$EQIX

Siemens and Reinhausen are collaborating on a solid-state transformer for 800 VDC AI data centres. PSI raised $58M to optimize data centre systems. Equinix and CPP Investments acquired atNorth for $4B. Vertiv bought UIG for $1.45B to boost power solutions. These developments highlight investments in AI-ready data centre infrastructure.

Equinix Inc. announced two AI-focused services at its Horizon event: Fabric One, a managed connectivity service for distributed AI environments, and Inference Exchange, a distributed inference offering with Nvidia and Together AI. The company aims to position its global footprint as a hub for enterprise AI operations, with both services expected to launch in 2027. Equinix CEO Adaire Fox-Martin and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang highlighted the importance of distributed, proximity-based AI infrastructur

Digital Realty Trust (DLR) reported $707M in annualized GAAP base rent bookings for Q1 2026, with a record $1.9B backlog. Equinix (EQIX) saw 16.4% revenue growth and raised AFFO guidance. Iron Mountain (IRM) grew revenue by 39% YoY, driven by data center leasing. All three REITs are benefiting from AI-driven data center demand.

South African civil rights groups are urging a pause on new data center construction due to concerns over water, land, and electricity use. The South African Human Rights Commission has received 250 submissions on the issue. President Cyril Ramaphosa noted South Africa hosts 70% of Africa's data center capacity, with U.S. tech companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Equinix expanding there. Critics highlight transparency and environmental impact concerns, while industry representatives argue for c

Equinix, a US data-centre operator, is planning expansion in Cape Town, facing scrutiny over water and electricity usage. The city approved a planning application for two data centres, potentially consuming 4.4 billion litres of water and 1.4-1.5 billion kWh of electricity annually, according to estimates. Local residents and organizations raise concerns about resource allocation and regulatory oversight.

Equinix CEO Adaire Fox-Martin discussed the company's partnership with Nvidia and the role of data centers in AI model selection on 'Power Lunch'.

Equinix, a US-listed digital infrastructure company, defends data centres' economic role amid concerns over resource use. The company's Johannesburg data centre, JN1, opened in 2024, uses water-efficient cooling and 100% renewable energy. Equinix plans to invest R7.5bn to add 160MW capacity in South Africa, despite opposition over resource consumption and environmental impacts.

Billionaire-led hedge funds increased stakes in Vertiv Holdings (VRT) and Equinix (EQIX) in Q2. VRT saw 32 funds holding shares, up from 28 in Q1, with notable investors including AQR Capital Management and Omega Advisors. VRT reported 24% revenue growth and 60% adjusted EPS increase in Q2. The company is positioned to benefit from industry shifts toward 800V DC power in data centers, with management projecting higher equipment sales per megawatt starting in 2027. However, VRT's valuation metric

Equinix (EQIX) earns an A for dividend coverage with a 50% AFFO payout ratio and 11-year growth streak. Digital Realty (DLR) grades a C, with a frozen dividend despite accelerating FFO growth. EQIX targets 9-12% annual AFFO growth through 2029. DLR's dividend has not increased since 2022, while Core FFO per share rose from $1.77 to $2.04. EQIX is up 36.15% YTD, while DLR gained 20.05%.

South Africa's Minister of Communications, Solly Malatsi, will speak at African Energy Week 2026. The country is expanding digital infrastructure, with investments from Microsoft (R5.4B) and AWS (R30.4B) in cloud and AI. Renewable energy projects support data centers, including Teraco's 120 MW solar facility and AWS's 10 MW project. The government allocated the 6 GHz band for 5G, aiding operators like MTN and Cell C.