$EQIX

Digital Realty (DLR) and Equinix (EQIX) are data-center REITs benefiting from AI demand. DLR reported Q2 revenue up 29% to $1.9B, raised 2026 FFO guidance, and faces funding growth challenges. EQIX showed 11% revenue growth, 18% AFFO growth, and carries higher leverage. Both saw increased institutional investment in Q2.

A report by ITU and WBA found that 50 largest digital companies generated 92% of sector's operational emissions in 2024, with top 10 emitting 163M tCO2e. Amazon led with 35M tCO2e, followed by China Mobile. US and Chinese firms dominated emissions and electricity use, with East Asia lagging in renewable energy adoption.

Residents of Secaucus, New Jersey, expressed anger at a town council meeting over data centers in their town, including a recent diesel fuel spill at Equinix's facility. Equinix's director of external affairs highlighted the importance of their data centers for global financial transactions. Governor Phil Murphy issued a $1 million fine to DataOne, a Microsoft-powered AI data center, for operating unpermitted generators.

Morgan Stanley updated its 'Vintage Values' portfolio for 2027, adding Alphabet (GOOGL) and Coca-Cola (KO). The 2026 portfolio returned 32.12%, outperforming the S&P 500. The new list includes 15 stocks, with a focus on large-cap quality and growth. Morgan Stanley's strategy emphasizes bottom-up drivers over momentum. Stock reactions were mixed on Monday.

Morgan Stanley updated its 'Vintage Values' stock picks for 2027, including Alphabet, Coca-Cola, and Apple. The 2026 list gained 32.12%, outperforming the S&P 500. The 2027 portfolio focuses on large-cap growth stocks with high quality metrics. Key selections include Alphabet, Coca-Cola, Apple, Dynatrace, Eli Lilly, and others. GOOGL rose 2%, KO fell 1%, and AAPL added 0.8% on Monday.

Equinix's Secaucus data center spilled 5,500 gallons of diesel, the largest in NJ's history. Cleanup is ongoing, with 3,500 gallons recovered. The state DEP reports no impact on the Hackensack River or wildlife. Equinix blamed valve failures, while critics question the environmental assessment. No fines have been issued, and the incident has reignited debates over data center regulations.

Comcast Business (CMCSA) and Equinix are collaborating to speed up enterprise network ordering by integrating Comcast's connectivity into Equinix Fabric. This aims to reduce last-mile Ethernet delivery time from weeks to days, addressing the gap between rapid cloud/AI deployment and slower manual connectivity processes. The initial phase covers Ethernet connections between enterprise locations and Equinix Fabric, with plans to expand to other services.

Equinix (EQIX) reports AI is driving demand for data centers and interconnection services, with interconnection business growing 9% this year. The company is expanding facilities to meet AI workloads, focusing on low-latency connectivity and data sovereignty. Equinix introduced new products like Fabric One and Inference Exchange, and expects 9-12% annual adjusted funds from operations growth through 2029.

Civil rights groups in South Africa filed a legal challenge against Equinix's proposed data centers in Cape Town, demanding a national moratorium on hyperscale development. They claim the centers could consume 4.4 billion liters of water annually, comparable to 18,000 homes. Equinix emphasizes sustainability in its operations. The groups seek mandatory disclosures of water and electricity usage and community benefits.

Analysts from Bernstein and Citi maintained Buy ratings on Equinix (EQIX) with price targets of $1270 and $1260, respectively. The stock closed at $1037.72. Wells Fargo and TipRanks reiterated a Hold rating on Americold Realty (COLD) with price targets of $14 and $16.25. The stock closed at $14.62.