On Wednesday, Citi maintained a Buy rating on Digital Realty Trust (NYSE: NYSE:DLR) and increased the price target to $212 from the previous $188. The firm's analyst cited the company's impressive performance in the third quarter and the subsequent rally in its shares as the basis for the revised target. The analyst expressed confidence in Digital Realty Trust's potential for accelerated financial growth, forecasting a shift from mid-single digits in 2025 to double-digit growth within four years for Core Funds From Operations (FFOPS)/Adjusted Funds From Operations (AFFOPS).
The analyst highlighted the sustained industry demand for IT load, which is expected to remain around 10 gigawatts through 2030. Coupled with favorable pricing conditions, Digital Realty Trust's extensive inventory and strategic global presence positions it to benefit significantly from the market, even with a modest global market absorption share below 5%.
The company's accelerating growth trajectory, substantial accretive development, and long-term positive adjustments to market rates are anticipated to support higher valuation multiples and tighter yields on AFFOPS and capitalization rates.
Digital Realty Trust's financial outlook is bolstered by a robust demand in the industry for IT infrastructure, which is a key driver of the company's growth. The analyst's projection of a sustained 10 gigawatt demand reflects the ongoing expansion and reliance on digital services globally.
The firm's upgraded price target suggests a strong conviction in Digital Realty Trust's ability to outperform in the coming years. The analyst's remarks underscore the company's potential to capitalize on the growing demand for IT load and favorable market conditions.
In summary, Citi's revised price target for Digital Realty Trust reflects the company's strong third-quarter performance, the positive momentum in its stock, and the broader industry trends that support its growth strategy. The analyst's expectations for the company's financial performance indicate a bullish outlook for its future prospects.
In other recent news, Digital Realty Trust has been the focus of numerous financial developments. Deutsche Bank (ETR:DBKGn) has adjusted its price target for the company to $159.00, maintaining a Hold rating despite the reduction. This adjustment reflects a recalibration of valuation metrics, including a slight increase in the Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) and an increased Price/AFFO multiple.
Meanwhile, Mizuho has reaffirmed its Outperform rating on Digital Realty, with a steady price target of $170.00, following the company's strong financial performance. RBC Capital Markets also increased its price target for the company to $207.00, maintaining an Outperform rating due to the company's strong results.
Digital Realty recently reported a record-breaking third quarter of 2024, with new leasing volume reaching $521 million and a backlog of leases set to commence increasing to nearly $860 million.
The company's Funds From Operations (FFO) of $1.67 slightly surpassed the consensus estimate of $1.66. In response to these results, Digital Realty raised its guidance midpoint to $6.70, slightly above the Street's expectation of $6.66. The firm's projections for 2024 include revenues at $5.58 billion, EBITDA at $2.95 billion, capital expenditures at $2.30 billion, and core FFO per share at $6.70.
InvestingPro Insights
Digital Realty Trust's recent performance aligns with Citi's bullish outlook. InvestingPro data shows the company's stock has seen significant gains, with a 54.81% price total return over the past year and a 33.82% return in the last six months. This upward trajectory is further evidenced by the stock trading at 93.96% of its 52-week high, supporting the analyst's positive view on the company's momentum.
InvestingPro Tips highlight that Digital Realty Trust has maintained dividend payments for 21 consecutive years, which may appeal to income-focused investors in the REIT sector. Additionally, the company's liquid assets exceeding short-term obligations suggest financial stability, an important factor given the capital-intensive nature of data center operations.
However, investors should note that the stock is trading at a high earnings multiple, with a P/E ratio of 144.28. This valuation metric, combined with the InvestingPro Tip indicating that the RSI suggests the stock is in overbought territory, may warrant careful consideration for potential investors.
For those seeking a more comprehensive analysis, InvestingPro offers 13 additional tips for Digital Realty Trust, providing a deeper understanding of the company's financial health and market position.
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