premiums | | Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discounts and premiums | 15,739 | | | 13,042 | | | 13,618 | |
| Stock-based compensation expense | 175,500 |
| | 156,149 |
| | 133,633 |
| Stock-based compensation expense | 311,020 | | | 236,539 | | | 180,716 | |
| Non-real estate depreciation expense | 111,121 |
| | 87,781 |
| | 58,165 |
| Non-real estate depreciation expense | 300,258 | | | 242,761 | | | 140,955 | |
| Amortization expense | 177,008 |
| | 122,862 |
| | 27,446 |
| Amortization expense | 199,047 | | | 196,278 | | | 203,416 | |
| Accretion expense (adjustment) | (13,588 | ) | | 6,303 |
| | 3,349 |
| Accretion expense (adjustment) | 3,641 | | | 459 | | | (748) | |
| Recurring capital expenditures | (167,995 | ) | | (141,819 | ) | | (120,281 | ) | Recurring capital expenditures | (160,637) | | | (186,002) | | | (203,053) | |
| Loss on debt extinguishment | 65,772 |
| | 12,276 |
| | 289 |
| Loss on debt extinguishment | 145,804 | | | 52,825 | | | 51,377 | |
| Acquisition costs | 38,635 |
| | 64,195 |
| | 41,723 |
| |
| Transaction costs | | Transaction costs | 55,935 | | | 24,781 | | | 34,413 | |
| Impairment charges | — |
| | 7,698 |
| | — |
| Impairment charges | 7,306 | | | 15,790 | | | — | |
| Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax | — |
| | (12,392 | ) | | — |
| |
| Income tax expense adjustment | 371 |
| | 3,680 |
| | (1,270 | ) | Income tax expense adjustment | 33,220 | | | 39,676 | | | (12,420) | |
| | Adjustments for AFFO from unconsolidated joint ventures | (17 | ) | | (40 | ) | | (58 | ) | Adjustments for AFFO from unconsolidated joint ventures | 2,195 | | | 2,080 | | | — | |
| | AFFO | $ | 1,437,040 |
| | $ | 1,078,339 |
| | $ | 831,798 |
| AFFO | $ | 2,189,145 | | | $ | 1,931,122 | | | $ | 1,659,097 | |
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 suchcurrencies. During the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to the same period in 2019, the U.S. dollar was stronger relative to the Brazilian real, 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. During the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to the same period in 2019, the U.S. dollar was weaker relative to the Japanese yen, Hong Kong dollar, Euro, and British pound, Japanese yen, Singapore dollar, Australian dollarwhich resulted in a favorable foreign currency impact on revenue, operating income and Brazilian real.adjusted EBITDA, and an unfavorable 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.results of operations. 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, 20162019 are used as exchange rates for the year ended December 31, 20172020 when comparing the year ended December 31, 20172020 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)2019).
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of December 31, 2017,2020, our total indebtedness was comprised of debt and financinglease obligations totaling approximately $10.2$12.6 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 mortgage premium) consisting of:
•approximately $9.3 billion of principal from our senior notes;
•approximately $1.9 billion from our finance lease liabilities; and
•$1.4 billion of principal from our loans payable and mortgage.
During 2020, we completed the following significant financing activities:
•issued and sold 415,512 shares of common stock under our ATM Program, for proceeds of approximately $298.3 million, net of payment of commissions and other offering expenses;
•issued and sold 2,587,500 shares of common stock for net proceeds of approximately $1.7 billion;
•borrowed and repaid $0.8 billion under our revolving credit facility and the 364-day term loan facilities; and
•issued $4.4 billion of our Senior Notes, net of debt premium).discounts, and repaid $4.1 billion of legacy high yield Senior Notes and $300.0 million of Infomart Senior Notes.
As of December 31, 2020, we had $1.6 billion of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments. 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 general access to both public and private debt and the equity capital markets. We also have additional liquidity available to us from our ATM programs, under which we may offer and sell from time to time our common stock in "at the market" transactions. As of December 31, 2020, we had completed sales under the ATM program that was previously launched in December 2018. On October 30, 2020, we launched a new ATM program allowing for aggregate sales of up to $1.5 billion (the "2020 ATM Program"). No sales have been made under the 2020 ATM Program to date.
Besides any further financing activity we may pursue, customer collections are our primary source of cash. We believe we have a strong customer base, and have continued to experience relatively strong collections. We believe we have sufficient cash, coupled with anticipated cash generated from operating activities and external financing sources, to meet our operating requirements, including repayment of the current portion of our debt as it becomes due, paymentdistribution of regular dividend distributionsdividends and completion of our publicly-announced acquisition and expansion projects. AsWe also believe that our financial resources will allow us to manage future possible impact of December 31, 2017, we had $1,450.0 millionthe ongoing COVID-19
pandemic on our business operations for the foreseeable future, which could include reductions in revenue and short-termdelays in payments from customers and long-term investments, of which approximately $929.3 million was held in the U.S. In addition to our cash and investment portfolio, we have additional liquidity available to us from our $2,000.0 million 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 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 offering 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).
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.partners.
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 availablecontinue 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,grow, 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. While we expectacquisitions and joint ventures. We may elect to fund these plans withaccess the equity or debt markets from time to time opportunistically, particularly if financing is available on attractive terms. We will continue to evaluate our existingoperating requirements and financial resources additional financing, either debt or equity, may be required, and if current market conditions werein light of future developments, including those relating 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.
ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Sources and Uses of Cash
| | | | Years Ended December 31, | | Years Ended December 31, |
| | 2017 | | 2016 | | 2015 | | 2020 | | 2019 |
| | (in thousands) | | (in thousands) |
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 1,439,233 |
| | $ | 1,019,353 |
| | $ | 894,823 |
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 2,309,826 | | | $ | 1,992,728 | |
| Net cash used in investing activities | (5,400,826 | ) | | (2,045,668 | ) | | (637,797 | ) | Net cash used in investing activities | (3,426,972) | | | (1,944,567) | |
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 4,607,860 |
| | (897,065 | ) | | 1,873,152 |
| |
| Net cash provided by financing activities | | Net cash provided by financing activities | 815,526 | | | 1,202,082 | |
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 20172020 compared to 20162019 was primarily due to improved operating results combined with incremental operating cash provided by the Verizon Data Center Acquisition and other acquisitions in 2017,of operations offset by timing of collections on our receivables and increases in cash paid for cost of revenues and 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.expenses.
Investing Activities
The increase in net cash used in investing activities during 2017 compared to 2016for the year ended December 31, 2020 was primarily due to the increase in spending for business acquisitions of approximately of $2,196.7 million, primarily related to the Verizon Data Center Acquisition, a decrease in proceeds from asset sales of $803.8 million, $265.4 million of higher capital expenditures and $67.0 million of higher$2.3 billion as a result of our expansion activity, purchases of real estate primarily as a result of expansion activity.$200.2 million, business acquisitions of Bell, Packet and Axtel for $1.2 billion, and purchases of investments of $127.8 million, partially offset by proceeds from the sale of assets to the Asia-Pacific and EMEA Joint Ventures of $334.4 million and proceeds from sales of investments of $29.4 million. The increase in net cash used in investing activities during 2016 compared to 2015for the year ended December 31, 2019 was primarily due to the increase in spending for the acquisitions 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 primarilyof $2.1 billion as a result of our expansion activity. This wasactivity, purchases of real estate of $169.2 million, the AM11 data center acquisition of $34.1 million, and purchases of investments of $60.9 million, partially offset by proceeds from the sale of assets, primarily due to the sale of assets to the EMEA Joint Venture, of $358.8 million and proceeds from sales of assetsinvestments of $851.6 million, net of cash transferred.$40.4 million.
During 2018, we expect to complete the acquisitions of Metronode and the Infomart Dallas. We also anticipate our IBX data center expansion construction activity will be similar or increase from our 20172020 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 20172020 was primarily due to (i) borrowings under our €1,000.0 million Term B-2 Loan, approximately $1,059.8 million at the exchange rate in effect on January 6, 2017, (ii) to:
•the issuance of $1,250.0 million 2027$4.4 billion in Senior Notes (iii) due 2025, 2027, 2028, 2030, 2050 and 2051;
•the sale and issuance of €1,000.0 million 2025 Euro Senior Notes, approximately $1,199.7 million at the exchange rate 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) the sale2,587,500 shares of common stock in a public offering for net proceeds of $2,481.4approximately $1.7 billion, net of underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses;
•borrowings under the revolving credit facility of $250.0 million and (vii) the 364-Day term loan facilities of $500.8 million;
•the sale of 415,512 shares of common stock under the ATM Program, for net proceeds of $298.3 million; and
•proceeds from employee awards of $41.7 million,$62.1 million.
The proceeds were partially offset by (i) repaymentby:
•the entire $500.0 million principal amountredemption of our 4.875%$4.1 billion in Senior Notes due 2020 (ii)2022, 2024, 2025 and 2026;
•the repayment in full of amounts outstanding under$300.0 million of 5.0% Infomart Senior Notes according to the 2014 Senior Credit Facility of approximately $2,207.7 million in total at the exchange rate on December 12, 2017, (iii) repayment terms;
•dividend distributions of $621.5 million, (iv) $947.9 million;
•repayments of capitalfinance lease liabilities totaling $115.3 million;
•repayments of mortgage and other financing obligationsloans payable totaling $829.5 million, primarily from the repayments of $93.5the revolving credit facility and the 364-Day term loan facilities;
•payments of debt extinguishment costs of $111.7 million, primarily related to redemption premium paid to redeem legacy high yield Senior Notes due 2022, 2024, 2025 and (v)2026; and
•payments of debt issuance costs of $81.0$42.2 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 20152019 was primarily due to (i) $1,100.0 millionto:
•the issuance of gross proceeds from $2.8 billion in Senior Notes due 2024, 2026 and 2029;
•the senior notes offering in December 2015, (ii) $829.5 millionsale and issuance of net proceeds from our public offering2,985,575 shares of common stock in November 2015, (iii) $1,197.1a public equity offering and receipt of net proceeds of approximately $1.2 billion, 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 $1.9 billion in Senior Notes due 2022, 2023 and 2025;
•the repayment of $300.0 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 million5.0% Infomart Senior Notes according to the repayment terms;
•dividend distributions of $836.2 million;
•repayments of finance lease liabilities of $126.5 million;
•repayments of mortgage and loans payable including repayment of $171.2$73.2 million;
•payments of debt extinguishment costs of $43.3 million, of loans assumed in the Bit-isle acquisitionprimarily related to redemption premium paid to redeem Senior Notes due 2022, 2023 and repayment of $544.1 million of U.S. dollar-denominated term loan2025; 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
of our debt and additional financings needed to support expansion opportunities, additional acquisitions or joint ventures, and the payment of our regular cash dividends.
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 (gross•payments 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.$23.3 million.
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.
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, 20172020 (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2021 | | 2022 | | 2023 | | 2024 | | 2025 | | Thereafter | | Total |
Term loans and other loans payable (1) | $ | 82,289 | | | $ | 1,253,106 | | | $ | 6,896 | | | $ | 6,395 | | | $ | 4,605 | | | $ | 19,540 | | | $ | 1,372,831 | |
Senior notes (1) | 150,000 | | | — | | | — | | | 1,000,000 | | | 1,200,000 | | | 6,911,050 | | | 9,261,050 | |
Interest (2) | 282,022 | | | 274,769 | | | 253,705 | | | 253,503 | | | 227,073 | | | 1,201,943 | | | 2,493,015 | |
Finance leases (3) | 232,415 | | | 221,058 | | | 215,909 | | | 213,186 | | | 209,424 | | | 1,928,094 | | | 3,020,086 | |
Operating leases (3) | 199,291 | | | 205,411 | | | 188,724 | | | 176,626 | | | 165,437 | | | 1,032,186 | | | 1,967,675 | |
Other contractual commitments (4) | 1,635,300 | | | 213,610 | | | 95,809 | | | 48,843 | | | 41,395 | | | 362,031 | | | 2,396,988 | |
Asset retirement obligations (5) | 3,993 | | | 14,013 | | | 5,986 | | | 7,436 | | | 8,243 | | | 74,098 | | | 113,769 | |
| $ | 2,585,310 | | | $ | 2,181,967 | | | $ | 767,029 | | | $ | 1,705,989 | | | $ | 1,856,177 | | | $ | 11,528,942 | | | $ | 20,625,414 | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2018 | | 2019 | | 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 | | Thereafter | | Total |
Senior notes (1) | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 750,000 |
| | $ | 6,252,000 |
| | $ | 7,002,000 |
|
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 |
|
Capital lease and other financing obligations (3) | 201,910 |
| | 182,262 |
| | 182,085 |
| | 182,050 |
| | 182,379 |
| | 1,687,514 |
| | 2,618,200 |
|
Operating leases (4) | 176,789 |
| | 164,711 |
| | 154,329 |
| | 144,706 |
| | 140,451 |
| | 1,132,964 |
| | 1,913,950 |
|
Other contractual commitments (5) | 823,764 |
| | 69,466 |
| | 20,965 |
| | 17,929 |
| | 18,621 |
| | 201,043 |
| | 1,151,788 |
|
Asset retirement obligations (6) | 1,716 |
| | 12,357 |
| | 6,741 |
| | 3,516 |
| | 11,794 |
| | 62,415 |
| | 98,539 |
|
| | $ | 1,611,537 |
| | $ | 859,257 |
| | $ | 793,254 |
| | $ | 1,085,717 |
| | $ | 2,284,572 |
| | $ | 10,192,147 |
| | $ | 16,826,484 |
|
_________________________
| | |
(1) | Represents principal and premium only. |
| |
(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, as well as the credit facility fee for the revolving credit facility. |
| |
(3) | Represents principal and interest. |
| |
(4) | Represents minimum operating lease payments, excluding potential lease renewals. |
| |
(5) | Represents unaccrued contractual commitments. Other contractual commitments are described below. |
| |
(6) | Represents liability, net of future accretion expense. |
(1)Represents principal and unamortized mortgage premium only.
(2)Represents interest on mortgage payable, loans payable, senior notes and term loans based on their respective interest rates as of December 31, 2020, 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 off-balance sheet arrangements. Other contractual commitments are described below.
(5)Represents liability, net of future accretion expense.
As of December 31, 2020, we were contractually committed for $1.1 billion 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 IBX data center expansion projects prior to making them available to customers for installation. This amount, which is expected to be paid during 2021 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, 2020, 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 2021 and beyond. Such other purchase commitments as of December 31, 2020, which total $1.3 billion, are also reflected in the table above as "other contractual commitments."
Other commitments
In connection with certain of our leases and other contracts requiring deposits, we entered into 4137 irrevocable letters of credit totaling $62.6$74.6 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$169.7 million as of December 31, 2017.2020. 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, we were contractually committed for $508.2 million of unaccrued capital expenditures, primarily for IBX equipment not yet delivered and labor not yet provided inIn connection with the work necessaryEMEA Joint Venture which closed in October 2019, we committed to complete constructionmake future equity contributions to the EMEA Joint Venture of €13.8 million and open these IBX data centers prior£6.6 million, or $25.8 million in total at the exchange rate in effect on December 31, 2020, to making them available to customers
for installation. This amount,fund the EMEA Joint Venture’s future development until 2022, which is expected to be paid during 2018 and thereafter, isare not reflected in the table above as "other contractual commitments."above.
We had other non-capital purchase commitmentsIn connection with the sale of the PA9 data center, which closed in place asDecember 2020, we also has a commitment to the EMEA Joint Venture to complete a residual portion of the PA9 center for an estimated cost of €14.5 million or $17.7 million in total at the exchange rate in effect on December 31, 2017, such as commitments to purchase power in select locations2020, which is reimbursable upon completion and other open purchase orders, which contractually bind us for goods or services to be delivered or provided during 2018 and beyond. Such other purchase commitments as of December 31, 2017, which total $643.6 million, are alsois not reflected in the table above as "other contractual commitments."above.
On October 13, 2017,We also committed to make future equity contributions to the Asia-Pacific Joint Venture, which was closed on December 17, 2020. As of December 31, 2020, we entered into an agreement to purchase certain real propertyhad future equity contribution commitments of ¥6.3 billion, or $60.7 million in Sydney, Australia, for a purchase price of A$110.0 million or approximately $86.7 million, subject to certain closing conditions,total at the exchange rate in effect on December 31, 2020, which is not reflected in the table above. We expect to close this transaction in 2018.
In December 2017,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, 2020. These leases will commence between fiscal years 2021 and 2022 with lease terms of 10 to 49 years and a transaction agreement to acquire the Metronode grouptotal lease commitment of companies, for a cash purchase price of A$1.035 billion, or approximately $791.2$684.1 million, at the exchange rate in effect on December 15, 2017. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2018, subject to certain closing conditions, which is 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, 2017,2020, there were no significant liabilities recorded for these arrangements. For additional information, see "Guarantor Arrangements" in Note 14 of Notes to15 within the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.Statements.
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.equipment; and
• Accounting for leases.
|
| | | | | | | |
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 tax attributes such as operating loss, capital 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’sauthority's widely understood administrative practices and precedents. We recognize 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 events.
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 a 50% likelylikelihood 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, 20172020 and 2016,2019, we had net total deferred tax liabilities of $186.3$224.0 million and $212.0$211.4 million, respectively. As of December 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, we had a total valuation allowance of $84.6$82.3 million and $29.2$57.8 million, respectively. If and when we increase or reduce our remaining valuation allowances, it may have aan unfavorable or favorable impact, respectively, 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,jurisdiction, in the future
future.
During the year ended December 31, 2017,2020, we provided full and partial valuation allowances on the Spanish and Turkishagainst certain deferred tax assets acquired fromin Canada and the Itconic and Zenium data center acquisitions, respectively. In addition, we set up a full valuation allowance onNetherlands that are not expected to be realizable in the deferred tax asset associated with tax goodwill obtained as a result of a reorganization in Brazil. foreseeable future.
During the year ended December 31, 2016,2019, we decidedreleased the full valuation allowances against the deferred tax assets of one of our Brazilian legal entities due to releasethe evidence of achieving sustainable profitability. For the Metronode Acquisition, we increased the valuation allowancesallowance that was assessed in prior year as a result of finalizing the provisional estimates 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 Canada as well as the increase in valuation allowances in Europe due to the TelecityGroup acquisition and integration.
realizability of certain deferred tax assets.
As of December 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, we had unrecognized tax benefits of $82.4$207.8 million and $72.2$173.7 million, respectively, exclusive of interest and penalties. During the year ended December 31, 2017,2020, the unrecognized tax benefitsbenefit increased by $10.2$34.1 million primarily due to integrations in the TelecityGroupEMEA region, which was partially offset by the recognition of unrecognized tax benefits related to our tax positions in a few countries as a result of a lapse in statutes of limitations and the partial payment related to the UK integration. 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’sour tax positions in the U.S. and BrazilFrance as a result of a lapse in statutes of limitations. Duringlimitations and the year ended December 31, 2016,partial payment of the unrecognizedMetronode pre-acquisition tax benefits increasedaudit assessment which was fully indemnified by $41.4 million primarily due to the TelecityGroup acquisition and integration.seller. The unrecognized tax benefits of $82.4$207.8 million as of December 31, 2017,2020, of which $33.8 million is subject to an indemnification agreement, if subsequently recognized, will affect our effective tax rate favorably at the time when such benefits area benefit is recognized.
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Description
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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’smanagement's judgment to estimate the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date. Key judgmentjudgments 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 Itconicacquisition of Bell Data Centers in Canada in the fourth quarter of 2020, Packet in March 2020, Axtel in Mexico in January 2020, Switch Datacenters' AMS1 data center business in Amsterdam, Netherlands in April 2019, and the Metronode Acquisition and the Infomart Dallas 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.April 2018. The purchase price allocation for these acquisitions has been finalized, except for the TelecityGroup and Bit-isle acquisitions were completed in the fourth quarters of 2016 and 2015, respectively.Bell acquisition.
As of December 31, 2017, 20162020 and 2015,2019, we had net intangible assets of $2.4$2.2 billion $719.2 million and $224.6 million,$2.1 billion, respectively. We recorded amortization expense for intangible assets of $177.0$199.0 million, $122.9$196.3 million and $27.4$203.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015,2018, 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 20182020 or beyond.
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Description
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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, reporting unit, the EMEA reporting unit and the Asia-Pacific reporting unitunits to determine if the fair values of the reporting units exceeded their carrying values. If goodwill is not considered impaired and we 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,
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, thisvalue. This analysis requires assumptions and estimates before performing the two-stepquantitative 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, Additionally, we elected to perform the first stepperiodically review our assessment 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 assumptionsto determine if changes in facts and estimates derived fromcircumstances warrant changes to our conclusions. There were no specific factors present in 2020 or 2019 that indicated 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.potential goodwill impairment.
In 2017 and 2016, weWe 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 20162020 or 20172019 that indicated a significant potential impairment.
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As of December 31, 2017,2020, goodwill attributable to the Americas, reporting unit, the EMEA reporting unit and the Asia-Pacific reporting unitunits was $1.6$2.2 billion, $2.6 billion and $239.4 million,$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, 20172020 and 2019 was $2.4 billion.$2.2 billion and $2.1 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. |
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Description
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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. 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.
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Judgments are numerous judgments and uncertainties involvedrequired 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. DuringIn 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.
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| As of December 31, 2017, 20162020 and 2015,2019, we had property, plant and equipment of $9.4 billion, $7.2$14.5 billion and $5.6$12.2 billion, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015,2018, we recorded depreciation expense of $865.5 million, $714.3 million,$1.2 billion, $1.1 billion, and $498.1 million,$1.0 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, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015.2018. Further changes in our estimated useful lives of our property, plant and equipment could have a significant impact on our results of operations.
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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. |
Lease assumptions and estimates are determined and applied at the inception of the leases or at the lease modification date. As of both December 31, 2020 and 2019, operating right-of-use ("ROU") lease assets were at $1.5 billion and operating lease liabilities were at $1.5 billion . As of December 31, 2017, 20162020 and 2015, we had property, plant2019, finance ROU assets were $1.7 billion and equipment under capital leases$1.3 billion, respectively, and other financing obligations of $1.8 billion, $1.6finance lease liabilities were $1.9 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, duringFor the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015,2018, we recorded the finance lease cost of $233.9 million and $193.6 million, respectively, and recorded rent expense of $157.9approximately $217.3 million, $140.6$219.0 million and $101.5$185.4 million, under operating leases.respectively.
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Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See "Recent Accounting Pronouncements" in Note 1 of Notes towithin the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8Statements.
ITEM 7A QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK7A. 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.
The uncertainty that exists with respect to the economic impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic introduced significant volatility in the financial markets. See Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors for additional information regarding potential risks to our business, financial condition and results of operations related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
We employ foreign currency forward exchangeand option contracts, cross-currency interest rate swaps and interest rate locks for the purpose of hedging certain specifically-identifiedspecifically 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, 2017.2020.
As of December 31, 2017,2020, 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$615.6 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, 20172020 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$10.9 million or decrease by a total of approximately $3.8$0.2 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, 2017.2020. As of December 31, 2017,2020, 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, 2016 | | December 31, 2020 | | December 31, 2019 |
| | 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 |
| Mortgage and loans payable | $ | 1,370,970 | | | $ | 1,379,129 | | | $ | 1,370,118 | | | $ | 1,378,429 | |
| Senior notes | 7,002,000 |
| | 7,288,673 |
| | 3,850,000 |
| | 4,033,985 |
| Senior notes | 9,261,050 | | | 9,705,486 | | | 9,029,211 | | | 9,339,497 | |
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(1) | The carrying value is gross of debt issuance cost and discount. |
(1)The carrying value is gross of debt issuance cost, debt discount and debt premium.
Foreign Currency Risk
A significant portion of our revenue is denominated in U.S. dollars, however, approximately 54.8%59% of our revenues and 53.8%53% of our operating costs are attributable to Brazil, Mexico, 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, 2017,2020, the total principal amount of foreign currency loans and senior notesdebt obligations was $3,819.4 million,$1.9 billion, including $2,402.0$611.1 million denominated in Euro, $675.9$589.7 million denominated in British pound, $341.9Pound, $408.5 million denominated in Japanese Yen and $293.9 million denominated in Swedish krona and $399.6 million denominated in Japanese Yen.Krona. As of December 31, 2017,2020, we have designated $3,149.5 million$1.9 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, 2017,2020, 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$211.5 million and $173.0 million, respectively.
ForWe also entered into cross-currency interest rate swaps where we receive a fixed amount of U.S. Dollars and pay a fixed amount of Euros. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the foreseeable future, we anticipate that approximately 50% or lesstotal notional amounts of U.S. Dollar to Euro cross-currency interest rate swap contracts were $3.3 billion and $750.0 million, respectively. 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 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 $409.6 million or gain of $337.3 million, respectively, within accumulated other than thecomprehensive income (loss) as of December 31, 2020.
The U.S. dollar. During fiscal 2017, the U.S. dollar became generally weakerDollar weakened relative to certain of the currencies of the foreign countries in which we operate.operate during the year ended December 31, 2020. This overall weakening of the U.S. dollar had a positive impact on 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 onhas impacted our 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, 20172020 would have resulted in a reduction of our revenues and operating expenses, including depreciation and amortization expenses, for the year by approximately $132.4$171.1 million and $134.4$169.7 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, 20172020 would have resulted in an increase of our revenues and operating expenses, including depreciation and amortization expenses, for the year by approximately $127.3$209.2 million and $136.0$207.4 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., Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United Kingdom.U.S..
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 DATAFinancial 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.
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ITEM 9. | CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE |
ITEM 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
There is no disclosure to report pursuant to Item 9.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURESControls 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, 2017.2020.
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, 2017.2020.
The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20172020 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 20172020 that has materially affected, or is reasonable likely to affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATIONOther Information
There is no disclosure to report pursuant to Item 9B.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCEDirectors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
InformationThe information required by this itemItem is incorporated by reference to the Equinix proxy statementdefinitive Proxy Statement for the 2018our 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.Stockholders, which will be filed with the SEC no later than 120 days after December 31, 2020 pursuant to Regulation 14A.
We have adopted a Code of Ethics applicable for the Chief Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officers and a Code of Business Conduct.Conduct, which are both "Code(s) of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers" as defined by applicable rules of the SEC. This information is incorporated by reference to the Equinix proxy statement for the 20182021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is also available on our website, www.equinix.com.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATIONExecutive Compensation
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the definitive Proxy Statement for our 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which will be filed with the SEC no later than 120 days after December 31, 2020 pursuant to Regulation 14A.
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 20182021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
InformationThe information required by this itemItem is incorporated by reference to the Equinix proxy statementdefinitive Proxy Statement for the 2018our 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.Stockholders, which will be filed with the SEC no later than 120 days after December 31, 2020 pursuant to Regulation 14A.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
InformationThe information required by this itemItem is incorporated by reference to the Equinix proxy statementdefinitive Proxy Statement for the 2018our 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.Stockholders, which will be filed with the SEC no later than 120 days after December 31, 2020 pursuant to Regulation 14A.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the Equinix proxy statement for the 2018 Annual Meeting
PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULESExhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
(a)(1) Financial Statements:
(a)(2) Financial statements and schedules:
(a)(3) Exhibits:
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| | | | Incorporated by Reference | | |
| Exhibit Number | | Exhibit Description | | Form | | Filing Date/
Period End Date | | Exhibit | | Filed
Herewith |
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| | | | 8-K | | 5/29/2015 | | 2.1 | | |
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| | | | 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 |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 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 | | 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 | | 11/20/2014 | | 4.1 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 8-K | | 3/22/2017 | | 4.2 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| 4.4 | | Form of 5.375% Senior Notes due 2027 (see Exhibit 4.3). | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 8-K | | 9/20/2017 | | 4.2 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 8-K | | 12/5/2017 | | 4.1 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 8-K | | 12/5/2017 | | 4.2 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| 4.8 | | Form of 2.875% Senior Notes due 2026 (see Exhibit 4.8). | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 8-K | | 4/3/2018 | | 4.2 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| 4.10 | | Form of 5.00% Senior Notes due October 2020 (see Exhibit 4.10). | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| 4.11 | | Form of 5.00% Senior Notes due April 2021 (see Exhibit 4.10). | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 8-K | | 11/18/2019 | | 4.2 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| 4.13 | | Form of 2.625% Senior Notes due 2024 (See Exhibit 4.13). | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | 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 | | 11/18/2019 | | 4.4 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| 4.15 | | Form of 2.900% Senior Notes due 2026 (See Exhibit 4.15). | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 8-K | | 11/18/2019 | | 4.6 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| 4.17 | | Form of 3.200% Senior Notes due 2029 (See Exhibit 4.17) | | 8-K | | 6/22/2020 | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 8-K | | 6/22/2020 | | 4.2 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| 4.19 | | Form of 1.250% Senior Note due 2025 (See Exhibit 4.19) | | 8-K | | 6/22/2020 | | 4.3 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 8-K | | 6/22/2020 | | 4.4 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| 4.21 | | Form of 1.800% Senior Note due 2027 (See Exhibit 4.21) | | 8-K | | 6/22/2020 | | 4.5 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 8-K | | 6/22/2020 | | 4.6 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| 4.23 | | Form of 2.150% Senior Note due 2030 (see Exhibit 4.23) | | 8-K | | 6/22/2020 | | 4.7 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 8-K | | 6/22/2020 | | 4.8 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| 4.25 | | Form of 3.000% Senior Note due 2050 (See Exhibit 4.25) | | 8-K | | 6/22/2020 | | 4.9 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 8-K | | 10/7/2020 | | 4.2 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| 4.27 | | Form of 1.000% Senior Note due 2025 (included in Exhibit 4.27) | | 8-K | | 10/7/2020 | | 4.3 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 8-K | | 10/7/2020 | | 4.4 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| 4.29 | | Form of 1.550% Senior Note due 2028 (included in Exhibit 4.29) | | 8-K | | 10/7/2020 | | 4.5 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 8-K | | 10/7/2020 | | 4.6 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| 4.31 | | Form of 2.950% Senior Note due 2051 (included in Exhibit 4.31) | | 8-K | | 10/7/2020 | | 4.7 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 10-K | | 12/31/2014 | | 4.13 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | X |
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | 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 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Letter amendment, dated December 14, 2010, to Change in Control Severance Agreement, dated December 18, 2008, and letter agreement relating to expatriate benefits, dated April 22, 2008, as amended, by and between the Registrant and Eric Schwartz. | | 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 |
| | | | 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 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| |
| | DEF14A | | 4/27/2020 | | Appendix A | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 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 | | 3/31/2018 | | 10.31 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 10-Q | | 3/31/2018 | | 10.32 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 10-Q | | 3/31/2018 | | 10.33 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 10-Q | | 3/31/2019 | | 10.29 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 10-Q | | 3/31/2019 | | 10.30 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 10-Q | | 3/31/2019 | | 10.31 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 10-Q | | 3/31/2020 | | 10.18 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 10-Q | | 3/31/2020 | | 10.19 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 10-Q | | 3/31/2020 | | 10.20 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 10-Q | | 3/31/2020 | | 10.21 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 10-Q | | 9/30/2014 | | 10.67 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | 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-Q | | 6/30/2016 | | 10.55 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | Credit Agreement dated as of December 12, 2017 among Equinix, Inc. as Borrower, The Guarantors Parties (defined therein), Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Lender and L/C issuer, Barclays Bank PLS, Goldman Sachs Bank USA, HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. ING Capital LLC, TD Securities (USA) LLC, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as Co-Documentation Agents, the Other Lenders Party (defined therein) and Bank of America, N.A., Citibank, N.A., JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., MUFG, and RBC Capital Markets as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Book Runners. | | 10-K | | 12/31/2017 | | 10.40 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 10-Q | | 8/8/2018 | | 10.35 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | Second Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of July 26, 2018, by and between Equinix, Inc. as Borrower, the financial institutions defined therein, MUFG Bank, Ltd., as Technical Agent and Bank of America, N.A. as Administrative Agent, under that certain Credit Agreement dated December 12, 2017. | | 10-Q | | 8/8/2018 | | 10.36 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | Third Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of April 26, 2019, by and among Equinix, Inc., Delaware corporation ("Equinix" or the "Borrower"), each "Lender" (as such term is defined in the Credit Agreement referred to therein) party hereto, and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent, under that certain Credit Agreement dated December 12, 2017. | | 10-Q | | 6/30/2019 | | 10.34 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | Credit Agreement dated April 15, 2020, by and among Equinix, as borrower, a syndicate of financial institutions, as lenders, MUFG Bank, Ltd.as administrative agent, and MUFG Union Bank, N.A., Sumitomo, Mitsui Banking Corporation, TD Securities (USA) LLC and Mizuho Bank, Ltd., as joint lead arrangers. | | 10-Q | | 6/30/2020 | | 10.25 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 10-K | | 2/22/2019 | | 10.37 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 10-Q | | 9/30/2019 | | 10.25 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | Incorporated by Reference | | |
| Exhibit Number | | Exhibit Description | | Form | | Filing Date/ Period End Date | | Exhibit | | Filed Herewith |
| | Credit Agreement, by and among Equinix, Inc., as borrower, Equinix LLC and Switch & Data LLC as guarantors, the Lenders (defined therein), Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, a Lender and L/C issuer, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., and TD Securities (USA) LLC, as co-syndication agents, Barclays Bank PLC, Citibank, N.A., Royal Bank of Canada and ING Bank N.V., Singapore Branch, as Co-Documentation Agents and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, and TD Securities (USA) LLC, as joint lead arrangers and book runners, dated December 17, 2014. | | 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 | | 9/30/2019 | | 10.26 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Incorporated by Reference10-Q | | 9/30/2019 | | 10.27 | | |
Exhibit Number | | Exhibit Description | | Form | | Filing Date/
Period End Date
| | Exhibit | | Filed
Herewith
|
| | | | 10-Q | | 9/30/2019 | | 10.28 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 10-Q | | 9/30/2019 | | 10.29 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 10-Q | | 9/30/2019 | | 10.31 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 10-Q | | 9/30/2019 | | 10.32 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | Side Letter Agreement Regarding RSUs between Equinix, Inc. as Borrower, The Guarantors Parties (defined therein), Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Lender and L/C issuer, Barclays Bank PLS, Goldman Sachs Bank USA, HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. ING Capital LLC, TD Securities (USA) LLC, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as Co-Documentation Agents, the Other Lenders Party (defined therein) and Bank of America, N.A., Citibank, N.A., JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., MUFG, and RBC Capital Markets as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Book Runners.Sara Baack dated October 3, 2019. | | 10-Q | | 9/30/2019 | | 10.33 | | X |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 10-Q | | 9/30/2019 | | 10.34 | | X |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 10-Q | | 9/30/2019 | | 10.36 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 10-Q | | 9/30/2019 | | 10.37 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 10-Q | | 9/30/2019 | | 10.38 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 10-Q | | 9/30/2019 | | 10.39 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 10-Q | | 9/30/2019 | | 10.40 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | X |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | X |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | X |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | X |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Incorporated by Reference | | |
| Exhibit Number | | Exhibit Description | | Form | | Filing Date/
Period End Date | | Exhibit | | Filed
Herewith |
| | | | | | | | | | 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 |
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| 101.DEF | | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document. | | | | | | | | X |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| 101.LAB | | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension LabelsLabel Linkbase Document. | | | | | | | | X |
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| 101.PRE | | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. | | | | | | | | X |
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| 104 | | Cover 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. | | | | | | | | X |
** 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. |
(c)Financial Statement Schedule.
See (a) (2) above.
ITEM 16. FORMForm 10-K SUMMARYSummary
Not applicable.
SIGNATURES
Signatures
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 19, 2021 | By | EQUINIX, INC.
(Registrant)
/s/ CHARLES MEYERS |
| | Charles Meyers |
February 26, 2018 | By | /s/ PETER F. VAN CAMP |
| | Peter F. Van Camp |
| | 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.
|
| | | | | | | |
| Signature | Title | Date
|
| /s/ CHARLES MEYERS | Chief Executive Officer and President (Principal Executive Officer) | February 19, 2021 |
| Charles Meyers |
| /s/ KEITH D. TAYLOR | Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) | February 19, 2021 |
| Keith D. Taylor |
| /s/ SIMON MILLER | Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer)
| February 19, 2021 |
| Simon Miller |
| /s/ PETER F. VAN CAMP | Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer), President and Executive Chairman | February 26, 201819, 2021 |
| Peter F. Van Camp |
/s/ KEITH D. TAYLOR | Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) | February 26, 2018 |
Keith D. Taylor |
| /s/ THOMAS A. BARTLETT | Director | February 26, 201819, 2021 |
| Thomas A. Bartlett |
| /s/ NANCI CALDWELL | Director | February 26, 201819, 2021 |
| Nanci Caldwell |
| /s/ ADAIRE FOX-MARTIN | Director | February 19, 2021 |
| Adaire Fox-Martin |
| /s/ GARY F. HROMADKO | Director | February 26, 201819, 2021 |
| Gary F. Hromadko |
/s/ SCOTT G. KRIENS | Director | February 26, 2018 |
Scott G. Kriens |
| /s/ WILLIAM K. LUBY | Director | February 26, 201819, 2021 |
| William K. Luby |
| /s/ IRVING F. LYONS, III | Director | February 26, 201819, 2021 |
| Irving F. Lyons, III |
| /s/ CHRISTOPHER B. PAISLEY | Director | February 26, 201819, 2021 |
| Christopher B. Paisley |
| Director | |
| Sandra Rivera |
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
| | | | | | | | |
Exhibit
Number | | Description of Document |
| | |
Exhibit
| | |
| | |
| | Credit Agreement dated as of December 12, 2017 among Equinix, Inc. as Borrower, The Guarantors Parties (defined therein), Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Lender and L/C issuer, Barclays Bank PLS, Goldman Sachs Bank USA, HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. ING Capital LLC, TD Securities (USA) LLC, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as Co-Documentation Agents, the Other Lenders Party (defined therein) and Bank of America, N.A., Citibank, N.A., JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., MUFG, and RBC Capital Markets as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Book Runners. |
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| 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. |
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| 101.SCH | | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. |
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| 101.CAL | | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Document. |
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| 101.DEF | | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Document. |
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| 101.LAB | | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Document. |
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| 101. PRE | | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Document. |
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| 104 | | Cover 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, 20172020 and December 31, 2016,2019, 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, 2017,2020, 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, 2017,2020, 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, 20172020 and December 31, 2016,2019, and the results of theirits operations and theirits cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 20172020 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, 2017,2020, 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.
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 $146.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. 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 dividends 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 income taxes - REIT asset tests is a critical audit matter are (i) the 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) the significant audit effort and judgment in evaluating audit evidence related to the significant assumptions used in the REIT asset test, related to 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.
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 the completeness and accuracy of underlying data used in the approach; and evaluating the significant assumptions used by management related to 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 the discount rates.
/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
San Jose, California
February 26, 201819, 2021
We have served as the Company’sCompany's auditor since 2000.
EQUINIX, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, |
| 2020 | | 2019 |
| Assets |
| Current assets: | | | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 1,604,869 | | | $ | 1,869,577 | |
| Short-term investments | 4,532 | | | 10,362 | |
| Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $10,677 and $13,026 | 676,738 | | | 689,134 | |
| Other current assets | 323,016 | | | 303,543 | |
| | | |
| Total current assets | 2,609,155 | | | 2,872,616 | |
| Property, plant and equipment, net | 14,503,084 | | | 12,152,597 | |
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | 1,475,057 | | | 1,475,367 | |
| Goodwill | 5,472,553 | | | 4,781,858 | |
| Intangible assets, net | 2,170,945 | | | 2,102,389 | |
| Other assets | 776,047 | | | 580,788 | |
| Total assets | $ | 27,006,841 | | | $ | 23,965,615 | |
| Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity |
| Current liabilities: | | | |
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | $ | 844,862 | | | $ | 760,718 | |
| Accrued property, plant and equipment | 301,155 | | | 301,535 | |
| Current portion of operating lease liabilities | 154,207 | | | 145,606 | |
| Current portion of finance lease liabilities | 137,683 | | | 75,239 | |
| Current portion of mortgage and loans payable | 82,289 | | | 77,603 | |
| Current portion of senior notes | 150,186 | | | 643,224 | |
| Other current liabilities | 354,368 | | | 153,938 | |
| | | |
| Total current liabilities | 2,024,750 | | | 2,157,863 | |
| Operating lease liabilities, less current portion | 1,308,627 | | | 1,315,656 | |
| Finance lease liabilities, less current portion | 1,784,816 | | | 1,430,882 | |
| Mortgage and loans payable, less current portion | 1,287,254 | | | 1,289,434 | |
| Senior notes, less current portion | 9,018,277 | | | 8,309,673 | |
| Other liabilities | 948,999 | | | 621,725 | |
| Total liabilities | 16,372,723 | | | 15,125,233 | |
| Commitments and contingencies (Note 15) | 0 | | 0 |
| Equinix stockholders' equity: | | | |
| Preferred stock, $0.001 par value per share: 100,000,000 shares authorized in 2020 and 2019; 0 shares issued and outstanding | 0 | | | 0 | |
| Common stock, $0.001 par value per share: 300,000,000 shares authorized in 2020 and 2019; 89,462,304 issued and 89,134,252 outstanding in 2020 and 85,700,953 issued and 85,308,386 outstanding in 2019 | 89 | | | 86 | |
| Additional paid-in capital | 15,028,357 | | | 12,696,433 | |
| Treasury stock, at cost; 328,052 shares in 2020 and 392,567 shares in 2019 | (122,118) | | | (144,256) | |
| Accumulated dividends | (5,119,274) | | | (4,168,469) | |
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (913,368) | | | (934,613) | |
| Retained earnings | 1,760,302 | | | 1,391,425 | |
| Total Equinix stockholders' equity | 10,633,988 | | | 8,840,606 | |
| Non-controlling interests | 130 | | | (224) | |
| Total stockholders' equity | 10,634,118 | | | 8,840,382 | |
| Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | $ | 27,006,841 | | | $ | 23,965,615 | |
|
| | | | | | | |
| December 31, |
| 2017 |
| 2016 |
| Assets |
| Current assets: |
|
|
|
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 1,412,517 |
|
| $ | 748,476 |
|
| Short-term investments | 28,271 |
|
| 3,409 |
|
| Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $18,228 and $15,675 | 576,313 |
|
| 396,245 |
|
| Other current assets | 232,027 |
|
| 319,396 |
|
| Total current assets | 2,249,128 |
|
| 1,467,526 |
|
| Long-term investments | 9,243 |
|
| 10,042 |
|
| Property, plant and equipment, net | 9,394,602 |
|
| 7,199,210 |
|
| Goodwill | 4,411,762 |
|
| 2,986,064 |
|
| Intangible assets, net | 2,384,972 |
|
| 719,231 |
|
| Other assets | 241,750 |
|
| 226,298 |
|
| Total assets | $ | 18,691,457 |
|
| $ | 12,608,371 |
|
| Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity |
| Current liabilities: |
|
|
|
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | $ | 719,257 |
|
| $ | 581,739 |
|
| Accrued property, plant and equipment | 220,367 |
|
| 144,842 |
|
| Current portion of capital lease and other financing obligations | 78,705 |
|
| 101,046 |
|
| Current portion of mortgage and loans payable | 64,491 |
|
| 67,928 |
|
| Other current liabilities | 159,914 |
|
| 133,140 |
|
| Total current liabilities | 1,242,734 |
|
| 1,028,695 |
|
| Capital lease and other financing obligations, less current portion | 1,620,256 |
|
| 1,410,742 |
|
| Mortgage and loans payable, less current portion | 1,393,118 |
|
| 1,369,087 |
|
| Senior notes | 6,923,849 |
|
| 3,810,770 |
|
| Other liabilities | 661,710 |
|
| 623,248 |
|
| Total liabilities | 11,841,667 |
|
| 8,242,542 |
|
| 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 2016 | 79 |
|
| 72 |
|
| Additional paid-in capital | 10,121,323 |
|
| 7,413,519 |
|
| Treasury stock, at cost; 402,342 shares in 2017 and 408,415 shares in 2016 | (146,320 | ) |
| (147,559 | ) |
| Accumulated dividends | (2,592,792 | ) |
| (1,969,645 | ) |
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (785,189 | ) |
| (949,142 | ) |
| Retained earnings | 252,689 |
|
| 18,584 |
|
| Total stockholders' equity | 6,849,790 |
|
| 4,365,829 |
|
| Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | $ | 18,691,457 |
|
| $ | 12,608,371 |
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
EQUINIX, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except per share data)
| | | | Years Ended December 31, | | Years Ended December 31, |
| | 2017 | | 2016 | | 2015 | | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| Revenues | $ | 4,368,428 |
| | $ | 3,611,989 |
| | $ | 2,725,867 |
| Revenues | $ | 5,998,545 | | | $ | 5,562,140 | | | $ | 5,071,654 | |
| Costs and operating expenses: | | | | | | Costs and operating expenses: | | | | | |
| Cost of revenues | 2,193,149 |
| | 1,820,870 |
| | 1,291,506 |
| Cost of revenues | 3,074,340 | | | 2,810,184 | | | 2,605,475 | |
| Sales and marketing | 581,724 |
| | 438,742 |
| | 332,012 |
| Sales and marketing | 718,356 | | | 651,046 | | | 633,702 | |
| General and administrative | 745,906 |
| | 694,561 |
| | 493,284 |
| General and administrative | 1,090,981 | | | 935,018 | | | 826,694 | |
| Acquisition costs | 38,635 |
| | 64,195 |
| | 41,723 |
| |
| Transaction costs | | Transaction costs | 55,935 | | | 24,781 | | | 34,413 | |
| Impairment charges | — |
| | 7,698 |
| | — |
| Impairment charges | 7,306 | | | 15,790 | | | 0 | |
| Gain on asset sales | — |
| | (32,816 | ) | | — |
| Gain on asset sales | (1,301) | | | (44,310) | | | (6,013) | |
| Total costs and operating expenses | 3,559,414 |
| | 2,993,250 |
| | 2,158,525 |
| Total costs and operating expenses | 4,945,617 | | | 4,392,509 | | | 4,094,271 | |
| Income from operations | 809,014 |
| | 618,739 |
| | 567,342 |
| Income from operations | 1,052,928 | | | 1,169,631 | | | 977,383 | |
| Interest income | 13,075 |
| | 3,476 |
| | 3,581 |
| Interest income | 8,654 | | | 27,697 | | | 14,482 | |
| Interest expense | (478,698 | ) | | (392,156 | ) | | (299,055 | ) | Interest expense | (406,466) | | | (479,684) | | | (521,494) | |
| Other income (expense) | 9,213 |
| | (57,924 | ) | | (60,581 | ) | |
| Other income | | Other income | 6,913 | | | 27,778 | | | 14,044 | |
| Loss on debt extinguishment | (65,772 | ) | | (12,276 | ) | | (289 | ) | Loss on debt extinguishment | (145,804) | | | (52,825) | | | (51,377) | |
| Income from continuing operations before income taxes | 286,832 |
| | 159,859 |
| | 210,998 |
| |
| Income before income taxes | | Income before income taxes | 516,225 | | | 692,597 | | | 433,038 | |
| Income tax expense | (53,850 | ) | | (45,451 | ) | | (23,224 | ) | Income tax expense | (146,151) | | | (185,352) | | | (67,679) | |
| 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 |
| Net income | 370,074 | | | 507,245 | | | 365,359 | |
| Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interests | | Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interests | (297) | | | 205 | | | 0 | |
| Net income attributable to Equinix | | Net income attributable to Equinix | $ | 369,777 | | | $ | 507,450 | | | $ | 365,359 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 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: | | Earnings per share ("EPS") attributable to Equinix: | |
| Basic EPS | $ | 3.03 |
| | $ | 1.81 |
| | $ | 3.25 |
| Basic EPS | $ | 4.22 | | | $ | 6.03 | | | $ | 4.58 | |
| Weighted-average shares | 76,854 |
| | 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 EPS | | Weighted-average shares for basic EPS | 87,700 | | | 84,140 | | | 79,779 | |
| Diluted EPS | $ | 3.00 |
| | $ | 1.79 |
| | $ | 3.21 |
| Diluted EPS | $ | 4.18 | | | $ | 5.99 | | | $ | 4.56 | |
| Weighted-average shares | 77,535 |
| | 70,816 |
| | 58,483 |
| |
| Cash dividends declared per common share | $ | 8.00 |
| | $ | 7.00 |
| | $ | 17.71 |
| |
| Weighted-average shares for diluted EPS | | Weighted-average shares for diluted EPS | 88,410 | | | 84,679 | | | 80,197 | |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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 tax | 163,953 |
| | (440,083 | ) | | (176,616 | ) |
| Comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | $ | 396,935 |
| | $ | (313,283 | ) | | $ | 11,158 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Years Ended December 31, |
| 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| Net income | $ | 370,074 | | | $ | 507,245 | | | $ | 365,359 | |
| Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: | | | | | |
| Foreign currency translation adjustment ("CTA") gain (loss), net of tax effects of $0, $(51) and $4,419 | 548,560 | | | (58,334) | | | (421,743) | |
| Net investment hedge CTA gain (loss), net of tax effects of $0, $10 and $1,358 | (444,553) | | | 73,294 | | | 219,628 | |
| | | | | |
| Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges, net of tax effects of $14,521, $2,938 and $(14,557) | (82,790) | | | (3,842) | | | 43,671 | |
| Net actuarial gain (loss) on defined benefit plans, net of tax effects of $(23), $(9) and $(15) | 85 | | | (48) | | | 55 | |
| Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | 21,302 | | | 11,070 | | | (158,389) | |
| Comprehensive income, net of tax | 391,376 | | | 518,315 | | | 206,970 | |
| Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interests | (297) | | | 205 | | | 0 | |
| Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interests | (57) | | | 19 | | | 0 | |
| Comprehensive income attributable to Equinix | $ | 391,022 | | | $ | 518,539 | | | $ | 206,970 | |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
EQUINIX, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the Three Years Ended December 31, 2020
(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, 2017 | 79,440,404 | | | $ | 79 | | | (402,342) | | | $ | (146,320) | | | $ | 10,121,323 | | | $ | (2,592,792) | | | $ | (785,189) | | | $ | 252,689 | | | $ | 6,849,790 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 6,849,790 | |
Adjustment from adoption of new accounting standard | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (2,124) | | | 271,900 | | | 269,776 | | | — | | | 269,776 | |
| Net income | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 365,359 | | | 365,359 | | | — | | | 365,359 | |
| Other comprehensive loss | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (158,389) | | | — | | | (158,389) | | | — | | | (158,389) | |
| Issuance of common stock and release of treasury stock for employee equity awards | 747,779 | | | 1 | | | 5,483 | | | 1,159 | | | 48,976 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 50,136 | | | — | | | 50,136 | |
| Issuance of common stock under ATM Program | 930,934 | | | 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 | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 2,319 | | | (876) | | | — | | | — | | | 1,443 | | | — | | | 1,443 | |
| Accrued dividends on unvested equity awards | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (10,084) | | | — | | | — | | | (10,084) | | | — | | | (10,084) | |
| Stock-based compensation, net of estimated forfeitures | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 189,799 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 189,799 | | | — | | | 189,799 | |
| Noncontrolling interests | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 725 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 725 | | | — | | | 725 | |
| Balance as of December 31, 2018 | 81,119,117 | | | 81 | | | (396,859) | | | (145,161) | | | 10,751,313 | | | (3,331,200) | | | (945,702) | | | 889,948 | | | 7,219,279 | | | 0 | | | 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 awards | 692,706 | | | 1 | | | 4,292 | | | 905 | | | 51,111 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 52,017 | | | — | | | 52,017 | |
| Issuance of common stock for equity offering | 2,985,575 | | | 3 | | | — | | | — | | | 1,213,431 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 1,213,434 | | | — | | | 1,213,434 | |
| Issuance of common stock under ATM Program | 903,555 | | | 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 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
EQUINIX, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Continued
For the Three Years Ended December 31, 2020
(in thousands, except share data)
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) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | 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, 2014 | 56,505,122 |
| | $ | 57 |
| | (53,867 | ) | | $ | (11,411 | ) | | $ | 3,334,305 |
| | $ | (424,387 | ) | | $ | (332,443 | ) | | $ | (295,990 | ) | | $ | 2,270,131 |
|
| Net income | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 187,774 |
| | 187,774 |
|
| Other comprehensive loss | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (176,616 | ) | | — |
| | (176,616 | ) |
| Issuance of common stock in public offering of common stock, net | 2,994,792 |
| | 3 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 829,493 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 829,496 |
|
| Issuance of common stock and release of treasury stock for employee equity awards | 856,406 |
| | 1 |
| | 7,348 |
| | 1,546 |
| | 28,493 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 30,040 |
|
| Issuance of common stock and release of treasury stock for the exchanges and conversions of 4.75% convertible debt | 90,163 |
| | — |
| | 11,784 |
| | 2,492 |
| | 5,392 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 7,884 |
|
| Dividend distributions | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (393,584 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | (393,584 | ) |
| Settlement of accrued dividends on vested equity awards | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 3,775 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 3,775 |
|
| Issuance of common stock and cash payment for special distribution | 1,688,411 |
| | 1 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 501,513 |
| | (627,221 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | (125,707 | ) |
| Accrued dividends on unvested equity awards | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (23,280 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | (23,280 | ) |
| Tax benefit from employee stock plans | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 30 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 30 |
|
| Stock-based compensation, net of estimated forfeitures | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 135,443 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 135,443 |
|
| Balance as of December 31, 2015 | 62,134,894 |
| | 62 |
| | (34,735 | ) | | (7,373 | ) | | 4,838,444 |
| | (1,468,472 | ) | | (509,059 | ) | | (108,216 | ) | | 2,745,386 |
|
| Net income | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 126,800 |
| | 126,800 |
|
| Other comprehensive loss | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (440,083 | ) | | — |
| | (440,083 | ) |
| Issuance of common stock and release of treasury stock for employee equity awards | 847,374 |
| | 1 |
| | 7,099 |
| | 1,502 |
| | 33,172 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 34,675 |
|
| Issuance of common stock for TelecityGroup acquisition | 6,853,500 |
| | 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 debt | 1,981,662 |
| | 2 |
| | (380,779 | ) | | (141,688 | ) | | 291,711 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 150,025 |
|
| Dividend distributions | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (492,403 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | (492,403 | ) |
| Settlement of accrued dividends on vested equity awards | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 8,270 |
| | (1,000 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | 7,270 |
|
| Accrued dividends on unvested equity awards | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (7,770 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | (7,770 | ) |
| Tax benefit from employee stock plans | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 2,773 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 2,773 |
|
| Stock-based compensation, net of estimated forfeitures | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 161,244 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 161,244 |
|
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, 2016 | 71,817,430 |
| | 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, net | 6,069,444 |
| | 6 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 2,126,333 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 2,126,339 |
|
| Issuance of common stock and release of treasury stock for employee equity awards | 790,329 |
| | 1 |
| | 6,073 |
| | 1,239 |
| | 40,449 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 41,689 |
|
| Issuance of common stock under ATM Program, net | 763,201 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 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, 2017 | 79,440,404 |
| | $ | 79 |
| | (402,342 | ) | | $ | (146,320 | ) | | $ | 10,121,323 |
| | $ | (2,592,792 | ) | | $ | (785,189 | ) | | $ | 252,689 |
| | $ | 6,849,790 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | 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, 2019 | 85,700,953 | | | 86 | | | (392,567) | | | (144,256) | | | 12,696,433 | | | (4,168,469) | | | (934,613) | | | 1,391,425 | | | 8,840,606 | | | (224) | | | 8,840,382 | |
| Adjustment from adoption of new accounting standard | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (900) | | | (900) | | | — | | | (900) | |
| Net income | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 369,777 | | | 369,777 | | | 297 | | | 370,074 | |
| Other comprehensive income | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 21,245 | | | — | | | 21,245 | | | 57 | | | 21,302 | |
| Issuance of common stock and release of treasury stock for employee equity awards | 758,339 | | | 0 | | | 64,515 | | | 22,138 | | | 39,979 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 62,117 | | | — | | | 62,117 | |
| Issuance of common stock for equity offering | 2,587,500 | | | 3 | | | — | | | — | | | 1,683,103 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 1,683,106 | | | — | | | 1,683,106 | |
| Issuance of common stock under ATM Program | 415,512 | | | 0 | | | — | | | — | | | 298,269 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 298,269 | | | — | | | 298,269 | |
| Dividend distribution on common stock, $10.64 per share | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (936,269) | | | — | | | — | | | (936,269) | | | — | | | (936,269) | |
| Settlement of accrued dividends on vested equity awards | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 189 | | | (770) | | | — | | | — | | | (581) | | | — | | | (581) | |
| Accrued dividends on unvested equity awards | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (13,766) | | | — | | | — | | | (13,766) | | | — | | | (13,766) | |
| Stock-based compensation, net of estimated forfeitures | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 310,384 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 310,384 | | | — | | | 310,384 | |
| Balance as of December 31, 2020 | 89,462,304 | | | $ | 89 | | | (328,052) | | | $ | (122,118) | | | $ | 15,028,357 | | | $ | (5,119,274) | | | $ | (913,368) | | | $ | 1,760,302 | | | $ | 10,633,988 | | | $ | 130 | | | $ | 10,634,118 | |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
EQUINIX, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
| | | | Years Ended December 31, | | Years Ended December 31, |
| | 2017 | | 2016 | | 2015 | | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| Cash flows from operating activities: | | | | | | Cash flows from operating activities: | | | | | |
| Net income | $ | 232,982 |
| | $ | 126,800 |
| | $ | 187,774 |
| Net income | $ | 370,074 | | | $ | 507,245 | | | $ | 365,359 | |
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | | | | | | Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | |
| Depreciation | 865,472 |
| | 714,345 |
| | 498,134 |
| Depreciation | 1,224,322 | | | 1,088,559 | | | 1,024,073 | |
| Stock-based compensation | 175,500 |
| | 155,567 |
| | 132,443 |
| Stock-based compensation | 294,952 | | | 236,539 | | | 180,716 | |
| Amortization of intangible assets | 177,008 |
| | 122,862 |
| | 27,446 |
| Amortization of intangible assets | 199,047 | | | 196,278 | | | 203,416 | |
| Amortization of debt issuance costs and debt discounts | 24,449 |
| | 19,137 |
| | 16,050 |
| |
| Provision for allowance for doubtful accounts | 5,627 |
| | 8,260 |
| | 5,037 |
| |
| Amortization of debt issuance costs and debt discounts and premiums | | Amortization of debt issuance costs and debt discounts and premiums | 15,739 | | | 13,042 | | | 13,618 | |
| Provision for credit loss allowance | | Provision for credit loss allowance | 5,069 | | | 8,459 | | | 7,236 | |
| Impairment charges | — |
| | 7,698 |
| | — |
| Impairment charges | 7,306 | | | 15,790 | | | 0 | |
| Gain on asset sales | — |
| | (32,816 | ) | | — |
| Gain on asset sales | (1,301) | | | (44,310) | | | (6,013) | |
| Gain on sale of discontinued operations | — |
| | (2,351 | ) | | — |
| |
| | Loss on debt extinguishment | 65,772 |
| | 12,276 |
| | 289 |
| Loss on debt extinguishment | 145,804 | | | 52,825 | | | 51,377 | |
| Other items | (11,243 | ) | | 20,609 |
| | 16,490 |
| Other items | 16,643 | | | 11,620 | | | 19,660 | |
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | | | | | | Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | |
| Accounts receivable | (161,774 | ) | | (100,230 | ) | | (44,583 | ) | Accounts receivable | 25,412 | | | (26,909) | | | (52,931) | |
| Income taxes, net | (34,936 | ) | | 29,020 |
| | (109,579 | ) | Income taxes, net | (22,641) | | | 32,495 | | | (10,670) | |
| Other assets | 20,180 |
| | (72,831 | ) | | (70,371 | ) | Other assets | (129,817) | | | (100,144) | | | (47,635) | |
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | | Operating lease right-of-use assets | 153,650 | | | 149,031 | | | — | |
| Operating lease liabilities | | Operating lease liabilities | (142,863) | | | (152,091) | | | — | |
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | 74,488 |
| | 61,565 |
| | 109,125 |
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | 25,801 | | | (27,928) | | | 35,495 | |
| Other liabilities | 5,708 |
| | (50,558 | ) | | 126,568 |
| Other liabilities | 122,629 | | | 32,227 | | | 31,725 | |
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 1,439,233 |
| | 1,019,353 |
| | 894,823 |
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 2,309,826 | | | 1,992,728 | | | 1,815,426 | |
| Cash flows from investing activities: | | | | | | Cash flows from investing activities: | |
| Purchases of investments | (57,926 | ) | | (42,325 | ) | | (359,031 | ) | Purchases of investments | (127,763) | | | (60,909) | | | (65,180) | |
| Sales and maturities of investments | 46,421 |
| | 53,164 |
| | 873,139 |
| Sales and maturities of investments | 29,352 | | | 40,386 | | | 85,777 | |
| Business acquisitions, net of cash and restricted cash acquired | (3,963,280 | ) | | (1,766,606 | ) | | (245,503 | ) | Business acquisitions, net of cash and restricted cash acquired | (1,180,272) | | | (34,143) | | | (829,687) | |
| Purchases of real estate | (95,083 | ) | | (28,118 | ) | | (38,282 | ) | Purchases of real estate | (200,182) | | | (169,153) | | | (182,418) | |
| Purchases of other property, plant and equipment | (1,378,725 | ) | | (1,113,365 | ) | | (868,120 | ) | Purchases of other property, plant and equipment | (2,282,504) | | | (2,079,521) | | | (2,096,174) | |
| Proceeds from sale of assets, net of cash transferred | 47,767 |
| | 851,582 |
| | — |
| Proceeds from sale of assets, net of cash transferred | 334,397 | | | 358,773 | | | 12,154 | |
| Net cash used in investing activities | (5,400,826 | ) | | (2,045,668 | ) | | (637,797 | ) | Net cash used in investing activities | (3,426,972) | | | (1,944,567) | | | (3,075,528) | |
| Cash flows from financing activities: | | | | | | Cash flows from financing activities: | |
| | Proceeds from employee equity awards | 41,696 |
| | 34,179 |
| | 30,040 |
| Proceeds from employee equity awards | 62,118 | | | 52,018 | | | 50,136 | |
| Payment of dividends and special distribution | (621,497 | ) | | (499,463 | ) | | (521,461 | ) | Payment of dividends and special distribution | (947,933) | | | (836,164) | | | (738,600) | |
| | Proceeds from public offering of common stock, net of issuance costs | 2,481,421 |
| | — |
| | 829,496 |
| Proceeds from public offering of common stock, net of issuance costs | 1,981,375 | | | 1,660,976 | | | 388,172 | |
| Proceeds from senior notes | 3,628,701 |
| | — |
| | 1,100,000 |
| |
| Proceeds from loans payable | 2,056,876 |
| | 1,168,304 |
| | 1,197,108 |
| |
| Proceeds from senior notes, net of debt discounts | | Proceeds from senior notes, net of debt discounts | 4,431,627 | | | 2,797,906 | | | 929,850 | |
| Proceeds from mortgage and loans payable | | Proceeds from mortgage and loans payable | 750,790 | | | 0 | | | 424,650 | |
| Repayment of senior notes | (500,000 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| Repayment of senior notes | (4,363,761) | | | (2,206,289) | | | 0 | |
| Repayment of capital lease and other financing obligations | (93,470 | ) | | (114,385 | ) | | (28,663 | ) | |
| Repayment of finance lease liabilities | | Repayment of finance lease liabilities | (115,288) | | | (126,486) | | | (103,774) | |
| Repayment of mortgage and loans payable | (2,277,798 | ) | | (1,462,888 | ) | | (715,270 | ) | Repayment of mortgage and loans payable | (829,466) | | | (73,227) | | | (447,473) | |
| Debt extinguishment costs | (26,122 | ) | | (11,380 | ) | | — |
| Debt extinguishment costs | (111,700) | | | (43,311) | | | (20,556) | |
| Debt issuance costs | (81,047 | ) | | (11,381 | ) | | (18,098 | ) | Debt issuance costs | (42,236) | | | (23,341) | | | (12,218) | |
| Other financing activities | (900 | ) | | (51 | ) | | — |
| Other financing activities | 0 | | | 0 | | | 725 | |
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 4,607,860 |
| | (897,065 | ) | | 1,873,152 |
| |
| Net cash provided by financing activities | | Net cash provided by financing activities | 815,526 | | | 1,202,082 | | | 470,912 | |
| Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | 31,187 |
| | (21,800 | ) | | (39,784 | ) | Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | 40,702 | | | 8,766 | | | (33,907) | |
| Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | 677,454 |
| | (1,945,180 | ) | | 2,090,394 |
| Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | (260,918) | | | 1,259,009 | | | (823,097) | |
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period | 773,247 |
| | 2,718,427 |
| | 628,033 |
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period | 1,886,613 | | | 627,604 | | | 1,450,701 | |
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period | $ | 1,450,701 |
| | $ | 773,247 |
| | $ | 2,718,427 |
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period | $ | 1,625,695 | | | $ | 1,886,613 | | | $ | 627,604 | |
| Supplemental cash flow information | | | | | | Supplemental cash flow information | | | | | |
| Cash paid for taxes | $ | 72,641 |
| | $ | 39,320 |
| | $ | 132,302 |
| Cash paid for taxes | $ | 143,934 | | | $ | 136,583 | | | $ | 93,375 | |
| Cash paid for interest | $ | 444,793 |
| | $ | 350,083 |
| | $ | 237,410 |
| Cash paid for interest | $ | 498,408 | | | $ | 553,815 | | | $ | 496,795 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 1,412,517 |
| | $ | 748,476 |
| | $ | 2,228,838 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 1,604,869 | | | $ | 1,869,577 | | | $ | 606,166 | |
| Current portion of restricted cash included in other current assets | 26,919 |
| | 15,065 |
| | 479,417 |
| Current portion of restricted cash included in other current assets | 11,135 | | | 7,090 | | | 10,887 | |
| Non-current portion of restricted cash included in other assets | 11,265 |
| | 9,706 |
| | 10,172 |
| Non-current portion of restricted cash included in other assets | 9,691 | | | 9,946 | | | 10,551 | |
| Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the consolidated statement of cash flows | $ | 1,450,701 |
| | $ | 773,247 |
| | $ | 2,718,427 |
| Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the consolidated statement of cash flows | $ | 1,625,695 | | | $ | 1,886,613 | | | $ | 627,604 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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, 2020, the Company operated 224 IBX data centers in 63 markets around the world.
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 Itconicof:
•Infomart Dallas, including its operations and tenants, from October 9, 2017,ASB Real Estate Investments (the "Infomart Dallas Acquisition") from April 2, 2018;
•Metronode from the Zenium data centerOntario Teachers' Pension Plan Board (the "Metronode Acquisition") from October 6, 2017, the VerizonApril 18, 2018;
•Switch Datacenters' AMS1 data center business in Amsterdam, Netherlands from May 1, 2017, the IO UKApril 18, 2019;
•NaN data centers in Mexico acquired from Axtel S.A.B. de C.V ("Axtel") from January 8, 2020;
•Packet Host, Inc. (“Packet”), including its operations and technology, from March 2, 2020; and
•12 data center operating businesssites across Canada from February 3, 2017, the Paris IBX Data CenterBCE Inc. ("Bell") from AugustOctober 1, 2016, TelecityGroup from January 15, 2016, Bit-isle2020 and 1 additional data center site from November 2, 20152020.
The Company consolidates all entities that are wholly owned and Nimbo from January 14, 2015.those entities in which the Company own less than 100% of the equity but control, including variable interest entities ("VIEs") for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. The Company's investment in consolidated VIEs have not been material to its consolidated financial statements as of and for the periods presented. 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,credit losses, fair values of financial and derivative instruments, intangible assets and goodwill, 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
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
income taxes. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable.
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
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's investmentsCompany enters into joint venture or partnership arrangements to invest in non-marketablecertain entities for business development objectives. At the inception of these arrangements and if a reconsideration event has occurred, the Company assesses its interests with such entities to determine whether any of the entities meet the definition of a VIE. A VIE is an entity that either (i) has insufficient equity securitiesto 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. For VIEs where the Company is not the primary beneficiary, and other joint ventures or partnerships that are accountednot VIEs, where the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over the entity, the Company accounts its investment under the costequity method or the equity method. For costof accounting.
Equity method investments are initially measured at cost, or at fair value when the Company records the dividends declared by the investeesinvestment represents a retained equity interest in other income and expense 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 amount ofdeconsolidated business or an investment recognized upon the derecognition of distinct non-financial assets. 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 periodicallyquarterly 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, 2020, 2019 and near-term prospects of these companies2018. For further information on the Company's Equity Method Investments, see Note 6.
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, 2020, 2019 and 2018.
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’s
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
Company'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. The following table sets forth percentages of the Company’sCompany's revenues by geographic region for the years ended December 31:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| Americas | 45 | % | | 47 | % | | 49 | % |
| EMEA | 33 | % | | 32 | % | | 31 | % |
| Asia-Pacific | 22 | % | | 21 | % | | 20 | % |
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | 2017 | | 2016 | | 2015 |
| Americas | 50 | % | | 47 | % | | 55 | % |
| EMEA | 31 | % | | 32 | % | | 26 | % |
| Asia-Pacific | 19 | % | | 21 | % | | 19 | % |
No single customer accounted for greater than 10% of accounts receivable or revenues as of or forFor further information on the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.Company's segment information, see Note 17.
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
The Company capitalizes certain internal and external costs associated with the development and purchase of internal-use software in property, plant and equipment, net on the consolidated balance sheets. This includes costs incurred in cloud computing arrangements ("CCA"), where it is both feasible and contractually permissible without significant penalty for the Company to take possession of the software. All other CCAs are considered service contracts, and the licensing and implementation costs incurred associated with such contracts are capitalized in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Capitalized internal-use software costs and capitalized implementation costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorterestimated useful lives of the useful life of the assetssoftware 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.
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
arrangements.
The Company’sCompany's estimated useful lives of its property, plant and equipment are as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
| Core systems | 3-253 | - | 40 years |
| Buildings | 12-5012 | - | 58 years |
| Leasehold improvements | 12-4012 | - | 40 years |
| Personal Property, including capitalized internal-use software | 3-103 | - | 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 or an asset group 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 or an asset group 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 an asset group or a continuous deterioration of the Company’sCompany's financial condition. Recoverability of assets or asset groups to be held and used is assessed by comparing the carrying amount of an asset or an asset group to estimated undiscounted future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset.asset or the asset group. If the carrying amount of the asset or the asset group
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
exceeds its estimated discountedundiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset or the asset group exceeds the fair value of the asset.
The Company did not0t record any impairment charges related to its property, plant and equipment during the years ended December 31, 20172020, 2019 and 2015. However,2018.
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 $7.3 million and $15.8 million relating to assets held for sale for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. 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 7.
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
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, 20172020, 2019 and December 31, 2016,2018, 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
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
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 not0t record any impairment charges related to its other intangible assets during the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015.
2018. For further information on goodwill and other intangible assets, see Note 23 and Note 67 below.
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,further information on debt issuance costs related to the unsecured bridge facility and undrawn term B-2 Loan are presented as other current assets.
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
facilities, see Note 11 below.
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 uses derivative instruments, including treasury locks and swap locks (collectively, "interest rate locks") to manage certain interest rate exposures. An interest rate lock is a synthetic forward sale of a benchmark interest rate, which is settled in cash based upon the difference between an agreed upon rate at inception and the prevailing benchmark rate at settlement. It effectively fixes the benchmark rate component of an upcoming debt issuance. The interest rate 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 amortized to interest expense over the term of the forecasted hedged transaction which is equivalent to the term interest rate locks.
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
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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.
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 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 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.value; and
•Assets and liabilities classified as held for sale are measured at fair value less costs to sell and reported at the lower of the carrying amounts or the fair values less costs to sell.
For further information on fair value measurements, see Note 85 and Note 9 below.
Leases
The Company determines if an arrangement is or contains a lease at its inception. The Company enters into lease arrangements primarily for land, 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 options that the Company is reasonably certain to exercise.
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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. When there is a lease modification, including a change in lease term, the Company reassess its classification and remeasures the ROU asset and lease liability. For the existing leases that were entered prior to January 1, 2019, the Company applied the package of practical expedients and elected not to reassess its existing leases and land easements, as well as the lease classifications and capitalized initial direct costs for those leases.
ROU lease 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. Subsequent changes to lease payments based on changes to the index and rate are accounted for as variable lease payments and recognized in the period they are incurred. 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) indicative pricing on both secured and unsecured debt received from potential lenders. 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. For further information on leases, see Note 10 below.
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. For further information on segment information, see Note 17 below.
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
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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 terminate their contract early, is generallytreated as a contract modification and recognized ratably over the remaining term of the contract, if any. On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the current revenue accounting guidance ("Topic 606") using the modified retrospective approach applied to those contracts, which were not completed as the termination occurs, when no remaining related performance obligations existof January 1, 2018, and the customer is deemed to be creditworthy,recognized a net increase to the extent that the revenue has not previously been recognized.opening retained earnings of $269.8 million, net of tax impacts.
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 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 credit losses 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 on a lifetime loss basis resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments for which the Company had expected to collect the revenues. Ifrevenues in accordance with the new credit loss guidance accounting guidance ("Topic 326"). 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 accountscredit losses may be required. Management specifically analyzes accounts receivable and current economic news, conditions and trends, historical bad debts,loss rates, customer concentrations, customer credit-worthiness, and
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changes in customer payment terms and any applicable long term forecast 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 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.
F-14Contract Costs
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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 tax attributes such as operating loss, capital 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 distributionsdividends 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. federal income tax due. However, the Company's domestic taxable REIT subsidiaries ("TRSs") will continueare subject to be subject tothe U.S. corporate income taxes on any taxable income generated by them. In addition, the foreign operations of the Company will continue to beare 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
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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.
For further information on income taxes, see Note 14 below.
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 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 ("RSUs") or restricted stock awards ("RSAs") to its employees and these equity awards generally have only a service condition. The Company grants restricted stock unitsRSUs to its executives and these awards generally have a service and performance condition or a service and market condition. To date, any performancePerformance conditions contained in an equity award are generally 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’s equity awardsCompany's RSUs vest over four years, although certain of the equity awards for executives vest over a range of two to four years. The Company's RSAs vest over three years. The valuation of restricted stock unitsRSUs and RSAs 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 unitsRSUs 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.plan ("ESPP"). The determination of the fair value of shares purchased under the employee stock purchase planESPP 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
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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. Seemethod. For further information on earnings per share, 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.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
In December 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus, referred to as Coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19, emerged. In February 2020, the World Health Organization ("WHO") raised the COVID-19 threat from high to very high, and in March 2020, the WHO characterized COVID-19 as a global pandemic.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements. The Company recorded an insignificant amount of revenue reserve related to our response to the COVID-19 pandemic and experienced some decline in non-recurring revenue from Smart Hands services, as the Company had waived fees from affected customers in certain circumstances for a period of time. The Company has seen a modest but mixed impact from the COVID-19 pandemic to its operating costs. The Company incurred one-time cash bonuses and compensation expense of $8.6 million for its IBX data center employees, as well as other employees to support their work-from-home requirements during the first quarter of 2020. Additionally, the Company increased its allowance for credit losses for accounts receivable by an insignificant amount during the year ended December 31, 2020. This was partially offset by lower travel expenses due to travel restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company evaluated its goodwill, long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment, lease right-of-use assets and intangible assets, noting no indicators of impairment.
The full impact that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic will have on the Company's future consolidated financial statements remains uncertain and ultimately will depend on many factors, including the duration and potential cyclicity of the health crisis, further public policy actions to be taken in response, as well as the continued impact of the pandemic on the global economy and the Company's customers and vendors. The Company will continue to evaluate the nature and extent of these potential impacts to its business and consolidated financial statements.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
In August 2017,2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No.2020-06: Debt-Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging-Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40). The ASU simplifies the accounting for convertible instruments by reducing the number of accounting models for convertible debt instruments and convertible preferred stock and modifies the disclosure requirement for the convertible instruments. Additionally, this ASU improves the consistency of EPS calculations by eliminating the use of the treasury stock method to calculate diluted EPS for convertible instruments and clarifies certain areas under the current EPS guidance. The ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2021, with early adoption permitted at the beginning of the fiscal year after December 15, 2020. The Company is currently evaluating the extent of the impact of this ASU, but does not expect the adoption of this standard to have significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.
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In December 2019, FASB issued ASU 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 generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for other areas of Topic 740 by clarifying and amending existing guidance. 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. On January 1, 2021, the Company adopted this ASU and the adoption of this standard will not have any significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Accounting Standards Recently Adopted
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
The Company adopted ASU 2017-12 on January 1, 2019 using the modified 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 did not have any significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Leases
In February 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases and issued subsequent amendments to the initial 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 comparability among organizations by requiring the recognition of the following for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases) at the commencement date: (1) a lease liability, which is effectivea 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 annual or any interimthe lease term.
On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted Topic 842 using the alternative transition method. Therefore, results for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 with early adoption permitted.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 is currently evaluatingrecognized the impact thatcumulative effects of initially applying the adoptionstandard as an adjustment to the opening balance of this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.retained earnings in the period of adoption.
In May 2017, FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09 Compensation–Stock Compensation (Topic 718). This ASU was issued primarilyadopting the new guidance, the Company elected to provide clarity and reduce both diversity in practice and cost and complexity when applyingapply the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance in Topic 718which allows the Company not to a change toreassess (1) whether any expired or existing contracts contain leases under the terms or conditionsnew definition of a share-based payment award. This ASU affectslease; (2) lease classification for any entity that changes the termsexpired 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 entityexisting leases; and (3) whether previously capitalized initial direct costs would qualify for capitalization under Topic 842. The Company also elected to apply modification accounting inthe 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 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 this840.
Adoption of the standard effective January 1, 2018. The adoption of ASU 2017-09 is not expected to havehad 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 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 separatelyJanuary 1, 2019 balance sheet 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
Topic 842 was as follows (in thousands):
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 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 | |
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 IntangiblesFinancial Instruments - 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.Credit Losses
In June 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326)("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. 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.permitted. The Company expectsadopted this new ASU on January 1, 2020 using the modified retrospective approach and recorded a net decrease to retained earnings of $0.9 million and a corresponding increase to allowance for credit losses. The adoption did not have any significant impact its accounts receivable and is currently evaluatingon other financial assets within the extentscope of the impact that the adoption of this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.Topic 326, such as contract assets.
Reference Rate Reform
In February 2016, theMarch 2020, FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842)2020-04, Reference Rate Reform ("ASU 2016-02"Topic 848"). In September 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-13 and ASU 2018-01, which provide additional implementation guidance on the previously issued ASU 2016-02. Under the new guidance, lessees will be required to recognize 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 obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis; and (2) a right-of-use 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: Facilitation of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements.Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. The modified retrospective approach would not require any transition accountingASU provides optional expedients and exceptions for leases that expired before the earliest comparative period presented. Lesseesapplying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and lessors may not apply a full retrospective transition approach.other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning afterall entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted.31, 2022. The Company plans to electadopted the practical expedient that it will not reassess whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases,ASU upon its issuance and there was no impact on the lease classificationCompany's consolidated financial statements for any expired or existing leases or initial direct costs for any existing leases.the year ended December 31, 2020 as a result of adopting this standard. The Company does not plan to elect
will evaluate its debt, derivative and lease contracts that are eligible for modification relief and may apply the elections prospectively as needed.
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
2. Revenue Recognition
Contract Balances
The following table summarizes the practical expedient to use hindsight in determiningopening and closing balances of the lease termCompany's accounts receivable, net; contract assets, current; contract assets, non-current; deferred revenue, current; and in assessing impairmentdeferred revenue, non-current (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Accounts receivable, net | | Contract assets, current | | Contract assets, non-current | | Deferred revenue, current | | Deferred revenue, non-current |
| Beginning balances as of January 1, 2020 | $ | 689,134 | | | $ | 10,033 | | | $ | 31,521 | | | $ | 76,193 | | | $ | 46,555 | |
| Closing balances as of December 31, 2020 | 676,738 | | | 13,534 | | | 54,050 | | | 101,258 | | | 71,242 | |
| Increase/(decrease) | $ | (12,396) | | | $ | 3,501 | | | $ | 22,529 | | | $ | 25,065 | | | $ | 24,687 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Beginning balances as of January 1, 2019 | $ | 630,119 | | | $ | 9,778 | | | $ | 16,396 | | | $ | 73,143 | | | $ | 46,641 | |
| Closing balances as of December 31, 2019 | 689,134 | | | 10,033 | | | 31,521 | | | 76,193 | | | 46,555 | |
| Increase/(decrease) | $ | 59,015 | | | $ | 255 | | | $ | 15,125 | | | $ | 3,050 | | | $ | (86) | |
The difference between the opening and closing balances of right-of-use assets. The Company expects to record a significant increase inthe Company's accounts receivable, net, contract assets and liabilities ondeferred revenues primarily results from revenue growth and the timing difference between the satisfaction of the Company's performance obligation and the customer's payment, as well as business combinations closed during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. The amounts of revenue recognized during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 from the opening deferred revenue balance were $87.0 million, $87.3 million and $81.8 million, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 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, 2020 and 2019 were $268.0 million and $229.2 million, respectively, which were included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet at adoption due tosheet. $85.4 million, $72.9 million, and $73.1 million of contract costs were amortized during years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively, which were included in sales and marketing expense in the recordingconsolidated statement of right-of-use assets and corresponding lease liabilities.operations.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments- Overall (Subtopic 825-10) ("ASU 2016-01"), which requires all equity investmentsRemaining performance obligations
As of December 31, 2020, approximately $8.4 billion of total revenues, including deferred installation revenues are expected to be measured at fair value with changesrecognized in future periods, the fair value recognized through net income other than those accounted for under equity methodmajority 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 losseswhich will be recognized through net income. The Company will adopt this standard effective January 1, 2018. The adoption of this standardover 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 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 toeither 1) remaining performance obligations under 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 referredcontract terms or 2) remaining performance obligations related to contracts in the renewal period once the initial terms have lapsed. The remaining performance obligations do not include variable consideration related to unsatisfied performance obligations such as "Topic 606." Topic 606 supersedes the existing guidance and requiresusage of metered power, service fees from xScaleTM data centers, which are calculated based on future events or actual costs incurred in the entity to recognize revenue forfuture, or any contracts that could be terminated without any significant penalties such as the transfermajority of goods or services equal to the amount that it expectsinterconnection revenues. The remaining performance obligations above include revenues 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 standard allows entities to adopt with one of these two methods: full retrospective, which applies retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented, or modified retrospective, which recognizes the cumulative effect of initially applying the revenue standard as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earningsrecognized in the period of initial application. On 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 impactsfuture related to this adjustment.
The most significant impact to the Company 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,arrangements where 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 bothconsidered 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): 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.
lessor.
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
In November 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement 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 statements 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 for 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 is the primary beneficiary 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 Receipts 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-based 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 for the years ended December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 respectively, to conform with the current period presentation. Additionally, this guidance permits entities to make an accounting policy to estimate forfeitures each period or to account for forfeitures as they occur. The Company elected to continue to estimate forfeitures.
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
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.
2.3. Acquisitions
Proposed 2020 Acquisitions
Acquisition of the Metronode group of companiesBell Data Centers (the "Bell Acquisition")
On December 15, 2017, the Company entered into a transaction agreement with Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan to acquire all of the equity interests in the Metronode group of companies, an Australian data center business, in an all-cash transaction for A$1.035 billion, or approximately $791.2 million at the exchange rate in effect on December 15, 2017. Metronode operates 10 data centers in six metro areas in Australia. The acquisition will further strengthen the Company’s leadership position in the Asia-Pacific region and support its ongoing global expansion. The acquisition is expected to close in the first half of 2018 and is subject to customary closing conditions including regulatory approval. The Company expects to account for the Metronode acquisition as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting.
Certain Verizon Data Center Assets Acquisition
On MayOctober 1, 2017,2020, the Company completed the acquisition of certain colocation business from Verizon consisting of 2912 data center buildings locatedsites across Canada from BCE Bell, with 1 additional data center in the United States, Brazil and Colombia,Ottawa Canada acquired on November 2, 2020, for a cashtotal combined purchase priceconsideration of approximately $3.6 billion.C$931.7 million, or $702.0 million at the exchange rates in effect on those dates. The additionacquisition supports the Company’s ongoing expansion to meet customer demand in Canada.
Acquisition of these facilities and customers will further strengthenPacket (the "Packet Acquisition")
On March 2, 2020, the Company's global platform by increasing interconnections and accelerating 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 debtacquired all outstanding shares and equity financings, which closedawards of Packet, a leading bare metal automation platform for total purchase consideration of approximately $290.3 million 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).
cash. In connection with the Verizon Data Center Acquisition,close of the transaction, the Company entered into a commitment letter (the "Commitment Letter"), dated December 6, 2016, pursuantpaid $16.1 million in cash to accelerate the vesting of unvested Packet equity awards for certain Packet employees, 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.was recorded as stock-based compensation expense. The Company paid $10.0 million of commitment fees associatedalso issued restricted stock awards 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 estimatedan aggregated fair value of assets acquired$30.2 million and liabilities assumeda three-year vesting period, which will be recognized as stock-based compensation costs over the vesting period. The acquisition, combined with Equinix MetalTM, is expected to accelerate the Company's strategy to help enterprises deploy hybrid multicloud architectures on Equinix's data center platform.
Acquisition of data centers from Axtel (the "Axtel Acquisition")
On January 8, 2020, the Company completed the acquisition of 3 data centers in its consolidated balance sheets beginning May 1, 2017. The Company incurred acquisition costsMexico from Axtel for a total purchase consideration of approximately $28.5$189.0 million, including $175.0 million in cash and $7.6$14.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively,Company paid to the seller for recoverable value-added taxes ("VAT") incurred prior to the acquisition, which related to a corresponding VAT receivable acquired. The acquisition supports the Verizon Data Center Acquisition.Company’s ongoing expansion to meet customer demand in the Americas region.
Purchase Price Allocationprice allocation
The Verizon Data Center Acquisition constitutes a businessThese acquisitions constitute businesses under the accounting standard for business combinations and, therefore, waswere accounted for as a business combinationcombinations 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.
As of December 31, 2017,2020, the Company has not completed the detailed valuation analysis and the final allocation of purchase price for the Packet Acquisition and the Axtel Acquisition. The Company continues to review the detailed valuation analysis to derive the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed from the following items,Bell Acquisition, including but not limited to: property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and deferred taxes. Therefore,
the related tax impacts; therefore, the purchase price allocation is based on provisional estimates and subject to continuing management analysis.
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
A summary of the final allocation of total purchase consideration is presented as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Bell | | Packet (1) | | Axtel (2) |
| Provisional | | Final |
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 0 | | | $ | 1,068 | | | $ | 0 | |
| Accounts receivable | 0 | | | 5,098 | | | 0 | |
| Other current assets | 803 | | | 299 | | | 14,048 | |
| Property, plant and equipment | 538,717 | | | 27,945 | | | 76,407 | |
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | 14,359 | | | 1,519 | | | 1,646 | |
| Intangible assets | 75,631 | | | 58,500 | | | 22,750 | |
| Goodwill | 170,548 | | | 230,620 | | | 78,902 | |
| Deferred tax and other assets | 722 | | | 138 | | | 0 | |
| Total assets acquired | 800,780 | | | 325,187 | | | 193,753 | |
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | (895) | | | (1,275) | | | (238) | |
| Other current liabilities | 0 | | | (860) | | | 0 | |
| Operating lease liabilities | (13,340) | | | (1,519) | | | (1,586) | |
| Finance lease liabilities | (80,026) | | | (27,945) | | | 0 | |
| Deferred tax and other liabilities | (4,495) | | | (3,290) | | | (2,911) | |
| Net assets acquired | $ | 702,024 | | | $ | 290,298 | | | $ | 189,018 | |
(1)For 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,Packet Acquisition, the Company has updated the preliminary allocation of purchase price for Verizon Data Center Acquisitionadjustments made from the provisional amounts reported as of June 30, 2017, whichMarch 31, 2020 primarily resulted in a decrease in intangible assets of $9.0$10.1 million and an increase in goodwill of $7.7$7.5 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 December 31, 2017.2020.
The Company may further adjust these amounts as valuations are finalized and(2)For the Company obtains information necessary to complete the analyses, butAxtel Acquisition, there were no later than one year from the acquisition date. The preliminary purchase price allocation isadjustments since the provisional amounts reported as follows (in thousands):of March 31, 2020.
|
| | | |
| | Certain Verizon Data Center Assets |
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 1,073 |
|
| Accounts receivable | 2,019 |
|
| Other current assets | 7,319 |
|
| Property, plant, and equipment | 840,335 |
|
Intangible assets (1) | 1,693,900 |
|
| Goodwill | 1,095,262 |
|
| Total assets acquired | 3,639,908 |
|
| 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. |
Property, plant and equipment - 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 valuevalues of property, plant and equipment acquired from these three acquisitions were estimated by applying the cost approach, with the exception of land, which was estimated by applying the costmarket 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 representsIntangible assets - The following table presents certain information on the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible andacquired 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 goodwill is not expected to be deductible for local tax purposes. Goodwill recorded as a result of the Verizon Data Center Acquisition was attributable to the Company's Americas region. 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.
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
Other 2017 Acquisitions
In addition to the Verizon Data Center Acquisition, the Company completed three other acquisitions during 2017. The Company incurred acquisition 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 receivable | 16,429 |
| | 198 |
| | 7 |
|
| Other current assets | 1,885 |
| | 6,430 |
| | 1,082 |
|
| Property, plant, and equipment | 68,051 |
| | 53,749 |
| | 40,251 |
|
| Intangible assets | 99,993 |
| | 6,400 |
| | 6,252 |
|
| Goodwill | 125,112 |
| | 23,077 |
| | 15,804 |
|
| Deferred tax assets | — |
| | — |
| | 6,714 |
|
| Other assets | 4,025 |
| | 5,494 |
| | 3,396 |
|
| Total assets acquired | 331,154 |
| | 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 five data centers in four metro areas, with two located in Madrid and one each in Barcelona, Seville and Lisbon. Itconic’s operating results will be reported in the EMEA region following the date of acquisition. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Intangible Assets | | Fair Value | | Estimated Useful Lives (Years) | | Weighted-average Estimated Useful Lives (Years) |
| Bell: | | | | | | |
| Customer relationships | | $ | 75,631 | | | 15.0 | | 15.0 |
| Packet: | | | | | | |
| Trade names | | 1,300 | | | 3.0 | | 3.0 |
| Existing technology | | 5,100 | | | 3.0 | | 3.0 |
| Customer relationships | | 52,100 | | | 10.0 | | 10.0 |
| Axtel: | | | | | | |
| Customer relationships | | 22,750 | | | 15.0 | | 15.0 |
The nature of the intangible assets acquired from the Itconic acquisition is customer relationships with an estimated useful life of 15 years. The fair valuevalues of customer relationships wasacquired from these acquisitions were estimated byfrom 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 a discount rate of 16.0%,8.0% for Bell, 8.0% for Packet and 13.3% for Axtel, which reflects the nature of the assets as they relate to 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 inflows, as well as the market and thus represent Level 3 measurements as defined inrisk of the accounting standard for fair value measurements. Goodwill is attributable to the workforce ofcountry within which 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’s operating results will be 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, 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 based on provisional estimates and is subject to continuing management analysis.
On February 3, 2017, the Company acquired IO UK's data center operating business in Slough, United Kingdom, for a cash payment of approximately $36.3 million. The acquired facility was renamed as the London 10 ("LD10") data center. LD10's operating results will be 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
operates.
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
has 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’s results of operations for any reporting periods prior to December 31, 2017.
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’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.
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
As of the acquisition date, the allocation of the purchase price was as follows (in thousands):
|
| | | |
| | TelecityGroup |
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 73,368 |
|
| Accounts receivable | 24,042 |
|
| Other current assets | 41,079 |
|
| Assets held for sale | 877,650 |
|
| Property, plant and equipment | 1,058,583 |
|
| Goodwill | 2,215,567 |
|
| Intangible assets | 694,243 |
|
| Deferred tax assets | 994 |
|
| Other assets | 4,102 |
|
| Total assets acquired | 4,989,628 |
|
| 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 names | 72,033 |
| | 1.5 | | 1.5 |
| Favorable leases | 30,254 |
| | 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'sPacket trade namesname was estimated using the relief offrom royalty method under the income approach. The Company applied a relief offrom royalty rate of 2.0%1.0% and a weighted-average discount rate of approximately 9.0%8.0%. 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 equipmentexisting technology 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 ofunder the cost approach is thatby projecting the cost to recreate a market participant would pay no more fornew asset with an asset thanequivalent utility of the amount for
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
which the asset could be replaced or reproduced.existing technology. The key assumptions of the cost approach include replacementtotal cost, physical deterioration,time to recreate and functional and economic obsolescence, economic useful life, remaining useful life, age and effective age.obsolescence.
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
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The goodwillGoodwill is attributable to the workforce of the acquired business and the significant synergiesprojected revenue increase expected to arise from future customers after these acquisitions. Goodwill from these acquisitions is attributable to the acquisition.Company's Americas region. Goodwill from the Bell Acquisition is not expected to be deductible for local tax purposes while goodwill from the Packet and Axtel Acquisitions are not amortizable for local tax purposes. Goodwill recorded as a result
Revenues and net income and loss from operations
The operating results of these 3 acquisitions are reported in the TelecityGroup acquisition, except forAmericas region following the goodwill associated with asset held for sale, isdates of acquisitions. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company's results of operations include $78.0 million of revenues and $41.0 million of net loss from operations from the Bell, Packet and Axtel Acquisitions. The net loss during the year ended December 31, 2020 was partially attributable to the Company’s EMEA region. The Company's results$16.1 million stock-based compensation expense incurred to accelerate the vesting of continuing operations include TelecityGroup revenuescertain Packet employees’ unvested Packet equity awards at the close of $400.0 million and net loss from continuing operationsthe Packet Acquisition.
Transaction costs
During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company incurred total transaction costs of $47.1$36.5 million for the period January 15, 2016 through December 31, 2016.these three acquisitions.
Other 2016Pending 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 receivable | 1,507 |
|
| Other current assets | 794 |
|
| Property, plant and equipment | 143,972 |
|
| Intangible assets | 11,758 |
|
| Goodwill | 48,835 |
|
| Other assets | 81 |
|
| Total assets acquired | 211,020 |
|
| 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, 2016,7, 2020, the Company entered into an agreement to purchase the India operations of GPX Global Systems, Inc. ("GPX India"), representing 2 data centers in Mumbai, India for approximately $161.0 million in an all-cash transaction (the “GPX India Acquisition”). The GPX India Acquisition is expected to close in the second quarter of 2021, subject to customary closing conditions including regulatory approval. Upon the close of the acquisition, the operating results of the acquired business will be reported in the Asia-Pacific region.
2019 Acquisition
On April 18, 2019, the Company completed the acquisition of Switch Datacenters' AMS1 data center business in Amsterdam, Netherlands, for a cash 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 considerationprice of approximately €193.8€30.6 million or $216.4approximately $34.3 million, at the exchange rate in effect on August 1, 2016. A portionApril 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.
2018 Acquisitions
On April 18, 2018, the Company acquired all of the building was leased toequity interests in Metronode from 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 6 metro areas in Australia.
On April 2, 2018, the Company completed the acquisition of Infomart Dallas, including its operations and was being used by the Company as its Paris 2 and Paris 3 data centers. The Paris 2 lease was accountedtenants, from ASB Real Estate Investments, for as an operating lease and the Paris 3 lease was accounted for as a financing lease.total consideration of approximately $804.0 million. Upon acquisition, the Company in effecteffectively terminated both leases. The Companythe leases and settled the related financing lease obligation of Paris 3obligations and other liabilities related to the leases for €47.8approximately $170.3 million or approximately $53.4and $1.9 million, respectively, and recognized a loss on debt extinguishment of €8.8 million or approximately $9.9$19.5 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 acquisitiontransaction costs of approximately $12.0$31.1 million forduring the year ended December 31, 2016 related to the Paris IBX Data Center Acquisition.
2018 for both acquisitions. The Company's results of operations include $78.7 million of revenues and an
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
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 theinsignificant amount of up to ¥47,500.0 million, or approximately $395.7 million at the exchange rate in effect on September 30, 2015. Proceedsnet income from operations 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 receivable | 7,359 |
|
| Other current assets | 51,038 |
|
| Long-term investments | 3,806 |
|
| Property, plant and equipment | 308,985 |
|
| Goodwill | 95,444 |
|
| Intangible assets | 111,374 |
|
| Other assets | 22,981 |
|
| Total assets acquired | 634,185 |
|
| 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 name | 3,455 |
| | 2 | | 2 |
| Favorable solar contracts | 2,410 |
| | 18 | | 18 |
| Other intangible assets | 75 |
| | 0.25 | | 0.25 |
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
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 continuingcombined 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 forMetronode and Infomart Dallas during the year ended December 31, 2015 related to the Bit-isle Acquisition.2018.
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
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
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 operations | 258,618 |
| | 19,248 |
| | 141,496 |
|
| Basic EPS | 3.31 |
| | 0.25 |
| | 2.10 |
|
| Diluted EPS | 3.28 |
| | 0.25 |
| | 2.08 |
|
3.4. 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):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 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 EPS | 76,854 |
| | 70,117 |
| | 57,790 |
|
| Effect of dilutive securities: | | | | | |
| Employee equity awards | 681 |
| | 699 |
| | 693 |
|
| Weighted-average shares used to calculate diluted EPS | 77,535 |
| | 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 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| Net income | $ | 370,074 | | | $ | 507,245 | | | $ | 365,359 | |
| Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interests | (297) | | | 205 | | | 0 | |
| Net income attributable to Equinix | $ | 369,777 | | | $ | 507,450 | | | $ | 365,359 | |
| | | | | |
| Weighted-average shares used to calculate basic EPS | 87,700 | | | 84,140 | | | 79,779 | |
| Effect of dilutive securities: | | | | | |
| Employee equity awards | 710 | | | 539 | | | 418 | |
| Weighted-average shares used to calculate diluted EPS | 88,410 | | | 84,679 | | | 80,197 | |
| | | | | |
| EPS attributable to Equinix: | | | | | |
| Basic EPS | $ | 4.22 | | | $ | 6.03 | | | $ | 4.58 | |
| Diluted EPS | $ | 4.18 | | | $ | 5.99 | | | $ | 4.56 | |
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):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Common stock related to employee equity awards | 19 | | | 21 | | | 265 | |
| Total | 19 | | | 21 | | | 265 | |
5. Assets Held for Sale
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | 2017 | | 2016 | | 2015 |
| Shares related to the potential conversion of 4.75% convertible subordinated notes | — |
| | 893 |
| | 1,977 |
|
| Common stock related to employee equity awards | 63 |
| | 27 |
| | 88 |
|
| | 63 |
| | 920 |
| | 2,065 |
|
In June 2019, the Company entered into an agreement to form a joint venture in the form of a limited liability partnership with GIC Private Limited, Singapore's sovereign wealth fund ("GIC") (the "EMEA Joint Venture"), to develop and operate xScale™ data centers in Europe, with ownership upon close for GIC and the Company being established at 80% and 20%, respectively. In connection with the transaction, the Company agreed to sell its London 10 and Paris 8 data centers, as well as certain construction development and leases in London and Frankfurt to the EMEA Joint Venture. The assets and liabilities of these data center sites, which were included within the Company's EMEA region, were classified as held for sale as of June 30, 2019. On October 8, 2019, the Company closed the transaction, including the sale of these sites to the EMEA Joint Venture in exchange for a total consideration, which is comprised of 1) net cash proceeds of $351.8 million and 2) contingent consideration with fair value of approximately $39.3 million, receivable upon completion of certain performance milestones, primarily contingent on the local regulatory approvals for certain sites. 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 these xScale™ data center facilities.
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
4. Assets Held for Sale
In June 2016, the Company approved the divestiture of the solar power assets of Bit-isle. In October 2016, the Company entered into a Share Transfer Agreement for the transfer of common stock of Terra Power Co., Ltd., relating to the divestiture of the solar power assets of Bit-isle. The Company received ¥400.0 million upon the closing of the transaction, or approximately $3.8 million at the exchange rate in effect on October 31, 2016. In November 2016, the Company had received an additional ¥2,500.0 million, or approximately $22.1 million at the exchange rate in effect at the time of receipt. 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 recoverability of the carrying value 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 sale was not significant. Furthermore, the revenue and net income generated by the solar power assets of Bit-isle during the years ended December 31, 2016 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 TelecityGroup 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 in the consolidated statements 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).
During the fourth quarter of 2015,2020, the Company entered into an agreement to sell a parcel of land in San Jose, California.its Paris 9 ("PA9") data center to the EMEA Joint Venture. The sale was completed in February 2016assets and the Company recognized a gain on sale of $5.2 million.
5. Discontinued Operations
In order to obtain the approvalliabilities of the European Commission forPA9 data center, which were included within 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 centersCompany's EMEA region, were classified as held for sale as of September 30, 2020. On December 15, 2020, the Company closed the transaction for a total consideration of $131.5 million, which is comprised of 1) cash proceeds of $124.6 million, 2) a contract asset with a fair value of $5.6 million and 3) an insignificant amount of contingent consideration that is receivable upon completion of certain performance milestones. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recognized an insignificant loss on the acquisition date and were reported as discontinued operations.
On July 5, 2016,sale of the PA9 data center. In connection with this transaction, the Company completedhas a commitment with the EMEA Joint Venture to complete a residual portion of the PA9 data center for an estimated cost of $17.7 million on December 31, 2020, reimbursable upon completion.
The contingent consideration recognized on both EMEA Joint Venture transactions are considered derivatives and are remeasured at 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. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the total fair value of the contingent consideration was $44.2 million and $40.1 million, respectively, which was included in other current assets and other assets on the consolidated balance sheet. Changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration were recorded in gain (loss) on asset sales on the consolidated statement of operations.
Sale of xScale™ data center facilities in Asia-Pacific
In April 2020, the Company entered into an agreement to form its second joint venture in the form of a limited liability partnership with GIC to develop and operate xScale™ data centers in Asia-Pacific (the “Asia-Pacific Joint Venture”), with ownership upon close for GIC and the Company being established at 80% and 20%, respectively. The assets and liabilities of 3 Japan xScale™ data center sites, the Osaka 2, Tokyo 12, and Tokyo 14 development sites, which were included within the Company's Asia-Pacific region, were classified as held for sale as of June 30, 2020. In the third quarter of 2020, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $7.3 million, reducing the carrying value of the development site assets to the estimated fair value less cost to sell. On December 17, 2020, the Company closed the transaction including the sale of the 3 development sites to the Asia-Pacific Joint Venture in exchange for $209.8 million of cash proceeds and $15.6 million of receivables. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recognized an insignificant gain on the sale of these xScale™data centerscenter development sites.
The Company's investments in the EMEA Joint Venture and relatedthe Asia-Pacific Joint Venture are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. For further information, see Note 6 below.
Sale of New York 12 ("NY12") data center
In January 2019, the Company entered into an 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 as of March 31, 2019. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $15.8 million, reducing the carrying value of NY12 assets to Digital Realty for approximately €304.6 millionthe estimated fair value less cost to sell. The transaction closed in October 2019 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 recognized was insignificant.
6. Equity Method Investments
The following table summarizes the equity method investments as 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.December 31 (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Investee | | Ownership Percentage | | 2020 | | 2019 |
| EMEA Joint Venture with GIC | | 20 | % | | $ | 101,892 | | | $ | 51,092 | |
| Asia-Pacific Joint Venture with GIC | | 20 | % | | 43,432 | | | 0 | |
| Other | | Various | | 17,747 | | | 8,645 | |
| Total | | | | $ | 163,071 | | | $ | 59,737 | |
| | | | | | |
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
EMEA Joint Venture
As described in Note 5 above, the Company and GIC closed the EMEA Joint Venture transaction on October 8, 2019. The following table presentsCompany concluded the EMEA Joint Venture is not a VIE because its equity investors have the characteristics of a controlling financial resultsinterest and it is sufficiently capitalized to sustain its operations, requiring additional funding from its partners only when expanding operations. Upon closing the EMEA Joint Venture, the Company recorded its initial 20% partnership interest at fair value of $41.9 million, which was subsequently adjusted for cash contributions and the Company's share of the Company's discontinued operations forincome and losses of the investees.
During the year ended December 31, 2016 (in thousands).2020, the Company made additional equity contributions of $48.0 million to the EMEA Joint Venture, including an additional contribution of $10.6 million in connection with the sale of the PA9 data center. The Company did not recordCompany's share of income and losses of equity method investments from discontinued operations, net of taxthis joint venture, which is attributable to the Company's EMEA region, was insignificant for the years ended December 31, 20172020 and 2015.2019 and was included in other income on the consolidated statement of operations.
The Company committed to make future equity contributions to the EMEA Joint Venture for funding its future development. As of December 31, 2020, the Company had future equity contribution commitments of €13.8 million and £6.6 million, or $25.8 million in total at the exchange rate in effect on December 31, 2020.
Variable Interest Entity
Asia-Pacific Joint Venture
As described in Note 5 above, the Company closed the Asia-Pacific Joint Venture with GIC on December 17, 2020 to develop and operate xScale™ data centers in the Asia-Pacific region. The Company provides certain management services to the Asia-Pacific Joint Venture operations and earns fees based on those services and performance. The Asia-Pacific Joint Venture requires additional funding from its partners in order to sustain its current operations. As a result, it was determined to be a VIE. The power to direct the activities of the Asia-Pacific Joint Venture that most significantly impact economic performance is shared equally by both partners. These activities include data center construction and operations, sales and marketing, financing, and real estate purchases or sales. Decisions about these activities require the consent of both the Company and GIC. The Company concluded that neither party is deemed to have predominant control over the Asia-Pacific Joint Venture and neither party is its primary beneficiary. Upon closing the Asia-Pacific Joint Venture, the Company recorded its initial 20% partnership interest at fair value of ¥4.4 billion or $42.8 million in total at the exchange rate in effect on December 31, 2020. The Company's share of income and losses of equity method investments from this joint venture, which was attributable to the Company's Asia-Pacific region, was not significant for the period from the closing date through December 31, 2020.
The Company committed to make future equity contributions to the Asia-Pacific Joint Venture for funding its future development. As of December 31, 2020, the Company had future equity contribution commitments of ¥6.3 billion, or $60.7 million in total at the exchange rate in effect on December 31, 2020.
In addition to the investment in Asia-Pacific Joint Venture, the company also had ¥1.7 billion or $16.9 million, in total at the exchange rate in effect on December 31, 2020, of receivables from the Asia-Pacific Joint Venture relating to purchase price adjustments on the sale of data center assets as well as amounts due under commercial service agreements, which were presented within accounts receivable, net on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2020.
Concurrent with the closing of the Asia-Pacific Joint Venture, the Asia-Pacific Joint Venture entered into a credit facility agreement and a bond agreement with a group of lenders for secured debt facilities of ¥21.5 billion and ¥10.0 billion, respectively, or $305.2 million in total at the exchange rate in effect on December 31, 2020. The Asia-Pacific Joint Venture’s debt is secured by net assets of the Asia-Pacific Joint Venture and is without recourse to the partners. Under the Asia-Pacific Joint Venture agreement and pursuant to the credit facility and bond agreements, the Company and its joint venture partner GIC are also required to make additional equity contributions proportionately upon occurrences such as an interest shortfall, cost-overrun or a capital shortfall needed to complete certain construction phases.
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
|
| | | |
| | 2016 |
| Revenues | $ | 48,782 |
|
| Costs and operating expenses: | |
| Cost of revenues | 24,795 |
|
| Sales and marketing | 1,030 |
|
| General and administrative | 7,026 |
|
| Total costs and operating expenses | 32,851 |
|
| Income from operations of discontinued operations | 15,931 |
|
| Interest expense and other, net | (1,286 | ) |
| Income from discontinued operations before income taxes | 14,645 |
|
| Income tax expense | (4,604 | ) |
| Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax | 2,351 |
|
| Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax | $ | 12,392 |
|
6.7. 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):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2020 | | 2019 |
| Cash and cash equivalents: | | | |
| Cash | $ | 993,798 | | | $ | 983,030 | |
| Cash equivalents: | | | |
| Money market funds | 611,071 | | | 886,547 | |
| | | |
| Total cash and cash equivalents | 1,604,869 | | | 1,869,577 | |
| Short-term investments: | | | |
| Certificates of deposit | 4,373 | | | 7,583 | |
| Publicly traded equity securities | 159 | | | 2,779 | |
| Total short-term investments | 4,532 | | | 10,362 | |
| Total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments | $ | 1,609,401 | | | $ | 1,879,939 | |
|
| | | | | | | |
| | 2017 | | 2016 |
| Cash and cash equivalents: | | | |
Cash (1) | $ | 985,382 |
| | $ | 345,119 |
|
| Cash equivalents: | | | |
| Money market funds | 427,135 |
| | 400,388 |
|
| Certificate of deposit | — |
| | 2,969 |
|
| Total cash and cash equivalents | 1,412,517 |
| | 748,476 |
|
| Short-term and long-term investments: | | | |
| Certificates of deposit | 31,351 |
| | 6,988 |
|
| Publicly traded equity securities | 6,163 |
| | 6,463 |
|
| Total short-term and long-term investments | 37,514 |
| | 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, 20172020 and 2016,2019, 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, 20172020 and 2016.2019. 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, 20172020 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 years | 3,080 |
| | 3,579 |
|
| Total | $ | 31,351 |
| | $ | 6,988 |
|
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 securities | 3,716 |
| | 2,447 |
| | — |
| | 6,163 |
| | 4,850 |
| | 1,613 |
| | — |
| | 6,463 |
|
| Total | $ | 35,067 |
| | $ | 2,447 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 37,514 |
| | $ | 11,838 |
| | $ | 1,613 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 13,451 |
|
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable, net, consisted of the following as of December 31 (in thousands):
|
| | | | | | | |
| | 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. Accounts receivable, net, consisted of the following as of December 31 (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2020 | | 2019 |
| Accounts receivable | $ | 687,415 | | | $ | 702,160 | |
| Allowance for credit losses | (10,677) | | | (13,026) | |
| Accounts receivable, net | $ | 676,738 | | | $ | 689,134 | |
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
The following table summarizes the activity of the Company’sCompany's allowance for doubtful accountscredit losses (in thousands):
|
| | | |
| Balance as of December 31, 2014 | $ | 9,466 |
|
| Provision for allowance for doubtful accounts | 5,037 |
|
| Net write-offs | (3,438 | ) |
| Impact of foreign currency exchange | (713 | ) |
| Balance as of December 31, 2015 | 10,352 |
|
| Provision for allowance for doubtful accounts | 8,260 |
|
| Net write-offs | (2,521 | ) |
| Impact of foreign currency exchange | (416 | ) |
| Balance as of December 31, 2016 | 15,675 |
|
| Provision for allowance for doubtful accounts | 5,627 |
|
| Net write-offs | (4,546 | ) |
| Impact of foreign currency exchange | 1,472 |
|
| Balance as of December 31, 2017 | $ | 18,228 |
|
| | | | | |
| Balance as of December 31, 2017 | $ | 18,228 | |
| Provision for doubtful accounts | 7,236 | |
| Net write-offs | (8,396) | |
| Impact of foreign currency exchange | (1,118) | |
| Balance as of December 31, 2018 | 15,950 | |
| Provision for doubtful accounts | 8,459 | |
| Net write-offs | (11,341) | |
| Impact of foreign currency exchange | (42) | |
| Balance as of December 31, 2019 | 13,026 | |
| Adjustments due to adoption of ASU 2016-13 | 900 | |
| Provision for credit losses | 5,069 | |
| Net write-offs | (10,050) | |
| Impact of foreign currency exchange | 1,732 | |
| Balance as of December 31, 2020 | $ | 10,677 | |
Other Current Assets
Other current assets consisted of the following as of December 31 (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2020 | | 2019 |
| Prepaid expenses | $ | 61,424 | | | $ | 55,954 | |
| Taxes receivable | 125,614 | | | 122,823 | |
| Restricted cash, current | 11,135 | | | 7,090 | |
| Other receivables | 44,333 | | | 36,350 | |
| Derivative instruments | 8,906 | | | 25,426 | |
| Contract assets, current | 13,534 | | | 10,033 | |
Other current assets (1) | 58,070 | | | 45,867 | |
| Total other current assets | $ | 323,016 | | | $ | 303,543 | |
|
| | | | | | | |
| | 2017 | | 2016 |
| Prepaid expenses | $ | 64,832 |
| | $ | 79,258 |
|
| Taxes receivable | 110,961 |
| | 102,002 |
|
| Restricted cash, current | 26,919 |
| | 15,065 |
|
| Other receivables | 7,797 |
| | 46,809 |
|
| Derivative instruments | 4,175 |
| | 54,072 |
|
| Other current assets | 17,343 |
| | 22,190 |
|
| Total other current assets | $ | 232,027 |
| | $ | 319,396 |
|
(1)Other current assets included $44.2 million and $34.3 million of the current portion of the fair value of the contingent consideration from the sale of xScale™ data center facilities to the EMEA Joint Venture as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. See Note 5 for further discussion.
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):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2020 | | 2019 |
| Core systems | $ | 9,659,908 | | | $ | 8,131,835 | |
| Buildings | 6,557,121 | | | 5,398,525 | |
| Leasehold improvements | 1,946,644 | | | 1,764,058 | |
| Construction in progress | 1,363,917 | | | 1,002,104 | |
Personal property (1) | 1,207,669 | | | 1,009,701 | |
| Land | 944,094 | | | 781,024 | |
| 21,679,353 | | | 18,087,247 | |
| Less accumulated depreciation | (7,176,269) | | | (5,934,650) | |
| Property, plant and equipment, net | $ | 14,503,084 | | | $ | 12,152,597 | |
|
| | | | | | | |
| | 2017 | | 2016 |
| Core systems | $ | 6,334,702 |
| | $ | 4,760,868 |
|
| Buildings | 3,906,686 |
| | 2,785,799 |
|
| Leasehold improvements | 1,850,351 |
| | 1,599,424 |
|
| Construction in progress | 425,428 |
| | 645,388 |
|
| Personal property | 798,133 |
| | 622,069 |
|
| Land | 423,539 |
| | 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(1)Personal property and construction in progress recorded under capital leases aggregated to $760.4included $885.5 million and $715.3$687.4 million of capitalized internal-use software as of December 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, 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, 20172020 and 20162019 (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2020 | | 2019 |
| Goodwill: | | | |
| Americas | $ | 2,212,782 | | | $ | 1,741,689 | |
| EMEA | 2,611,166 | | | 2,426,306 | |
| Asia-Pacific | 648,605 | | | 613,863 | |
| $ | 5,472,553 | | | $ | 4,781,858 | |
| Intangible assets, net: | | | |
| Intangible assets - customer relationships | $ | 2,891,060 | | | $ | 2,712,701 | |
| Intangible assets - trade names | 11,512 | | | 46,601 | |
| Intangible assets - in-place leases | 33,770 | | | 33,295 | |
| Intangible assets - licenses | 9,697 | | | 9,697 | |
Intangible assets - at-the-money lease contracts (1) | 64,905 | | | 0 | |
| Intangible assets - other | 12,802 | | | 6,402 | |
| 3,023,746 | | | 2,808,696 | |
| Accumulated amortization - customer relationships | (818,370) | | | (646,632) | |
| Accumulated amortization - trade names | (2,337) | | | (37,885) | |
| Accumulated amortization - in-place leases | (20,037) | | | (14,329) | |
| Accumulated amortization - licenses | (6,600) | | | (4,529) | |
| Accumulated amortization - other | (5,457) | | | (2,932) | |
| (852,801) | | | (706,307) | |
| Total intangible assets, net | $ | 2,170,945 | | | $ | 2,102,389 | |
|
| | | | | | | |
| | 2017 | | 2016 |
| Goodwill: | | | |
| Americas | $ | 1,561,512 |
| | $ | 469,438 |
|
| EMEA | 2,610,899 |
| | 2,281,306 |
|
| Asia-Pacific | 239,351 |
| | 235,320 |
|
| | $ | 4,411,762 |
| | $ | 2,986,064 |
|
| Intangible assets, net: | | | |
| Intangible assets - customer relationships | $ | 2,682,656 |
| | $ | 839,593 |
|
| Intangible assets - trade names | 73,295 |
| | 69,519 |
|
| Intangible assets - favorable leases | 39,470 |
| | 38,139 |
|
| Intangible assets - licenses | 9,696 |
| | 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 |
|
(1) In December 2020, the Company acquired an at-the-money lease contract intangible asset through an asset acquisition in Amsterdam. This intangible asset represents premiums paid to acquire a land lease at market terms. The lease has a remaining lease term of 12 years with available renewal options in 50-year increments. The intangible asset has an estimated amortization period of 12 years. The total purchase consideration for this asset acquisition was $49.4 million and the
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
Company recorded $16.1 million of deferred tax liability in connection with this purchase. The transaction was accounted for as an asset acquisition since substantially all of the fair value of the acquired assets is for the identified at-the-money lease intangible asset.
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, 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 exchange | 9,235 |
| | (358,771 | ) | | 6,393 |
| | (343,143 | ) |
| Balance as of December 31, 2016 | 469,438 |
| | 2,281,306 |
| | 235,320 |
| | 2,986,064 |
|
| Purchase accounting adjustments - Verizon Data Center Acquisition | 1,095,262 |
| | — |
| |
|
| | 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 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Americas | | EMEA | | Asia-Pacific | | Total |
| Balance as of December 31, 2018 | $ | 1,745,804 | | | $ | 2,474,164 | | | $ | 616,420 | | | $ | 4,836,388 | |
| Purchase accounting - acquisition | 0 | | | 25,863 | | | (3,683) | | | 22,180 | |
| Sale of xScale data center facilities | 0 | | | (59,246) | | | 0 | | | (59,246) | |
| Sale of NY12 data center | (950) | | | 0 | | | 0 | | | (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 | |
| Purchase of Packet | 230,620 | | | 0 | | | 0 | | | 230,620 | |
| Purchase of Bell | 170,548 | | | 0 | | | 0 | | | 170,548 | |
| Purchase of Axtel | 78,902 | | | 0 | | | 0 | | | 78,902 | |
| Sale of xScale data center facilities | 0 | | | 0 | | | (7,306) | | | (7,306) | |
| Impact of foreign currency exchange | (8,977) | | | 184,860 | | | 42,048 | | | 217,931 | |
| Balance as of December 31, 2020 | $ | 2,212,782 | | | $ | 2,611,166 | | | $ | 648,605 | | | $ | 5,472,553 | |
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, 2017 | $ | 1,646,373 | | | $ | 631,219 | | | $ | 107,380 | | | $ | 2,384,972 | |
| Infomart Dallas acquisition | 65,847 | | | 0 | | | 0 | | | 65,847 | |
| Metronode acquisition | 0 | | | 0 | | | 128,229 | | | 128,229 | |
| Other acquisitions | 0 | | | 8,342 | | | 0 | | | 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, 2018 | 1,578,971 | | | 543,860 | | | 210,465 | | | 2,333,296 | |
| ASC 842 adoption adjustment | (108) | | | (20,692) | | | (2,405) | | | (23,205) | |
| Switch AMS1 data center acquisition | 0 | | | 4,889 | | | 0 | | | 4,889 | |
| Asset sales - NY12 data center | (8,412) | | | 0 | | | 0 | | | (8,412) | |
| Other | 0 | | | 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 | |
| Axtel acquisition | 22,750 | | | 0 | | | 0 | | | 22,750 | |
| Packet acquisition | 58,500 | | | 0 | | | 0 | | | 58,500 | |
| Bell acquisition | 75,631 | | | 0 | | | 0 | | | 75,631 | |
Other asset acquisition(1) | 0 | | | 64,905 | | | 0 | | | 64,905 | |
| Amortization of intangibles | (133,608) | | | (49,417) | | | (16,022) | | | (199,047) | |
| Impact of foreign currency exchange | (3,476) | | | 35,975 | | | 13,318 | | | 45,817 | |
| Balance as of December 31, 2020 | $ | 1,463,089 | | | $ | 518,027 | | | $ | 189,829 | | | $ | 2,170,945 | |
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Americas | | EMEA | | Asia-Pacific | | Total |
| Balance as of December 31, 2014 | $ | 62,954 |
| | $ | 62,185 |
| | $ | 22,388 |
| | $ | 147,527 |
|
| Nimbo acquisition | 1,089 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 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, 2015 | 50,643 |
| | 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 exchange | 1,395 |
| | (90,280 | ) | | 3,445 |
| | (85,440 | ) |
| Balance as of December 31, 2016 | 40,117 |
| | 562,361 |
| | 116,753 |
| | 719,231 |
|
| Verizon Data Center Acquisition | 1,693,900 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 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.
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
Estimated future amortization expense related to these intangibles is as follows (in thousands):
| | | Years ending: | | Years ending: | |
| 2018 | $ | 196,469 |
| |
| 2019 | 191,298 |
| |
| 2020 | 184,602 |
| |
| 2021 | 176,740 |
| 2021 | $ | 206,244 | |
| 2022 | 172,547 |
| 2022 | 201,455 | |
| 2023 | | 2023 | 199,698 | |
| 2024 | | 2024 | 198,323 | |
| 2025 | | 2025 | 195,742 | |
| Thereafter | 1,463,316 |
| Thereafter | 1,169,483 | |
| Total | $ | 2,384,972 |
| Total | $ | 2,170,945 | |
Other Assets
Other assets consisted of the following as of December 31 (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2020 | | 2019 |
| Deferred tax assets, net | $ | 66,424 | | | $ | 35,806 | |
Prepaid expenses (1) | 82,443 | | | 61,690 | |
| Debt issuance costs, net | 4,261 | | | 6,395 | |
| Deposits | 69,043 | | | 56,567 | |
| Restricted cash | 9,691 | | | 9,946 | |
| Derivative instruments | 2,793 | | | 32,280 | |
| Contract assets, non-current | 54,050 | | | 31,521 | |
| Contract costs | 267,978 | | | 229,205 | |
| Equity method investments | 163,071 | | | 59,737 | |
Other assets (2) | 56,293 | | | 57,641 | |
| Total other assets | $ | 776,047 | | | $ | 580,788 | |
(1)As of December 31, 2020, the Company had $21.1 million of capitalized CCA implementation costs, net.
(2)In connection with the Metronode Acquisition in 2018, the Company had indemnification assets of $42.8 million and $37.7 million, as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, which represented the seller's obligation under the purchase agreement to reimburse pre-acquisition tax liabilities settled after the acquisition.
|
| | | | | | | |
| | 2017 | | 2016 |
| Deferred tax assets, net | $ | 66,031 |
| | $ | 62,308 |
|
| Prepaid expenses | 89,784 |
| | 80,888 |
|
| Debt issuance costs, net | 10,670 |
| | 6,611 |
|
| Deposits | 48,296 |
| | 40,893 |
|
| Restricted cash | 11,265 |
| | 9,706 |
|
| Derivative instruments | 4,110 |
| | 15,907 |
|
| Other assets | 11,594 |
| | 9,985 |
|
| Total other assets | $ | 241,750 |
| | $ | 226,298 |
|
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses
Accounts payable and accrued expenses consisted of the following as of December 31 (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2020 | | 2019 |
| Accounts payable | $ | 77,705 | | | $ | 52,232 | |
| Accrued compensation and benefits | 317,117 | | | 241,361 | |
| Accrued interest | 79,437 | | | 103,345 | |
Accrued taxes (1) | 153,804 | | | 135,099 | |
| Accrued utilities and security | 76,910 | | | 107,404 | |
| Accrued other | 139,889 | | | 121,277 | |
| Total accounts payable and accrued expenses | $ | 844,862 | | | $ | 760,718 | |
|
| | | | | | | |
| | 2017 | | 2016 |
| Accounts payable | $ | 101,744 |
| | $ | 60,211 |
|
| Accrued compensation and benefits | 214,585 |
| | 172,808 |
|
| Accrued interest | 100,347 |
| | 95,832 |
|
Accrued taxes(1) | 130,272 |
| | 133,562 |
|
| Accrued utilities and security | 68,916 |
| | 44,202 |
|
| Accrued professional fees | 13,830 |
| | 14,071 |
|
| Accrued repairs and maintenance | 11,232 |
| | 5,430 |
|
| Accrued other | 78,331 |
| | 55,623 |
|
| Total accounts payable and accrued expenses | $ | 719,257 |
| | $ | 581,739 |
|
__________________________
(1)IncludesAccrued taxes included income taxes payable of $56.4$59.8 million and $44.0$57.7 million respectively, as of December 31, 20172020 and 2016.2019, respectively.
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
Other Current Liabilities
Other current liabilities consisted of the following as of December 31 (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | 2020 | | 2019 |
| | 2017 | | 2016 | |
| Deferred installation revenue | $ | 74,452 |
| | $ | 61,399 |
| |
| Deferred revenue, current | | Deferred revenue, current | $ | 101,258 | | | $ | 76,193 | |
| Customer deposits | 16,598 |
| | 13,894 |
| Customer deposits | 17,115 | | | 16,707 | |
| Derivative instruments | 34,466 |
| | 10,819 |
| Derivative instruments | 188,726 | | | 31,596 | |
| Deferred recurring revenue | 12,848 |
| | 18,704 |
| |
| Deferred rent | 6,546 |
| | 4,158 |
| |
| Dividends payable | 11,181 |
| | 11,999 |
| |
| | Dividends payable, current | | Dividends payable, current | 10,873 | | | 9,029 | |
| Asset retirement obligations | 1,716 |
| | 10,036 |
| Asset retirement obligations | 3,993 | | | 2,081 | |
| Other current liabilities | 2,107 |
| | 2,131 |
| Other current liabilities | 32,403 | | | 18,332 | |
| Total other current liabilities | $ | 159,914 |
| | $ | 133,140 |
| Total other current liabilities | $ | 354,368 | | | $ | 153,938 | |
Other Liabilities
Other liabilities consisted of the following as of December 31 (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2020 | | 2019 |
| Asset retirement obligations | $ | 109,776 | | | $ | 100,334 | |
| Deferred tax liabilities, net | 290,366 | | | 247,179 | |
| Deferred revenue, non-current | 71,242 | | | 46,555 | |
| | | |
| Accrued taxes | 178,371 | | | 146,046 | |
| Dividends payable, non-current | 7,947 | | | 7,108 | |
| Customer deposits | 1,088 | | | 9,306 | |
| Derivative instruments | 211,733 | | | 4,017 | |
Other liabilities (1) | 78,476 | | | 61,180 | |
| Total other liabilities | $ | 948,999 | | | $ | 621,725 | |
|
| | | | | | | |
| | 2017 | | 2016 |
| Asset retirement obligations | $ | 96,823 |
| | $ | 92,979 |
|
| Deferred tax liabilities, net | 252,287 |
| | 274,341 |
|
| Deferred installation revenue | 117,021 |
| | 96,744 |
|
| Deferred rent | 97,782 |
| | 76,566 |
|
| Accrued taxes | 64,378 |
| | 56,208 |
|
| Dividends payable | 6,669 |
| | 8,495 |
|
| Customer deposits | 10,849 |
| | 4,773 |
|
| Deferred recurring revenue | 4,236 |
| | 2,681 |
|
| Derivative instruments | 6,381 |
| | 140 |
|
| Other liabilities | 5,284 |
| | 10,321 |
|
| Total other liabilities | $ | 661,710 |
| | $ | 623,248 |
|
(1)Other liabilities included $46.0 million and $41.4 million of the Company’s obligation to pay for future construction for certain sites sold as a part of the EMEA Joint Venture transaction as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. See Note 5 for further discussion.
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
The following table summarizes the activities of the Company’sCompany's asset retirement obligation ("ARO") (in thousands):
| | | | | |
| Asset retirement obligations as of December 31, 2017 | $ | 98,539 | |
| Additions | 5,126 | |
Adjustments (1) | (11,288) | |
| Accretion expense | 6,285 | |
| Impact of foreign currency exchange | (1,999) | |
| Asset retirement obligations as of December 31, 2018 | 96,663 | |
| Additions | 6,980 | |
Adjustments (1) | (7,969) | |
| Accretion expense | 6,290 | |
| Impact of foreign currency exchange | 451 | |
| Asset retirement obligations as of December 31, 2019 | 102,415 | |
| Additions | 5,909 | |
Adjustments (1) | (4,241) | |
| Accretion expense | 6,331 | |
| Impact of foreign currency exchange | 3,355 | |
| Asset retirement obligations as of December 31, 2020 | $ | 113,769 | |
|
| | | |
| Asset retirement obligations as of December 31, 2014 | $ | 64,858 |
|
| Additions | 17,337 |
|
Adjustments (1) | (4,676 | ) |
| Accretion expense | 3,349 |
|
| Impact of foreign currency exchange | (2,386 | ) |
| Asset retirement obligations as of December 31, 2015 | 78,482 |
|
| Additions | 22,955 |
|
Adjustments (1) | (2,366 | ) |
| Accretion expense | 6,685 |
|
| Impact of foreign currency exchange | (2,741 | ) |
| Asset retirement obligations as of December 31, 2016 | 103,015 |
|
| Additions | 17,736 |
|
Adjustments (1) | (34,576 | ) |
| Accretion expense | 7,335 |
|
| Impact of foreign currency exchange | 5,029 |
|
| Asset retirement obligations as of December 31, 2017 | $ | 98,539 |
|
__________________________
(1)The ARO adjustments are primarily due to lease amendments and acquisition of real estate assets, andas well as other adjustments.
7.8. 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, 20172020 and 2016,2019, the total principal amountamounts of foreign currency loans, which weredebt obligations designated as net investment hedges was $3,149.5were $1.9 billion and $4.1 billion, respectively.
The Company also uses cross-currency interest rate swaps to hedge a portion of its net investment in its European operations. As of December 31, 2020, U.S. Dollar to Euro cross-currency interest rate swap contracts with a total notional amount of $3.3 billion were outstanding, with maturity dates from April 2022 to November 2026. 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 and $646.2 million, respectively. In March 2016,were outstanding, with maturity dates from April 2022 to January 2025. At maturity of each outstanding contract, the Company began usingwill 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.
From time to time, the Company uses foreign exchangecurrency forward contracts to hedge against the effect of foreign exchange rate fluctuations on a portion of its net investment in theits foreign subsidiaries. For aAs of December 31, 2020, the total notional amount of foreign currency forward contracts designated as net investment hedge, changes in the fair value of the hedging instrumenthedges was $355.6 million. The Company had 0 foreign currency forward contracts designated as a net investment hedge, except the ineffective portion and forward points, are recordedhedges outstanding as a component of December 31, 2019.
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
The effect of net investment hedges 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, 20172020, 2019 and 2016, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company reclassified net2018 was as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income: | | |
| | | Years Ended December 31, |
| | | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| Foreign currency debt | | $ | (208,281) | | | $ | 47,033 | | | $ | 218,269 | |
Cross-currency interest rate swaps (included component) (1) | | (218,843) | | | 15,514 | | | 0 | |
Cross-currency interest rate swaps (excluded component) (2) | | (347) | | | 10,737 | | | 0 | |
Foreign currency forward contracts (included component) (1) | | (17,115) | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Foreign currency forward contracts (excluded component) (3) | | 32 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
| Total | | $ | (444,554) | | | $ | 73,284 | | | $ | 218,269 | |
| | | | | | | |
| Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in earnings: | | |
| Location of gain or (loss) | | Years Ended December 31, |
| | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
Cross-currency interest rate swaps (excluded component) (2) | Interest expense | | $ | 27,196 | | | $ | 19,261 | | | $ | 0 | |
Foreign currency forward contracts (excluded component) (3) | Interest expense | | 42 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
| Total | | | $ | 27,238 | | | $ | 19,261 | | | $ | 0 | |
| | | | | | | |
| | |
| | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
(1)Included component represents 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, 2017spot rates.
(2)Excluded component represents cross-currency basis spread and 2016.interest rates.
(3)Excluded component represents foreign currency forward points.
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. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the total notional amounts of these foreign exchange contracts were $912.9 million and $824.8 million, respectively.
As of December 31, 2020, the Company's foreign currency cash flow hedge instruments had maturity dates ranging from January 2021 to December 2022 and the Company recorded a net loss of $35.4 million within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) relating to cash flow hedges underthat will be reclassified to revenues and expenses as they mature in the accounting standard for derivativesnext 12 months. As of December 31, 2019, the Company's foreign currency cash flow hedge instruments had maturity dates ranging from January 2020 to December 2021 and hedging. 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 revenues and expenses as they mature in the next 12 months.
The Company also uses purchased collar options to manage a portion 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 combination are jointly designated as a cash flow hedging instrument, they are treated as a single instrument.
Effective January 1, 2015, the 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.
The Company hedges the interest rate exposure created by anticipated fixed rate debt issuances through the use of treasury locks and swap locks (collectively, interest rate locks), which are designated as cash flow hedges. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company had 0 interest rate locks outstanding. During the year ended December 31, 2020, interest rate locks with a combined aggregate notional amount of $1.9 billion were settled related to the issuance of Senior Notes in 2020 and anticipated issuance of Senior Notes in 2021. The settlement of these contracts during 2020, resulted in a loss of $31.6 million, which was deferred and included as a component of other comprehensive income (loss), and is being amortized to interest expense over the term of the forecasted hedged transaction which is equivalent to the term of the interest rate locks. As of December 31, 2020, the Company recorded a net loss of $4.1 million within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to be reclassified to interest expense in the next 12 months for interest rate locks.
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
During the fourth quarter of 2019, interest rate locks with a combined aggregate notional amount of $1.5 billion were entered into and settled. The following disclosuresettlement of these contracts during the fourth quarter of 2019, resulted in a gain of $5.1 million, which was deferred and included as a component of other comprehensive income (loss), and is prepared on a consolidated basis. Assets and liabilities resulting from intercompany derivatives have been eliminated in consolidation.being amortized to interest expense over the term of the forecasted hedged transaction which is equivalent to the term of the interest rate locks. As of December 31, 2017,2019, the Company's cash flow hedge instruments had maturity dates ranging from January 2018 to October 2019 as follows (in thousands):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Notional Amount | | Fair Value (1) | | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (2)(3) |
| Derivative assets | $ | 72,262 |
| | $ | 2,379 |
| | $ | 2,055 |
|
| Derivative liabilities | 440,637 |
| | (29,777 | ) | | (34,311 | ) |
| | $ | 512,899 |
| | $ | (27,398 | ) | | $ | (32,256 | ) |
__________________________
| |
(1) | All derivative assets related to cash flow hedges are includednet gain 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 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. |
As of December 31, 2016, the Company's cash flow hedge instruments had maturity dates ranging from January 2017 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 liabilities | 42,207 |
| | (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 $31.9 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 recognized in other income (expense) was $3.8 million. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the amount of net gains from the ineffective and excluded portions of cash flow hedges recognized in other income (expense) were not significant. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the amount of net gains reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to revenuesbe reclassified to interest expense in the next 12 months for interest rate locks was $20.8 million and the amountnot significant.
The effect of net losses reclassified fromcash flow hedges on accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to operating expenses were $11.2 million. Duringand the yearconsolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2016, the amount of net gains reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to revenues2020, 2019 and 2018 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.as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income: | | |
| | | Years Ended December 31, |
| | | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
Foreign currency forward and option contracts (included component) (1) | | $ | (68,573) | | | $ | (9,945) | | | $ | 58,227 | |
Foreign currency option contracts (excluded component) (2) | | 1,655 | | | (1,807) | | | 0 | |
| Interest rate locks | | (30,393) | | | 4,972 | | | 0 | |
| Total | | $ | (97,311) | | | $ | (6,780) | | | $ | 58,227 | |
|
| Amount of gain or (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to income: |
| | | Years Ended December 31, |
| Location of gain or (loss) | | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| Foreign currency forward contracts | Revenues | | $ | 37,198 | | | $ | 80,046 | | | $ | (30,603) | |
| Foreign currency forward contracts | Costs and operating expenses | | (19,890) | | | (41,262) | | | 15,341 | |
| Interest rate locks | Interest Expense | | (1,204) | | | 79 | | | 0 | |
| Total | | | $ | 16,104 | | | $ | 38,863 | | | $ | (15,262) | |
| | | | | | | |
| Amount of gain or (loss) excluded from effectiveness testing and included in income: |
| | | Years Ended December 31, |
| Location of gain or (loss) | | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| Foreign currency forward contracts | Other income (expense) | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 88 | | | $ | 16,470 | |
Foreign currency option contracts (excluded component) (2) | Revenues | | (1,761) | | | (1,082) | | | 0 | |
| Total | | | $ | (1,761) | | | $ | (994) | | | $ | 16,470 | |
(1)Included component represents foreign exchange spot rates.
(2)Excluded component represents option's time value.
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.
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 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
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
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, 2020 and 2019, the total notional amounts of these foreign currency forwardcontracts were $3.4 billion and option contracts during$2.5 billion, 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) | | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| Embedded derivatives | Revenues | | $ | (3,043) | | | $ | 63 | | | $ | 618 | |
| Economic hedge of embedded derivatives | Revenues | | 2,142 | | | 550 | | | (877) | |
| Foreign currency forward contracts | Other income (expense) | | (127,648) | | | 36,846 | | | 91,233 | |
| Total | | | $ | (128,549) | | | $ | 37,459 | | | $ | 90,974 | |
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, 20172020 and 2019 (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2020 | | December 31, 2019 |
| Assets (1) | | Liabilities (2) | | Assets (1) | | Liabilities (2) |
| Designated as hedging instruments: | | | | | | | |
| Cash flow hedges | | | | | | | |
| Foreign currency forward and option contracts | $ | 351 | | | $ | 52,804 | | | $ | 24,853 | | | $ | 5,898 | |
| Net investment hedges | | | | | | | |
| Cross-currency interest rate swaps | 0 | | | 192,939 | | | 26,251 | | | 0 | |
| Foreign currency forward contracts | 0 | | | 17,041 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
| Total designated as hedging | 351 | | | 262,784 | | | 51,104 | | | 5,898 | |
| | | | | | | |
| Not designated as hedging instruments: | | | | | | | |
| Embedded derivatives | 3,255 | | | 3,858 | | | 4,595 | | | 2,268 | |
| Economic hedges of embedded derivatives | 4,372 | | | 12 | | | 1,367 | | | 0 | |
| Foreign currency forward contracts | 3,721 | | | 133,805 | | | 641 | | | 27,446 | |
| Total not designated as hedging | 11,348 | | | 137,675 | | | 6,603 | | | 29,714 | |
| Total Derivatives | $ | 11,699 | | | $ | 400,459 | | | $ | 57,707 | | | $ | 35,612 | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 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: | | | | | | | | | |
| Foreign currency forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges | $ | 2,379 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 2,379 |
| | $ | (2,379 | ) | | $ | — |
|
| Not designated as hedging instruments: | | | | | | | | | |
| Embedded derivatives | 5,076 |
| | — |
| | 5,076 |
| | — |
| | 5,076 |
|
| Economic hedges of embedded derivatives | 325 |
| | — |
| | 325 |
| | — |
| | 325 |
|
| Foreign currency forward contracts | 505 |
| | — |
| | 505 |
| | (340 | ) | | 165 |
|
| | 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 derivatives | 3,503 |
| | — |
| | 3,503 |
| | — |
| | 3,503 |
|
| Economic hedges of embedded derivatives | 20 |
| | — |
| | 20 |
| | — |
| | 20 |
|
| Foreign currency forward contracts | 7,547 |
| | — |
| | 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 |
|
_______________________(1)As presented in the Company's consolidated balance sheets within other current assets and other assets.
(2)As presented in the Company's consolidated balance sheets within other current liabilities and other liabilities.
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
Offsetting Derivative Assets and Liabilities
| |
(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 presents its derivative instruments and the accrued interest related to cross-currency interest rate swaps at gross fair values in the 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 contracts | 6,930 |
| | — |
| | 6,930 |
| | (3,310 | ) | | 3,620 |
|
| | 51,500 |
| | — |
| | 51,500 |
| | (5,125 | ) | | 46,375 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
| Not designated as hedging instruments: | | | | | | | | | |
| Embedded derivatives | 9,745 |
| | — |
| | 9,745 |
| | — |
| | 9,745 |
|
| Foreign currency forward contracts | 8,734 |
| | — |
| | 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 contracts | 3,525 |
| | — |
| | 3,525 |
| | (3,310 | ) | | 215 |
|
| | 5,340 |
| | — |
| | 5,340 |
| | (5,125 | ) | | 215 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
| Not designated as hedging instruments: | | | | | | | | | |
| Embedded derivatives | 1,525 |
| | — |
| | 1,525 |
| | — |
| | 1,525 |
|
| Economic hedges of embedded derivatives | 866 |
| | — |
| | 866 |
| | — |
| | 866 |
|
| Foreign currency forward contracts | 3,228 |
| | — |
| | 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 |
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, 2020 and 2019 (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, 2020 | | | | | | | | | |
| Derivative assets | $ | 38,447 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 38,447 | | | $ | (35,100) | | | $ | 3,347 | |
| Derivative liabilities | 415,628 | | | 0 | | | 415,628 | | | (35,100) | | | 380,528 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2019 | | | | | | | | | |
| Derivative assets | $ | 76,640 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 76,640 | | | $ | (37,820) | | | $ | 38,820 | |
| Derivative liabilities | 45,832 | | | 0 | | | 45,832 | | | (37,820) | | | 8,012 | |
8.
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 with unrealizedvalue. Unrealized gains and losses on publicly traded equity securities are reported within other income (expense) in stockholders’ equity as a componentthe Company's consolidated statements of other comprehensive income or loss, netoperations.
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.
DuringOther than the years ended December 31, 2017assets and 2016,liabilities that were classified as held for sale as described in Note 5 above, the Company did not have any nonfinancial assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.basis during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.
The Company’sCompany's financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 20172020 were as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Fair Value at December 31, 2020 | | Fair Value
Measurement Using |
| | Level 1 | | Level 2 |
| Assets: | | | | | |
| Money market and deposit accounts | $ | 611,071 | | | $ | 611,071 | | | $ | 0 | |
| Publicly traded equity securities | 159 | | | 159 | | | 0 | |
| Certificates of deposit | 4,373 | | | 0 | | | 4,373 | |
Derivative instruments (1) | 11,699 | | | 0 | | | 11,699 | |
| $ | 627,302 | | | $ | 611,230 | | | $ | 16,072 | |
| Liabilities: | | | | | |
Derivative instruments (1) | $ | 400,459 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 400,459 | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Fair Value at December 31, | | Fair Value Measurement Using |
| | 2017 | | Level 1 | | Level 2 |
| Assets: | | | | | |
| Cash | $ | 985,382 |
| | $ | 985,382 |
| | $ | — |
|
| Money market and deposit accounts | 427,135 |
| | 427,135 |
| | — |
|
| Publicly traded equity securities | 6,163 |
| | 6,163 |
| | — |
|
| Certificates of deposit | 31,351 |
| | — |
| | 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 |
|
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. |
(1)Amounts are included within other current assets, other assets, others current liabilities and other liabilities in the Company's accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
The Company’sCompany's financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 20162019 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 | | | $ | 0 | |
| Publicly traded equity securities | 2,779 | | | 2,779 | | | 0 | |
| Certificates of deposit | 7,583 | | | 0 | | | 7,583 | |
Derivative instruments (1) | 57,707 | | | 0 | | | 57,707 | |
| $ | 954,616 | | | $ | 889,326 | | | $ | 65,290 | |
| Liabilities: | | | | | |
Derivative instruments (1) | $ | 35,612 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 35,612 | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Fair Value at December 31, | | Fair Value Measurement Using |
| | 2016 | | Level 1 | | Level 2 |
| Assets: | | | | | |
| Cash | $ | 345,119 |
| | $ | 345,119 |
| | $ | — |
|
| Money market and deposit accounts | 400,388 |
| | 400,388 |
| | — |
|
| Publicly traded equity securities | 6,463 |
| | 6,463 |
| | — |
|
| Certificates of deposit | 9,957 |
| | — |
| | 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(1)Amounts are included within other current assets, other assets, others current liabilities and other liabilities in the Company's accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
Other than the contingent consideration related to the EMEA Joint Venture as described in Note 6 above, the Company did not have any Level 3 financial assets or financial liabilities during the years ended December 31, 20172020 and 2016.2019.
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 |
|
| 2019 | 94,234 |
| | 88,028 |
| | 182,262 |
|
| 2020 | 94,327 |
| | 87,758 |
| | 182,085 |
|
| 2021 | 92,455 |
| | 89,595 |
| | 182,050 |
|
| 2022 | 92,309 |
| | 90,070 |
| | 182,379 |
|
| Thereafter | 801,237 |
| | 886,277 |
| | 1,687,514 |
|
| Total minimum lease payments | 1,275,377 |
| | 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 payments | 743,557 |
| | 955,404 |
| | 1,698,961 |
|
| Less current portion | (41,117 | ) | | (37,588 | ) | | (78,705 | ) |
| | $ | 702,440 |
| | $ | 917,816 |
| | $ | 1,620,256 |
|
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
10. Leases
Amsterdam 5Significant Lease Transactions
Silicon Valley 4 ("AM5"SV4") Data Center
In February 2020, the Company exercised its first renewal option available to extend the lease term for the SV4 Data Center for five years. The Company determined that the 2 remaining renewal options of five-years each are also reasonably certain to be exercised and; therefore concluded the lease term is 15 years and 7 months. The lease was previously accounted for as an operating lease. The Company reassessed the lease classification of the SV4 lease and determined the lease should be accounted for as a finance lease. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company recorded finance lease ROU asset and liability of $62.8 million and $63.3 million, respectively.
Hong Kong 1 ("HK1") Data Center
In March 2020, the Company entered into 4 lease agreements with the landlord to lease multiple premises in the HK1 Data Center. The first lease commenced in March 2020 with an initial term of 18 years with no renewal option available. The Company assessed the lease classification of that space at the commencement date and determined the lease should be accounted for as a finance lease. The Company will assess the remaining space when the leases commence. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company recorded finance lease ROU asset and liability of $163.0 million Hong Kong dollars or $21.0 million at the exchange rate in effect on March 31, 2020.
In November 2020, the Company took possession and commence the lease of the second space in the HK1 Data Center with an initial lease term of approximately 17 years with no renewal option available. The Company assessed the lease classification of the second space at the commencement date and determined the lease should be accounted for as a finance lease. During the three months ended December 31, 2020, the Company recorded finance lease ROU asset and liability of $65.9 million Hong Kong dollars or $8.5 million at the exchange rate in effect on December 31, 2020.
Headquarters Office in Redwood City, California ("HQ Office")
In April 2020, the Company entered into a lease amendment to (i) extend the lease term of the existing space for another 10.5 years and (ii) lease additional space within its HQ Office building, which commenced on June 1, 2020. Both spaces have 2 five-year renewal options which the Company determined were not reasonably certain to be exercised. Therefore, the concluded lease term for both spaces was approximately 11 years, expiring on March 31, 2031. The existing space was previously accounted for as a finance lease. The Company concluded that the building and land components for both spaces should be accounted for as finance leases and operating leases, respectively. During the three months ended June 30, 2020, the Company recorded incremental finance lease ROU asset and liability of $42.2 million and operating lease ROU asset and liability of $8.3 million.
Singapore 1 ("SG1") Data Center
In May 2017,2020, the Company acquiredexercised a three-year renewal option on the lease of the existing space and entered into a lease agreement to lease additional space in the SG1 Data Center. The building and land were originally accounted for as a finance lease and buildingoperating lease, respectively. The Company determined the remaining 5 three-year renewal options were reasonably certain to be exercised and therefore, the concluded lease term was 18 years. The Company reassessed the lease classification and determined that the lease should be accounted for as finance lease. Land was determined to not be a component of the AM5 IBX data center for cash considerationlease as the Company no longer controlled substantially all of €26.7the economic benefits from its use. The Company recorded incremental finance lease ROU asset and liability of $99.5 million Singapore dollars, or $30.4approximately $71.4 million, and de-recognized operating lease ROU asset and liability of $11.4 million Singapore dollars, or approximately $8.1 million, at the exchange rate in effect on June 30, 2017. The Company had previously accounted for2020, during 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.three months ended June 30, 2020.
Hong Kong 5Abu Dhabi 1 ("HK5"AD1") Data Center
In January 2017,June 2020, the Company entered into an agreement for certain elements of2 lease agreements to lease additional space in the construction of the HK5AD1 Data Center. The Company concluded lease terms of the construction agreement triggered the Company to be, in substance, the ownerboth leases are 10 years, inclusive 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, the Company recorded a financing obligation totaling approximately 577.4 million Hong Kong dollars, or $73.9 million at the exchange rate in effect as of December 31, 2017.three-year renewal option
Operating Leases
The Company also leases its IBX data centers and certain equipment under noncancelable operating lease agreements. The majority of 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, the Company has negotiated some rent expense abatement periods for certain leases to better match the phased build out of its IBX data centers. The Company accounts for such abatements 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 as of December 31, 2017 are summarized as follows (in thousands):
|
| | | |
| Years ending: | |
| 2018 | $ | 176,789 |
|
| 2019 | 164,711 |
|
| 2020 | 154,329 |
|
| 2021 | 144,706 |
|
| 2022 | 140,451 |
|
| Thereafter | 1,132,964 |
|
| 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.
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
for one of the leases determined to be reasonably assured of exercise. The Company assessed the lease classifications and determined that the leases should be accounted for as finance leases. During the three months ended June 30, 2020, the Company recorded finance lease ROU assets and liabilities of 261.9 million United Arab Emirates Dirham in aggregate, or approximately $71.3 million at the exchange rate in effect on June 30, 2020.
10.Singapore Office ("SGO")
In April 2020, the Company entered into an office lease agreement, which commenced on August 1, 2020 with an initial term of seven years, 2 three-year renewal options and a one-time early termination option for a certain floor after the third year of the lease. The Company determined that the renewal options and the early termination option were not reasonably certain to be exercised and therefore, concluded the lease term was seven years. The Company assessed the lease classification at the commencement date and concluded that the lease should be accounted for as an operating lease. During the three months ended September 30, 2020, the Company recorded operating lease ROU asset and liability of $64.2 million Singapore dollars, or approximately $47.1 million, at the exchange rate in effect on September 30, 2020.
Seoul 1 ("SL1") Data Center
In September 2020, the phase 2 from a previously signed lease for the SL1 data center was delivered and commenced, with an initial lease term of approximately four years and 3 five-year renewal options. The Company concluded that 1 renewal option of five years is reasonably certain to be exercised and therefore, the concluded lease term was approximately nine years. 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. During the three months ended September 30, 2020, the Company recorded finance lease ROU asset and liability of 31,777 million Korean Won and 30,386 million Korean Won, respectively, or $27.2 million and $26.0 million, respectively, at the exchange rate in effect on September 30, 2020.
Lease Expenses
The components of lease expenses are as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Years Ended December 31, |
| 2020 | | 2019 |
| Finance lease cost | | | |
Amortization of right-of-use assets (1) | $ | 120,169 | | | $ | 82,893 | |
| Interest on lease liabilities | 113,699 | | | 110,688 | |
| Total finance lease cost | 233,868 | | | 193,581 | |
| | | |
| Operating lease cost | 217,299 | | | 219,021 | |
| Variable lease cost | 13,588 | | | 1,763 | |
| Total lease cost | $ | 464,755 | | | $ | 414,365 | |
(1) Amortization of right-of-use assets is included within depreciation expense, and is recorded within cost of revenues, sales and marketing and general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
Other Information
Other information related to leases is as follows (in thousands, except years and percent):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Years Ended December 31, |
| 2020 | | 2019 |
| Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: | | | |
| Operating cash flows from finance leases | $ | 109,558 | | | $ | 107,000 | |
| Operating cash flows from operating leases | 206,512 | | | 210,848 | |
| Financing cash flows from finance leases | 115,288 | | | 126,486 | |
| | | |
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations: (1) | | | |
| Finance leases | $ | 487,592 | | | $ | 387,808 | |
| Operating leases | 108,797 | | | 145,025 | |
| | | |
| As of December 31, |
| 2020 | | 2019 |
Weighted-average remaining lease term - finance leases (2) | 14 years | | 15 years |
Weighted-average remaining lease term - operating leases (2) | 12 years | | 13 years |
| Weighted-average discount rate - finance leases | 7 | % | | 9 | % |
| Weighted-average discount rate - operating leases | 4 | % | | 4 | % |
Finance lease ROU assets (3) | $ | 1,688,032 | | | $ | 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 ROU assets are recorded within property, plant and equipment, net on the consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company recorded $604.1 million and $474.8 million of accumulated amortization of finance lease ROU assets, respectively.
Maturities of Lease Liabilities
Maturities of lease liabilities as of December 31, 2020 are as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year ended December 31, | | Operating Leases | | Finance Leases | | Total |
| 2021 | | $ | 199,291 | | | $ | 232,415 | | | $ | 431,706 | |
| 2022 | | 205,411 | | | 221,058 | | | 426,469 | |
| 2023 | | 188,724 | | | 215,909 | | | 404,633 | |
| 2024 | | 176,626 | | | 213,186 | | | 389,812 | |
| 2025 | | 165,437 | | | 209,424 | | | 374,861 | |
| Thereafter | | 1,032,186 | | | 1,928,094 | | | 2,960,280 | |
| Total lease payments | | 1,967,675 | | | 3,020,086 | | | 4,987,761 | |
| Plus amount representing residual property value | | 0 | | | 17,331 | | | 17,331 | |
| Less imputed interest | | (504,841) | | | (1,114,918) | | | (1,619,759) | |
| Total | | $ | 1,462,834 | | | $ | 1,922,499 | | | $ | 3,385,333 | |
The Company entered into lease agreements in various locations that have not yet commenced as of December 31, 2020. These leases will commence between 2021 and 2022, with lease terms of 10 to 49 years and a total lease commitment of approximately $684.1 million.
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):
|
| | | | | | | |
| | 2017 | | 2016 |
| Term loans | $ | 1,417,352 |
| | $ | 1,413,582 |
|
| Mortgage payable and other loans payable | 48,872 |
| | 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 premium | 2,051 |
| | 1,862 |
|
| | 1,457,609 |
| | 1,437,015 |
|
| Less current portion | (64,491 | ) | | (67,928 | ) |
| | $ | 1,393,118 |
| | $ | 1,369,087 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2020 | | 2019 |
| Term loans | $ | 1,292,067 | | | $ | 1,287,151 | |
| Mortgage payable and loans payable | 78,903 | | | 82,967 | |
| 1,370,970 | | | 1,370,118 | |
| Less amount representing unamortized debt discount and debt issuance cost | (3,288) | | | (4,849) | |
| Add amount representing unamortized mortgage premium | 1,861 | | | 1,768 | |
| 1,369,543 | | | 1,367,037 | |
| Less current portion | (82,289) | | | (77,603) | |
| $ | 1,287,254 | | | $ | 1,289,434 | |
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$3.0 billion credit facility ("Senior Credit Facility"), comprised of a $2,000.0 million$2.0 billion senior unsecured multicurrency revolving credit facility ("Revolving Facility") and an approximately $1,000.0 million$1.0 billion 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-yearfive 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 Borrowings
In March 2020, the Company borrowed a total of $250.0 million under the Revolving Facility, which was fully repaid in May 2020. As of December 31, 2020, there was no outstanding balance under the Revolving Facility. As of December 31, 2020, the Company had 37 irrevocable letters of credit totaling $74.6 million issued and outstanding under the Revolving Facility and the amount available to the Company to borrow under the Revolving Facility was approximately $1.9 billion as of December 31, 2020.
Term Loan Facility
On December 12, 2017, the Company hadborrowed £500.0 million and SEK2,800.0SEK 2.8 billion 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, 2020, the Company had £431.3 million and SEK2,415.0 million, or approximately $1,017.8$883.6 million in U.SU.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect as of December 31, 2017,2020, outstanding under the Term Loan Facility with a weighted average effective interest rate of 1.85% per annum. Debt issuance costs related to the Term Loan Facility, net of amortization, were $3.2$1.2 million as of December 31, 2017.
2014 Senior Credit Facility2020.
On December 17, 2014,July 26, 2018, the Company entered into a credit agreement with a group of lendersan amendment to its Senior Credit Facility. The amendment provided for a $1,500.0senior unsecured term loan in an aggregate principal amount of ¥47.5 billion (the "JPY Term Loan").
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
On July 31, 2018, the Company drew down the full ¥47.5 billion of the JPY Term Loan, or approximately $424.7 million credit facility ("2014at the exchange rate effective on July 31, 2018, and prepaid the remaining principal of its existing Japanese Yen Term Loan of ¥43.8 billion or approximately $391.3 million. The Company is required to repay the JPY Term Loan 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"), comprised of a $1,000.0 million multicurrency revolving credit facility ("2014 Revolving Credit Facility") and a $500.0 million multicurrency term loan facility ("2014Facility. The JPY 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 bears interest at a rate based on LIBOR plus a margin that couldcan vary from 1.0%1.00% to 1.4%. The Company paid a quarterly letter1.70% and contains customary covenants consistent with the Senior Credit Facility. As of credit fee on the face amount of each letter of credit, which fee was based on the same margin
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
that applies from time to time to LIBOR-indexedDecember 31, 2020, total outstanding 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, the Company entered into the first amendment (the "First Amendment") to the 2014 Senior Credit Facility. The First Amendment provided for the conversion 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,were ¥42.2 billion, or approximately $490.0$408.5 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 that date, with an effective interest rate of 1.74%. Debt issuance costs, net of amortization, related to the JPY Term Loan were $2.1 million as of December 31, 2015, seven year term loan (the "Sterling Term Loan B Commitment", and collectively, 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 the Term Loan B Commitment.2020.
Funding 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% of the original principal, with the remaining amount outstanding to be repaid in full on the seventh anniversary of the funding date of the Term Loan B. The USD Term Loan B bore interest at a rate based on LIBOR plus a margin of 3.25% and the Sterling Term Loan B bore interest at a rate based on LIBOR plus a margin of 3.75%.
Third Amendment364-Day Facilities
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 borrowed 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 AugustApril 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%.
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, 2015,2020, the Company entered into a credit agreement which provided for senior unsecured 364-day term loan agreementfacilities in an aggregate principal amount of $750.0 million, comprised of $500.0 million available to be borrowed on the closing date (the “Bridge Term Loan Agreement”"Closing Date Facility") and $250.0 million available to be borrowed on or prior to July 14, 2020 (the "Delayed Draw Facility" and together with the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. (“BTMU”Closing Date Facility, the "364-Day Facilities"). Pursuant toOn April 15, 2020, 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 ¥47,500.0Company borrowed $391.0 million, as well as €100.0 million or approximately $395.2 million in U.S dollars at the exchange rate in effect on December 31, 2015. Proceeds from the Bridge 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, or approximately $468.4$109.8 million at the exchange rate in effect on September 30, 2016. Loans madethat date, under the Japanese Yen Term Loan must beClosing Date Facility. During the quarter ended June 30, 2020, the Company repaid all amounts outstanding under the Closing Date Facility and terminated the 364-Day Facilities. The loss on debt extinguishment incurred in equal quarterly installments of ¥625.0 million,connection 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, debt issuance cost, net of amortization, related to the Japanese Yen Term Loan was ¥843.6 million, or approximately $7.5 million in U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect on December 31, 2017.
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 interestredemption and termination fees, or approximately $28.3 million at the exchange rate in effect as of June 30, 2016.was not significant.
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, 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
November 2029.
EQUINIX, INC.
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 costs | 186 |
|
| Amortization of debt discount | 3,775 |
|
| | $ | 7,228 |
|
| Effective interest rate of the liability component | 10.48 | % |
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.
Senior Notes
The Company’sCompany's senior notes consisted of the following as of December 31 (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | 2020 | | 2019 |
| Senior Notes | | Issuance Date | | Maturity Date | | Amount | | Effective Rate | | Amount | | Effective Rate |
| 5.000% Infomart Senior Notes | | April 2018 | | April 2021 | | $ | 150,000 | | | 4.51 | % | | $ | 450,000 | | | 4.46 | % |
| 5.375% Senior Notes due 2022 | | November 2014 | | January 2022 | | 0 | | | 0 | % | | 343,711 | | | 5.56 | % |
| 2.625% Senior Notes due 2024 | | November 2019 | | November 2024 | | 1,000,000 | | | 2.79 | % | | 1,000,000 | | | 2.79 | % |
| 2.875% Euro Senior Notes due 2024 | | March 2018 | | March 2024 | | 0 | | | 0 | % | | 841,500 | | | 3.08 | % |
| 1.250% Senior Notes due 2025 | | June 2020 | | July 2025 | | 500,000 | | | 1.46 | % | | — | | | 0 | % |
| 1.000% Senior Notes due 2025 | | October 2020 | | September 2025 | | 700,000 | | | 1.18 | % | | — | | | 0 | % |
| 2.875% Euro Senior Notes due 2025 | | September 2017 | | October 2025 | | 0 | | | 0 | % | | 1,122,000 | | | 3.04 | % |
| 2.900% Senior Notes due 2026 | | November 2019 | | November 2026 | | 600,000 | | | 3.04 | % | | 600,000 | | | 3.04 | % |
| 5.875% Senior Notes due 2026 | | December 2015 | | January 2026 | | 0 | | | 0 | % | | 1,100,000 | | | 6.03 | % |
| 2.875% Euro Senior Notes due 2026 | | December 2017 | | February 2026 | | 611,050 | | | 3.04 | % | | 1,122,000 | | | 3.04 | % |
| 1.800% Senior Notes due 2027 | | June 2020 | | July 2027 | | 500,000 | | | 1.96 | % | | — | | | 0 | % |
| 5.375% Senior Notes due 2027 | | March 2017 | | May 2027 | | 1,250,000 | | | 5.51 | % | | 1,250,000 | | | 5.51 | % |
| 1.550% Senior Notes due 2028 | | October 2020 | | March 2028 | | 650,000 | | | 1.67 | % | | — | | | 0 | % |
| 3.200% Senior Notes due 2029 | | November 2019 | | November 2029 | | 1,200,000 | | | 3.30 | % | | 1,200,000 | | | 3.30 | % |
| 2.150% Senior Notes due 2030 | | June 2020 | | July 2030 | | 1,100,000 | | | 2.27 | % | | — | | | 0 | % |
| 3.000% Senior Notes due 2050 | | June 2020 | | July 2050 | | 500,000 | | | 3.09 | % | | — | | | 0 | % |
| 2.950% Senior Notes due 2051 | | October 2020 | | September 2051 | | 500,000 | | | 3.00 | % | | — | | | 0 | % |
| | | | | | 9,261,050 | | | | | 9,029,211 | | | |
| Less amount representing unamortized debt discount and debt issuance cost | | (92,773) | | | | | (78,030) | | | |
| Add amount representing unamortized debt premium | | | | 186 | | | | | 1,716 | | | |
| | | | | | 9,168,463 | | | | | 8,952,897 | | | |
| Less current portion | | | | | | (150,186) | | | | | (643,224) | | | |
| | | | | | $ | 9,018,277 | | | | | $ | 8,309,673 | | | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2017 | | 2016 |
| | Amount | | Effective Rate | | Amount | | Effective Rate |
| 4.875% Senior Notes due 2020 | $ | — |
| | — |
| | $ | 500,000 |
| | 5.07 | % |
| 5.375% Senior Notes due 2022 | 750,000 |
| | 5.56 | % | | 750,000 |
| | 5.56 | % |
| 5.375% Senior Notes due 2023 | 1,000,000 |
| | 5.51 | % | | 1,000,000 |
| | 5.51 | % |
| 5.75% Senior Notes due 2025 | 500,000 |
| | 5.88 | % | | 500,000 |
| | 5.88 | % |
| 2.875% Euro Senior Notes due 2025 | 1,201,000 |
| | 3.04 | % | | — |
| | — |
|
| 5.875% Senior Notes due 2026 | 1,100,000 |
| | 6.03 | % | | 1,100,000 |
| | 6.03 | % |
| 2.875% Euro Senior Notes due 2026 | 1,201,000 |
| | 3.04 | % | | — |
| | — |
|
| 5.375% Senior Notes due 2027 | 1,250,000 |
| | 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 EuroRedemption of 5.375% Senior Notes due 2022
On January 2, 2020, the Company redeemed the remaining $343.7 million principal amount of the 5.375% Senior Notes due 2022. In December 2017,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.
1.250% Senior Notes due 2025, 1.800% Senior Notes due 2027, 2.150% Senior Notes due 2030, and 3.000% Senior Notes due 2050
On June 22, 2020, the Company issued €1,000.0$500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 2.875%1.250% senior notes due February 1, 2026, which are referred to as the "2026 Euro Senior2025 (the "2025 Notes"), $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 1.800% senior notes due 2027 (the "2027 Notes"), $1.1 billion aggregate principal amount of 2.150% senior notes due 2030 (the "2030 Notes"), and $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.000% senior notes due 2050 (the "2050 Notes"). Interest on thethese notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on February 1January 15 and August 1July 15 of each year, commencing on August 1, 2018.January 15, 2021. Debt issuance costs and debt discounts related to the 20262025 Notes, 2027 Notes, 2030 Notes, and 2050 Notes were $5.3 million, $5.6 million, $12.9 million, and $14.2 million, respectively.
Redemption of 2.875% Euro Senior Notes were $15.7 million. As of December 31, 2017, debt issuance costs related to the 2026 Eurodue 2024 and 5.875% Senior Notes due 2026
On July 8, 2020, using a portion of the net cash proceeds from the 2025, 2027, 2030, and 2050 Notes, the Company redeemed all of amortization, were $15.9the outstanding €750.0 million at the exchange rate in effect on that date.
2025 Euro2.875% Senior Notes
due 2024 and $1.1 billion 5.875% Senior Notes due 2026. In September 2017,connection with the redemption, the Company issued €1,000.0incurred $93.5 million aggregate principal amount of 2.875% senior notes due October 1, 2025, which are referred to as the "2025 Euro Senior Notes". Interestloss on the notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on April 1
debt
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
extinguishment, including $77.8 million in redemption premium that was paid in cash and October 1 of each year, commencing on April 1, 2018. Debt issuance costs$15.7 million related to the 2025 Eurowrite-off of unamortized debt issuance costs.
1.000% Senior Notes were $16.3 million. Debt issuance costs related to thedue 2025, Euro1.550% Senior Notes net of amortization, were $15.7 million as of December 31, 2017.
2027due 2028, and 2.950% Senior Notes due 2051
In March 2017,On October 7, 2020, the Company issued $1,250.0$700.0 million 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 15 and November 15 of each year, and commenced on May 15, 2017. Debt issuance costs related to the 20271.000% 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
In December 2015, the Company issued $1,100.0due 2025 (the “2025 Notes”), $650.0 million aggregate principal amount 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 December 31, 2017 and 2016, debt issuance costs related to the 20261.550% 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, 2022,2028 (the “2028 Notes"), and $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.750% senior notes2.950% 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"2051 (the “2051 Notes”). Interest on each series of thethese notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on January 1March 15 and July 1September 15 of each year, and commenced on July 1, 2015. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, debtcommencing March 15, 2021. Debt issuance costs and debt discounts related to the 20222025 Notes, 2028 Notes, and 20252051 Notes were $6.2 million, $5.8 million, and $8.1 million, respectively.
Redemption of 2.875% Senior Notes net of amortization, were $10.4 milliondue 2025 and $12.5 million, respectively.
20202.875% Senior Notes due 2026
On October 23, 2020, the Company used a portion of the net cash proceeds from the issuance of the 2025, 2028, and 20232051 Notes, as described above, to fund the redemption of all of the outstanding €1.0 billion 2.875% Senior Notes
In March 2013, the Company issued $1,500.0 million due 2025 and €0.5 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes, which consist of $500.0 millionits outstanding €1.0 billion 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 20202.875% Senior Notes anddue 2026. In connection with 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,redemption, the Company redeemed the entire $500.0incurred $44.2 million principal amount of the 2020 Senior Notes. Debt issuance costsloss on debt extinguishment, including $29.3 million in redemption premium that was paid in cash and $14.9 million related to the 2023 Senior Notes, netwrite-off of amortization, were $7.1 million asunamortized debt issuance costs.
All 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.
AllCompany'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):things:
incur additional debt;
pay dividends or make other restricted payments;
•purchase, redeem or retire capital stock or subordinated debt;debt(1);
make asset sales;•incur liens;
•enter into sale-leaseback transactions (1);
•make investments(1); and
•merge or consolidate with affiliates;any other person.
| |
• | enter into sale-leaseback transactions(2);
|
provide subsidiary guarantees;
make investments; and
| |
• | merge or consolidate with any other person(2).
|
(1)If 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 contained in theThe supplemental indentures will be suspended.
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(2) The supplemental indenture for the 2.875% Euro Senior Notes due 2026 only containsand the 5.375% due 2027 contain these covenants footnoted.
As of December 31, 2020, the Company was in compliance 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.
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
Optional Redemption Schedule
|
| | | | | | |
| Senior Note Description | Early Equity Redemption Price | First Scheduled Redemption Date | First Scheduled Redemption Price | Second Year Redemption Price | Third Year Redemption Price | Fourth Year (if scheduled) Redemption Price |
| 5.375% due 2022 | 105.375% | January 1, 2018 | 104.031% | 102.688% | 101.344% | 100.000% |
| 5.375% due 2023 | 105.375% | April 1, 2018 | 102.688% | 101.792% | 100.896% | 100.000% |
| 5.75% due 2025 | 105.750% | January 1, 2020 | 102.875% | 101.917% | 100.958% | 100.000% |
| 2.875% Euro due 2025 | 102.875% | October 1, 2020 | 101.438% | 100.719% | 100.000% | |
| 5.875% due 2026 | 105.875% | January 15, 2021 | 102.938% | 101.958% | 100.979% | 100.000% |
| 2.875% Euro due 2026 | 102.875% | February 1, 2021 | 101.438% | 100.719% | 100.000% | |
| 5.375% due 2027 | 105.375% | May 15, 2022 | 102.688% | 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. Two series of the Company’s senior notes provide for optional redemption as summarized below:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Senior Notes Description | Early Equity Redemption Price (1) | First Scheduled Redemption Date (2) | First Scheduled Redemption Price | Second Year Redemption Price | Third Year Redemption Price | Fourth Year
(if scheduled) Redemption Price |
| 2.875% Euro Senior Notes due 2026 | 102.875% | February 1, 2021 | 101.438% | 100.719% | 100.000% | |
| 5.375% Senior Notes due 2027 | 105.375% | May 15, 2022 | 102.688% | 101.792% | 100.896% | 100.000% |
| |
|
|
(1)Within 90 days 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 of senior notes outstanding, at the respective early equity 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).
(2)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 first scheduled redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) set forth in the Optional Redemption Schedule,price plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, if redeemed during the twelve-month periods12 month period beginning on the first scheduled redemption date and at reduced scheduled redemption prices during the twelve-month12 or 18 month periods beginning on the anniversaries of the first scheduled redemption date.
In addition, atAt 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 rest of the Notes listed below, 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; |
(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 Notes are redeemed on or after the First Par Call Date listed in the table below, the redemption price will not include a make-whole premium for the applicable notes.
| | | | | | | |
| Senior Notes Description | First Par Call Date | | |
| 2.625% Senior Notes due 2024 | October 18, 2024 | | |
| 1.000% Senior Notes due 2025 | August 15, 2025 | | |
| 1.250% Senior Notes due 2025 | June 15, 2025 | | |
| 2.900% Senior Notes due 2026 | September 18, 2026 | | |
| 1.800% Senior Notes due 2027 | May 15, 2027 | | |
| 1.550% Senior Notes due 2028 | January 15, 2028 | | |
| 3.200% Senior Notes due 2029 | August 18, 2029 | | |
| 2.150% Senior Notes due 2030 | April 15, 2030 | | |
| 3.000% Senior Notes due 2050 | January 15, 2050 | | |
| 2.950% Senior Notes due 2051 | March 15, 2051 | | |
Loss on Debt Extinguishment
During the year ended December 31, 2017,2020, the Company recorded $65.8$145.8 million of loss on debt extinguishment primarily comprised of (i) $14.6of:
•$5.9 million of loss on debt extinguishment from the redemption of the 2020 Senior2022 Notes, which included the $12.2$4.6 million redemption premium that was paid in cash and $2.4$1.3 million related to the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs, (ii) $13.2
costs.
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
•$93.5 million of loss on debt extinguishment from the redemption of the Term B-2 Loan, (iii) $9.32024 and 2026 Notes, which included $77.8 million redemption premium that was paid in cash and $15.7 million related to the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs.
•$44.2 million of loss on debt extinguishment as a result offrom the redemption of the Term B Loans, (iv) $16.72025 and 2026 Notes, which included $29.3 million redemption premium that was paid in cash and $14.9 million related to the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs.
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 andimpacting the related financing obligations;
•$19.5 million of loss on debt extinguishment from the settlement of financing obligations and (v) $12.0as 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.purchased; and
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.
During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company recorded $0.3•$2.2 million of loss on debt extinguishment as a result of the conversionsredemption of the 4.75% Convertible Subordinated Notes.Japanese Yen Term Loan.
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, 20172020 (in thousands):
| | | Years ending: | | Years ending: | |
| 2018 | $ | 64,472 |
| |
| 2019 | 77,309 |
| |
| 2020 | 77,237 |
| |
| 2021 | 387,762 |
| 2021 | $ | 232,289 | |
| 2022 | 1,607,402 |
| 2022 | 1,253,106 | |
| 2023 | | 2023 | 6,896 | |
| 2024 | | 2024 | 1,006,395 | |
| 2025 | | 2025 | 1,204,605 | |
| Thereafter | 6,256,093 |
| Thereafter | 6,930,590 | |
| | $ | 8,470,275 |
| | $ | 10,633,881 | |
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):
| | | | 2017 | | 2016 | | 2020 | | 2019 |
| Mortgage and loans payable | $ | 1,464,877 |
| | $ | 1,461,954 |
| Mortgage and loans payable | $ | 1,379,129 | | | $ | 1,378,429 | |
| | Senior notes | 7,288,673 |
| | 4,033,985 |
| Senior notes | 9,705,486 | | | 9,339,497 | |
|
The fair valuevalues of the mortgage and loans payable and 5.000% Infomart Senior Notes, which wereare 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(Level 2). The fair value of the senior notes, which wereare traded in the public debt market, was based on quoted market prices (level(Level 1).
EQUINIX, INC.
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 | | 2015 | | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| Interest expense | $ | 478,698 |
| | $ | 392,156 |
| | $ | 299,055 |
| Interest expense | $ | 406,466 | | | $ | 479,684 | | | $ | 521,494 | |
| Interest capitalized | 22,625 |
| | 13,338 |
| | 10,943 |
| Interest capitalized | 26,750 | | | 32,173 | | | 19,880 | |
| Interest charges incurred | $ | 501,323 |
| | $ | 405,494 |
| | $ | 309,998 |
| Interest charges incurred | $ | 433,216 | | | $ | 511,857 | | | $ | 541,374 | |
Total interest paid in cash, net of capitalized interest, during the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 20152018 was $422.2$471.7 million, $336.7$521.6 million and $226.5$476.9 million, respectively.
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
11. Stockholders’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, 20172020 and 2016,2019, 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 2017,2019, the Company issued and sold 6,069,4442,985,575 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 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 deducting$1.2 billion, net 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,May 2020, the Company issued and sold 2,994,7922,587,500 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 million, after deducting$1.7 billion, net of underwriting discounts, commissions and offering 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 its common stock to or through sales agents up to an aggregate of $750.0 million. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company sold 930,934 shares for approximately $388.2 million, net of payment of commissions to the sales agents and estimated equity offering costs under the 2017 ATM Program. As of $32.3December 31, 2018, no shares remained available for sale under the 2017 ATM Program. In December 2018, the Company established another ATM program to 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, 2020 and 2019, the Company sold 415,512 shares and 903,555 shares, respectively, for approximately $298.3 million and $447.5 million, respectively, net of payment of commissions to sales agents and other offering expenses, under the 2018 ATM Program. As of $0.7 million.December 31, 2020, no shares remained available for sale under the 2018 ATM Program. In October 2020, the Company established another ATM program, under which it may, from time to time, offer and sell up to an aggregate of $1.5 billion of its common stock to or through sales agents in "at the market" transactions (the "2020 ATM Program"). For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company did not sell any shares under the 2020 ATM Program.
As of December 31, 2017,2020, the Company had reserved the following shares of authorized but unissued shares of common stock for future issuances:
|
| | | | |
| Common stock options and restricted stock units | 4,499,3895,960,946 |
|
| Common stock employee purchase plans | 3,265,7912,806,672 |
|
| Total | 7,765,1808,767,618 |
|
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, 2017 | | Net
Change | | Cumulative Effect Adjustment | | December 31, 2018 | | Net
Change | | December 31, 2019 | | Net
Change | | | | December 31, 2020 |
| Foreign currency translation adjustment ("CTA") gain (loss) | $ | (576,860) | | | $ | (421,743) | | | $ | — | | | $ | (998,603) | | | $ | (58,315) | | | $ | (1,056,918) | | | $ | 548,503 | | | | | $ | (508,415) | |
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges (1) | (24,191) | | | 43,671 | | | — | | | 19,480 | | | (3,842) | | | 15,638 | | | (82,790) | | | | | (67,152) | |
Net investment hedge CTA gain (loss) (1) | (185,303) | | | 219,628 | | | — | | | 34,325 | | | 73,294 | | | 107,619 | | | (444,553) | | | | | (336,934) | |
Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities (2) | 2,124 | | | 0 | | | (2,124) | | | 0 | | | 0 | | | 0 | | | 0 | | | | | 0 | |
Net actuarial gain (loss) on defined benefit plans (3) | (959) | | | 55 | | | — | | | (904) | | | (48) | | | (952) | | | 85 | | | | | (867) | |
| $ | (785,189) | | | $ | (158,389) | | | $ | (2,124) | | | $ | (945,702) | | | $ | 11,089 | | | $ | (934,613) | | | $ | 21,245 | | | | | $ | (913,368) | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 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 | ) |
__________________________
| | |
(1) | Refer to Note 7 for a discussion of the amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income (loss). |
| |
(2) | 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. |
| |
(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. |
(1)Refer to Note 8 for a discussion of the amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net 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.
(3)The Company has a defined benefit pension plan covering all employees in two countries 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, 2017,2020, the U.S. dollar was generally weaker relative to certain of the currencies of the foreign countries in which the Company operates. This overall weakeningoperates as compared to December 31, 2019. Because of this, the U.S. dollar had an overall positivefavorable impact on the Company’sCompany's consolidated financial position because the foreign denominations translated into more U.S. dollars as evidenced by thea decrease in foreign currency translation loss for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the year ended December 31, 20162020 as reflected in the above table. In future periods, theThe volatility of the U.S. dollar as compared to the other currencies in which the Company does businessoperates 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 StockF-52
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
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, 2017,2020, 2019 and 2018, the Company's Board of Directors declared quarterly cash dividends whose treatment for federal income tax purposes were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Declaration Date | | Record Date | | Payment Date | | Total Distribution (1) | | Nonqualified Ordinary Dividend (2) | | Total Distribution Amount | | | | |
| | | | | | (per share) | | (in thousands) | | | | |
| Fiscal 2020 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2/12/2020 | | 2/26/2020 | | 3/18/2020 | | $ | 2.660000 | | | $ | 2.660000 | | | $ | 227,386 | | | | | |
| 5/6/2020 | | 5/20/2020 | | 6/17/2020 | | 2.660000 | | | 2.660000 | | | 235,449 | | | | | |
| 7/29/2020 | | 8/19/2020 | | 9/23/2020 | | 2.660000 | | | 2.660000 | | | 236,424 | | | | | |
| 10/28/2020 | | 11/18/2020 | | 12/9/2020 | | 2.660000 | | | 2.660000 | | | 237,010 | | | | | |
| Total | | | | | | $ | 10.640000 | | | $ | 10.640000 | | | $ | 936,269 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 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 | | | | | |
(1)Common stock dividends are characterized for federal income tax purposes as nonqualified ordinary dividend, qualified ordinary dividend, capital gains or return 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 duringcapital. During the yearyears ended December 31, 2017.2020, 2019 and 2018, the Company did not classify any portion of the distributions as qualified ordinary dividend, capital gains or return of capital.
During(2)All nonqualified ordinary dividends are eligible for 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, 2016,20% deduction generally allowable 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.
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.non-corporate shareholders under Internal Revenue Code Section 199A.
In addition, as of December 31, 2017,2020, for dividends and special distributions attributed to the restricted stock units,RSUs, the Company recorded a short term dividend payable of $11.2$10.9 million and a long term dividend payable of $6.7$7.9 million for the restricted stock unitsRSUs that have not yet vested. As of December 31, 2016,2019, for dividends and special distributions attributed to the RSU awards,RSUs, the Company recorded a short term dividend payable of $12.0$9.0 million and a long term dividend payable of $8.5$7.1 million for the restricted stock unitsRSUs 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 |
| | $ | — |
|
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
12.13. Stock-Based Compensation
Equinix Equity Awards
Equity Compensation Plans
In May 2000, theAs of December 31, 2020, The Company’s stockholders approved the adoption of the equity compensation plans include:
•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.Plan: Under the 2000 Equity Incentive Plan, nonstatutory stock options, restricted shares, restricted stock units,RSAs, RSUs 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 underOn June 18, 2020, the 2000 Equity Incentive Plan of which 2,423,051 shares were still available for grant as of December 31, 2017. The 2000was terminated and replaced by the 2020 Equity Incentive Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee(the "2020 Equity Incentive Plan").
In May 2000, the Company’s stockholders approved the adoption of the EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
•2000 Director Option Plan which was amended 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 willwould receive an automatic initial nonstatutory stock option grant which vests in four annual installments. In addition, each non-employee board member will receiveas well as an annual non-statutory stock option grant on the date of the Company’sCompany'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.Stockholders. On December 18, 2008, the Company’sCompany'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 unitRSU grant mechanism under the 2000 Equity Incentive Plan. The Company had reserved 594,403 shares for issuance underOn June 18, 2020, the 2000 Director Option Plan of which 505,646was terminated and all shares remaining available under this Plan were still available for grant as of December 31, 2017. The 2000 Director Optionretired.
•2001 Supplemental Stock 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.
In September 2001, the Company adopted: Under the 2001 Supplemental Stock Plan, under which non-statutory stock options and restricted shares/restricted stock unitsRSAs/RSUs 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 underOn June 18, 2020, the 2001 Supplemental Stock Plan was terminated and all shares remaining available under this Plan were retired.
•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.
•2020 Equity Incentive Plan (the "2020 Equity Plan"): On April 23, 2020, the Company Board of Directors approved the 2020 Equity Plan, which 260,498provides for the grant of stock options, including incentive stock options and non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, RSAs, RSUs, other stock-based incentive awards, dividend equivalents, and cash-based incentive awards. The 2020 Equity Plan's awards may be granted to employees, non-employee members of the Board and consultants. Equity awards granted under the 2020 Equity Incentive Plan generally vest over four years. The maximum numbers of shares were stillof Equinix common stock available for grant asissuance under the 2020 Equity Plan is equal to the sum of December 31, 2017. 4.0 million shares and the shares transferred from the 2000 Equity Incentive Plan.
The 2001 Supplemental Stock Plan isEquity compensation plans are administered by the Compensation Committee andof the plan will continue in effect indefinitely unlessBoard of Directors (the "Compensation Committee"), and the Compensation Committee decides tomay terminate it earlier.or amend these plans, with approval of the stockholders as may be required by applicable law, at any time. As of December 31, 2020, shares reserved and available for issuance under the equity compensation plans are as follows:
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."
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Shares reserved | | Shares available for grant |
| | | |
| | | |
| 2004 Purchase Plan | 5,392,206 | | | 2,806,672 | |
| 2020 Equity Incentive Plan | 4,687,435 | | | 4,623,380 | |
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, 2014 | 77,934 |
|
| $ | 73.84 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Stock options exercised | (41,889 | ) |
| 64.18 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Additional shares granted due to special distribution | 1,454 |
|
| — |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Stock options expired | (250 | ) |
| 41.12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2015 | 37,249 |
|
| 82.06 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Stock options exercised | (18,183 | ) |
| 80.10 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2016 | 19,066 |
|
| 82.01 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Stock options exercised | (12,763 | ) |
| 83.51 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2017 | 6,303 |
|
| $ | 78.97 |
|
| 0.57 |
| $ | 2,359 |
|
| Stock options vested and exercisable at December 31, 2017 | 6,303 |
|
| $ | 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 prices | Number of Shares |
| Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years) |
| Weighted Average Exercise Price |
| Number of Shares | | Weighted Average Exercise Price |
| $28.56 to $28.56 | 1,007 |
|
| 1.18 |
| $ | 28.56 |
|
| 1,007 |
| | $ | 28.56 |
|
| $88.56 to $88.56 | 5,296 |
|
| 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. |
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
Restricted Stock Units
Since 2008, the Company primarily grants restricted stock unitsRSUs to its employees, including executives and non-employee directors, in lieu of stock options. The Company generally grants restricted stock unitsRSUs that have a service condition only or have both a service and performance condition. Each restricted stock unitRSU 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 unitRSUs 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) |
| RSUs outstanding, December 31, 2017 | 1,303,891 | | | $ | 252.30 | | | | | |
| RSUs granted | 704,249 | | | 387.31 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| RSUs released, vested | (593,528) | | | 299.07 | | | | | |
| Special distribution shares released | (13,880) | | | 283.14 | | | | | |
| RSUs canceled | (173,460) | | | 336.75 | | | | | |
| Special distribution shares canceled | (485) | | | 295.77 | | | | | |
| RSUs outstanding, December 31, 2018 | 1,226,787 | | | 361.22 | | | | | |
| RSUs granted | 779,478 | | | 448.16 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| RSUs released, vested | (549,259) | | | 362.66 | | | | | |
| Special distribution shares released | (1,781) | | | 295.31 | | | | | |
| RSUs canceled | (142,477) | | | 364.42 | | | | | |
| Special distribution shares canceled | (23) | | | 297.04 | | | | | |
| RSUs outstanding, December 31, 2019 | 1,312,725 | | | 411.99 | | | | | |
| RSUs granted | 695,383 | | | 596.80 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| RSUs released, vested | (606,250) | | | 426.03 | | | | | |
| Special distribution shares released | (722) | | | 264.57 | | | | | |
| RSUs canceled | (63,502) | | | 457.91 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| RSUs outstanding, December 31, 2020 | 1,337,634 | | | $ | 499.60 | | | 1.22 | | $ | 955,311 | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 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, 2014 | 1,403,974 |
|
| $ | 114.56 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Restricted stock units granted | 711,990 |
|
| 236.89 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Additional shares granted due to special distribution | 51,432 |
|
| 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, 2015 | 1,416,438 |
|
| 148.53 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Restricted stock units granted | 720,601 |
|
| 309.18 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Additional shares granted due to special distribution | 37 |
|
| 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, 2016 | 1,347,879 |
|
| 192.59 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Restricted stock units granted | 658,196 |
|
| 389.60 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Restricted stock units released, vested | (606,064 | ) |
| 260.75 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Special distribution shares released | (15,667 | ) |
| 243.06 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Restricted stock units canceled | (79,451 | ) |
| 313.83 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Special distribution shares canceled | (1,002 | ) |
| 282.49 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Restricted stock units outstanding, December 31, 2017 | 1,303,891 |
|
| $ | 252.30 |
|
| 1.22 |
| $ | 590,950 |
|
__________________________
(1)The intrinsic value is calculated based on the market value of the stock as of December 31, 2017.2020.
The total fair value of restricted stock unitsRSUs vested and released during the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 20152018 was $259.1$417.0 million, $227.4$269.1 million and $157.6$249.8 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
EQUINIX, INC.
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):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| Weighted-average purchase price per share | $ | 371.71 | | | $ | 354.72 | | | $ | 341.48 | |
| Weighted average grant-date fair value per share of shares purchased | $ | 114.08 | | | $ | 104.84 | | | $ | 90.04 | |
| Number of shares purchased | 167,113 | | | 146,640 | | | 145,346 | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 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 purchased | 162,076 |
| | 150,044 |
| | 182,175 |
|
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
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:
| | | | 2017 | | 2016 | | 2015 | | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| Range of dividend yield | 2.10 - 2.31% |
| | 2.38 - 2.53% |
| | 2.65 - 2.81% |
| Range of dividend yield | 1.94 - 2.08% | | 2.07 - 2.09% | | 1.97 - 2.00% |
| Range of risk-free interest rate | 0.70 - 1.35% |
| | 0.48 - 0.76% |
| | 0.08 - 0.77% |
| Range of risk-free interest rate | 0.10 - 1.55% | | 1.55 - 2.58% | | 1.79 - 2.68% |
| Range of expected volatility | 16.42 - 24.27% |
| | 18.80 - 30.94% |
| | 19.96 - 25.78% |
| Range of expected volatility | 19.28 - 51.93% | | 19.27 - 25.55% | | 19.04 - 24.33% |
| Weighted-average expected volatility | 20.30 | % | | 25.01 | % | | 21.72 | % | Weighted-average expected volatility | 32.94 | % | | 22.95 | % | | 20.74 | % |
| Weighted average expected life (in years) | 1.52 |
| | 1.41 |
| | 1.59 |
| Weighted average expected life (in years) | 1.36 | | 1.24 | | 1.43 |
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):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2017 | | 2016 | | 2015 |
| Cost of revenues | $ | 13,621 |
| | $ | 13,086 |
| | $ | 9,878 |
|
| Sales and marketing | 50,094 |
| | 43,030 |
| | 36,847 |
|
| General and administrative | 111,785 |
| | 100,032 |
| | 86,908 |
|
| Total | $ | 175,500 |
| | $ | 156,148 |
| | $ | 133,633 |
|
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| Cost of revenues | $ | 32,893 | | | $ | 25,355 | | | $ | 18,247 | |
| Sales and marketing | 72,895 | | | 56,719 | | | 53,448 | |
| General and administrative | 205,232 | | | 154,465 | | | 109,021 | |
| Total | $ | 311,020 | | | $ | 236,539 | | | $ | 180,716 | |
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):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| | | | | |
| RSUs | $ | 289,426 | | | $ | 217,541 | | | $ | 165,141 | |
RSAs(1) | 8,289 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
| Employee stock purchase plan | 13,305 | | | 18,998 | | | 15,575 | |
| Total | $ | 311,020 | | | $ | 236,539 | | | $ | 180,716 | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2017 | | 2016 | | 2015 |
| Stock options | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 1,679 |
|
| Restricted stock units | 164,321 |
| | 145,769 |
| | 124,512 |
|
| Employee stock purchase plan | 11,179 |
| | 10,379 |
| | 7,442 |
|
| Total | $ | 175,500 |
| | $ | 156,148 |
| | $ | 133,633 |
|
(1) During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company awarded 48,799 shares of RSAs. See Note 1 for further discussion.
During the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015,2018, the Company capitalized $6.2$20.3 million, $4.2$9.1 million and $3.0$9.1 million, respectively, of stock-based compensation expense as construction in progress in property, plant and equipment.
As of December 31, 2020, the total stock-based compensation cost related to unvested equity awards not yet recognized, net of estimated forfeitures, totaled $512.9 million which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.13 years. 13.
14. Income Taxes
Income (loss) before income taxes is attributable to the following geographic locations for the years ended December 31, (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| Domestic | $ | 18,395 | | | $ | 328,806 | | | $ | 298,009 | |
| Foreign | 497,830 | | | 363,791 | | | 135,029 | |
| Income before income taxes | $ | 516,225 | | | $ | 692,597 | | | $ | 433,038 | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2017 | | 2016 | | 2015 |
| Domestic | $ | 148,500 |
| | $ | 215,010 |
| | $ | 123,153 |
|
| Foreign | 138,332 |
| | (55,151 | ) | | 87,845 |
|
| Income from continuing operations before income taxes | $ | 286,832 |
| | $ | 159,859 |
| | $ | 210,998 |
|
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
The tax benefit (expenses) for income taxes consisted of the following components for the years ended December 31, (in thousands):
| | | | 2017 | | 2016 | | 2015 | | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| Current: | | | | | | Current: | | | | | |
| Federal | $ | 9,346 |
| | $ | (16,365 | ) | | $ | (85,352 | ) | Federal | $ | 4,552 | | | $ | (17,906) | | | $ | 7,085 | |
| State and local | (849 | ) | | (2,147 | ) | | (3,984 | ) | State and local | 1,597 | | | (4,624) | | | (2,663) | |
| Foreign | (109,032 | ) | | (62,278 | ) | | (27,090 | ) | Foreign | (171,092) | | | (135,356) | | | (118,175) | |
| Subtotal | (100,535 | ) | | (80,790 | ) | | (116,426 | ) | Subtotal | (164,943) | | | (157,886) | | | (113,753) | |
| Deferred: | | | | | | Deferred: | | | | | |
| Federal | 9,684 |
| | (11,184 | ) | | 87,801 |
| Federal | 16,553 | | | (7,459) | | | (27,874) | |
| State and local | 2,018 |
| | (3,328 | ) | | 4,600 |
| State and local | 704 | | | (1,775) | | | (1,165) | |
| Foreign | 34,983 |
| | 49,851 |
| | 801 |
| Foreign | 1,535 | | | (18,232) | | | 75,113 | |
| Subtotal | 46,685 |
| | 35,339 |
| | 93,202 |
| Subtotal | 18,792 | | | (27,466) | | | 46,074 | |
| Provision for income taxes | $ | (53,850 | ) | | $ | (45,451 | ) | | $ | (23,224 | ) | |
| Income tax expense | | Income tax expense | $ | (146,151) | | | $ | (185,352) | | | $ | (67,679) | |
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, 20162020, 2019 and 2015.
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
2018.
The fiscal 2017, 20162020, 2019, and 20152018 income tax expensebenefit (expenses) differed from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate of 35%21% to pre-tax income as a result of the following for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| Federal tax at statutory rate | $ | (109,906) | | | $ | (145,445) | | | $ | (90,938) | |
| State and local tax (expense) benefit | 2,071 | | | (5,852) | | | (3,616) | |
| Deferred tax assets generated in current year not benefited | (12,852) | | | (5,398) | | | (3,777) | |
| Foreign income tax rate differential | (16,364) | | | (11,610) | | | (4,072) | |
| Non-deductible expenses | (4,427) | | | (1,021) | | | (756) | |
| Stock-based compensation expense | (954) | | | (2,105) | | | (2,308) | |
| Change in valuation allowance | 390 | | | (2,870) | | | 38,684 | |
| Foreign financing activities | (11,743) | | | (18,738) | | | (17,548) | |
| Loss on divestments | 0 | | | (3,277) | | | 0 | |
| Uncertain tax positions reserve | (38,014) | | | (35,724) | | | (20,440) | |
| Tax adjustments related to REIT | 50,107 | | | 63,614 | | | 32,189 | |
| Change in deferred tax adjustments | (136) | | | (10,574) | | | 0 | |
| Other, net | (4,323) | | | (6,352) | | | 4,903 | |
| Total income tax expense | $ | (146,151) | | | $ | (185,352) | | | $ | (67,679) | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2017 | | 2016 | | 2015 |
| Federal tax at statutory rate | $ | (100,391 | ) | | $ | (55,951 | ) | | $ | (73,849 | ) |
| State and local tax (expense) benefit | 1,000 |
| | (4,895 | ) | | 945 |
|
| Deferred tax assets generated in current year not benefited | (7,643 | ) | | (6,246 | ) | | (4,916 | ) |
| Foreign income tax rate differential | 26,151 |
| | 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 activities | 1,319 |
| | (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 REIT | 41,973 |
| | 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 theThe Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("TCJA"), which was signed into law on December 22,of 2017 contains many significant changes to the existingincluded a Global 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 laws. Among other things, the TCJA reduces the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018, limits the tax deductibility of interest expense, accelerates expensing of certain business assets and transitions 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 2017on GILTI inclusions as a provisional amount 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 in the fourth quarter of 2018. Any adjustments to these provisional amounts will be reported as a component of tax expense (benefit) in the reportingcurrent period when such adjustments are determined.
The TCJA mandates a one-time deemed repatriation of undistributed foreign earnings, which will increase the Company’s 2017 taxable income, 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 previouslycost 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 foreign 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
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
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.
EQUINIX, INC.
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):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2020 | | 2019 (1) |
| Deferred tax assets: | | | |
| Stock-based compensation expense | $ | 5,583 | | | $ | 2,675 | |
| Unrealized losses | 17,268 | | | 6,492 | |
| Lease liabilities | 214,560 | | | 189,951 | |
| Loss carryforwards and tax credits | 117,150 | | | 59,735 | |
| Others, net | 14,976 | | | 8,500 | |
| Gross deferred tax assets | 369,537 | | | 267,353 | |
| Valuation allowance | (82,344) | | | (57,812) | |
| Total deferred tax assets, net | 287,193 | | | 209,541 | |
| Deferred tax liabilities: | | | |
Property, plant and equipment (2) | (346,916) | | | (271,262) | |
| Deferred income | (31,538) | | | (5,248) | |
| Intangible assets | (132,681) | | | (144,404) | |
| Total deferred tax liabilities | (511,135) | | | (420,914) | |
| Net deferred tax liabilities | $ | (223,942) | | | $ | (211,373) | |
|
| | | | | | | |
| | 2017 | | 2016 |
| Deferred tax assets: | | | |
| Reserves and accruals | $ | 27,673 |
| | $ | 11,276 |
|
| Stock-based compensation expense | 1,960 |
| | 1,752 |
|
| Unrealized losses | 10,768 |
| | — |
|
| Operating loss carryforwards | 95,864 |
| | 37,594 |
|
| Others, net | — |
| | 5 |
|
| Gross deferred tax assets | 136,265 |
| | 50,627 |
|
| Valuation allowance | (84,573 | ) | | (29,167 | ) |
| Total deferred tax assets, net | 51,692 |
| | 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 | ) |
(1) The prior year amounts presented in the table above have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation.
(2) Property, plant and equipment included the net deferred tax liabilities related to operating and finance lease ROU assets.
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$2.0 billion as of December 31, 2017.
2020.
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 taxtaxing 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, 2017.2020. 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 taxing jurisdictions as these deferred tax assets are not expected to be realizable in the foreseeable future.
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
Changes in the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 20152018 are as follows (in thousands):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2017 | | 2016 | | 2015 |
| Beginning balance | $ | 29,167 |
| | $ | 29,894 |
| | $ | 27,181 |
|
| Amounts from acquisitions | 25,283 |
| | 5,053 |
| | — |
|
| Amounts recognized into income | 716 |
| | (11,995 | ) | | (710 | ) |
| Current increase | 28,431 |
| | 6,557 |
| | 4,513 |
|
| Impact of foreign currency exchange | 976 |
| | (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.
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| Beginning balance | $ | 57,812 | | | $ | 57,003 | | | $ | 84,573 | |
| Amounts from acquisitions | 5,777 | | | (2,707) | | | 33,070 | |
| Divested balances | 0 | | | (351) | | | 0 | |
| Amounts recognized into income | (390) | | | 2,870 | | | (38,684) | |
| Current increase (decrease) | 15,044 | | | 697 | | | (13,086) | |
| Impact of foreign currency exchange | 4,101 | | | 300 | | | (8,870) | |
| Ending balance | $ | 82,344 | | | $ | 57,812 | | | $ | 57,003 | |
The Company’sCompany's NOL carryforwards for federal, state and foreign tax purposes which expire, if not utilized, at various intervals from 2018,2021, are outlined below (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Expiration Date | | Federal (1) | | State | | Foreign (2) (3) | | Total |
| 2021 | | $ | 110,035 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 1,580 | | | $ | 111,615 | |
| 2022 to 2024 | | 46,827 | | | 0 | | | 17,829 | | | 64,656 | |
| 2025 to 2027 | | 13,005 | | | 0 | | | 34,561 | | | 47,566 | |
| 2028 to 2030 | | 0 | | | 0 | | | 32,393 | | | 32,393 | |
| 2031 to 2033 | | 0 | | | 767 | | | 0 | | | 767 | |
| 2034 to 2036 | | 4,246 | | | 2,088 | | | 3,807 | | | 10,141 | |
| Thereafter | | 152,495 | | | 38,929 | | | 399,501 | | | 590,925 | |
| | $ | 326,608 | | | $ | 41,784 | | | $ | 489,671 | | | $ | 858,063 | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 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 |
|
__________________________
| | |
(1) | The total amount of NOL carryforwards that will not be available to offset the Company’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. |
(1)The total amount of NOL carryforwards that will not be available to offset the Company's future taxable income after dividend paid deduction due to Section 382 limitations was $165.1 million 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, 2020, the Company had tax credit carryforwards of $8.3 million, which expire, if not utilized, from 2021 to 2031. The Company also had capital losses of $8.0 million, which can be carried forward indefinitely.
The beginning and ending balances of the Company's unrecognized tax benefits are reconciled below for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):
| | | | 2017 | | 2016 | | 2015 | | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| Beginning balance | $ | 72,187 |
| | $ | 30,845 |
| | $ | 36,138 |
| Beginning balance | $ | 173,726 | | | $ | 150,930 | | | $ | 82,390 | |
| Gross increases related to prior year tax positions | 6,095 |
| | 570 |
| | — |
| Gross increases related to prior year tax positions | 14,732 | | | 0 | | | 33,436 | |
| Gross decreases related to prior year tax positions | — |
| | — |
| | (8,645 | ) | Gross decreases related to prior year tax positions | 0 | | | (1,160) | | | 0 | |
| Gross increases related to current year tax positions | 19,832 |
| | 41,972 |
| | 4,802 |
| Gross increases related to current year tax positions | 29,149 | | | 31,332 | | | 48,685 | |
| Decreases resulting from expiration of statute of limitation | (15,410 | ) | | (826 | ) | | (1,450 | ) | Decreases resulting from expiration of statute of limitation | (6,518) | | | (2,112) | | | (1,276) | |
| Decreases resulting from settlements | (314 | ) | | (374 | ) | | — |
| Decreases resulting from settlements | (3,330) | | | (5,264) | | | (12,305) | |
| Ending balance | $ | 82,390 |
| | $ | 72,187 |
| | $ | 30,845 |
| Ending balance | $ | 207,759 | | | $ | 173,726 | | | $ | 150,930 | |
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$21.3 million, $14.2 million, and $4.4$8.4 million for interest and penalties as of December 31, 20172020, 2019 and 2016,2018, respectively.
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
The unrecognized tax benefits of $82.4$207.8 million as of December 31, 2017,2020, of which $33.8 million is subject to an indemnification agreement, if subsequently recognized, will affect the Company's effective tax rate favorably at the time when such a benefit is recognized.
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 20142017 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.
14.15. Commitments and Contingencies
Purchase Commitments
Primarily asAs a result of the Company’sCompany's various IBX data center expansion projects, as of December 31, 2017,2020, the Company was contractually committed for $508.2 millionapproximately $1.1 billion of unaccrued capital expenditures, primarily for IBX infrastructure 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, theThe Company also had numerous other, non-capital purchase commitments in place as of December 31, 2017,2020, such as commitments to purchase power in select locations primarily in select locations through 20182021 and thereafter, and
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
other open purchase orders for goods, or services to be delivered or provided during 20182021 and thereafter. Such other miscellaneous purchase commitments totaled $643.6 million$1.3 billion as of December 31, 2017.2020. In addition, the Company entered into lease agreements for various locations that have not yet commenced as of December 31, 2020. For further information on lease commitments, see Note 10 above.
Equity Contribution Commitments
In connection with the EMEA Joint Venture closed in October 2019, the Company committed to make future equity contributions to the EMEA Joint Venture. As of December 31, 2020, the Company had future equity contribution commitments of €13.8 million and £6.6 million, or $25.8 million in total at the exchange rate in effect on December 31, 2020.
The Company also committed to make future equity contributions to the Asia-Pacific Joint Venture, which was closed on December 17, 2020. As of December 31, 2020, the Company had future equity contribution commitments of ¥6.3 billion, or $60.7 million in total at the exchange rate in effect on December 31, 2020.
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, assessed value by the assessor's office, 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
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
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 Brazil and France. The outcomefinal results of any examinations cannotthese audits and the outcomes of the appeals are uncertain and may not be predicted with certainty.resolved 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, 2017.2020.
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.
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
2020.
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,
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
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, 2017.2020.
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, 2017.2020.
15.16. Related Party Transactions
EMEA Joint Venture
As described in Note 5 above, the Company sold certain data center facilities in Europe to the EMEA Joint Venture in October 2019 and recognized a gain on asset sale of $45.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2019. In December 2020, the Company sold the PA9 data center to its EMEA Joint Venture and recognized an insignificant loss on the sale. For further information on the sale of data center transactions, see Note 5 above.
In 2019, the Company also entered into a sub-lease agreement with the EMEA Joint Venture to sub-lease a portion of Equinix's London ("LD") 10-2 data center or former LD10 data center, for 15 years. The Company accounted for the lease of the LD10-2 data center as a finance lease. As of December 31, 2020, the Company recorded a finance lease ROU asset of £94.7 million and liability of £97.3 million, or approximately $127.2 million and $130.8 million, respectively, at the exchange rate in effect on December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2019, the ROU asset and liability was £103.2 million, or approximately $136.7 million at the exchange rate in effect on December 31, 2019. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recorded £11.1 million, or approximately $14.9 million at the exchange rate in effect as of December 31, 2020, of rent expense for the LD10-2 data center. For the year ended December 31, 2019, the rent expense for the data center was insignificant.
In 2019, the Company also entered an agreement to lease to the EMEA Joint Venture a portion of land at its Frankfurt 2 data center site (or referred to as the Frankfurt 9 xScaleTM data center) 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, 2020, the lease has not commenced yet and the Company recorded €14.1 million, or approximately $17.3 million at the exchange rate in effect as of December 31, 2020, of other liabilities in connection with the construction of the Frankfurt 9 xScaleTM data center.
The Company provides various services to the EMEA Joint Venture through multiple agreements, including sales and marketing, development management, facilities management, and asset management services. During the year ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company had $6.5 million and $7.2 million, respectively, in total of receivables from the EMEA Joint Venture. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the total revenue recorded from these services was $21.3 million. For the year ended December 31, 2019, the total revenue recorded from these services was insignificant. See Note 6 above for more information on the EMEA Joint Venture. The transactions with the EMEA Joint Venture are generally considered to have been negotiated arm's length.
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
Asia-Pacific Joint Venture
In December 2020, the Company also sold certain data center facilities in Asia-Pacific region to the Asia-Pacific Joint Venture and recognized an insignificant gain on assets sale during the year ended December 31, 2020. For See Note 5 above for more information on the transaction.
In connection with the Asia-Pacific Joint Venture investment, the Company also entered several agreements to provide various services to the Asia-Pacific Joint Venture, including portfolio management, sales and marketing, development, and facilities management services. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company had ¥1.7 billion or $16.9 million, in total at the exchange rate in effect on December 31, 2020, of receivables from the Asia-Pacific Joint Venture. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the total revenue recorded from these services and the accounts payable was insignificant. See Note 6 above for more information on the Asia-Pacific Joint Venture. The transactions with the Asia-Pacific Joint Venture are generally considered to have been negotiated arm's length.
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 other related party transactions was as follows (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Years ended December 31, |
| 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| Revenues | $ | 95,264 | | | $ | 25,905 | | | $ | 19,439 | |
| Costs and services | 10,849 | | | 15,844 | | | 19,708 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| As of December 31, |
| 2020 | | 2019 |
| Accounts receivable | $ | 6,519 | | | $ | 3,345 | |
| Accounts payable | — | | | 800 | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Years ended December 31, |
| | 2017 | | 2016 | | 2015 |
| Revenues | $ | 13,726 |
| | $ | 11,822 |
| | $ | 10,745 |
|
| Costs and services | 11,211 |
| | 14,574 |
| | 10,808 |
|
|
| | | | | | | |
| | As of December 31, |
| | 2017 | | 2016 |
| Accounts receivable | $ | 1,321 |
| | $ | 1,109 |
|
| Accounts payable | 744 |
| | 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.
16.17. Segment Information
While the Company has a singleone primary 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. The Company’sCompany'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 based on these three3 reportable segments.
The following tables present revenue information disaggregated by service lines and geographic areas (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2020 |
| Americas (2) | | EMEA | | Asia-Pacific | | Total |
Colocation (1) | $ | 1,820,709 | | | $ | 1,504,770 | | | $ | 933,522 | | | $ | 4,259,001 | |
| Interconnection | 622,327 | | | 213,490 | | | 187,441 | | | 1,023,258 | |
| Managed infrastructure | 120,159 | | | 127,722 | | | 89,464 | | | 337,345 | |
Other (1) | 19,605 | | | 18,738 | | | 83 | | | 38,426 | |
| Recurring revenues | 2,582,800 | | | 1,864,720 | | | 1,210,510 | | | 5,658,030 | |
| Non-recurring revenues | 124,958 | | | 131,669 | | | 83,888 | | | 340,515 | |
| Total | $ | 2,707,758 | | | $ | 1,996,389 | | | $ | 1,294,398 | | | $ | 5,998,545 | |
(1) Includes some leasing and hedging activities.
(2) Includes revenues of $2.5 billion attributed to the U.S.
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 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 | |
| Interconnection | 576,709 | | | 161,552 | | | 155,328 | | | 893,589 | |
| Managed infrastructure | 90,262 | | | 113,631 | | | 88,735 | | | 292,628 | |
Other (1) | 19,743 | | | 10,019 | | | 0 | | | 29,762 | |
| Recurring revenues | 2,456,368 | | | 1,680,746 | | | 1,101,072 | | | 5,238,186 | |
| Non-recurring revenues | 131,359 | | | 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.
(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 | |
| Interconnection | 532,163 | | | 138,874 | | | 130,928 | | | 801,965 | |
| Managed infrastructure | 75,595 | | | 118,685 | | | 85,352 | | | 279,632 | |
Other (1) | 16,570 | | | 8,164 | | | 0 | | | 24,734 | |
| Recurring revenues | 2,357,326 | | | 1,467,492 | | | 951,684 | | | 4,776,502 | |
| Non-recurring revenues | 127,408 | | | 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.
(2) Includes revenues of $2.3 billion attributed to the U.S.
No single customer accounted for 10% or greater of the Company's accounts receivable or revenues for the year ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018.
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):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| Adjusted EBITDA: | | | | | |
| Americas | $ | 1,186,022 | | | $ | 1,237,622 | | | $ | 1,183,831 | |
| EMEA | 974,246 | | | 827,980 | | | 698,280 | |
| Asia-Pacific | 692,630 | | | 622,125 | | | 531,129 | |
| Total adjusted EBITDA | 2,852,898 | | | 2,687,727 | | | 2,413,240 | |
| Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense | (1,427,010) | | | (1,285,296) | | | (1,226,741) | |
| Stock-based compensation expense | (311,020) | | | (236,539) | | | (180,716) | |
| Transaction costs | (55,935) | | | (24,781) | | | (34,413) | |
| Impairment charges | (7,306) | | | (15,790) | | | 0 | |
| Gain on asset sales | 1,301 | | | 44,310 | | | 6,013 | |
| Income from operations | $ | 1,052,928 | | | $ | 1,169,631 | | | $ | 977,383 | |
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2017 | | 2016 | | 2015 |
| Adjusted EBITDA: | | | | | |
| Americas | $ | 1,034,694 |
| | $ | 787,311 |
| | $ | 698,604 |
|
| EMEA | 582,697 |
| | 494,263 |
| | 318,561 |
|
| Asia-Pacific | 434,650 |
| | 375,900 |
| | 254,462 |
|
| Total adjusted EBITDA | 2,052,041 |
| | 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):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| Depreciation and amortization: | | | | | |
| Americas | $ | 729,611 | | | $ | 669,498 | | | $ | 636,214 | |
| EMEA | 389,332 | | | 353,765 | | | 355,895 | |
| Asia-Pacific | 304,426 | | | 261,574 | | | 235,380 | |
| Total | $ | 1,423,369 | | | $ | 1,284,837 | | | $ | 1,227,489 | |
| | | | | |
| Capital expenditures: | | | | | |
| Americas | $ | 866,989 | | | $ | 805,360 | | | $ | 773,514 | |
| EMEA | 888,239 | | | 733,326 | | | 884,790 | |
| Asia-Pacific | 527,276 | | | 540,835 | | | 437,870 | |
| Total | $ | 2,282,504 | | | $ | 2,079,521 | | | $ | 2,096,174 | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2017 | | 2016 | | 2015 |
| Total revenues: | | | | | |
Americas(1) | $ | 2,172,760 |
| | $ | 1,679,549 |
| | $ | 1,512,535 |
|
| EMEA | 1,346,256 |
| | 1,171,339 |
| | 698,807 |
|
| Asia-Pacific | 849,412 |
| | 761,101 |
| | 514,525 |
|
| | $ | 4,368,428 |
| | $ | 3,611,989 |
| | $ | 2,725,867 |
|
| | | | | | |
| Total depreciation and amortization: | | | | | |
| Americas | $ | 515,726 |
| | $ | 319,202 |
| | $ | 278,216 |
|
| EMEA | 316,250 |
| | 313,291 |
| | 117,655 |
|
| Asia-Pacific | 210,504 |
| | 204,714 |
| | 129,709 |
|
| | $ | 1,042,480 |
| | $ | 837,207 |
| | $ | 525,580 |
|
| | | | | | |
| Capital expenditures: | | | | | |
| Americas | $ | 621,158 |
| | $ | 503,855 |
| | $ | 401,685 |
|
| EMEA | 555,346 |
| | 400,642 |
| | 202,322 |
|
| Asia-Pacific | 202,221 |
| | 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):
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2020 | | 2019 |
Americas (1) | $ | 6,429,861 | | | $ | 5,400,287 | |
| EMEA | 5,002,271 | | | 4,051,701 | |
| Asia-Pacific | 3,070,952 | | | 2,700,609 | |
| Total Property, plant and equipment, net | $ | 14,503,084 | | | $ | 12,152,597 | |
|
| | | | | | | |
| | 2017 | | 2016 |
Americas (1) | $ | 4,425,077 |
| | $ | 3,339,518 |
|
| EMEA | 3,265,088 |
| | 2,355,943 |
|
| Asia-Pacific | 1,704,437 |
| | 1,503,749 |
|
| | $ | 9,394,602 |
| | $ | 7,199,210 |
|
_________________________
| | |
(1) | Includes $4.0 billion and $3.0 billion, respectively, of long-lived assets |
(1)Includes $5.2 billion and $4.8 billion, respectively, of property, plant and equipment, net attributed to the U.S. as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.
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, 20162020 and 2015 (in thousands):2019.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2020 | | 2019 |
Americas (1) | $ | 363,515 | | | $ | 387,598 | |
| EMEA | 547,547 | | | 521,129 | |
| Asia-Pacific | 563,995 | | | 566,640 | |
| Total Operating lease right-of-use assets | $ | 1,475,057 | | | $ | 1,475,367 | |
(1)Includes $334.7 million and $373.7 million of operating lease ROU assets attributed to the U.S. as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2017 | | 2016 | | 2015 |
| Colocation | $ | 3,178,145 |
| | $ | 2,647,094 |
| | $ | 2,019,875 |
|
| Interconnection | 681,173 |
| | 543,045 |
| | 441,749 |
|
| Managed infrastructure | 245,169 |
| | 210,292 |
| | 96,836 |
|
| Rental | 15,633 |
| | 16,943 |
| | 10,681 |
|
| Recurring revenues | 4,120,120 |
| | 3,417,374 |
| | 2,569,141 |
|
| Non-recurring revenues | 248,308 |
| | 194,615 |
| | 156,726 |
|
| | $ | 4,368,428 |
| | $ | 3,611,989 |
| | $ | 2,725,867 |
|
17.18. Subsequent Events
On February 14, 2018,10, 2021, the Company's Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $2.28$2.87 per share, which is payable on March 21, 201817, 2021 to the Company’sCompany's common stockholders of record as of the close of business on February 26, 2018.24, 2021.
On February 11, 2018, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire 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. The transaction is expected to close in mid-2018, subject to satisfaction of closing conditions. The Company will account for this transaction as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting.
18.19. 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’s
EQUINIX, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
Company'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.
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 profit | 480,564 |
| | 544,218 |
| | 569,901 |
| | 580,596 |
|
| Net income | 42,062 |
| | 45,805 |
| | 79,900 |
| | 65,215 |
|
| EPS | | | | | | | |
| Basic EPS | 0.58 |
| | 0.59 |
| | 1.02 |
| | 0.83 |
|
| Diluted EPS | 0.57 |
| | 0.58 |
| | 1.02 |
| | 0.82 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2020 |
| Quarters Ended |
| March 31 | | June 30 | | September 30 | | December 31 |
| Revenues | $ | 1,444,542 | | | $ | 1,470,121 | | | $ | 1,519,767 | | | $ | 1,564,115 | |
| Gross profit | 708,260 | | | 730,777 | | | 751,788 | | | 733,380 | |
| Net income attributable to Equinix | 118,792 | | | 133,304 | | | 66,687 | | | 50,994 | |
| | | | | | | |
| Earnings per share attributable to Equinix: | | | | | | | |
| Basic | 1.39 | | | 1.53 | | | 0.75 | | | 0.57 | |
| Diluted | 1.38 | | | 1.52 | | | 0.74 | | | 0.57 | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2016 |
| | Quarters Ended |
| | March 31 | | June 30 | | September 30 | | December 31 |
| Revenues | $ | 844,156 |
| | $ | 900,510 |
| | $ | 924,676 |
| | $ | 942,647 |
|
| Gross profit | 416,476 |
| | 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 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 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 profit | 681,188 | | | 686,798 | | | 692,471 | | | 691,499 | |
| Net income attributable to Equinix | 118,078 | | | 143,527 | | | 120,850 | | | 124,995 | |
| | | | | | | |
| Earnings per share attributable to Equinix: | | | | | | | |
| Basic | 1.44 | | | 1.70 | | | 1.42 | | | 1.47 | |
| Diluted | 1.44 | | | 1.69 | | | 1.41 | | | 1.46 | |
EQUINIX INC.
SCHEDULE III-III - SCHEDULE OF REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
DECEMBER 31, 20172020
(Dollars in Thousands)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 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) |
| Americas: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| AT1 ATLANTA (METRO) | $0 | | $0 | | $0 | | $0 | | $149,726 | | $0 | | $149,726 | | $(71,990) | | | | 2010 |
| AT2 ATLANTA (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | — | | 0 | | 38,752 | | 0 | | 38,752 | | (25,341) | | | | 2010 |
| AT3 ATLANTA (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 4,453 | | 0 | | 4,453 | | (2,920) | | | | 2010 |
| AT4 ATLANTA (METRO) | 0 | | 5,400 | | 20,209 | | 0 | | 19,094 | | 5,400 | | 39,303 | | (11,019) | | | | 2017 |
| AT5 ATLANTA (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 5,011 | | 0 | | 2,085 | | 0 | | 7,096 | | (4,093) | | | | 2017 |
| BG1 BOGOTÁ (METRO), COLOMBIA | 0 | | 0 | | 8,779 | | 869 | | 6,723 | | 869 | | 15,502 | | (4,376) | | | | 2017 |
| BO1 BOSTON (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 6,128 | | 0 | | 6,128 | | (6,128) | | | | 2010 |
| BO2 BOSTON (METRO) | 0 | | 2,500 | | 30,383 | | 0 | | 34,228 | | 2,500 | | 64,611 | | (12,739) | | | | 2017 |
| CH1 CHICAGO (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 159,193 | | 0 | | 159,193 | | (101,581) | | | | 1999 |
| CH2 CHICAGO (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 115,685 | | 0 | | 115,685 | | (66,162) | | | | 2005 |
| CH3 CHICAGO (METRO) | 0 | | 9,759 | | 0 | | 351 | | 341,835 | | 10,110 | | 341,835 | | (137,686) | | | | 2006 |
| CH4 CHICAGO (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 22,322 | | 0 | | 22,322 | | (13,361) | | | | 2009 |
| CH7 CHICAGO (METRO) | 0 | | 670 | | 10,564 | | 0 | | 6,790 | | 670 | | 17,354 | | (5,145) | | | | 2017 |
| CL1 CALGARY (METRO), CANADA | 0 | | 0 | | 11,572 | | 0 | | 480 | | 0 | | 12,052 | | (434) | | | | 2020 |
| CL2 CALGARY (METRO), CANADA | 0 | | 0 | | 14,145 | | 0 | | 529 | | 0 | | 14,674 | | (765) | | | | 2020 |
| CL3 CALGARY (METRO), CANADA | 0 | | 7,910 | | 69,334 | | 327 | | 2,954 | | 8,237 | | 72,288 | | (1,321) | | | | 2020 |
| CU1 CULPEPER (METRO) | 0 | | 1,019 | | 37,581 | | 0 | | 4,871 | | 1,019 | | 42,452 | | (14,421) | | | | 2017 |
| CU2 CULPEPER (METRO) | 0 | | 1,244 | | 48,000 | | 0 | | 11,928 | | 1,244 | | 59,928 | | (15,169) | | | | 2017 |
| CU3 CULPEPER (METRO) | 0 | | 1,088 | | 37,387 | | 0 | | 2,521 | | 1,088 | | 39,908 | | (11,474) | | | | 2017 |
| CU4 CULPEPER (METRO) | 0 | | 1,372 | | 27,832 | | 0 | | 34,465 | | 1,372 | | 62,297 | | (9,689) | | | | 2017 |
| DA1 DALLAS (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 66,965 | | 0 | | 66,965 | | (40,362) | | | | 2000 |
| DA2 DALLAS (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 81,465 | | 0 | | 81,465 | | (32,195) | | | | 2010 |
| DA3 DALLAS (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 97,116 | | 0 | | 97,116 | | (41,659) | | | | 2010 |
| DA4 DALLAS (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 16,354 | | 0 | | 16,354 | | (8,639) | | | | 2010 |
| DA6 DALLAS (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 20,522 | | 0 | | 169,212 | | 0 | | 189,734 | | (39,429) | | | | 2012 |
| DA7 DALLAS (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 30,166 | | 0 | | 30,166 | | (13,438) | | | | 2015 |
| DA9 DALLAS (METRO) | 0 | | 610 | | 15,398 | | 0 | | 4,922 | | 610 | | 20,320 | | (6,383) | | | | 2017 |
| DA10 DALLAS (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 117 | | 0 | | 4,652 | | 0 | | 4,769 | | (4,509) | | | | 2017 |
| DA11 DALLAS (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 149,413 | | 0 | | 149,413 | | (3,357) | | | | 2018 |
| INFOMART BUILDING DALLAS (METRO) | 0 | | 24,380 | | 337,643 | | 3,293 | | 19,306 | | 27,673 | | 356,949 | | (31,254) | | | | 2018 |
| DC1 WASHINGTON, DC (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 5,074 | | 0 | | 5,074 | | (1,724) | | | | 1999 |
| DC2 WASHINGTON, DC (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 5,047 | | 125,215 | | 5,047 | | 125,215 | | (96,720) | | | | 1999 |
| DC3 WASHINGTON, DC (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 37,451 | | 0 | | 48,143 | | 0 | | 85,594 | | (52,185) | | | | 2004 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 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) |
| Americas: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| AT1 ATLANTA (METRO) | — | | — | | — | | — | | 123,655 | | — | | 123,655 | | (42,278) | | N/A | | 2010 |
| AT2 ATLANTA (METRO) | — | | — | | — | | — | | 42,574 | | — | | 42,574 | | (20,048) | | N/A | | 2010 |
| AT3 ATLANTA (METRO) | — | | — | | — | | — | | 4,095 | | — | | 4,095 | | (1,678) | | N/A | | 2010 |
| AT4 ATLANTA (METRO) | — | | 5,400 | | 20,209 | | — | | 1,823 | | 5,400 | | 22,032 | | (2,955) | | 2017 | | 2017 |
| AT5 ATLANTA (METRO) | — | | — | | 5,011 | | — | | 1,552 | | — | | 6,563 | | (1,029) | | 2017 | | 2017 |
| BG1 BOGOTÁ (METRO), COLOMBIA | — | | — | | 8,779 | | — | | 409 | | — | | 9,188 | | (769) | | 2017 | | 2017 |
| BO1 BOSTON (METRO) | — | | — | | — | | — | | 11,185 | | — | | 11,185 | | (6,713) | | N/A | | 2010 |
| BO2 BOSTON (METRO) | — | | 2,500 | | 30,383 | | — | | 214 | | 2,500 | | 30,597 | | (2,917) | | 2017 | | 2017 |
| CH1 CHICAGO (METRO) | — | | — | | — | | — | | 161,324 | | — | | 161,324 | | (103,562) | | 2001 | | 1999 |
| CH2 CHICAGO (METRO) | — | | — | | — | | — | | 108,257 | | — | | 108,257 | | (53,744) | | 2005 | | 2005 |
| CH3 CHICAGO (METRO) | — | | 9,759 | | — | | 351 | | 279,869 | | 10,110 | | 279,869 | | (99,791) | | 2007 | | 2006 |
| CH4 CHICAGO (METRO) | — | | — | | — | | — | | 21,976 | | — | | 21,976 | | (9,792) | | 2010 | | 2009 |
| CH7 CHICAGO (METRO) | — | | 670 | | 10,564 | | — | | 88 | | 670 | | 10,652 | | (1,046) | | 2017 | | 2017 |
| CU1 CULPEPER (METRO) | — | | 1,019 | | 37,581 | | — | | 311 | | 1,019 | | 37,892 | | (2,788) | | 2017 | | 2017 |
| CU2 CULPEPER (METRO) | — | | 1,244 | | 48,000 | | — | | 367 | | 1,244 | | 48,367 | | (3,254) | | 2017 | | 2017 |
| CU3 CULPEPER (METRO) | — | | 1,088 | | 37,387 | | — | | 54 | | 1,088 | | 37,441 | | (2,437) | | 2017 | | 2017 |
| CU4 CULPEPER (METRO) | — | | 1,372 | | 27,832 | | — | | 1,963 | | 1,372 | | 29,795 | | (1,285) | | 2017 | | 2017 |
| DA1 DALLAS (METRO) | — | | — | | — | | — | | 74,900 | | — | | 74,900 | | (48,583) | | 2000 | | 2000 |
| DA2 DALLAS (METRO) | — | | — | | — | | — | | 78,659 | | — | | 78,659 | | (21,955) | | 2011 | | 2010 |
| DA3 DALLAS (METRO) | — | | — | | — | | — | | 92,408 | | — | | 92,408 | | (30,450) | | N/A | | 2010 |
| DA4 DALLAS (METRO) | — | | — | | — | | — | | 18,010 | | — | | 18,010 | | (8,616) | | N/A | | 2010 |
| DA6 DALLAS (METRO) | — | | — | | 20,522 | | — | | 110,282 | | — | | 130,804 | | (16,735) | | 2013 | | 2012 |
| DA7 DALLAS (METRO) | — | | — | | — | | — | | 26,888 | | — | | 26,888 | | (4,964) | | 2015 | | 2015 |
| DA9 DALLAS (METRO) | — | | 610 | | 15,398 | | — | | 89 | | 610 | | 15,487 | | (1,191) | | 2017 | | 2017 |
| DA10 DALLAS (METRO) | — | | — | | 117 | | — | | 4,535 | | — | | 4,652 | | (349) | | 2017 | | 2017 |
| DC1 WASHINGTON, DC (METRO) | — | | — | | — | | — | | 2,435 | | — | | 2,435 | | (574) | | 2007 | | 1999 |
| DC2 WASHINGTON, DC (METRO) | — | | — | | — | | 5,047 | | 158,709 | | 5,047 | | 158,709 | | (128,668) | | 1999 | | 1999 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 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) |
| DC4 WASHINGTON, DC (METRO) | 0 | | 1,906 | | 7,272 | | 0 | | 72,988 | | 1,906 | | 80,260 | | (56,626) | | | | 2005 |
| DC5 WASHINGTON, DC (METRO) | 0 | | 1,429 | | 4,983 | | 0 | | 91,964 | | 1,429 | | 96,947 | | (66,813) | | | | 2005 |
| DC6 WASHINGTON, DC (METRO) | 0 | | 1,429 | | 5,082 | | 0 | | 91,392 | | 1,429 | | 96,474 | | (51,457) | | | | 2005 |
| DC7 WASHINGTON, DC (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 19,065 | | 0 | | 19,065 | | (13,307) | | | | 2010 |
| DC10 WASHINGTON, DC (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 44,601 | | 0 | | 82,413 | | 0 | | 127,014 | | (84,550) | | | | 2011 |
| DC11 WASHINGTON, DC (METRO) | 0 | | 1,429 | | 5,082 | | 0 | | 184,646 | | 1,429 | | 189,728 | | (61,598) | | | | 2005 |
| DC12 WASHINGTON, DC (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 101,783 | | 0 | | 79,537 | | 0 | | 181,320 | | (27,546) | | | | 2017 |
| DC13 WASHINGTON, DC (METRO) | 0 | | 5,500 | | 25,423 | | 0 | | 9,994 | | 5,500 | | 35,417 | | (12,830) | | | | 2017 |
| DC14 WASHINGTON, DC (METRO) | 0 | | 2,560 | | 33,511 | | 0 | | 14,108 | | 2,560 | | 47,619 | | (11,487) | | | | 2017 |
| DC15 WASHINGTON, DC (METRO) | 0 | | 1,965 | | 0 | | 0 | | 119,825 | | 1,965 | | 119,825 | | (5,662) | | | | 2018 |
| DC21 WASHINGTON, DC (METRO) | 0 | | 1,507 | | 0 | | 0 | | 93,873 | | 1,507 | | 93,873 | | (740) | | | | 2019 |
| DC97 WASHINGTON, DC (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 2,021 | | 0 | | 1,004 | | 0 | | 3,025 | | (1,521) | | | | 2017 |
| DE1 DENVER (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 9,721 | | 0 | | 9,721 | | (8,659) | | | | 2010 |
| DE2 DENVER (METRO) | 0 | | 5,240 | | 23,053 | | 0 | | 29,937 | | 5,240 | | 52,990 | | (14,648) | | | | 2017 |
| HO1 HOUSTON (METRO) | 0 | | 1,440 | | 23,780 | | 0 | | 32,344 | | 1,440 | | 56,124 | | (14,937) | | | | 2017 |
| KA1 KAMLOOPS (METRO), CANADA | 0 | | 2,991 | | 46,983 | | 123 | | 1,992 | | 3,114 | | 48,975 | | (785) | | | | 2020 |
| LA1 LOS ANGELES (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 108,749 | | 0 | | 108,749 | | (70,766) | | | | 1999 |
| LA2 LOS ANGELES (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 10,610 | | 0 | | 10,610 | | (8,958) | | | | 2000 |
| LA3 LOS ANGELES (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 34,727 | | 3,959 | | 21,167 | | 3,959 | | 55,894 | | (46,574) | | | | 2005 |
| LA4 LOS ANGELES (METRO) | 0 | | 19,333 | | 137,630 | | 0 | | 51,824 | | 19,333 | | 189,454 | | (94,090) | | | | 2009 |
| LA7 LOS ANGELES (METRO) | 0 | | 7,800 | | 33,621 | | 0 | | 48,002 | | 7,800 | | 81,623 | | (13,405) | | | | 2017 |
| MI1 MIAMI (METRO) | 0 | | 18,920 | | 127,194 | | 0 | | 99,480 | | 18,920 | | 226,674 | | (59,709) | | | | 2017 |
| MI2 MIAMI (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 22,581 | | 0 | | 22,581 | | (13,798) | | | | 2010 |
| MI3 MIAMI (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 33,162 | | 0 | | 33,162 | | (17,881) | | | | 2012 |
| MI6 MIAMI (METRO) | 0 | | 4,750 | | 23,017 | | 0 | | 8,943 | | 4,750 | | 31,960 | | (11,983) | | | | 2017 |
| MO1 MONTERREY (METRO), MEXICO | 0 | | 0 | | 2,572 | | 0 | | 3,278 | | 0 | | 5,850 | | (332) | | | | 2020 |
| MT1 MONTREAL (METRO), CANADA | 0 | | 0 | | 76,932 | | 0 | | 3,053 | | 0 | | 79,985 | | (1,731) | | | | 2020 |
| MX1 MEXICO CITY (METRO), MEXICO | 0 | | 1,090 | | 53,980 | | 0 | | 8,685 | | 1,090 | | 62,665 | | (3,891) | | | | 2020 |
| MX2 MEXICO CITY (METRO), MEXICO | 0 | | 1,090 | | 16,061 | | 0 | | 11,160 | | 1,090 | | 27,221 | | (896) | | | | 2020 |
| NY1 NEW YORK (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 71,191 | | 0 | | 71,191 | | (44,088) | | | | 1999 |
| NY2 NEW YORK (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 17,859 | | 205,092 | | 17,859 | | 205,092 | | (131,644) | | | | 2000 |
| NY4 NEW YORK (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 355,278 | | 0 | | 355,278 | | (199,915) | | | | 2006 |
| NY5 NEW YORK (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 277,162 | | 0 | | 277,162 | | (82,406) | | | | 2010 |
| NY6 NEW YORK (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 69,925 | | 0 | | 69,925 | | (15,436) | | | | 2010 |
| NY7 NEW YORK (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 24,660 | | 0 | | 168,391 | | 0 | | 193,051 | | (133,370) | | | | 2010 |
| NY8 NEW YORK (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 11,461 | | 0 | | 11,461 | | (8,879) | | | | 2010 |
| NY9 NEW YORK (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | — | | 0 | | 50,566 | | 0 | | 50,566 | | (35,782) | | | | 2010 |
| NY11 NEW YORK (METRO) | 0 | | 2,050 | | 58,717 | | 0 | | 13,134 | | 2,050 | | 71,851 | | (23,545) | | | | 2017 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 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) |
| 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 |
| DC7 WASHINGTON, DC (METRO) | — | | — | | — | | — | | 20,851 | | — | | 20,851 | | (11,503) | | N/A | | 2010 |
| DC8 WASHINGTON, DC (METRO) | — | | — | | — | | — | | 5,185 | | — | | 5,185 | | (4,739) | | N/A | | 2010 |
| DC10 WASHINGTON, DC (METRO) | — | | — | | 44,601 | | — | | 71,706 | | — | | 116,307 | | (41,225) | | 2012 | | 2011 |
| DC11 WASHINGTON, DC (METRO) | — | | 1,429 | | 5,082 | | — | | 175,361 | | 1,429 | | 180,443 | | (30,071) | | 2013 | | 2005 |
| DC12 WASHINGTON, DC (METRO) | — | | — | | 101,783 | | — | | 19,101 | | — | | 120,884 | | (1,869) | | 2017 | | 2017 |
| DC13 WASHINGTON, DC (METRO) | — | | 5,500 | | 25,423 | | — | | 364 | | 5,500 | | 25,787 | | (3,015) | | 2017 | | 2017 |
| DC14 WASHINGTON, DC (METRO) | — | | 2,560 | | 33,511 | | — | | 206 | | 2,560 | | 33,717 | | (2,330) | | 2017 | | 2017 |
| DC97 WASHINGTON, DC (METRO) | — | | — | | 2,021 | | — | | 141 | | — | | 2,162 | | (259) | | 2017 | | 2017 |
| DE1 DENVER (METRO) | — | | — | | — | | — | | 10,260 | | — | | 10,260 | | (7,172) | | N/A | | 2010 |
| DE2 DENVER (METRO) | — | | 5,240 | | 23,053 | | — | | 14,764 | | 5,240 | | 37,817 | | (3,814) | | 2017 | | 2017 |
| HO1 HOUSTON (METRO) | — | | 1,440 | | 23,780 | | — | | 3,996 | | 1,440 | | 27,776 | | (2,679) | | 2017 | | 2017 |
| LA1 LOS ANGELES (METRO) | — | | — | | — | | — | | 112,209 | | — | | 112,209 | | (64,914) | | 2000 | | 1999 |
| LA2 LOS ANGELES (METRO) | — | | — | | — | | — | | 11,066 | | — | | 11,066 | | (8,887) | | 2001 | | 2000 |
| LA3 LOS ANGELES (METRO) | — | | — | | 34,727 | | 3,959 | | 24,296 | | 3,959 | | 59,023 | | (45,521) | | 2005 | | 2005 |
| LA4 LOS ANGELES (METRO) | — | | 19,333 | | 137,630 | | — | | 29,032 | | 19,333 | | 166,662 | | (68,944) | | 2009 | | 2009 |
| LA7 LOS ANGELES (METRO) | — | | 7,800 | | 33,621 | | — | | 124 | | 7,800 | | 33,745 | | (2,544) | | 2017 | | 2017 |
| MI1 MIAMI (METRO) | — | | 18,920 | | 127,194 | | — | | 31,502 | | 18,920 | | 158,696 | | (11,253) | | 2017 | | 2017 |
| MI2 MIAMI (METRO) | — | | — | | — | | — | | 25,776 | | — | | 25,776 | | (11,815) | | N/A | | 2010 |
| MI3 MIAMI (METRO) | — | | — | | — | | — | | 31,148 | | — | | 31,148 | | (10,329) | | 2012 | | 2012 |
| MI6 MIAMI (METRO) | — | | 4,750 | | 23,017 | | — | | 1,538 | | 4,750 | | 24,555 | | (2,231) | | 2017 | | 2017 |
| NY1 NEW YORK (METRO) | — | | — | | — | | — | | 80,528 | | — | | 80,528 | | (45,712) | | 1999 | | 1999 |
| NY2 NEW YORK (METRO) | — | | — | | — | | 17,859 | | 199,508 | | 17,859 | | 199,508 | | (125,823) | | 2002 | | 2000 |
| NY4 NEW YORK (METRO) | — | | — | | — | | — | | 338,384 | | — | | 338,384 | | (167,338) | | 2007 | | 2006 |
| NY5 NEW YORK (METRO) | — | | — | | — | | — | | 254,899 | | — | | 254,899 | | (50,791) | | 2012 | | 2010 |
| NY6 NEW YORK (METRO) | — | | — | | — | | — | | 73,350 | | — | | 73,350 | | (8,658) | | 2015 | | 2010 |
| NY7 NEW YORK (METRO) | — | | — | | 24,660 | | — | | 146,688 | | — | | 171,348 | | (101,925) | | N/A | | 2010 |
| NY8 NEW YORK (METRO) | — | | — | | — | | — | | 12,188 | | — | | 12,188 | | (7,195) | | N/A | | 2010 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 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) |
| NY13 NEW YORK (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 31,603 | | 0 | | 6,488 | | 0 | | 38,091 | | (14,966) | | | | 2017 |
| OT1 OTTAWA (METRO), CANADA | 0 | | 1,586 | | 39,128 | | 61 | | 1,664 | | 1,647 | | 40,792 | | (688) | | | | 2020 |
| PH1 PHILADELPHIA (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 44,037 | | 0 | | 44,037 | | (18,883) | | | | 2010 |
| RJ1 RIO DE JANEIRO (METRO), BRAZIL | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 17,456 | | 0 | | 17,456 | | (13,090) | | | | 2011 |
| RJ2 RIO DE JANEIRO (METRO), BRAZIL | 0 | | 0 | | 2,012 | | 1,267 | | 52,127 | | 1,267 | | 54,139 | | (17,571) | | | | 2012 |
| SE2 SEATTLE (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 30,454 | | 0 | | 30,454 | | (23,345) | | | | 2010 |
| SE3 SEATTLE (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 1,760 | | 0 | | 99,988 | | 0 | | 101,748 | | (56,100) | | | | 2011 |
| SE4 SEATTLE (METRO) | 0 | | 4,000 | | 12,903 | | 0 | | 34,330 | | 4,000 | | 47,233 | | (8,025) | | | | 2017 |
| SJ1 SAINT JOHN (METRO), CANADA | 0 | | 162 | | 14,276 | | 7 | | 591 | | 169 | | 14,867 | | (305) | | | | 2020 |
| SP1 SÃO PAULO (METRO), BRAZIL | 0 | | 0 | | 10,188 | | 0 | | 15,875 | | 0 | | 26,063 | | (21,018) | | | | 2011 |
| SP2 SÃO PAULO (METRO), BRAZIL | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 3,083 | | 53,322 | | 3,083 | | 53,322 | | (41,337) | | | | 2011 |
| SP3 SÃO PAULO (METRO), BRAZIL | 0 | | 7,748 | | 72,997 | | 0 | | 46,935 | | 7,748 | | 119,932 | | (26,368) | | | | 2017 |
| SP4 SÃO PAULO (METRO), BRAZIL | 0 | | 0 | | 22,027 | | 0 | | 50,707 | | 0 | | 72,734 | | (8,830) | | | | 2017 |
| SP5 SÃO PAULO (METRO), BRAZIL | 0 | | 4,597 | | 37 | | 0 | | 4,432 | | 4,597 | | 4,469 | | (3) | | | | 2020 |
| SV1 SILICON VALLEY (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 15,545 | | 143,123 | | 15,545 | | 143,123 | | (96,427) | | | | 1999 |
| SV2 SILICON VALLEY (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 151,960 | | 0 | | 151,960 | | (92,409) | | | | 2003 |
| SV3 SILICON VALLEY (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 77,801 | | 0 | | 77,801 | | (38,319) | | | | 1999 |
| SV4 SILICON VALLEY (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 90,876 | | 0 | | 90,876 | | (26,253) | | | | 2005 |
| SV5 SILICON VALLEY (METRO) | 0 | | 6,238 | | 98,991 | | 0 | | 99,539 | | 6,238 | | 198,530 | | (82,024) | | | | 2010 |
| SV6 SILICON VALLEY (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 15,585 | | 0 | | 29,618 | | 0 | | 45,203 | | (37,953) | | | | 2010 |
| SV8 SILICON VALLEY (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 54,166 | | 0 | | 54,166 | | (35,901) | | | | 2010 |
| SV10 SILICON VALLEY (METRO) | 0 | | 12,646 | | 123,594 | | 0 | | 92,145 | | 12,646 | | 215,739 | | (31,147) | | | | 2017 |
| SV11 SILICON VALLEY (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 88,914 | | 0 | | 88,914 | | 0 | | | | 2019 |
| SV12 SILICON VALLEY (METRO) | 0 | | 20,313 | | 0 | | 0 | | 8,240 | | 20,313 | | 8,240 | | 0 | | | | 2015 |
| SV13 SILICON VALLEY (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 3,828 | | 0 | | 117 | | 0 | | 3,945 | | (3,016) | | | | 2017 |
| SV14 SILICON VALLEY (METRO) | 0 | | 3,638 | | 5,503 | | 0 | | 3,807 | | 3,638 | | 9,310 | | (2,503) | | | | 2017 |
| SV15 SILICON VALLEY (METRO) | 0 | | 7,651 | | 23,060 | | 0 | | 3,710 | | 7,651 | | 26,770 | | (8,071) | | | | 2017 |
| SV16 SILICON VALLEY (METRO) | 0 | | 4,271 | | 15,018 | | 0 | | 1,753 | | 4,271 | | 16,771 | | (5,408) | | | | 2017 |
| SV17 SILICON VALLEY (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 17,493 | | 0 | | 3,340 | | 0 | | 20,833 | | (13,269) | | | | 2017 |
| TR1 TORONTO (METRO), CANADA | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 91,618 | | 0 | | 91,618 | | (34,280) | | | | 2010 |
| TR2 TORONTO (METRO), CANADA | 0 | | 0 | | 21,113 | | 106,171 | | 135,300 | | 106,171 | | 156,413 | | (25,566) | | | | 2015 |
| TR4 TORONTO (METRO), CANADA | 0 | | 0 | | 13,985 | | 0 | | 593 | | 0 | | 14,578 | | (954) | | | | 2020 |
| TR5 MARKHAM (METRO), CANADA | 0 | | 0 | | 24,913 | | 0 | | 798 | | 0 | | 25,711 | | (1,020) | | | | 2020 |
| TR6 BRAMPTON (METRO), CANADA | 0 | | 9,386 | | 60,806 | | 388 | | 2,516 | | 9,774 | | 63,322 | | (831) | | | | 2020 |
| TR7 BRAMPTON (METRO), CANADA | 0 | | 12,098 | | 71,966 | | 500 | | 3,041 | | 12,598 | | 75,007 | | (1,462) | | | | 2020 |
| VA1 BURNABY (METRO), CANADA | 0 | | 0 | | 4,668 | | 0 | | 193 | | 0 | | 4,861 | | (113) | | | | 2020 |
| WI1 WINNIPEG (METRO), CANADA | 0 | | 0 | | 57,234 | | 0 | | 1,048 | | 0 | | 58,282 | | (441) | | | | 2020 |
OTHERS (5) | 0 | | 80,313 | | 49,891 | | 1,805 | | 39,954 | | 82,118 | | 89,845 | | (11,430) | | | | 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 Construction | | 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 |
| SE4 SEATTLE (METRO) | — | | 4,000 | | 12,903 | | — | | (112) | | 4,000 | | 12,791 | | (1,669) | | 2017 | | 2017 |
| SP1 SÃO PAULO (METRO), BRAZIL | — | | — | | 10,188 | | — | | 24,862 | | — | | 35,050 | | (21,485) | | 2011 | | 2011 |
| SP2 SÃO PAULO (METRO), BRAZIL | — | | — | | — | | — | | 85,948 | | — | | 85,948 | | (46,937) | | 2011 | | 2011 |
| SP3 SÃO PAULO (METRO), BRAZIL | — | | 12,148 | | 72,997 | | — | | 8,208 | | 12,148 | | 81,205 | | (5,011) | | 2017 | | 2017 |
| SP4 SÃO PAULO (METRO), BRAZIL | — | | — | | 24,633 | | — | | 1,572 | | — | | 26,205 | | (2,810) | | 2017 | | 2017 |
| SV1 SILICON VALLEY (METRO) | — | | — | | — | | 15,545 | | 162,162 | | 15,545 | | 162,162 | | (108,646) | | 1999 | | 1999 |
| SV2 SILICON VALLEY (METRO) | — | | — | | — | | — | | 150,653 | | — | | 150,653 | | (76,489) | | 2003 | | 2003 |
| SV3 SILICON VALLEY (METRO) | — | | — | | — | | — | | 45,592 | | — | | 45,592 | | (40,301) | | 2004 | | 1999 |
| SV4 SILICON VALLEY (METRO) | — | | — | | — | | — | | 27,184 | | — | | 27,184 | | (20,935) | | 2005 | | 2005 |
| SV5 SILICON VALLEY (METRO) | — | | 6,238 | | 98,991 | | — | | 90,853 | | 6,238 | | 189,844 | | (53,708) | | 2010 | | 2010 |
| SV6 SILICON VALLEY (METRO) | — | | — | | 15,585 | | — | | 22,785 | | — | | 38,370 | | (25,454) | | N/A | | 2010 |
| SV8 SILICON VALLEY (METRO) | — | | — | | — | | — | | 50,520 | | — | | 50,520 | | (26,134) | | N/A | | 2010 |
| SV10 SILICON VALLEY (METRO) | — | | 12,646 | | 123,594 | | — | | 6,939 | | 12,646 | | 130,533 | | (2,816) | | 2017 | | 2017 |
| SV12 SILICON VALLEY (METRO) | — | | 20,313 | | — | | — | | 2,340 | | 20,313 | | 2,340 | | — | | 2015 | | 2015 |
| SV13 SILICON VALLEY (METRO) | — | | — | | 3,828 | | — | | 52 | | — | | 3,880 | | (635) | | 2017 | | 2017 |
| SV14 SILICON VALLEY (METRO) | — | | 3,638 | | 5,503 | | — | | 181 | | 3,638 | | 5,684 | | (361) | | 2017 | | 2017 |
| SV15 SILICON VALLEY (METRO) | — | | 7,651 | | 23,060 | | — | | 72 | | 7,651 | | 23,132 | | (1,605) | | 2017 | | 2017 |
| SV16 SILICON VALLEY (METRO) | — | | 4,271 | | 15,018 | | — | | 274 | | 4,271 | | 15,292 | | (1,201) | | 2017 | | 2017 |
| SV17 SILICON VALLEY (METRO) | — | | — | | 17,493 | | — | | 526 | | — | | 18,019 | | (2,906) | | 2017 | | 2017 |
| TR1 TORONTO (METRO), CANADA | — | | — | | — | | — | | 96,425 | | — | | 96,425 | | (25,161) | | N/A | | 2010 |
| TR2 TORONTO (METRO), CANADA | — | | — | | 21,113 | | — | | 101,996 | | — | | 123,109 | | (12,821) | | 2015 | | 2015 |
OTHERS (5) | — | | 70,803 | | 19,365 | | — | | 8,408 | | 70,803 | | 27,773 | | (4,085) | | 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) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| EMEA: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| AD1 ABU DHABI (METRO), UNITED ARAB EMIRATES | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 74,541 | | 0 | | 74,541 | | (4,350) | | | | 2017 |
| AM1 AMSTERDAM (METRO), THE NETHERLANDS | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 102,173 | | 0 | | 102,173 | | (52,121) | | | | 2008 |
| AM2 AMSTERDAM (METRO), THE NETHERLANDS | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 91,788 | | 0 | | 91,788 | | (37,165) | | | | 2008 |
| AM3 AMSTERDAM (METRO), THE NETHERLANDS | 0 | | 0 | | 27,099 | | 0 | | 143,882 | | 0 | | 170,981 | | (66,656) | | | | 2011 |
| AM4 AMSTERDAM (METRO), THE NETHERLANDS | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 236,429 | | 0 | | 236,429 | | (26,431) | | | | 2016 |
| AM5 AMSTERDAM (METRO), THE NETHERLANDS | 0 | | 0 | | 92,199 | | 0 | | 23,456 | | 0 | | 115,655 | | (34,479) | | | | 2016 |
| AM6 AMSTERDAM (METRO), THE NETHERLANDS | 0 | | 6,616 | | 50,876 | | 1,066 | | 97,923 | | 7,682 | | 148,799 | | (27,059) | | | | 2016 |
| AM7 AMSTERDAM (METRO), THE NETHERLANDS | 0 | | 0 | | 7,397 | | 0 | | 125,527 | | 0 | | 132,924 | | (12,374) | | | | 2016 |
| AM8 AMSTERDAM (METRO), THE NETHERLANDS | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 12,328 | | 0 | | 12,328 | | (5,609) | | | | 2016 |
| AM11 AMSTERDAM (METRO), THE NETHERLANDS | 0 | | 0 | | 6,405 | | 447 | | 12,573 | | 447 | | 18,978 | | (1,307) | | | | 2019 |
| BA1 BARCELONA (METRO), SPAIN | 0 | | 0 | | 9,443 | | 0 | | 12,344 | | 0 | | 21,787 | | (6,694) | | | | 2017 |
| BX1 BORDEAUX (METRO), FRANCE | 0 | | 1,916 | | 3,507 | | 168 | | 13,607 | | 2,084 | | 17,114 | | (169) | | | | 2020 |
| DB1 DUBLIN (METRO), IRELAND | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 5,000 | | 0 | | 5,000 | | (3,928) | | | | 2016 |
| DB2 DUBLIN (METRO), IRELAND | 0 | | 0 | | 12,460 | | 0 | | 7,308 | | 0 | | 19,768 | | (9,220) | | | | 2016 |
| DB3 DUBLIN (METRO), IRELAND | 0 | | 3,334 | | 54,387 | | 537 | | 22,764 | | 3,871 | | 77,151 | | (21,084) | | | | 2016 |
| DB4 DUBLIN (METRO), IRELAND | 0 | | 0 | | 26,875 | | 0 | | 19,562 | | 0 | | 46,437 | | (9,564) | | | | 2016 |
| DU1 DÜSSELDORF (METRO), GERMANY | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 8,841 | | 33,851 | | 8,841 | | 33,851 | | (20,737) | | | | 2000 |
| DX1 DUBAI (METRO), UNITED ARAB EMIRATES | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 93,373 | | 0 | | 93,373 | | (33,359) | | | | 2008 |
| DX2 DUBAI (METRO), UNITED ARAB EMIRATES | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 645 | | 0 | | 645 | | (256) | | | | 2017 |
| DX3 DUBAI (METRO), UNITED ARAB EMIRATES | 0 | | 6,737 | | 0 | | 0 | | 61 | | 6,737 | | 61 | | (151) | | | | 2020 |
| EN1 ENSCHEDE (METRO), THE NETHERLANDS | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 35,366 | | 0 | | 35,366 | | (25,788) | | | | 2008 |
| FR1 FRANKFURT (METRO), GERMANY | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 4,529 | | 0 | | 4,529 | | (4,214) | | | | 2007 |
| FR2 FRANKFURT (METRO), GERMANY | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 15,840 | | 555,694 | | 15,840 | | 555,694 | | (161,968) | | | | 2007 |
| FR4 FRANKFURT (METRO), GERMANY | 0 | | 11,578 | | 9,307 | | 1,865 | | 97,862 | | 13,443 | | 107,169 | | (36,277) | | | | 2009 |
| FR5 FRANKFURT (METRO), GERMANY | 30,310 | | 0 | | 0 | | 15,256 | | 228,532 | | 15,256 | | 228,532 | | (53,688) | | | | 2012 |
| FR6 FRANKFURT (METRO), GERMANY | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 150,011 | | 0 | | 150,011 | | (26,802) | | | | 2016 |
| FR7 FRANKFURT (METRO), GERMANY | 0 | | 0 | | 43,634 | | 0 | | 40,046 | | 0 | | 83,680 | | (26,695) | | | | 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 Construction | | 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 |
| AM8 AMSTERDAM (METRO), THE NETHERLANDS | — | | — | | — | | — | | 10,657 | | — | | 10,657 | | (2,670) | | N/A | | 2016 |
| BA1 BARCELONA (METRO), SPAIN | — | | — | | 9,443 | | — | | 290 | | — | | 9,733 | | (256) | | N/A | | 2017 |
| DB1 DUBLIN (METRO), IRELAND | — | | — | | — | | — | | 3,080 | | — | | 3,080 | | (731) | | N/A | | 2016 |
| DB2 DUBLIN (METRO), IRELAND | — | | — | | 12,460 | | — | | 3,032 | | — | | 15,492 | | (3,543) | | N/A | | 2016 |
| DB3 DUBLIN (METRO), IRELAND | — | | 3,334 | | 54,387 | | 470 | | 18,163 | | 3,804 | | 72,550 | | (7,754) | | N/A | | 2016 |
| DB4 DUBLIN (METRO), IRELAND | — | | — | | 26,875 | | — | | 17,297 | | — | | 44,172 | | (3,307) | | N/A | | 2016 |
| DU1 DÜSSELDORF (METRO), GERMANY | — | | — | | — | | 8,644 | | 33,567 | | 8,644 | | 33,567 | | (21,137) | | 2001 | | 2000 |
| DX1 DUBAI (METRO), UNITED ARAB EMIRATES | — | | — | | — | | — | | 84,493 | | — | | 84,493 | | (8,695) | | 2012 | | 2008 |
| DX2 DUBAI (METRO), UNITED ARAB EMIRATES | — | | — | | — | | — | | 2,594 | | — | | 2,594 | | (11) | | N/A | | 2017 |
| EN1 ENSCHEDE (METRO), THE NETHERLANDS | — | | — | | — | | — | | 29,382 | | — | | 29,382 | | (17,764) | | 2008 | | 2008 |
| FR1 FRANKFURT (METRO), GERMANY | — | | — | | — | | — | | 7,615 | | — | | 7,615 | | (7,371) | | N/A | | 2007 |
| FR2 FRANKFURT (METRO), GERMANY | — | | — | | — | | 13,132 | | 335,573 | | 13,132 | | 335,573 | | (99,648) | | N/A | | 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 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 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) |
| FR8 FRANKFURT (METRO), GERMANY | 0 | | 21,934 | | 58,199 | | 0 | | 0 | | 21,934 | | 58,199 | | (224) | | | | 2020 |
| FR9x FRANKFURT (METRO), GERMANY | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 41,714 | | 0 | | 41,714 | | 0 | | | | 2020 |
| FR11x FRANKFURT (METRO), GERMANY | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 15,303 | | 0 | | 15,303 | | 0 | | | | 2020 |
| GN1 GENOA (METRO), ITALY | 0 | | 1,988 | | 0 | | 0 | | 1,123 | | 1,988 | | 1,123 | | 0 | | | | 2020 |
| GV1 GENEVA (METRO), SWITZERLAND | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 25,771 | | 0 | | 25,771 | | (4,978) | | | | 2004 |
| GV2 GENEVA (METRO), SWITZERLAND | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 27,883 | | 0 | | 27,883 | | (23,289) | | | | 2009 |
| HE1 HELSINKI (METRO), FINLAND | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 4,212 | | 0 | | 4,212 | | (3,462) | | | | 2016 |
| HE3 HELSINKI (METRO), FINLAND | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 15,829 | | 0 | | 15,829 | | (9,926) | | | | 2016 |
| HE4 HELSINKI (METRO), FINLAND | 0 | | 0 | | 29,092 | | 0 | | 9,694 | | 0 | | 38,786 | | (18,078) | | | | 2016 |
| HE5 HELSINKI (METRO), FINLAND | 0 | | 0 | | 7,564 | | 0 | | 18,302 | | 0 | | 25,866 | | (5,020) | | | | 2016 |
| HE6 HELSINKI (METRO), FINLAND | 0 | | 0 | | 17,204 | | 1,711 | | 31,603 | | 1,711 | | 48,807 | | (13,254) | | | | 2016 |
| HE7 HELSINKI (METRO), FINLAND | 0 | | 7,348 | | 6,946 | | 1,765 | | 42,184 | | 9,113 | | 49,130 | | (3,160) | | | | 2018 |
| HH1 HAMBURG (METRO), GERMANY | 0 | | 3,612 | | 5,360 | | 921 | | 46,485 | | 4,533 | | 51,845 | | (1,988) | | | | 2018 |
| IL2 ISTANBUL (METRO), TURKEY | 0 | | 14,460 | | 39,289 | | 0 | | 19,344 | | 14,460 | | 58,633 | | (7,346) | | | | 2017 |
| LD3 LONDON (METRO), UNITED KINGDOM | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 18,023 | | 0 | | 18,023 | | (17,772) | | | | 2000 |
| LD4 LONDON (METRO), UNITED KINGDOM | 0 | | 0 | | 23,044 | | 2 | | 134,786 | | 2 | | 157,830 | | (52,213) | | | | 2007 |
| LD5 LONDON (METRO), UNITED KINGDOM | 0 | | 0 | | 16,412 | | 0 | | 189,038 | | 0 | | 205,450 | | (100,960) | | | | 2010 |
| LD6 LONDON (METRO), UNITED KINGDOM | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 148,540 | | 0 | | 148,540 | | (36,792) | | | | 2013 |
| LD7 LONDON (METRO), UNITED KINGDOM | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 2,295 | | 191,545 | | 2,295 | | 191,545 | | (9,192) | | | | 2018 |
| LD8 LONDON (METRO), UNITED KINGDOM | 0 | | 0 | | 107,544 | | 0 | | 62,258 | | 0 | | 169,802 | | (49,894) | | | | 2016 |
| LD9 LONDON (METRO), UNITED KINGDOM | 0 | | 0 | | 181,431 | | 0 | | 168,666 | | 0 | | 350,097 | | (80,850) | | | | 2016 |
| LD10 LONDON (METRO), UNITED KINGDOM | 0 | | 0 | | 40,251 | | 0 | | 104,869 | | 0 | | 145,120 | | (13,014) | | | | 2017 |
| LS1 LISBON (METRO), PORTUGAL | 0 | | 0 | | 7,374 | | 3,776 | | 9,859 | | 3,776 | | 17,233 | | (3,607) | | | | 2017 |
| MA1 MANCHESTER (METRO), UNITED KINGDOM | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 14,532 | | 0 | | 14,532 | | (6,536) | | | | 2016 |
| MA2 MANCHESTER (METRO), UNITED KINGDOM | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 15,828 | | 0 | | 15,828 | | (7,793) | | | | 2016 |
| MA3 MANCHESTER (METRO), UNITED KINGDOM | 0 | | 0 | | 44,931 | | 0 | | 9,328 | | 0 | | 54,259 | | (26,170) | | | | 2016 |
| MA4 MANCHESTER (METRO), UNITED KINGDOM | 0 | | 0 | | 6,697 | | 0 | | 5,331 | | 0 | | 12,028 | | (8,813) | | | | 2016 |
| MA5 MANCHESTER (METRO), UNITED KINGDOM | 0 | | 3,706 | | 6,874 | | 385 | | 12,185 | | 4,091 | | 19,059 | | (142) | | | | 2020 |
| MC1 MUSCAT (METRO), OMAN | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 182 | | 0 | | 182 | | (1) | | | | 2019 |
| MD1 MADRID (METRO), SPAIN | 0 | | 0 | | 7,917 | | 11,939 | | 6,902 | | 11,939 | | 14,819 | | (4,795) | | | | 2017 |
| MD2 MADRID (METRO), SPAIN | 0 | | 0 | | 40,952 | | 0 | | 52,855 | | 0 | | 93,807 | | (28,952) | | | | 2017 |
| ML2 MILAN (METRO), ITALY | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 23,808 | | 0 | | 23,808 | | (12,490) | | | | 2016 |
| ML3 MILAN (METRO), ITALY | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 3,882 | | 46,399 | | 3,882 | | 46,399 | | (14,386) | | | | 2016 |
| ML4 MILAN (METRO), ITALY | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 9,983 | | 0 | | 9,983 | | (6,829) | | | | 2016 |
| ML5 MILAN (METRO), ITALY | 0 | | 7,741 | | 20,952 | | 5,621 | | 42,501 | | 13,362 | | 63,453 | | (156) | | | | 2019 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 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), GERMANY | 30,310 | | — | | — | | 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) |
| MU1 MUNICH (METRO), GERMANY | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 35,105 | | 0 | | 35,105 | | (18,095) | | | | 2007 |
| MU3 MUNICH (METRO), GERMANY | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 5,265 | | 0 | | 5,265 | | (2,549) | | | | 2010 |
| MU4 MUNICH (METRO), GERMANY | 0 | | 13,020 | | 35,120 | | 0 | | 0 | | 13,020 | | 35,120 | | (4) | | | | 2020 |
| PA1 PARIS (METRO), FRANCE | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 13,254 | | 0 | | 13,254 | | (15,966) | | | | 2007 |
| PA2 & PA3 PARIS (METRO), FRANCE | 0 | | 0 | | 29,615 | | 25,346 | | 334,904 | | 25,346 | | 364,519 | | (142,901) | | | | 2007 |
| PA4 PARIS (METRO), FRANCE | 0 | | 1,598 | | 9,503 | | 6,040 | | 256,203 | | 7,638 | | 265,706 | | (80,320) | | | | 2011 |
| PA5 PARIS (METRO), FRANCE | 0 | | 0 | | 16,554 | | 0 | | 5,067 | | 0 | | 21,621 | | (6,976) | | | | 2016 |
| PA6 PARIS (METRO), FRANCE | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 75,895 | | 0 | | 75,895 | | (34,544) | | | | 2016 |
| PA7 PARIS (METRO), FRANCE | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 22,011 | | 0 | | 22,011 | | (10,440) | | | | 2016 |
| PA10 PARIS (METRO), FRANCE | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 51,536 | | 0 | | 51,536 | | (48) | | | | 2019 |
| SA1 SEVILLE (METRO), SPAIN | 0 | | 0 | | 1,567 | | 0 | | 1,173 | | 0 | | 2,740 | | (2,181) | | | | 2017 |
| SK1 STOCKHOLM, (METRO), SWEDEN | 0 | | 0 | | 15,495 | | 0 | | 17,028 | | 0 | | 32,523 | | (10,244) | | | | 2016 |
| SK2 STOCKHOLM, (METRO), SWEDEN | 0 | | 0 | | 80,148 | | 4,304 | | 87,585 | | 4,304 | | 167,733 | | (33,517) | | | | 2016 |
| SK3 STOCKHOLM, (METRO), SWEDEN | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 18,894 | | 0 | | 18,894 | | (5,535) | | | | 2016 |
| SO1 SOFIA (METRO), BULGARIA | 0 | | 0 | | 5,236 | | 0 | | 4,721 | | 0 | | 9,957 | | (2,619) | | | | 2016 |
| SO2 SOFIA (METRO), BULGARIA | 0 | | 2,719 | | 0 | | 241 | | 18,625 | | 2,960 | | 18,625 | | (1,368) | | | | 2017 |
| WA1 WARSAW (METRO), POLAND | 0 | | 0 | | 5,950 | | 0 | | 26,442 | | 0 | | 32,392 | | (7,596) | | | | 2016 |
| WA2 WARSAW (METRO), POLAND | 0 | | 0 | | 4,709 | | 0 | | 9,497 | | 0 | | 14,206 | | (4,666) | | | | 2016 |
| WA3 WARSAW (METRO), POLAND | 0 | | 2,784 | | 0 | | 75 | | 46,005 | | 2,859 | | 46,005 | | (1,399) | | | | 2017 |
| ZH2 ZURICH (METRO), SWITZERLAND | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 3,613 | | 0 | | 3,613 | | (2,830) | | | | 2002 |
| ZH4 ZURICH (METRO), SWITZERLAND | 0 | | 0 | | 11,284 | | 0 | | 34,739 | | 0 | | 46,023 | | (26,926) | | | | 2009 |
| ZH5 ZURICH (METRO), SWITZERLAND | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 8,315 | | 198,829 | | 8,315 | | 198,829 | | (27,791) | | | | 2009 |
| ZW1 ZWOLLE (METRO), THE NETHERLANDS | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 11,191 | | 0 | | 11,191 | | (8,544) | | | | 2008 |
OTHERS (5) | 0 | | 48,761 | | 18,735 | | 28,924 | | 61,859 | | 77,685 | | 80,594 | | (5,745) | | | | Various |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Asia-Pacific: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| AE1 ADELAIDE (METRO), AUSTRALIA | 0 | | 2,654 | | 1,015 | | 258 | | 2,077 | | 2,912 | | 3,092 | | (766) | | | | 2018 |
| BR1 BRISBANE (METRO), AUSTRALIA | 0 | | 3,159 | | 1,053 | | 307 | | 2,880 | | 3,466 | | 3,933 | | (560) | | | | 2018 |
| CA1 CANBERRA (METRO), AUSTRALIA | 0 | | 0 | | 18,410 | | 0 | | 8,167 | | 0 | | 26,577 | | (2,524) | | | | 2018 |
| HK1 HONG KONG (METRO), CHINA | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 275,411 | | 0 | | 275,411 | | (112,144) | | | | 2003 |
| HK2 HONG KONG (METRO), CHINA | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 235,711 | | 0 | | 235,711 | | (147,496) | | | | 2010 |
| HK3 HONG KONG (METRO), CHINA | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 144,741 | | 0 | | 144,741 | | (80,873) | | | | 2012 |
| HK4 HONG KONG (METRO), CHINA | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 93,809 | | 0 | | 93,809 | | (9,739) | | | | 2012 |
| HK5 HONG KONG (METRO), CHINA | — | | 0 | | 70,002 | | 0 | | 40,439 | | 0 | | 110,441 | | (20,243) | | | | 2017 |
| ME1 MELBOURNE (METRO), AUSTRALIA | 0 | | 14,926 | | 0 | | 1,452 | | 96,943 | | 16,378 | | 96,943 | | (25,498) | | | | 2013 |
| ME2 MELBOURNE (METRO), AUSTRALIA | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 89,372 | | 0 | | 89,372 | | (3,718) | | | | 2018 |
| ME4 MELBOURNE (METRO), AUSTRALIA | 0 | | 3,425 | | 84,175 | | 334 | | 19,555 | | 3,759 | | 103,730 | | (18,274) | | | | 2018 |
| ME5 MELBOURNE (METRO), AUSTRALIA | 0 | | 6,655 | | 4,094 | | 647 | | 4,863 | | 7,302 | | 8,957 | | (2,135) | | | | 2018 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 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) |
| OS1 OSAKA (METRO), JAPAN | 0 | | 0 | | 14,876 | | 0 | | 109,268 | | 0 | | 124,144 | | (37,310) | | | | 2013 |
| OS3 OSAKA (METRO), JAPAN | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 1,491 | | 0 | | 1,491 | | 0 | | | | 2020 |
| PE1 PERTH (METRO), AUSTRALIA | 0 | | 1,347 | | 1,337 | | 132 | | 2,070 | | 1,479 | | 3,407 | | (408) | | | | 2018 |
| PE2 PERTH (METRO), AUSTRALIA | 0 | | 0 | | 16,327 | | 0 | | 17,637 | | 0 | | 33,964 | | (5,885) | | | | 2018 |
| PE3 PERTH (METRO), AUSTRALIA | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 43,076 | | 0 | | 43,076 | | 0 | | | | 2020 |
| SG1 SINGAPORE (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 263,516 | | 0 | | 263,516 | | (126,298) | | | | 2003 |
| SG2 SINGAPORE (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 301,305 | | 0 | | 301,305 | | (223,677) | | | | 2008 |
| SG3 SINGAPORE (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 34,844 | | 0 | | 227,324 | | 0 | | 262,168 | | (68,707) | | | | 2013 |
| SG4 SINGAPORE (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 54,602 | | 0 | | 117,537 | | 0 | | 172,139 | | (7,303) | | | | 2019 |
| SG5 SINGAPORE (METRO) | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 74,579 | | 0 | | 74,579 | | (6) | | | | 2019 |
| SH2 SHANGHAI (METRO), CHINA | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 6,169 | | 0 | | 6,169 | | (2,515) | | | | 2012 |
| SH3 SHANGHAI (METRO), CHINA | 0 | | 0 | | 7,066 | | 0 | | 12,132 | | 0 | | 19,198 | | (6,870) | | | | 2012 |
| SH5 SHANGHAI (METRO), CHINA | 0 | | 0 | | 11,284 | | 0 | | 22,973 | | 0 | | 34,257 | | (14,764) | | | | 2012 |
| SH6 SHANGHAI (METRO), CHINA | 0 | | 0 | | 16,545 | | 0 | | 25,177 | | 0 | | 41,722 | | (3,491) | | | | 2017 |
| SL1 SEOUL (METRO), SOUTH KOREA | 0 | | 0 | | 29,236 | | 0 | | 41,305 | | 0 | | 70,541 | | (5,901) | | | | 2019 |
| SY1 SYDNEY (METRO), AUSTRALIA | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 33,242 | | 0 | | 33,242 | | (22,970) | | | | 2003 |
| SY2 SYDNEY (METRO), AUSTRALIA | 0 | | 0 | | 3,080 | | 0 | | 26,936 | | 0 | | 30,016 | | (24,626) | | | | 2008 |
| SY3 SYDNEY (METRO), AUSTRALIA | 0 | | 0 | | 8,712 | | 0 | | 158,023 | | 0 | | 166,735 | | (86,628) | | | | 2010 |
| SY4 SYDNEY (METRO), AUSTRALIA | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 187,449 | | 0 | | 187,449 | | (44,397) | | | | 2014 |
| SY5 SYDNEY (METRO), AUSTRALIA | 0 | | 82,091 | | 0 | | 7,987 | | 209,356 | | 90,078 | | 209,356 | | (7,028) | | | | 2018 |
| SY6 SYDNEY (METRO), AUSTRALIA | 0 | | 8,860 | | 64,197 | | 861 | | 17,594 | | 9,721 | | 81,791 | | (10,201) | | | | 2018 |
| SY7 SYDNEY (METRO), AUSTRALIA | 0 | | 2,745 | | 47,350 | | 267 | | 8,854 | | 3,012 | | 56,204 | | (6,959) | | | | 2018 |
| SY8 SYDNEY (METRO), AUSTRALIA | 0 | | 0 | | 1,073 | | 0 | | 593 | | 0 | | 1,666 | | (892) | | | | 2018 |
| TY1 TOKYO (METRO), JAPAN | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 39,230 | | 0 | | 39,230 | | (23,170) | | | | 2000 |
| TY2 TOKYO (METRO), JAPAN | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 96,496 | | 0 | | 96,496 | | (71,144) | | | | 2006 |
| TY3 TOKYO (METRO), JAPAN | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 85,876 | | 0 | | 85,876 | | (47,128) | | | | 2010 |
| TY4 TOKYO (METRO), JAPAN | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 0 | | 82,725 | | 0 | | 82,725 | | (34,195) | | | | 2012 |
| TY5 TOKYO (METRO), JAPAN | 0 | | 0 | | 102 | | 0 | | 65,372 | | 0 | | 65,474 | | (18,311) | | | | 2014 |
| TY6 TOKYO (METRO), JAPAN | 0 | | 0 | | 37,941 | | 0 | | 15,474 | | 0 | | 53,415 | | (33,005) | | | | 2015 |
| TY7 TOKYO (METRO), JAPAN | 0 | | 0 | | 13,175 | | 0 | | 7,323 | | 0 | | 20,498 | | (14,101) | | | | 2015 |
| TY8 TOKYO (METRO), JAPAN | 0 | | 0 | | 53,848 | | 0 | | 17,245 | | 0 | | 71,093 | | (28,569) | | | | 2015 |
| TY9 TOKYO (METRO), JAPAN | 0 | | 0 | | 106,710 | | 0 | | 30,151 | | 0 | | 136,861 | | (80,293) | | | | 2015 |
| TY10 TOKYO (METRO), JAPAN | 0 | | 0 | | 69,881 | | 0 | | 22,675 | | 0 | | 92,556 | | (26,774) | | | | 2015 |
| TY11 TOKYO (METRO), JAPAN | 0 | | 0 | | 22,099 | | 0 | | 198,696 | | 0 | | 220,795 | | (10,068) | | | | 2018 |
OTHERS (5) | 0 | | 0 | | 875 | | 36,057 | | 22,529 | | 36,057 | | 23,404 | | (9,643) | | | | Various |
| TOTAL LOCATIONS | $30,310 | | $598,742 | | $4,498,639 | | $358,519 | | $14,705,885 | | $957,261 | | $19,204,524 | | $(6,399,477) | | | | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 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 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 Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K |
| |
(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. |
(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 within the Consolidated Financial Statements.
(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 million$27.2 billion (unaudited) as of December 31, 2017.2020.
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, 20172020 (in thousands).
| | | | 2017 | | 2016 | | 2015 | | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| Balance, beginning of period | $ | 9,855,811 |
| | $ | 7,871,890 |
| | $ | 7,006,695 |
| Balance, beginning of period | $ | 16,927,332 | | | $ | 15,020,198 | | | $ | 12,947,735 | |
ASC 842 adoption impact (1) | | ASC 842 adoption impact (1) | 0 | | | (276,671) | | | 0 | |
| Additions (including acquisitions and improvements) | 2,508,333 |
| | 2,187,306 |
| | 1,172,855 |
| Additions (including acquisitions and improvements) | 3,110,907 | | | 2,632,472 | | | 2,756,218 | |
| Disposals | (78,886 | ) | | (78,607 | ) | | (9,295 | ) | Disposals | (446,864) | | | (463,485) | | | (289,157) | |
| Foreign currency transaction adjustments and others | 662,477 |
| | (124,778 | ) | | (298,365 | ) | Foreign currency transaction adjustments and others | 570,410 | | | 14,818 | | | (394,598) | |
| Balance, end of year | $ | 12,947,735 |
| | $ | 9,855,811 |
| | $ | 7,871,890 |
| Balance, end of year | $ | 20,161,785 | | | $ | 16,927,332 | | | $ | 15,020,198 | |
Accumulated Depreciation:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| Balance, beginning of period | $ | (5,329,182) | | | $ | (4,517,016) | | | $ | (3,980,198) | |
ASC 842 adoption impact (1) | 0 | | | (7,846) | | | 0 | |
| Additions (depreciation expense) | (1,036,452) | | | (926,046) | | | (882,848) | |
| Disposals | 109,230 | | | 128,352 | | | 261,928 | |
| Foreign currency transaction adjustments and others | (143,073) | | | (6,626) | | | 84,102 | |
| Balance, end of year | $ | (6,399,477) | | | $ | (5,329,182) | | | $ | (4,517,016) | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2017 | | 2016 | | 2015 |
| Balance, beginning of period | $ | (3,175,972 | ) | | $ | (2,595,648 | ) | | $ | (2,242,345 | ) |
| Additions (depreciation expense) | (748,942 | ) | | (618,970 | ) | | (440,002 | ) |
| Disposals | 65,922 |
| | 9,401 |
| | 7,396 |
|
| Foreign currency transaction adjustments and others | (121,206 | ) | | 29,245 |
| | 79,303 |
|
| Balance, end of year | $ | (3,980,198 | ) | | $ | (3,175,972 | ) | | $ | (2,595,648 | ) |
(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.
