Power grid constraints and permitting delays: inability to secure 100-200MW utility commitments in key markets (Northern Virginia, Silicon Valley, Frankfurt) could limit growth as AI demand requires 5-10x traditional power density
Technological obsolescence: shift toward edge computing or customer preference for owned facilities could reduce demand for third-party colocation, though 10-15 year replacement cycles provide visibility
Regulatory and environmental mandates: carbon neutrality requirements and renewable energy mandates increasing operating costs, with data centers consuming 1-2% of global electricity
Hyperscale customer backward integration: AWS, Microsoft, Google building owned facilities in certain markets, reducing reliance on third-party providers for commodity capacity
Intensifying competition from Equinix (EQIX), CyrusOne (private), and new entrants in high-growth markets driving cap rate compression and reducing development spreads to 150-200 bps
Elevated leverage at 5.8-6.2x net debt/EBITDA requiring $3-4B annual development spend, creating refinancing risk if capital markets dislocate
Foreign currency exposure with 35-40% of NOI from EMEA and APAC operations, though natural hedges exist through local currency debt
StructuralCompetitiveBalance Sheet