Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (DLR) vs Equinix, Inc. (EQIX)
A side-by-side comparison of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Equinix, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 11, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
Total return — DLR vs EQIX
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yDLR vs EQIX: by the numbers
- •EQIX is the larger company ($102.39B vs $69.77B market cap).
- •EQIX converts more revenue to profit (15.60% vs 11.67% net margin).
- •DLR grew revenue faster over the past five years (9.91% vs 9.17% CAGR).
- •DLR pays the higher dividend yield (2.63% vs 1.92%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | DLR | EQIX |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 91.10 | 66.82 |
| Forward P/E | 69.63 | 60.31 |
| P/S ratio | 10.19 | 10.42 |
| P/B ratio | 2.54 | 7.12 |
| EV / EBITDA | 26.75 | 28.84 |
| FCF yield | 1.96% | N/A |
For REITs like Digital Realty Trust, Inc., GAAP P/E is distorted: heavy non-cash property depreciation depresses reported earnings and overstates the multiple. Real-estate companies are valued on funds from operations (FFO / AFFO) and price-to-FFO — see the Funds From Operations section. The P/E is shown for reference only.
For REITs like Equinix, Inc., GAAP P/E is distorted: heavy non-cash property depreciation depresses reported earnings and overstates the multiple. Real-estate companies are valued on funds from operations (FFO / AFFO) and price-to-FFO — see the Funds From Operations section. The P/E is shown for reference only.
Profitability
| Metric | DLR | EQIX |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 55.39% | 51.60% |
| Operating margin | 17.87% | 21.76% |
| Net margin | 11.67% | 15.60% |
| ROE | 2.91% | 10.66% |
| ROIC | 2.25% | 4.99% |
Dividends
| Metric | DLR | EQIX |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.63% | 1.92% |
| Payout ratio | 235.75% | 126.85% |
Digital Realty Trust, Inc.'s payout ratio is measured against GAAP earnings, which non-cash depreciation depresses for REITs — the dividend is conventionally assessed against funds from operations (FFO / AFFO) instead, so the GAAP figure overstates the payout burden.
Equinix, Inc.'s payout ratio is measured against GAAP earnings, which non-cash depreciation depresses for REITs — the dividend is conventionally assessed against funds from operations (FFO / AFFO) instead, so the GAAP figure overstates the payout burden.
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | DLR | EQIX |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 9.91% | 9.17% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 29.87% | 26.73% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 12.36% | N/A |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 7.20% | 6.02% |
Frequently asked
- Which has grown faster, DLR or EQIX?
- Over the past five years, DLR grew revenue faster — DLR at a 9.91% CAGR versus EQIX at 9.17%.
- Does DLR or EQIX pay a bigger dividend?
- DLR yields 2.63% and EQIX yields 1.92% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is DLR or EQIX more profitable?
- EQIX runs the higher net margin — DLR at 11.67% versus EQIX at 15.60%.
- How have DLR and EQIX total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, DLR delivered 10.50% and EQIX delivered 13.09% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Digital Realty Trust & Equinix appear in these rankings
Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified September 11, 2026.