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Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2024

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes are prepared in accordance with the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") and are presented in our reporting currency, the U.S. Dollar. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Equinix and its subsidiaries, including the acquisitions of:

•Four data centers as well as a subsea cable and terrestrial fiber network in West Africa acquired from MainOne Cable Company ("MainOne") from April 1, 2022; and

•Four data centers in Chile and a data center in Peru acquired from Empresa Nacional De Telecomunicaciones S.A. ("Entel") from May 2, 2022 and August 1, 2022, respectively.

All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Consolidation

We consolidate all entities that are wholly owned and those entities where we own less than 100% of the equity but we control the entity. We consolidate all Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”) for which we are the primary beneficiary. A VIE is an entity that either (i) has insufficient equity to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support, or (ii) has equity investors who lack the power to direct activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE, or (iii) has equity investors who lack the obligation to absorb the excepted losses or right to receive the expected residual returns of the VIE, or (iv) substantially all activities involve an equity investor with disproportionately few voting rights. We are considered the primary beneficiary of a VIE if we have (i) the power to direct activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. When determining whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE, we consider all relationships between us and the VIE, including management agreements and other contractual arrangements.

For the entities that are not VIEs, we first assess whether the entity is similar to a corporation or a limited partnership. We consolidate entities that are structured similar to corporations if we have a controlling financial interest (i.e. ownership of over 50% of the outstanding voting shares) unless the control does not rest with us as a majority owner. We may also consolidate a less-than-majority-owned entity if we control the board of directors which makes the significant decisions of the entity, we control the entity through contractual arrangements, or other shareholders do not have any substantive participating rights. For the entities that are structured similar to limited partnerships, we consolidate if we are the general partner and the limited partners do not hold substantive participating or kick-out rights that would preclude us from exercising the control over the entity.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with 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, we evaluate our estimates, including, but not limited to, those related to the allowance for 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, leases, asset retirement obligations, other accruals, and income taxes. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments

We consider all highly liquid instruments with an original maturity from the date of purchase of 3 months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents generally consist of money market mutual funds and certificates of deposit with original maturities of 3 months or less. Short-term investments generally consist of certificates of deposit with original maturities of between 3 months and 1 year. We review our 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 Investments and Non-marketable Equity Investments

Equity Method Investments

We use the equity method to account for our investments in entities for which we have the ability to exercise significant influence over their operating and financial policies, but do not control them. These include our investments in VIEs where we are not the primary beneficiary, and certain investments in other joint ventures or partnerships that are not VIEs.

Equity method investments are initially measured at cost, or at fair value when the investment represents a retained equity interest in a deconsolidated business or derecognized distinct non-financial assets. Equity investments are subsequently adjusted for cash contributions, distributions and our share of the income and losses of the investees. We record our equity method investments in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet. Our proportionate shares of the income or loss from our equity method investments are recorded in other income (expense) in the consolidated statement of operations. We use the cumulative earnings approach to determine whether distributions received from equity method investees are returns on investment and classified as operating cash inflows or returns of investment and reported as investing cash flows.

We review our 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 or the ability of the investee to sustain an earnings capacity that would justify the carrying amount of the investment. We did not record any impairment charges related to our equity method investments for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022. For further information on our equity method investments, see Note 5.

Non-marketable Equity Investments

We also have investments in non-marketable equity securities, where we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence over the investees. We elected the measurement alternative under which the securities are measured at cost less impairment, if any, and adjusted for changes resulting from qualifying observable price changes. We record non-marketable equity investments in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet. The amounts were insignificant as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.

We review our 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.

Financial Instruments and Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments which potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, contract assets and our loan receivable. Risks associated

with cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments are mitigated by our investment policy, which limits our investing to only money market funds, U.S. government agency and treasury notes, government sponsored enterprise and bank money instruments rated at least A-1/P-1 Short Term Rating or A-/A3 Long Term Rating, as determined by independent credit rating agencies. Credit risk from our accounts receivable and contract assets is not considered concentrated since our customer base is widely dispersed across our three geographical regions with no single customer accounting for a significant portion of our revenues.

The credit risk associated with our loan receivable is mitigated by the fair value of collateral securing the loan. We estimate expected credit losses (“ECL”) by considering all available information relevant to assessing the collectibility of cash flows. In developing an estimate of ECL, we start with historical credit loss experience of financial assets with similar risk characteristics and adjust the historical loss information to reflect asset-specific risk characteristics as well as our expectation of current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at our original cost or initial fair value for property, plant and equipment acquired through business combinations, net of depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets. Buildings under finance leases, 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.

We capitalize 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 us 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 estimated useful lives of the software or arrangements.

Our estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment are generally as follows:


Core systems	3	-	40 years
Buildings	12	-	60 years
Leasehold improvements	12	-	40 years
Personal Property	3	-	10 years
Capitalized internal-use software	3	-	5 years

Our construction in progress includes direct and indirect expenditures for the construction and expansion of IBX data centers and is stated at original cost. We contract out substantially all of the construction and expansion efforts of our 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, we capitalize 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 lives of the underlying assets.

We review our property, plant and equipment for impairment together with lease right-of-use assets and finite-lived intangibles at the asset group level. Long-lived asset groups relating to our data centers are generally at the individual data center level. We reassess whether a change to our asset groups is necessary when we experience a significant change in our operations or in the way we utilize long-lived assets that causes a change to the interdependency of cash flows. We review asset groups for potential impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of 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 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 our financial condition. Recoverability of asset groups to be held and used is assessed by comparing the carrying amount of an asset group to estimated undiscounted future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset group. If the carrying

amount of the asset group exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized in the amount by which its carrying amount exceeds its fair value.

Assets Held for Sale

Assets and liabilities to be disposed of that meet all of the criteria to be classified as held for sale are reported at the lower of their carrying amounts or fair values less costs to sell. We did not record any impairment charges related to assets held for sale during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022. Assets are not depreciated or amortized while they are classified as held for sale.

Asset Retirement Costs and Asset Retirement Obligations

Our asset retirement obligations are primarily related to our IBX data centers, of which the majority are leased under long-term arrangements and are required to be returned to the landlords in their original condition. The majority of our IBX data center leases have been subject to significant development by us in order to convert them from, in most cases, vacant buildings or warehouses into IBX data centers. 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, we accrete the liability in relation to the asset retirement obligations over time and the accretion expense is recorded as a cost of revenue.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

We have three reportable segments comprised of the 1) Americas, 2) EMEA and 3) Asia-Pacific geographic regions, which we also determined are our reporting units. Goodwill is not amortized and is tested for impairment at least annually or more often if and when circumstances indicate that goodwill is not recoverable.

Generally, we 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. 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, we determine that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then performing a quantitative impairment test is unnecessary. However, if we conclude otherwise, then we are required to perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test. The quantitative 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, any excess of the reporting unit goodwill carrying value over the respective implied fair value is recognized as an impairment loss. In 2024, we elected to bypass the optional qualitative assessment and performed the quantitative assessment for our Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific reporting units. In 2023 and 2022, we performed qualitative assessments for our three reporting units.

As of December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, we concluded that it was more likely than not that goodwill attributed to our 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.

Substantially all of our intangible assets are subject to amortization and are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated period of benefit. As described above, we perform a review of all long-lived assets, including finite-lived intangible assets, at the asset group level for impairment by assessing events or changes in circumstances that indicate the carrying amount of an asset group may not be recoverable. Recoverability of asset groups to be held and used is assessed by comparing the carrying amount of an asset group to estimated undiscounted future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset group. If the carrying amount of the asset

group exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which its carrying amount exceeds its fair value.

Debt Issuance Costs

Costs and fees incurred upon debt issuances are capitalized and are amortized over the life of the related debt 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 obligation and debt issuance costs related to the revolving credit facility are presented as other assets.

Derivatives and Hedging Activities

We utilize foreign currency and interest rate derivative instruments as part of our risk management strategy. Foreign currency derivatives help to mitigate the effects of foreign exchange rate fluctuations on (i) our expected revenues and expenses in the EMEA region, (ii) investments in our foreign operations and (iii) certain monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. Interest rate derivatives are used to manage the interest rate risk associated with anticipated fixed-rate debt issuances.

These measures allow us to effectively control our financial exposure and are not used for speculative purposes. We recognize all derivatives on our consolidated balance sheets at fair value. The accounting for changes in the value of a derivative depends on whether the contract qualifies and has been designated 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 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 the effectiveness assessment methodology. Hedge designations are reviewed on a quarterly basis to assess whether circumstances have changed that would disrupt the hedging instrument's relationship to the forecasted transactions or net investment.

Cash Flow Hedges

The instruments we designate as cash flow hedges include foreign currency forwards, cross-currency swaps and interest rate locks. For cash flow hedges, we use a regression analysis at the time they are designated to assess their effectiveness.

We enter into intercompany foreign currency forward contracts ("intercompany derivatives") with our wholly-owned subsidiaries in our EMEA region in order to hedge certain forecasted revenues and expenses denominated in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar (primarily the British Pound and the Euro). Simultaneously, we enter into foreign currency forward contracts with unrelated third parties to externally hedge the net exposure created by such intercompany derivatives. We designate the intercompany derivatives as cash flow hedges. We use 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 reclassified to the same line item in the consolidated statement of operations that is used to present the earnings effect of the hedged item when the hedged item affects earnings.

We also utilize cross-currency interest rate swaps, which we designate as cash flow hedges, to manage the foreign currency exposure associated with a portion of our foreign currency-denominated variable-rate debt and our U.S. dollar-denominated fixed-rate debt issued by our foreign subsidiaries. We assess the effectiveness of cross-currency interest rate swaps that are designated as cash flow hedges using the spot method. Fair value changes from spot rates are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) initially and immediately reclassified to earnings to offset the gain or loss from remeasuring the associated debt. We exclude time value and cross currency basis spread from the assessment of hedge effectiveness and recognize the excluded component in interest expense through the swap accrual process. The difference between fair value changes of the excluded component and the amount amortized is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss).

We use interest rate derivative instruments such as treasury locks and swap locks, collectively referred to as "interest rate locks", to manage interest rate exposure created by anticipated fixed-rate debt issuances. 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 recorded in other comprehensive income (loss). Subsequent to settlement, amounts in other comprehensive income (loss) are amortized to interest expense over the term of the interest rate locks.

When two or more derivative instruments in combination are jointly designated as a cash flow hedging instrument, they are treated as a single instrument. For hedge relationships that are discontinued because the forecasted transaction is not expected to occur according to the original strategy, any related derivative amounts recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) are immediately recognized in earnings.

We classify cash flows from derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges in the same category as the cash flows from the item being hedged.

Net Investment Hedges

We use cross-currency swaps, which we designate as net investment hedges, to hedge the currency exposure associated with our net investment in our foreign subsidiaries. We use 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 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 through the swap accrual process.

Occasionally, we also use foreign exchange forward contracts, which we designate as net investment hedges, to hedge against the effect of foreign exchange rate fluctuations on a portion of our net investment in foreign subsidiaries. We use the spot method to assess hedge effectiveness and recognize fair value changes from spot rates in other comprehensive income (loss). We exclude forward points from the assessment of hedge effectiveness and amortize the initial value of the excluded component through interest expense. The difference between fair value changes from the excluded component and the amount amortized is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss).

Certain of our customer agreements that are priced in currencies different from the functional or local currencies of the parties involved are deemed to have foreign currency forward contracts embedded in them. These embedded derivatives are separated from their host contracts and carried on our balance sheet at their fair value. The majority of these embedded derivatives arise as a result of our foreign subsidiaries pricing their customer contracts in U.S. Dollars. We use these forward contracts embedded within our customer agreements to hedge against the effect of foreign exchange rate fluctuations on our net investment in our foreign subsidiaries.

Non-designated Hedges

Foreign currency gains or losses associated with derivatives that are not designated as hedging instruments for accounting purposes are recorded within other income (expense) in our consolidated statements of operations.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying values of our cash equivalents held in money market funds and the carrying value of our derivative instruments represent their fair values. The carrying values of our cash equivalents held in time deposits and the carrying values of our accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses and accrued property, plant and equipment approximate their fair values primarily due to the short-term maturity of the related instruments. The fair value of short-term investments held in time deposits is estimated by considering observable market prices of similar instruments. The fair value of our debt traded in the public debt market is based on quoted market prices. The fair value of our debt which is not publicly traded is estimated by considering our credit rating, current rates available to us for debt of the same remaining maturities and terms. The fair value of our loan receivable is

estimated by discounting the contractual cash flows of the loan, using indicative pricing from third parties for similar instruments and asset-specific yield adjustments for elements such as credit risk.

Fair Value of Non-Financial Assets and Liabilities

We also follow the accounting standard for the measurement of fair value for certain 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;

•Asset retirement obligations initially measured at fair value but not subsequently measured at fair value; and

•Assets and liabilities classified as held for sale 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.

Leases

We enter into lease arrangements primarily for land, data center spaces, office spaces and equipment. At its inception, we determine whether an arrangement is or contains a lease. We recognize 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 renewal options that we are reasonably certain to exercise.

ROU assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term. Lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU assets and lease liabilities are classified and recognized at the commencement date. When there is a lease modification or a change in lease term triggered by a reassessment event, we reassess its classification and remeasure the ROU asset and lease liability.

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 us. 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 our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we use our own incremental borrowing rate ("IBR") on a collateralized basis in determining the present value of lease payments. We utilize a market-based approach to estimate the IBR. The approach requires significant judgment. Therefore, we utilize different data sets to estimate IBRs via an analysis of (i) sovereign rates, (ii) yields on our outstanding public debt and (iii) indicative pricing on both secured and unsecured debt received from banking partners. We also apply adjustments to account for considerations related to (i) tenor and (ii) country credit ratings that may not be fully incorporated by the aforementioned data sets.

The majority of our lease arrangements include options to extend the lease. If we are 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. We have certain leases with a term of 12 months or less. For such leases, we elected not to recognize any ROU asset or lease liability on the consolidated balance sheet. We have lease agreements with lease and non-lease components. We elected to account for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component for all classes of underlying assets for which we have identified as lease arrangements.

As described above, we perform a review of all long-lived assets, including ROU assets, at the asset group level for impairment by assessing events or changes in circumstances that indicate the carrying amount of an asset group may not be recoverable. Recoverability of asset groups to be held and used is assessed by comparing the carrying amount of an asset group to estimated undiscounted future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset group. If the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which its carrying amount exceeds its fair value. We recorded $38 million of impairment charges related to our operating lease ROU assets during the year ended December 31, 2024. No impairment charges were recorded during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

Revenue

Revenue Recognition

We derive more than 90% of our revenues from recurring revenue streams, consisting primarily of (1) colocation, which includes the licensing of cabinet space and power; (2) interconnection offerings; (3) managed infrastructure solutions and (4) other revenues consisting of rental income from tenants or subtenants. The remainder of our revenues are from non-recurring revenue streams, such as installation revenues, professional service fees including from our joint ventures, contract settlements and equipment sales. Revenues by product lines and geographic regions are included in segment information in Note 18.

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 1 to 5 years for IBX data center colocation customers. Non-recurring installation fees, although generally paid upfront upon installation, are deferred and recognized ratably over the contract term. Professional service fees and equipment sales are recognized in the period when the services were provided. For the contracts with customers that contain multiple performance obligations, we account for individual performance obligations separately if they are distinct or as a series of distinct obligations if the individual performance obligations meet the series 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 performance obligation on a 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 total contract value of the arrangement such as price increases.

Revenue is generally recognized on a gross basis as a principal versus on a net basis as an agent, as we are primarily responsible for fulfilling the contract, bear inventory risk and have discretion in establishing the price when selling to the customer. To the extent we do not meet the criteria for recognizing revenue on a gross basis, we record the revenue on a net basis. Revenue from contract settlements, when a customer wishes to terminate their contract early, is treated as a contract modification and recognized ratably over the remaining term of the contract, if any.

We guarantee 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 our IBX data centers, we would reduce revenue for any credits or cash payments given to the customer. Historically, these credits and cash payments have not been significant.

We enter into revenue contracts with customers for data centers and office space that contain both lease and non-lease components. We 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 accounted for in accordance with the current lease accounting guidance ("Topic 842") if the lease component is predominant, and in accordance with the current revenue accounting guidance ("Topic 606") if the non-lease component is predominant. 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 recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

As part of our ongoing involvement in our xScaleTM joint venture equity method investments, we enter into certain contracts with these ventures to provide our data center expertise in exchange for professional service fee revenue. Such services include development and construction management, sales and marketing, facilities management, asset management and procurement. In general, the revenue is recognized as the services are performed. Revenue for certain services, such as sales and marketing, are recognized at a point in time. In addition, the revenue for the sales and marketing fees may be recognized several years in advance of payment from the xScale joint ventures, as payment is often tied to deployment of the customer.

Certain customer agreements are denominated in currencies other than the functional currencies of the parties involved. Under applicable accounting rules, we are deemed to have foreign currency forward contracts embedded in these contracts. We assessed these embedded contracts and concluded them to be foreign currency embedded derivatives (see Note 7). These instruments are separated from their host contracts and held on our consolidated balance sheet at their fair value. The majority of these foreign currency embedded derivatives arise in certain of our subsidiaries where the local currency is the subsidiary's functional currency and the customer contract is denominated in the U.S. dollar. For certain contracts, we use these forward contracts embedded within our customer agreements to hedge against the effect of foreign exchange rate fluctuations on our net investment in our foreign subsidiaries. Please see Note 7 for further discussion of these hedges. For all other customer contracts containing embedded derivatives, changes in their fair values are recognized within revenues in our 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 we have transferred products or provided services to our 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, we have determined that our contracts generally do not include a significant financing component. We assess collectability based on a number of factors, including past transaction history with the customer and the credit-worthiness of the customer. We generally do not request collateral from our customers although in certain cases we obtain a security interest in a customer's equipment placed in our IBX data centers or obtain a deposit. We also maintain an allowance for estimated losses on a lifetime loss basis resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments for which we had expected to collect the revenues in accordance with the credit loss guidance accounting guidance ("Topic 326"). If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate or if they became insolvent, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, greater allowances for credit losses may be required. We specifically analyze current economic news, conditions and trends, historical loss rates, customer concentrations, customer credit-worthiness, changes in customer payment terms and any applicable long-term forecast when evaluating revenue recognition and the adequacy of our reserves for our accounts receivable. Any amounts that were previously recognized as revenue and subsequently determined to be uncollectible are charged to bad debt expense included in sales and marketing 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 an analysis of historical credits issued. Delinquent account balances are written off after management has determined that the likelihood of collection is not probable.

A contract asset exists when we have transferred products or provided services to our customers but customer payment is conditioned on reasons other than the passage of time, such as upon the satisfaction of additional performance obligations. Certain contracts include terms related to price arrangements such as price increases and free months. We recognize 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 we have an unconditional right to a payment before we transfer the products or services to customers. Deferred revenue is included in other current liabilities and other liabilities, respectively, in the consolidated balance sheet.

Contract Costs

Direct and indirect incremental costs solely related to obtaining revenue contracts are capitalized as costs of obtaining a contract, when they are incremental and if they are expected to be recovered. Such costs consist primarily of commission fees and sales bonuses, as well as indirect related payroll costs. In 2024, contract costs were amortized over the estimated period of approximately 7 years on a straight-line basis. We elected to apply the practical expedient which allows us to expense contract costs when incurred, if the amortization period is one year or less.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the future tax consequences attributable to differences that exist between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, as well as tax attributes such as net operating loss, capital loss and tax credits carryforwards on a taxing jurisdiction basis. 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, and the tax attributes to be utilized. 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'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.

We elected to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes beginning with our 2015 taxable year. As a result, we may deduct the dividends distributed to our stockholders from taxable income generated by us and that of our qualified REIT subsidiaries ("QRSs"). Our dividends paid deduction generally eliminates the U.S. federal taxable income of our REIT and QRSs, resulting in no U.S. federal income tax due. However, our domestic taxable REIT subsidiaries ("TRSs") are subject to the U.S. corporate income taxes on any taxable income generated by them. In addition, our foreign operations are subject to local income taxes regardless of whether the foreign operations are operated as QRSs or TRSs for U.S. income tax purposes.

Our qualification and taxation as a REIT depend on our satisfaction of certain asset, income, organizational, distribution, stockholder ownership and other requirements on a continuing basis. Our ability to satisfy quarterly asset tests depends upon our analysis and the fair market values of our REIT and non-REIT assets. 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 expenditures.

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. We generally recognize 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. We elected to estimate forfeitures based on historical forfeiture rates.

We grant restricted stock units ("RSUs") or restricted stock awards ("RSAs") to our employees and these equity awards generally have only a service condition. We grant RSUs to our executives that generally have a service and performance condition or a service and market condition. Performance conditions contained in an equity award are

generally tied to our financial performance. We assess the probability of meeting these performance conditions on a quarterly basis. The majority of our RSUs vest over four years, although certain equity awards for executives vest over a range of two to four years. Our RSAs vest over three years. The valuation of RSUs 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 our stock price on the date of grant. We use a Monte Carlo simulation option-pricing model to determine the fair value of RSUs with a service and market condition.

We use the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine the fair value of our employee stock purchase plan ("ESPP"). The determination of the fair value of shares purchased under the ESPP is affected by assumptions regarding a number of complex and subjective variables including our expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards and actual and projected employee stock purchase behaviors. We 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). We record the excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation as income tax expense through the statement of operations.

Foreign Currency Transactions

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 our accompanying consolidated statements of operations. For additional information on the impact of foreign currencies to our consolidated financial statements, see "Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss" in Note 11.

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 exchange rates during the period. Gains or losses from translation of foreign 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 in the period incurred and recorded within other income (expense). Certain intercompany balances are designated as loans of a long-term investment-type nature. Accordingly, exchange gains and losses associated with these long-term intercompany balances are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income (loss), along with translation adjustments.

Earnings Per Share

We compute basic and diluted EPS for net income. Basic EPS is computed using net income and the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted EPS is computed using net income and the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding plus any dilutive potential common shares outstanding. Dilutive potential common shares include the assumed vesting and issuance activity of employee equity awards using the treasury stock method.

Treasury Stock

We account 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.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

In November 2024, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2024-03: Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses ("DISE"). The ASU requires additional disclosure of the nature of expenses included in the income statement. The ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026 and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. The requirements will be applied prospectively with the option for retrospective application. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the extent of the impact of this ASU on disclosures in our consolidated financial statements.

In December 2023, FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes ("Topic 740"): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. This ASU is intended to enhance the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures by requiring (i) consistent categories and greater disaggregation of information in the rate reconciliation and (ii) income taxes paid disaggregated by jurisdiction. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. The requirements will be applied prospectively with the option for retrospective application. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the extent of the impact of this ASU on disclosures in our consolidated financial statements.

Accounting Standards Recently Adopted

Segment Reporting

In November 2023, FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting ("Topic 280"): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosure. The ASU is intended to improve reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted and retrospective adoption required. We adopted this ASU for the 2024 annual reporting period. Refer to Note 18 for disclosures required by this ASU.

Supplier Finance Programs

In September 2022, FASB issued ASU 2022-04, "Liabilities-Supplier Finance Programs (Subtopic 405-50): Disclosure of Supplier Finance Program Obligations". This guidance requires annual and interim disclosures for entities that use supplier finance programs in connection with the purchase of goods and services. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, with early adoption permitted, except for the amendment on roll forward information, which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023. On January 1, 2023, we adopted this ASU and the adoption of this standard did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Reference Rate Reform

In March 2020, FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform ("Topic 848"): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. In addition, FASB issued ASU 2021-01, Reference Rate Reform ("Topic 848"), which clarifies the scope of Topic 848. Collectively, the guidance provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. ASU 2021-01 is effective upon issuance and ASU 2020-04 was effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020, and together remained effective through December 31, 2022. In December 2022, FASB issued ASU 2022-06, Reference Rate Reform ("Topic 848"): Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848. Because the current relief in Topic 848 may not cover a period of time during which a significant number of modifications may take place, the amendments in this Update defer the sunset date of Topic 848 from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2024, after which entities will no longer be permitted to apply the relief in Topic 848. We adopted these ASUs upon their respective issuances and there was no impact on our consolidated financial statements as a result of adopting the guidance. We will evaluate our debt, derivative and lease contracts that may become eligible for modification relief and may apply the elections prospectively as needed.

Debt with Conversion and Other Options

In August 2020, FASB issued ASU 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. On January 1, 2022, we adopted this ASU on a prospective basis and the adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Business Combinations

In October 2021, FASB issued ASU 2021-08 Business Combinations ("Topic 805"): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers. The ASU requires contract assets and contract liabilities acquired in a business combination to be recognized and measured by the acquirer on the acquisition date in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, as if it had originated the contracts. Under the current business combinations guidance, such assets and liabilities were recognized by the acquirer at fair value on the acquisition date. The ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2022, with early adoption permitted. On April 1, 2022, we early adopted this ASU and the adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments

Derivatives and Nonderivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments

Net Investment Hedges

Foreign Currency Debt: We are exposed to the impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations on the value of investments in our foreign subsidiaries whose functional currencies are other than the U.S. Dollar. In order to mitigate the impact of foreign currency exchange rates, we have entered into various foreign currency debt obligations, which are designated as hedges against our net investments in foreign subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the total principal amounts of foreign currency debt obligations designated as net investment hedges were $1.0 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively.

Foreign Currency Forward Contracts: We use foreign currency forward contracts, designated as net investment hedges, to hedge against the effect of foreign exchange rate fluctuations on our net investment in our foreign subsidiaries. We use the spot method to assess hedge effectiveness and recognize fair value changes from spot rates in other comprehensive income (loss). We exclude forward points from the assessment of hedge effectiveness and amortize the initial value of the excluded component through interest expense. The difference between fair value changes from the excluded component and the amount amortized is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss).

Embedded Derivatives: Certain of our customer agreements that are priced in currencies different from the functional or local currencies of the parties involved are deemed to have foreign currency forward contracts embedded in them. These embedded derivatives are separated from their host contracts and carried on our balance sheet at their fair value. The majority of these embedded derivatives arise as a result of our foreign subsidiaries pricing their customer contracts in U.S. Dollars. We use these forward contracts embedded within our customer agreements to hedge against the effect of foreign exchange rate fluctuations on our net investment in our foreign subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the total remaining contract value of such customer agreements outstanding under this hedging program was $213 million and $223 million, respectively.

Cross-currency Interest Rate Swaps: We also use cross-currency interest rate swaps, designated as net investment hedges, which effectively convert a portion of our U.S. dollar-denominated fixed-rate debt to foreign currency-denominated fixed-rate debt, to hedge the currency exposure associated with our net investment in our foreign subsidiaries. We use the spot method to assess hedge effectiveness and recognize fair value changes from spot rates in other comprehensive income (loss). We exclude time value and cross currency basis spread from the assessment of hedge effectiveness and recognize the excluded component in interest expense through the swap accrual process. The difference between fair value changes of the excluded component and the amount amortized is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss).

Cash Flow Hedges

Foreign Currency Forward Contracts: We enter into intercompany foreign currency forward contracts ("intercompany derivatives") with our wholly-owned subsidiaries in our EMEA region in order to hedge certain forecasted revenues and expenses denominated in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar (primarily the British Pound and the Euro). Simultaneously, we enter into foreign currency forward contracts with unrelated third parties to externally hedge the net exposure created by such intercompany derivatives. We designate the intercompany derivatives as cash flow hedges. We do not exclude any components from the assessment of hedge effectiveness and the change in fair value of these derivatives is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) until the hedged transaction occurs.

As of December 31, 2024, our foreign currency forward contracts had maturity dates ranging from January 2025 to December 2026 and we had a net gain of $38 million recorded within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to be reclassified to revenues and expenses for cash flow hedges that will mature in the next 12 months. As of December 31, 2023, our foreign currency forward contracts had maturity dates ranging from January 2024 to December 2025 and we had a net loss of $7 million recorded within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to be reclassified to revenues and expenses for cash flow hedges that will mature in the next 12 months.

Cross-currency Interest Rate Swaps: We use cross-currency swaps, which are designated as cash flow hedges, to manage the foreign currency exposure associated with a portion of our foreign currency-denominated

variable-rate debt and our U.S. dollar-denominated fixed-rate debt issued by our foreign subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2024, our cross-currency interest rate swaps had maturity dates ranging from March 2026 to June 2034. We had a net gain of $13 million recorded within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to be reclassified to interest expense in the next 12 months. As of December 31, 2023, our cross-currency interest rate swaps had maturity dates of March 2026. We had an insignificant net gain recorded within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to be reclassified to interest expense in the next 12 months. We use the spot method to assess hedge effectiveness. Fair value changes from spot rates are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) initially and immediately reclassified to earnings to offset the gain or loss from remeasuring the associated debt. We exclude time value and cross currency basis spread from the assessment of hedge effectiveness and recognize the excluded component in interest expense through the swap accrual process. The difference between fair value changes of the excluded component and the amount amortized is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss).

Interest Rate Locks: We hedge 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 both December 31, 2024 and 2023, we had no interest rate locks outstanding. When interest rate locks are settled, any gain or loss from the transactions is deferred and included as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) and is 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, 2024 and 2023, we had a net gain of $3 million and $1 million, respectively, recorded within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to be reclassified to interest expense in the next 12 months for interest rate locks.

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

Foreign Currency Forward Contracts: We also use foreign currency forward contracts to manage the foreign exchange risk associated with certain foreign currency-denominated monetary assets and liabilities. As a result of foreign currency fluctuations, the U.S. Dollar equivalent values of our 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.

Cross-currency Interest Rate Swaps: We may, from time to time, elect to de-designate a portion of our cross-currency interest rate swaps previously designated as hedging instruments. Gains and losses subsequent to the de-designation are recognized in other income (expense).

Notional Amounts and Fair Value of Derivative Instruments

The following table presents the composition of derivative instruments recognized in our consolidated balance sheets, excluding accrued interest, as of December 31 (in millions):


	2024						2023
			Fair Value						Fair Value
	Notional Amount (1)		Assets (2)		Liabilities (3)		Notional Amount (1)		Assets (2)		Liabilities (3)
Designated as hedging instruments:
Net investment hedges
Foreign currency forward contracts	$	966	$	39	$	17	$	887	$	3	$	17
Cross-currency interest rate swaps	1,986		189		1		3,121		132		—
Cash flow hedges
Foreign currency forward contracts	1,365		53		—		1,154		2		14
Cross-currency interest rate swaps	1,030		48		—		280		36		—

Total designated as hedging	5,347		329		18		5,442		173		31

Not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign currency forward contracts	3,536		80		9		3,053		4		70
Cross-currency interest rate swaps	1,395		182		45		1,061		80		—
Total not designated as hedging	4,931		262		54		4,114		84		70
Total Derivatives	$	10,278	$	591	$	72	$	9,556	$	257	$	101

(1)Excludes embedded derivatives.

(2)As presented in our consolidated balance sheets within other current assets and other assets.

(3)As presented in our consolidated balance sheets within other current liabilities and other liabilities.