Digital Realty Trust
Annual Report 2017

Plain-text annual report

Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K x ¨ Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the Transition Period From to . Commission file number 001-32336 (Digital Realty Trust, Inc.) 000-54023 (Digital Realty Trust, L.P.) DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Maryland (Digital Realty Trust, Inc.) Maryland (Digital Realty Trust, L.P.) (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) Four Embarcadero Center, Suite 3200 San Francisco, CA (Address of principal executive offices) 26-0081711 20-2402955 (IRS employer identification number) 94111 (Zip Code) (415) 738-6500 (Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Digital Realty Trust, Inc. Digital Realty Trust, L.P. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. Digital Realty Trust, L.P. Title of each class Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value per share Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value per share Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value per share Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value per share Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value per share None Name of each exchange on which registered New York Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange None Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None Common Units of Partnership Interest Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. Digital Realty Trust, L.P. Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes x No o Yes o No x Digital Realty Trust, Inc. Digital Realty Trust, L.P. Yes o No x Yes o No x Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. Digital Realty Trust, L.P. Yes x No o Yes x No o Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Digital Realty Trust, Inc. Digital Realty Trust, L.P. Yes x No o Yes x No o Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Digital Realty Trust, Inc.: Large accelerated filer x Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Digital Realty Trust, L.P.: Large accelerated filer o Non-accelerated filer x (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Accelerated filer Smaller reporting company Emerging growth company Accelerated filer Smaller reporting company Emerging growth company o o o o o o If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. Digital Realty Trust, L.P. Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Digital Realty Trust, Inc. o o Yes o No x Yes o No x Digital Realty Trust, L.P. The aggregate market value of the common equity held by non-affiliates of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. as of June 30, 2017 totaled approximately $18 billion based on the closing price for Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stock on that day as reported by the New York Stock Exchange. Such value excludes common stock held by executive officers, directors and 10% or greater stockholders as of June 30, 2017. The identification of 10% or greater stockholders as of June 30, 2017 is based on Schedule 13G and amended Schedule 13G reports publicly filed before June 30, 2017. This calculation does not reflect a determination that such parties are affiliates for any other purposes. There is no public trading market for the common units of Digital Realty Trust, L.P. As a result, the aggregate market value of the common units held by non-affiliates of Digital Realty Trust, L.P. cannot be determined. Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. Digital Realty Trust, Inc.: Common Stock, $.01 par value per share Class Outstanding at February 26, 2018 205,743,377 Part III incorporates by reference portions of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s Proxy Statement for its 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders which the registrants anticipate will be filed no later than 120 days after the end of its fiscal year pursuant to Regulation 14A. DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements EXPLANATORY NOTE This report combines the annual reports on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 of Digital Realty Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation, and Digital Realty Trust, L.P., a Maryland limited partnership, of which Digital Realty Trust, Inc. is the sole general partner. Unless otherwise indicated or unless the context requires otherwise, all references in this report to “we,” “us,” “our,” “our Company” or “the Company” refer to Digital Realty Trust, Inc. together with its consolidated subsidiaries, including Digital Realty Trust, L.P. Unless otherwise indicated or unless the context requires otherwise, all references to “our Operating Partnership” or “the Operating Partnership” refer to Digital Realty Trust, L.P. together with its consolidated subsidiaries. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. is a real estate investment trust, or REIT, and the sole general partner of Digital Realty Trust, L.P. As of December 31, 2017 , Digital Realty Trust, Inc. owned an approximate 96.0% common general partnership interest in Digital Realty Trust, L.P. The remaining approximate 4.0% of the common limited partnership interests of Digital Realty Trust, L.P. are owned by non-affiliated third parties and certain directors and officers of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. As of December 31, 2017 , Digital Realty Trust, Inc. owned all of the preferred limited partnership interests of Digital Realty Trust, L.P. As the sole general partner of Digital Realty Trust, L.P., Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has the full, exclusive and complete responsibility for the operating partnership’s day-to-day management and control. We believe combining the annual reports on Form 10-K of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. into this single report results in the following benefits: • • • enhancing investors’ understanding of our Company and our Operating Partnership by enabling investors to view the business as a whole in the same manner as management views and operates the business; eliminating duplicative disclosure and providing a more streamlined and readable presentation since a substantial portion of the disclosure applies to both our Company and our Operating Partnership; and creating time and cost efficiencies through the preparation of one combined report instead of two separate reports. There are a few differences between our Company and our Operating Partnership, which are reflected in the disclosure in this report. We believe it is important to understand the differences between our Company and our Operating Partnership in the context of how we operate as an interrelated consolidated company. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. is a REIT, whose only material asset is its ownership of partnership interests of Digital Realty Trust, L.P. As a result, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. does not conduct business itself, other than acting as the sole general partner of Digital Realty Trust, L.P., issuing public equity from time to time and guaranteeing certain unsecured debt of Digital Realty Trust, L.P. and certain of its subsidiaries. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. itself does not issue any indebtedness but guarantees the unsecured debt of Digital Realty Trust, L.P. and certain of its subsidiaries and affiliates, as disclosed in this report. Digital Realty Trust, L.P. holds substantially all the assets of the Company and holds the ownership interests in the Company’s joint ventures. Digital Realty Trust, L.P. conducts the operations of the business and is structured as a partnership with no publicly traded equity. Except for net proceeds from public equity issuances by Digital Realty Trust, Inc., which are generally contributed to Digital Realty Trust, L.P. in exchange for partnership units, Digital Realty Trust, L.P. generates the capital required by the Company’s business through Digital Realty Trust, L.P.’s operations, by Digital Realty Trust, L.P.’s direct or indirect incurrence of indebtedness or through the issuance of partnership units. The presentation of noncontrolling interests in operating partnership, stockholders’ equity and partners’ capital are the main areas of difference between the consolidated financial statements of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and those of Digital Realty Trust, L.P. The common limited partnership interests held by the limited partners in Digital Realty Trust, L.P. are presented as limited partners’ capital within partners’ capital in Digital Realty Trust, L.P.’s consolidated financial statements and as noncontrolling interests in operating partnership within equity in Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s consolidated financial statements. The common and preferred partnership interests held by Digital Realty Trust, Inc. in Digital Realty Trust, L.P. are presented as general partner’s capital within partners’ capital in Digital Realty Trust, L.P.’s consolidated financial statements and as preferred stock, common stock, additional paid-in capital and accumulated dividends in excess of earnings within stockholders’ equity in Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s consolidated financial statements. The differences in the presentations between stockholders’ equity and partners’ capital result from the differences in the equity issued at the Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and the Digital Realty Trust, L.P. levels. Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements To help investors understand the significant differences between the Company and the Operating Partnership, this report presents the following separate sections for each of the Company and the Operating Partnership: • • • • • consolidated financial statements; the following notes to the consolidated financial statements: • • • Debt of the Company and Debt of the Operating Partnership; Income per Share and Income per Unit; Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of the Company and Capital and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) of the Operating Partnership; and Quarterly Financial Information; • Liquidity and Capital Resources in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations; Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities; and Selected Financial Data. This report also includes separate Item 9A. Controls and Procedures sections and separate Exhibit 31 and 32 certifications for each of the Company and the Operating Partnership in order to establish that the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of each entity has made the requisite certification and that the Company and the Operating Partnership are compliant with Rule 13a-15 or Rule 15d-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. §1350. In order to highlight the differences between the Company and the Operating Partnership, the separate sections in this report for the Company and the Operating Partnership specifically refer to the Company and the Operating Partnership. In the sections that combine disclosure of the Company and the Operating Partnership, this report refers to actions or holdings as being actions or holdings of the Company. Although the Operating Partnership is generally the entity that enters into contracts and joint ventures and holds assets and debt, reference to the Company is appropriate because the business is one enterprise and the Company operates the business through the Operating Partnership. As general partner with control of the Operating Partnership, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. consolidates the Operating Partnership for financial reporting purposes, and it does not have significant assets other than its investment in the Operating Partnership. Therefore, the assets and liabilities of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. are the same on their respective consolidated financial statements. The separate discussions of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. in this report should be read in conjunction with each other to understand the results of the Company on a consolidated basis and how management operates the Company. In this report, “properties” and “buildings” refer to all or any of the buildings in our portfolio, including data centers and non-data centers, and “data centers” refers only to the properties or buildings in our portfolio that contain data center space. Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. FORM 10-K FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 TABLE OF CONTENTS PART I. ITEM 1. Business ITEM 1A. Risk Factors ITEM 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments ITEM 2. Properties ITEM 3. Legal Proceedings ITEM 4. Mine Safety Disclosures PART II. ITEM 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities ITEM 6. Selected Financial Data ITEM 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ITEM 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data ITEM 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure ITEM 9A. Controls and Procedures ITEM 9B. Other Information PART III. ITEM 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance ITEM 11. Executive Compensation ITEM 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters ITEM 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence ITEM 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services PART IV. ITEM 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules ITEM 16. Form 10-K Summary SIGNATURES PAGE NO. 1 12 38 38 43 43 44 47 52 83 85 181 181 182 183 183 183 183 183 184 191 192 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements ITEM 1. BUSINESS General PART I Digital Realty Trust, Inc. through its controlling interest in Digital Realty Trust, L.P. and its subsidiaries is a leading global provider of data center, colocation and interconnection solutions for customers across a variety of industry verticals ranging from cloud and information technology services, communications and social networking to financial services, manufacturing, energy, healthcare, and consumer products. Digital Realty Trust, L.P., a Maryland limited partnership, is the entity through which Digital Realty Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation, conducts its business of owning, acquiring, developing and operating data centers. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. operates as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. On September 14, 2017, we completed the acquisition of DuPont Fabros Technology, Inc., or DFT, in an all-stock merger, which we refer to as the DFT Merger, for equity consideration of approximately $6.2 billion. We believe this transaction expanded our reach with a complementary portfolio in top U.S. metropolitan areas while enhancing our ability to meet the growing demand for hyper-scale and public cloud solutions and solidifying our blue-chip customer base. On July 5, 2016, we completed the acquisition of a portfolio of eight high-quality, carrier-neutral data centers in Europe, which we refer to as the European Portfolio Acquisition, for a total purchase price of $818.9 million (based on the exchange rate at the date of acquisition). We believe the acquisition of these highly strategic assets in Amsterdam, Frankfurt and London enhanced our colocation and interconnection platform globally. On October 9, 2015, we acquired Telx Holdings, Inc., or Telx, a leading U.S. provider of data center colocation, interconnection and cloud enablement solutions, which we refer to as the Telx Acquisition, for approximately $1.9 billion. We believe this acquisition established us as a leading provider of colocation and interconnection solutions in the U.S., complementing our existing business. As of December 31, 2017 , our portfolio consisted of 205 data centers, including seven held-for-sale data centers and 18 data centers held as investments in unconsolidated joint ventures, of which 152 are located throughout the United States, 38 are located in Europe, seven are located in Asia, five are located in Australia and three are located in Canada. We are diversified across 33 major metropolitan areas throughout 12 countries where data center and technology customers are concentrated, including the Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, Northern Virginia, Phoenix, San Francisco, Seattle and Silicon Valley metropolitan areas in the United States; the Amsterdam, Dublin, Frankfurt and London metropolitan areas in Europe; and the Hong Kong, Melbourne, Osaka, Singapore, Sydney and Tokyo metropolitan areas in the Asia Pacific region. Our portfolio contains a total of approximately 32.1 million square feet, including approximately 2.7 million square feet of space under active development, which includes current base building and data center projects in progress, as well as approximately 1.7 million square feet of space held for future development, which includes space held for future data center development and excludes space under active development. The 18 data centers held as investments in unconsolidated joint ventures have an aggregate of approximately 2.2 million rentable square feet. The 21 parcels of developable land we own comprise approximately 539 acres. A significant component of our current and future growth is expected to be generated through the development of our existing space held for development and acquisition of new properties. As of December 31, 2017, our portfolio, including the 18 data centers held as investments in unconsolidated joint ventures and excluding space under active development and space held for future development, was approximately 90.2% leased. Our portfolio is comprised of data centers, which provide secure, continuously available environments for the exchange, processing and storage of critical electronic information. Data centers are used for digital communication, disaster recovery purposes, transaction processing and housing mission-critical corporate IT applications. Certain of our data centers, which we refer to as Internet gateways, are highly interconnected, network-dense facilities that serve as hubs for Internet and data communications within and between major metropolitan areas. We believe Internet gateways are highly valuable and would be extremely difficult to replicate. 1 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements The locations of and improvements to our data centers, the network density, interconnection infrastructure and connectivity-centric customers in certain of our facilities, and our comprehensive product offerings are critical to our customers’ businesses, which we believe results in high occupancy levels, longer average lease terms and customer relationships, as well as lower turnover. In addition, many of our data centers contain significant improvements that have been installed at our customers’ expense. The tenant improvements in our data centers are generally readily adaptable for use by similar customers. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. was incorporated in the state of Maryland on March 9, 2004. Digital Realty Trust, L.P. was organized in the state of Maryland on July 21, 2004. Our principal executive offices are located at Four Embarcadero Center, Suite 3200, San Francisco, California 94111. Our telephone number at that location is (415) 738-6500. Our website is located at www.digitalrealty.com. The information found on, or otherwise accessible through, our website is not incorporated into, and does not form a part of, this annual report or any other report or document we file with or furnish to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC. Our Competitive Strengths We believe we distinguish ourselves from other owners, acquirers, developers and operators of data centers through our competitive strengths, which include: • Global Platform. We believe that a high-quality, highly interconnected global portfolio such as ours could not be easily replicated today on a cost- competitive basis. • • Presence in Key Metropolitan Areas . Our portfolio comprises a network of 205 state-of-the-art, interconnected data centers, which are concentrated in 33 major metropolitan areas across 12 countries on four continents. Our portfolio is geographically diversified, so that no single metropolitan area represented more than approximately 21.6% of the aggregate annualized rent of our portfolio as of December 31, 2017. Through strategic investments, we have grown our presence in key metropolitan areas throughout North American, Europe, Asia and Australia. The DFT Merger in 2017 enhanced our data center offerings in strategic and complementary U.S. metropolitan areas. The Telx Acquisition in 2015 established our colocation and interconnection platform in the U.S. and the European Portfolio Acquisition in 2016 expanded our colocation and interconnection platform in Europe, each transaction enhancing our presence in top-tier locations throughout the U.S. and Europe. Secure and Network-Rich Data Centers . Our data centers are physically secure, network-rich and equipped to meet the power and cooling requirements of smaller footprints up to the most demanding IT applications. Many of our data centers are located on major aggregation points formed by the physical presence of multiple major telecommunications service providers, which reduces our customers’ costs and operational risks and enhances the attractiveness of our properties. In addition, our strategically located global data center campuses offer our customers the ability to expand their global footprint as their businesses grow, while our connectivity offerings on our campuses enhance the capabilities and attractiveness of these facilities. Further, the network density, interconnection infrastructure and connectivity-centric customers in certain of our data centers has led to the organic formation of densely interconnected ecosystems that are difficult for others to replicate and deliver added value to our customers. • Comprehensive Product Offering. We provide flexible, customer-centric data center solutions designed to meet the needs of companies of all sizes across multiple industry verticals around the world. Our data centers and comprehensive suite of product offerings are scalable to meet our customers’ needs, from a single rack or cabinet, up to multi-megawatt deployments, along with connectivity, interconnection and solutions to support their hybrid cloud architecture requirements. • Colocation, Scale and Hyper-Scale Platform . Our colocation and Turn-Key Flex ® data centers are move-in ready, physically secure facilities with the power and cooling capabilities to support customers requiring a single rack or cabinet up to mission-critical IT enterprise applications. We believe our colocation and Turn-Key Flex ® facilities are effective solutions for customers who may lack the bandwidth, capital budget, 2 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements expertise or desire to provide their own extensive data center infrastructure, management and security. For customers who possess the ability to build and operate their own facility, our Powered Base Building ® solution provides the physical location, requisite power and network access necessary to support a state-of-the-art data center. Our data center campuses offer our customers the opportunity to expand in or near their existing deployments within our data center campuses. Our Critical Facilities Management ® services and team of technical engineers and data center operations experts provide 24/7 support for these mission-critical facilities. • Interconnection and Cloud-Enablement Platform . Through our recent investments and strategic partnerships, we have significantly expanded our capabilities as a leading provider of interconnection and cloud-enablement services globally. We believe interconnection is an attractive line of business that would be difficult to build organically and enhances the overall value proposition of our colocation, scale and hyper-scale data center product offerings. Furthermore, through new product offerings, such as our Service Exchange, and partnerships with cloud service providers, we are able to support our customers’ hybrid cloud architecture requirements. Over the past few years, we have expanded our product mix to appeal to a broader spectrum of data center customers, especially those seeking to support a greater portion of their data center requirements through a single provider. • Global and Diverse Customer Base. Our portfolio has attracted a high-quality, diversified mix of customers. We have more than 2,300 customers in total, and no single customer represented more than approximately 6.5% of the aggregate annualized rent of our portfolio as of December 31, 2017. • • Global Customer Base across a Wide Variety of Industry Sectors . We use our in-depth knowledge of requirements for and trends impacting cloud and information technology service providers, content providers, network and communications providers, and other data center users, including enterprise customers, to market our data centers to meet these customers’ specific technology needs. At December 31, 2017, our customers represented a variety of industry verticals, ranging from cloud and information technology services, communications and social networking to financial services, manufacturing, energy, gaming, life sciences and consumer products. Our customers are increasingly launching multi-regional deployments and growing with us internationally. Our largest customer, IBM, accounted for approximately 6.5% of the aggregate annualized rent as of December 31, 2017 and no other single customer accounted for more than approximately 6.2% of the aggregate annualized rent of our portfolio. Proven Experience Attracting and Retaining Customers . Our specialized data center salesforce, which is aligned to meet our customers’ needs for global, enterprise and network solutions, provides a robust pipeline of new customers, while existing customers continue to grow and expand their utilization of our services to support a greater portion of their IT needs. During the year ended December 31, 2017, we commenced new leases totaling approximately 1.2 million square feet, which represent approximately $184.1 million in annualized GAAP rent, and renewal leases totaling approximately 2.1 million square feet, which represent approximately $241.3 million in annualized GAAP rent. During the year ended December 31, 2017, we signed new leases totaling approximately 1.1 million square feet, which represent approximately $168.5 million in annualized GAAP rent, and renewal leases totaling approximately 2.0 million square feet, which represent approximately $234.2 million in annualized GAAP rent. During the year ended December 31, 2017, we signed new leases with existing customers totaling approximately 1.0 million square feet, which represent approximately $152.6 million in annualized GAAP rent. • Demonstrated Investment Acumen. We have developed detailed, standardized procedures for evaluating acquisitions and investments, including income-producing properties as well as vacant buildings and land suitable for development, to ensure that they meet our strategic, financial, technical and other criteria. These procedures, together with our in-depth knowledge of the technology, data center and real estate industries, allow us to identify strategically located properties and evaluate investment opportunities efficiently and, as appropriate, commit and close quickly. Our investment-grade ratings, along with our broad network of contacts within the data center industry, enable us to effectively capitalize on acquisition and investment opportunities. 3 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements • • Differentiating Development Advantages. Our extensive development activity, operating scale and process-based approach to data center design, construction and operations result in significant cost savings and added value for our customers. We have leveraged our purchasing power by securing global purchasing agreements and developing relationships with major equipment manufacturers, reducing costs and shortening delivery timeframes on key components, including major mechanical and electrical equipment. Utilizing our innovative modular data center design, we deliver what we believe to be a technically superior data center environment at significant cost savings. In addition, by utilizing our POD Architecture® to develop new Turn- Key Flex ® facilities in our existing Powered Base Building ® facilities, on average we can deliver a fully commissioned facility in under 30 weeks. Finally, our access to capital and investment-grade ratings allow us to provide data center solutions for customers who do not want to invest their own capital. Experienced and Committed Management Team and Organization. Our senior management team has many years of experience in the technology and/or real estate industries, including experience as investors in and advisors to technology companies. We believe that our senior management team’s extensive knowledge of both the technology and the real estate industries provides us with a key competitive advantage. Further, a significant portion of compensation for our senior management team and directors is in the form of common equity interests in our Company. We also maintain minimum stock ownership requirements for our senior management team and directors, further aligning their interests with those of external stockholders, as well as an employee stock purchase plan, which encourages our employees to increase their ownership in the Company. Business and Growth Strategies Our primary business objectives are to maximize: (i) sustainable long-term growth in earnings and funds from operations per share and unit, (ii) cash flow and returns to our stockholders and our Operating Partnership’s unitholders through the payment of distributions and (iii) return on invested capital, which we expect to accomplish by achieving superior risk-adjusted returns, prudently allocating capital, diversifying our product offerings and driving revenue growth and operating efficiencies. • • Achieve Superior Returns. We believe that achieving appropriate risk-adjusted returns on our business, including on our development pipeline and leasing transactions, will deliver superior stockholder returns. At December 31, 2017, we had approximately 2.7 million square feet of space under active development for Turn-Key Flex ® and Powered Base Building ® products in seven U.S. metropolitan areas, four European metropolitan areas, two Australian metropolitan areas, one Canadian metropolitan area and one Asian metropolitan area, consisting of approximately 1.3 million square feet of base building construction and 1.4 million square feet of data center construction. We may continue to build out our development pipeline when justified by anticipated returns. We also believe that providing an even stronger value proposition to our customers, including through new and more comprehensive product offerings, as well as continuing to improve operational efficiencies, will further drive improved returns for our business. Prudently Allocate Capital. We believe that the accretive deployment of capital at sufficiently positive spreads above our cost of capital enables us to increase cash flow and create long-term stockholder value. • • Strategic and Complementary Investments . We have developed significant expertise at underwriting, financing and executing data center investment opportunities. We employ a collaborative approach to deal analysis, risk management and asset allocation, focusing on key elements, such as market fundamentals, accessibility to fiber and power, and the local regulatory environment. In addition, the specialized nature of data centers makes these investment opportunities more difficult for traditional real estate investors to underwrite, resulting in reduced competition for investments relative to other property types. We believe this dynamic creates an opportunity for us to generate attractive risk- adjusted returns on our capital. Preserve the Flexibility of Our Balance Sheet . We are committed to maintaining a conservative capital structure. We target a debt-to-adjusted EBITDA ratio at or less than 5.5x, fixed charge coverage of greater than three times, and floating rate debt at less than 20% of total outstanding debt. In addition, we strive to maintain a well-laddered debt maturity schedule, and we seek to maximize the menu of our available sources of capital, while minimizing the related cost. Since Digital Realty Trust Inc.’s initial public offering in 2004, we have raised approximately $27.3 billion of capital through common, preferred and convertible preferred equity offerings, exchangeable debt offerings, non-exchangeable bond offerings, our global revolving credit facility, our term loan facility, a senior notes shelf facility, secured mortgage financings and re-financings, 4 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements joint venture partnerships and the sale of non-core assets. We endeavor to maintain financial flexibility while using our liquidity and access to capital to support operations, including our acquisition, investment, leasing and development programs and global campus expansion, which are important sources of our growth. • • Offer Comprehensive and Diverse Products. We have diversified our product offering, through acquisitions and organically, and believe that we have one of the most comprehensive suites of global data center solutions available to customers from a single provider. • • Global Service Infrastructure Platform . With the recent DFT Merger, which enhanced our portfolio of scale and hyper-scale data centers, the European Portfolio Acquisition and the Telx Acquisition, which established us as a leading provider of colocation, interconnection and cloud- enablement services globally, we are able to offer a broader range of data center solutions to meet our customers’ needs, from a single rack or cabinet to multi-megawatt deployments. We believe our products like Service Exchange and our partnerships with managed services and cloud service providers further enhance the attractiveness of our data centers. Provide Foundational Services to Enable Customers and Partners . We believe that the real estate platform, through which we offer the foundational services of space, power and connectivity, will enable our customers and partners to serve their customers and grow their businesses. We believe our Internet gateway data centers, individual data centers and data center campuses are attractive to a wide variety of customers and partners of all sizes. Furthermore, we believe our colocation and interconnection offerings, as well as the densely connected ecosystems that have developed within our facilities, and the availability and scalability of our comprehensive suite of products are valuable and critical to our customers and partners. Drive Revenue Growth and Operating Efficiencies. We aggressively manage our properties to maximize cash flow and control costs by leveraging our scale to drive operating efficiencies. Leverage Strong Industry Relationships . We use our strong industry relationships with national and regional corporate enterprise information technology groups and technology-intensive companies to identify and solve their data center needs. Our sales professionals are technology and real estate industry specialists who can develop complex facility solutions for the most demanding data center and other technology customers. Maximize Cash Flow . We often acquire properties with substantial in-place cash flow and some vacancy, which enables us to create upside through lease-up. We control our costs by negotiating expense pass-through provisions in customer agreements for operating expenses, including power costs and certain capital expenditure. We have also focused on centralizing functions and optimizing operations as well as improving processes and technologies. We believe that expanding our global data center campuses will also contribute to operating efficiencies because we expect to achieve economies of scale on our campus environments. • • Sustainability We believe that addressing sustainability by driving environmental efficiency through the implementation of cost-effective design and use of renewable energy serves as a key differentiator enabling us to deliver products that help attract and retain customers, generate cash flow, and manage operational risks. Our sustainability platform includes the following: • • We manage our data centers so that they offer high degrees of operational efficiencies for our customers. We benchmark and certify certain data centers in accordance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, Energy Star program, LEED TM , BREEAM, as well as other recognized third- party rating standards. A portion of our U.S. portfolio is enrolled in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Challenge for Data Centers. We have developed solutions to help our customers efficiently utilize energy and water, and to help them procure renewable energy. In 2017, we received Nareit’s “Leader in the Light” award for data centers, recognizing our sustainability and energy-efficiency achievements, and we ranked 6 th on the EPA’s Top 30 Tech and Telecom list of the largest green power users. 5 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Energy and resource management considerations are integrated into our business decisions. For the operating portfolio, annual capital expense investment planning identifies and evaluates resource efficiency project opportunities in a parallel but distinct process from non-resource-impacting capital investments. For acquisitions and new development activity, resiliency risks, resource availability, and renewable energy access are considered. Our design and construction process incorporates sustainable features that support resource efficiency during both construction as well as during eventual operational activity at the sites. We consider water availability, cost, and alternate supply solutions to potable water such as municipally supplied reclaimed water. We also consider cooling system designs to maximize ‘free cooling’ and reduce or eliminate the site’s reliance on access to water for cooling. Sustainable Data Center Ratings Data centers receiving third-party sustainable ratings in 2017 totaled 830,729 square feet, or approximately 62% of our total shell completions in 2017. We received the following sustainable data center ratings for all, or a portion of, the following sites: Data Center 9377 W Grand Avenue 2299 Busse Road 21745 Sir Timothy Drive Metropolitan Area Rating Framework Level Attained Chicago Chicago Northern Virginia LEED (1) LEED (1)(2) LEED (1)(3) Silver Silver Gold LEED TM : Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. Received by DFT in February 2017. Received by DFT in August 2017. In 2017, we achieved Energy Star for Data Centers recognition for all, or a portion of, the following sites, representing 16.9% of our U.S. operating portfolio (1) (2) (3) (1) : Data Center 375 Riverside Parkway 950 E Collins Boulevard 2260 E El Segundo Boulevard 1201 Comstock Street 1525 Comstock Street 1725 Comstock Street 2805 Lafayette Street 3105 Alfred Street 4040 Lafayette Center Drive 4050 Lafayette Center Drive 44060 Digital Loudoun Plaza Metropolitan Area Atlanta Dallas Los Angeles Santa Clara Santa Clara Santa Clara Santa Clara Santa Clara Northern Virginia Northern Virginia Northern Virginia (1) Percentage is based on U.S. stabilized assets, excluding Powered Base Building space, space under active development, space held for development, and space held in unconsolidated joint ventures. Resource Conservation We seek to proactively identify and support opportunities to efficiently utilize resources, such as energy and water, throughout our operating portfolio. In 2017, the following sites completed conservation projects primarily focusing on energy and water conservation: 6 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Property 100 Delawanna 111 8th Avenue 120 E. Van Buren Street 128 First Avenue 200 Paul Avenue 2121 S. Price Road 2323 Bryan Street 250 Williams Street 2501 S. State Highway 350 E. Cermak Road 56 Marietta 60 Hudson Street Metropolitan Area New York New York Phoenix Boston San Francisco Phoenix Dallas Atlanta Dallas Chicago Atlanta New York In 2017, we verified attainment of our energy intensity target under the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Challenge, an initiative to reduce non- IT energy intensity 20% by 2024 across a 0.79 million square foot portion of our portfolio compared to a 2013 baseline. Energy savings have been achieved by implementing HVAC upgrades, including variable frequency drive implementations, containment deployments and controls optimizations. Other energy savings initiatives include air management improvements and modifications to our SLAs with customers to allow for enhanced economizer operation. Our properties enrolled in the Better Buildings Challenge demonstrated cumulative reductions in non-IT energy intensity of 25% compared to a 2013 baseline, as reviewed via the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Challenge. Renewable Energy In 2017, we entered into power purchase agreements to secure the renewable energy attributes from a wind farm in Illinois and a solar farm in North Carolina. Our previously disclosed Texas wind farm power purchase agreement produced 365,184 MWh of renewable energy credits in 2017. SASB The Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (“SASB”) issued the Real Estate Owners, Developers & Investment Trusts Sustainability Accounting Standard guidance, which outlines proposed disclosure topics and accounting metrics for the real estate industry. We provide data on energy and water management metrics that best correlate with our business and industry as indicated in the following sections. The energy and water data we use is primarily collected and reviewed by third parties who compile the data from property utility statements. These metrics enable us to better manage our portfolio, track our progress on resource efficiency improvements, and track renewable energy sourcing. Energy Data Energy Consumption Data Coverage as % of Floor Area Total Energy Consumed by Portfolio Area with Data Coverage (MWh) (2) Grid electricity consumption as a % of Energy Consumption % of Energy Generated From Renewable Resources (3) Like-for-Like Change in Energy Consumption of Portfolio Area with Data Coverage (4) MWh per Occupied kW (5) MWh per Occupied kW Year over Year % Change 84% 77% 3,699,472 3,252,836 95% 95% 23.4% 9.5% 2.5% n/a 6.50 6.90 (5.8)% n/a Year (1) 2016 2015 (1) Full-year 2017 energy data is not currently available. The most recent full year for which energy data is available is 2016. 7 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements (2) (3) (4) (5) The scope of energy includes: energy purchased from sources external to the Company and its customers; energy produced by the Company and its customers (i.e., self-generated); and energy from all other sources, including direct fuel usage, purchased electricity, and purchased chilled water. Excludes renewable energy supplied by standard baseline utility fuel mix. Includes above-baseline utility renewables (e.g., green tariffs), Renewable Energy Credit (REC) purchases and RECs generated by the Company. Data reported in MWh on a like-for-like comparison excludes properties which were acquired, disposed, under development or have been largely refurbished during the reported year. We provide a “MWh per occupied kW” metric to assess relative resource use intensity. Excludes kW associated with Powered Base Building space. Water Data Year (1) 2016 2015 Water Consumption Data Coverage as % of Floor Area Total Water Consumed by Portfolio Area with Data Coverage (kGal) (2) Like-for-Like Change in Water Consumption of Portfolio Area with Data Coverage (3) kGal per Occupied kW (4) 64% 60% 459,127 403,373 (2.0)% n/a 0.81 0.86 Gal per Occupied kW Year over Year % Change (5.8)% n/a (1) (2) (3) (4) Full-year 2017 water data is not currently available. The most recent full year for which water data is available is 2016. Data reported in kilo-gallons (kGal). The scope of water consumed includes potable and non-potable water purchased from third-party suppliers. The like-for-like comparison excludes properties which were acquired, disposed, under development or largely refurbished during the reported year. We provide a “kGal per occupied kW” metric to assess relative resource use intensity. Excludes kGal associated with Powered Base Building space. Competition We compete with numerous data center developers, owners and operators, many of whom own or operate properties similar to ours in some of the same metropolitan areas where our data centers are located, including CoreSite Realty Corporation, CyrusOne Inc., Equinix, Inc., QTS Realty Trust, Inc., Switch, Inc. and various local developers in the U.S., as well as Global Switch Holdings Limited and various regional operators in Europe, Asia and Australia. If our competitors offer space that our customers or potential customers perceive to be superior to ours based on numerous factors, including available power, security considerations, location, or connectivity, or if they offer rental rates below current market rates, or below the rental rates we are offering, we may lose customers or potential customers or be required to incur costs to improve our properties or lower our rental rates. In addition, several of our competitors have the financial and technical ability to develop competitive data centers. If the supply of competitive data centers were to increase significantly, rental rates may be reduced or we may face delays in leasing, or be unable to lease our vacant space, including space that we develop. Finally, if customers or potential customers require products or services that we do not offer, we may not be able to meet those customers’ needs. Our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow, cash available for distribution and ability to satisfy our debt service obligations could be materially adversely affected as a result of any or all of these factors. Geographic Information Operating revenues from properties in the United States were $1.9 billion , $1.7 billion and $1.4 billion and outside the United States were $0.5 billion , $0.4 billion and $0.4 billion for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. We had investments in real estate located in the United States of $10.5 billion , $6.3 billion and $6.1 billion and outside the United States of $3.1 billion , $2.6 billion and $2.6 billion as of December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Operating revenues from properties located in the United Kingdom were $0.3 billion , $0.2 billion and $0.2 billion , or 11.2% , 11.1% and 12.3% of total operating revenues, for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. No other foreign country comprised more than 10% of total operating revenues for each of these years. We had investments in real estate located in the United Kingdom of $1.7 billion , $1.5 billion and $1.6 billion , or 12.1% , 16.6% and 18.8% of total 8 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements investments in real estate, as of December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. No other foreign country comprised more than 10% of total investments in real estate as of each of December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 . See “Risk Factors—Ownership of data centers located outside of the United States subjects us to foreign currency and related risks which may adversely impact our ability to make distributions”, “—Our international activities are subject to unique risks different than those faced by us in the United States and we may not be able to effectively manage our international business” and “—We face risks with our international acquisitions associated with investing in unfamiliar metropolitan areas” for risks relating to our international operations. Regulation General Our properties are subject to various laws, ordinances and regulations, including regulations relating to common areas. We believe that each of our properties as of December 31, 2017 has the necessary permits and approvals to operate. Americans with Disabilities Act Our properties must comply with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, or the ADA, to the extent that such properties are “public accommodations” as defined by the ADA. The ADA may require removal of structural barriers to access by persons with disabilities in certain public areas of our properties where such removal is readily achievable. We believe that our properties are in substantial compliance with the ADA and that we will not be required to make substantial capital expenditures to address the requirements of the ADA. However, noncompliance with the ADA could result in imposition of fines or an award of damages to private litigants. The obligation to make readily achievable accommodations is an ongoing one, and we will continue to assess our properties and to make alterations as appropriate in this respect. Environmental Matters Under various laws relating to the protection of the environment in the United States, as well as in many jurisdictions in Europe and Asia, a current or previous owner or operator of real estate may be liable for contamination resulting from the presence or discharge of hazardous or toxic substances at that property, and may be required to investigate and clean up such contamination at or emanating from that property. Such laws often impose liability without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of the contaminants, and the liability may be joint and several. In the United States, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, or CERCLA, established a regulatory and remedial program intended to provide for the investigation and clean-up of facilities where, or from which, a release of any hazardous substance into the environment has occurred or is threatened. CERCLA’s primary mechanism for remedying such problems is to impose strict joint and several liability for clean-up of facilities on current owners and operators of the site, former owners and operators of the site at the time of the disposal of the hazardous substances, any person who arranges for the transportation, disposal or treatment of the hazardous substances, and the transporters who select the disposal and treatment facilities, regardless of the care exercised by such persons. CERCLA also imposes liability for the cost of evaluating and remedying any damage to natural resources. The costs of CERCLA investigation and clean-up can be very substantial. CERCLA also authorizes the imposition of a lien in favor of the United States on all real property subject to, or affected by, a remedial action for all costs for which a party is liable. Subject to certain procedural restrictions, CERCLA gives a responsible party the right to bring a contribution action against other responsible parties for their allocable shares of investigative and remedial costs. Our ability to obtain reimbursement from others for their allocable shares of such costs would be limited by our ability to find other responsible parties and prove the extent of their responsibility, their financial resources, and other procedural requirements. Various state laws, as well as laws in many jurisdictions in Europe and Asia, such as the Environmental Liability Directive (2004/35/EC) in Europe, also impose in certain cases strict joint and several liability for investigation, clean-up and other damages associated with hazardous substance releases. Previous owners used some of our properties for industrial and retail purposes, and those properties may contain some level of environmental contamination. Independent environmental consultants have conducted Phase I or similar environmental site assessments on all of the properties in our portfolio. Site assessments are intended to discover and evaluate information regarding the environmental condition of the surveyed property and surrounding properties. These assessments do not generally include soil samplings, subsurface investigations or an asbestos survey and the assessments may have failed to reveal all material environmental conditions, liabilities or compliance concerns. In addition, material environmental conditions, liabilities or compliance concerns may have arisen after these reviews were completed or may arise in the future. We could be held jointly and severally liable under CERCLA and various state, local and national laws for the investigation and remediation of environmental contamination on our properties caused by previous owners or operators. Fuel storage tanks are present at most of our properties, and if releases were to occur, we may be liable for the costs of cleaning any resulting contamination. The presence of contamination or the failure to remediate contamination at our properties may expose us to third-party liability or materially adversely affect our ability to sell, lease or develop the real estate or to borrow using the real estate as collateral. 9 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements In addition, some of our customers, particularly those in the biotechnology and life sciences industry and those in the technology manufacturing industry, routinely handle hazardous substances and wastes as part of their operations at our properties. Environmental laws and regulations subject our customers, and potentially us, to liability resulting from these activities or from previous industrial or retail uses of those properties. We could be held jointly and severally liable under CERCLA and various state, local and national laws for the investigation and remediation of hazardous substances released by our customers on our properties. Environmental liabilities could also affect a customer’s ability to make rental payments to us. We cannot assure you that costs of investigation and remediation of environmental matters will not affect our ability to pay dividends to Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s stockholders and distributions to Digital Realty Trust, L.P.’s unitholders or that such costs or other remedial measures will not have a material adverse effect on our business, assets or results of operations or our competitive position. Our properties and their uses often require permits from various government agencies, including permits related to zoning and land use. Certain permits from environmental regulatory agencies, including regulators of air quality, are usually required to install and operate diesel-powered generators, which provide emergency back-up power at most of our facilities. These permits often set emissions limits for certain air pollutants, including oxides of nitrogen. In addition, various federal, state, and local environmental, health and safety requirements, such as fire requirements and treated and storm water discharge requirements, apply to some of our properties. Changes to applicable regulations, such as air quality regulations, or the permit requirements for equipment at our facilities, could hinder or prevent our construction or operation of data center facilities. The environmental laws and regulations to which our properties are subject may change in the future, and new laws and regulations may be created. Future laws, ordinances or regulations may impose additional material environmental liability. Such laws include those directly regulating our climate change impacts and those which regulate the climate change impacts of companies with which we do business, such as utilities providing our facilities with electricity. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Factors Which May Influence Future Results of Operations—Climate change legislation.” We do not know if or how the requirements will change, but changes may require that we make significant unanticipated expenditures, and such expenditures may materially adversely impact our financial condition, cash flow, results of operations, cash available for distributions, common stock’s per share trading price, competitive position and ability to satisfy our debt service obligations. Insurance We carry commercial general liability, property, and business interruption insurance, including rental income loss coverage, covering all of the properties in our portfolio under a blanket program. We select policy specifications and insured limits which we believe to be appropriate given the relative risk of loss, the cost of the coverage and industry practice and, in the opinion of our Company’s management, the properties in our portfolio are currently adequately insured. We do not carry insurance for generally uninsured exposures such as loss from war or nuclear reaction. In addition, we carry earthquake insurance on our properties in an amount and with deductibles which we believe are commercially reasonable. We intend to partially fund the earthquake insurance deductibles through a captive insurance company we established in May 2014. Certain of the properties in our portfolio are located in areas known to be seismically active. See “Risk Factors- Risks Related to Our Business and Operations-Potential losses may not be covered by insurance.” Employees As of December 31, 2017 , we had 1,436 employees. How to Obtain Our SEC Filings All reports we file with the SEC are available free of charge via EDGAR through the SEC website at www.sec.gov. In addition, the public may read and copy materials we file with the SEC at the SEC’s public reference room located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the public reference room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. We will also provide copies of our Forms 8-K, 10-K, 10-Q, Proxy Statement and amendments to those documents at no charge to investors upon request and make electronic copies of such reports available through our website at www.digitalrealty.com as soon as reasonably practicable after filing such material with the SEC. The information found on, or otherwise accessible through, our website is not incorporated by reference into, nor does it form a part of, this report or any other document that we file with the SEC. Offices 10 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Our headquarters are located in San Francisco. We have regional U.S. offices in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, Northern Virginia and Phoenix and regional international offices in Amsterdam, Dublin, London, Singapore, Sydney and Hong Kong. Reports to Security Holders Digital Realty Trust, Inc. is required to send an annual report to its securityholders and to our Operating Partnership’s unitholders. 11 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS For purposes of this section, the term “stockholders” means the holders of shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stock and preferred stock. Set forth below are the risks that we believe are material to Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s stockholders and Digital Realty Trust, L.P.’s unitholders. You should carefully consider the following factors in evaluating our Company, our properties and our business. The occurrence of any of the following risks might cause Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s stockholders and Digital Realty Trust, L.P.’s unitholders to lose all or a part of their investment. Some statements in this report, including statements in the following risk factors, constitute forward-looking statements. Please refer to the section entitled “Forward-Looking Statements” starting on page 36. Risks Related to Our Business and Operations Our business depends upon the demand for data centers. Our portfolio is comprised primarily of data centers. A reduction in the demand for data center space, power or connectivity would have a greater adverse effect on our business and financial condition than if we owned a portfolio with a more diversified customer base or less specialized use. Our substantial development activities make us particularly susceptible to general economic slowdowns as well as adverse developments in the data center, Internet and data communications and broader technology industries. Any such slowdown or adverse development could lead to reduced corporate IT spending or reduced demand for data center space. Reduced demand could also result from business relocations, including to metropolitan areas that we do not currently serve. Changes in industry practice or in technology, such as virtualization technology, more efficient or miniaturization of computing or networking devices, or devices that require higher power densities than today’s devices, could also reduce demand for the physical data center space we provide or make the tenant improvements in our facilities obsolete or in need of significant upgrades to remain viable. We face significant competition, which may adversely affect the occupancy and rental rates of our data centers. We compete with numerous data center developers, owners and operators, many of whom own properties similar to ours in some of the same metropolitan areas where our data centers are located, including CoreSite Realty Corporation, CyrusOne Inc., Equinix, Inc., QTS Realty Trust, Inc., Switch, Inc. and various local developers in the U.S., as well as Global Switch Holdings Limited and various regional operators in Europe, Asia and Australia. In addition, we may in the future face competition from new entrants into the data center market, including new entrants who may acquire our current competitors. Some of our competitors and potential competitors have significant advantages over us, including greater name recognition, longer operating histories, pre-existing relationships with current or potential customers, significantly greater financial, marketing and other resources and more ready access to capital which allow them to respond more quickly to new or changing opportunities. If our competitors offer space that our customers or potential customers perceive to be superior to ours based on numerous factors, including available power, security considerations, location, or connectivity, or if they offer rental rates below current market rates, or below the rental rates we are offering, we may lose customers or potential customers or be required to incur costs to improve our data centers or reduce our rental rates. In addition, recently many of our competitors have developed and continue to develop additional data center space. If the supply of data center space continues to increase as a result of these activities or otherwise, rental rates may be reduced or we may face delays in leasing or be unable to lease our vacant space, including space that we develop. Further, if customers or potential customers desire services that we do not offer, we may not be able to lease our space to those customers. Our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow, cash available for distribution and ability to satisfy our debt service obligations could be materially adversely affected as a result of any or all of these factors. Any failure of our physical infrastructure or services could lead to significant costs and disruptions that could harm our business reputation and could adversely affect our earnings and financial condition. Our business depends on providing customers with highly reliable service, including with respect to power supply, physical security and maintenance of environmental conditions. We may fail to provide such service as a result of numerous factors, including mechanical failure, power outage, human error, physical or electronic security breaches, war, terrorism and related conflicts or similar events worldwide, fire, earthquake, hurricane, flood and other natural disasters, sabotage and vandalism. 12 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Problems at one or more of our data centers, whether or not within our control, could result in service interruptions or equipment damage. Substantially all of our customer leases include terms requiring us to meet certain service level commitments to our customers. Any failure to meet these or other commitments or any equipment damage in our data centers, including as a result of mechanical failure, power outage, human error or other reasons, could subject us to liability under our lease terms, including service level credits against customer rent payments, monetary damages, or, in certain cases of repeated failures, the right by the customer to terminate the lease. Service interruptions, equipment failures or security breaches may also expose us to additional legal liability and monetary damages and damage our brand and reputation, and could cause our customers to terminate or not renew their leases. In addition, we may be unable to attract new customers if we have a reputation for service disruptions, equipment failures or physical or electronic security breaches in our data centers. Any such failures could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. We may be vulnerable to breaches, or unauthorized access to, or disruption of our physical and information security infrastructure and systems, any of which could disrupt our operations and have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Security breaches, or disruption, of our or our customers’ physical or information technology infrastructure, networks and related management systems could result in, among other things, unauthorized access to our facilities, a breach of our and our customers’ networks and information technology infrastructure, the misappropriation of our or our customers’ or their customers’ proprietary or confidential information, interruptions or malfunctions in our or our customers’ operations, delays or interruptions to our ability to meet customer needs, breach of our legal, regulatory or contractual obligations, inability to access or rely upon critical business records or other disruptions in our operations. We may be required to expend significant financial resources to protect against or to remediate such security breaches. We may not be able to implement security measures in a timely manner or, if and when implemented, these measures could be circumvented. Any breaches that may occur could expose us to increased risk of lawsuits, material monetary damages, potential violations of applicable privacy and other laws, penalties and fines, loss of existing or potential customers, harm to our reputation and increases in our security and insurance costs, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Although our customers’ computing equipment resides in our buildings, we do not have access to, nor do we have knowledge of, what data is being housed and processed on their equipment. In the event of a breach resulting in loss of data, such as personally identifiable information or other such data protected by data privacy or other laws, we may be liable for damages, fines and penalties for such losses under applicable regulatory frameworks despite not handling the data. Further, the regulatory framework around data custody, data privacy and breaches varies by jurisdiction and is an evolving area of law. We may not be able to limit our liability or damages in the event of such a loss. We depend on significant customers, and many of our data centers are single-tenant properties or are currently occupied by single tenants. As of December 31, 2017, the 20 largest customers in our portfolio represented approximately 52.3% of the total annualized rent generated by our properties. Our largest customers by annualized rent are subsidiaries of IBM (including its subsidiary SoftLayer Technologies, Inc.), a Fortune 50 software company and Facebook, Inc. IBM (including its subsidiary SoftLayer Technologies, Inc.) leased approximately 1.0 million square feet of net rentable space as of December 31, 2017, representing approximately 6.5% of the total annualized rent generated by our properties. In addition, 64 of our 205 data centers are occupied by single customers, including data centers occupied solely by IBM. Many factors, including global economic conditions, may cause our customers to experience a downturn in their businesses or otherwise experience a lack of liquidity, which may weaken their financial condition and result in their failure to make timely rental and other payments or their default under their agreements with us. Further, the development of new technologies, the adoption of new industry standards or other factors could render many of our customers’ current products and services obsolete or unmarketable and contribute to a downturn in their businesses, thereby increasing the likelihood that they default under their leases, become insolvent or file for bankruptcy. If any customer defaults or fails to make timely rent or other payments, we may experience delays in enforcing our rights as landlord and may incur substantial costs in protecting our investment, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. 13 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Our customers may choose to develop new data centers or expand their own existing data centers, which could result in the loss of one or more key customers or reduce demand for our newly developed data centers, which could have a material adverse effect on our revenues and results of operations. Our customers may choose to develop new data centers or expand or consolidate into data centers that we do not own or operate in the future. In the event that any of our key customers were to do so, it could result in a loss of business to us or put pressure on our pricing. If we lose a customer, we cannot assure you that we would be able to replace that customer at a competitive rate or at all, which could have a material adverse effect on our revenues and results of operations. Future consolidation in the technology industry could materially adversely affect our revenues by eliminating some of our potential customers and could make us more dependent on a more limited number of customers. Mergers or consolidations of technology companies in the future could reduce the number of our customers and potential customers. If our customers merge with or are acquired by other entities that are not our customers, they may discontinue or reduce the use of our data centers in the future. Any of these developments could have a material adverse effect on our revenues and results of operations. The bankruptcy or insolvency of a major customer may adversely affect the income produced by our properties. If any customer becomes a debtor in a case under the federal Bankruptcy Code, we cannot evict the customer solely because of the bankruptcy. In addition, the bankruptcy court might authorize the customer to reject and terminate its contracts with us. Our claim against the customer for unpaid, future rent and other payments would be subject to a statutory cap that might be substantially less than the remaining amounts actually owed under their agreements with us. In either case, our claim for unpaid rent and other amounts would likely not be paid in full. Our revenue and cash available for distribution could be materially adversely affected if any of our significant customers were to become bankrupt or insolvent, suffer a downturn in their businesses, fail to renew their contracts or renew on terms less favorable to us than their current terms. As of February 28, 2018, we had no material customers in bankruptcy . Failure to attract, grow and retain a diverse and balanced customer base, including key magnet customers, could harm our business and operating results. Our ability to attract, grow and retain a diverse and balanced customer base, consisting of a variety of enterprises, including companies, such as cloud service providers, network service providers, and digital economy customers, some of which we consider to be key magnets drawing in other customers, may affect our ability to maximize our revenues. Dense and desirable customer concentrations within each facility will enable us to better generate significant interconnection revenues, which in turn increases our overall revenues. Our ability to attract customers to our data centers will depend on a variety of factors, including our product offerings, the presence of carriers, the overall mix of customers, the presence of key customers attracting business through ecosystems, the data center’s operating reliability and security and our ability to effectively market our product offerings. Our inability to develop, provide or effectively execute any of these factors may hinder the development, growth and retention of a diverse and balanced customer base and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Our contracts with our customers could subject us to significant liability, which may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. In the ordinary course of business, we enter into agreements with our customers pursuant to which our customers lease or license data center space and power from us as well as purchase connectivity products. These contracts typically contain indemnification and liability provisions, in addition to service level commitments, which could potentially impose a significant cost on us in the event of losses arising out of certain breaches of such agreements, services to be provided by us or our subcontractors or from third-party claims. Customers increasingly are looking to pass through their regulatory obligations and other liabilities to their outsourced data center providers and we may not be able to limit our liability or damages in an event of loss suffered by such customers whether as a result of our breach of agreement or otherwise. Further, liabilities and standards for damages and enforcement actions, including the regulatory framework applicable to different types of losses, vary by jurisdiction, and we may be subject to greater liability for certain losses in certain jurisdictions. Additionally, in connection with our acquisitions, we have assumed existing agreements with customers that may subject us to greater liability for such an event of loss. If such an event of loss occurred, we could be liable for material monetary damages and could incur significant legal fees in defending against such an action, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. 14 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Certain of our customer agreements may include restrictions on the sale of our properties to certain third parties, which could have a material adverse effect on us, including our business, results of operations and financial condition. Certain of our customer agreements may give the customer a right of first refusal to purchase certain properties if we propose to sell those properties to a third party or prohibit us from selling certain properties to a third party that is a competitor of the customer. The existence of such restrictions could hinder our ability to sell one or more of these properties, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Our data centers may not be suitable for re-leasing without significant expenditures or renovations. Because many of our data centers contain tenant improvements installed at our customers’ expense, they may be better suited for a specific data center user or technology industry customer and could require significant modification in order for us to re-lease vacant space to another data center user or technology industry customer. The tenant improvements may also become outdated or obsolete as the result of technological change, the passage of time or other factors. In addition, our development space will generally require substantial improvement to be suitable for data center use. For the same reason, our properties also may not be suitable for leasing to traditional office customers without significant expenditures or renovations. As a result, we may be required to invest significant amounts or offer significant discounts to customers in order to lease or re-lease that space, either of which could adversely affect our financial and operating results. We may be unable to lease vacant or development space, renew leases, or re-lease space as leases expire. At December 31, 2017 , we owned approximately 2.7 million square feet of space under active development and approximately 1.7 million square feet of space held for future development. We intend to continue to add new space to our development inventory and to continue to develop additional space from this inventory. A portion of the space that we develop has been, and may continue to be, developed on a speculative basis, meaning that we do not have a signed customer agreement for the space when we begin the development process. We also develop space specifically for customers pursuant to agreements signed prior to beginning the development process. In those cases, if we fail to meet our development obligations under those agreements, these customers may be able to terminate the agreements and we would be required to find a new customer for this space. In addition, in certain circumstances we lease data center facilities prior to their completion. If we fail to complete the facilities in a timely manner, the customer may be entitled to terminate its agreement, seek damages or penalties against us or pursue other remedies and we may be required to find a new customer for the space. We cannot assure you that once we have developed space or land we will be able to successfully lease it at all, or at rates we consider favorable or expected at the time we commenced development. Further, once development of a data center facility is complete, we incur certain operating expenses even if there are no customers occupying any space. If we are not able to complete development in a timely manner or successfully lease the space that we develop, if development costs are higher than we currently estimate, or if lease rates are lower than expected when we began the project or are otherwise undesirable, our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow, cash available for distribution and ability to satisfy our debt service obligations could be materially adversely affected. In addition, as of December 31, 2017 , customer agreements representing 22.1% of the square footage of the properties in our portfolio, excluding month-to- month leases and space held for development, were scheduled to expire through 2019, and an additional 10.3% of the net rentable square footage, excluding space held for development, was available to be leased. Some of this space may require substantial capital investment to meet the power and cooling requirements of our customers, or may no longer be suitable for their needs. In addition, we cannot assure you that customer agreements will be renewed or that our properties will be re-leased at all, or at net effective rental rates equal to or above the current average net effective rental rates. If the rental rates for our properties decrease, our existing customers do not renew their agreements, we do not lease or re-lease our available space, including newly developed space and space for which customer agreements are scheduled to expire, or it takes longer for us to lease or re-lease this space or for rents to commence on this space, our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow, cash available for distribution and ability to satisfy our debt service obligations could be materially adversely affected. Additionally, a customer’s decision to lease space and power in one of our data centers and to purchase additional products typically involves a significant commitment of resources and due diligence on the part of our customers regarding the adequacy of our facilities. As a result, the leasing of data center space can have a long sales cycle, and we may expend significant time and resources in pursuing a particular transaction that may not result in revenue. Economic conditions, including market downturns, may further impact this long sales cycle by making it difficult for customers to plan future business activities, which could cause customers to slow spending or delay decision‑making. Our inability to adequately manage the risks associated with the sales cycle may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. 15 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Even if we have additional space available for lease at any one of our data centers, our ability to lease this space to existing or new customers could be constrained by our ability to provide sufficient electrical power. As current and future customers increase their power footprint in our data centers over time, the corresponding reduction in available power could limit our ability to increase occupancy rates or network density within our existing data centers. Furthermore, at certain of our data centers, our aggregate maximum contractual obligation to provide power and cooling to our customers may exceed the physical capacity at such data centers if customers were to quickly increase their demand for power and cooling. If we are not able to increase the available power and/or cooling or move the customer to another location within our data centers with sufficient power and cooling to meet such demand, we could lose the customer as well as be exposed to liability under our customer agreements. In addition, our power and cooling systems are difficult and expensive to upgrade. Accordingly, we may not be able to efficiently upgrade or change these systems to meet new demands without incurring significant costs that we may not be able to pass on to our customers. Any such material loss of customers, liability or additional costs could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Our portfolio depends upon local economic conditions and is geographically concentrated in certain locations. Our portfolio is located in 33 metropolitan areas. As of December 31, 2017 , our portfolio, including the 18 data centers held as investments in unconsolidated joint ventures, was geographically concentrated in the following metropolitan areas: Metropolitan Area Northern Virginia Chicago Silicon Valley London, United Kingdom New York Dallas Phoenix San Francisco Singapore Seattle Atlanta Amsterdam, Netherlands Boston Other Total Percentage of December 31, 2017 total annualized rent (1) 21.6% 12.0% 9.3% 9.2% 8.8% 8.3% 4.0% 3.2% 3.1% 2.4% 2.4% 2.1% 2.0% 11.6% 100.0% (1) Annualized rent is monthly contractual rent (defined as cash base rent before abatements) under existing leases as of December 31, 2017 , multiplied by 12. The aggregate amount of abatements for the year ended December 31, 2017 was approximately $21.4 million. Some of these areas have experienced downturns in recent years. We depend upon the local economic conditions in these areas, including local real estate conditions, and our operations, revenue and cash available for distribution could be materially adversely affected by a downturn in local economic conditions in these areas. Our operations may also be affected if too many competing properties are built in any of these areas or supply otherwise increases or exceeds demand. We cannot assure you that these locations will grow or will remain favorable to data center investments or operations. In addition, we are currently developing data centers in certain of these metropolitan areas. Any negative changes in real estate, technology or economic conditions in these metropolitan areas in particular could negatively impact our performance. 16 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements We lease or sublease certain of our data center space from third parties and the ability to retain these leases or subleases could be a significant risk to our ongoing operations. We do not own 19 buildings that account for approximately 1.4 million rentable square feet, or approximately 4.3% of our total rentable square feet. These leased buildings accounted for 8.3% of our total annualized rent as of December 31, 2017. In addition, we may acquire additional leased data center space or businesses that lease facilities instead of owning them. Our business could be harmed if we are unable to renew the leases for these data centers on favorable terms or at all. Additionally, in several of our smaller facilities we sublease our space, and our rights under these subleases are dependent on our sublandlord retaining its rights under the prime lease. When the primary terms of our existing leases expire, we generally have the right to extend the terms of our leases for one or more renewal periods, subject to, in the case of several of our subleases, our sublandlord renewing its term under the prime lease. If renewal rates are less favorable than those we currently have, we may be required to increase revenues within existing data centers to offset such increase in lease payments. Failure to increase revenues to sufficiently offset these projected higher costs could adversely impact our operating income. Upon the end of our renewal options, we would have to renegotiate our lease terms with the applicable landlords. Additionally, if we are unable to renew the lease at any of our data centers, we could lose customers due to the disruptions in their operations caused by the relocation. We could also lose those customers that choose our data centers based on their locations. The costs of relocating data center infrastructure equipment, such as generators, power distribution units and cooling units, to different data centers could be prohibitive and, as such, we could lose the value of this equipment. For these reasons, any lease that cannot be renewed could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. We have owned or managed certain of our data centers for a limited time. Our portfolio consisted of 205 data centers at December 31, 2017, including 18 data centers held as investments in unconsolidated joint ventures. Several of our data centers, including the 44 data centers which we have acquired in the past five years, have been under our management for a limited time. The data centers may have characteristics or deficiencies unknown to us that could affect their valuation or revenue potential. We cannot assure you that the operating performance of these data centers will not decline under our management. We may not be able to adapt to changing technologies and customer requirements and our data center infrastructure may become obsolete. The technology industry generally and specific industries in which certain of our customers operate are characterized by rapidly changing technology, evolving industry standards and changing customer requirements. Our data center infrastructure may become obsolete due to the development of new systems to deliver power to or eliminate heat in our data centers. Additionally, our data center infrastructure could become obsolete as a result of the development of new server technology that does not require the levels of critical load and heat removal that our facilities are designed to provide and could be run less expensively on a different platform. In addition, our power and cooling systems are difficult and expensive to upgrade. Accordingly, we may not be able to efficiently upgrade or change these systems to meet new demands without incurring significant costs that we may not be able to pass on to our customers which could adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the infrastructure that connects our data centers to the Internet and other external networks may become insufficient, including with respect to latency, reliability and connectivity. We may not be able to adapt to changing technologies or meet customer demands for new processes or technologies in a timely and cost-effective manner, if at all, which would adversely impact our ability to sustain and grow our business. Further, our inability to adapt to changing customer requirements may make our data centers obsolete or unmarketable to such customers. Some of our customers operate at significant scale across numerous data center facilities and have designed cloud and computing networks with redundancies and fail-over capabilities across these facilities, which enhances the resiliency of their networks and applications. This enhanced resiliency may cause customers to re-evaluate their requirements for an individual data center’s electrical or mechanical infrastructure redundancy. As a result, these customers may realize cost benefits by locating their data center operations in facilities with less redundancy than is found in our existing data center facilities. Additionally, some of our customers have begun to operate their data centers using direct outside air, with a wider range of humidity levels and at temperatures that are higher than servers customarily have operated at in the past, all of which may result in energy cost savings for these customers. We may not be able to operate our existing data centers under these environmental conditions, particularly in multi-tenant facilities with other customers who are not willing to operate under these conditions. If these trends result in changes to the preferences of our customers, our data centers could be at a competitive disadvantage to facilities that satisfy the requirements of these customers. Because we may not be able to modify the 17 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements redundancy levels or environmental systems of our existing data centers cost effectively, these or other changes in customer requirements could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Additionally, due to regulations that apply to our customers as well as industry standards, such as ISO and SOC certifications which customers may deem desirable, they may seek specific requirements from their data centers that we are unable to provide. If new or different regulations or standards are adopted or such extra requirements are demanded by our customers, we could lose some customers or be unable to attract new customers in certain industries, which could materially and adversely affect our operations. We are dependent upon third-party suppliers for power and certain other services, and we are vulnerable to service failures of our third-party suppliers and to price increases by such suppliers and to volatility in the supply and price of such power in the open market. We rely on third parties to provide power to our data centers, and we cannot ensure that these third parties will deliver such power in adequate quantities or on a consistent basis. If the amount of power available to us is inadequate to support our customer requirements, we may be unable to satisfy our obligations to our customers or grow our business. In addition, our data centers may be susceptible to power shortages and planned or unplanned power outages caused by these shortages. Power outages may last beyond our backup and alternative power arrangements, which would harm our customers and our business. Any loss of services or equipment damage could adversely affect both our ability to generate revenues and our operating results, and harm our reputation. In addition, we may be subject to risks and unanticipated costs associated with obtaining power from various utility companies. Utilities that serve our data centers may be dependent on, and sensitive to price increases for, a particular type of fuel, such as coal, oil or natural gas. In addition, the price of these fuels and the electricity generated from them could increase as a result of proposed legislative measures related to climate change or efforts to regulate carbon emissions. Increases in the cost of power at any of our data centers would put those locations at a competitive disadvantage relative to data centers served by utilities that can provide less expensive power. We have also entered into power purchase agreements with contract terms ranging from 10-12 years. These agreements require us to purchase renewable energy credits from producers at fixed prices over the terms of the contracts, subject to certain adjustments. In the event that the market price for energy decreases, we may be required to pay more under the power purchase agreements than we would otherwise if we were to purchase renewable energy credits on the open market, which could adversely affect our results of operations. Additionally, interruptions in the operations of one or more of the suppliers under these agreements, as a result of unpredictable weather, natural phenomena or otherwise, could negatively impact the quantity of renewable energy credits delivered to us. We depend on third parties to provide network connectivity to the customers in our data centers and any delays or disruptions in connectivity may materially adversely affect our operating results and cash flow. We are not a telecommunications carrier. Although our customers generally are responsible for providing their own network connectivity, we still depend upon the presence of telecommunications carriers’ fiber networks serving the locations of our data centers in order to attract and retain customers. We believe that the availability of carrier capacity will directly affect our ability to achieve our projected results. Any carrier may elect not to offer its services within our data centers. Any carrier that has decided to provide network connectivity to our data centers may not continue to do so for any period of time. Further, some carriers are experiencing business difficulties or have announced consolidations. As a result, some carriers may be forced to downsize or terminate connectivity within our data centers, which could have an adverse effect on the business of our customers and, in turn, our own operating results. Our new data centers may require construction and operation of a sophisticated redundant fiber network. The construction required to connect multiple carrier facilities to our data centers is complex and involves factors outside of our control, including regulatory requirements and the availability of construction resources. We have obtained the right to use network resources owned by other companies, including rights to use dark fiber, in order to attract telecommunications carriers and customers to our portfolio. If the establishment of highly diverse network connectivity to our data centers does not occur, is materially delayed or is discontinued, or is subject to failure, our operating results and cash flow may be materially adversely affected. Additionally, any hardware or fiber failures on this network may result in significant loss of connectivity to our data centers. This could negatively affect our ability to attract new customers or retain existing customers, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. 18 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Ownership and operation of data centers located outside of the United States subjects us to foreign currency and related risks which may adversely impact our ability to make distributions. Our portfolio included 53 data centers located outside of the United States at December 31, 2017 . In addition, we are currently considering, and will in the future consider, additional international acquisitions. The ownership and operation of data centers located outside of the United States subjects us to risk from fluctuations in exchange rates between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar. We expect that our principal foreign currency exposure will be to the British Pound, the Euro and the Singapore dollar. Changes in the relation of these currencies to the U.S. dollar will affect our revenues and operating margins, may materially adversely impact our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow, cash available for distribution and ability to satisfy our debt obligations. We may attempt to mitigate some or all of the risk of currency fluctuation by financing our properties in the local currency denominations, although we cannot assure you that we will be able to do so or that this will be effective. We may also engage in direct hedging activities to mitigate the risks of exchange rate fluctuations in a manner consistent with our qualifications as a REIT, although we cannot assure you that we will be able to do so or that this will be effective. Our international activities are subject to unique risks different than those faced by us in the United States and we may not be able to effectively manage our international business. We have acquired and developed, and may continue to acquire and develop, and operate data centers outside the United States. Our foreign operations involve risks not generally associated with investments in the United States, including: • • • • • • • • • • our limited knowledge of and relationships with sellers, customers, contractors, suppliers or other parties in these metropolitan areas; complexity and costs associated with managing international development and operations; difficulty in hiring qualified management, sales and construction personnel and service providers in a timely fashion; differing employment practices and labor issues; multiple, conflicting and changing legal, regulatory, entitlement and permitting, and tax and treaty environments; exposure to increased taxation, confiscation or expropriation; currency transfer restrictions and limitations on our ability to distribute cash earned in foreign jurisdictions to the United States; difficulty in enforcing agreements in non-U.S. jurisdictions, including those entered into in connection with our acquisitions or in the event of a default by one or more of our customers, suppliers or contractors; local business and cultural factors; and political and economic instability, including sovereign credit risk, in certain geographic regions. Our inability to overcome these risks could adversely affect our foreign operations and could harm our business and results of operations. The results of the United Kingdom’s referendum on withdrawal from the European Union may have a negative effect on global economic conditions, financial markets and our business, which could adversely affect our results of operations. We are a global company with worldwide operations, including material business operations in Europe. In June 2016, a majority of voters in the United Kingdom elected to withdraw from the European Union in a national referendum. The referendum was advisory, and the terms of any withdrawal are subject to continuing negotiation. Nevertheless, the referendum has created significant uncertainty about the future relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union, and has given rise to calls for the governments of other European Union member states to consider withdrawal. These developments, or the perception that any of them could occur, have had and may continue to have a material adverse effect on global economic conditions and the stability of global financial markets, and could significantly reduce global market liquidity and restrict the ability of key market participants to operate in certain financial markets. Asset valuations, currency exchange rates and credit ratings may be especially subject to increased market volatility. Lack of clarity about future United Kingdom laws and regulations as the United Kingdom determines which European Union laws to replace or replicate in the event of a withdrawal could depress economic activity and restrict our access to capital in the United Kingdom. If the United Kingdom and the European Union are unable to negotiate acceptable withdrawal terms or if other European Union member states pursue withdrawal, barrier-free access between the United Kingdom and other European Union member states or 19 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements among the European economic area overall could be diminished or eliminated. Any of these factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Our recent acquisitions may not achieve the intended benefits or may disrupt our plans and operations. Acquisitions present many risks, and we may not realize the financial or strategic goals that were contemplated at the time of the transaction. We completed the Telx Acquisition in October 2015, the European Portfolio Acquisition in July 2016 and the DFT Merger in September 2017. There can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully integrate the properties and businesses we acquired in these transactions with our business or otherwise realize the expected benefits of these acquisitions. Our ability to realize the anticipated benefits of these acquisitions depends, to a large extent, on our ability to integrate each of them with our business. The combination of two independent businesses can be a complex, costly and time-consuming process. Our business may be negatively impacted if we are unable to effectively manage our expanded operations. Further, the integration process requires significant time and focus from our management team and may divert attention from the day-to-day operations of our business. The expected synergies from the acquisitions may not be fully realized, which could result in increased costs and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and the trading price of our common stock. In addition, the overall integration of the businesses may result in material unanticipated problems, expenses, liabilities, competitive responses and loss of customer relationships, among other potential adverse consequences. The risks of combining businesses include, among others: • • • • we may have underestimated the costs to make any necessary improvements to the acquired properties; the acquired properties may be subject to reassessment, which may result in higher than expected tax payments; we may face difficulties in integrating employees and in retaining key personnel; and we may face challenges in keeping existing customers, including key customers, which could adversely impact our revenue. Many of these risks are outside of our control and any one of them could result in increased costs, decreases in the amount of expected revenue and diversion of our management’s time and energy, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, even if our operations are integrated successfully with the operations of our acquisitions, we may not realize the full benefits of the acquisitions, including the synergies, operating efficiencies, or sales or growth opportunities that are expected. These benefits may not be achieved within the anticipated time frame or at all. All of these factors could decrease or delay any potential accretive effect of the acquisitions and negatively impact the price of our common stock. We may be subject to unknown or contingent liabilities related to our recent acquisitions, for which we may have no or limited recourse against the sellers. Our recent acquisitions may be subject to unknown or contingent liabilities for which we may have no or limited recourse against the sellers. Unknown or contingent liabilities might include liabilities for clean-up or remediation of environmental conditions, claims of customers, vendors or other persons dealing with the acquired entities, tax liabilities and other liabilities whether incurred in the ordinary course of business or otherwise. In addition, the total amount of costs and expenses that we may incur with respect to liabilities associated with our recent acquisitions may exceed our expectations, which may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. We may be unable to successfully integrate and operate acquired properties or businesses. Even if we are able to make acquisitions on advantageous terms, our ability to successfully operate them may be subject to the following significant risks: • • • • we may spend more than the budgeted amounts to make necessary improvements or renovations to acquired properties; we may be unable to integrate new acquisitions quickly and efficiently, particularly acquisitions of operating businesses or portfolios of properties, into our existing operations; acquired properties may be subject to reassessment, which may result in higher than expected property tax payments; and market conditions may result in higher than expected vacancy rates and lower than expected rental rates on acquired properties. Further, actual integration costs may exceed those estimated and there may be further unanticipated costs and the 20 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements assumption of known and unknown liabilities. While we have assumed that we will incur certain integration expenses, there are factors beyond our control that could affect the total amount or the timing of such expenses. Many of the expenses that will be incurred, by their nature, are difficult to estimate accurately. If we cannot integrate and operate acquired properties or businesses to meet our financial expectations, our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow, cash available for distribution and ability to satisfy our debt service obligations could be materially adversely affected. We may be unable to identify and complete acquisitions on favorable terms or at all. We continually evaluate the market of available properties and businesses and may acquire additional real estate when opportunities exist. Our ability to acquire properties or businesses on favorable terms may be subject to the following significant risks: • • • • we may be unable to acquire a desired property or business because of competition from other real estate investors with significant capital, including both publicly traded REITs and institutional investment funds; even if we are able to acquire a desired property or business, competition from other potential acquirers may significantly increase the purchase price or result in other less favorable terms; even if we enter into agreements for the acquisition of real estate or businesses, these agreements are subject to customary conditions to closing, including completion of due diligence investigations to our satisfaction; and we may be unable to finance acquisitions on favorable terms or at all. Additionally, we may acquire properties or businesses subject to liabilities and without any recourse, or with only limited recourse, with respect to unknown or contingent liabilities, such as liabilities for clean-up of undisclosed environmental contamination, claims by customers, vendors or other persons dealing with the former owners of the properties or businesses, tax liabilities, claims for indemnification by general partners, directors, officers and others indemnified by the former owners of the properties or businesses, and other liabilities whether incurred in the ordinary course of business or otherwise. The total amount of costs and expenses that we may incur with respect to liabilities associated with acquired properties or businesses may exceed our expectations, which may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Further, we have entered, and may in the future enter, into transactions with limited representations and warranties or with representations and warranties that do not survive the closing of such transactions, in which event we would have no or limited recourse against the sellers of such properties or businesses. While we usually require the sellers to indemnify us with respect to breaches of representations and warranties that survive, such indemnification is often limited and subject to various materiality thresholds, a significant deductible or an aggregate cap on losses. As a result, there is no guarantee that we will recover any amounts with respect to losses due to breaches by the sellers of their representations and warranties. Finally, indemnification agreements between us and the sellers typically provide that the sellers will retain certain specified liabilities relating to the properties or businesses acquired by us. While the sellers are generally contractually obligated to pay all losses and other expenses relating to such retained liabilities, there can be no guarantee that such arrangements will not require us to incur losses or other expenses as well. If we cannot complete property or business acquisitions on favorable terms or at all, our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow, cash available for distribution and ability to satisfy our debt service obligations could be materially adversely affected. We face risks with our international acquisitions associated with investing in unfamiliar metropolitan areas. We have acquired and may continue to acquire properties on a strategic and selective basis in international metropolitan areas that are new to us. When we acquire properties located in these metropolitan areas, we may face risks associated with a lack of market knowledge or understanding of the local economy and culture, forging new business relationships in the area and unfamiliarity with local government and permitting procedures. In addition, due diligence, transaction and structuring costs may be higher than those we may face in the United States. We work to mitigate such risks through extensive diligence and research and associations with experienced local partners; however, we cannot assure you that all such risks will be eliminated. We may be unable to source off-market deal flow in the future. A component of our growth strategy is to continue to acquire additional data centers. To date, a substantial portion of our acquisitions were acquired before they were widely marketed by real estate brokers, or “off-market.” Properties that are acquired off-market are typically more attractive to us as a purchaser because of the absence of competitive bidding, which could potentially lead to higher prices. We obtain access to off-market deal flow from numerous sources. If we cannot obtain off-market deal flow in the future, our ability to locate and acquire additional properties at attractive prices could be adversely affected. 21 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Joint venture investments could be adversely affected by our lack of sole decision-making authority, our reliance on our joint venture partners’ financial condition and disputes between us and our joint venture partners. We currently, and may in the future, co-invest with third parties through partnerships, joint ventures or other entities, acquiring non-controlling interests in or sharing responsibility for managing the affairs of a property, partnership, joint venture or other entity. In these events, we are not in a position to exercise sole decision-making authority regarding the property, partnership, joint venture or other entity. Investments in partnerships, joint ventures, or other entities may, under certain circumstances, involve risks not present when a third party is not involved, including the possibility that partners might become bankrupt or fail to fund their share of required capital contributions. Partners may have economic, tax or other business interests or goals which are inconsistent with our business interests or goals, and may be in a position to take actions contrary to our policies or objectives. Our joint venture partners may take actions that are not within our control, which would require us to dispose of the joint venture asset or transfer it to a taxable REIT subsidiary in order for Digital Realty Trust, Inc. to maintain its status as a REIT. Such investments may also lead to impasses, for example, as to whether to sell a property, because neither we nor our partner would have full control over the partnership or joint venture. Disputes between us and our partners may result in litigation or arbitration that would increase our expenses and prevent our officers and/or directors from focusing their time and effort on our day-to-day business. Consequently, actions by or disputes with our partners may subject properties owned by the partnership or joint venture to additional risk. In addition, we may in certain circumstances be liable for the actions of our third-party partners. Each of these factors may result in returns on these investments being less than we expect or in losses and our financial and operating results may be adversely affected. Our growth depends upon the successful development of our existing space and developable land and new properties acquired for development and any delays or unexpected costs in such development may delay and harm our growth prospects, future operating results and financial condition. At December 31, 2017, we had approximately 2.7 million square feet of space under active development and approximately 1.7 million square feet of space held for future development. We have built and may continue to build out a large portion of this space on a speculative basis at significant cost. Our successful development of these projects is subject to many risks, including those associated with: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • delays in construction; budget overruns; changes to the plans or specifications; construction site accidents and other casualties; increased prices for raw materials or building supplies; lack of availability and/or increased costs for specialized data center components, including long lead time items such as generators; financing availability, including our ability to obtain construction financing and permanent financing; increases in interest rates or credit spreads; labor availability and costs; labor disputes and work stoppages with contractors, subcontractors or others that are constructing the project; failure of contractors to perform on a timely basis or at all, or other misconduct on the part of contractors; timing of the commencement of rental payments; access to sufficient power and related costs of providing such power to our customers; environmental issues; fire, flooding, earthquakes and other natural disasters; geological, construction, excavation and equipment problems; and delays or denials of entitlements or permits, including zoning and related permits, or other delays resulting from requirements of public agencies and utility companies. In addition, while we intend to develop data centers primarily in metropolitan areas we are familiar with, we may in the future develop data centers in new geographic regions where we expect the development to result in favorable risk-adjusted returns on our investment. We may not possess the same level of familiarity with the development of data centers in other metropolitan areas, which could adversely affect our ability to develop such data centers successfully or at all or to achieve expected performance. Development activities, regardless of whether they are ultimately successful, also typically require a substantial portion of our management’s time and attention. This may distract our management from focusing on other operational activities of our business. If we are unable to complete development projects successfully, our business may be adversely affected. 22 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Global economic conditions could adversely affect our liquidity and financial condition. General economic conditions and the cost and availability of capital may be adversely affected in some or all of the metropolitan areas in which we own properties and conduct our operations. Instability in the U.S., European, Asian and other economies and international financial markets may adversely affect our ability, and the ability of our customers, to replace or renew maturing liabilities on a timely basis, access the capital markets to meet liquidity and capital expenditure requirements and may result in adverse effects on our, and our customers’, businesses, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, our access to funds under our global revolving credit facility depends on the ability of the lenders that are parties to such facilities to meet their funding commitments to us. We cannot assure you that long-term disruptions in the global economy and tighter credit conditions among, and potential failures or nationalizations of, third party financial institutions as a result of such disruptions will not have an adverse effect on our lenders. If our lenders are not able to meet their funding commitments to us, our business, results of operation, cash flows and financial condition could be adversely affected. If we do not have sufficient cash flow to continue operating our business and are unable to borrow additional funds, access our existing lines of credit or raise equity or debt capital, we may need to find alternative ways to increase our liquidity. Such alternatives may include, without limitation, curtailing development activity, disposing of one or more of our properties possibly on disadvantageous terms or entering into or renewing leases on less favorable terms than we otherwise would. We have substantial debt and face risks associated with the use of debt to fund our business activities, including refinancing and interest rate risks. Our total consolidated indebtedness at December 31, 2017 was approximately $8.6 billion, and we may incur significant additional debt to finance future acquisition, investment and development activities. As of December 31, 2017, we have a $2.0 billion global revolving credit facility, which has a borrowing limit that we may increase to up to $2.5 billion, subject to receipt of lender commitments and other conditions precedent. At December 31, 2017, approximately $1.5 billion was available under this facility, net of outstanding letters of credit. As of February 26, 2018, we had approximately $1.3 billion available under the global revolving credit facility, net of outstanding letters of credit. Our substantial indebtedness has important consequences in that it currently requires us to dedicate a significant portion of our cash flow from operations to debt service payments, which reduces the availability of our cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures, expansion efforts, distributions and other general corporate purposes. Additionally, it could: make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to our indebtedness; limit our ability in the future to undertake refinancings of our debt or obtain financing for expenditures, acquisitions, development or other general corporate purposes on terms and conditions acceptable to us, if at all; or affect adversely our ability to compete effectively or operate successfully under adverse economic conditions. In addition, we may violate restrictive covenants or fail to maintain financial ratios specified in our loan documents, which would entitle the lenders to accelerate our debt obligations, and our secured lenders or mortgagees may foreclose on our properties or our interests in the entities that own the properties that secure their loans and receive an assignment of rents and leases. A foreclosure on one or more of our properties could adversely affect our access to capital, financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and cash available for distribution. Further, our default under any one of our loans could result in a cross- default on other indebtedness. Furthermore, foreclosures could create taxable income without accompanying cash proceeds, a circumstance which could hinder Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s ability to meet the REIT distribution requirements imposed by the Code. Additional risks related to our indebtedness include the following: We may be unable to refinance our indebtedness at maturity or the refinancing terms may be less favorable than the terms of our original indebtedness. It is likely that we will need to refinance at least a portion of our outstanding debt as it matures. If we are unable to refinance or extend principal payments due at maturity or pay them with proceeds of other capital transactions, then our cash flow may not be sufficient in all years to repay all such maturing debt and to pay distributions. Further, if prevailing interest rates or other factors at the time of refinancing, such as the reluctance of lenders to make commercial real estate loans, result in higher interest rates upon refinancing, then the interest expense relating to that refinanced indebtedness would increase. Fluctuations in interest rates could materially affect our financial results and may increase the risk our counterparty defaults on our interest rate hedges . Because a significant portion of our debt, including debt incurred under our global revolving credit facility, bears interest at variable rates, increases in interest rates could materially increase our interest expense. If the United States Federal Reserve increases short-term interest rates, this would have a significant upward impact on shorter-term interest rates, including the interest rates that our variable rate debt is based upon. Potential future increases in interest rates and credit spreads may increase our interest expense and therefore negatively affect our financial condition and results of 23 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements operations, and reduce our access to capital markets. We have entered into interest rate swap agreements for a significant portion of our floating rate debt other than the debt we incur under our global revolving credit facility. Increased interest rates may increase the risk that the counterparties to our swap agreements will default on their obligations, which could further increase our exposure to interest rate fluctuations. Conversely, if interest rates are lower than our swapped fixed rates, we will be required to pay more for our debt than we would have had we not entered into the swap agreements. Adverse changes in our Company’s credit ratings could negatively affect our financing activity. The credit ratings of our senior unsecured long-term debt and Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s preferred stock are based on our Company’s operating performance, liquidity and leverage ratios, overall financial position and other factors employed by the credit rating agencies in their rating analyses of our Company. Our Company’s credit ratings can affect the amount of capital we can access, as well as the terms and pricing of any debt we may incur. We cannot assure you that our Company will be able to maintain our current credit ratings, and in the event our current credit ratings are downgraded, we would likely incur higher borrowing costs and may encounter difficulty in obtaining additional financing. Also, a downgrade in our Company’s credit ratings may trigger additional payments or other negative consequences under our current and future credit facilities and debt instruments. For example, if the credit ratings of our senior unsecured long-term debt are downgraded to below investment grade levels, we may not be able to obtain or maintain extensions on certain of our existing debt. Adverse changes in our credit ratings could negatively impact our refinancing and other capital market activities, our ability to manage our debt maturities, our future growth, our financial condition, the market price of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s stock, and our development and acquisition activity. Our global revolving credit facility, term loan facility and senior notes restrict our ability to engage in some business activities . Our global revolving credit facility and term loan facility contain negative covenants and other financial and operating covenants that, among other things: • • • • • restrict our ability to incur additional indebtedness; restrict our ability to make certain investments; restrict our ability to merge with another company; restrict our ability to create, incur or assume liens; and require us to maintain financial coverage ratios, including with respect to unencumbered assets. In addition, the global revolving credit facility and the term loan facility restrict Digital Realty Trust, Inc. from making distributions to its stockholders, or redeeming or otherwise repurchasing shares of its capital stock, after the occurrence and during the continuance of an event of default, except in limited circumstances including as necessary to enable Digital Realty Trust, Inc. to maintain its qualification as a REIT and to avoid the payment of income or excise tax. In addition, our unsecured senior notes are governed by indentures, which contain various restrictive covenants, including limitations on our ability to incur indebtedness and requirements to maintain a pool of unencumbered assets. These restrictions, and the restrictions in our global revolving credit facility and term loan facility, could cause us to default on our senior notes, global revolving credit facility or term loan facility, as applicable, or negatively affect our operations or our ability to pay dividends to Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s stockholders or distributions to Digital Realty Trust, L.P.’s unitholders, which could have a material adverse effect on the market value of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stock and preferred stock. Failure to hedge effectively against interest rate changes may adversely affect results of operations. We seek to manage our exposure to interest rate volatility by using interest rate hedging arrangements, such as interest rate cap, forward or swap lock agreements. These agreements involve risks, such as the risk that counterparties may fail to honor their obligations under these arrangements, that these arrangements may not be effective in reducing our exposure to interest rate changes and that a court could rule that such an agreement is not legally enforceable. Our policy is to use these derivatives only to hedge interest rate risks related to our borrowings, not for speculative or trading purposes, and to enter into contracts only with major financial institutions based on their credit ratings and other factors. However, we may choose to change this policy in the future. Approximately 86% of our total indebtedness as of December 31, 2017 was subject to fixed interest rates or variable rates subject to interest rate swaps. We do not currently hedge our global revolving credit facility and as our borrowings under our global revolving credit facility increase, so will our percentage of indebtedness not subject to fixed rates and our exposure to interest rates increase. Hedging may reduce the overall returns on our investments. Failure to hedge effectively against interest rate changes may materially adversely affect our results of operations. Our growth depends on external sources of capital which are outside of our control. In order for Digital Realty Trust, Inc. to maintain its qualification as a REIT, it is required under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which we refer to as the Code, to annually distribute at least 90% of its net taxable income determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction and excluding any net capital gain. In addition, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. will be subject to federal corporate income tax to the extent that it distributes less than 100% of its net taxable income, 24 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements including any net capital gains. Digital Realty Trust, L.P. is required to make distributions to Digital Realty Trust, Inc. that will enable the latter to satisfy this distribution requirement and avoid income and excise tax liability. Because of these distribution requirements, we may not be able to fund future capital needs, including any necessary acquisition or development financing, from operating cash flow. Consequently, we may rely on third-party sources to fund our capital needs. Our access to third-party sources of capital depends on a number of factors, including general market conditions, the market’s perception of our business prospects and growth potential, our current and expected future earnings, funds from operations, our cash flow and cash distributions, and the market price per share of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stock. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain equity or debt financing at all or on terms favorable or acceptable to us. Any additional debt we incur will increase our leverage. Further, equity markets have experienced high volatility recently and we cannot assure you that we will be able to raise capital through the sale of equity securities at all or on favorable terms. Sales of equity on unfavorable terms could result in substantial dilution to Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stockholders and Digital Realty Trust, L.P.’s unitholders. In addition, we may be forced to dispose of one or more of our properties, possibly on disadvantageous terms. If we cannot obtain capital from third-party sources, we may not be able to acquire or develop data centers when strategic opportunities exist, satisfy our debt service obligations, pay cash dividends to Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s stockholders or make distributions to Digital Realty Trust, L.P.’s unitholders. Declining real estate valuations and impairment charges could adversely affect our earnings and financial condition. We review each of our properties for indicators that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. Examples of such indicators may include a significant decrease in the market price, a significant adverse change in how the property is being used or expected to be used based on the underwriting at the time of acquisition, an accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected for the acquisition or development, a change in our intended holding period due to our intention to sell an asset, or a history of operating or cash flow losses. When such impairment indicators exist, we review an estimate of the future undiscounted net cash flows (excluding interest charges) expected to result from the real estate investment’s use and eventual disposition and compare it to the carrying value of the property. We consider factors such as future operating income, trends and prospects, as well as the effects of leasing demand, competition and other factors. If our future undiscounted net cash flow evaluation indicates that we are unable to recover the carrying value of a real estate investment, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of the property. These losses have a direct impact on our net income because recording an impairment loss results in an immediate negative adjustment to net income. The evaluation of anticipated cash flows is highly subjective and is based in part on assumptions regarding future occupancy, rental rates and capital requirements that could differ materially from actual results in future periods. A worsening real estate market may cause us to reevaluate the assumptions used in our impairment analysis. These impairment charges could be significant and could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distribution. We may incur goodwill and other intangible asset impairment charges, which could adversely affect our earnings and financial condition. In accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting practices, or GAAP, we are required to assess our goodwill and other intangible assets, including goodwill and other intangible assets assumed in acquisition transactions, annually, or more frequently whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate potential impairment, such as changing market conditions or any changes in key assumptions. If the testing performed indicates that an asset may not be recoverable, we are required to record a non-cash impairment charge for the difference between the carrying value of the goodwill or other intangible assets and the implied fair value of the goodwill or other intangible assets in the period the determination is made. These impairment charges could be significant and could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distribution. Illiquidity of real estate investments could significantly impede our ability to respond to adverse changes in the performance of our properties and harm our financial condition. Because real estate investments are relatively illiquid and because there may be even fewer buyers for our specialized real estate, our ability to promptly sell properties in our portfolio in response to adverse changes in their performance may be limited, which may harm our financial condition. Further, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. is subject to provisions in the Code that limit a REIT’s ability to dispose of properties, which limitations are not applicable to other types of real estate companies. See “Risks Related to Our Organizational Structure—Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s duty to its stockholders may conflict with the 25 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements interests of Digital Realty Trust, L.P.’s unitholders-Tax consequences upon sale or refinancing.” While Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has exclusive authority under Digital Realty Trust, L.P.’s limited partnership agreement to determine whether, when, and on what terms to sell a property, any such decision would require the approval of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s board of directors. These limitations may affect our ability to sell properties. This lack of liquidity and the Code restrictions may limit our ability to vary our portfolio promptly in response to changes in economic or other conditions and, as a result, could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow, cash available for distribution and ability to access capital necessary to meet our debt payments and other obligations. Our success depends on key personnel whose continued service is not guaranteed. We depend on the efforts of key personnel of our Company, particularly A. William Stein, our Chief Executive Officer, Andrew P. Power, our Chief Financial Officer, Scott Peterson, our Chief Investment Officer and Chris Sharp, our Chief Technology Officer. They are important to our success for many reasons, including that each has a national or regional reputation in our industry and the investment community that attracts investors and business and investment opportunities and assists us in negotiations with investors, lenders, existing and potential customers and industry personnel. If we lost their services, our business and investment opportunities and our relationships with lenders and other capital markets participants, existing and prospective customers and industry personnel could suffer. Many of our Company’s other senior employees also have strong technology, finance and real estate industry reputations. As a result, we have greater access to potential acquisitions, financing, leasing and other opportunities, and are better able to negotiate with customers. As the number of our competitors increases, it becomes more likely that a competitor would attempt to hire certain of these individuals away from our Company. The loss of any of these key personnel would result in the loss of these and other benefits and could materially and adversely affect our results of operations. We may have difficulty managing our growth. We have significantly and rapidly expanded the size of our Company. Our growth may significantly strain our management, operational and financial resources and systems. In addition, as a reporting company, we are subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002, or the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The requirements of these rules and regulations subject us to certain accounting, legal and financial compliance costs and may strain our management and financial, legal and operational resources and systems. An inability to manage our growth effectively or the increased strain on our management of our resources and systems could result in deficiencies in our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal control over financial reporting and could negatively impact financial condition, results of operations and our cash available for distribution. We may have difficulty implementing changes to our information technology systems. We have made significant investments to update and improve our information technology systems and expect such investments to continue in order to meet our business needs, including for ongoing improvements for our customer experience. Transitioning to new or upgraded systems can create difficulties, including potential disruptions to current processes and security complexities. In addition, our information technology systems may require further modification as we grow and as our business needs change, which could prolong difficulties we experience with transitions. Such significant investments in our systems may take longer to deploy and cost more than originally planned. In addition, we may not realize the full benefits we hoped to achieve and we may need to expend significant attention, time and resources to correct problems or find alternative sources for performing various functions. Difficulties in implementing new or upgraded information technology systems or significant system failures or delays or the failure to successfully modify our systems and respond to changes in our business needs could adversely affect our business and results of operations. Potential losses may not be covered by insurance. We currently carry commercial general liability, property, business interruption, including loss of rental income, and other insurance policies to cover insurable risks to our Company. We select policy specifications, insured limits and deductibles which we believe to be appropriate and adequate given the relative risk of loss, the cost of the coverage and standard industry practices. Our insurance policies contain industry standard exclusions and we do not carry insurance for generally uninsurable perils, such as loss from war or nuclear reaction. Although we purchase earthquake insurance , it is subject to high deductibles and a significant portion of our properties are located in seismically active zones such as California, which represents approximately 15% of our portfolio’s annualized rent as of December 31, 2017. One catastrophic event, for example, in California, could significantly impact multiple properties, the aggregate deductible amounts could be significant and the limits we purchase could prove to be insufficient, which could materially and adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, a catastrophic regional event could also severely impact some of our insurers rendering them 26 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements insolvent or unable to fully pay on claims despite their current financial strength. In addition, we may discontinue purchasing insurance against earthquake, flood or windstorm or other perils on some or all of our properties in the future if the cost of premiums for any of these policies exceeds, in our judgment, the value of the coverage relative to the risk of loss. In addition, many of our buildings contain extensive and highly valuable technology-related improvements. Under the terms of our leases, customers are obligated to maintain adequate insurance coverage applicable to such improvements and under most circumstances use their insurance proceeds to restore such improvements after a casualty event. In the event of a casualty or other loss involving one of our buildings with extensive installed tenant improvements, our customers may have the right to terminate their leases if we do not rebuild the base building within prescribed times. In such cases, the proceeds from customers’ insurance will not be available to us to restore the improvements, and our insurance coverage may be insufficient to replicate the technology-related improvements made by such customers. Furthermore, the terms of our mortgage indebtedness at certain of our properties may require us to pay insurance proceeds over to our lenders under certain circumstances, rather than use the proceeds to repair the property. If we or one or more of our customers experience a loss which is uninsured or which exceeds policy limits, we could lose the capital invested in the damaged properties as well as the anticipated future cash flows from those properties. In addition, if the damaged properties are subject to recourse indebtedness, we would continue to be liable for the indebtedness, even if these properties were irreparably damaged. We may become subject to litigation or threatened litigation which may divert management time and attention, require us to pay damages and expenses or restrict the operation of our business. We may become subject to disputes with commercial parties with whom we maintain relationships or other parties with whom we do business, including as a result of any breach in our security systems or downtime in our critical power and cooling systems. Any such dispute could result in litigation between us and the other parties. Whether or not any dispute actually proceeds to litigation, we may be required to devote significant management time and attention to its resolution (through litigation, settlement or otherwise), which would detract from our management’s ability to focus on our business. Any such resolution could involve the payment of damages or expenses by us, which may be significant. In addition, any such resolution could involve our agreement with terms that restrict the operation of our business. We could incur significant costs related to government regulation and private litigation over environmental matters, including existing conditions at some of our properties. Under various laws relating to the protection of the environment in the United States, as well as in many jurisdictions in Europe and Asia, a current or previous owner or operator of real estate may be liable for contamination resulting from the presence or discharge of hazardous or toxic substances at a property, and may be required to investigate and clean up such contamination at or emanating from a property. Such laws often impose liability without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of the contaminants, and the liability may be joint and several. In the United States, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, or CERCLA, established a regulatory and remedial program intended to provide for the investigation and clean-up of facilities where, or from which, a release of any hazardous substance into the environment has occurred or is threatened. CERCLA’s primary mechanism for remedying such problems is to impose strict joint and several liability for clean-up of facilities on current owners and operators of the site, former owners and operators of the site at the time of the disposal of the hazardous substances, any person who arranges for the transportation, disposal or treatment of the hazardous substances, and the transporters who select the disposal and treatment facilities, regardless of the care exercised by such persons. CERCLA also imposes liability for the cost of evaluating and remedying any damage to natural resources. The costs of CERCLA investigation and clean-up can be very substantial. CERCLA also authorizes the imposition of a lien in favor of the United States on all real property subject to, or affected by, a remedial action for all costs for which a party is liable. Subject to certain procedural restrictions, CERCLA gives a responsible party the right to bring a contribution action against other responsible parties for their allocable shares of investigative and remedial costs. Our ability to obtain reimbursement from others for their allocable shares of such costs would be limited by our ability to find other responsible parties and prove the extent of their responsibility, their financial resources, and other procedural requirements. Various state laws, as well as laws in Europe and Asia, also impose in certain cases strict joint and several liability for investigation, clean-up and other damages associated with hazardous substance releases. Previous owners used some of our properties for industrial and retail purposes, so those properties may contain some level of environmental contamination. Independent environmental consultants have conducted Phase I or similar environmental site assessments on all of the properties in our portfolio. Site assessments are intended to discover and evaluate information regarding the environmental condition of the surveyed property and surrounding properties. These assessments do not generally include soil samplings, subsurface investigations or an asbestos survey and the assessments may fail to reveal all environmental conditions, liabilities or compliance concerns. In addition, material environmental conditions, liabilities or compliance concerns may have arisen after these reviews were completed or may arise in the future. We could be held jointly and severally liable 27 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements under CERCLA and various state, local and national laws for the investigation and remediation of environmental contamination on our properties caused by previous owners or operators. Fuel storage tanks are present at most of our properties, and if releases were to occur, we may be liable for the costs of cleaning any resulting contamination. The presence of contamination or the failure to remediate contamination at our properties may expose us to third-party liability or materially adversely affect our ability to sell, lease or develop the real estate or to borrow using the real estate as collateral. In addition, some of our customers, particularly those in the biotechnology and life sciences industry and those in the technology manufacturing industry, routinely handle hazardous substances and wastes as part of their operations at our properties. Environmental laws and regulations subject our customers, and potentially us, to liability resulting from these activities or from previous industrial or retail uses of those properties. We could be held jointly and severally liable under CERCLA and various state, local and national laws for the investigation and remediation of hazardous substances released by our customers on our properties. Environmental liabilities could also affect a customer’s ability to make rental payments to us. We cannot assure you that costs of investigation and remediation of environmental matters will not affect our ability to pay dividends to Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s stockholders and distributions to Digital Realty Trust, L.P.’s unitholders or that such costs or other remedial measures will not have a material adverse effect on our business, assets or results of operations. Some of our properties may contain asbestos-containing building materials. Environmental laws require that asbestos-containing building materials be properly managed and maintained, and may impose fines and penalties on building owners or operators for failure to comply with these requirements. These laws may also allow third parties to seek recovery from owners or operators for personal injury associated with exposure to asbestos-containing building materials. Our properties and their uses often require permits from various government agencies, including permits related to zoning and land use. Certain permits from state or local environmental regulatory agencies, including regulators of air quality, are usually required to install and operate diesel-powered generators, which provide emergency back-up power at most of our facilities. These permits often set emissions limits for certain air pollutants, including oxides of nitrogen. In addition, various federal, state, and local environmental, health and safety requirements, such as fire requirements and treated and storm water discharge requirements, apply to some of our properties. Changes to applicable regulations, such as air quality regulations, or the permit requirements for equipment at our facilities, could hinder or prevent our construction or operation of data center facilities. Also, drought conditions in certain markets have resulted in water usage restrictions and proposals to further restrict water usage. Our data center facilities could face restrictions on water usage, water efficiency mandates, or higher water prices. The environmental laws and regulations to which our properties are subject may change in the future, and new laws and regulations may be created. Future laws, ordinances or regulations may impose additional material environmental liability. Such laws include those directly regulating our climate change impacts and those which regulate the climate change impacts of companies with which we do business, such as utilities providing our facilities with electricity. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Factors Which May Influence Future Results of Operations—Climate change legislation.” We do not know if or how the requirements will change, but changes may require that we make significant unanticipated expenditures, and such expenditures may materially adversely impact our financial condition, cash flow, results, cash available for distributions, common stock’s per share trading price, our competitive position and ability to satisfy our debt service obligations. Our properties may contain or develop harmful mold or suffer from other air quality issues, which could lead to liability for adverse health effects and costs to remedy the problem. When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold may grow, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or is not addressed over a period of time. Some molds may produce airborne toxins or irritants. Indoor air quality issues can also stem from inadequate ventilation, chemical contamination from indoor or outdoor sources and other biological contaminants such as pollen, viruses and bacteria. Indoor exposure to airborne toxins or irritants above certain levels can be alleged to cause a variety of adverse health effects and symptoms, including allergic or other reactions. As a result, the presence of significant mold or other airborne contaminants at any of our properties could require us to undertake a costly remediation program to contain or remove the mold or other airborne contaminants from the affected property or increase indoor ventilation. In addition, the presence of significant mold or other airborne contaminants could expose us to liability from our customers, employees of our customers and others if property damage or health concerns arise. We may incur significant costs complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act and similar laws. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, or the ADA, all public accommodations must meet federal requirements related to access and use by disabled persons. We have not conducted an audit or investigation of all of our properties to determine our compliance with the ADA. If one or more of the properties in our portfolio does not comply with the ADA, then we would be required to incur additional costs to bring the property into compliance. Additional federal, state 28 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements and local laws also may require modifications to our properties, or restrict our ability to renovate our properties. We cannot predict the ultimate cost of compliance with the ADA or other legislation. If we incur substantial costs to comply with the ADA and any other similar legislation or are subject to awards of damages to private litigants, our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow, cash available for distribution and ability to satisfy our debt service obligations could be materially adversely affected. We may incur significant costs complying with other regulations. The properties in our portfolio are subject to various federal, state and local regulations, such as state and local fire and life safety regulations. Similarly, new regulations such as the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) may have significant operational impact on our operations. If we fail to comply with these various regulations, we may have to pay fines or damage awards to private litigants. In addition, we do not know whether existing regulations will change or whether future regulations will require us to make significant unanticipated expenditures that will materially adversely impact our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow, cash available for distribution and ability to satisfy our debt service obligations. Our business could be adversely impacted if there are deficiencies in our disclosure controls and procedures or internal control over financial reporting. The design and effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting may not prevent all errors, misstatements or misrepresentations. While management will continue to review the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting, there can be no guarantee that our internal control over financial reporting will be effective in accomplishing all control objectives all of the time. Furthermore, our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting with respect to entities that we do not control or manage may be substantially more limited than those we maintain with respect to the subsidiaries that we have controlled or managed over the course of time. Deficiencies, including any material weakness, in our internal control over financial reporting which may occur in the future could result in misstatements of our results of operations, restatements of our financial statements, a decline in Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s stock price, or otherwise materially adversely affect our business, reputation, results of operations, financial condition or liquidity. Risks Related to Our Organizational Structure Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s duty to its stockholders may conflict with the interests of Digital Realty Trust, L.P.’s unitholders. Conflicts of interest may exist or could arise in the future as a result of the relationships between Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and its affiliates, on the one hand, and our Operating Partnership or any partner thereof, on the other. Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s directors and officers have duties to Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and its stockholders under Maryland law in connection with their management of our Company. At the same time, Digital Realty Trust, Inc., as general partner, has fiduciary duties under Maryland law to our Operating Partnership and to the limited partners in connection with the management of our Operating Partnership. Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s duties as general partner to our Operating Partnership and its partners may come into conflict with the duties of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s directors and officers to Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and its stockholders. Under Maryland law, a general partner of a Maryland limited partnership owes its limited partners the duties of loyalty and care, which must be discharged consistently with the obligation of good faith and fair dealing, unless the partnership agreement provides otherwise. The partnership agreement of our Operating Partnership provides that for so long as Digital Realty Trust, Inc. owns a controlling interest in our Operating Partnership, any conflict that cannot be resolved in a manner not adverse to either Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s stockholders or the limited partners will be resolved in favor of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s stockholders. The provisions of Maryland law that allow the fiduciary duties of a general partner to be modified by a partnership agreement have not been tested in a court of law, and we have not obtained an opinion of counsel covering the provisions set forth in the partnership agreement that purport to waive or restrict Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s fiduciary duties. Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s stockholders and Digital Realty Trust, L.P.’s unitholders are also subject to the following additional conflict of interest: Tax consequences upon sale or refinancing. Sales of properties and repayment of certain indebtedness will affect holders of common units in our Operating Partnership and Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s stockholders differently. Consequently, these holders of common units in our Operating Partnership may have different objectives regarding the appropriate pricing and timing of any such sale or repayment of debt. While Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has exclusive authority under the partnership agreement of our Operating Partnership to determine when to refinance or repay debt or whether, when, and on what terms to sell a property, any such decision generally would require the approval of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s board of directors and 29 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s ability to take such actions, to the extent that they may reduce the liabilities of the Operating Partnership, may be limited pursuant to the tax protection agreement that the Company and the Operating Partnership entered into upon completion of the DFT Merger. Certain of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s directors and executive officers could exercise their influence in a manner inconsistent with the interests of some, or a majority, of Digital Realty Trust, L.P.’s unitholders, including in a manner which could prevent completion of a sale of a property or the repayment of indebtedness. Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s charter, Digital Realty Trust, L.P.’s partnership agreement and Maryland law contain provisions that may delay, defer or prevent a change of control transaction. These provisions include the following: Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s charter and the articles supplementary governing its preferred stock contain 9.8% ownership limits. Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s charter, subject to certain exceptions, authorizes Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s board of directors to take such actions as are necessary and desirable to preserve Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s qualification as a REIT and to limit any person to actual or constructive ownership of no more than 9.8% (by value or by number of shares, whichever is more restrictive) of the outstanding shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stock, 9.8% (by value or by number of shares, whichever is more restrictive) of the outstanding shares of any series of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s preferred stock and 9.8% of the value of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s outstanding capital stock. Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s board of directors, in its sole discretion, may exempt (prospectively or retroactively) a proposed transferee from the ownership limit. However, Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s board of directors may not grant an exemption from the ownership limit to any proposed transferee whose direct or indirect ownership of more than 9.8% of the outstanding shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stock, more than 9.8% of the outstanding shares of any series of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s preferred stock or more than 9.8% of the value of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s outstanding capital stock could jeopardize Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s status as a REIT. These restrictions on transferability and ownership will not apply if Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s board of directors determines that it is no longer in Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s best interests to attempt to qualify, or to continue to qualify, as a REIT or that compliance is no longer required for REIT qualification. The ownership limit may delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change of control that might be in the best interest of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s stockholders and Digital Realty Trust, L.P.’s unitholders. Digital Realty Trust, L.P.’s partnership agreement contains provisions that may delay, defer or prevent a change of control transaction. Digital Realty Trust, L.P.’s partnership agreement provides that Digital Realty Trust, Inc. may not engage in any merger, consolidation or other combination with or into another person, any sale of all or substantially all of its assets or any reclassification, recapitalization or change of its outstanding equity interests unless the transaction is approved by the holders of common units and long-term incentive units representing at least 35% of the aggregate percentage interests of all holders of common units and long-term incentive units and either: • all limited partners will receive, or have the right to elect to receive, for each common unit an amount of cash, securities or other property equal to the product of the number of shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock into which a common unit is then exchangeable and the greatest amount of cash, securities or other property paid in consideration of each share of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock in connection with the transaction (provided that, if, in connection with the transaction, a purchase, tender or exchange offer is made to and accepted by the holders of more than 50% of the shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock, each holder of common units will receive, or have the right to elect to receive, the greatest amount of cash, securities or other property which such holder would have received if it exercised its right to redemption and received shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock in exchange for its common units immediately prior to the expiration of such purchase, tender or exchange offer and thereupon accepted such purchase, tender or exchange offer and the transaction was then consummated); or • the following conditions are met: • • • substantially all of the assets directly or indirectly owned by the surviving entity in the transaction are held directly or indirectly by Digital Realty Trust, L.P. or another limited partnership or limited liability company which is the survivor of a merger, consolidation or combination of assets with Digital Realty Trust, L.P., or the surviving partnership; the holders of common units and long-term incentive units own a percentage interest of the surviving partnership based on the relative fair market value of Digital Realty Trust, L.P.’s net assets and the other net assets of the surviving partnership immediately prior to the consummation of such transaction; the rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of interests in the surviving partnership are at least as favorable as those in effect immediately prior to the consummation of such transaction and as those applicable to any other limited partners or non-managing members of the surviving partnership; and 30 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements • the rights of the limited partners or non-managing members of the surviving partnership include at least one of the following: (i) the right to redeem their interests in the surviving partnership for the consideration available to such persons pursuant to Digital Realty Trust, L.P.’s partnership agreement; or (ii) the right to redeem their interests for cash on terms equivalent to those in effect with respect to their common units immediately prior to the consummation of such transaction (or, if the ultimate controlling person of the surviving partnership has publicly traded common equity securities, for such common equity securities, with an exchange ratio based on the determination of relative fair market value of such securities and the shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock). These provisions may discourage others from trying to acquire control of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and may delay, defer or prevent a change of control transaction that might be beneficial to Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s stockholders and Digital Realty Trust, L.P.’s unitholders. The change of control conversion features of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s preferred stock may make it more difficult for a party to take over our Company or discourage a party from taking over our Company. Upon the occurrence of specified change of control transactions, holders of our series C preferred stock, series G preferred stock, series H preferred stock, series I preferred stock and series J preferred stock will have the right (unless, prior to the change of control conversion date, we have provided or provide notice of our election to redeem such preferred stock) to convert some or all of their series C preferred stock, series G preferred stock, series H preferred stock, series I preferred stock or series J preferred stock, as applicable, into shares of our common stock (or equivalent value of alternative consideration), subject to caps set forth in the articles supplementary governing the applicable series of preferred stock. The change of control conversion features of the series C preferred stock, series G preferred stock, series H preferred stock, series I preferred stock and series J preferred stock may have the effect of discouraging a third party from making an acquisition proposal for our Company or of delaying, deferring or preventing certain change of control transactions of our Company under circumstances that otherwise could provide the holders of our common stock, series C preferred stock, series G preferred stock, series H preferred stock, series I preferred stock and series J preferred stock with the opportunity to realize a premium over the then-current market price or that stockholders may otherwise believe is in their best interests. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. could increase or decrease the number of authorized shares of stock and issue stock without stockholder approval. Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s charter authorizes Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s board of directors, without stockholder approval, to amend the charter from time to time to increase or decrease the aggregate number of authorized shares of stock or the number of authorized shares of stock of any class or series, to issue authorized but unissued shares of the Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stock or preferred stock and, subject to the voting rights of holders of preferred stock, to classify or reclassify any unissued shares of the Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stock or preferred stock into other classes of series of stock and to set the preferences, rights and other terms of such classified or reclassified shares. Although Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s board of directors has no such intention at the present time, it could establish an additional class or series of preferred stock that could, depending on the terms of such class or series, delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change of control that might be in the best interest of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s stockholders and Digital Realty Trust, L.P.’s unitholders. Certain provisions of Maryland law could inhibit changes in control. Certain provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law, or MGCL, may have the effect of impeding a third party from making a proposal to acquire Digital Realty Trust, Inc. or of impeding a change of control under circumstances that otherwise could be in the best interests of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s stockholders and Digital Realty Trust, L.P.’s unitholders, including: • • “business combination” provisions that, subject to limitations, prohibit certain business combinations between Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and an “interested stockholder” (defined generally as any person who beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of the voting power of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s outstanding shares of voting stock or an affiliate or associate of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. who, at any time within the two-year period prior to the date in question, was the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 10% or more of the voting power of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s then outstanding shares of stock) or an affiliate thereof for five years after the most recent date on which the stockholder becomes an interested stockholder, and thereafter impose special appraisal rights and supermajority voting requirements on these combinations; and “control share” provisions that provide that “control shares” of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (defined as shares which, when aggregated with other shares controlled by the stockholder (except solely by virtue of a revocable proxy), entitle the stockholder to exercise one of three increasing ranges of voting power in electing directors) acquired in a “control share acquisition” (defined as the direct or indirect acquisition of ownership or control of issued and outstanding “control shares”) have no voting rights except to the extent approved by Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s stockholders by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, excluding all interested shares. 31 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has opted out of these provisions of the MGCL, in the case of the business combination provisions of the MGCL by resolution of its board of directors, and in the case of the control share provisions of the MGCL pursuant to a provision in its bylaws. However, Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s board of directors may by resolution elect to opt in to the business combination provisions of the MGCL and Digital Realty Trust, Inc. may, by amendment to its bylaws, opt in to the control share provisions of the MGCL in the future. The provisions of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s charter governing removal of directors and the advance notice provisions of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s bylaws could delay, defer or prevent a change of control or other transaction that might be in the best interests of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s stockholders and Digital Realty Trust, L.P.’s unitholders. Likewise, if Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s board of directors were to opt in to the business combination provisions of the MGCL or the provisions of Title 3, Subtitle 8 of the MGCL not currently applicable to Digital Realty Trust, Inc., or if the provision in Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s bylaws opting out of the control share acquisition provisions of the MGCL were rescinded, these provisions of the MGCL could have similar anti-takeover effects. The conversion rights of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s preferred stock may be detrimental to holders of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stock. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. currently has 8,050,000 shares of 6.625% series C cumulative redeemable perpetual preferred stock outstanding, 10,000,000 shares of 5.875% series G cumulative redeemable preferred stock outstanding, 14,600,000 shares of 7.375% series H cumulative redeemable preferred stock outstanding, 10,000,000 shares of 6.350% series I cumulative redeemable preferred stock outstanding and 8,000,000 shares of 5.250% series J cumulative redeemable preferred stock outstanding, which may be converted into Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock upon the occurrence of limited specified change in control transactions. The conversion of the series C preferred stock, series G preferred stock, series H preferred stock, series I preferred stock or series J preferred stock for Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock would dilute stockholder ownership in Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and unitholder ownership in Digital Realty Trust, L.P., and could adversely affect the market price of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock and could impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of additional equity securities. Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s rights and the rights of its stockholders to take action against its directors and officers are limited. Maryland law provides that Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s directors have no liability in their capacities as directors if they perform their duties in good faith, in a manner they reasonably believe to be in the Company’s best interests and with the care that an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would use under similar circumstances. As permitted by the MGCL, Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s charter limits the liability of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s directors and officers to the Company and its stockholders for money damages, except for liability resulting from: • • actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services; or a final judgment based upon a finding of active and deliberate dishonesty by the director or officer that was material to the cause of action adjudicated. In addition, Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s charter authorizes Digital Realty Trust, Inc. to obligate itself, and Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s bylaws require it, to indemnify Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s directors and officers for actions taken by them in those capacities and to pay or reimburse their reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law. Further, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has entered into indemnification agreements with its directors and officers. As a result, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and its stockholders may have more limited rights against its directors and officers than might otherwise exist under common law. Accordingly, in the event that actions taken in good faith by any of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s directors or officers impede the performance of the Company, the Company’s stockholders’ ability to recover damages from that director or officer will be limited. Risks Related to Taxes and Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s Status as a REIT Failure to qualify as a REIT would have significant adverse consequences to Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and its stockholders and to Digital Realty Trust, L.P. and its unitholders. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has operated and intends to continue operating in a manner that it believes will allow it to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes under the Code. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has not requested and does not plan to request a ruling from the IRS that it qualifies as a REIT. Qualification as a REIT involves the application of highly technical and complex Code provisions for which there are only limited judicial and administrative interpretations. The complexity of these provisions and of the applicable Treasury Regulations that have been promulgated under the Code is greater in the case of a REIT that, like Digital Realty Trust, Inc., holds its assets through a partnership. The determination of various factual matters 32 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements and circumstances not entirely within Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s control may affect its ability to qualify as a REIT. In order to qualify as a REIT, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. must satisfy a number of requirements, including requirements regarding the ownership of its stock, requirements regarding the composition of its assets and a requirement that at least 95% of its gross income in any year must be derived from qualifying sources, such as “rents from real property.” Also, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. must make distributions to stockholders aggregating annually at least 90% of its net taxable income, excluding any net capital gains. If Digital Realty Trust, Inc. loses its REIT status, it will face serious tax consequences that would substantially reduce its cash available for distribution, including cash available to pay dividends to its stockholders, for each of the years involved because: • • • Digital Realty Trust, Inc. would not be allowed a deduction for dividends paid to stockholders in computing its taxable income and would be subject to federal corporate income tax on its taxable income; Digital Realty Trust, Inc. also could be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax for taxable years prior to 2018 and possibly increased state and local taxes; and unless Digital Realty Trust, Inc. is entitled to relief under applicable statutory provisions, it could not elect to be taxed as a REIT for four taxable years following the year during which it was disqualified. In addition, if Digital Realty Trust, Inc. fails to qualify as a REIT, it will not be required to make distributions to common stockholders, and accordingly, distributions Digital Realty Trust, L.P. makes to its unitholders could be similarly reduced. As a result of all these factors, Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s failure to qualify as a REIT could impair our ability to expand our business and raise capital, and could materially adversely affect the value of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s stock and Digital Realty Trust, L.P.’s units. In certain circumstances, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. may be subject to federal and state taxes as a REIT, which would reduce its cash available for distribution to its stockholders. Even if Digital Realty Trust, Inc. qualifies as a REIT for federal income tax purposes, it may be subject to some federal, state and local taxes on its income or property and, in certain cases, a 100% penalty tax, in the event it sells property as a dealer. In addition, our domestic corporate subsidiary, Digital Services, Inc., which is a taxable REIT subsidiary of Digital Realty Trust, Inc., could be subject to federal, state and local taxes, and our foreign properties and companies are subject to tax in the jurisdictions in which they operate and are located. A domestic taxable REIT subsidiary is subject to U.S. federal income tax as a regular C corporation. In addition, a 100% excise tax will be imposed on certain transactions between a taxable REIT subsidiary and its parent REIT that are not conducted on an arm’s length basis. Any federal, state or foreign taxes Digital Realty Trust, Inc. pays will reduce its cash available for distribution to stockholders. To maintain Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s REIT status, we may be forced to borrow funds during unfavorable market conditions. To qualify as a REIT, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. generally must distribute to its stockholders at least 90% of its net taxable income each year, excluding capital gains, and Digital Realty Trust, Inc. will be subject to regular corporate income taxes to the extent that it distributes less than 100% of its net taxable income each year. In addition, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. will be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the amount, if any, by which distributions paid by Digital Realty Trust, Inc. in any calendar year are less than the sum of 85% of its ordinary income, 95% of its capital gain net income and 100% of its undistributed income from prior years. While historically Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has satisfied these distribution requirements by making cash distributions to its stockholders, a REIT is permitted to satisfy these requirements by making distributions of cash or other property. We may need to borrow funds for Digital Realty Trust, Inc. to meet the REIT distribution requirements even if the then prevailing market conditions are not favorable for these borrowings. These borrowing needs could result from differences in timing between the actual receipt of cash and inclusion of income for federal income tax purposes, or the effect of non-deductible capital expenditures, the creation of reserves or required debt or amortization payments. Dividends payable by REITs do not qualify for the reduced tax rates available for some dividends. The maximum tax rate applicable to “qualified dividend income” payable to U.S. stockholders that are individuals, trusts and estates is 20%. Dividends payable by REITs, however, generally are not eligible for these reduced rates. Under recently enacted tax legislation (the “2017 Tax Legislation”), U.S. stockholders that are individuals, trusts and estates generally may deduct up to 20% of the ordinary dividends (e.g., dividends not designated as capital gain dividends or qualified dividend income) received from a REIT for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2026. Although this deduction reduces the effective tax rate applicable to certain dividends paid by REITs (generally to 29.6% assuming the 33 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements shareholder is subject to the 37% maximum rate), such tax rate is still higher than the tax rate applicable to corporate dividends that constitute qualified dividend income. Accordingly, investors who are individuals, trusts and estates may perceive investments in REITs to be relatively less attractive than investments in the stocks of non-REIT corporations that pay dividends, which could materially and adversely affect the value of the shares of REITs, including the per share trading price of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s capital stock. The tax imposed on REITs engaging in “prohibited transactions” may limit our ability to engage in transactions which would be treated as sales for federal income tax purposes. A REIT’s net income from prohibited transactions is subject to a 100% penalty tax. In general, prohibited transactions are sales or other dispositions of property, other than foreclosure property, held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business. Although we do not intend to hold any properties that would be characterized as held for sale to customers in the ordinary course of our business, unless a sale or disposition qualifies under certain statutory safe harbors, such characterization is a factual determination and no guarantee can be given that the IRS would agree with our characterization of our properties or that we will always be able to make use of the available safe harbors. Complying with REIT requirements may cause us to forgo otherwise attractive opportunities or liquidate otherwise attractive investments. To qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. must continually satisfy tests concerning, among other things, its sources of income, the nature and diversification of its assets (including its proportionate share of Digital Realty Trust, L.P.’s assets), the amounts it distributes to its stockholders and the ownership of its capital stock. If Digital Realty Trust, Inc. fails to comply with one or more of the asset tests at the end of any calendar quarter, it must correct the failure within 30 days after the end of the calendar quarter or qualify for certain statutory relief provisions to avoid losing its REIT qualification and suffering adverse tax consequences. In order to meet these tests, we may be required to forgo investments we might otherwise make or to liquidate otherwise attractive investments. Thus, compliance with the REIT requirements may hinder our performance and reduce amounts available for distribution to Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s stockholders and Digital Realty Trust, L.P.’s unitholders. The power of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s board of directors to revoke Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s REIT election without stockholder approval may cause adverse consequences to Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s stockholders and Digital Realty Trust, L.P.’s unitholders. Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s charter provides that its board of directors may revoke or otherwise terminate its REIT election, without the approval of its stockholders, if it determines that it is no longer in Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s best interests to continue to qualify as a REIT. If Digital Realty Trust, Inc. ceases to qualify as a REIT, it would become subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax on its taxable income and it would no longer be required to distribute most of its taxable income to its stockholders and, accordingly, distributions Digital Realty Trust, L.P. makes to its unitholders could be similarly reduced. If the Operating Partnership fails to qualify as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. would fail to qualify as a REIT and suffer other adverse consequences. We believe that the Operating Partnership has been organized and operated in a manner that will allow it to be treated as a partnership, and not an association or publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation, for federal income tax purposes. As a partnership, the Operating Partnership is not subject to federal income tax on its income. Instead, each of its partners, including Digital Realty Trust, Inc., is allocated, and may be required to pay tax with respect to, that partner’s share of the Operating Partnership’s income. No assurance can be provided, however, that the IRS will not challenge the Operating Partnership’s status as a partnership for federal income tax purposes or that a court would not sustain such a challenge. If the IRS were successful in treating the Operating Partnership as an association or publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. would fail to meet the gross income tests and certain of the asset tests applicable to REITs and, accordingly, would cease to qualify as a REIT. Such REIT qualification failure could impair our ability to expand our business and raise capital, and would materially adversely affect the value of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s stock and the Operating Partnership’s units. Also, the failure of the Operating Partnership to qualify as a partnership would cause it to become subject to federal corporate income tax, which would reduce significantly the amount of its cash available for debt service and for distribution to its partners, including Digital Realty Trust, Inc. Our tax protection agreement may require the Operating Partnership to maintain certain debt levels that otherwise would not be required to operate our business. 34 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements In connection with our acquisition of DuPont Fabros Technology, Inc., we entered into a tax protection agreement with a number of limited partners of DuPont Fabros Technology, L.P. (the “Protected Partners”), all of whom became limited partners of the Operating Partnership. Pursuant to this tax protection agreement, the Protected Partners entered into a guarantee of certain debt of a subsidiary of the Operating Partnership. The Operating Partnership is required to offer the Protected Partners a new guarantee opportunity in the event any guaranteed debt is repaid prior to March 1, 2023. If the Operating Partnership fails to offer the guarantee opportunity or to allocate guaranteed debt to a Protected Partner as required under the tax protection agreement, the Operating Partnership generally would be required to indemnify each Protected Partner for the tax liability resulting from such failure, as determined under the tax protection agreement. These obligations may require the Operating Partnership to maintain more or different indebtedness than we would otherwise require for our business. Changes in U.S. or foreign tax laws and regulations, including changes to tax rates, legislation and other actions may adversely affect our results of operations, our stockholders, Digital Realty Trust, L.P.’s unitholders and us. We are headquartered in the United States with subsidiaries and operations globally and are subject to income taxes in these jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes. Although we believe that we have adequately assessed and accounted for our potential tax liabilities, and that our tax estimates are reasonable, there can be no assurance that additional taxes will not be due upon audit of our tax returns or as a result of changes to applicable tax laws. The governments of many of the countries in which we operate may enact changes to the tax laws of such countries, including changes to the corporate recognition and taxation of worldwide income. The nature and timing of any changes to each jurisdiction’s tax laws and the impact on our future tax liabilities cannot be predicted with any accuracy but could materially and adversely impact our results of operations and cash flows. Additionally, each of our properties is subject to real property and personal property taxes. These taxes may increase as tax rates change and as the properties are assessed or reassessed by taxing authorities. Any increase in property taxes on our properties could have a material adverse effect on our revenues and results of operations. Further, the rules dealing with federal income taxation are constantly under review by persons involved in the legislative process and by the IRS and the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Changes to the tax laws, with or without retroactive application, could materially and adversely affect Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s stockholders, Digital Realty Trust, L.P.’s unitholders and us. We cannot predict how changes in the tax laws might affect our investors and us. New legislation, Treasury Regulations, administrative interpretations or court decisions could significantly and negatively affect Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s ability to qualify as a REIT, the federal income tax consequences of such qualification, or the federal income tax consequences of an investment in us. Moreover, the law relating to the tax treatment of other entities, or an investment in other entities, could change, making an investment in such other entities more attractive relative to an investment in a REIT. The 2017 Tax Legislation has significantly changed the U.S. federal income taxation of U.S. businesses and their owners, including REITs and their stockholders. Changes made by the 2017 Tax Legislation that could affect Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and its stockholders include: • • • • • • • temporarily reducing individual U.S. federal income tax rates on ordinary income; the highest individual U.S. federal income tax rate has been reduced from 39.6% to 37% for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2026; permanently eliminating the progressive corporate tax rate structure, which previously imposed a maximum corporate tax rate of 35%, and replacing it with a flat corporate tax rate of 21%; permitting a deduction for certain pass-through business income, including dividends received by our stockholders from us that are not designated by us as capital gain dividends or qualified dividend income, which will allow individuals, trusts, and estates to deduct up to 20% of such amounts for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2026; reducing the highest rate of withholding with respect to our distributions to non-U.S. stockholders that are treated as attributable to gains from the sale or exchange of U.S. real property interests from 35% to 21%; limiting our deduction for net operating losses arising in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 to 80% of our REIT taxable income (determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction); generally limiting the deduction for net business interest expense in excess of 30% of a business’s “adjusted taxable income,” except for taxpayers that engage in certain real estate businesses (including most equity REITs) and elect out of this rule (provided that such electing taxpayers must use an alternative depreciation system with longer depreciation periods); and eliminating the corporate alternative minimum tax. Many of these changes that are applicable to us are effective beginning with our 2018 taxable year, without any transition periods or grandfathering for existing transactions. The legislation is unclear in many respects and could be subject to potential 35 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements amendments and technical corrections, as well as interpretations and implementing regulations by the IRS and the U.S. Department of the Treasury, any of which could lessen or increase the impact of the legislation. In addition, it is unclear how these U.S. federal income tax changes will affect state and local taxation, which often uses federal taxable income as a starting point for computing state and local tax liabilities. Tax liabilities and attributes inherited in connection with acquisitions may adversely impact our business . From time to time we may acquire other corporations or entities and, in connection with such acquisitions, we may succeed to the historic tax attributes and liabilities of such entities. For example, if we acquire a C corporation and subsequently dispose of its assets within five years of the acquisition, we could be required to pay tax on any built-in gain attributable to such assets determined as of the date on which we acquired the assets. In addition, in order to qualify as a REIT, at the end of any taxable year, we must not have any earnings and profits accumulated in a non-REIT year. As a result, if we acquire a C corporation, we must distribute the corporation’s earnings and profits accumulated prior to the acquisition before the end of the taxable year in which we acquire the corporation. We also could be required to pay the acquired entity’s unpaid taxes even though such liabilities arose prior to the time we acquired the entity. Telx was a C corporation at the time of the Telx Acquisition, which raises each of these issues. Forward-Looking Statements We make statements in this report that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. In particular, statements pertaining to our capital resources, portfolio performance, our ability to lease vacant space and space under development, leverage policy and acquisition and capital expenditure plans, as well as our discussion of “Factors Which May Influence Future Results of Operations,” contain forward-looking statements. Likewise, all of our statements regarding anticipated market conditions, demographics and results of operations are forward-looking statements. You can identify forward-looking statements by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believes,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “approximately,” “intends,” “plans,” “pro forma,” “estimates” or “anticipates” or the negative of these words and phrases or similar words or phrases which are predictions of or indicate future events or trends and which do not relate solely to historical matters. You can also identify forward-looking statements by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions. Forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and you should not rely on them as predictions of future events. Forward-looking statements depend on assumptions, data or methods which may be incorrect or imprecise and we may not be able to realize them. We do not guarantee that the transactions and events described will happen as described or that they will happen at all. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those set forth or contemplated in the forward-looking statements: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • reduced demand for data centers or decreases in information technology spending; decreased rental rates, increased operating costs or increased vacancy rates; increased competition or available supply of data center space; the suitability of our data centers and data center infrastructure, delays or disruptions in connectivity or availability of power, or failures or breaches of our physical and information security infrastructure or services; our dependence upon significant customers, bankruptcy or insolvency of a major customer or a significant number of smaller customers, or defaults on or non-renewal of leases by customers; breaches of our obligations or restrictions under our contracts with our customers; our inability to successfully develop and lease new properties and development space, and delays or unexpected costs in development of properties; the impact of current global and local economic, credit and market conditions; our inability to retain data center space that we lease or sublease from third parties; difficulty acquiring or operating properties in foreign jurisdictions; our failure to realize the intended benefits from, or disruptions to our plans and operations or unknown or contingent liabilities related to, our recent acquisitions; our failure to successfully integrate and operate acquired or developed properties or businesses; difficulties in identifying properties to acquire and completing acquisitions; risks related to joint venture investments, including as a result of our lack of control of such investments; risks associated with using debt to fund our business activities, including re-financing and interest rate risks, our failure to repay debt when due, adverse changes in our credit ratings or our breach of covenants or other terms contained in our loan facilities and agreements; our failure to obtain necessary debt and equity financing, and our dependence on external sources of capital; financial market fluctuations and changes in foreign currency exchange rates; 36 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements • • • • • • • • • adverse economic or real estate developments in our industry or the industry sectors that we sell to, including risks relating to decreasing real estate valuations and impairment charges and goodwill and other intangible asset impairment charges; our inability to manage our growth effectively; losses in excess of our insurance coverage; environmental liabilities and risks related to natural disasters; our inability to comply with rules and regulations applicable to our Company; Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s failure to maintain its status as a REIT for federal income tax purposes; Digital Realty Trust, L.P.’s failure to qualify as a partnership for federal income tax purposes; restrictions on our ability to engage in certain business activities; and changes in local, state, federal and international laws and regulations, including related to taxation, real estate and zoning laws, and increases in real property tax rates. The risks included here are not exhaustive, and additional factors could adversely affect our business and financial performance, including factors and risks included in other sections of this report, including under Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risk factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for management to predict all such risk factors, nor can we assess the impact of all such risk factors on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. While forward-looking statements reflect our good faith beliefs, they are not guaranties of future performance. We disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect changes in underlying assumptions or factors, new information, data or methods, future events or other changes. 37 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS None. ITEM 2. PROPERTIES General In addition to the information in this Item 2, certain information regarding our portfolio is contained in Schedule III (Financial Statement Schedule) under Part IV, Item 15(a) (2) and which is included in Part II, Item 8. Our Portfolio As of December 31, 2017 , our portfolio consisted of 205 data centers, including seven held-for-sale data centers and 18 data centers held as investments in unconsolidated joint ventures, and contain a total of approximately 32.1 million rentable square feet, including 2.7 million square feet of space under active development and 1.7 million square feet of space held for development. The following table presents an overview of our portfolio of properties, including the seven data centers held-for-sale and 18 data centers held as investments in unconsolidated joint ventures and developable land, based on information as of December 31, 2017 (dollar amounts in thousands). All data centers are held in fee simple except as otherwise indicated. Please refer to Note 8 in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a description of all applicable encumbrances as of December 31, 2017 . Metropolitan Area Data Center Buildings Net Rentable Square Feet (1) Space Under Active Development (2) Space Held for Development (3) Annualized Rent (4) Occupancy Percentage (5) North America Northern Virginia Chicago New York Silicon Valley Dallas Phoenix San Francisco Atlanta Boston Los Angeles Houston Toronto, Canada (6) Denver Austin Miami Portland Minneapolis / St. Paul Charlotte Seattle North America Total / Weighted Average Europe 29 9 12 19 21 4 5 5 5 4 6 3 2 1 2 1 2 3 1 4,810,736 2,691,942 1,907,645 2,185,341 3,304,082 990,385 989,743 775,606 528,029 818,479 392,816 188,066 371,500 85,688 198,461 48,574 406,929 95,499 41,156 692,187 305,003 34,821 65,680 56,126 — 13,500 — — — — 711,000 — — 22,535 — — — — 90,998 $ 197,160 278,089 — 150,152 108,926 — 313,581 50,649 — 13,969 — — — 5,318 — — — 74,790 459,124 268,460 195,401 191,508 178,981 90,538 72,812 54,031 44,380 41,528 21,311 14,267 10,850 6,727 6,603 6,094 5,938 4,447 2,144 134 20,830,677 1,900,852 1,283,632 1,675,144 94.9% 95.2% 84.1% 96.8% 88.2% 67.3% 67.8% 94.5% 85.0% 90.1% 87.9% 93.9% 95.6% 50.1% 96.6% 83.3% 85.1% 88.0% 69.1% 89.4% 38 Data Center Buildings Net Rentable Square Feet (1) Space Under Active Development (2) Space Held for Development (3) Annualized Rent (4) Occupancy Percentage (5) Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Metropolitan Area London, United Kingdom (7) Amsterdam, Netherlands (8) Dublin, Ireland (8) Frankfurt, Germany (8) Paris, France (8) Geneva, Switzerland (8) Manchester, United Kingdom (7) Europe Total / Weighted Average Asia Pacific Singapore (9) Melbourne (10) Sydney (10) Osaka Asia Pacific Total / Weighted Average 16 10 5 2 3 1 1 38 2 2 3 1 8 1,400,717 474,217 307,775 47,641 185,994 59,190 38,016 2,513,550 465,519 125,329 138,207 — 729,055 Non-Data Center Properties — 278,068 Managed Unconsolidated Joint Ventures Northern Virginia Hong Kong (11) Silicon Valley Dallas New York Non-Managed Unconsolidated Joint Ventures Seattle Osaka (12) Tokyo (12) 4 1 4 3 1 13 2 1 2 5 546,572 114,883 326,305 319,876 108,336 1,415,972 451,369 92,682 277,196 821,247 171,471 21,362 49,051 120,030 — — — 361,914 — 21,241 176,150 239,999 437,390 — — — — — — — — — — — 55,060 159,947 — — — — — 215,007 75,119 — — — 75,119 207,397 47,288 24,048 9,829 7,191 1,791 1,822 299,366 70,825 16,906 16,306 — 104,037 89.7% 91.9% 90.4% 63.1% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 90.8% 84.6% 91.5% 99.8% —% 88.7% — 1,258 100.0% — 71,417 — — — 71,417 — — — — 26,597 17,639 12,574 7,541 3,190 67,541 52,779 14,703 21,099 88,581 99.6% 80.8% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 98.3% 97.9% 89.2% 87.0% 93.3% 90.2% 65.8% 89.3% Total, excluding held for sale 198 26,588,569 2,700,156 1,645,175 2,235,927 Held for Sale Total 7 1,067,704 — 89,923 16,747 205 27,656,273 2,700,156 1,735,098 2,252,674 39 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) Net rentable square feet at a building represents the current square feet at that building under lease as specified in the lease agreements plus management’s estimate of space available for lease. We estimate the total net rentable square feet available for lease based on a number of factors in addition to contractually leased square feet, including available power, required support space and common area. Net rentable square feet includes tenants’ proportional share of common areas but excludes space held for development. Space under active development includes current base building and data center projects in progress. Space held for development includes space held for future data center development, and excludes space under active development. Annualized rent represents the monthly contractual rent (defined as cash base rent before abatements) under existing leases as of December 31, 2017 multiplied by 12. Excludes space held for development and space under active development. We estimate the total square feet available for lease based on a number of factors in addition to contractually leased square feet, including available power, required support space and common area. Rental amounts were calculated based on the exchange rate in effect on December 31, 2017 of $0.80 to 1.00 CAD. Rental amounts were calculated based on the exchange rate in effect on December 31, 2017 of $1.35 to £1.00. Rental amounts were calculated based on the exchange rate in effect on December 31, 2017 of $1.20 to €1.00. Rental amounts were calculated based on the exchange rate in effect on December 31, 2017 of $0.75 to 1.00 SGD. Rental amounts were calculated based on the exchange rate in effect on December 31, 2017 of $0.78 to 1.00 AUD. Rental amounts were calculated based on the exchange rate in effect on December 31, 2017 of $0.13 to 1.00 HKD. Rental amounts were calculated based on the exchange rate in effect on December 31, 2017 of $0.01 to 1.00 JPY. We have a ground lease obligation on 2010 East Centennial Circle that expires in 2082. After February 2036, rent for the remaining term of the 2010 East Centennial Circle ground lease will be determined based on a fair market value appraisal of the property and, as result, rent after February 2036 is excluded from the minimum commitment information below. We have ground leases on Paul van Vlissingenstraat 16 that expires in 2054, Chemin de l’Epinglier 2 that expires in 2074, Clonshaugh Industrial Estate I and II that expires in 2981, Manchester Technopark that expires in 2125, 29A International Business Park that expires in 2038, Gyroscoopweg 2E-2F, which has a continuous ground lease and will be adjusted on January 1, 2042, and Naritaweg 52, which has a continuous ground lease. We have operating leases at 111 8 th Avenue (2 nd and 6 th floors), 111 8 th Avenue (3 rd and 7 th floors) and 410 Commerce Boulevard, which expire in June 2024, February 2022 and December 2026, respectively. The lease at 111 8 th Avenue (2 nd and 6 th floors) has an option to extend the lease until June 2034 and the lease at 111 8 th Avenue (3 rd and 7 th floors) has an option to extend the lease until February 2032. The lease at 410 Commerce Boulevard has no extension options. As part of the Telx Acquisition and European Portfolio Acquisition, leases relating to operating facilities, offices, and equipment under various lease agreements expire during the years ending December 2018 through December 2037. We have a fully prepaid ground lease on 2055 E. Technology Circle that expires in 2083. We have a fully prepaid ground lease on Cateringweg 5 that expires in 2059. The ground lease at Naritaweg 52 has been prepaid through December 2036. 40 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Customer Diversification As of December 31, 2017 , our portfolio was leased to over 2,300 companies, many of which are internationally recognized firms. The following table sets forth information regarding the 20 largest customers in our portfolio based on annualized rent as of December 31, 2017 (dollar amounts in thousands). Tenant IBM Fortune 50 Software Company Facebook, Inc. Cyxtera Technologies, Inc. (3) Oracle America, Inc. Verizon Fortune 25 Investment Grade-Rated Company Equinix Rackspace 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 LinkedIn Corporation 11 AT&T 12 Fortune 500 SaaS Provider 13 JPMorgan Chase & Co. 14 Comcast Corporation 15 DXC Technology Company 16 CenturyLink, Inc. 17 SunGard Availability Services LP 18 Morgan Stanley 19 NTT Communications Company 20 Charter Communications Total / Weighted Average Number of Locations Total Occupied Square Feet (1)(4) Percentage of Net Rentable Square Feet (4) Annualized Rent (2)(4) Percentage of Annualized Rent Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term in Months 26 16 16 19 16 67 7 18 8 7 51 7 16 27 7 82 11 9 15 18 1,012,467 1,642,275 813,894 1,938,657 511,231 452,809 493,596 959,679 480,284 366,992 656,853 273,349 260,678 166,272 232,114 428,465 222,187 167,085 237,932 144,163 11,460,982 4.6% $ 7.4% 3.7% 8.8% 2.3% 2.0% 2.2% 4.3% 2.2% 1.7% 3.0% 1.2% 1.2% 0.8% 1.0% 1.9% 1.0% 0.8% 1.1% 0.7% 51.9% $ 136,542 131,157 120,753 77,374 66,174 60,469 58,554 56,930 50,204 44,647 40,466 40,344 31,702 31,163 29,371 26,717 24,816 23,428 23,419 23,092 1,097,322 6.5% 6.2% 5.8% 3.7% 3.2% 2.9% 2.8% 2.7% 2.4% 2.1% 1.9% 1.9% 1.5% 1.5% 1.4% 1.3% 1.2% 1.1% 1.1% 1.1% 52.3% 50 76 42 56 38 39 66 137 106 80 53 64 40 86 17 70 87 55 48 76 66 Note: Our direct customers may be the entities named in the table above or their subsidiaries or affiliates. (1) Occupied square footage is defined as leases that commenced on or before December 31, 2017 . For some of our properties, we calculate occupancy based on factors in addition to contractually leased square feet, including available power, required support space and common area. Annualized rent represents the monthly contractual base rent (defined as cash base rent before abatements) under existing leases as of December 31, 2017 multiplied by 12. Represents leases with former CenturyLink, Inc. affiliates, which are our direct customers. Cyxtera Technologies, Inc. acquired the data center and colocation business, including such direct customers, of CenturyLink, Inc. in 2Q 2017. Represents consolidated portfolio plus our managed portfolio of unconsolidated joint ventures based on our ownership percentage. (2) (3) (4) 41 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Lease Distribution The following table sets forth information relating to the distribution of leases in the properties in our portfolio, based on net rentable square feet (excluding approximately 2.7 million square feet of space under active development and approximately 1.7 million square feet of space held for development at December 31, 2017 ) under lease as of December 31, 2017 (dollar amounts in thousands). Square Feet Under Lease Available 2,500 or less 2,501 - 10,000 10,001 - 20,000 20,001 - 40,000 40,001 - 100,000 Greater than 100,000 Portfolio Total Total Net Rentable Square Feet(1)(3) Percentage of Net Rentable Square Feet(1) Annualized Rent(2)(3) Percentage of Annualized Rent 2,528,626 1,624,583 2,589,701 5,739,871 4,278,349 4,318,334 3,589,546 24,669,010 10.3% 6.6% $ 10.5% 23.3% 17.3% 17.4% 14.6% 100.0% $ — 319,463 311,072 688,464 446,093 218,165 115,349 2,098,606 — 15.2% 14.8% 32.8% 21.3% 10.4% 5.5% 100.0% (1) (2) (3) For some of our properties, we calculate square footage based on factors in addition to contractually leased square feet, including available power, required support space and common area. We estimate the total net rentable square feet available for lease based on a number of factors in addition to contractually leased square feet, including available power, required support space and common area. Annualized rent represents the monthly contractual base rent (defined as cash base rent before abatements) under existing leases as of December 31, 2017 multiplied by 12. Represents consolidated portfolio plus our managed portfolio of unconsolidated joint ventures based on our ownership percentage. 42 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Lease Expirations The following table sets forth a summary schedule of the lease expirations for leases in place as of December 31, 2017 plus available space for ten calendar years at the properties in our portfolio, excluding approximately 2.7 million square feet of space under active development and approximately 1.7 million square feet of space held for development at December 31, 2017 . Unless otherwise stated in the footnotes to the table below, the information set forth in the table assumes that tenants exercise no renewal options and all early termination rights (dollar amounts in thousands). Year Available Month to Month (3) 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 Thereafter Portfolio Total / Weighted Average Square Footage of Expiring Leases (1)(4) Percentage of Net Rentable Square Feet (4) Annualized Rent (2)(4) Percentage of Annualized Rent (4) Annualized Rent Per Occupied Square Foot (4) Annualized Rent Per Occupied Square Foot at Expiration (4) Annualized Rent at Expiration 2,528,626 223,507 2,005,531 3,444,722 2,354,776 2,696,638 2,575,314 1,457,486 1,514,345 1,426,676 986,168 780,746 2,674,475 24,669,010 10.3% 0.9% $ 8.1% 14.0% 9.6% 10.9% 10.4% 5.9% 6.1% 5.8% 4.0% 3.2% 10.8% 100.0% $ 59,992 303,772 365,983 265,144 220,117 245,781 133,049 127,814 84,021 87,459 64,781 140,693 2,098,606 2.9% $ 14.5% 17.4% 12.6% 10.5% 11.7% 6.3% 6.1% 4.0% 4.2% 3.1% 6.7% 100.0% $ 268 $ 151 106 113 82 95 91 84 59 89 83 53 95 $ 269 $ 152 109 119 88 106 101 98 70 105 105 69 104 $ 60,044 304,351 376,296 279,353 237,657 273,076 147,498 149,147 99,740 103,396 81,644 185,822 2,298,024 (1) (2) (3) (4) For some of our properties, we calculate square footage based on factors in addition to contractually leased square feet, including available power, required support space and common area. We estimate the total net rentable square feet available for lease based on a number of factors in addition to contractually leased square feet, including available power, required support space and common area. Annualized rent represents the monthly contractual base rent (defined as cash base rent before abatements) under existing leases as of December 31, 2017 multiplied by 12. Includes leases, licenses and similar agreements that upon expiration have been automatically renewed on a month-to-month basis. Represents consolidated portfolio plus our managed portfolio of unconsolidated joint ventures based on our ownership percentage. ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS In the ordinary course of our business, we may become subject to tort claims, breach of contract and other claims and administrative proceedings. As of December 31, 2017 , we were not a party to any legal proceedings which we believe would have a material adverse effect on our operations or financial position. ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES Not applicable. 43 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements PART II ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES Digital Realty Trust, Inc. Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stock has been listed, and is traded, on the New York Stock Exchange, or the NYSE, under the symbol “DLR” since October 29, 2004. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low last sale prices in dollars on the NYSE for our common stock and the dividends we declared with respect to the periods indicated. First Quarter 2016 Second Quarter 2016 Third Quarter 2016 Fourth Quarter 2016 First Quarter 2017 Second Quarter 2017 Third Quarter 2017 Fourth Quarter 2017 High Low Dividends Declared 89.34 $ 109.08 $ 113.21 $ 98.79 $ 109.00 $ 121.53 $ 127.23 $ 124.16 $ 69.89 $ 85.50 $ 91.27 $ 85.63 $ 98.03 $ 105.17 $ 108.73 $ 109.19 $ 0.88000 0.88000 0.88000 0.88000 0.93000 0.93000 0.93000 0.93000 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ Digital Realty Trust, Inc. intends to continue to declare quarterly dividends on its common stock. The actual amount, form and timing of dividends, however, will be at the discretion of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.'s board of directors and will depend upon the Company's financial condition in addition to the requirements for qualification as a REIT under the Code, and no assurance can be given as to the amounts, form or timing of future dividends. Our global revolving credit facility and our term loan facility prohibit us from making distributions to our stockholders, or redeeming or otherwise repurchasing shares of our capital stock, including our common stock, after the occurrence and during the continuance of an event of default, except in limited circumstances including as necessary to enable us to maintain our qualification as a REIT and to avoid the payment of income or excise tax. Consequently, after the occurrence and during the continuance of an event of default under our global revolving credit facility or term loan facility, we may not be able to pay all or a portion of the dividends payable to the holders of our common stock. Subject to the distribution requirements applicable to REITs under the Code, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. intends, to the extent practicable, to invest substantially all of the proceeds from sales and refinancings of its assets in real estate-related assets and other assets. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. may, however, under certain circumstances, make a dividend of capital or of assets. Such dividends, if any, will be made at the discretion of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.'s board of directors. As of February 27, 2018, there were approximately 481 holders of record of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stock. This figure does not reflect the beneficial ownership of shares held in nominee name. 44 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Digital Realty Trust, L.P. There is no established trading market for Digital Realty Trust, L.P.’s common units of limited partnership. As of February 27, 2018, there were 93 holders of record of common units, including Digital Realty Trust, L.P.’s general partner, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the distributions per common unit that our Operating Partnership declared with respect to the periods indicated. First Quarter 2016 Second Quarter 2016 Third Quarter 2016 Fourth Quarter 2016 First Quarter 2017 Second Quarter 2017 Third Quarter 2017 Fourth Quarter 2017 Distributions Declared 0.88000 0.88000 0.88000 0.88000 0.93000 0.93000 0.93000 0.93000 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ Digital Realty Trust, L.P. currently intends to continue to make regular quarterly distributions to holders of its common units. Any future distributions will be declared at the discretion of the board of directors of Digital Realty Trust, L.P.’s general partner, Digital Realty Trust, Inc., and will depend on our actual cash flow, financial condition, capital requirements, the annual distribution requirements under the REIT provisions of the Code, and such other factors as the board of directors may deem relevant. 45 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements The following graph compares the yearly change in the cumulative total stockholder return on Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stock during the period from December 31, 2012 through December 31, 2017 , with the cumulative total returns on the MSCI US REIT Index (RMS) and the S&P 500 Market Index. The comparison assumes that $100 was invested on December 31, 2012 in Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stock and in each of these indices and assumes reinvestment of dividends, if any. STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH COMPARISON OF CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURNS AMONG DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC., S&P 500 INDEX AND RMS INDEX Assumes $100 invested on December 31, 2012 Assumes dividends reinvested To fiscal year ending December 31, 2017 Pricing Date December 31, 2012 December 31, 2013 December 31, 2014 December 31, 2015 December 31, 2016 December 31, 2017 DLR($) S&P 500($) RMS($) 100.0 76.5 109.1 131.1 176.8 211.7 100.0 132.4 150.5 152.6 170.8 208.1 100.0 102.5 133.6 137.0 148.8 156.3 46 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements • • • This graph and the accompanying text are not “soliciting material,” are not deemed filed with the SEC and are not to be incorporated by reference in any filing by us under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language in any such filing. The stock price performance shown on the graph is not necessarily indicative of future price performance. The hypothetical investment in Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stock presented in the stock performance graph above is based on the closing price of the common stock on December 31, 2012. SALES OF UNREGISTERED EQUITY SECURITIES Digital Realty Trust, Inc. None. Digital Realty Trust, L.P. During the year ended December 31, 2017 , our Operating Partnership issued partnership units in private placements in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act, in the amounts and for the consideration set forth below: During the year ended December 31, 2017 , Digital Realty Trust, Inc. issued an aggregate of 17,668 shares of its common stock upon the exercise of stock options. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. contributed the proceeds from the option exercises of approximately $0.7 million to our Operating Partnership and our Operating Partnership issued to Digital Realty Trust, Inc. an aggregate of 17,668 common units, as required by our Operating Partnership’s partnership agreement. During the year ended December 31, 2017 , Digital Realty Trust, Inc. issued an aggregate of 272,047 shares of its common stock in connection with restricted stock awards for no cash consideration. For each share of common stock issued by Digital Realty Trust, Inc. in connection with such awards, our Operating Partnership issued a restricted common unit to Digital Realty Trust, Inc. During the year ended December 31, 2017 , our Operating Partnership issued an aggregate of 272,047 common units to Digital Realty Trust, Inc., as required by our Operating Partnership’s partnership agreement. During the year ended December 31, 2017 , an aggregate of 22,997 shares of its common stock were forfeited to Digital Realty Trust, Inc. in connection with restricted stock awards for a net issuance of 249,050 shares of common stock. All other issuances of unregistered equity securities of our Operating Partnership during the year ended December 31, 2017 have previously been disclosed in filings with the SEC. For all issuances of units to Digital Realty Trust, Inc., our Operating Partnership relied on Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s status as a publicly traded NYSE-listed company with over $21.4 billion in total consolidated assets and as our Operating Partnership’s majority owner and general partner as the basis for the exemption under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act. REPURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES Digital Realty Trust, Inc. None. Digital Realty Trust, L.P. None. ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA SELECTED COMPANY FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA (Digital Realty Trust, Inc.) The following table sets forth selected consolidated financial and operating data on an historical basis for Digital Realty Trust, Inc. 47 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements The following data should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and notes thereto and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 (Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data) Statement of Operations Data: Operating Revenues: Rental Tenant reimbursements Interconnection and other Fee income Other Total operating revenues Operating Expenses: $ 1,774,649 $ 1,542,511 $ 1,354,986 $ 1,256,086 $ 440,224 235,652 6,372 1,031 355,903 204,317 6,285 33,197 359,875 40,759 6,638 1,078 350,234 — 7,268 2,850 1,155,051 323,286 — 3,520 402 2,457,928 2,142,213 1,763,336 1,616,438 1,482,259 Rental property operating and maintenance Property taxes Insurance Change in fair value of contingent consideration Depreciation and amortization General and administrative Transaction and integration expenses Impairment on investments in real estate Other Total operating expenses Operating income Other Income (Expenses): Equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures Gain on insurance settlement Gain on sale of properties Gain on contribution of investment properties to unconsolidated joint ventures Gain on sale of equity investment Interest and other income Interest expense Tax expense Gain (loss) from early extinguishment of debt Net income Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net income attributable to Digital Realty Trust, Inc. Preferred stock dividends Issuance costs associated with redeemed preferred stock Net income available to common stockholders Per Share Data: Basic income per share available to common stockholders Diluted income per share available to common stockholders Cash dividend per common share $ $ $ $ 759,616 124,014 10,981 — 842,464 161,441 76,048 28,992 3,077 660,177 102,497 9,492 — 699,324 152,733 20,491 — 213 549,885 92,588 8,809 (44,276) 570,527 105,549 17,400 — 60,943 503,140 91,538 8,643 (8,093) 538,513 93,188 1,303 126,470 3,070 456,596 90,321 8,743 (1,762) 475,464 65,653 4,605 — 827 2,006,633 451,295 1,644,927 497,286 1,361,425 401,911 1,357,772 258,666 1,100,447 381,812 25,516 — 40,354 — — 3,655 (258,642) (7,901) 1,990 256,267 (8,008) 248,259 (68,802) 17,104 — 169,902 — — (4,564) (236,480) (10,385) (1,011) 431,852 (5,665) 426,187 (83,771) 15,491 — 94,604 — — (2,381) (201,435) (6,451) (148) 301,591 (4,902) 296,689 (79,423) 13,289 — 15,945 95,404 14,551 2,663 (191,085) (5,238) (780) 203,415 (3,232) 200,183 (67,465) (6,309) 173,148 $ (10,328) 332,088 $ — — 217,266 $ 132,718 $ 0.99 $ 2.21 $ 1.57 $ 1.00 $ 0.99 $ 3.72 $ 2.20 $ 3.52 $ 1.56 $ 3.40 $ 0.99 $ 3.32 $ 48 9,796 5,597 — 115,609 — 139 (189,399) (1,292) (1,813) 320,449 (5,961) 314,488 (42,905) — 271,583 2.12 2.12 3.12 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic Diluted Balance Sheet Data: Net investments in real estate Total assets Global revolving credit facility Unsecured term loan Unsecured senior notes, net of discount Exchangeable senior debentures, net of discount Mortgages and other secured loans, net of premiums Total liabilities Redeemable noncontrolling interests in operating partnership Total stockholders' equity Noncontrolling interests in operating partnership Noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures 174,059,386 174,895,098 149,953,662 150,679,688 138,247,606 138,865,421 133,369,047 133,637,235 127,941,134 128,127,641 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 December 31, $ 13,841,186 $ 8,996,362 $ 8,770,212 $ 8,203,287 $ 21,404,345 12,192,585 11,416,063 9,526,784 550,946 1,420,333 6,570,757 — 106,582 10,300,993 53,902 10,349,081 698,126 2,243 8,384,086 9,626,830 724,668 1,020,984 2,364,232 266,400 585,608 5,980,318 199,209 1,482,361 4,153,797 — 3,240 7,060,288 960,271 923,267 525,951 976,600 3,712,569 2,791,758 — 302,930 6,879,561 — 378,818 5,612,546 — — — — 5,096,015 4,500,132 3,878,256 3,610,516 29,684 6,598 29,612 6,758 29,191 6,791 29,027 6,969 Total liabilities and equity $ 21,404,345 $ 12,192,585 $ 11,416,063 $ 9,526,784 $ 9,626,830 Cash flows from (used in): Operating activities Investing activities Financing activities 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 Year Ended December 31, $ 1,023,305 $ 911,242 $ 796,840 $ 655,888 $ (1,357,153) 321,200 (1,303,597) 350,617 (2,527,501) 1,750,531 (644,180) (26,974) 656,390 (1,060,609) 401,832 49 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements SELECTED COMPANY FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA (Digital Realty Trust, L.P.) The following table sets forth selected consolidated financial and operating data on an historical basis for our Operating Partnership. 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 (Amounts in thousands, except unit and per unit data) Year Ended December 31, Statement of Operations Data: Operating Revenues: Rental Tenant reimbursements Interconnection and other Fee income Other Total operating revenues Operating Expenses: Rental property operating and maintenance Property taxes Insurance Change in fair value of contingent consideration Depreciation and amortization General and administrative Transaction and integration expenses Impairment on investments in real estate Other Total operating expenses Operating income Other Income (Expenses): Equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures Gain on insurance settlement Gain on sale of properties Gain on contribution of investment properties to unconsolidated joint ventures Gain on sale of equity investment Interest and other income Interest expense Tax expense Gain (loss) from early extinguishment of debt Net income Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures Net income attributable to Digital Realty Trust, L.P. Preferred units distributions Issuance costs associated with redeemed preferred units Net income available to common unitholders Per Unit Data: Basic income per unit available to common unitholders Diluted income per unit available to common unitholders $ $ $ $ 1,774,649 $ 1,542,511 $ 1,354,986 $ 440,224 235,652 6,372 1,031 355,903 204,317 6,285 33,197 359,875 40,759 6,638 1,078 2,457,928 2,142,213 1,763,336 759,616 124,014 10,981 — 842,464 161,441 76,048 28,992 3,077 2,006,633 451,295 25,516 — 40,354 — — 3,655 (258,642) (7,901) 1,990 256,267 (4,238) 252,029 (68,802) 660,177 102,497 9,492 — 699,324 152,733 20,491 — 213 1,644,927 497,286 17,104 — 169,902 — — (4,564) (236,480) (10,385) (1,011) 431,852 (367) 431,485 (83,771) 549,885 92,588 8,809 (44,276) 570,527 105,549 17,400 — 60,943 1,361,425 401,911 15,491 — 94,604 — — (2,381) (202,800) (6,451) (148) 300,226 (460) 299,766 (79,423) 1,256,086 $ 350,234 — 7,268 2,850 1,616,438 503,140 91,538 8,643 (8,093) 538,513 93,188 1,303 126,470 3,070 1,357,772 258,666 13,289 — 15,945 95,404 14,551 2,663 (191,085) (5,238) (780) 203,415 (465) 202,950 (67,465) (6,309) 176,918 $ (10,328) 337,386 $ — 220,343 $ — 135,485 $ 0.99 0.99 $ $ 2.21 2.20 $ $ 1.56 1.55 $ $ 1.00 $ 0.99 $ 50 1,155,051 323,286 — 3,520 402 1,482,259 456,596 90,321 8,743 (1,762) 475,464 65,653 4,605 — 827 1,100,447 381,812 9,796 5,597 — 115,609 — 139 (189,399) (1,292) (1,813) 320,449 (595) 319,854 (42,905) — 276,949 2.12 2.12 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Cash distributions per common unit $ 3.72 $ 3.52 $ 3.40 $ 3.32 $ 3.12 Weighted average common units outstanding: Basic Diluted 178,055,936 178,891,648 152,359,680 153,085,706 140,905,897 141,523,712 136,122,661 136,390,849 130,462,534 130,649,041 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 December 31, Balance Sheet Data: Net investments in real estate Total assets Global revolving credit facility Unsecured term loan Unsecured senior notes, net of discount Exchangeable senior debentures, net of discount Mortgages and other secured loans, net of premiums Total liabilities Redeemable limited partner common units General partner’s capital Limited partners’ capital Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures $ 13,841,186 $ 8,996,362 $ 8,770,212 $ 8,203,287 $ 21,404,345 12,192,585 11,416,063 9,526,784 960,271 923,267 525,951 976,600 3,712,569 2,791,758 550,946 1,420,333 6,570,757 — 106,582 10,300,993 53,902 10,457,513 702,579 (112,885) 2,243 199,209 1,482,361 4,153,797 — 3,240 7,060,288 — 5,231,620 34,698 (140,619) 6,598 — 302,930 6,880,926 — 4,595,357 33,986 (100,964) 6,758 8,384,086 9,626,830 724,668 1,020,984 2,364,232 266,400 585,608 5,980,318 — — 378,818 5,612,546 — 3,923,302 3,599,825 32,578 (48,433) 6,791 31,261 8,457 6,969 Total liabilities and capital $ 21,404,345 $ 12,192,585 $ 11,416,063 $ 9,526,784 $ 9,626,830 Cash flows from (used in): Operating activities Investing activities Financing activities 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 Year Ended December 31, $ 1,023,305 $ 911,242 $ 796,840 $ 655,888 $ (1,357,153) 321,200 (1,303,597) 350,617 (2,527,501) 1,750,531 (644,180) (26,974) 656,390 (1,060,609) 401,832 51 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this report. We make statements in this section that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. For a complete discussion of forward- looking statements, see the section in this report entitled “Forward-Looking Statements.” Certain risk factors may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the following discussion. For a discussion of such risk factors, see the sections in this report entitled “Risk Factors” and “Forward-Looking Statements.” Occupancy percentages included in the following discussion, for some of our properties, are calculated based on factors in addition to contractually leased square feet, including available power, required support space and common area. Overview Our Company . Digital Realty Trust, Inc. completed its initial public offering of common stock, or our IPO, on November 3, 2004. We believe that we have operated in a manner that has enabled us to qualify, and have elected to be treated, as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Code. Our Company was formed on March 9, 2004. During the period from our formation until we commenced operations in connection with the completion of our IPO, we did not have any corporate activity other than the issuance of shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock in connection with the initial capitalization of the Company. Our Operating Partnership was formed on July 21, 2004. On September 14, 2017, we completed the acquisition of DuPont Fabros Technology, Inc., in an all-stock merger, which we refer to as the DFT Merger, for equity consideration of approximately $6.2 billion. We believe this transaction expanded our reach with a complementary footprint in top U.S. metropolitan areas while enhancing our ability to meet the growing demand for hyper-scale and public cloud solutions and solidifying our blue-chip customer base. As part of the DFT Merger, we acquired 15 data centers, 14 of which are located in the United States and one is located in Canada. On September 14, 2017, pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) by and among Digital Realty Trust, Inc., Digital Realty Trust, L.P., Penguins REIT Sub, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.(“Merger Sub”), Penguins OP Sub 2, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (“Merger Sub GP”), Penguins OP Sub, LLC, a subsidiary of Digital Realty Trust, L.P. and Merger Sub GP (the “Partnership Merger Sub”), DuPont Fabros Technology, Inc., a Maryland corporation (“DFT”), and DuPont Fabros Technology, L.P., a Maryland limited partnership (the “DFT Operating Partnership”) (i) DFT merged with and into Merger Sub (the “REIT Merger”) and (ii) the Partnership Merger Sub merged with and into the DFT Operating Partnership (the “Partnership Merger” and, together with the REIT Merger, the “DFT merger” or “the merger”). Upon completion of the REIT Merger, Merger Sub survived and the separate corporate existence of DFT ceased. Business and strategy . Our primary business objectives are to maximize: (i) sustainable long-term growth in earnings and funds from operations per share and unit, (ii) cash flow and returns to our stockholders and our operating partnership’s unitholders through the payment of distributions and (iii) return on invested capital. We expect to accomplish our objectives by achieving superior risk-adjusted returns, prudently allocating capital, diversifying our product offerings and driving revenue growth and operating efficiencies. We plan to focus on our core business of investing in and developing and operating data centers. A significant component of our current and future internal growth is anticipated through the development of our existing space held for development, acquisition of land for future development and acquisition of new properties. We target high quality, strategically located properties containing the physical and connectivity infrastructure that supports the applications and operations of data center and technology industry customers and properties that may be developed for such use. Most of our data center properties contain fully redundant electrical supply systems, multiple power feeds, above-standard cooling systems, raised floor areas, extensive in-building communications cabling and high-level security systems. We focus exclusively on owning, acquiring, developing and operating data centers because we believe that the growth in data center demand and the technology-related real estate industry generally will continue to outpace the overall economy. As of December 31, 2017 , our portfolio included 205 data centers, including seven data centers held-for-sale and 18 data centers held as investments in unconsolidated joint ventures, with approximately 32.1 million rentable square feet including approximately 2.7 million square feet of space under active development and approximately 1.7 million square feet of space held for development. The 18 data centers held as investments in unconsolidated joint ventures have an aggregate of approximately 2.2 million rentable square feet. The 21 parcels of developable land we own comprised approximately 539 acres. At December 31, 2017 , approximately 2.7 million square feet was under construction for Turn-Key Flex®, colocation and 52 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Powered Base Building® products, all of which are expected to be income producing on or after completion, in seven U.S. metropolitan areas, four European metropolitan areas, two Australian metropolitan areas, one Canadian metropolitan area and one Asian metropolitan area, consisting of approximately 1.3 million square feet of base building construction and 1.4 million square feet of data center construction. We have developed detailed, standardized procedures for evaluating new real estate investments to ensure that they meet our financial, technical and other criteria. We expect to continue to acquire additional assets as part of our growth strategy. We intend to aggressively manage and lease our assets to increase their cash flow. We may continue to build out our development portfolio when justified by anticipated demand and returns. We may acquire properties subject to existing mortgage financing and other indebtedness or we may incur new indebtedness in connection with acquiring or refinancing these properties. Debt service on such indebtedness will have a priority over any cash dividends with respect to Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stock and preferred stock. We are committed to maintaining a conservative capital structure. We target a debt-to-Adjusted EBITDA ratio at or less than 5.5x, fixed charge coverage of greater than three times, and floating rate debt at less than 20% of total outstanding debt. In addition, we strive to maintain a well-laddered debt maturity schedule, and we seek to maximize the menu of our available sources of capital, while minimizing the cost. Revenue base . As of December 31, 2017 , we operated 205 data centers through our Operating Partnership, including seven data centers held-for-sale and 18 data centers held as investments in unconsolidated joint ventures, and developable land. These data centers are mainly located throughout North America, with 38 located in Europe, seven in Asia and five properties in Australia. We, through our predecessor, acquired our first portfolio property in January 2002 and have added properties through acquisition and development activities as set forth in the table below: The following table presents an overview of our portfolio of data centers, including the seven data centers held-for-sale and 18 data centers held as investments in unconsolidated joint ventures, and developable land, based on information as of December 31, 2017 . Metropolitan Area Data Center Buildings Net Rentable Square Feet (1) Space Under Active Development (2) Space Held for Development (3) North America Northern Virginia Chicago New York Silicon Valley Dallas Phoenix San Francisco Atlanta Boston Los Angeles Houston Toronto, Canada Denver Austin Miami Portland Minneapolis / St. Paul 29 9 12 19 21 4 5 5 5 4 6 3 2 1 2 1 2 53 4,810,736 2,691,942 1,907,645 2,185,341 3,304,082 990,385 989,743 775,606 528,029 818,479 392,816 188,066 371,500 85,688 198,461 48,574 406,929 692,187 305,003 34,821 65,680 56,126 — 13,500 — — — — 711,000 — — 22,535 — — 90,998 197,160 278,089 — 150,152 108,926 — 313,581 50,649 — 13,969 — — — 5,318 — — Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Metropolitan Area Data Center Buildings Net Rentable Square Feet (1) Space Under Active Development (2) Space Held for Development (3) Charlotte Seattle North America Total / Weighted Average Europe London, United Kingdom Amsterdam, Netherlands Dublin, Ireland Frankfurt, Germany Paris, France Geneva, Switzerland Manchester, United Kingdom Europe Total / Weighted Average Asia Pacific Singapore Melbourne Sydney Osaka Asia Pacific Total / Weighted Average 3 1 134 16 10 5 2 3 1 1 38 2 2 3 1 8 95,499 41,156 20,830,677 1,400,717 474,217 307,775 47,641 185,994 59,190 38,016 2,513,550 465,519 125,329 138,207 — 729,055 Non-Data Center Properties — 278,068 Managed Unconsolidated Joint Ventures Northern Virginia Hong Kong Silicon Valley Dallas New York Non-Managed Unconsolidated Joint Ventures Seattle Osaka Tokyo Total, excluding held for sale Held for Sale Total 4 1 4 3 1 13 2 1 2 5 198 7 205 54 546,572 114,883 326,305 319,876 108,336 1,415,972 451,369 92,682 277,196 821,247 — — 1,900,852 — 74,790 1,283,632 171,471 21,362 49,051 120,030 — — — 361,914 — 21,241 176,150 239,999 437,390 — — — — — — — — — — — 55,060 159,947 — — — — — 215,007 75,119 — — — 75,119 — — 71,417 — — — 71,417 — — — — 26,588,569 2,700,156 1,645,175 1,067,704 — 89,923 27,656,273 2,700,156 1,735,098 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements (1) (2) (3) Current net rentable square feet as of December 31, 2017 , which represents the current square feet under lease as specified in the applicable lease agreements plus management’s estimate of space available for lease based on engineering drawings. Includes customers’ proportional share of common areas and excludes space under active development and space held for development. Space under active development includes current base building and data center projects in progress. Space held for development includes space held for future data center development, and excludes space under active development. As of December 31, 2017 , our portfolio, including the 18 data centers held as investments in unconsolidated joint ventures, were approximately 90.2% leased excluding approximately 2.7 million square feet of space under active development and approximately 1.7 million square feet of space held for development. Due to the capital-intensive and long-term nature of the operations being supported, our lease terms are generally longer than standard commercial leases. As of December 31, 2017 , our average remaining lease term is approximately five years . Our scheduled lease expirations through December 31, 2019 are 22.1% of rentable square feet excluding month-to-month leases, space under active development and space held for development as of December 31, 2017 . Factors Which May Influence Future Results of Operations Global market and economic conditions. General economic conditions and the cost and availability of capital may be adversely affected in some or all of the metropolitan areas in which we own properties and conduct our operations. In June 2016, a majority of voters in the United Kingdom elected to withdraw from the European Union in a national referendum. The terms of any withdrawal are subject to ongoing negotiations. Nevertheless, the referendum has created significant uncertainty about the future relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union, and has given rise to calls for the governments of other European Union member states to consider withdrawal. Instability in the U.S., European, Asia Pacific and other international financial markets and economies may adversely affect our ability, and the ability of our customers, to replace or renew maturing liabilities on a timely basis, access the capital markets to meet liquidity and capital expenditure requirements and may result in adverse effects on our, and our customers’, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, our access to funds under our global revolving credit facility depends on the ability of the lenders that are parties to such facilities to meet their funding commitments to us. We cannot assure you that long-term disruptions in the global economy and the return of tighter credit conditions among, and potential failures or nationalizations of, third party financial institutions as a result of such disruptions will not have an adverse effect on our lenders. If our lenders are not able to meet their funding commitments to us, our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition could be adversely affected. If we do not have sufficient cash flow to continue operating our business and are unable to borrow additional funds, access our existing lines of credit or raise equity or debt capital, we may need to source alternative ways to increase our liquidity. Such alternatives may include, without limitation, curtailing development activity, disposing of one or more of our properties possibly on disadvantageous terms or entering into or renewing leases on less favorable terms than we otherwise would. Foreign currency exchange risk. For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 , we had foreign operations in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Canada, Singapore, Australia, Japan and Hong Kong, and, as such, are subject to risk from the effects of exchange rate movements of foreign currencies, which may affect future costs and cash flows. Our foreign operations are conducted in the British pound sterling, Euro, Canadian dollar, Singapore dollar, Australian dollar, Japanese Yen and the Hong Kong dollar. Our primary currency exposures are to the British pound sterling, the Euro and the Singapore dollar. The possible exit of the United Kingdom (or any other country) from the European Union, or prolonged periods of uncertainty relating to any of these possibilities, could result in increased foreign currency exchange volatility. We attempt to mitigate a portion of the risk of currency fluctuation by financing our investments in the local currency denominations, although there can be no assurance that this will be effective. As a result, changes in the relation of any such foreign currency to U.S. dollars may affect our revenues, operating margins and distributions and may also affect the book value of our assets, the book value of our debt and the amount of stockholders’ equity. Rental income . The amount of rental income generated by the data centers in our portfolio depends on several factors, including our ability to maintain or improve the occupancy rates of currently leased space and to lease currently available space and space available from lease terminations. Excluding approximately 2.7 million square feet of space under active 55 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements development and approximately 1.7 million square feet of space held for development as of December 31, 2017 , the occupancy rate of our portfolio, including the 18 data centers held as investments in unconsolidated joint ventures, was approximately 90.2% of our net rentable square feet. As of December 31, 2017 , we had over 2,300 tenants in our data center portfolio, including the 13 data centers held in our managed portfolio of unconsolidated joint ventures. As of December 31, 2017 , approximately 91% of our leases (on a rentable square footage basis) contained base rent escalations that were either fixed (generally ranging from 2% to 4%) or indexed based on a consumer price index or other similar inflation related index. We cannot assure you that these escalations will cover any increases in our costs or will otherwise keep rental rates at or above market rates. The amount of rental income we generate also depends on maintaining or increasing rental rates at our properties, which in turn depends on several factors, including supply and demand and market rates for data center space. Included in our approximately 25.5 million net rentable square feet, excluding space under active development and space held for development and 18 data centers held as investments in unconsolidated joint ventures, at December 31, 2017 is approximately 1.4 million square feet of data center space with extensive installed tenant improvements available for lease. Our Turn-Key Flex ® product is an effective solution for customers who prefer to utilize a partner with the expertise or capital budget to provide extensive data center infrastructure and security. Our expertise in data center construction and operations enables us to lease space to these customers at a premium over other uses. In addition, as of December 31, 2017 , we had approximately 2.7 million square feet of space under active development and approximately 1.7 million square feet of space held for development, or approximately 14% of the total rentable space in our portfolio, including the 18 data centers held as investments in unconsolidated joint ventures. Our ability to grow earnings depends in part on our ability to develop space and lease development space at favorable rates, which we may not be able to obtain. Development space requires significant capital investment in order to develop data center facilities that are ready for use and, in addition, we may require additional time or encounter delays in securing tenants for development space. We may purchase additional vacant properties and properties with vacant development space in the future. We will require additional capital to finance our development activities, which may not be available or may not be available on terms acceptable to us, including as a result of the conditions described above under “Global market and economic conditions.” In addition, the timing between when we sign a new lease with a customer and when that lease commences and we begin to generate rental income may be significant and may not be easily predictable. Certain leases may provide for staggered commencement dates for additional space, the timing of which may be delayed significantly. Economic downturns, including as a result of the conditions described above under “Global market and economic conditions,” or regional downturns affecting our metropolitan areas or downturns in the data center industry that impair our ability to lease or renew or re-lease space, or otherwise reduce returns on our investments or the ability of our customers to fulfill their lease commitments, as in the case of tenant bankruptcies, could adversely affect our ability to maintain or increase rental rates at our properties. Scheduled lease expirations. Our ability to re-lease expiring space at rental rates equal to or in excess of current rental rates will impact our results of operations. In addition to approximately 2.5 million square feet of available space in our portfolio, which excludes approximately 2.7 million square feet of space under active development and approximately 1.7 million square feet of space held for development as of December 31, 2017 and the five data centers held as investments in our non-managed unconsolidated joint ventures, leases representing approximately 8.1% and 14.0% of the net rentable square footage of our portfolio are scheduled to expire during the years ending December 31, 2018 and 2019 , respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2017 , we signed new leases totaling approximately 1.1 million square feet of space and renewal leases totaling approximately 2.1 million square feet of space. The following table summarizes our leasing activity in the year ended December 31, 2017 : 56 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Leasing Activity (3)(4) Renewals Signed Turn-Key Flex ® Powered Base Building ® Colocation Non-technical New Leases Signed (5) Turn-Key Flex ® Colocation Non-technical Leasing Activity Summary Turn-Key Flex ® Powered Base Building ® Colocation Non-technical Rentable Square Feet (1) Expiring Rates (2) New Rates (2) Rental Rate Changes TI’s/Lease Commissions Per Square Foot Weighted Average Lease Terms (years) 603,006 $ 649,115 $ 406,819 $ 421,891 $ 137.88 $ 30.07 $ 290.39 $ 20.18 $ 883,304 125,793 138,403 1,486,310 649,115 532,612 560,294 — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 143.35 37.71 300.24 19.50 148.71 267.37 23.85 146.54 37.71 292.48 20.57 4.0 % $ 25.4 % $ 3.4 % $ (3.4)% $ $ $ $ — — — — — — — 6.58 5.04 — 14.10 26.45 25.62 50.36 — — — — 5.5 7.7 1.4 10.2 7.4 2.3 9.9 (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) For some of our properties, we calculate square footage based on factors in addition to contractually leased square feet, including power, required support space and common area. Rental rates represent annual estimated cash rent per rentable square foot adjusted for straight-line rents in accordance with GAAP. GAAP rental rates are inclusive of tenant concessions, if any. Excludes short-term leases. Commencement dates for the leases signed range from 2017 to 2018. Includes leases signed for new and re-leased space. Our ability to re-lease or renew expiring space at rental rates equal to or in excess of current rental rates will impact our results of operations. We continue to see strong demand in most of our key metropolitan areas for data center space and, subject to the supply of available data center space in these metropolitan areas, expect the rental rates we are likely to achieve on re-leased or renewed data center space leases for 2018 expirations on an average aggregate basis will generally be higher than the rates currently being paid for the same space on a GAAP basis and slightly down on a cash basis. For the year ended December 31, 2017 , rents on renewed space increased by an average of 4.0% on a GAAP basis on our Turn-Key Flex® space compared to the expiring rents and increased by an average of 25.4% on a GAAP basis on our Powered Base Building® space compared to the expiring rents. Our past performance may not be indicative of future results, and we cannot assure you that leases will be renewed or that our data centers will be re-leased at all or at rental rates equal to or above the current average rental rates. Further, re-leased/renewed rental rates in a particular metropolitan area may not be consistent with rental rates across our portfolio as a whole and may fluctuate from one period to another due to a number of factors, including local real estate conditions, local supply and demand for data center space, competition from other data center developers or operators, the condition of the property and whether the property, or space within the property, has been developed. 57 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Geographic concentration. We depend on the market for data centers in specific geographic regions and significant changes in these regional metropolitan areas can impact our future results. As of December 31, 2017 , our portfolio, including the 18 data centers held as investments in unconsolidated joint ventures, was geographically concentrated in the following metropolitan areas: Metropolitan Area Northern Virginia Chicago Silicon Valley London, United Kingdom New York Dallas Phoenix San Francisco Singapore Seattle Atlanta Amsterdam, Netherlands Boston Other Total Percentage of December 31, 2017 total annualized rent (1) 21.6% 12.0% 9.3% 9.2% 8.8% 8.3% 4.0% 3.2% 3.1% 2.4% 2.4% 2.1% 2.0% 11.6% 100.0% (1) Annualized rent is monthly contractual rent (defined as cash base rent before abatements) under existing leases as of December 31, 2017 multiplied by 12. The aggregate amount of abatements for the year ended December 31, 2017 was approximately $21.4 million. Operating expenses. Our operating expenses generally consist of utilities, property and ad valorem taxes, property management fees, insurance and site maintenance costs, as well as rental expenses on our ground and building leases. In particular, our buildings require significant power to support the data center operations contained in them. Many of our leases contain provisions under which the tenants reimburse us for all or a portion of property operating expenses and real estate taxes incurred by us. However, we generally are not entitled to reimbursement of property operating expenses, other than utility expense, and real estate taxes under our leases for Turn-Key Flex® facilities. We also incur general and administrative expenses, including expenses relating to our asset management function, as well as significant legal, accounting and other expenses related to corporate governance, SEC reporting and compliance with the various provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Increases or decreases in such operating expenses will impact our overall performance. We expect to incur additional operating expenses as we continue to expand. Climate change legislation. In June 2009, the U.S. House of Representatives approved comprehensive clean energy and climate change legislation intended to cut greenhouse gas, or GHG, emissions, via a cap-and-trade program. The U.S. Senate did not subsequently pass similar legislation. New climate change legislation was introduced in the U.S. Senate in 2013, but significant opposition to federal climate change legislation exists. In the absence of comprehensive federal climate change legislation, over the past several years, regulatory agencies, primarily the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, and states took the lead in regulating GHG emissions in the U.S. Under the Obama administration, the EPA moved aggressively to regulate GHG emissions from automobiles and large stationary sources, including electricity producers, using its own authority under the Clean Air Act. The Trump administration has signaled that it intends to eliminate or modify certain of the EPA’s GHG emissions regulations and refocus the EPA’s mission away from such regulation. 58 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements The EPA made an endangerment finding in 2009 that allows it to create regulations imposing emissions reporting, permitting, control technology installation, and monitoring requirements applicable to certain emitters of GHGs, including facilities that provide electricity to our data centers, although the materiality of the impacts will not be fully known until all regulations are finalized and legal challenges are resolved. Under the Obama administration, the EPA finalized rules imposing permitting and control technology requirements upon certain newly-constructed or modified facilities which emit GHGs under the Clean Air Act New Source Review Prevention of Significant Deterioration, or NSR PSD, and Title V permitting programs. As a result, newly-issued NSR PSD and Title V permits for new or modified electricity generating units (EGUs) and other facilities may need to address GHG emissions, including by requiring the installation of “Best Available Control Technology.” The EPA implemented in December 2015 the “Clean Power Plan” regulating carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from new and existing coal-fired and natural gas EGUs. Existing EGUs are subject to statewide CO2 emissions reduction targets, an effort designed to achieve a thirty-two percent reduction in nationwide existing EGU CO2 emissions by 2030 (in comparison to 2005 levels). New, modified, and reconstructed EGUs are subject to “New Source Performance Standards” that include both technological requirements and numeric emission limits. However, twenty-four states and a number of industry groups challenged the Clean Power Plan in federal court, and in February 2016 the U.S. Supreme Court issued a stay of the Clean Power Plan until the legal challenges have been decided. In March 2017, President Trump ordered the EPA to review and if appropriate revise or rescind the Clean Power Plan, and the EPA initiated this review in April 2017. Separately, the EPA’s GHG “reporting rule” requires that certain emitters, including electricity generators, monitor and report GHG emissions. The Trump administration may seek to revise or reverse these regulations. As a result, states may drive near-term regulation to reduce GHG emissions in the United States. At the state level, California implemented a GHG cap-and- trade program that began imposing compliance obligations on industrial sectors, including electricity generators and importers, in January 2013. In September 2016, California adopted legislation calling for a further reduction in GHG emissions to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030, and in July 2017, California extended its cap-and-trade program through 2030. As another example of state action, Washington began implementing in 2017 a cap on GHG emissions, and the cap will decrease over time. Outside the United States, the European Union, or EU (including the United Kingdom), has been operating since 2005 under a cap-and-trade program, which directly affects the largest emitters of GHGs, including electricity producers from whom we purchase power, and the EU has taken a number of other climate change-related initiatives, including a directive targeted at improving energy efficiency (which introduces energy efficiency auditing requirements). The Paris Agreement, which was adopted by the United States and 194 other countries and looks to prevent global average temperatures from increasing by more than 2 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels officially went into force on November 4, 2016. President Trump announced in June 2017 that he will initiate the process to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement; however, a number of states have formed groups supporting the Paris Agreement. National legislation may also be implemented independently by members of the EU. For example, in the United Kingdom, the implementation of the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme introduced a mandatory reporting and pricing scheme that is designed to incentivize energy efficiency and cut emissions by large energy users. It is not yet clear how Brexit will impact the United Kingdom’s (or the EU’s) approach to climate change regulation. In Canada, the first compliance period under Ontario’s GHG cap-and-trade program began in January 2017. Climate change regulations are in various stages of implementation in other nations as well, including nations where we operate, such as Australia, where a GHG emissions cap was implemented in 2016. The cost of electric power comprises a significant component of our operating expenses. Any additional taxation or regulation of energy use, including as a result of (i) new legislation that Congress may pass, (ii) the regulations that the EPA has proposed or finalized, (iii) regulations under legislation that states have passed or may pass, or (iv) any further legislation or regulations in the EU or other regions where we operate could significantly increase our costs, and we may not be able to effectively pass all of these costs on to our customers. These matters could adversely impact our business, results of operations, or financial condition. Interest rates . As of December 31, 2017 , we had approximately $1.0 billion of variable rate debt subject to interest rate swap agreements on certain tranches of our unsecured term loans, along with $558.2 million , $406.8 million and $150.1 million of variable rate debt that was outstanding on the global revolving credit facility, the unswapped portion of the unsecured term loans and the floating rate notes due 2019, or the 2019 Notes, respectively. The availability of debt and equity capital may decrease or be on unfavorable terms as a result of the circumstances described above under “Global market and economic conditions” or other factors. The effects on commercial real estate mortgages, if available, include, but may not be limited to: higher loan spreads, tightened loan covenants, reduced loan-to-value ratios resulting in lower borrower proceeds and higher principal payments. Potential future increases in interest rates and credit spreads may increase our interest expense and fixed charges and negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations, potentially impacting our future access to the debt and equity capital markets. Increased interest rates may also increase the risk that the counterparties to our swap 59 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements agreements will default on their obligations, which could further increase our interest expense. If we cannot obtain capital from third party sources, we may not be able to acquire or develop properties when strategic opportunities exist, satisfy our debt service obligations or pay the cash dividends to Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s stockholders necessary to maintain its qualification as a REIT. Demand for data center space . Our portfolio consists primarily of data centers. A decrease in the demand for, or increase in supply of, data center space, Internet gateway facilities or other technology-related real estate would have a greater adverse effect on our business and financial condition than if we owned a portfolio with a more diversified customer base or less specialized use. We have invested in building out additional inventory primarily in what we anticipate will be our active major metropolitan areas prior to having executed leases with respect to this space. We believe that demand in key metropolitan areas such as Northern Virginia, Dallas and Chicago is largely in line with supply. We also continue to see strong demand in other key metropolitan areas across our portfolio. However, until this inventory is leased up, which will depend on a number of factors, including available data center space in these metropolitan areas, our return on invested capital is negatively impacted. Our development activities make us particularly susceptible to general economic slowdowns, including recessions and the other circumstances described above under “Global market and economic conditions,” as well as adverse developments in the corporate data center, Internet and data communications and broader technology industries. Any such slowdown or adverse development could lead to reduced corporate IT spending or reduced demand for data center space. Reduced demand could also result from business relocations, including to metropolitan areas that we do not currently serve. Changes in industry practice or in technology, such as virtualization technology, more efficient computing or networking devices, or devices that require higher power densities than today’s devices, could also reduce demand for the physical data center space we provide or make the tenant improvements in our facilities obsolete or in need of significant upgrades to remain viable. In addition, the development of new technologies, the adoption of new industry standards or other factors could render many of our customers’ current products and services obsolete or unmarketable and contribute to a downturn in their businesses, thereby increasing the likelihood that they default under their leases, become insolvent or file for bankruptcy. In addition, demand for data center space, or the rates at which we lease space, may be adversely impacted either across our portfolio or in specific metropolitan areas as a result of an increase in the number of competitors, or the amount of space being offered in our metropolitan areas and other metropolitan areas by our competitors. Critical Accounting Policies Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses in the reporting period. Our actual results may differ from these estimates. We have provided a summary of our significant accounting policies in Item 8, Note 2 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. We describe below those accounting policies that require material subjective or complex judgments and that have the most significant impact on our financial condition and consolidated results of operations. Our management evaluates these estimates on an ongoing basis, based upon information currently available and on various assumptions management believes are reasonable as of the date on the front cover of this report. Investments in Real Estate Acquisition of real estate. The price that we pay to acquire a property is impacted by many factors including the condition of the property and improvements, the occupancy of the building, the term and rate of in-place leases, the creditworthiness of the customers, favorable or unfavorable financing, above- or below- market ground leases and numerous other factors. Accordingly, we are required to make subjective assessments to allocate the purchase price paid to acquire investments in real estate among the identifiable assets including intangibles and liabilities assumed based on our estimate of the fair value of such assets and liabilities. This includes determining the value of the property and improvements, land, ground leases, if any, and tenant improvements. Additionally, we evaluate the value of in-place leases on occupancy and market rent, the value of the tenant relationships, the value (or negative value) of above (or below) market leases, any debt or deferred taxes assumed from the seller or loans made by the seller to us and any building leases assumed from the seller. Each of these estimates requires a great deal of judgment and some of the estimates involve complex calculations. These allocation assessments have a direct impact on our results of operations. For example, if we were to allocate more value to land, there would be no depreciation with respect to such amount. If we were to allocate more value to the property as opposed to allocating to the value of in-place tenant leases, this amount would be recognized as an expense over a much longer period of time. This potential effect occurs because the amounts allocated to property are depreciated over the estimated lives of the property whereas amounts allocated to in-place tenant leases are amortized over the estimated term (including renewal and extension assumptions) of the leases. Additionally, 60 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements the amortization of the value (or negative value) assigned to above (or below) market rate leases is recorded as an adjustment to rental revenue as compared to amortization of the value of in-place tenant leases and tenant relationships, which is included in depreciation and amortization in our consolidated income statements. From time to time, we will receive offers from third parties to purchase our properties, either solicited or unsolicited. For those offers that we accept, the prospective buyers will usually require a due diligence period before consummation of the transactions. It is not unusual for matters to arise that result in the withdrawal or rejection of the offer during this process. We classify real estate as “held for sale” when all criteria under the GAAP guidance have been met. Useful lives of assets. We are required to make subjective assessments as to the useful lives of our properties for purposes of determining the amount of depreciation to record on an annual basis with respect to our investments in real estate. These assessments have a direct impact on our net income because if we were to shorten the expected useful lives of our investments in real estate we would depreciate such investments over fewer years, resulting in more depreciation expense and lower net income on an annual basis. Asset impairment evaluation. We review each of our properties for indicators that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. Examples of such indicators may include a significant decrease in the market price of the property, a change in the expected holding period for the property, a significant adverse change in how the property is being used or expected to be used based on the underwriting at the time of acquisition, an accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected for the acquisition or development of the property, or a history of operating or cash flow losses of the property. When such impairment indicators exist, we review an estimate of the future undiscounted net cash flows (excluding interest charges) expected to result from the real estate investment’s use and eventual disposition and compare that estimate to the carrying value of the property. We consider factors such as future operating income, trends and prospects, as well as the effects of leasing demand, competition and other factors. If our future undiscounted net cash flow evaluation indicates that we are unable to recover the carrying value of a real estate investment, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of the property. These losses have a direct impact on our net income because recording an impairment loss results in an immediate negative adjustment to net income. The evaluation of anticipated cash flows is highly subjective and is based in part on assumptions regarding future occupancy, rental rates and capital requirements that could differ materially from actual results in future periods. Since cash flows on properties considered to be long-lived assets to be held and used are considered on an undiscounted basis to determine whether the carrying value of a property is recoverable, our strategy of holding properties over the long-term directly decreases the likelihood of their carrying values not being recoverable and therefore requiring the recording of an impairment loss. If our strategy changes or market conditions otherwise dictate an earlier sale date, an impairment loss may be recognized and such loss could be material. If we determine that the asset fails the recoverability test, the affected assets must be reduced to their fair value. We generally estimate the fair value of rental properties utilizing a discounted cash flow analysis that includes projections of future revenues, expenses and capital improvement costs that a market participant would use based on the highest and best use of the asset, which is similar to the income approach that is commonly utilized by appraisers. In certain cases, we may supplement this analysis by obtaining outside broker opinions of value. Goodwill impairment evaluation. We perform an annual impairment test for goodwill and between annual tests, we evaluate goodwill for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances occur that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. In our impairment tests of goodwill, we first 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. If based on this assessment, we determine that the fair value of the reporting unit is not less than its carrying value, then performing the additional two-step impairment test is unnecessary. If our qualitative assessment indicates that goodwill impairment is more likely than not, we perform a two-step impairment test. We test goodwill for impairment under the two-step impairment test by first comparing the book value of net assets including goodwill to the fair value of the reporting unit. If the fair value is determined to be less than the book value of the net assets, including goodwill, a second step is performed to compute the amount of impairment as the difference between the implied fair value of goodwill and its carrying value. We estimate the fair value of the reporting units using discounted cash flows. If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment charge is recognized. 61 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Revenue Recognition Rental revenue is recognized using the straight-line method over the terms of the customer leases. Deferred rents included in our consolidated balance sheets represent the aggregate excess of rental revenue recognized to date on a straight-line basis versus the contractual rental payments under the terms of the leases. Many of our leases contain provisions under which the customers reimburse us for a portion of property operating expenses and real estate taxes incurred by us. However, we generally are not entitled to reimbursement of property operating expenses, other than utility expense, and real estate taxes under our leases for Turn- Key Flex® facilities. Such reimbursements are recognized in the period that the expenses are incurred. Lease termination fees are recognized over the remaining term of the lease, effective as of the date the lease modification is finalized, assuming collection is not considered doubtful. As discussed above, we recognize amortization of the value of acquired above or below-market tenant leases as a reduction of rental revenue in the case of above-market leases or an increase to rental revenue in the case of below-market leases. We must make subjective estimates as to when our revenue is earned and the collectability of our accounts receivable related to minimum rent, deferred rent, expense reimbursements, lease termination fees and other income. We specifically analyze accounts receivable and historical bad debts, customer concentrations, customer creditworthiness and current economic trends when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for bad debts. These estimates have a direct impact on our net revenue because a higher bad debt allowance would result in lower net revenue, and recognizing rental revenue as earned in one period versus another would result in higher or lower net revenue for a particular period. Share-Based Awards We recognize compensation expense related to share-based awards. We generally amortize this compensation expense over the vesting period of the award. The calculation of the fair value of share-based awards is subjective and requires several assumptions over such items as expected stock volatility, dividend payments and future company results. These assumptions have a direct impact on our net income because a higher share-based awards amount would result in lower net income for a particular period. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Please refer to Item 8, Note 2(z). “Recent Accounting Pronouncements” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. 62 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Results of Operations The discussion below relates to our financial condition and results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 . A summary of our operating results from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 was as follows (in thousands). Income Statement Data: Total operating revenues Total operating expenses Operating income Other expenses, net Net income Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 $ $ 2,457,928 $ 2,142,213 $ (2,006,633) (1,644,927) 451,295 (195,028) 497,286 (65,434) 256,267 $ 431,852 $ 1,763,336 (1,361,425) 401,911 (100,320) 301,591 Our portfolio of properties has experienced consistent and significant growth since the first property acquisition in January 2002. As a result of this growth, our period-to-period comparison of our financial performance focuses on the impact on our revenues and expenses on a stabilized portfolio basis. Our stabilized portfolio includes properties owned as of December 31, 2015 with less than 5% of total rentable square feet under development and excludes properties that were undergoing, or were expected to undergo, development activities in 2016 - 2017 and properties sold or contributed to joint ventures. Our pre-stabilized pool includes the results of the operating properties acquired below, newly delivered properties that were previously under development and properties acquired as part of the DFT Merger in September 2017 and the European Portfolio Acquisition in July 2016. In September 2017, as part of the DFT Merger, we acquired 15 data centers, 14 of which are located in the United States and one is located in Canada. In addition, we acquired the following real estate properties during the year ended December 31, 2017 : Property Type Land Parcels (1) Data Centers Technology Manufacturing Amount (in millions) (2) $ $ 55.3 346.2 14.3 415.8 (1) Represents currently vacant land which is not included in our operating property count. (2) Purchase price in U.S. dollars and excludes capitalized closing costs. 2017 Dispositions Location 8025 North Interstate 35 44874 Moran Road (1) 1 Solutions Parkway Metro Area Austin Date Sold August 10, 2017 Northern Virginia October 6, 2017 St. Louis November 28, 2017 Gross Proceeds (in millions) Gain on Sale (in millions) $ $ 20.2 $ 34.0 37.1 91.3 $ 9.6 15.6 14.7 39.9 (1) The property was held in a consolidated joint venture in which the Company owned a 75% interest. The Company recognized a gain on the sale of approximately $11.7 million , net of noncontrolling interests. None of the Company's property sales to date represented a significant component or significant shift in strategy that would require discontinued operations presentation. 63 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2017 to the Year Ended December 31, 2016 and Comparison of the Year Ended December 31, 2016 to the Year Ended December 31, 2015 Portfolio As of December 31, 2017 , our portfolio consisted of 205 data centers, including seven held-for-sale data centers and 18 data centers held as investments in unconsolidated joint ventures, with an aggregate of approximately 32.1 million rentable square feet, including 2.7 million square feet of space under active development and 1.7 million square feet of space held for development, compared to a portfolio consisting of 187 data centers, including three held-for-sale data centers and 15 data centers held as investments in unconsolidated joint ventures, with an aggregate of approximately 26.1 million rentable square feet, including 2.0 million square feet of space under active development and 1.1 million square feet of space held for development as of December 31, 2016 , and compared to a portfolio consisting of 173 data centers, including 15 data centers held as investments in unconsolidated joint ventures, with an aggregate of 25.6 million rentable square feet, including 1.3 million square feet of space under active development and 1.3 million square feet of space held for development as of December 31, 2015 . Revenues Total operating revenues for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 were as follows (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, Change Percentage Change Rental Tenant reimbursements Interconnection and other Fee income Other 2017 1,774,649 $ 2016 1,542,511 $ $ 1,354,986 $ 232,138 $ 187,525 2015 2017 vs 2016 2016 vs 2015 2017 vs 2016 2016 vs 2015 440,224 235,652 6,372 1,031 355,903 204,317 6,285 33,197 359,875 40,759 6,638 1,078 84,321 31,335 87 (32,166) (3,972) 163,558 (353) 32,119 15.0 % 23.7 % 15.3 % 1.4 % 13.8 % (1.1)% 401.3 % (5.3)% (96.9)% 2,979.5 % Total operating revenues $ 2,457,928 $ 2,142,213 $ 1,763,336 $ 315,715 $ 378,877 14.7 % 21.5 % The following tables show revenues for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 for stabilized properties and pre-stabilized properties and other (all other properties) (in thousands). Stabilized results for the year ended December 31, 2015 are shown prior to Telx-related eliminations that were completed in arriving at our consolidated financial results. In an effort to make 2016 and 2015 stabilized results comparable, total operating revenues for the year ended December 31, 2016 are shown prior to Telx-related eliminations totaling $62.1 million. Revenue totals for pre-stabilized and other include results from properties that have not yet met the definition of stabilized and properties that are classified as held for sale or were sold during the period, and the net Telx-related elimination of $62.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. Rental Tenant reimbursements Interconnection and other Total operating revenues Stabilized Year Ended December 31, Pre-Stabilized and Other Year Ended December 31, 2017 980,994 $ 2016 974,918 $ $ 217,068 200,693 218,644 179,462 Change 6,076 $ (1,576) 21,231 2017 793,655 $ 2016 567,593 $ 223,156 34,959 137,259 24,855 Change 226,062 85,897 10,104 $ 1,398,755 $ 1,373,024 $ 25,731 $ 1,051,770 $ 729,707 $ 322,063 Stabilized rental revenues increased $6.1 million , or 0.6% , for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 primarily as a result of new leasing at our properties during the year ended December 31, 2017 , the largest of which was for space at 1-11 Templar Road, 1725 Comstock Street and 200 Paul Avenue, offset by expiring leases at certain properties in the stabilized portfolio. Stabilized tenant reimbursement revenue decreased $1.6 million , or 0.7% , for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 primarily as a result of increased property tax reimbursements due to one-time reductions in 2016 at two properties in the stabilized portfolio as well as lower utility reimbursements due to decreased usage and vacancies at certain properties. Stabilized interconnection and other revenues increased $21.2 million , or 11.8% , for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 primarily as a result of increased demand and product sales during the year ended December 31, 2017 in the stabilized portfolio. Pre-stabilized and other revenue increases during the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 were primarily a result of the properties acquired in the DFT Merger, which contributed approximately $115.4 million and $62.3 million to the rental revenue and tenant reimbursement increases, respectively. In addition, the European Portfolio 64 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Acquisition contributed approximately $44.9 million and $7.0 million to the rental revenue and interconnection revenue increases, respectively. The remainder of the increases was related to new leases at our properties during the year ended December 31, 2017 , primarily leases of completed development space, the largest of which were for space at 44100 Digital Loudoun Plaza, 9355 Grand Avenue, 1210 Integrity Drive, 907 Security Row and 43780 Digital Loudoun Plaza and offset partially by a decrease in revenues as a result of properties sold during the year ended December 31, 2017 . Rental Tenant reimbursements Interconnection and other Total operating revenues Stabilized Year Ended December 31, Pre-Stabilized and Other Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 Change 2016 2015 Change 819,848 $ 820,862 $ (1,014) $ 722,663 $ 534,124 $ 188,539 213,117 6,509 214,079 5,257 (962) 1,252 142,786 197,808 145,796 35,502 1,039,474 $ 1,040,198 $ (724) $ 1,063,257 $ 715,422 $ (3,010) 162,306 347,835 $ $ Stabilized rental revenues and tenant reimbursement revenues remained flat for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015 primarily as a result of new leasing at our properties during the year ended December 31, 2016, the largest of which were for space at 2121 South Price Road and 2045 & 2055 Lafayette Street, offset by the British pound sterling and Euro weakening against the U.S. dollar. Pre-stabilized and other revenue increases during the year ended December 31, 2016 were primarily a result of the Telx Acquisition and the European Portfolio Acquisition, which contributed approximately $209.0 million and $157.8 million to rental revenue and interconnection revenue, respectively, along with new leases at our properties during the year ended December 31, 2016, which were primarily leases of completed development space, the largest of which were for space at 44060 Digital Loudoun Plaza, 907 Security Row, 29A International Business Park and 9355 Grand Avenue, offset by a decrease in revenues as a result of properties sold during the year ended December 31, 2016. Fee Income Occasionally, customers engage the Company for certain services. The nature of these services historically involves property management, construction management, and assistance with financing. The proper revenue recognition of these services can be different, depending on whether the arrangements are service revenue or contractor type revenue. Service revenues are typically recognized on an equal monthly basis based on the minimum fee to be earned. The monthly amounts could be adjusted depending on if certain performance milestones are met. Fee income also includes management fees. These fees arise from contractual agreements with entities in which we have a noncontrolling interest. The management fees are recognized as earned under the respective agreements. Management and other fee income related to partially owned entities are recognized to the extent attributable to the unaffiliated interest. Other During the year ended December 31, 2016, we recognized a non-cash gain on lease termination of approximately $29.2 million, as one of our customers, as part of a lease termination, conveyed substantially all of its colocation and turn-key improvements to the Company. 65 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Operating Expenses and Interest Expense Operating expenses and interest expense during the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 were as follows (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, Change Percentage Change 2017 2016 2015 2017 vs 2016 2016 vs 2015 2017 vs 2016 2016 vs 2015 Rental property operating and maintenance Property taxes Insurance Change in fair value of contingent consideration Depreciation and amortization General and administrative Transaction and integration expenses Impairment of investments in real estate Other Total operating expenses Interest expense $ 759,616 $ 660,177 $ 549,885 $ 99,439 $ 110,292 124,014 102,497 10,981 9,492 92,588 8,809 — 842,464 161,441 76,048 28,992 3,077 — 699,324 152,733 20,491 (44,276) 570,527 105,549 17,400 — 213 — 60,943 21,517 1,489 — 143,140 8,708 55,557 28,992 2,864 $ $ 2,006,633 $ 1,644,927 $ 1,361,425 $ 361,706 $ 258,642 $ 236,480 $ 201,435 $ 22,162 $ 9,909 683 44,276 128,797 47,184 3,091 — (60,730) 283,502 35,045 15.1% 21.0% 15.7% — 20.5% 5.7% 271.1% — 1,344.6% 22.0% 9.4% 20.1 % 10.7 % 7.8 % (100.0%) 22.6 % 44.7 % 17.8 % — (99.7)% 20.8 % 17.4 % The following tables show expenses for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 for stabilized properties and pre-stabilized properties and other (all other properties) (in thousands). Stabilized results for the year ended December 31, 2015 are shown prior to Telx-related eliminations that were completed in arriving at our consolidated financial results. In an effort to make 2016 and 2015 stabilized results comparable, total operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2016 are shown prior to Telx-related eliminations totaling $3.6 million. Expense totals for pre-stabilized and other include results from properties that have not yet met the definition of stabilized and properties that are classified as held for sale or were sold during the period, and the net Telx-related elimination of $3.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. Rental property operating and maintenance Property taxes Insurance Stabilized Year Ended December 31, Pre-Stabilized and Other Year Ended December 31, 2017 409,614 $ 2016 412,358 $ $ 69,363 7,663 67,929 7,165 Change (2,744) $ 1,434 498 2017 350,002 $ 2016 247,819 $ 54,651 3,318 34,568 2,327 Change 102,183 20,083 991 Stabilized rental property operating and maintenance expenses decreased by approximately $2.7 million , or 0.7% , for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 primarily as a result of reduced labor costs and cost containment measures across the portfolio. Stabilized property taxes increased by approximately $1.4 million , or 2.1% , for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 , primarily as a result of increased assessed taxes at one of our properties in Illinois. Pre-stabilized and other rental property operating and maintenance expenses increased by approximately $102.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 , primarily as a result of the properties acquired in the DFT Merger, which contributed approximately $51.2 million along with the European Portfolio Acquisition, which contributed approximately $20.4 million to the increase, and leasing of completed and delivered inventory. Pre-stabilized and other property tax expense increased approximately $20.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 , primarily due to a tax refund received in 2016 at one property in Singapore related to a change in assessed value along with the properties acquired in the DFT Merger, which contributed approximately $5.3 million. 66 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Stabilized Year Ended December 31, Pre-Stabilized and Other Year Ended December 31, Rental property operating and maintenance Property taxes Insurance 2016 294,854 $ 2015 304,716 $ $ 61,876 6,603 54,930 6,699 Change (9,862) $ 6,946 (96) 2016 365,323 $ 2015 245,169 $ Change 120,154 40,621 2,889 37,658 2,110 2,963 779 Stabilized rental property operating and maintenance expenses decreased by approximately $9.9 million, or 3.2% , for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015 primarily as a result of lower utility expense due to decreased usage and vacancies at certain properties and operating efficiencies realized from the Telx Acquisition. Stabilized property taxes increased by approximately $6.9 million, or 12.6% , for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015, primarily as a result of an additional property tax re-assessment recorded in 2016 at four properties within the stabilized pool and a successful appeal in 2015 for taxes at one property in Texas within the stabilized pool. Pre-stabilized and other rental property operating and maintenance expenses increased by approximately $120.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015, primarily as a result of the Telx Acquisition and European Portfolio Acquisition, which contributed approximately $114.3 million to the increase. Pre-stabilized and other property tax expense increased approximately $3.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015, primarily as a result of reassessed value increases at five properties within the pre-stabilized pool offset by the tax refund at one property in Singapore. Change in Fair Value of Contingent Consideration The change in fair value of contingent consideration recorded for the year ended December 31, 2015 was primarily as a result of reducing the fair value related to the Sentrum acquisition by approximately $45.9 million during 2015. The adjustment was the result of an evaluation by management that no additional leases would be executed for vacant space by July 11, 2015, the contingency expiration date. Depreciation and Amortization Depreciation and amortization expense increased by approximately $143.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 , principally because of the properties acquired in the DFT Merger, which contributed approximately $116.2 million to the increase along with the European Portfolio Acquisition, which contributed approximately $23.8 million, offset by an impairment charge on the Telx tradename of approximately $6.1 million recorded in the quarter ended June 30, 2016 along with fully depreciated building assets during the year ended December 31, 2017 . Depreciation and amortization expense increased by approximately $128.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to the same period in 2015, principally because of the Telx Acquisition and European Portfolio Acquisition, which contributed approximately $130.3 million to the increase, along with depreciation on development projects that were placed into service in late 2015 and during 2016, offset by properties sold during 2015 and 2016. General and Administrative General and administrative expenses increased by approximately $8.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 , primarily due to an increase in headcount from 2016 to 2017 to support the Company's continued growth. General and administrative expenses increased by approximately $47.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015, primarily due to the Telx Acquisition and European Portfolio Acquisition along with the growth of our Company, with an increase in headcount from 2015 to 2016, resulting in additional compensation expense, along with higher professional fees and marketing expenses. 67 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Transactions and Integration Expense Transactions and integration expense increased by approximately $55.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 , principally due to $43.0 million of transaction expenses for the year ended December 31, 2017 related to the DFT Merger along with integration expenses attributable to recently completed acquisitions. Transactions and integration expense increased by approximately $3.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015, principally because of transaction expenses attributable to the European Portfolio Acquisition, which was acquired in July 2016, offset by expenses attributable to the Telx Acquisition, which was acquired in October 2015. Other Other expense for the year ended December 31, 2015 was due to the write off of straight-line rent receivables related to the Telx Acquisition ($75.3 million), which was partially offset by a gain related to the settlement of pre-existing tenant relationships with Telx ($14.4 million). Interest Expense Interest expense increased by approximately $22.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 , primarily due to the issuance of the 2019 Notes in May 2017, the issuance of the 2.750% notes due 2024 and the 3.300% notes due 2029 in July 2017 and the issuance of the 2.750% notes due 2023 and the 3.700% notes due 2027 in August 2017. Interest expense increased by approximately $35.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015, primarily as a result of the issuance of the 3.950% notes due 2022 in June 2015, the issuance of the 3.400% notes due 2020 and 4.750% notes due 2025 in October 2015 and the issuance of the 2.625% notes due 2024 in April 2016, offset by lower interest expense on secured debt due to the paydown of several mortgage loans in 2015 and 2016. Impairment of Investments in Real Estate We evaluated the carrying value of the properties identified as held for sale to ensure the carrying value was recoverable in light of a potentially shorter holding period. As a result of our evaluation, during the year ended December 31, 2017 , we recognized $29.0 million of impairment charges on three properties located in the United States to reduce the carrying values to the estimated fair values less costs to sell. The fair values of the three properties were based on comparable sales price data. There were no impairment charges for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015. Gain on Sale of Properties During the year ended December 31, 2017 , we recognized a gain on sale of properties of $40.4 million primarily related to the disposition of (i) 8025 North Interstate 35, which sold for $20.2 million in August 2017, (ii) 44874 Moran Road, which sold for $34.0 million in October 2017, and (iii) 1 Solutions Parkway, which sold for $37.1 million in November 2017. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we recognized a gain on sale of properties of $169.9 million primarily related to the disposition of (i) 47700 Kato Road and 1055 Page Avenue, which sold for $37.5 million in January 2016, (ii) a four-property portfolio composed of 210 N. Tucker Boulevard, 900 Walnut Street, 251 Exchange Place and 1807 Michael Faraday Court, which sold for $114.5 million in the aggregate in July 2016, and (iii) 114 Ambroise Croizat, which sold for $212.0 million in August 2016. During the year ended December 31, 2015, we recognized a gain on sale of properties of $94.6 million primarily related to the disposition of (i) 100 Quannapowitt, which sold for $31.1 million in February 2015, (ii) 3300 East Birch Street, which sold for $14.2 million in March 2015, (iii) 833 Chestnut Street, which sold for $160.8 million in April 2015, and (iv) 650 Randolph Road, which sold for $9.2 million in December 2015. Liquidity and Capital Resources of the Parent Company 68 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements In this “Liquidity and Capital Resources of the Parent Company” section and in the “Liquidity and Capital Resources of the Operating Partnership” section below, the term, our “Parent Company”, refers to Digital Realty Trust, Inc. on an unconsolidated basis, excluding our Operating Partnership. Analysis of Liquidity and Capital Resources Our Parent Company’s business is operated primarily through our Operating Partnership, of which our Parent Company is the sole general partner and which it consolidates for financial reporting purposes. Because our Parent Company operates on a consolidated basis with our Operating Partnership, the section entitled “Liquidity and Capital Resources of the Operating Partnership” should be read in conjunction with this section to understand the liquidity and capital resources of our Parent Company on a consolidated basis and how our Company is operated as a whole. Our Parent Company issues public equity from time to time, but generally does not otherwise generate any capital itself or conduct any business itself, other than incurring certain expenses in operating as a public company which are fully reimbursed by the Operating Partnership. Our Parent Company itself does not hold any indebtedness other than guarantees of the indebtedness of our Operating Partnership and certain of its subsidiaries, and its only material asset is its ownership of partnership interests of our Operating Partnership. Therefore, the consolidated assets and liabilities and the consolidated revenues and expenses of our Parent Company and our Operating Partnership are the same on their respective financial statements, except for immaterial differences related to cash, other assets and accrued liabilities that arise from public company expenses paid by our Parent Company. However, all debt is held directly or indirectly at the Operating Partnership level. Our Parent Company’s principal funding requirement is the payment of dividends on its common and preferred stock. Our Parent Company’s principal source of funding for its dividend payments is distributions it receives from our Operating Partnership. . As the sole general partner of our Operating Partnership, our Parent Company has the full, exclusive and complete responsibility for our Operating Partnership’s day-to-day management and control. Our Parent Company causes our Operating Partnership to distribute such portion of its available cash as our Parent Company may in its discretion determine, in the manner provided in our Operating Partnership’s partnership agreement. Our Parent Company receives proceeds from its equity issuances from time to time, but is generally required by our Operating Partnership’s partnership agreement to contribute the proceeds from its equity issuances to our Operating Partnership in exchange for partnership units of our Operating Partnership. Our Parent Company is a well-known seasoned issuer with an effective shelf registration statement filed on September 22, 2017, which allows our Parent Company to register an unspecified amount of various classes of equity securities. As circumstances warrant, our Parent Company may issue equity from time to time on an opportunistic basis, dependent upon market conditions and available pricing. Any proceeds from such equity issuances would be generally contributed to our Operating Partnership in exchange for additional equity interests in our Operating Partnership. Our Operating Partnership may use the proceeds to acquire additional properties, to fund development opportunities and for general working capital purposes, including potentially for the repurchase, redemption or retirement of outstanding debt or equity securities. The liquidity of our Parent Company is dependent on our Operating Partnership’s ability to make sufficient distributions to our Parent Company. The primary cash requirement of our Parent Company is its payment of dividends to its stockholders. Our Parent Company also guarantees our Operating Partnership’s, as well as certain of its subsidiaries’ and affiliates’, unsecured debt. If our Operating Partnership or such subsidiaries fail to fulfill their debt requirements, which trigger Parent Company guarantee obligations, then our Parent Company will be required to fulfill its cash payment commitments under such guarantees. However, our Parent Company’s only material asset is its investment in our Operating Partnership. We believe our Operating Partnership’s sources of working capital, specifically its cash flow from operations, and funds available under its global revolving credit facility are adequate for it to make its distribution payments to our Parent Company and, in turn, for our Parent Company to make its dividend payments to its stockholders. However, we cannot assure you that our Operating Partnership’s sources of capital will continue to be available at all or in amounts sufficient to meet its needs, including making distribution payments to our Parent Company. The lack of availability of capital could adversely affect our Operating Partnership’s ability to pay its distributions to our Parent Company, which would in turn, adversely affect our Parent Company’s ability to pay cash dividends to its stockholders. Our Parent Company entered into equity distribution agreements in June 2011, which we refer to as the 2011 Equity Distribution Agreements, with each of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, or the Agents, under which it can issue and sell shares of its common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $400.0 million from time to time through, at 69 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements its discretion, any of the Agents as its sales agents. The sales of common stock made under the 2011 Equity Distribution Agreements will be made in “at the market” offerings as defined in Rule 415 of the Securities Act. Cumulatively through December 31, 2017, our Parent Company had generated net proceeds of approximately $342.7 million from the issuance of approximately 5.7 million common shares under the 2011 Equity Distribution Agreements at an average price of $60.35 per share after payment of approximately $3.5 million of commissions to the sales agents and before offering expenses. No sales were made under the program during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015. As of December 31, 2017, shares of common stock having an aggregate offering price of $53.8 million remained available for offer and sale under the program. DFT Merger Financing On July 21, 2017, Digital Stout Holding, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Digital Realty Trust, L.P., issued and sold £250 million aggregate principal amount of 2.750% Guaranteed Notes due 2024, or the 2.750% 2024 Notes, and £350 million aggregate principal amount of 3.300% Guaranteed Notes due 2029, or the 2029 Notes and, together with the 2.750% 2024 Notes, the GBP Notes. The GBP Notes are senior unsecured obligations of Digital Stout Holding, LLC and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. Net proceeds from the offering were approximately £592.3 million after deducting managers’ discounts and estimated offering expenses. On August 7, 2017, the Operating Partnership issued and sold $350 million aggregate principal amount of 2.750% notes due 2023, or the 2.750% 2023 Notes, and $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 3.700% notes due 2027, or the 2027 Notes and, together with the 2.750% 2023 Notes, the USD Notes. The USD Notes are general unsecured senior obligations of the Operating Partnership, rank equally in right of payment with all other senior unsecured indebtedness of the Operating Partnership and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Digital Realty Trust, Inc. Net proceeds from the offering were approximately $1.3 billion after deducting managers’ discounts and estimated offering expenses. On August 7, 2017, our Parent Company issued and sold 8,000,000 shares of its 5.250% series J cumulative redeemable preferred stock, or the series J preferred stock, in an underwritten public offering for net proceeds of approximately $193.5 million. We used the net proceeds from the offerings of the 2.750% 2024 Notes, the USD Notes and the series J preferred stock to fund a portion of the repayment, redemption and/or discharge of DFT debt and the payment of certain transaction fees and expenses incurred in connection with the DFT Merger. Future Uses of Cash Our Parent Company may from time to time seek to retire, redeem or repurchase its equity or the debt securities of our Operating Partnership or its subsidiaries through cash purchases and/or exchanges for equity securities in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. Such repurchases, redemptions or exchanges, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions or other factors. The amounts involved may be material. We are also subject to the commitments discussed below under “Dividends and Distributions.” Dividends and Distributions Our Parent Company is required to distribute 90% of its taxable income (excluding capital gains) on an annual basis in order for it to continue to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, our Parent Company intends to make, but is not contractually bound to make, regular quarterly distributions to its common stockholders from cash flow from our Operating Partnership’s operating activities. While historically our Parent Company has satisfied this distribution requirement by making cash distributions to its stockholders, it may choose to satisfy this requirement by making distributions of cash or other property. All such distributions are at the discretion of our Parent Company’s board of directors. Our Parent Company considers market factors and our Operating Partnership’s performance in addition to REIT requirements in determining distribution levels. Our Parent Company has distributed at least 100% of its taxable income annually since inception to minimize corporate level federal income taxes. Amounts accumulated for distribution to stockholders are invested primarily in interest-bearing accounts and short-term interest-bearing securities, which are consistent with our intention to maintain our Parent Company’s status as a REIT. As a result of this distribution requirement, our Operating Partnership cannot rely on retained earnings to fund its on-going operations to the same extent that other companies whose parent companies are not REITs can. Our Parent Company may need to continue to raise capital in the debt and equity markets to fund our Operating Partnership’s working capital needs, as well as potential developments at new or existing properties, acquisitions or investments in existing or newly created joint ventures. In addition, our Parent Company may be required to use borrowings under our global revolving credit facility, if necessary, to meet REIT distribution requirements and maintain our Parent Company’s REIT status. 70 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Our Parent Company declared the following dividends on its common and preferred stock during the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 (in thousands, except per share amounts): Series E Preferred Stock Series F Preferred Stock Series G Preferred Stock Series H Preferred Stock $ 3,672 $ 3,672 3,672 6,730 6,730 6,730 $ Series I Preferred Stock — — — $ Series J Preferred Stock — — — Common Stock $ 115,419 (1) 115,458 (1) 115,454 (1) Date dividend declared Feb 25, 2015 May 12, 2015 Aug 11, 2015 Nov 12, 2015 Dividend payable date March 31, 2015 June 30, 2015 September 30, 2015 December 31, 2015 for Preferred Stock; January 15, 2016 for Common Stock Feb 17, 2016 May 11, 2016 Aug 10, 2016 March 31, 2016 June 30, 2016 September 30, 2016 December 30, 2016 for Preferred Stock; January 13, 2017 for Common Stock Nov 9, 2016 Mar 1, 2017 May 8, 2017 Aug 7, 2017 March 31, 2017 June 30, 2017 September 29, 2017 December 29, 2017 for Preferred Stock; January 12, 2018 for Common Stock Nov 2, 2017 Annual rate of dividend per share Series C Preferred Stock — — $ — — — — — — — — — — — 3,963 (7) 3,963 1.65625 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 5,031 5,031 5,031 5,031 20,124 5,031 5,031 — (4) — 10,062 — — — 3,023 3,023 3,023 3,023 12,092 3,023 3,023 3,023 3,023 12,092 3,023 — (6) — — — — $ 3,023 1.75000 $ 1.65625 3,672 6,730 5,600 (2) $ $ $ $ $ $ 14,688 $ 26,920 $ 3,672 $ 6,730 $ 3,672 3,672 6,730 6,730 3,672 6,730 14,688 $ 26,920 $ 3,672 $ 6,730 $ 3,672 3,672 6,730 6,730 3,672 6,730 14,688 $ 26,920 $ 5,600 3,969 3,969 3,969 3,969 15,876 3,969 3,969 3,969 3,969 15,876 1.46875 $ 1.84375 $ 1.58750 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ — — — — — — — — — — 124,417 (1) 470,748 131,587 (3) 131,607 (3) 131,657 (3) 141,882 (3) 536,733 148,358 (5) 150,814 (5) 191,041 (5) 4,200 (7) 191,067 (5) 4,200 $ 681,280 1.31250 (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) $ 3.400 annual rate of dividend per share. Represents a pro rata dividend from and including the original issue date to and including December 31, 2015. $3.520 annual rate of dividend per share. Redeemed on September 15, 2016 for $25.35972 per share, or a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends up to but not including the redemption date of approximately $4.1 million in the aggregate. In connection with the redemption, the previously incurred offering costs of approximately $10.3 million were recorded as a reduction to net income available to common stockholders. $3.720 annual rate of dividend per share. Redeemed on April 5, 2017 for $25.01840 per share, or a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends up to but not including the redemption date of approximately $0.1 million in the aggregate. In connection with the redemption, the previously incurred offering costs of approximately $6.3 million were recorded as a reduction to net income available to common stockholders. Represents a pro rata dividend from and including the original issue date to and including December 31, 2017. Distributions out of our Parent Company’s current or accumulated earnings and profits are generally classified as ordinary income whereas distributions in excess of our Parent Company’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, to the extent of a stockholder’s U.S. federal income tax basis in our Parent Company’s stock, are generally classified as a return of capital. Distributions in excess of a stockholder’s U.S. federal income tax basis in our Parent Company’s stock are generally characterized as capital gain. Cash provided by operating activities has been generally sufficient to fund distributions on an annual basis, however, we may also need to utilize borrowings under the global revolving credit facility to fund distributions. The expected tax treatment of distributions on our Parent Company’s common and preferred stock paid in 2017 is as follows: approximately 95% ordinary income and 5% capital gain distribution. The tax treatment of distributions on our Parent Company’s common and preferred stock paid in 2016 was as follows: approximately 98% ordinary income and 2% capital gain distribution. 71 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements The tax treatment of distributions on our Parent Company’s common and preferred stock paid in 2015 was as follows: approximately 94% ordinary income and 6% capital gain distribution. Liquidity and Capital Resources of the Operating Partnership In this “Liquidity and Capital Resources of the Operating Partnership” section, the terms “we”, “our” and “us” refer to our Operating Partnership together with its consolidated subsidiaries or our Operating Partnership and our Parent Company together with their consolidated subsidiaries, as the context requires. Analysis of Liquidity and Capital Resources Our Parent Company is our sole general partner and consolidates our results of operations for financial reporting purposes. Because we operate on a consolidated basis with our Parent Company, the section entitled “Liquidity and Capital Resources of the Parent Company” should be read in conjunction with this section to understand our liquidity and capital resources on a consolidated basis. As of December 31, 2017 , we had $0.1 million of cash and cash equivalents, excluding $13.1 million of restricted cash. Restricted cash primarily consists of contractual capital expenditures plus other deposits. Our short-term liquidity requirements primarily consist of operating expenses, development costs and other expenditures associated with our properties, distributions to our Parent Company in order for it to make dividend payments on its preferred stock, distributions to our Parent Company in order for it to make dividend payments to its stockholders required to maintain its REIT status, distributions to the unitholders of common limited partnership interests in Digital Realty Trust, L.P., capital expenditures, debt service on our loans and senior notes, and, potentially, acquisitions. We expect to meet our short-term liquidity requirements through net cash provided by operations, restricted cash accounts established for certain future payments and by drawing upon our global revolving credit facility. We are committed to maintaining a conservative capital structure. We target a debt-to-adjusted EBITDA ratio at or less than 5.5x, fixed charge coverage of greater than three times, and floating rate debt at less than 20% of total outstanding debt. In addition, we strive to maintain a well-laddered debt maturity schedule, and we seek to maximize the menu of our available sources of capital, while minimizing the related cost. On January 15, 2016, we refinanced our global revolving credit facility and entered into a global senior credit agreement for a $2.0 billion senior unsecured revolving credit facility, which we refer to as the global revolving credit facility, that replaced the $2.0 billion revolving credit facility executed on August 15, 2013, as amended. The global revolving credit facility has an accordion feature that would enable us to increase the borrowing capacity of the credit facility to up to $2.5 billion , subject to the receipt of lender commitments and other conditions precedent. The refinanced facility matures on January 15, 2020 , with two six - month extension options available. The interest rate for borrowings under the global revolving credit facility equals the applicable index plus a margin which is based on the credit ratings of our long-term debt and is currently 100 basis points. An annual facility fee on the total commitment amount of the facility, based on the credit ratings of our long-term debt, currently 20 basis points, is payable quarterly. Funds may be drawn in U.S., Canadian, Singapore, Australian and Hong Kong dollars, as well as Euro, British pound sterling and Japanese yen. As of December 31, 2017 , borrowings under the global revolving credit facility bore interest at an overall blended rate of 2.15% composed of 2.48% (U.S. dollars), 1.50% (British pound sterling), 0.62% (Euros), 2.20% (Hong Kong dollars), 0.96% (Japanese yen) and 2.36% (Canadian dollars). The interest rates were based on 1-month LIBOR, 1-month GBP LIBOR, 1-month EURIBOR, 1-month HIBOR, 1- month JPY LIBOR and 1-month CDOR, respectively, plus a margin of 1.00% . The facility also bore a base borrowing rate of 4.50% (USD) which is based on the U.S. Prime Rate. We have used and intend to use borrowings under the global revolving credit facility to acquire additional properties, fund development opportunities and to provide for working capital and other corporate purposes. The global revolving credit facility contains various restrictive covenants, including limitations on our ability to incur additional indebtedness, make certain investments or merge with another company, and requirements to maintain financial coverage ratios, including with respect to unencumbered assets. In addition, the global revolving credit facility restricts Digital Realty Trust, Inc. from making distributions to its stockholders, or redeeming or otherwise repurchasing shares of its capital stock, after the occurrence and during the continuance of an event of default, except in limited circumstances including as necessary to enable Digital Realty Trust, Inc. to maintain its qualification as a REIT and to minimize the payment of income or excise tax. As of December 31, 2017 , we were in compliance with all of such covenants. As of December 31, 2017 , we have capitalized approximately $7.2 million of financing costs, net of accumulated amortization, related to the global revolving credit facility. As of December 31, 2017 , approximately $558.2 million was drawn under this facility and $22.8 million of letters of credit were issued, leaving approximately $1.5 billion available for use. On January 15, 2016, we refinanced our senior unsecured multi-currency term loan facility and entered into a term loan agreement, which governs (i) a $1.25 billion 5 -year senior unsecured term loan, which we refer to as the 5-Year Term Loan, and (ii) a $300 million 7 -year senior unsecured term loan, which we refer to as the 7-Year Term Loan. The 2016 term loan 72 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements agreement replaced the $1.0 billion term loan agreement executed on April 16, 2012, as amended. The 5 -Year Term Loan matures on January 15, 2021 and the 7 -Year Term Loan matures on January 15, 2023. In addition, we have the ability from time to time to increase the aggregate size of lending under the 2016 term loan agreement from $1.55 billion to up to $1.8 billion , subject to receipt of lender commitments and other conditions precedent. Interest rates are based on our senior unsecured debt ratings and are currently 110 basis points and 155 basis points over the applicable index for floating rate advances for the 5-Year Term Loan and the 7-Year Term Loan, respectively. Funds may be drawn in U.S., Canadian, Singapore, Australian and Hong Kong dollars, as well as Euro, British pound sterling and Japanese yen. Based on exchange rates in effect at December 31, 2017 , the balance outstanding is approximately $1.4 billion , excluding deferred financing costs. We have used borrowings under the term loan for acquisitions, repayment of indebtedness, development, working capital and general corporate purposes. The covenants under the term loans are consistent with our global revolving credit facility and, as of December 31, 2017 , we were in compliance with all of such covenants. As of December 31, 2017 , we have capitalized approximately $4.8 million of financing costs, net of accumulated amortization, related to the 2016 unsecured term loans. For a discussion of the potential impact of current global economic and market conditions on our liquidity and capital resources, see “—Factors Which May Influence Future Results of Operations—Global market and economic conditions” above. Our Parent Company commenced its at-the-market equity distribution program in June 2011, which is discussed under “Liquidity and Capital Resources of the Parent Company” above. To date, our Parent Company has generated net proceeds of approximately $342.7 million from the issuance of approximately 5.7 million shares of common stock under the program at an average price of $60.35 per share after payment of approximately $3.5 million of commissions to the sales agents and before offering expenses. The proceeds from the issuances were contributed to us in exchange for the issuance of approximately 5.7 million common units to our Parent Company. No sales were made under the program during the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015. As of December 31, 2017 , shares of common stock having an aggregate offering price of $53.8 million remained available for offer and sale under the program. The Operating Partnership sold the following real estate properties during the year ended December 31, 2017 : Location 8025 North Interstate 35 44874 Moran Road (1) 1 Solutions Parkway Metro Area Austin Date Sold August 10, 2017 Northern Virginia October 6, 2017 St. Louis November 28, 2017 Gross Proceeds (in millions) Gain on Sale (in millions) $ $ 20.2 $ 34.0 37.1 91.3 $ 9.6 15.6 14.7 39.9 (1) The property was held in a consolidated joint venture in which we owned a 75% interest. We recognized a gain on the sale of approximately $11.7 million , net of noncontrolling interests. On February 9, 2018, the Operating Partnership closed on the sale of 34551 Ardenwood Boulevard, a 323,000 square foot technology manufacturing property in Silicon Valley for approximately $73 million . We expect to recognize a gain on the sale of approximately $25 million in the first quarter of 2018. The property was classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2017 . On January 25, 2018, the Operating Partnership closed on the sale of 200 Quannapowitt Parkway, a substantially vacant, 211,000 square foot data center redevelopment project in Boston for $15 million. We expect to recognize a loss on the sale of approximately $0.4 million in the first quarter of 2018. The property was classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2017 . None of our property sales to date represented a significant component or significant shift in strategy that would require discontinued operations presentation. The growing acceptance by private institutional investors of the data center asset class has generally pushed capitalization rates lower as such private investors typically have lower return expectations than we do. As a result, we anticipate that near-term single-asset acquisitions activity will comprise a smaller percentage of our growth until seller price expectations realign with our return requirements. 73 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Construction ($ in thousands) Development Lifecycle Development Construction in Progress Space Held for Development (5) Base Building Construction Datacenter Construction Equipment Pool & Other Inventory Campus, Tenant Improvements & Other Total Development Construction in Progress Land Inventory Enhancement & Other Recurring As of December 31, 2017 As of December 31, 2016 Net Rentable Square Feet (1) Current Investment (2) Future Investment (3) Total Cost Net Rentable Square Feet (1) Current Investment (4) Future Investment (3) Total Cost 1,573,758 $ 1,333,763 1,366,393 416,553 $ 222,093 748,006 — $ 149,507 500,674 — 8,360 416,553 371,600 1,248,680 7,245 14,147 658,541 2,058,225 — 27,209 29,184 352,406 35,625 53,169 920,232 $ 1,189,110 831,706 2,941,048 (6) 714,934 $ 2,499,425 $ 284,234 $ 116,925 309,065 9,642 — $ 154,248 447,324 — 12,564 22,115 732,430 195,525 8,623 13,983 950,561 $ 623,687 — 8,060 25,506 657,253 $ 284,234 271,173 756,389 9,642 34,679 1,356,117 195,525 16,683 39,489 1,607,814 7,245 5,787 1,399,684 352,406 8,416 23,985 1,784,491 $ 4,273,914 (6) Total Construction in Progress $ (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) Square footage is based on current estimates and project plans, and may change upon completion of the project or due to remeasurement. Represents balances incurred through December 31, 2017 and included in building and improvements in the consolidated balance sheets. Represents estimated cost to complete specific scope of work pursuant to contract, budget or approved capital plan. Represents balances incurred through December 31, 2016 and included in building and improvements in the consolidated balance sheets. Excludes space held for development related to unconsolidated joint ventures and properties held for sale. Represents approximately 539 acres as of December 31, 2017 and approximately 414 acres as of December 31, 2016 . Land inventory and space held for development reflect cumulative cost spent pending future development. Base building construction consists of ongoing improvements to building infrastructure in preparation for future data center fit-out. Datacenter construction includes 1.4 million square feet of Turn Key Flex®, colocation and Powered Base Building® products with a cost to date of approximately $748.0 million . Generally, we expect to deliver the space within 12 months; however, lease commencement dates may significantly impact final delivery schedules. Equipment pool and other inventory represent the value of long-lead time equipment and materials required for timely deployment and delivery of data center construction fit-out. Campus, tenant improvements and other costs include the value of development work which benefits space recently converted to our operating portfolio and is composed primarily of shared infrastructure projects and first- generation tenant improvements. Future Uses of Cash Our properties require periodic investments of capital for customer-related capital expenditures and for general capital improvements. As of December 31, 2017 , we had approximately 2.7 million square feet of space under active development and approximately 1.7 million square feet of space held for development and we also owned approximately 1.4 million net rentable square feet of data center space with extensive installed tenant improvements. Turn-Key Flex® space is move-in-ready space for the placement of computer and network equipment required to provide a data center environment. Depending on demand for additional Turn-Key Flex® space, we expect to incur significant tenant improvement costs to build out and develop these types of spaces. At December 31, 2017 , approximately 2.7 million square feet was under construction for Turn-Key Flex®, colocation and Powered Base Building® products, all of which are expected to be income producing on or after completion, in seven U.S. metropolitan areas, four European metropolitan areas, two Australian metropolitan areas, one Canadian metropolitan area and one Asian metropolitan area, consisting of approximately 1.3 million square feet of base building construction and 1.4 74 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements million square feet of data center construction. At December 31, 2017 , we had open commitments, including amounts reimbursable of approximately $6.3 million , related to construction contracts of approximately $317.3 million . We currently expect to incur approximately $0.9 billion to $1.1 billion of capital expenditures for our development programs during the year ending December 31, 2018 , although this amount may increase or decrease, potentially materially, based on numerous factors, including changes in demand, leasing results and availability of debt or equity capital. Historical Capital Expenditures (in thousands) Development projects Enhancement and improvements Recurring capital expenditures Total capital expenditures (excluding indirect costs) Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 $ $ 912,217 $ 6,340 136,290 1,054,847 $ 573,960 4,753 75,476 654,189 For the year ended December 31, 2017 , total capital expenditures increased $400.7 million to approximately $1,054.8 million from $654.2 million for the same period in 2016 . Capital expenditures on our development projects plus our enhancement and improvements projects for the year ended December 31, 2017 were approximately $918.6 million , which reflects an increase of approximately 59% from the same period in 2016 . This increase was primarily due to increased spending for ground-up development projects, Turn-Key Flex space development and base building improvements. Our development capital expenditures are generally funded by our available cash and equity and debt capital. Indirect costs related to construction and leasing activities, including capitalized interest, capitalized in the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were $95.8 million and $85.2 million , respectively. Capitalized interest comprised approximately $21.7 million and $16.3 million of the total indirect costs capitalized for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Capitalized interest in the year ended December 31, 2017 increased compared to the same period in 2016 due to an increase in qualifying activities. Excluding capitalized interest, the indirect costs increased in the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 due primarily to increased capitalized amounts relating to compensation expense of employees directly engaged in construction and leasing activities. See “—Future Uses of Cash” above for a discussion of the amount of capital expenditures we expect to incur during the year ending December 31, 2018 . We are also subject to the commitments discussed below under “Commitments and Contingencies,” “Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements” and “Distributions.” We actively pursue opportunities for potential acquisitions, with due diligence and negotiations often at different stages at different times. The dollar value of acquisitions for the year ending December 31, 2018 will be based on numerous factors, including customer demand, leasing results, availability of debt or equity capital and acquisition opportunities. We may from time to time seek to retire or repurchase our outstanding debt or the equity of our Parent Company through cash purchases and/or exchanges for equity securities of our Parent Company in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. Such repurchases or exchanges, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions or other factors. The amounts involved may be material. We expect to meet our short-term and long-term liquidity requirements, including to pay for scheduled debt maturities and to fund acquisitions and non- recurring capital improvements, with net cash from operations, future long-term secured and unsecured indebtedness and the issuance of equity and debt securities and the proceeds of equity issuances by our Parent Company. We also may fund future short-term and long-term liquidity requirements, including acquisitions and non-recurring capital improvements, using our global revolving credit facility pending permanent financing. If we are not able to obtain additional financing on terms attractive to us, or at all, including as a result of the circumstances described above under “Factors Which May Influence Future Results of Operations— Global market and economic conditions”, we may be required to reduce our acquisition or capital expenditure plans, which could have a material adverse effect upon our business and results of operations. Distributions All distributions on our units are at the discretion of our Parent Company’s board of directors. In 2017, 2016 and 2015, our Operating Partnership declared the following distributions (in thousands): 75 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Date distribution declared Feb 25, 2015 May 12, 2015 Aug 11, 2015 Nov 12, 2015 Feb 17, 2016 May 11, 2016 Aug 10, 2016 Nov 9, 2016 Mar 1, 2017 May 8, 2017 Aug 7, 2017 Nov 2, 2017 Distribution payable date March 31, 2015 June 30, 2015 September 30, 2015 December 31, 2015 for Preferred Units; January 15, 2016 for Common Units March 31, 2016 June 30, 2016 September 30, 2016 December 31, 2016 for Preferred Units; January 13, 2017 for Common Units March 31, 2017 June 30, 2017 September 29, 2017 December 29, 2017 for Preferred Units; January 12, 2018 for Common Units Annual rate of distribution per unit $ $ $ $ $ $ $ Series C Preferred Units Series E Preferred Units Series F Preferred Units Series G Preferred Units Series H Preferred Units Series I Preferred Units Series J Preferred Units $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 3,672 3,672 3,672 3,672 14,688 3,672 3,672 3,672 3,672 14,688 3,672 3,672 3,672 6,730 6,730 6,730 6,730 26,920 6,730 6,730 6,730 6,730 26,920 6,730 6,730 6,730 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ — — — 5,600 (2) 5,600 3,969 3,969 3,969 3,969 15,876 3,969 3,969 3,969 — — — — — — — — — — — — — Common Units $ 117,896 (1) 117,938 (1) 117,962 (1) $ $ $ $ 126,827 (1) 480,623 131,587 (3) 131,607 (3) 131,657 (3) 144,193 (3) 539,044 150,968 (5) 153,176 (5) 199,049 (5) $ $ $ $ $ — — — — — — — — — — — — — 3,963 (7) 3,963 $ 5,031 5,031 5,031 5,031 20,124 5,031 5,031 — (4) — 10,062 — — — — — $ $ $ $ $ 3,023 3,023 3,023 3,023 12,092 3,023 3,023 3,023 3,023 12,092 3,023 — (6) — — $ 3,023 $ 14,688 3,672 6,730 3,969 4,200 (7) 199,061 (5) $ $ 26,920 $ 15,876 $ 4,200 $ 702,254 1.84375 $ 1.58800 $ 1.31250 1.65625 $ 1.75000 $ 1.65625 $ 1.46875 (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) $ 3.400 annual rate of distribution per unit. Represents a pro rata distribution from and including the original issue date to and including December 31, 2015. $3.520 annual rate of distribution per unit. Redeemed on September 15, 2016 for $25.35972 per unit, or a redemption price of $25.00 per unit, plus accrued and unpaid distributions up to but not including the redemption date of approximately $4.1 million in the aggregate. In connection with the redemption, the previously incurred offering costs of approximately $10.3 million were recorded as a reduction to net income available to common unitholders. $3.720 annual rate of distribution per unit. Redeemed on April 5, 2017 for $25.01840 per unit, or a redemption price of $25.00 per unit, plus accrued and unpaid distributions up to but not including the redemption date of approximately $0.1 million in the aggregate. In connection with the redemption, the previously incurred offering costs of approximately $6.3 million were recorded as a reduction to net income available to common unitholders. Represents a pro rata distribution from and including the original issue date to and including December 31, 2017. As of December 31, 2017 , we were a party to interest rate swap agreements which hedge variability in cash flows related the U.S. LIBOR, GBP-LIBOR and CDOR-based tranches of the unsecured term loans. Under these swaps, we pay variable-rate amounts in exchange for fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying principal amounts. See Item 7A. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.” 76 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements The following table summarizes our debt, interest, lease and construction contract payments due by period as of December 31, 2017 (dollars in thousands): Obligation Long-term debt principal payments (1) Interest payable (2) Ground leases (3) Operating leases Construction contracts (4) Total 2018 2019-2020 2021-2022 Thereafter $ 8,716,731 $ 593 $ 1,710,031 $ 2,325,117 $ 4,680,990 1,692,722 37,318 908,559 317,265 302,018 1,193 75,039 317,265 560,523 2,385 162,403 — 395,583 1,853 158,519 — 434,598 31,887 512,598 — $ 11,672,595 $ 696,108 $ 2,435,342 $ 2,881,072 $ 5,660,073 (1) (2) Includes $558.2 million of borrowings under our global revolving credit facility and $1.4 billion of borrowings under our unsecured term loan and excludes $0.2 million of loan premiums related to assumed mortgage loans, $2.2 million discount on the 5.875% 2020 notes, $0.6 million discount on the 3.400% 2020 notes, $0.3 million discount on the 5.250% 2021 notes, $2.1 million discount on the 3.625% 2022 notes, $2.6 million discount on the 3.950% 2022 notes, $1.6 million on the 4.750% 2023 notes, $1.2 million on the 2.625% 2024 notes, $1.1 million on the 2.750% 2024 notes, $2.6 million on the 4.250% 2025 notes, $0.2 million on the 2.750% 2023 notes, $0.7 million on the 3.700% 2027 notes and $3.1 million on the 3.300% 2029 notes. All amounts exclude deferred financing costs. Interest payable is based on the interest rate in effect on December 31, 2017 , including the effect of interest rate swaps. Interest payable excluding the effect of interest rate swaps is as follows (in thousands): 2017 2018-2019 2020-2021 Thereafter $ $ 302,159 560,806 395,850 434,979 1,693,794 (3) This is comprised of ground lease payments on 2010 East Centennial Circle, Chemin de l’Epinglier 2, Clonshaugh Industrial Estate I and II, Paul van Vlissingenstraat 16, Gyroscoopweg 2E-2F, Naritaweg 52, Manchester Technopark and 29A International Business Park. After February 2036, rent for the remaining term of the 2010 East Centennial Circle ground lease will be determined based on a fair market value appraisal of the asset and, as a result, is excluded from the above information. After December 2036, rent for the remaining term of the Naritaweg 52 ground lease will be determined based on a fair market value appraisal of the asset and, as a result, is excluded from the above information. The Chemin de l’Epinglier 2 ground lease which expires in July 2074 contains potential inflation increases which are not reflected in the table above. The Paul van Vlissingenstraat 16, Chemin de l’Epinglier 2, Gyroscoopweg 2E-2F, Naritaweg 52 and Clonshaugh Industrial Estate I and II amounts are translated at the December 31, 2017 exchange rate of $1.20 to €1.00. The Manchester Technopark amounts are translated at the December 31, 2017 exchange rate of $1.35 to £1.00. The 29A International Business Park amounts are translated at the December 31, 2017 exchange rate of $0.75 to S$1.00. (4) From time to time in the normal course of our business, we enter into various construction contracts with third parties that may obligate us to make payments. At December 31, 2017 , we had open commitments, including amounts reimbursable of approximately $6.3 million , related to construction contracts of approximately $317.3 million . 77 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Outstanding Consolidated Indebtedness The table below summarizes our debt maturities and principal payments as of December 31, 2017 (in thousands): 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Thereafter Subtotal Unamortized discount Unamortized premium Total $ $ $ Senior Notes Mortgage Loans — $ 593 $ Global Revolving Credit Facility (1) Unsecured Term Loans — $ — 558,191 — $ — — — — — 1,125,117 — 300,000 150,063 1,000,000 400,000 800,000 4,276,990 558,191 $ 1,425,117 $ 6,627,053 $ — — — — (18,508) — Total Debt 593 150,707 1,559,324 1,525,117 800,000 4,680,990 8,716,731 (18,508) 241 644 1,133 — — 104,000 106,370 $ — 241 558,191 $ 1,425,117 $ 6,608,545 $ 106,611 $ 8,698,464 (1) Subject to two six -month extension options exercisable by us. The bank group is obligated to grant the extension options provided we give proper notice, we make certain representations and warranties and no default exists under the global revolving credit facility, as applicable. The table below summarizes our debt, as of December 31, 2017 (in millions): Debt Summary: Fixed rate Variable rate debt subject to interest rate swaps Total fixed rate debt (including interest rate swaps) Variable rate—unhedged Total Percent of Total Debt: Fixed rate (including hedged variable rate debt) Variable rate Total Weighted Average Interest Rate as of December 31, 2017 (1) : Fixed rate (including hedged variable rate debt) Variable rate Total interest rate (1) Excludes impact of deferred financing cost amortization. $ $ 6,479.3 1,018.3 7,497.6 1,219.1 8,716.7 86.0% 14.0% 100.0% 3.70% 2.03% 3.47% As of December 31, 2017 , we had approximately $8.7 billion of outstanding consolidated long-term debt as set forth in the table above. Our ratio of debt to total enterprise value was approximately 25% (based on the closing price of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stock on December 31, 2017 of $113.90 ). For this purpose, our total enterprise value is defined as the sum of the market value of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s outstanding common stock (which may decrease, thereby increasing our debt to total enterprise value ratio), plus the liquidation value of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s preferred stock, plus the aggregate value of our Operating Partnership’s units not held by Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (with the per unit value equal to the market value of one share of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stock and excluding long-term incentive units, Class C Units and Class D Units), plus the book value of our total consolidated indebtedness. The variable rate debt shown above bore interest at interest rates based on various one-month LIBOR, EURIBOR, GBP LIBOR, SOR, BBR, HIBOR, JPY LIBOR, CDOR and U.S. Prime rates, depending on the respective agreement governing the 78 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements debt, including our global revolving credit facility and unsecured term loans. As of December 31, 2017 , our debt had a weighted average term to initial maturity of approximately 5.4 years (or approximately 5.5 years assuming exercise of extension options). Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements As of December 31, 2017 , we were party to interest rate swap agreements related to $1.0 billion of outstanding principal amount on our variable rate debt. See Item 7A. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.” As of December 31, 2017 , our pro-rata share of mortgage debt of unconsolidated joint ventures was approximately $263.5 million , of which $54.5 million is subject to interest rate swap agreements. Cash Flows The following summary discussion of our cash flows is based on the consolidated statements of cash flows and is not meant to be an all-inclusive discussion of the changes in our cash flows for the periods presented below. Comparison of Year Ended December 31, 2017 to Year Ended December 31, 2016 and Comparison of Year Ended December 31, 2016 to Year Ended December 31, 2015 The following table shows cash flows and ending cash, cash equivalent and restricted cash balances for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 (in thousands). Net cash provided by operating activities Net cash used in investing activities Net cash provided by financing activities Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 1,023,305 $ 911,242 $ (1,357,153) (1,303,597) 321,200 (12,648) $ 350,617 (41,738) $ $ $ 2015 796,840 (2,527,501) 1,750,531 19,870 Cash provided by operating activities in 2017 increased approximately $112.1 million over 2016 and cash provided by operating activities in 2016 increased approximately $114.4 million over 2015. The 2017 increase was driven by year-over-year increase in the cash flow from properties acquired in the July 2016 European Portfolio Acquisition and the cash flow from properties acquired in the September 2017 DFT Merger. The increases in cash flow were offset by properties sold in 2016 and 2017 and an increase in interest expense. The 2016 increase in net cash provided by operating activities was due to the Telx Acquisition and European Portfolio Acquisition and increased revenues from new leasing at our stabilized properties, completed and leased development space which was partially offset by increased operating and interest expenses. Net cash used in investing activities in 2017 increased $53.6 million over 2016 due to an increase in improvements to investments in real estate that were primarily development driven offset by a larger 2016 cash acquisition total (net of cash dispositions in both periods). Net cash used in investing activities in 2016 decreased $1.2 billion over 2015 due to decreased acquisition activity, partially offset by proceeds from property sales of $359.3 million in 2016 as compared to $185.6 million in 2015. Net cash flows provided by financing activities for the Company consisted of the following amounts (in thousands). Year Ended December 31, Repayments of borrowings, net of proceeds Net proceeds from issuance of common and preferred stock, including equity plans Redemption of preferred stock Net proceeds from unsecured senior notes Dividend and distribution payments Other Net cash provided by financing activities $ $ 79 2016 2015 2017 (1,448,867) $ 411,309 (182,500) 2,265,060 (715,209) (8,593) (498,515) $ 1,090,171 (287,500) 675,591 (605,390) (23,740) 321,200 $ 350,617 $ (52,900) 919,840 — 1,445,127 (548,058) (13,478) 1,750,531 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Net cash provided by financing activities decreased by $29.4 million in 2017 primarily as a result of an increase in net proceeds from the issuance of unsecured senior notes in 2017 as compared to 2016, offset by increased repayments of borrowings on the global revolving credit facility, a decrease in net equity issuances and an increase in dividends and distributions paid in 2017 as compared to 2016. The increase in dividend and distribution payments for the year ended December 31, 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016 was due to an increase in the number of shares outstanding and dividend amount per share of common stock in 2017 as compared to 2016 and the payment of dividends on our series J preferred stock during the year ended December 31, 2017, whereas this series of preferred stock was not outstanding in year ended December 31, 2016. The 2017 borrowing activity was used to fund a portion of the repayment, redemption and/or discharge of DFT debt and the payment of certain transaction fees and expenses incurred in connection with the DFT Merger. The 2016 equity issuance was driven primarily by the European Portfolio Acquisition. The decrease in cash provided by financing activities in 2016 as compared to 2015 was a result of lower net repayments on borrowings along with the sale of common stock, issuance of series I preferred stock, and the sale of unsecured notes due 2020, 2022 and 2025 in the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to 2016, which included the issuance of common stock offset by the redemption of our series E preferred stock, in addition to higher dividend and distribution payments. The increase in dividend and distribution payments for the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015 was due to an increase in the number of shares outstanding and dividend amount per share of common stock in 2016 as compared to 2015 and the payment of dividends on our series I preferred stock during the year ended December 31, 2016, whereas this series of preferred stock was not outstanding for the entire year ended December 31, 2015. Net cash flows provided by financing activities for the Operating Partnership consisted of the following amounts (in thousands). Year Ended December 31, Repayments of borrowings, net of proceeds General partner contributions, net Net proceeds from unsecured senior notes Distribution payments Other Net cash provided by financing activities $ $ 2017 (1,448,867) $ 228,809 2,265,060 (715,209) (8,593) 2016 2015 (498,515) $ 802,671 675,591 (605,390) (23,740) (52,900) 919,840 1,445,127 (548,058) (13,478) 1,750,531 321,200 $ 350,617 $ Net cash provided by financing activities decreased by $29.4 million in 2017 primarily as a result of an increase in net proceeds from the issuance of unsecured senior notes in 2017 as compared to 2016, offset by increased repayments of borrowings on the global revolving credit facility, a decrease in net equity issuances and an increase in distributions paid in 2017 as compared to 2016. The increase in distribution payments for the year ended December 31, 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016 was due to an increase in the number of units outstanding and distribution amount per common unit in 2017 as compared to 2016 and the payment of distributions on our series J preferred units during the year ended December 31, 2017, whereas this series of preferred units was not outstanding in year ended December 31, 2016. The 2017 borrowing activity was used to fund a portion of the repayment, redemption and/or discharge of DFT debt and the payment of certain transaction fees and expenses incurred in connection with the DFT Merger. The 2016 equity issuance was driven primarily by the European Portfolio Acquisition. The decrease in cash provided by financing activities in 2016 as compared to 2015 was a result of lower net repayments on borrowings along with the sale of common units, issuance of series I preferred units, and the sale of unsecured notes due 2020, 2022 and 2025 in the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to 2016, which included the issuance of common units offset by the redemption of our series E preferred units, in addition to higher distribution payments. The increase in distribution payments for the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015 was due to an increase in the number of units outstanding and distribution amount per common unit in 2016 as compared to 2015 and the payment of distributions on our series I preferred units during the year ended December 31, 2016, whereas this series of preferred units was not outstanding for the entire year ended December 31, 2015. 80 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Noncontrolling Interests in Operating Partnership Noncontrolling interests relate to the common units in our Operating Partnership that are not owned by Digital Realty Trust, Inc., which, as of December 31, 2017 , amounted to 4.0% of our Operating Partnership common units. In conjunction with our formation, our Operating Partnership issued common units to third party sellers in connection with our acquisition of real estate interests from such third parties. Limited partners who acquired common units in connection with our formation have the right to require our Operating Partnership to redeem part or all of their common units for cash based upon the fair market value of an equivalent number of shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock at the time of the redemption. Alternatively, we may elect to acquire those common units in exchange for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock on a one-for-one basis, subject to adjustment in the event of stock splits, stock dividends, issuance of stock rights, specified extraordinary distributions and similar events. Pursuant to registration rights agreements we entered into with these third-party contributors, we filed a shelf registration statement covering the issuance of the shares of our common stock issuable upon redemption of the common units, and the resale of those shares of common stock by the holders. In connection with the DFT Merger, approximately 0.5 million common units of the Operating Partnership were issued to certain former unitholders in DuPont Fabros Technology, L.P., which are subject to certain restrictions and, accordingly, are not presented as permanent capital in the consolidated balance sheet. Inflation Many of our leases provide for separate real estate tax and operating expense escalations. In addition, many of the leases provide for fixed base rent increases. We believe that inflationary increases may be at least partially offset by the contractual rent increases and expense escalations described above. Funds From Operations We calculate funds from operations, or FFO, in accordance with the standards established by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, or Nareit. FFO represents net income (loss) (computed in accordance with GAAP), excluding gains (or losses) from sales of property, excluding a gain from a pre- existing relationship and after adjustments for impairment charges, real estate related depreciation and amortization (excluding amortization of deferred financing costs), non-controlling interests in operating partnership, unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures. Management uses FFO as a supplemental performance measure because, in excluding real estate related depreciation and amortization, gains and losses from property dispositions and certain other gains and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships, joint ventures and certain other items, it provides a performance measure that, when compared year over year, captures trends in occupancy rates, rental rates and operating costs. We also believe that, as a widely recognized measure of the performance of REITs, FFO will be used by investors as a basis to compare our operating performance with that of other REITs. However, because FFO excludes depreciation and amortization and captures neither the changes in the value of our data centers that result from use or market conditions, nor the level of capital expenditures and capitalized leasing commissions necessary to maintain the operating performance of our data centers, all of which have real economic effect and could materially impact our financial condition and results from operations, the utility of FFO as a measure of our performance is limited. Other REITs may not calculate FFO in accordance with the Nareit definition and, accordingly, our FFO may not be comparable to other REITs’ FFO. FFO should be considered only as a supplement to net income computed in accordance with GAAP as a measure of our performance. 81 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Reconciliation of Net Income Available to Common Stockholders to Funds From Operations (FFO) (in thousands, except per share and unit data) (unaudited) Net income available to common stockholders Adjustments: Noncontrolling interests in operating partnership Real estate related depreciation and amortization (1) Real estate related depreciation and amortization related to investment in unconsolidated joint ventures Impairment of investments in real estate Impairment charge on Telx trade name Gain on sale of properties Noncontrolling interests share of gain on sale of property Gain on settlement of pre-existing relationships with Telx FFO available to common stockholders and unitholders (2) Basic FFO per share and unit Diluted FFO per share and unit (2) Weighted average common stock and units outstanding Basic Diluted (2) (1) Real estate related depreciation and amortization was computed as follows: Depreciation and amortization per income statement Impairment charge on Telx trade name Non-real estate depreciation Real estate related depreciation and amortization Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 $ 173,148 $ 332,088 $ 217,266 3,770 830,252 11,566 28,992 — (40,354) 3,900 — 5,298 682,810 11,246 — 6,122 (169,902) — — $ $ $ $ 1,011,274 $ 867,662 $ 5.68 $ 5.65 $ 5.69 $ 5.67 $ 178,056 178,895 152,360 153,086 842,464 — (12,212) 830,252 $ 699,324 (6,122) (10,392) 682,810 $ 4,442 563,729 11,418 — — (94,604) — (14,355) 687,896 4.88 4.86 140,906 141,524 570,527 — (6,798) 563,729 (2) For all periods presented, we have excluded the effect of dilutive series C, series E, series F, series G, series H, series I and series J preferred stock, as applicable, that may be converted upon the occurrence of specified change in control transactions as described in the articles supplementary governing the series C, series E, series F, series G, series H, series I and series J preferred stock, as applicable, which we consider highly improbable. Weighted average common stock and units outstanding Add: Effect of dilutive securities Weighted average common stock and units outstanding—diluted 82 Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 178,056 839 178,895 152,360 726 153,086 140,906 618 141,524 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK Our future income, cash flows and fair values relevant to financial instruments depend upon prevalent market interest rates. Market risk refers to the risk of loss from adverse changes in market prices and interest rates. We do not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes and only enter into contracts with major financial institutions based on their credit ratings and other factors. Analysis of Debt between Fixed and Variable Rate We use interest rate swap agreements and fixed rate debt to reduce our exposure to interest rate movements. As of December 31, 2017 , our consolidated debt was as follows (in millions): Fixed rate debt Variable rate debt subject to interest rate swaps Total fixed rate debt (including interest rate swaps) Variable rate debt Total outstanding debt Carrying Value Estimated Fair Value $ $ 6,479.3 $ 1,018.3 7,497.6 1,219.1 8,716.7 $ 6,829.0 1,018.3 7,847.3 1,219.1 9,066.4 Interest rate derivatives and their fair values as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were as follows (in thousands): Notional Amount As of December 31, 2017 As of December 31, 2016 Type of Derivative Strike Rate Effective Date Expiration Date Fair Value at Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) As of December 31, 2017 As of December 31, 2016 Currently-paying contracts $ 206,000 (1) $ 54,905 (1) — — 75,000 (1) 75,000 (1) 300,000 (2) — 229,012 (4) — — 206,000 (1) 54,905 (1) 75,000 (1) 75,000 (1) 300,000 (2) 130,850 (3) 209,132 (4) 78,357 (5) 1,018,274 $ 73,294 (5) 1,124,181 Swap Swap Swap Swap Swap Swap Swap Swap Swap Swap 1.611 1.605 0.932 0.670 1.016 1.164 1.435 0.925 0.792 0.779 Jun 15, 2017 Jan 15, 2020 $ 1,409 $ Jun 6, 2017 Jan 6, 2020 Jun 18, 2012 Apr 18, 2017 Aug 6, 2012 Apr 6, 2016 Jan 15, 2016 Jan 15, 2016 Apr 6, 2017 Jan 6, 2021 Jan 15, 2021 Jan 15, 2023 Jul 17, 2012 Apr 18, 2017 Jan 15, 2016 Jan 15, 2016 Jan 15, 2019 Jan 15, 2021 374 — — 2,260 1,947 9,978 — (430) 3,034 18,572 $ $ — — (90) 16 1,911 1,487 8,128 18 (1,818) 1,556 11,208 Represents portions of the U.S. dollar tranche of the 5 -Year Term Loan. Represents the U.S. dollar tranche of the 7 -Year Term Loan. Represents a portion of the Singapore dollar tranche of the 5 -Year Term Loan. Translation to U.S. dollars is based on exchange rate of $0.69 to 1.00 SGD as of December 31, 2016 . Represents the British pound sterling tranche of the 5 -Year Term Loan. Translation to U.S. dollars is based on exchange rates of $1.35 to £1.00 as of December 31, 2017 and $1.23 to £1.00 as of December 31, 2016 . Represents the Canadian dollar tranche of the 5 -Year Term Loan. Translation to U.S. dollars is based on exchange rates of $0.80 to 1.00 CAD as of December 31, 2017 and $0.74 to 1.00 CAD as of December 31, 2016 . 83 $ (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Sensitivity to Changes in Interest Rates The following table shows the effects if assumed changes in interest rates occurred, based on fair values and interest expense as of December 31, 2017 : Assumed event Increase in fair value of interest rate swaps following an assumed 10% increase in interest rates Decrease in fair value of interest rate swaps following an assumed 10% decrease in interest rates Increase in annual interest expense on our debt that is variable rate and not subject to swapped interest following a 10% increase in interest rates Decrease in annual interest expense on our debt that is variable rate and not subject to swapped interest following a 10% decrease in interest rates Increase in fair value of fixed rate debt following a 10% decrease in interest rates Decrease in fair value of fixed rate debt following a 10% increase in interest rates Change ($ millions) $ 4.7 (4.7) 2.1 (2.1) 66.6 (61.6) Interest risk amounts were determined by considering the impact of hypothetical interest rates on our financial instruments. These analyses do not consider the effect of any change in overall economic activity that could occur in that environment. Further, in the event of a change of that magnitude, we may take actions to further mitigate our exposure to the change. However, due to the uncertainty of the specific actions that would be taken and their possible effects, these analyses assume no changes in our financial structure. Foreign Currency Exchange Risk For the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , we had foreign operations in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Netherlands, Switzerland, Canada, Singapore, Australia, Japan and Hong Kong. In 2017, we commenced operations in Tokyo and in 2016, we commenced operations in Germany. As such, we are subject to risk from the effects of exchange rate movements of foreign currencies, which may affect future costs and cash flows. Our foreign operations are conducted in the British pound sterling, Euro, Australian dollar, Singapore dollar, Canadian dollar, Hong Kong dollar and the Japanese yen. Our primary currency exposures are to the British pound sterling, Euro and the Singapore dollar. We attempt to mitigate a portion of the risk of currency fluctuation by financing our investments in the local currency denominations and we may also hedge well-defined transactional exposures with foreign currency forwards or options, although there can be no assurances that these will be effective. As a result, changes in the relation of any such foreign currency to U.S. dollars may affect our revenues, operating margins and distributions and may also affect the book value of our assets and the amount of stockholders’ equity. For the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , operating revenues from properties outside the United States contributed $515.2 million, $442.9 million and $392.4 million, respectively, which represented 20.9%, 21.0% and 22.3% of our operating revenues, respectively. Net investment in properties outside the United States was $3.1 billion and $2.6 billion as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. Net assets in foreign operations were approximately $0.3 billion and $0.9 billion as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. Other Certain operating costs incurred by us, such as electricity, are subject to price fluctuations caused by the volatility of underlying commodity prices. In 2017, we entered into power purchase agreements to secure the renewable energy attributes from a wind farm in Illinois and a solar farm in North Carolina. In 2016, we entered into a power purchase agreement to secure the renewable energy attributes from a wind farm in Texas. 84 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA INDEX TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Management’s Reports on Internal Control over Financial Reporting Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Consolidated Financial Statements of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 Consolidated Income Statements for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017 Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017 Consolidated Statements of Equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017 Consolidated Financial Statements of Digital Realty Trust, L.P. Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 Consolidated Income Statements for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017 Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017 Consolidated Statements of Capital for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017 Consolidated Financial Statements of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Supplemental Schedule—Schedule III—Properties and Accumulated Depreciation Notes to Schedule III—Properties and Accumulated Depreciation 85 Page No. 86 88 92 94 95 96 100 104 106 107 108 111 115 171 178 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting The management of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (the Company) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15(d)-15(f). Our internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Company’s management and board of directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements. All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 . In making this assessment, we used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) . We acquired DuPont Fabros Technology, Inc. and subsidiaries during the year ended December 31, 2017 . We have excluded from our overall assessment of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 , internal control over financial reporting associated with DuPont Fabros Technology, Inc. and subsidiaries' total assets of $8.4 billion and total revenues of $178 million. Based on our assessment, management concluded that as of December 31, 2017 , the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective based on those criteria. Our independent registered public accounting firm has issued an audit report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. This report appears on pages 89 and 90. 86 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting The management of Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (the Operating Partnership) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15(d)-15(f). Our internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Operating Partnership’s management regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements. All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of our general partner, we assessed the effectiveness of the Operating Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 . In making this assessment, we used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) . We acquired DuPont Fabros Technology, Inc. and subsidiaries during the year ended December 31, 2017 . We have excluded from our overall assessment of the Operating Partnership's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 , internal control over financial reporting associated with DuPont Fabros Technology, Inc. and subsidiaries' total assets of $8.4 billion and total revenues of $178 million. Based on our assessment, management concluded that as of December 31, 2017 , the Operating Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting was effective based on those criteria. 87 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm To the Stockholders and Board of Directors Digital Realty Trust, Inc.: Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the related consolidated income statements and consolidated statements of comprehensive income, equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three‑year period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes and financial statement schedule III, properties and accumulated depreciation (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three‑year period ended December 31, 2017, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated February 28, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting . Basis for Opinion These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2004. San Francisco, California February 28, 2018 /s/ KPMG LLP 88 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm To the Stockholders and Board of Directors Digital Realty Trust, Inc.: Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting We have audited Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and subsidiaries’ (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the related consolidated income statements and statements of comprehensive income, equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes and financial statement schedule III, properties and accumulated depreciation ( collectively, the consolidated financial statements), and our report dated February 28, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. The Company acquired DuPont Fabros Technology, Inc. and subsidiaries during the year ended December 31, 2017, and management excluded from its assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, DuPont Fabros Technology, Inc. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting associated with total assets of $8.4 billion and total revenues of $178 million included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of the Company also excluded an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of DuPont Fabros Technology, Inc. and subsidiaries. Basis for Opinion The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. 89 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. San Francisco, California February 28, 2018 /s/ KPMG LLP 90 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of the General Partner and Partners Digital Realty Trust, L.P.: Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Digital Realty Trust, L.P. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the related consolidated income statements and consolidated statements of comprehensive income, capital, and cash flows for each of the years in the three‑year period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes and financial statement schedule III, properties and accumulated depreciation (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three‑year period ended December 31, 2017, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Basis for Opinion These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2004. San Francisco, California February 28, 2018 /s/ KPMG LLP 91 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands, except share and per share data) ASSETS Investments in real estate: Properties: Land Acquired ground leases Buildings and improvements Tenant improvements Total investments in properties Accumulated depreciation and amortization Net investments in properties Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures Net investments in real estate Cash and cash equivalents Accounts and other receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $6,737 and $7,446 as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively Deferred rent Acquired above-market leases, net of accumulated amortization of $110,139 and $87,961 as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively Goodwill Acquired in-place lease value, deferred leasing costs and intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $1,016,989 and $772,443 as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively Restricted cash Assets held for sale Other assets Total assets LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Global revolving credit facility Unsecured term loan Unsecured senior notes, net of discount Mortgage loans, including premiums Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities Accrued dividends and distributions Acquired below-market leases, net of accumulated amortization of $219,654 and $202,000 as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively Security deposits and prepaid rents Obligations associated with assets held for sale Total liabilities 92 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 $ 1,136,341 $ 11,150 746,822 11,335 15,215,405 10,267,525 553,040 16,915,936 (3,238,227) 13,677,709 163,477 13,841,186 51 276,347 430,026 184,375 3,389,595 532,787 11,558,469 (2,668,509) 8,889,960 106,402 8,996,362 10,528 203,938 412,269 22,181 752,970 2,998,806 1,522,378 13,130 139,538 131,291 11,508 56,097 204,354 21,404,345 $ 12,192,585 550,946 $ 1,420,333 6,570,757 106,582 980,218 199,761 249,465 217,898 5,033 199,209 1,482,361 4,153,797 3,240 824,878 144,194 81,899 168,111 2,599 10,300,993 7,060,288 $ $ Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (continued) (in thousands, except share and per share data) Redeemable noncontrolling interests – operating partnership Commitments and contingencies Stockholders’ Equity: Preferred Stock: $0.01 par value per share, 110,000,000 shares authorized, 50,650,000 and 41,900,000 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively Common Stock: $0.01 par value, 315,000,000 shares authorized as of December 31, 2017 and 265,000,000 shares authorized as of December 31, 2016; 205,470,300 and 159,019,118 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively Additional paid-in capital Accumulated dividends in excess of earnings Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net Total stockholders’ equity Noncontrolling interests: Noncontrolling interests in operating partnership Noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures Total noncontrolling interests Total equity Total liabilities and equity See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 93 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 53,902 — 1,249,560 1,012,961 2,044 1,582 11,261,461 5,764,497 (2,055,552) (1,547,420) (108,432) (135,605) 10,349,081 5,096,015 698,126 2,243 700,369 29,684 6,598 36,282 11,049,450 5,132,297 $ 21,404,345 $ 12,192,585 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Operating Revenues: Rental Tenant reimbursements Interconnection and other Fee income Other Total operating revenues Operating Expenses: Rental property operating and maintenance Property taxes Insurance Change in fair value of contingent consideration Depreciation and amortization General and administrative Transaction and integration expenses Impairment of investments in real estate Other Total operating expenses Operating income Other Income (Expenses): Equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures Gain on sale of properties Interest and other income Interest expense Tax expense Gain (loss) from early extinguishment of debt Net income Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net income attributable to Digital Realty Trust, Inc. Preferred stock dividends Issuance costs associated with redeemed preferred stock Net income available to common stockholders Net income per share available to common stockholders: Basic Diluted Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic Diluted DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS (in thousands, except share and per share data) Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 $ 1,774,649 $ 1,542,511 $ 1,354,986 440,224 235,652 6,372 1,031 355,903 204,317 6,285 33,197 359,875 40,759 6,638 1,078 2,457,928 2,142,213 1,763,336 759,616 124,014 10,981 — 842,464 161,441 76,048 28,992 3,077 660,177 102,497 9,492 — 699,324 152,733 20,491 — 213 549,885 92,588 8,809 (44,276) 570,527 105,549 17,400 — 60,943 2,006,633 451,295 1,644,927 497,286 1,361,425 401,911 25,516 40,354 3,655 (258,642) (7,901) 1,990 256,267 (8,008) 248,259 (68,802) (6,309) 17,104 169,902 (4,564) (236,480) (10,385) (1,011) 431,852 (5,665) 426,187 (83,771) (10,328) 173,148 $ 332,088 $ 15,491 94,604 (2,381) (201,435) (6,451) (148) 301,591 (4,902) 296,689 (79,423) — 217,266 0.99 $ 0.99 $ 2.21 $ 2.20 $ 1.57 1.56 174,059,386 149,953,662 174,895,098 150,679,688 138,247,606 138,865,421 $ $ $ See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 94 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (in thousands) Net income Other comprehensive income: Foreign currency translation adjustments (Decrease) increase in fair value of interest rate swaps and foreign currency hedges Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps Comprehensive income Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive income attributable to Digital Realty Trust, Inc. Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 $ 256,267 $ 431,852 $ 301,591 28,709 (86,621) (51,745) (3,434) 2,459 284,001 (8,569) 41,998 4,968 392,197 (5,025) $ 275,432 $ 387,172 $ (3,407) 2,621 249,060 (3,915) 245,145 See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 95 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Balance as of December 31, 2014 Conversion of common units to common stock Issuance of unvested restricted stock, net of forfeitures Common stock offering costs Exercise of stock options Issuance of common stock in exchange for cash Issuance of preferred stock, net of offering costs Amortization of unearned compensation on share-based awards Reclassification of vested share-based awards Dividends declared on preferred stock Dividends and distributions on common stock and common and incentive units Distributions to noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures, net of contributions Net income Other comprehensive income— foreign currency translation adjustments Other comprehensive income— fair value of interest rate swaps Other comprehensive income— reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense Balance as of December 31, 2015 DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (in thousands, except share data) Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests — Operating Partnership Preferred Stock Number of Common Shares Common Stock Additional Paid-in Capital Accumulated Dividends in Excess of Earnings Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net Total Stockholders’ Equity Noncontrolling Interests in Operating Partnership Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Joint Ventures Total Noncontrolling Interests Total Equity $ — $ 1,048,121 135,626,255 $ 1,349 $ 3,970,439 $ (1,096,607) $ (45,046) $ 3,878,256 $ 29,191 $ 6,791 $ 35,982 $ 3,914,238 — — — — — — 156,008 2 1,841 — — — 72,673 — 29,311 — — — — 799 896 — 10,500,000 105 675,472 — — — — — — — — — — 1,843 (1,843) — 799 896 675,577 — — — — — — — — — (1,843) — — — — — 799 896 — 675,577 — 242,014 — — — — — 242,014 — — — 242,014 — — — — — — — — — — 14,375 — (8,602) — — — — (79,423) — — — 14,375 — (8,602) 8,602 (79,423) — — — — — 14,375 8,602 — — (79,423) — — — — — (470,748) — (470,748) (9,793) — (9,793) (480,541) — — — — — — — — — — — 296,689 — — — — 296,689 4,442 (493) 460 (493) 4,902 (493) 301,591 — — — — — — (50,775) (50,775) (970) — — — — — — (3,338) (3,338) (69) — — (970) (51,745) (69) (3,407) — — — — — — 2,569 2,569 52 — 52 2,621 $ — $ 1,290,135 146,384,247 $ 1,456 $ 4,655,220 $ (1,350,089) $ (96,590) $ 4,500,132 $ 29,612 $ 6,758 $ 36,370 $ 4,536,502 See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 96 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Balance as of December 31, 2015 Conversion of common units to common stock Issuance of unvested restricted stock, net of forfeitures Issuance of common stock in exchange for cash, net of offering costs Exercise of stock options Redemption of series E preferred stock Preferred stock offering costs Amortization of unearned compensation on share-based awards Reclassification of vested share-based awards Dividends declared on preferred stock Dividends and distributions on common stock and common and incentive units Distributions to noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures, net of contributions Net income Other comprehensive income— foreign currency translation adjustments Other comprehensive income— fair value of interest rate swaps Other comprehensive income— reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense Balance as of December 31, 2016 DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (continued) (in thousands, except share data) Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests — Operating Partnership Preferred Stock Number of Common Shares Common Stock Additional Paid-in Capital Accumulated Dividends in Excess of Earnings Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net Total Stockholders’ Equity Noncontrolling Interests in Operating Partnership Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Joint Ventures Total Noncontrolling Interests Total Equity $ — $ 1,290,135 146,384,247 $ 1,456 $ 4,655,220 $ (1,350,089) $ (96,590) $ 4,500,132 $ 29,612 $ 6,758 $ 36,370 $ 4,536,502 — — 430,493 5 5,237 — — 5,242 (5,242) — (5,242) — — 120,082 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — (277,172) (2) — — — — — — — — — 12,000,000 120 1,085,324 — 33,948 — 1,380 — — — — — — (10,328) — — — — — 1,085,444 1,380 (287,500) (2) — — — — — 24,113 — (10,125) — — — 24,113 — — (10,125) 10,125 — — (83,771) — (83,771) — — — — — — — — — — — — 1,085,444 1,380 (287,500) (2) — 24,113 10,125 — — (83,771) — — — — — (529,419) — (529,419) (9,469) — (9,469) (538,888) — — — — — — — — — — — 426,187 — — — 426,187 — 5,298 (527) 367 (527) 5,665 (527) 431,852 — — — — — — (85,300) (85,300) (1,321) — (1,321) (86,621) — — — — — — 41,395 41,395 603 — 603 41,998 — — — — — — 4,890 4,890 78 — 78 4,968 $ — $ 1,012,961 159,019,118 $ 1,582 $ 5,764,497 $ (1,547,420) $ (135,605) $ 5,096,015 $ 29,684 $ 6,598 $ 36,282 $ 5,132,297 See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 97 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (continued) (in thousands, except share data) Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests — Operating Partnership Preferred Stock Number of Common Shares Common Stock Additional Paid-in Capital Accumulated Dividends in Excess of Earnings Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net Total Stockholders’ Equity Noncontrolling Interests in Operating Partnership Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Joint Ventures Total Noncontrolling Interests Total Equity $ — $ 1,012,961 159,019,118 $ 1,582 $ 5,764,497 $ (1,547,420) $ (135,605) $ 5,096,015 $ 29,684 $ 6,598 $ 36,282 $ 5,132,297 — — 562,582 6 10,003 — — 10,009 (10,009) — (10,009) — — 249,050 — — — — — — — — — — 66,259 — 43,175,629 432 5,247,126 — — 5,247,558 676,566 — — — — 2,375,000 — 17,668 — 71,253 24 — — 211,873 729 5,143 — — — — — — 211,897 729 5,143 219,250 — — — — — 219,250 193,540 — (176,191) — — (12,357) — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 193,540 — (6,309) — (182,500) — 27,981 — (10,057) — — — 27,981 — — (10,057) 10,057 — — 4,166 — — 4,166 8,191 — (68,802) — (68,802) — — — — — — — — — — — 676,566 5,924,124 — — — 211,897 729 5,143 — — 219,250 — — — — — — — — 193,540 (182,500) — 27,981 10,057 — 8,191 12,357 — (68,802) — — — — — (681,280) — (681,280) (20,694) — (20,694) (701,974) — — — — — — — — — — — 248,259 — — — 248,259 — 3,770 (8,593) 4,238 (8,593) (8,593) 8,008 256,267 — — — — — — 28,272 28,272 437 — 437 28,709 — — — — — — (3,513) (3,513) 79 — 79 (3,434) — — — — — — 2,414 2,414 45 — 45 2,459 Balance as of December 31, 2016 Conversion of common units to common stock Issuance of unvested restricted stock, net of forfeitures Common stock and units issued in connection with DFT merger Issuance of common stock, net of offering costs Exercise of stock options Shares issued under employee stock purchase plan Issuance of series C preferred stock in connection with DFT merger Issuance of series J preferred stock, net of offering costs Redemption of series F preferred stock Amortization of unearned compensation on share-based awards Reclassification of vested share-based awards Adjustment to redeemable noncontrolling interests—operating partnership Dividends declared on preferred stock Dividends and distributions on common stock and common and incentive units Distributions to noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures, net of contributions Net income Other comprehensive income— foreign currency translation adjustments Other comprehensive income— fair value of interest rate swaps and foreign currency hedges Other comprehensive income— reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense Balance as of December 31, 2017 $ 53,902 $ 1,249,560 205,470,300 $ 2,044 $ 11,261,461 $ (2,055,552) $ (108,432) $ 10,349,081 $ 698,126 $ 2,243 $ 700,369 $ 11,049,450 98 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 99 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (in thousands) Cash flows from operating activities: Net income Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Gain on sale of properties Gain on lease termination Impairment of investments in real estate Equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures Change in fair value of accrued contingent consideration Distributions from unconsolidated joint ventures Write-off of net assets due to early lease terminations Gain on settlement of pre-existing relationships with Telx Depreciation and amortization of buildings and improvements, tenant improvements and acquired ground leases Amortization of acquired in-place lease value and deferred leasing costs Amortization of share-based unearned compensation Non-cash amortization of terminated swaps (Recovery of) allowance for doubtful accounts Amortization of deferred financing costs (Gain) loss on early extinguishment of debt Amortization of debt discount/premium Amortization of acquired above-market leases and acquired below-market leases Changes in assets and liabilities, net of impact of Telx acquisition and European portfolio acquisition Accounts and other receivables Deferred rent Deferred leasing costs Other assets Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities Security deposits and prepaid rents Net cash provided by operating activities Cash flows from investing activities: Telx acquisition, net of cash acquired Cash assumed in DFT merger Acquisitions of real estate, net of cash acquired Proceeds from sale of assets, net of sales costs Distribution of debt proceeds from closing of joint venture Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures Excess proceeds from forward contract settlement Receipt of value added tax refund Refundable value added tax paid Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 $ 256,267 $ 431,852 $ 301,591 (40,354) — 28,992 (25,516) — 31,747 3,076 — 594,996 247,468 20,521 1,204 (776) 10,634 (1,990) 2,992 1,770 (73,717) (16,564) (15,363) (1,800) (16,384) 16,102 1,023,305 — 20,650 (415,764) 89,333 135,793 (93,405) 63,956 — — (169,902) (29,205) — (17,104) — 16,755 213 — 518,716 180,608 17,433 — 1,602 9,908 1,011 2,616 (8,351) (13,754) (24,401) 60 (69,924) 38,432 24,677 911,242 — — (873,285) 359,319 — — — 11,624 (43,719) (94,604) — — (15,491) (44,276) 14,947 75,263 (14,355) 464,694 105,833 6,360 — (458) 8,481 148 2,032 (9,336) (10,127) (48,404) (11,688) (2,928) 36,113 33,045 796,840 (1,850,061) — (99,247) 185,565 — (10,797) — 17,570 (30,322) See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 100 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued) (in thousands) Improvements to and advances for investments in real estate Improvement advances to tenants Collection of advances from tenants for improvements Net cash used in investing activities Cash flows from financing activities: Borrowings on global revolving credit facility Repayments on global revolving credit facility Borrowings on unsecured term loans Repayments on unsecured term loans Borrowings on unsecured senior notes Principal payments on unsecured senior notes Repayments on other secured loans Borrowings on mortgage loans Principal payments on mortgage loans Earnout payments related to acquisitions Payment of loan fees and costs Capital distributions to noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures Proceeds from common and preferred stock offerings, net Proceeds from equity plans Redemption of preferred stock Payment of dividends to preferred stockholders Payment of dividends to common stockholders and distributions to noncontrolling interests in operating partnership Net cash provided by financing activities Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (1,150,619) (50,857) 43,760 (758,081) (16,239) 16,784 (737,180) (40,553) 37,524 (1,357,153) (1,303,597) (2,527,501) $ 2,180,556 $ 2,533,507 $ (2,304,686) (3,283,087) — (371,520) 2,265,060 (884,841) (50,000) 104,000 (105,546) — (16,830) (8,593) 405,437 5,872 (182,500) (68,802) (646,407) 321,200 (12,648) 3,793 22,036 766,201 (170,736) 675,591 — (25,000) — (299,826) (23,213) (19,574) (527) 1,085,442 4,729 (287,500) (83,771) (521,619) 350,617 (41,738) (11,288) 75,062 $ 13,181 $ 22,036 $ 2,436,032 (1,958,025) — — 1,445,127 (374,927) (67,000) — (75,492) (12,985) (13,488) (493) 918,944 896 — (79,423) (468,635) 1,750,531 19,870 2,316 52,876 75,062 See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 101 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued) (in thousands) Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized Cash paid for income taxes Supplementary disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities: Change in net assets related to foreign currency translation adjustments Accrual of dividends and distributions (Decrease) increase in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities related to change in fair value of interest rate swaps Noncontrolling interests in operating partnership redeemed for or converted to shares of common stock Accrual for additions to investments in real estate and tenant improvement advances included in accounts payable and accrued expenses Accrual for potential earnout contingency Note receivable related to sale of property Assumption of capital lease obligations upon acquisition Allocation of purchase price of real estate/investment in partnership to: Investments in real estate Accounts receivable Goodwill Acquired above-market leases Acquired in-place lease value and deferred leasing costs Other assets Capital lease obligations Acquired below-market leases Accounts payables and other accrued liabilities Security deposits and prepaid rents Cash paid for acquisition of real estate Contribution of assets and liabilities to unconsolidated joint venture: Investments in real estate Other assets Other liabilities Assets and liabilities assumed in DFT merger: Cash Land Buildings and improvements Accounts and other receivables Acquired above-market leases Tenant relationship and acquired in-place lease value 102 Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 $ $ 211,549 $ 216,713 $ 9,456 3,698 28,709 $ 199,761 (86,621) $ 144,194 (3,434) 41,998 10,009 5,242 149,548 128,531 — — — — — 118,923 180,141 3,122 (51,745) 126,925 (3,407) 1,843 109,394 19,364 9,000 63,692 $ 366,105 $ 378,431 $ 99,247 — — 21,043 30,111 — — (1,495) — — 8,537 448,123 — 226,877 9,011 (118,923) (922) (69,084) (8,765) — — — — — — — — — 415,764 $ 873,285 $ 99,247 119,106 $ 16,700 (31,634) — $ — — 20,650 $ — $ 312,579 3,677,497 10,978 162,333 1,582,385 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — $ $ $ Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Goodwill Revolving credit facility Unsecured term loan Unsecured notes Mortgage notes payable and unsecured debt Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities Acquired below-market leases Other working capital, net Redeemable noncontrolling interests -- operating partnership Common stock issued in connection with merger Noncontrolling interests in operating partnership Issuance of preferred stock in connection with merger Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 2,592,181 (450,697) (250,000) (886,831) (105,000) (248,259) (185,543) (22,640) (66,259) (5,247,558) (676,566) (219,250) — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 103 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands, except unit data) ASSETS Investments in real estate: Properties: Land Acquired ground leases Buildings and improvements Tenant improvements Total investments in properties Accumulated depreciation and amortization Net investments in properties Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures Net investments in real estate Cash and cash equivalents Accounts and other receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $6,737 and $7,446 as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively Deferred rent Acquired above-market leases, net of accumulated amortization of $110,139 and $87,961 as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively Goodwill Acquired in-place lease value, deferred leasing costs and intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $1,016,989 and $772,443 as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively Restricted cash Assets held for sale Other assets Total assets LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL Global revolving credit facility Unsecured term loans Unsecured senior notes, net of discount Mortgage loans, including premiums Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities Accrued dividends and distributions Acquired below-market leases, net of accumulated amortization of $219,654 and $202,000 as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively Security deposits and prepaid rents Obligations associated with assets held for sale Total liabilities 104 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 $ 1,136,341 $ 11,150 746,822 11,335 15,215,405 10,267,525 553,040 16,915,936 (3,238,227) 13,677,709 163,477 13,841,186 51 276,347 430,026 184,375 3,389,595 532,787 11,558,469 (2,668,509) 8,889,960 106,402 8,996,362 10,528 203,938 412,269 22,181 752,970 2,998,806 1,522,378 13,130 139,538 131,291 11,508 56,097 204,354 21,404,345 $ 12,192,585 550,946 $ 1,420,333 6,570,757 106,582 980,218 199,761 249,465 217,898 5,033 199,209 1,482,361 4,153,797 3,240 824,878 144,194 81,899 168,111 2,599 10,300,993 7,060,288 $ $ Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Redeemable limited partner common units Commitments and contingencies Capital: Partners’ capital: General Partner: DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (continued) (in thousands, except unit data) December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 — 53,902 Preferred units, 50,650,000 and 41,900,000 units issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively Common units, 205,470,300 and 159,019,118 units issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively Limited Partners, 8,489,095 and 2,475,663 units outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively Accumulated other comprehensive loss Total partners’ capital Noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures Total capital Total liabilities and capital 1,249,560 1,012,961 9,207,953 4,218,659 702,579 (112,885) 11,047,207 2,243 34,698 (140,619) 5,125,699 6,598 11,049,450 5,132,297 $ 21,404,345 $ 12,192,585 See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 105 DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS (in thousands, except unit and per unit data) Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Operating Revenues: Rental Tenant reimbursements Interconnection and other Fee income Other Total operating revenues Operating Expenses: Rental property operating and maintenance Property taxes Insurance Change in fair value of contingent consideration Depreciation and amortization General and administrative Transaction and integration expenses Impairment of investments in real estate Other Total operating expenses Operating income Other Income (Expenses): Equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures Gain on sale of property Interest and other income Interest expense Tax expense Gain (loss) from early extinguishment of debt Net income Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures Net income attributable to Digital Realty Trust, L.P. Preferred units distributions Issuance costs associated with redeemed preferred units Net income available to common unitholders Net income per unit available to common unitholders: Basic Diluted Weighted average common units outstanding: Basic Diluted See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 106 Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 $ 1,774,649 $ 1,542,511 $ 1,354,986 440,224 235,652 6,372 1,031 355,903 204,317 6,285 33,197 359,875 40,759 6,638 1,078 2,457,928 2,142,213 1,763,336 759,616 124,014 10,981 — 842,464 161,441 76,048 28,992 3,077 660,177 102,497 9,492 — 699,324 152,733 20,491 — 213 549,885 92,588 8,809 (44,276) 570,527 105,549 17,400 — 60,943 2,006,633 451,295 1,644,927 497,286 1,361,425 401,911 25,516 40,354 3,655 (258,642) (7,901) 1,990 256,267 (4,238) 252,029 (68,802) (6,309) 17,104 169,902 (4,564) (236,480) (10,385) (1,011) 431,852 (367) 431,485 (83,771) (10,328) 176,918 $ 337,386 $ 15,491 94,604 (2,381) (202,800) (6,451) (148) 300,226 (460) 299,766 (79,423) — 220,343 0.99 $ 0.99 $ 2.21 $ 2.20 $ 1.56 1.55 178,055,936 152,359,680 178,891,648 153,085,706 140,905,897 141,523,712 $ $ $ Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (in thousands) Net income Other comprehensive income: Foreign currency translation adjustments Increase (decrease) in fair value of interest rate swaps and foreign currency hedges Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps Comprehensive income Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures Comprehensive income attributable to Digital Realty Trust, L.P. Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 256,267 $ 431,852 $ 300,226 28,709 (86,621) (51,745) (3,434) 2,459 41,998 4,968 (3,407) 2,621 284,001 $ 392,197 $ 247,695 (4,238) (367) 279,763 $ 391,830 $ (460) 247,235 $ $ $ See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 107 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Redeemable L imited Partner Common Units Balance as of December 31, 2014 $ — 43,400,000 DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITAL (in thousands, except unit data) General Partner Limited Partners Preferred Units Common Units Common Units Units Amount $ 1,048,121 Units 135,626,255 Amount $ 2,875,181 Units 3,013,661 Amount $ 32,578 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Joint Ventures $ (48,433) $ 6,791 Total Capital $ 3,914,238 Conversion of limited partner common units to general partner common units Issuance of unvested restricted common units, net of forfeitures Common unit offering costs Issuance of common units in connection with the exercise of stock options Issuance of common units, net of forfeitures Issuance of common units Net proceeds from issuance of preferred units Amortization of unearned compensation on share- based awards Reclassification of vested share-based awards Distributions Distributions to noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures, net of contributions Net income Other comprehensive loss - foreign currency translation adjustments Other comprehensive loss - fair value of interest rate swaps Other comprehensive income - reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 10,000,000 242,014 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 53,400,000 — — — (79,423) — 79,423 — — — 156,008 1,843 (156,008) (1,843) 72,673 — 29,311 — — 799 896 — — — — (24,327) 10,500,000 675,577 — — — — — — — — — — 14,375 (8,602) (470,748) — 215,901 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 8,602 (9,793) — 4,442 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — (51,745) (3,407) 2,621 See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 108 $ 1,290,135 146,384,247 $ 3,305,222 2,833,326 $ 33,986 $ (100,964) $ 6,758 — — — — — — — — — — (493) 460 — — — — 799 896 — 675,577 242,014 14,375 — (559,964) (493) 300,226 (51,745) (3,407) — 2,621 $ 4,535,137 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITAL (continued) (in thousands, except unit data) Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ — 53,400,000 Redeemable Limited Partner Common Units General Partner Limited Partners Preferred Units Common Units Common Units Units Amount $ 1,290,135 Units 146,384,247 Amount $ 3,305,222 Units 2,833,326 Amount $ 33,986 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Joint Ventures $ (100,964) $ 6,758 Total Capital $ 4,535,137 Conversion of limited partner common units to general partner common units Issuance of unvested restricted common units, net of forfeitures Issuance of common units, net of offering costs Issuance of common units in connection with the exercise of stock options Issuance of common units, net of forfeitures Preferred unit offering costs Units issued in connection with employee stock purchase plan Redemption of series E preferred units Amortization of unearned compensation on share- based awards Reclassification of vested share-based awards Distributions Distributions to noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures, net of contributions Net income Other comprehensive loss - foreign currency translation adjustments Other comprehensive loss - fair value of interest rate swaps and foreign currency hedges Other comprehensive income - reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense Balance as of December 31, 2016 $ — — — — — — — — — — — — — — (11,500,000) — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 41,900,000 — — — — — — (2) — (277,172) — — (83,771) — 83,771 — — — 430,493 5,242 (430,493) (5,242) 120,082 — 12,000,000 1,085,444 33,948 1,380 — — — — 50,348 3,349 — — — — — — — — — (10,328) 24,113 (10,125) (528,054) — 342,416 — — — — — — 72,830 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 10,125 (9,469) — 5,298 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — (86,621) 41,998 4,968 See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 109 $ 1,012,961 159,019,118 $ 4,218,659 2,475,663 $ 34,698 $ (140,619) $ 6,598 — — — — — — — — — — — (527) 367 — — — — 1,085,444 1,380 — (2) 3,349 (287,500) 24,113 — (621,294) (527) 431,852 (86,621) 41,998 — 4,968 $ 5,132,297 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITAL (continued) (in thousands, except unit data) Balance as of December 31, 2016 $ — 41,900,000 Redeemable Limited Partner Common Units General Partner Limited Partners Preferred Units Common Units Common Units Units Amount $ 1,012,961 Units 159,019,118 Amount $ 4,218,659 Units 2,475,663 Amount $ 34,698 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Joint Ventures $ (140,619) $ 6,598 Total Capital $ 5,132,297 Conversion of limited partner common units to general partner common units Issuance of unvested restricted common units, net of forfeitures Issuance of common units in connection with DFT merger Issuance of common units, net of offering costs Issuance of common units in connection with the exercise of stock options Issuance of common units, net of forfeitures Units issued in connection with employee stock purchase plan Issuance of series C preferred units in connection with DFT merger Issuance of series J preferred units, net of offering costs Redemption of series F preferred units Amortization of unearned compensation on share-based awards Reclassification of vested share-based awards — — 66,259 — — — — — — — — — Adjustment to redeemable common units (12,357) Distributions Distributions to noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures, net of contributions Net income Other comprehensive income - foreign currency translation adjustments Other comprehensive loss - fair value of interest rate swaps and foreign currency hedges Other comprehensive income - reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense Balance as of December 31, 2017 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 8,050,000 219,250 8,000,000 193,540 (7,300,000) (176,191) — — — — — — — — — — — — (68,802) — 68,802 — — — — — — — — — 562,582 10,009 (562,582) (10,009) 249,050 — — — 43,175,629 5,247,558 6,111,770 676,566 — — — — — — — — 10,057 8,191 (20,694) — 3,770 2,375,000 211,897 17,668 — 729 — 71,253 5,143 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — (6,309) 27,981 (10,057) 4,166 (681,280) — 179,457 — — — — — 464,244 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 28,709 — (3,434) — 2,459 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — (8,593) 4,238 — — — — 5,924,124 211,897 729 — 5,143 219,250 193,540 (182,500) 27,981 — 12,357 (770,776) (8,593) 256,267 28,709 (3,434) — 2,459 $ 11,049,450 $ 53,902 50,650,000 $ 1,249,560 205,470,300 $ 9,207,953 8,489,095 $ 702,579 $ (112,885) $ 2,243 See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 110 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (in thousands) Cash flows from operating activities: Net income Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Gain on sale of properties Gain on lease termination Impairment of investments in real estate Equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures Change in fair value of accrued contingent consideration Distributions from unconsolidated joint ventures Write-off of net assets due to early lease terminations Gain on settlement of pre-existing relationships with Telx Depreciation and amortization of buildings and improvements, tenant improvements and acquired ground leases Amortization of acquired in-place lease value and deferred leasing costs Amortization of share-based unearned compensation Non-cash amortization of terminated swaps (Recovery of) allowance for doubtful accounts Amortization of deferred financing costs (Gain) loss on early extinguishment of debt Amortization of debt discount/premium Amortization of acquired above-market leases and acquired below-market leases Changes in assets and liabilities, net of impact of Telx acquisition and European portfolio acquisition Accounts and other receivables Deferred rent Deferred leasing costs Other assets Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities Security deposits and prepaid rents Net cash provided by operating activities Cash flows from investing activities: Telx acquisition, net of cash acquired Cash assumed in DFT merger Acquisitions of real estate, net of cash acquired Proceeds from sale of assets, net of sales costs Distribution of debt proceeds from closing of joint venture Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures Excess proceeds from forward contract settlement Receipt of value added tax refund Refundable value added tax paid Improvements to and advances for investments in real estate Improvement advances to tenants Collection of advances from tenants for improvements Net cash used in investing activities Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 $ 256,267 $ 431,852 $ 300,226 (40,354) — 28,992 (25,516) — 31,747 3,076 — 594,996 247,468 20,521 1,204 (776) 10,634 (1,990) 2,992 1,770 (73,717) (16,564) (15,363) (1,800) (16,384) 16,102 1,023,305 — 20,650 (415,764) 89,333 135,793 (93,405) 63,956 — — (1,150,619) (50,857) 43,760 (169,902) (29,205) — (17,104) — 16,755 213 — 518,716 180,608 17,433 — 1,602 9,908 1,011 2,616 (8,351) (13,754) (24,401) 60 (69,924) 38,432 24,677 911,242 — — (873,285) 359,319 — — — 11,624 (43,719) (758,081) (16,239) 16,784 (94,604) — — (15,491) (44,276) 14,947 75,263 (14,355) 464,694 105,833 6,360 — (458) 8,481 148 2,032 (9,336) (10,127) (48,404) (11,688) (2,928) 37,478 33,045 796,840 (1,850,061) — (99,247) 185,565 — (10,797) — 17,570 (30,322) (737,180) (40,553) 37,524 (1,357,153) (1,303,597) (2,527,501) 111 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Cash flows from financing activities: Borrowings on global revolving credit facility Repayments on global revolving credit facility Borrowings on unsecured term loans Repayments on unsecured term loans Borrowings on unsecured senior notes Principal payments on unsecured senior notes Repayments on other secured loans Borrowings on mortgage loans Principal payments on mortgage loans Earnout payments related to acquisitions Payment of loan fees and costs Capital distributions to noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures General partner contributions Payment of distributions to preferred unitholders Payment of distributions to common unitholders Net cash provided by financing activities Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued) (in thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 $ 2,180,556 $ 2,533,507 $ (2,304,686) (3,283,087) — (371,520) 2,265,060 (884,841) (50,000) 104,000 (105,546) — (16,830) (8,593) 228,809 (68,802) (646,407) 321,200 (12,648) 3,793 22,036 766,201 (170,736) 675,591 — (25,000) — (299,826) (23,213) (19,574) (527) 802,671 (83,771) (521,619) 350,617 (41,738) (11,288) 75,062 $ 13,181 $ 22,036 $ 112 2,436,032 (1,958,025) — — 1,445,127 (374,927) (67,000) — (75,492) (12,985) (13,488) (493) 919,840 (79,423) (468,635) 1,750,531 19,870 2,316 52,876 75,062 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued) (in thousands) Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized Cash paid for income taxes Supplementary disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities: Change in net assets related to foreign currency translation adjustments Accrual of distributions (Decrease) increase in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities related to change in fair value of interest rate swaps Accrual for additions to investments in real estate and tenant improvement advances included in accounts payable and accrued expenses Accrual for potential earnout contingency Assumption of capital lease obligations upon acquisition Note receivable related to sale of property Allocation of purchase price of real estate/investment in partnership to: Investments in real estate Accounts receivable Goodwill Acquired above-market leases Acquired in-place lease value and deferred leasing costs Other assets Capital lease obligations Acquired below-market leases Accounts payables and other accrued liabilities Security deposits and prepaid rents Cash paid for acquisition of real estate Contribution of assets and liabilities to unconsolidated joint venture: Investments in real estate Other assets Other liabilities Assets and liabilities assumed in DFT merger: Cash Land Buildings and improvements Accounts and other receivables Acquired above-market leases Tenant relationship and acquired in-place lease value Goodwill 113 Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 $ $ 211,549 $ 216,713 $ 9,456 3,698 28,709 $ 199,761 (86,621) $ 144,194 180,141 3,122 (51,745) 126,925 (3,434) 41,998 (3,407) 149,548 — — — 128,531 — 118,923 — 109,394 19,364 63,692 9,000 $ 366,105 $ 378,431 $ 99,247 — — 21,043 30,111 — — (1,495) — — 8,537 448,123 — 226,877 9,011 (118,923) (922) (69,084) (8,765) — — — — — — — — — 415,764 $ 873,285 $ 99,247 119,106 $ 16,700 (31,634) 20,650 $ 312,579 $ 3,677,497 $ 10,978 $ 162,333 $ 1,582,385 $ 2,592,181 $ — $ — — — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — — — — — — — — — $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Revolving credit facility Unsecured term loan Unsecured notes Mortgage notes payable and unsecured debt Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities Acquired below-market leases Other working capital, net Redeemable noncontrolling interests -- operating partnership Common units issued to general partner in connection with merger Common units issued to limited partners in connection with merger Issuance of preferred units in connection with merger Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ (450,697) $ (250,000) $ (886,831) $ (105,000) $ (248,259) $ (185,543) $ (22,640) $ (66,259) $ (5,247,558) $ (676,566) $ (219,250) $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — — — — — — — — — — — See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 114 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS December 31, 2017 and 2016 1. Organization and Description of Business Digital Realty Trust, Inc. through its controlling interest in Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (the Operating Partnership) and the subsidiaries of the Operating Partnership (collectively, we, our, us or the Company) is a leading global provider of data center, colocation and interconnection solutions for customers across a variety of industry verticals ranging from cloud and information technology services, communications and social networking to financial services, manufacturing, energy, healthcare, and consumer products. The Operating Partnership, a Maryland limited partnership, is the entity through which Digital Realty Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation, conducts its business of owning, acquiring, developing and operating data centers. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. operates as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. A summary of our data center portfolio as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 is as follows: Region Operating Held for Sale Unconsolidated Joint Ventures Total Operating Held for Sale Unconsolidated Joint Ventures Total As of December 31, 2017 As of December 31, 2016 Data Centers United States Europe Asia Australia Canada Total (1 ) 131 38 3 5 (1 ) 3 180 7 — — — — 7 14 — 4 — — 18 152 38 7 5 3 123 37 3 4 2 205 169 3 — — — — 3 14 — 1 — — 15 140 37 4 4 2 187 (1) Includes 15 data centers acquired as part of the merger with DuPont Fabros Technology, Inc., of which 14 are located in the United States and one is located in Canada. We are diversified in major metropolitan areas where data center and technology customers are concentrated, including the Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, Northern Virginia, Phoenix, San Francisco, Seattle, Silicon Valley and Toronto metropolitan areas in North America, the Amsterdam, Dublin, Frankfurt, London and Paris metropolitan areas in Europe and the Hong Kong, Melbourne, Osaka, Singapore, Sydney, and Tokyo metropolitan areas in the Asia Pacific region. The portfolio consists of data centers, Internet gateway data centers and office and other non-data center space. The Operating Partnership was formed on July 21, 2004 in anticipation of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s initial public offering (IPO) on November 3, 2004 and commenced operations on that date. As of December 31, 2017 , Digital Realty Trust, Inc. owns a 96.0% common interest and a 100.0% preferred interest in the Operating Partnership. As of December 31, 2016, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. owned a 98.5% common interest and a 100.0% preferred interest in the Operating Partnership. As sole general partner of the Operating Partnership, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has the full, exclusive and complete responsibility for the Operating Partnership’s day-to-day management and control. The limited partners of the Operating Partnership do not have rights to replace Digital Realty Trust, Inc. as the general partner nor do they have participating rights, although they do have certain protective rights. In connection with the closing of the DFT Merger, (i) each share of DFT's common stock was converted into the right to receive 0.545 shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock, (ii) each common unit of partnership interests in the DFT Operating Partnership was converted into the right to receive 0.545 common units in the Operating Partnership, except to the extent that a unit holder elected to redeem his or her units and receive 0.545 shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock for each such redeemed unit; and (iii) each share of DFT's 6.625% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock was converted into the right to receive one share of a newly designated class of preferred stock of Digital Realty Trust, Inc's. 6.625% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock, with substantially similar rights, privileges, preferences and interests as DFT's 6.625% Series C Preferred Stock. 115 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (a) Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include all of the accounts of Digital Realty Trust, Inc., the Operating Partnership and the subsidiaries of the Operating Partnership. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. The notes to the consolidated financial statements of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and the Operating Partnership have been combined to provide the following benefits: • • • enhancing investors’ understanding of the Company and the Operating Partnership by enabling investors to view the business as a whole in the same manner as management views and operates the business; eliminating duplicative disclosure and providing a more streamlined and readable presentation since a substantial portion of the disclosure applies to both the Company and the Operating Partnership; and creating time and cost efficiencies through the preparation of one set of notes instead of two separate sets of notes. There are few differences between the Company and the Operating Partnership, which are reflected in these consolidated financial statements. We believe it is important to understand the differences between the Company and the Operating Partnership in the context of how we operate as an interrelated consolidated company. Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s only material asset is its ownership of partnership interests of the Operating Partnership. As a result, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. generally does not conduct business itself, other than acting as the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership, issuing public securities from time to time and guaranteeing certain unsecured debt of the Operating Partnership and certain of its subsidiaries and affiliates. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. itself has not issued any indebtedness but guarantees the unsecured debt of the Operating Partnership and certain of its subsidiaries and affiliates, as disclosed in these notes. The Operating Partnership holds substantially all the assets of the Company and holds the ownership interests in the Company’s joint ventures. The Operating Partnership conducts the operations of the business and is structured as a partnership with no publicly traded equity. Except for net proceeds from public equity issuances by Digital Realty Trust, Inc., which are generally contributed to the Operating Partnership in exchange for partnership units, the Operating Partnership generally generates the capital required by the Company’s business primarily through the Operating Partnership’s operations, by the Operating Partnership’s or its affiliates’ direct or indirect incurrence of indebtedness or through the issuance of partnership units. The presentation of noncontrolling interests in operating partnership, stockholders’ equity and partners’ capital are the main areas of difference between the consolidated financial statements of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and those of the Operating Partnership. The common limited partnership interests held by the limited partners in the Operating Partnership are presented as limited partners’ capital within partners’ capital in the Operating Partnership’s consolidated financial statements and as noncontrolling interests in operating partnership within equity in Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s consolidated financial statements. The common and preferred partnership interests held by Digital Realty Trust, Inc. in the Operating Partnership are presented as general partner’s capital within partners’ capital in the Operating Partnership’s consolidated financial statements and as preferred stock, common stock, additional paid-in capital and accumulated dividends in excess of earnings within stockholders’ equity in Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s consolidated financial statements. The differences in the presentations between stockholders’ equity and partners’ capital result from the differences in the equity issued at the Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and the Operating Partnership levels. To help investors understand the significant differences between the Company and the Operating Partnership, these consolidated financial statements present the following separate sections for each of the Company and the Operating Partnership: • • consolidated face financial statements; and the following notes to the consolidated financial statements: • • • Debt of the Company and Debt of the Operating Partnership; Income per Share and Income per Unit; Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of the Company and Capital and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) of the Operating Partnership; and 116 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 • Quarterly Financial Information. In the sections that combine disclosure of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and the Operating Partnership, these notes refer to actions or holdings as being actions or holdings of the Company. Although the Operating Partnership is generally the entity that enters into contracts and joint ventures and holds assets and debt, reference to the Company is appropriate because the business is one enterprise and the Company generally operates the business through the Operating Partnership. (b) Cash Equivalents For the purpose of the consolidated statements of cash flows, we consider short-term investments with original maturities of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , cash equivalents consist of investments in money market instruments. (c) Investments in Real Estate Investments in real estate are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Land is not depreciated. Depreciation and amortization are recorded on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives as follows: Acquired ground leases Buildings and improvements Machinery and equipment Furniture and fixtures Leasehold improvements Tenant improvements Terms of the related lease 5-39 years 7-15 years 3-5 years Shorter of the estimated useful lives or the terms of the related leases Shorter of the estimated useful lives or the terms of the related leases Improvements and replacements are capitalized when they extend the useful life, increase capacity, or improve the efficiency of the asset. Repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. Assets that are classified as held for sale are recorded at the lower of their carrying value or fair value less costs to dispose. We classify an asset as held for sale once management has the authority to approve and commits to a plan to sell, the asset is available for immediate sale, an active program to locate a buyer has commenced and the sale of the asset is probable and transfer of the asset is expected to occur within one year. Upon the classification of assets as held for sale or sold, the depreciation and amortization of the assets will cease. (d) Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures The Company’s investment in unconsolidated joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method, whereby our investment is increased for capital contributed and our share of the joint venture's net income and decreased by distributions we receive and our share of any losses of the joint ventures. We do not record losses of the joint ventures in excess of our investment balances unless we are liable for the obligations of the joint venture or are otherwise committed to provide financial support to the joint venture. Likewise, and as long as we have no explicit or implicit obligations to the joint venture, we will suspend equity method accounting to the extent that cash distributions exceed our investment balances until those unrecorded earnings exceed the excess distributions previously recognized in income. In this case, we will apply cost accounting concepts which tie income recognition to the receipt of cash. Cost basis accounting concepts will apply until earnings exceed the excess distributions previously recognized in income. We amortize the difference between the cost of our investment in the joint ventures and the book value of the underlying equity into income on a straight-line basis consistent with the lives of the underlying assets. The amortization of this difference was immaterial for each of the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 . 117 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 (e) Impairment of Long-Lived Assets We review each of our properties for indicators that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. Examples of such indicators may include a significant decrease in the market price of the property, a change in the expected holding period for the property, a significant adverse change in how the property is being used or expected to be used based on the underwriting at the time of acquisition, an accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected for the acquisition or development of the property, or a history of operating or cash flow losses of the property. When such impairment indicators exist, we review an estimate of the future undiscounted net cash flows (excluding interest charges) expected to result from the real estate investment’s use and eventual disposition and compare that estimate to the carrying value of the property. We consider factors such as future operating income, trends and prospects, as well as the effects of leasing demand, competition and other factors. If our future undiscounted net cash flow evaluation indicates that we are unable to recover the carrying value of a real estate investment, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of the property. These losses have a direct impact on our net income because recording an impairment loss results in an immediate negative adjustment to net income. The evaluation of anticipated cash flows is highly subjective and is based in part on assumptions regarding future occupancy, rental rates and capital requirements that could differ materially from actual results in future periods. Since cash flows on properties considered to be long-lived assets to be held and used are considered on an undiscounted basis to determine whether the carrying value of a property is recoverable, our strategy of holding properties over the long-term directly decreases the likelihood of their carrying values not being recoverable and therefore requiring the recording of an impairment loss. If our strategy changes or market conditions otherwise dictate an earlier sale date, an impairment loss may be recognized and such loss could be material. If we determine that the asset fails the recoverability test, the affected assets must be reduced to their fair value. We generally estimate the fair value of rental properties utilizing a discounted cash flow analysis that includes projections of future revenues, expenses and capital improvement costs that a market participant would use based on the highest and best use of the asset, which is similar to the income approach that is commonly utilized by appraisers. In certain cases, we may supplement this analysis by obtaining outside broker opinions of value. In considering whether to classify a property as held for sale, the Company considers whether: (i) management has committed to a plan to sell the property; (ii) the property is available for immediate sale in its present condition; (iii) the Company has initiated a program to locate a buyer; (iv) the Company believes that the sale of the property is probable; (v) the Company is actively marketing the property for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current value; and (vi) actions required for the Company to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that any significant changes will be made to the plan. If all the above criteria are met, the Company classifies the property as held for sale. Upon being classified as held for sale, the Company ceases all depreciation and amortization related to the property and it is recorded at the lower of its carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. The assets and related liabilities of the property are classified separately on the consolidated balance sheets for the most recent reporting period. Only those assets held for sale that constitute a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on our operations are classified as discontinued operations. To date we have had no property dispositions or assets classified as held for sale that would meet the definition of discontinued operations. (f) Purchase Accounting Purchase accounting is applied to the assets and liabilities related to all real estate investments acquired from third parties. The Company evaluates the nature of the purchase to determine whether the purchase is a business combination or an asset acquisition. Transaction costs associated with business combinations are expensed as incurred while transaction costs associated with an asset acquisition are included in the total costs of the acquisition and are allocated on a pro-rata basis to the carrying value of the assets and liabilities recognized in connection with the acquisition. The following accounting policies related to valuing the acquired tangible and intangible assets and liabilities are applicable to both business combinations and asset acquisitions. However, in the event the purchase is an asset acquisition, no goodwill or gain is permitted to be recognized. In an asset acquisition, the difference between the sum of the identified tangible and intangible assets and liabilities and the total purchase price (including transactions costs) is allocated to the identified tangible and intangible assets and liabilities on a relative fair value basis. In accordance with current accounting guidance , the fair value of the real estate acquired is allocated to the acquired tangible assets, consisting primarily of land, building and tenant improvements, and identified intangible assets and liabilities, consisting of the value of above-market and below-market leases, value of in-place leases and acquired ground leases and in the case of a business combination, tenant relationship value, based in each case on their fair values. Loan premiums, in 118 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 the case of above-market rate loans, or loan discounts, in the case of below-market loans, are recorded based on the fair value of any loans assumed in connection with acquiring the real estate. The fair values of the tangible assets of an acquired property are determined based on comparable land sales for land and replacement costs adjusted for physical and market obsolescence for the improvements. The fair values of the tangible assets of an acquired property are also determined by valuing the property as if it were vacant, and the “as-if-vacant” value is then allocated to land, building and tenant improvements based on management’s determination of the relative fair values of these assets. Management determines the as-if-vacant fair value of a property based on assumptions that a market participant would use, which is similar to methods used by independent appraisers. Factors considered by management in performing these analyses include an estimate of carrying costs during the expected lease-up periods considering current market conditions and costs to execute similar leases. In estimating carrying costs, management includes real estate taxes, insurance and other operating expenses and estimates of lost rental revenue during the expected lease-up periods based on current market demand. Management also estimates costs to execute similar leases including leasing commissions, tenant improvements, legal and other related costs. In allocating the fair value of the identified intangible assets and liabilities of an acquired property, above-market and below-market in-place lease values are recorded based on the present value (using an interest rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the in-place leases and (ii) estimated fair market lease rates from the perspective of a market participant for the corresponding in- place leases, measured, for above-market leases, over a period equal to the remaining non-cancelable term of the lease and, for below-market leases, over a period equal to the initial term plus any below-market fixed rate renewal periods. The leases we have acquired do not currently include any below-market fixed rate renewal periods. The capitalized above-market lease values are amortized as a reduction of rental income over the remaining non-cancelable terms of the respective leases. The capitalized below-market lease values, also referred to as acquired lease obligations, are amortized as an increase to rental income over the initial terms of the respective leases and any below-market fixed rate renewal periods. In addition to the intangible value for above-market leases and the intangible negative value for below-market leases, there is intangible value related to having tenants leasing space in the purchased property, which is referred to as in-place lease value. Such value results primarily from the buyer of a leased property avoiding the costs associated with leasing the property and also avoiding rent losses and unreimbursed operating expenses during the lease-up period. Factors to be considered by management in its analysis of in-place lease values include an estimate of carrying costs during hypothetical expected lease-up periods considering current market conditions, and costs to execute similar leases. In estimating carrying costs, management includes real estate taxes, insurance and other operating expenses and estimates of lost rental revenue at market rates during the expected lease-up periods, depending on local market conditions. In estimating costs to execute similar leases, management considers leasing commissions, legal and other related expenses. The value of in-place leases is amortized to expense over the remaining initial terms of the respective leases. In the event of a business combination, the Company will use the excess earnings method to value tenant relationship value, if any. Such value exists in transactions that involve the acquisition of tenants and customers that are expected to generate recurring revenues beyond existing in place lease terms. The primary factors to be considered by management in its analysis of tenant relationship value include historical tenant lease renewals and attrition rates, rental renewal probabilities and related market terms, estimated operating costs, and discount rate. Tenant relationship value is amortized to expense ratably over the anticipated life of the tenant relationships generating excess earnings, which is the period management uses to value this intangible asset. (g) Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net tangible and intangible assets acquired and tangible and intangible liabilities assumed in a business combination. Goodwill is not amortized. We perform an annual impairment test for goodwill and between annual tests, we evaluate goodwill for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances occur that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. In our impairment tests of goodwill, we first 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. If based on this assessment, we determine that the fair value of the reporting unit is not less than its carrying value, then performing the additional two-step impairment test is unnecessary. If our qualitative 119 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 assessment indicates that goodwill impairment is more likely than not, we perform a two-step impairment test. We test goodwill for impairment under the two-step impairment test by first comparing the book value of net assets including goodwill to the fair value of the reporting unit. If the fair value is determined to be less than the book value of the net assets, including goodwill, a second step is performed to compute the amount of impairment as the difference between the implied fair value of goodwill and its carrying value. We estimate the fair value of the reporting units using discounted cash flows. If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment charge is recognized. We have not recognized any goodwill impairments since our inception. Since some of the goodwill is denominated in foreign currencies, changes to the goodwill balance occur over time due to changes in foreign exchange rates. The following is a summary of goodwill activity for the year ended December 31, 2017 (in thousands): Balance as of December 31, 2016 Merger / Acquisition Goodwill Adjustments Impact of Change in Foreign Exchange Rates Balance as of December 31, 2017 $ 330,845 $ 422,125 — $ — — 2,592,181 — $ — $ (2,620) (35) 47,099 — $ 752,970 $ 2,592,181 $ (2,655) $ 47,099 $ 330,845 466,604 2,592,146 3,389,595 Merger / Portfolio Acquisition Telx Acquisition European Portfolio Acquisition DFT Merger Total (h) Capitalization of Costs Direct and indirect project costs that are clearly associated with the development of properties are capitalized as incurred. Project costs include all costs directly associated with the development of a property, including construction costs, interest, property taxes, insurance, legal fees and costs of personnel working on the project. Indirect costs that do not clearly relate to the projects under development are not capitalized and are charged to expense as incurred. Capitalization of costs begins when the activities necessary to get the development project ready for its intended use begins, which include costs incurred before the beginning of construction. Capitalization of costs ceases when the development project is substantially complete and ready for its intended use. Determining when a development project commences and when it is substantially complete and ready for its intended use involves a degree of judgment. We generally consider a development project to be substantially complete and ready for its intended use upon receipt of a certificate of occupancy. If and when development of a property is suspended pursuant to a formal change in the planned use of the property, we will evaluate whether the accumulated costs exceed the estimated value of the project and write off the amount of any such excess accumulated costs. For a development project that is suspended for reasons other than a formal change in the planned use of such property, the accumulated project costs are evaluated for impairment consistent with our impairment policies for long- lived assets. Capitalized costs are allocated to the specific components of a project that are benefited. During the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , we capitalized interest of approximately $21.7 million , $16.3 million and $12.9 million , respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , we capitalized amounts relating to compensation expense of employees direct and incremental to construction and successful leasing activities of approximately $77.3 million , $70.7 million and $60.1 million , respectively. In addition to capitalized cash compensation, approximately $22.9 million , $13.4 million and $22.8 million of capitalized costs primarily related to external leasing commissions are included in improvements to and advances for investments in real estate in cash flows from investing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. 120 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 (i) Deferred Leasing Costs Leasing commissions and other direct and indirect costs associated with the acquisition of tenants are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the related leases. Deferred leasing costs is included in acquired in-place lease value, deferred leasing costs and intangibles on the consolidated balance sheet and amounted to approximately $330.9 million and $253.7 million , net of accumulated amortization, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. (j) Foreign Currency Translation Assets and liabilities of our subsidiaries outside the United States with non-U.S. dollar functional currencies are translated into U.S. dollars using exchange rates as of the balance sheet dates. Income and expenses are translated using the average exchange rates for the reporting period. Foreign currency translation adjustments are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income. In the statement of cash flows, cash flows denominated in foreign currencies are translated using the exchange rates in effect at the time of the cash flows or an average exchange rate for the period, depending on the nature of the cash flow item. (k) Deferred Financing Costs Loan fees and costs are recorded as an adjustment to the carrying amount of the related debt and amortized over the life of the related loans on a straight-line basis, which approximates the effective interest method. Such amortization is included as a component of interest expense. (l) Restricted Cash Restricted cash consists of deposits for real estate taxes and insurance and other amounts as required by our loan agreements including funds for leasing costs and improvements related to unoccupied space. (m) Offering Costs Underwriting commissions and other offering costs are reflected as a reduction in additional paid-in capital, or in the case of preferred stock, as a reduction of the carrying value of preferred stock. (n) Share-Based Compensation The Company measures all share-based compensation awards at fair value on the date they are granted to employees and directors, and recognizes compensation cost, net of forfeitures, over the requisite service period for awards with only a service condition. The estimated fair value of the long-term incentive units and Class D Units (discussed in Note 14) granted by us is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected service period. The fair value of share-based compensation awards that contain a market condition is measured using a Monte Carlo simulation method and not adjusted based on actual achievement of the market condition. (o) Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities We account for our derivative instruments and hedging activities in accordance with the accounting standard for derivative and hedging activities. The accounting standard requires us to measure every derivative instrument (including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts) at fair value and record them in the balance sheet as either an asset or liability. The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and is subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivatives is recognized directly in earnings. The amount of loss recognized in income related to the settlement of derivatives or ineffective portion of the hedging relationships for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 was approximately $3.1 million and $1.6 million , respectively. No amount was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2017 related to the settlement of derivatives or ineffective portion of the hedging relationships. 121 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 We actively manage our ratio of fixed-to-floating rate debt. To manage our fixed and floating rate debt in a cost-effective manner, we, from time to time, enter into interest rate swap agreements as cash flow hedges, under which we agree to exchange various combinations of fixed and/or variable interest rates based on agreed upon notional amounts. In addition, we have entered into a series of forward contracts pursuant to which we agreed to sell an amount of foreign currency for an agreed upon amount of USD. These forward contracts were executed to manage foreign currency exposures associated with certain transactions. We do not enter into derivative instruments for trading purposes. (p) Income Taxes Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has elected to be treated as a real estate investment trust (a “REIT”) for federal income tax purposes. As a REIT, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. generally is not required to pay federal corporate income tax to the extent taxable income is currently distributed to its stockholders. If Digital Realty Trust, Inc. fails to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, it will be subject to federal income tax (including any applicable alternative minimum tax for taxable years prior to 2018) on its taxable income. The Company is subject to foreign, state and local income taxes in the jurisdictions in which it conducts business. The Company’s taxable REIT subsidiaries are subject to federal, state and foreign income taxes to the extent there is taxable income. Accordingly, the Company recognizes current and deferred income taxes for its taxable REIT subsidiaries, including federal, state and non-U.S. jurisdictions, as appropriate. We assess our significant tax positions in accordance with U.S. GAAP for all open tax years and determine whether we have any material unrecognized liabilities from uncertain tax benefits. If a tax position is not considered “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained solely on its technical merits, no benefits of the tax position are to be recognized (for financial statement purposes). As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , we have no assets or liabilities for uncertain tax positions. We classify interest and penalties from significant uncertain tax positions as interest expense and operating expense, respectively, in our consolidated income statements. For the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , we had no such interest or penalties. The tax year 2014 and thereafter remain open to examination by the major taxing jurisdictions with which the Company files tax returns. See Note 11 for further discussion on income taxes. (q) Presentation of Transactional-based Taxes We account for transactional-based taxes, such as value added tax, or VAT, for our international properties on a net basis. (r) Revenue Recognition All leases are classified as operating leases and minimum rents are recognized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the leases. The excess of rents recognized over amounts contractually due pursuant to the underlying leases is included in deferred rent in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and contractually due but unpaid rents are included in accounts and other receivables. Tenant reimbursements for real estate taxes, common area maintenance, and other recoverable costs are recognized in the period that the expenses are incurred. Lease termination fees, which are included in other revenue in the accompanying consolidated income statements, are recognized over the new remaining term of the lease, effective as of the date the lease modification is finalized, and assuming collection is probable. During the three months ended December 31, 2016, we recognized a non-cash gain on lease termination of approximately $29.2 million , as one of our tenants, as part of a lease termination, conveyed substantially all of its colocation and turn-key improvements to the Company. Colocation services are generally governed by a master terms and conditions agreement (MTC). Customers typically execute an MTC for one - to three -year terms. The Company bills customers on a monthly basis and recognizes the revenue as those services are performed over the term of the agreement. Revenues from installation services for colocation services are initially deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis over the average life of customer contracts. 122 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 Interconnection services are generally provided on a month-to-month, one-year or multi-year term under the MTC for colocation services. Interconnection services include port and cross-connect services. Port services are typically sold on a one-year or multi-year term and revenue is recognized on a recurring monthly basis similar to colocation services. The Company bills customers on a monthly basis and recognizes the revenue in the period the service is provided. Revenue for cross-connect installations is generally recognized in the period the cross-connect is installed. A provision for loss is made if the collection of the receivable balances related to contractual rent, rent recorded on a straight-line basis, tenant reimbursements and lease termination fees is considered to be doubtful. (s) Gains on Sale of Properties Gains on sale of properties are recognized using the full accrual or partial sale methods, as applicable, in accordance with U.S. GAAP, provided various criteria relating to the terms of sale and any subsequent involvement with the real estate sold are satisfied. (t) Fee Income Occasionally, customers engage the Company for certain services. The nature of these services historically involves property management, construction management, and assistance with financing. The proper revenue recognition of these services can be different, depending on whether the arrangements are service revenue or contractor type revenue. Service revenues are typically recognized on an equal monthly basis based on the minimum fee to be earned. The monthly amounts could be adjusted depending on if certain performance milestones are met. Fee income also includes management fees. These fees arise from contractual agreements with entities in which we have a noncontrolling interest. The management fees are recognized as earned under the respective agreements. Management and other fee income related to partially owned entities are recognized to the extent attributable to the unaffiliated interest. (u) Asset Retirement Obligations We record accruals for estimated retirement obligations as required by current accounting guidance. The amount of asset retirement obligations relates primarily to estimated costs associated with asbestos removal at the end of the economic life of properties that were built before 1984 along with remediation of soil contamination issues. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the amount included in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets was approximately $12.5 million and $5.7 million , respectively. (v) Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value Fair value under U.S. GAAP is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement. Therefore, our fair value measurements are determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. As a basis for considering market participant assumptions in fair-value measurements, we use a fair-value hierarchy that distinguishes between market participant assumptions based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs that are classified within Levels 1 and 2 of the hierarchy) and the reporting entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions (unobservable inputs classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy). Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access. Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs may include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, as well as inputs that are observable for the asset or liability (other than quoted prices), such as interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability which are typically based on an entity’s own assumptions, as there is little, if any, related market activity. In instances where the determination of the fair-value measurement is based on inputs from different levels of the fair-value hierarchy, the lowest level input that is significant would be used to determine the fair-value measurement in its entirety. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair-value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset or liability. 123 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 (w) Transaction and Integration Expense Transaction and integration expense includes business combination expenses, other business development expenses and other expenses to integrate newly acquired investments, which are expensed as incurred. Transaction expenses include closing costs, broker commissions and other professional fees, including legal and accounting fees related to business combinations or acquisitions that were not consummated. Integration costs include transition costs associated with organizational restructuring (such as severance and retention payments and recruiting expenses), third-party consulting expenses directly related to the integration of acquired companies (in areas such as cost savings and synergy realization, technology and systems work), and internal costs such as training, travel and labor, reflecting time spent by Company personnel on integration activities and projects. Recurring costs are recorded in general and administrative expense. (x) Management’s Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. 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 those estimates made. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to the valuation of our real estate properties, tenant relationship value, goodwill, contingent consideration, accounts receivable and deferred rent receivable, performance-based equity compensation plans and the completeness of accrued liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience, current market conditions, and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may vary from those estimates and those estimates could vary under different assumptions or conditions. (y) Segment and Geographic Information All of our properties generate similar revenues and expenses related to tenant rent and reimbursements and operating expenses. The sale and delivery of our products is consistent across all properties and although services are provided to a wide range of customers, the types of real estate services provided to them are standardized throughout the portfolio. As such, the properties in our portfolio have similar economic characteristics and the nature of the products and services provided to our customers and the method to distribute such services are consistent throughout the portfolio. Consequently, our properties qualify for aggregation into one reporting segment. Operating revenues from properties in the United States were $1.9 billion , $1.7 billion and $1.4 billion and outside the United States were $0.5 billion , $0.4 billion and $0.4 billion for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. We had investments in real estate located in the United States of $10.5 billion , $6.3 billion and $6.1 billion and outside the United States of $3.1 billion , $2.6 billion and $2.6 billion as of December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Operating revenues from properties located in the United Kingdom were $0.3 billion , $0.2 billion and $0.2 billion , or 11.2% , 11.1% and 12.3% of total operating revenues, for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. No other foreign country comprised more than 10% of total operating revenues for each of these years. We had investments in real estate located in the United Kingdom of $1.7 billion , $1.5 billion and $1.6 billion , or 12.1% , 16.6% and 18.8% of total investments in real estate, as of December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. No other foreign country comprised more than 10% of total investments in real estate as of each of December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 . 124 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 (z) New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Standards Adopted In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, issued Accounting Standards Update, or ASU, No. 2017-01, "Clarifying the Definition of a Business (Topic 805)." ASU 2017-01 clarifies the definition of a business and provides further guidance for evaluating whether a transaction will be accounted for as an acquisition of an asset or a business. ASU 2017-01 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is permitted. The update should be applied prospectively. We adopted ASU 2017-01 as of January 1, 2017 and the adoption did not require any additional disclosures. We believe most of our future acquisitions of operating properties will qualify as asset acquisitions and most future transaction costs associated with these acquisitions will be capitalized. In November 2016, the FASB issued an ASU that will require companies to include restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The ASU will require a disclosure of a reconciliation between the statement of financial position and the statement of cash flows when the statement of financial position includes more than one line item for cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents. Entities with material restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents balances will be required to disclose the nature of the restrictions. The ASU is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted, and will be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. We adopted this ASU as of January 1, 2017, and restricted cash balances are included along with cash and cash equivalents as of the end of period and beginning of period in our condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for all periods presented; separate line items showing changes in restricted cash balances have been eliminated from our condensed consolidated statement of cash flows. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting,” which provides for simplification of certain aspects of employee share-based payment accounting, including income taxes, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this standard must be applied prospectively, retrospectively, or as of the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the year of adoption, depending on the type of amendment. We adopted ASU 2016-09 as of January 1, 2017, and it did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. New Accounting Standards Issued but not yet Adopted In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)", and since that date has issued several additional ASUs intended to clarify certain aspects of ASU 2014-09 and to provide for certain practical expedients entities may elect upon adoption. Collectively, these ASUs outline a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenues arising from contracts with customers. While lease contracts with customers, which constitute the vast majority of our revenues, are a specific scope exception, this update may have implications in certain variable payment terms included in lease agreements. The Company expects to adopt the guidance effective January 1, 2018 and is in the process of analyzing the impact of the adoption of this guidance. The standard permits the use of either a retrospective or cumulative effect transition method and permits the use of certain practical expedients. We currently anticipate using the modified retrospective method, however, this determination is subject to change. As the standard does not significantly impact lessor accounting, we do not believe adoption will have a material impact on our accounting for rental revenue. In addition, we do not anticipate a significant impact to our accounting for certain of our revenue streams which are not based on contractually specified lease amounts, including interconnection, tenant reimbursement and other revenue. However, the Company believes that certain non-lease components of revenue from leases may be impacted by the adoption of the new leasing standard beginning January 1, 2019, the effective date of the new leasing standard (see below). This new guidance could result in different amounts of revenue being recognized and could result in revenue being recognized in different reporting periods than under the current guidance; however, the Company expects that the majority of its non-lease revenues will continue to be recognized during the periods in which services are performed. The Company is currently assessing what additional disclosures will be required upon adoption of this new standard. 125 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, "Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities". The amendments in ASU 2016-01 address certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. ASU 2016-01 primarily affects accounting for equity investments and financial liabilities where the fair value option has been elected. ASU 2016- 01 also requires entities to present financial assets and financial liabilities separately, grouped by measurement category and form of financial asset in the balance sheet or in the accompanying notes to the financial statements. ASU 2016-01 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application of certain provisions of the standard is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2016-01 to have a significant impact on its financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)", which sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both parties to a contract (i.e., lessees and lessors). The new standard requires lessees to apply a dual approach, classifying leases as either finance or operating leases based on the principle of whether or not the lease is effectively a financed purchase by the lessee. This classification will determine whether lease expense is recognized based on an effective interest method or on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. A lessee is also required to record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases with a term of greater than 12 months regardless of their classification. Accounting for leases with a term of 12 months or less will be similar to existing guidance for operating leases today. The new standard requires lessors to account for leases using an approach that is substantially equivalent to existing guidance for sales-type leases, direct financing leases and operating leases. ASU 2016-02 is expected to impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements for leases where the Company is a lessee, primarily for the Company’s data center operating leases, ground leases and administrative office leases, and the Company will be required to record a lease liability and a right of use asset on its condensed consolidated balance sheet at fair value upon adoption. ASU 2016-02 supersedes the previous leases standard, "Leases (Topic 840)". The standard is effective on January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. A set of practical expedients for implementation, which must be elected as a package and for all leases, may also be elected. These practical expedients include relief from re-assessing lease classification at the adoption date for expired or existing leases, although a right-of-use asset and lease liability would still be recorded for such leases. We are currently assessing the method of adoption and the impact that ASU 2016-02 will have on our consolidated financial statements. In August 2016, the FASB issued guidance codified in ASU 2016-15, "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments". The standard provides guidance on eight specific cash flow classification issues including debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, and separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. The standard will be effective for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2018, and subsequent interim periods. We do not expect the provisions of ASU 2016-15 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance codified in ASU Topic 2017-04, "Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment". ASU 2017-04 simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairment by eliminating the process of measuring the implied value of goodwill, known as step two, from the goodwill impairment test. Instead, if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss shall be recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The standard will be effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. We do not expect the provisions of ASC 2017-04 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In May 2017, FASB issued ASU 2017-09, "Scope of Modification Accounting," which amends the scope of modification accounting for share-based payment arrangements and provides guidance on the types of changes to the terms or conditions of share-based payment awards to which an entity would be required to apply modification accounting under ASC 718. This update is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not believe that the adoption of this standard will have a material impact on its financial statements. In August 2017, the FASB issued guidance codified in ASU 2017-12, "Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities". ASU 2017-12 simplifies the accounting for hedge accounting by eliminating the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness and presenting all items that affect earnings 126 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 in the same income statement line item as the hedged item. The standard will be effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. We do not expect the provisions of ASU 2017-12 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. 127 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements 3. Merger and Portfolio Acquisitions (a) DFT Merger DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 We completed the acquisition of DFT on September 14, 2017. A summary of the fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired for total equity of approximately $6.2 billion is as follows (in thousands): Land Buildings and improvements Cash and cash equivalents Accounts and other receivables Acquired above-market leases Goodwill Acquired in-place lease value, deferred leasing costs and intangibles: Tenant relationship value Acquired in-place lease value Tenant origination costs Global revolving credit facility, net (1) Unsecured term loans (1) Unsecured senior notes, net (2) Mortgage loans (1) Acquired below-market leases Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities Other working capital, net Total equity consideration for DFT merger Weighted Average Remaining Intangible Amortization Life (in months) $ Fair Value 312,579 3,677,497 20,650 10,978 162,333 47 2,592,181 220 70 80 137 980,267 557,128 44,990 (450,697) (250,000) (886,831) (105,000) (185,543) (248,259) (22,640) $ 6,209,633 (1) Debt was paid off in full at closing of the DFT merger. (2) Approximately $621 million of fair value debt was paid off prior to September 30, 2017. The remainder was paid off in October 2017. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net tangible and intangible assets acquired and tangible and intangible liabilities assumed in the merger. The strategic benefits of the merger include the Company’s ability to grow its presence in strategic, high-demand metropolitan areas with strong growth prospects, expand our hyper-scale product offering and further enhance the credit quality of our existing customer base. These factors contributed to the goodwill that was recorded upon consummation of the transaction. The Company does not believe that any of the goodwill recorded as a result of the DFT merger will be deductible for federal income tax purposes. 128 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 The unaudited pro forma financial information set forth below is based on our historical condensed consolidated income statements for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, adjusted to give effect to the DFT Merger as if it occurred on January 1, 2016. The pro forma adjustments primarily relate to transaction expenses, depreciation expense on acquired buildings and improvements, amortization of acquired intangibles, and estimated interest expense related to financing transactions, the proceeds of which were used to fund the repayment of DFT debt in connection with the DFT merger. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. Total revenue Net income available to common stockholders (1) Income per share, diluted (2) Digital Realty Trust, L.P. Total revenue Net income available to common unitholders (1) Income per unit, diluted (2) Pro forma (unaudited) (in thousands, except per share data) Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2,860,454 $ 2,670,914 51,717 $ 0.25 $ 99,653 0.51 Pro forma (unaudited) (in thousands, except per unit data) Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2,860,454 $ 2,670,914 53,786 $ 0.25 $ 103,639 0.51 $ $ $ $ $ $ (1) Pro forma net income available to common stockholders was adjusted to exclude $43.0 million of merger-related costs incurred by the Company during the year ended December 31, 2017 and to include these charges in 2016. (2) Adjusted to give effect to the issuance of approximately 43.2 million shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock in the DFT merger. The Company recorded transaction expenses of approximately $43.0 million in the accompanying 2017 consolidated income statement in connection with the DFT merger. Revenues of approximately $177.8 million and net income of approximately $5.4 million associated with properties acquired in the DFT merger are included in the consolidated income statement for the year ended December 31, 2017 . 129 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 (b) European Portfolio Acquisition On July 5, 2016, the Company completed the acquisition of a portfolio of eight high-quality, carrier-neutral data centers in Europe from Equinix, which we refer to as the European Portfolio Acquisition. The purchase price was $818.9 million in the aggregate (based on the exchange rate at the date of acquisition). The final purchase price allocation was completed in early 2017. The final adjustments to the preliminary purchase price allocation were not material. The following table summarizes the amounts for acquired assets and liabilities recorded at their fair values as of the acquisition date (in thousands): Investments in real estate Goodwill Tenant relationship value Acquired in-place lease value Above/below-market lease value, net Capital lease and other long-term obligations Deferred taxes Total purchase price $ $ 270,195 442,975 249,070 18,807 4,817 (118,923) (48,037) 818,904 Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net tangible and intangible assets acquired and tangible and intangible liabilities assumed in the acquisition. As shown above, we recorded approximately $443.0 million of goodwill related to the European Portfolio Acquisition. The strategic benefits of the acquisition include the Company’s ability to continue its strategy to provide foundational data center real estate solutions on a global basis with a diversified product offering of both small and large footprint deployments as well as interconnection services. These factors contributed to the goodwill that was recorded upon consummation of the transaction. The Company recorded transaction expenses of approximately $6.9 million in the accompanying 2016 consolidated income statement in connection with the European Portfolio Acquisition. Actual results in 2016 included total revenues and operating expenses of the acquired properties of $55.3 million and $20.1 million , respectively. 4. Investments in Real Estate A summary of our investments in properties as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 is as follows: As of December 31, 2017 (in thousands) Property Type Internet Gateway Data Centers Data Centers Technology Manufacturing Technology Office Other Land Acquired Ground Lease Buildings and Improvements (1) Tenant Improvements Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization Net Investment in Properties $ 109,844 $ — $ 1,940,495 $ 99,174 $ (778,659) $ 1,370,854 1,010,306 11,150 13,147,042 453,712 (2,430,984) 12,191,226 11,959 2,067 2,165 — — — 1,564 23,029 103,275 76 — 78 (31) (16,779) (11,774) 13,568 8,317 93,744 $ 1,136,341 $ 11,150 $ 15,215,405 $ 553,040 $ (3,238,227) $ 13,677,709 130 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 As of December 31, 2016 (in thousands) Property Type Internet Gateway Data Centers Data Centers Technology Manufacturing Technology Office Other Land Acquired Ground Lease Buildings and Improvements (1) Tenant Improvements Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization 109,083 $ — $ 1,834,052 $ 93,472 $ (674,823) $ 610,007 20,199 5,368 2,165 10,014 1,321 — — 8,254,108 431,444 (1,932,127) 57,765 43,574 78,026 6,333 1,460 78 (24,595) (21,407) (15,557) Net Investment in Properties 1,361,784 7,373,446 61,023 28,995 64,712 746,822 $ 11,335 $ 10,267,525 $ 532,787 $ (2,668,509) $ 8,889,960 $ $ (1) Balances include, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , $1.4 billion and $0.7 billion of direct and accrued costs associated with development in progress, respectively. Acquisitions We acquired the following real estate during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 (excluding real estate already discussed in Note 3): 2017 Acquisitions Property Type Land Parcels (1) Data Centers Technology Manufacturing Amount (in millions) (2) $ $ 55.3 346.2 14.3 415.8 (1) Represents currently vacant land which is not included in our operating property count. (2) Purchase price in U.S. dollars and excludes capitalized closing costs. Each of these acquisitions was accounted for as an asset acquisition pursuant to the adoption of ASU 2017-01 on January 1, 2017. The table below reflects the purchase price allocation for the above properties acquired in 2017 (in thousands): Property Type Land Buildings and Improvements Tenant Improvements Above-Market Leases In-Place Leases Below-Market Leases Land Parcels Data Centers Technology Manufacturing $ 55,229 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 20,431 11,950 275,374 1,539 1,506 76 21,043 28,656 — 1,455 (811) (684) Acquisition Date Fair Value 55,229 346,199 14,336 $ 87,610 $ 276,913 $ 1,582 $ 21,043 $ 30,111 $ (1,495) $ 415,764 Weighted average remaining intangible amortization life (in months) 65 81 80 131 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements 2016 Acquisitions DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 Land Parcels (1) Property Type Amount (in millions) $ 47.6 (1) Represents currently vacant land which is not included in our operating property count. We completed four acquisitions of land parcels in the three months ended September 30, 2016 in Northern Virginia, Dallas and Chicago. Excludes capitalized closing costs on land acquisitions. Held for Sale As of December 31, 2017 , we have identified eight properties that met the criteria to be classified as held for sale. As of December 31, 2017 , the eight properties had an aggregate carrying value of $139.5 million within total assets and $5.0 million within total liabilities and are shown as assets held for sale and obligations associated with assets held for sale on the consolidated balance sheet, respectively. As of December 31, 2016, we had identified three properties that met the criteria to be classified as held for sale. As of December 31, 2016, the three properties had an aggregate carrying value of $56.1 million within total assets and $2.6 million within total liabilities and are shown as assets held for sale and obligations associated with assets held for sale on the consolidated balance sheet, respectively. The properties are not representative of a significant component of our portfolio, nor do the potential sales represent a significant shift in our strategy. In addition, we evaluated the carrying value of the properties identified as held for sale to ensure the carrying value is recoverable in light of a potentially shorter holding period. As a result of our evaluation, during the year ended December 31, 2017 , we recognized $29.0 million of impairment charges on three properties located in the United States to reduce the carrying values to the estimated fair values less costs to sell. The fair values of the three properties were based on comparable sales price data (Level 2 under the fair value hierarchy). There were no impairment charges for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015. Dispositions We sold the following real estate properties during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 : 2017 Dispositions Location 8025 North Interstate 35 44874 Moran Road (1) 1 Solutions Parkway Metro Area Austin Date Sold August 10, 2017 Northern Virginia October 6, 2017 St. Louis November 28, 2017 Gross Proceeds (in millions) Gain on Sale (in millions) $ $ 20.2 $ 34.0 37.1 91.3 $ 9.6 15.6 14.7 39.9 (1) The property was held in a consolidated joint venture in which the Company owned a 75% interest. The Company recognized a gain on the sale of approximately $11.7 million , net of noncontrolling interests. On February 9, 2018, the Company closed on the sale of 34551 Ardenwood Boulevard, a 323,000 square foot technology manufacturing property in Silicon Valley for approximately $73 million . The Company expects to recognize a gain on the sale of approximately $25 million in the first quarter of 2018. The property was classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2017 . 132 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 On January 25, 2018, the Company closed on the sale of 200 Quannapowitt Parkway, a substantially vacant, 211,000 square foot data center redevelopment project in Boston for $15 million . The Company expects to recognize a loss on the sale of approximately $0.4 million in the first quarter of 2018. The property was classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2017 . 2016 Dispositions Location Metro Area Date Sold 47700 Kato Road and 1055 Page Avenue Data center portfolio (1) 114 Rue Ambroise Croizat (2) Silicon Valley January 21, 2016 Various Paris July 11, 2016 August 1, 2016 Gross Proceeds (in millions) Gain on Sale (in millions) $ $ 37.5 $ 114.5 212.0 364.0 $ 1.0 24.5 144.3 169.8 (1) On July 11, 2016, the Company closed on the sale of a four -property data center portfolio, including two in St. Louis and two in Northern Virginia, totaling over 454,000 square feet for approximately $114.5 million . The Company recognized a gain on the sale of approximately $24.5 million in the third quarter of 2016. The four properties were classified as held for sale as of June 30, 2016. (2) The Company granted Equinix an option to acquire the Company's facility in 114 rue Ambroise Croizat in Paris. Equinix elected to exercise its option to acquire the Paris property, and on July 2, 2016, the Company entered into an agreement to sell the property to Equinix for approximately €190 million (or approximately $212 million based on the exchange rate as of August 1, 2016). The Paris property sale closed on August 1, 2016. The Company recognized a gain on the sale of approximately $144.3 million in the third quarter of 2016. This property was classified as held for sale as of June 30, 2016. 133 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 5. Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures As of December 31, 2017 , our investments in unconsolidated joint ventures consist of effective: 50% interests in four joint ventures that own data center buildings in Seattle, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Osaka; 20% interests in two joint ventures, one of which owns 10 data center properties with an investment fund managed by Prudential Real Estate Investors (PREI®) and the other which owns one data center property with an affiliate of Griffin Capital Essential Asset REIT, Inc. (GCEAR) and a 17% interest in a joint venture that owns a data center property at 1101 Space Park Drive in Santa Clara. On November 1, 2017, the Company formed a joint venture with Mitsubishi Corporation to provide data center solutions in Japan. The Company contributed its recently completed data center development project in Osaka, cash and working capital for a 50% interest in the joint venture. The Mitsubishi Corporation contributed two existing data center facilities in the western Tokyo suburb of Mitaka for the remaining 50% interest. 134 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 The following tables present summarized financial information for our joint ventures for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 (in thousands): 2017 Unconsolidated Joint Ventures 2001 Sixth Avenue 2020 Fifth Avenue 33 Chun Choi Street (Hong Kong) Mitsubishi PREI ® GCEAR 1101 Space Park Drive Total Unconsolidated Joint Ventures Our investment in and share of equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures 2016 Unconsolidated Joint Ventures 2001 Sixth Avenue 2020 Fifth Avenue 33 Chun Choi Street (Hong Kong) PREI ® GCEAR 1101 Space Park Drive Total Unconsolidated Joint Ventures Our investment in and share of equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures 2015 Unconsolidated Joint Ventures 2001 Sixth Avenue 2020 Fifth Avenue 33 Chun Choi Street (Hong Kong) PREI ® GCEAR Total Unconsolidated Joint Ventures Our investment in and share of equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures % Ownership Net Investment in Properties Total Assets Mortgage Loans Total Liabilities Equity / (Deficit) Revenues Property Operating Expense Net Operating Income Net Income (Loss) 26,933 $ 50,481 $ 134,472 $ 138,564 $ (88,083) $ 49,369 $ (16,719) $ 32,650 $ 20,833 45,309 54,594 47,000 133,435 192,071 — 47,249 5,598 7,345 186,473 325,977 452,063 221,851 288,962 163,101 399,967 456,912 207,687 285,050 171,862 114,376 151,191 101,680 104,220 15,953 1,061,950 17,694 $ 1,375,006 — 236 $ 712,690 $ 869,879 46,971 17,458 9,088 19,235 7,927 41,464 18,924 5,958 (1,820) (6,504) (4,218) (7,978) (7,362) (4,629) 7,268 12,731 3,709 33,486 11,562 1,329 $ $ 505,127 $ 151,965 $ (49,230) $ 102,735 163,477 % Ownership Net Investment in Properties Total Assets Mortgage Loans Total Liabilities Equity / (Deficit) Revenues Property Operating Expense Net Operating Income Net Income (Loss) 27,342 $ 43,258 $ 101,394 $ 106,241 $ (62,983) $ 45,518 $ (15,574) $ 29,944 $ 16,374 45,973 134,249 409,876 116,949 6,839 55,005 184,855 468,298 162,863 8,415 47,000 — 207,270 101,477 — 47,612 3,291 288,325 104,393 135 7,393 181,564 179,973 58,470 8,280 8,788 18,856 41,075 19,742 3,539 (1,500) (6,636) (8,503) (7,808) (4,105) 7,288 12,220 32,572 11,934 (566) $ 741,228 $ 922,694 $ 457,141 $ 549,997 $ $ 372,697 $ 137,518 $ (44,126) $ 93,392 106,402 % Ownership Net Investment in Properties Total Assets Mortgage Loans Total Liabilities Equity / (Deficit) Revenues Property Operating Expense Net Operating Income Net Income (Loss) 4,881 5,467 1,108 13,889 (1,962) (272) 43,944 25,516 $ $ 4,821 6,315 13,615 (1,396) (1,515) 38,214 17,104 $ $ 33,757 $ 44,732 $ 102,998 $ 107,807 $ (63,075) $ 43,734 $ (15,205) $ 28,529 $ 14,171 46,633 55,257 47,000 138,742 179,525 — 47,857 4,173 7,400 175,352 419,498 481,175 208,000 293,276 187,898 119,952 175,301 102,025 70,104 8,474 17,700 40,011 19,730 (1,177) (5,358) (6,157) (8,249) 105,197 558,310 $ $ 377,679 $ 129,649 $ (36,146) $ 106,107 $ 758,582 $ 935,990 $ 460,023 $ 7,297 12,342 33,854 11,481 93,503 $ $ 4,840 4,480 15,121 (1,262) 37,350 15,491 50.00% $ 50.00% 50.00% 50.00% 20.00% 20.00% 17.00% $ 50.00% $ 50.00% 50.00% 20.00% 20.00% 17.00% 50.00% $ 50.00% 50.00% 20.00% 20.00% The amounts reflected in the tables above, except for our investment in and share of equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures, are based on the historical financial information of the individual joint ventures. The debt of our unconsolidated joint ventures generally are non-recourse to us, except for customary exceptions pertaining to such matters as intentional misuse of funds, environmental conditions, and material misrepresentations. 135 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 Differences between the Company’s investments in the joint ventures and the amount of the underlying equity in net assets of the joint ventures are due to basis differences resulting from the Company’s equity investment recorded at its historical basis versus the fair value of the Company’s contributed interest in the joint ventures. Our proportionate share of the earnings or losses related to these unconsolidated joint ventures is reflected as equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures on the accompanying consolidated income statements. 136 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 6. Acquired Intangible Assets and Liabilities The following summarizes our acquired intangible assets (real estate intangibles, comprised of acquired in-place lease value and tenant relationship value along with acquired above-market lease value) and intangible liabilities (acquired below-market lease value) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 . (Amounts in thousands) Real Estate Intangibles: Acquired in-place lease value: Gross amount Accumulated amortization Net Tenant relationship value: Gross amount Accumulated amortization Net Trade name: Gross amount Accumulated amortization Net Acquired above-market leases: Gross amount Accumulated amortization Net Acquired below-market leases: Gross amount Accumulated amortization Net Balance as of December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 1,473,515 $ (613,948) 859,567 $ 1,978,277 $ (169,919) 1,808,358 $ — $ — — $ 294,514 $ (110,139) 184,375 $ 469,119 $ (219,654) 249,465 $ 896,693 (517,443) 379,250 971,519 (82,069) 889,450 7,300 (7,300) — 110,142 (87,961) 22,181 283,899 (202,000) 81,899 Amortization of acquired below-market lease value, net of acquired above-market lease value, resulted in a change in rental revenues of $(2.2) million , $8.3 million and $9.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The expected average remaining lives for acquired below-market leases and acquired above-market leases is 9.2 years and 3.9 years, respectively, as of December 31, 2017 . Estimated annual amortization of acquired below- market lease value, net of acquired above-market lease value, for each of the five succeeding years and thereafter, commencing January 1, 2018 is as follows: (Amounts in thousands) 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Thereafter Total $ $ (26,622) (15,372) (3,151) 2,055 9,054 99,126 65,090 137 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 Amortization of acquired in-place lease value (a component of depreciation and amortization expense) was $101.2 million , $52.6 million and $46.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The expected average amortization period for acquired in-place lease value is 6.6 years as of December 31, 2017 . The weighted average remaining contractual life for acquired leases excluding renewals or extensions is 6.1 years as of December 31, 2017 . Estimated annual amortization of acquired in-place lease value for each of the five succeeding years and thereafter, commencing January 1, 2018 is as follows: (Amounts in thousands) 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Thereafter Total $ $ 209,091 147,137 111,205 86,583 64,666 240,885 859,567 Amortization of tenant relationship value and trade names (a component of depreciation and amortization expense) was approximately $85.9 million and $0 , respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2017 , $67.2 million and $6.9 million , respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2016 and $14.5 million and $0.4 million , respectively for the year ended December 31, 2015. During the quarter ended June 30, 2016, management of the Company decided to retire the Telx trade name. Accordingly, the Company wrote off the net remaining balance of approximately $6.1 million . The weighted average remaining contractual life for tenant relationship value is 15.3 years . Estimated annual amortization of tenant relationship value for each of the five succeeding years and thereafter, commencing January 1, 2018 is as follows: (Amounts in thousands) 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Thereafter Total $ 123,786 123,786 123,786 123,786 123,792 1,189,422 $ 1,808,358 138 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 7. Debt of the Company In this Note 7, the “Company” refers only to Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and not to any of its subsidiaries. The Company itself does not have any indebtedness. All debt is held directly or indirectly by the Operating Partnership. Guarantee of Debt The Company guarantees the Operating Partnership’s obligations with respect to its 5.875% notes due 2020 ( 5.875% 2020 Notes), 3.400% notes due 2020 ( 3.400% 2020 Notes), 5.250% notes due 2021 (2021 Notes), 3.950% notes due 2022 ( 3.950% 2022 Notes) , 3.625% notes due 2022 ( 3.625% 2022 Notes), 2.750% notes due 2023 ( 2.750% 2023 Notes), 4.750% notes due 2025 ( 4.750% 2025 Notes) and 3.700% notes due 2027 (2027 Notes). The Company and the Operating Partnership guarantee the obligations of Digital Stout Holding, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Operating Partnership, with respect to its 4.750% notes due 2023 ( 4.750% 2023 Notes), 2.750% notes due 2024 ( 2.750% 2024 Notes), 4.250% notes due 2025 ( 4.250% 2025 Notes) and 3.300% notes due 2029 (2029 Notes) and the obligations of Digital Euro Finco, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Operating Partnership, with respect to its 2.625% notes due 2024 ( 2.625% 2024 Notes) and Floating Rate Guaranteed Notes due 2019 (2019 Notes). The Company is also the guarantor of the Operating Partnership’s and its subsidiary borrowers’ obligations under the global revolving credit facility and unsecured term loans. 139 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 8. Debt of the Operating Partnership A summary of outstanding indebtedness of the Operating Partnership as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 is as follows (in thousands): Indebtedness Global revolving credit facility Deferred financing costs, net Global revolving credit facility, net Unsecured Term Loans Unsecured term loan — 5-year Unsecured term loan — 7-year Deferred financing costs, net Unsecured term loans, net Unsecured senior notes: Prudential Shelf Facility: Series E Total Prudential Shelf Facility Senior Notes: Floating rate notes due 2019 5.875% notes due 2020 3.400% notes due 2020 5.250% notes due 2021 5.875% notes due 2021 3.950% notes due 2022 3.625% notes due 2022 2.750% notes due 2023 5.625% notes due 2023 4.750% notes due 2023 2.625% notes due 2024 2.750% notes due 2024 4.250% notes due 2025 4.750% notes due 2025 3.700% notes due 2027 3.300% notes due 2029 Unamortized discounts Total senior notes, net of discount Deferred financing costs, net Total unsecured senior notes, net of discount and deferred financing costs Mortgage loans: 731 East Trade Street Secured note due 2023 Unamortized net premiums Total mortgage loans, including premiums Deferred financing costs, net Total mortgage loans, including premiums and net of deferred financing costs Total indebtedness Interest Rate at December 31, 2017 Maturity Date Principal Outstanding December 31, 2017 Principal Outstanding December 31, 2016 Various (1) Jan 15, 2020 (1) $ $ 558,191 (2) (7,245) 550,946 Various Various (3)(4) (3)(4) Jan 15, 2021 Jan 15, 2023 5.730% Jan 20, 2017 (6) EURIBOR + 0.500% 5.875% 3.400% 5.250% 5.875% 3.950% 3.625% 2.750% 5.625% 4.750% 2.625% 2.750% 4.250% 4.750% 3.700% 3.300% May 22, 2019 Feb 1, 2020 Oct 1, 2020 Mar 15, 2021 Sep 15, 2021 Jul 1, 2022 Oct 1, 2022 Feb 1, 2023 Jun 15, 2023 Oct 13, 2023 Apr 15, 2024 Jul 19, 2024 Jan 17, 2025 Oct 1, 2025 Aug 15, 2027 Jul 19, 2029 8.22% LIBOR + 1.100% (4) Jul 1, 2020 Mar 1, 2023 1,125,117 (5) 300,000 (5) (4,784) 1,420,333 — — 150,063 (7) 500,000 500,000 400,000 — (9) 500,000 300,000 350,000 — (9) 405,390 (8) 720,300 (7) 337,825 (8) 540,520 (8) 450,000 1,000,000 472,955 (8) (18,508) 6,608,545 (37,788) 6,570,757 2,370 104,000 241 106,611 (29) 210,077 (2) (10,868) 199,209 1,188,498 (5) 300,000 (5) (6,137) 1,482,361 50,000 50,000 — 500,000 500,000 400,000 — 500,000 300,000 — — 370,200 (8) 631,020 (7) — 493,600 (8) 450,000 — — (15,649) 4,129,171 (25,374) 4,153,797 2,916 — 334 3,250 (10) 106,582 8,648,618 $ 3,240 5,838,607 $ 140 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 (1) (2) The interest rate for borrowings under the global revolving credit facility equals the applicable index plus a margin of 100 basis points, which is based on the current credit ratings of our long-term debt. An annual facility fee of 20 basis points, which is based on the credit ratings of our long-term debt, is due and payable quarterly on the total commitment amount of the facility. Two six -month extensions are available, which we may exercise if certain conditions are met. Balances as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are as follows (balances, in thousands): Denomination of Draw Floating Rate Borrowing (a) U.S. dollar ($) British pound sterling (£) Euro (€) Hong Kong dollar (HKD) Japanese yen (JPY) Singapore dollar (SGD) Canadian dollar (CAD) Total Base Rate Borrowing (b) U.S. dollar ($) Total borrowings Balance as of December 31, 2017 Weighted-average interest rate Balance as of December 31, 2016 Weighted-average interest rate $ $ $ $ 400,000 18,918 (c) 31,213 (c) 4,100 (c) 65,890 (c) — 23,070 (c) 543,191 15,000 558,191 2.48% $ 1.50% 0.62% 2.20% 0.96% —% 2.36% 2.15% $ 105,000 11,106 (d) 15,250 (d) 1,728 (d) 54,273 (d) 11,186 (d) 11,534 (d) 210,077 4.50% $ 2.21% $ — 210,077 1.67% 1.25% 0.63% 1.66% 0.92% 1.52% 1.92% 1.39% —% 1.39% (a) (b) (c) (d) The interest rates for floating rate borrowings under the global revolving credit facility currently equal the applicable index plus a margin of 100 basis points, which is based on the credit rating of our long-term debt. The interest rates for base rate borrowings under the global revolving credit facility equal the U.S. Prime Rate. Based on exchange rates of $1.35 to £1.00, $1.20 to €1.00 , $0.13 to 1.00 HKD, $0.01 to 1.00 JPY and $0.80 to 1.00 CAD, respectively, as of December 31, 2017 . Based on exchange rates $1.23 to £1.00, of $1.05 to €1.00 , $0.13 to 1.00 HKD, $0.01 to 1.00 JPY, $0.69 to 1.00 SGD and $0.74 to 1.00 CAD, respectively, as of December 31, 2016 . (3) (4) Interest rates are based on our current senior unsecured debt ratings and are 110 basis points and 155 basis points over the applicable index for floating rate advances for the 5 -Year Term Loan and the 7 -Year Term Loan, respectively. We have entered into interest rate swap agreements as a cash flow hedge for interest generated by the U.S. dollar, Singapore dollar, British pound sterling and Canadian dollar tranches of the unsecured term loans along with the secured note due 2023. See Note 15. "Derivative Instruments" for further information. 141 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 (5) Balances as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are as follows (balances, in thousands): Denomination of Draw U.S. dollar ($) British pound sterling (£) Singapore dollar (SGD) Australian dollar (AUD) Hong Kong dollar (HKD) Canadian dollar (CAD) Japanese yen (JPY) Total Balance as of December 31, 2017 606,911 $ 229,011 (a) 233,788 (a) 179,841 (a) 85,762 (a) 78,357 (a) 11,447 (a) 1,425,117 $ Weighted-average interest rate 2.78% (b) 1.59% (b) 2.17% 2.79% 2.20% 2.44% (b) 1.05% Balance as of December 31, 2016 710,911 $ 209,132 (c) 222,824 (c) 170,325 (c) 86,029 (c) 73,294 (c) 15,983 2.42% (b) $ 1,488,498 Weighted-average interest rate 1.99% (d) 1.36% (d) 1.76% (d) 2.72% 1.77% 2.00% (d) 0.98% 1.93% (d) (a) (b) (c) (d) Based on exchange rates of $1.35 to £1.00 , $0.75 to 1.00 SGD, $0.78 to 1.00 AUD, $0.13 to 1.00 HKD, $0.80 to 1.00 CAD and $0.01 to 1.00 JPY, respectively, as of December 31, 2017 . As of December 31, 2017 , the weighted-average interest rate reflecting interest rate swaps was 2.72% (U.S. dollar), 1.89% (British pound sterling), 1.88% (Canadian dollar) and 2.41% (Total). See Note 15 for further discussion on interest rate swaps. Based on exchange rates of $1.23 to £1.00 , $0.69 to 1.00 SGD, $0.72 to 1.00 AUD, $0.13 to 1.00 HKD, $0.74 to 1.00 CAD and $0.01 to 1.00 JPY, respectively, as of December 31, 2016 . As of December 31, 2016 , the weighted-average interest rate reflecting interest rate swaps was 2.45% (U.S. dollar), 1.89% (British pound sterling), 1.90% (Singapore dollar), 1.88% (Canadian dollar) and 2.23% (Total). See Note 15 for further discussion on interest rate swaps. (6) (7) (8) (9) Unsecured note paid in full at maturity. Based on exchange rates of $1.20 to €1.00 as of December 31, 2017 and $1.05 to €1.00 as of December 31, 2016 . Based on exchange rates of $1.35 to £1.00 as of December 31, 2017 and $1.23 to £1.00 as of December 31, 2016 . In connection with the DFT merger, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. was added as a guarantor of the DFT Operating Partnership's 5.875% 2021 Notes and 5.625% 2023 Notes. We recorded the notes at fair value on the date of the merger as follows: $620.5 million for the 5.875% 2021 Notes and $266.3 million for the 5.625% 2023 Notes. These notes were redeemed in September 2017 and October 2017 for $884.9 million in the aggregate resulting in a gain on early extinguishment of debt of approximately $2.0 million . Global Revolving Credit Facility On January 15, 2016, we refinanced our global revolving credit facility and entered into a global senior credit agreement for a $2.0 billion senior unsecured revolving credit facility, which we refer to as the global revolving credit facility, that replaced the $2.0 billion revolving credit facility executed on August 15, 2013, as amended. The global revolving credit facility has an accordion feature that would enable us to increase the borrowing capacity of the credit facility to up to $2.5 billion , subject to the receipt of lender commitments and other conditions precedent. The refinanced facility matures on January 15, 2020 , with two six - month extension options available. The interest rate for borrowings under the global revolving credit facility equals the applicable index plus a margin which is based on the credit ratings of our long-term debt and is currently 100 basis points. An annual facility fee on the total commitment amount of the facility, based on the credit ratings of our long-term debt, currently 20 basis points, is payable quarterly. Funds may be drawn in U.S., Canadian, Singapore, Australian and Hong Kong dollars, as well as Euro, British pound sterling and Japanese yen. As of December 31, 2017 , interest rates are based on 1-month LIBOR, 1-month GBP LIBOR, 1-month EURIBOR, 1-month HIBOR, 1-month JPY LIBOR and 1-month CDOR, plus a margin of 1.00% . The facility also bore a base borrowing rate of 4.50% (USD) which is based on the U.S. Prime Rate. We have used and intend to use available borrowings under the global revolving credit facility to acquire additional properties, fund development opportunities and for general working capital and other corporate purposes, including potentially for the repurchase, redemption or retirement of outstanding debt or equity securities. As of December 31, 2017 , approximately $22.8 million of letters of credit were issued. 142 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 The global revolving credit facility contains various restrictive covenants, including limitations on our ability to incur additional indebtedness, make certain investments or merge with another company, and requirements to maintain financial coverage ratios, including with respect to unencumbered assets. In addition, the global revolving credit facility restricts Digital Realty Trust, Inc. from making distributions to its stockholders, or redeeming or otherwise repurchasing shares of its capital stock, after the occurrence and during the continuance of an event of default, except in limited circumstances including as necessary to enable Digital Realty Trust, Inc. to maintain its qualification as a REIT and to minimize the payment of income or excise tax. As of December 31, 2017 , we were in compliance with all of such covenants. Unsecured Term Loans On January 15, 2016, we refinanced our senior unsecured multi-currency term loan facility and entered into a term loan agreement, which governs (i) a $1.25 billion 5 -year senior unsecured term loan, which we refer to as the 5 -Year Term Loan, and (ii) a $300 million 7 -year senior unsecured term loan, which we refer to as the 7-Year Term Loan. The 2016 term loan agreement replaced the $1.0 billion term loan agreement executed on April 16, 2012, as amended. The 5 -Year Term Loan matures on January 15, 2021 and the 7 -Year Term Loan matures on January 15, 2023. In addition, we have the ability from time to time to increase the aggregate size of lending under the term loan agreement from $1.55 billion to up to $1.8 billion , subject to receipt of lender commitments and other conditions precedent. Interest rates are based on our senior unsecured debt ratings and are currently 110 basis points and 155 basis points over the applicable index for floating rate advances for the 5 -Year Term Loan and the 7 -Year Term Loan, respectively. Funds may be drawn in U.S., Canadian, Singapore, Australian and Hong Kong dollars, as well as Euro, British pound sterling and Japanese yen. Based on exchange rates in effect at December 31, 2017 , the balance outstanding is approximately $1.4 billion , excluding deferred financing costs. We have used borrowings under the term loans for acquisitions, repayment of indebtedness, development, working capital and general corporate purposes. The covenants under the term loans are consistent with our global revolving credit facility and, as of December 31, 2017 , we were in compliance with all of such covenants. 143 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Senior Notes DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 Senior Notes and Annual Interest Rate Date Issued Maturity Date Amount Issued (in millions, local currency) Net Proceeds (in millions) (1) Interest Payment Dates Initial Issuer (2) Floating Rate Guaranteed Notes due 2019 (5) May 22, 2017 May 22, 2019 € 125.0 $ 140.1 5.875% Notes due 2020 Jan 28, 2010 Feb 1, 2020 $ 500.0 487.1 3.400% Notes due 2020 Oct 1, 2015 Oct 1, 2020 $ 500.0 494.5 5.250% Notes due 2021 Mar 8, 2011 Mar 15, 2021 $ 400.0 395.5 3.950% Notes due 2022 Jun 23, 2015 Jul 1, 2022 $ 500.0 491.8 3.625% Notes due 2022 Sep 24, 2012 Oct 1, 2022 $ 300.0 293.1 2.750% Notes due 2023 Aug 7, 2017 Feb 1, 2023 $ 350.0 346.9 4.750% Notes due 2023 Apr 1, 2014 Oct 13, 2023 £ 300.0 490.9 2.625% Notes due 2024 Apr 15, 2016 Apr 15, 2024 € 2.750% Notes due 2024 Jul 21, 2017 Jul 19, 2024 4.250% Notes due 2025 Jan 18, 2013 Jan 17, 2025 £ £ 600.0 250.0 670.3 321.3 400.0 624.2 4.750% Notes due 2025 Oct 1, 2015 Oct 1, 2025 $ 450.0 445.8 3.700% Notes due 2027 Aug 7, 2017 Aug 15, 2027 $ 1,000.0 3.300% Notes due 2029 Jul 21, 2017 Jul 19, 2029 £ 350.0 991.0 448.6 Quarterly, commencing August 22, 2017 Semi-annually, commencing August 1, 2010 Semi-annually, commencing April 1, 2016 Semi-annually, commencing September 15, 2011 Semi-annually, commencing January 1, 2016 Semi-annually, commencing April 1, 2016 Semi-annually, commencing February 1, 2018 Semi-annually, commencing October 13, 2014 Semi-annually, commencing October 15, 2016 Annually, commencing July 19, 2018 Semi-annually, commencing July 17, 2013 Semi-annually, commencing April 1, 2016 Semi-annually, commencing February 15, 2018 Annually, commencing July 19, 2018 Digital Euro Finco, LLC (3) Digital Realty Trust, L.P. Digital Delta Holdings, LLC (4) Digital Realty Trust, L.P. Digital Realty Trust, L.P. Digital Realty Trust, L.P. Digital Realty Trust, L.P. Digital Stout Holding, LLC (3) Digital Euro Finco, LLC (3) Digital Stout Holding, LLC (3) Digital Stout Holding, LLC (3) Digital Delta Holdings, LLC (4) Digital Realty Trust, L.P. Digital Stout Holding, LLC (3) (1) (2) (3) (4) Amounts are in U.S. dollars, based on the exchange rate on the date of issuance. Net proceeds are equal to principal amount less initial purchaser discount and other debt issuance costs. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. guarantees the senior notes issued by Digital Realty Trust, L.P. Both Digital Realty Trust, L.P. and Digital Realty Trust, Inc. guarantee the senior notes issued by Digital Stout Holding, LLC and Digital Euro Finco, LLC. A wholly owned subsidiary of Digital Realty Trust, L.P. Initially a wholly owned subsidiary of Digital Realty Trust, Inc., pursuant to the terms of the indenture, following the consummation of the Telx Acquisition, on October 13, 2015, Digital Delta Holdings, LLC merged with and into Digital Realty Trust, L.P., with Digital Realty Trust, L.P. surviving the merger and assuming Digital Delta Holdings, LLC’s obligations under the 3.400% 2020 Notes, the 4.750% 2025 Notes, the related indenture and registration rights agreement by operation of law. 144 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 (5) The 2019 Notes bear interest at a rate per annum, reset quarterly, equal to three-month EURIBOR plus 0.50% (currently 0.17%). The indentures governing each of the senior notes contain certain covenants, including (1) a leverage ratio not to exceed 60% , (2) a secured debt leverage ratio not to exceed 40% and (3) an interest coverage ratio of greater than 1.50 , and also requires us to maintain total unencumbered assets of not less than 150% of the aggregate principal amount of unsecured debt. At December 31, 2017 , we were in compliance with each of these financial covenants. The table below summarizes our debt maturities and principal payments as of December 31, 2017 (in thousands): 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Thereafter Subtotal Unamortized discount Unamortized premium Total Global Revolving Credit Facility (1) Unsecured Term Loans Senior Notes Mortgage Loans Total Debt $ $ $ — $ — 558,191 — — — — $ — — 1,125,117 — 300,000 558,191 $ 1,425,117 $ — — — — — $ 593 $ 150,063 1,000,000 400,000 800,000 4,276,990 6,627,053 $ (18,508) — 644 1,133 — — 104,000 106,370 $ — 241 593 150,707 1,559,324 1,525,117 800,000 4,680,990 8,716,731 (18,508) 241 558,191 $ 1,425,117 $ 6,608,545 $ 106,611 $ 8,698,464 (1) Subject to two six -month extension options exercisable by us. The bank group is obligated to grant the extension options provided we give proper notice, we make certain representations and warranties and no default exists under the global revolving credit facility. 9. Income per Share The following is a summary of basic and diluted income per share (in thousands, except share and per share amounts): Net income available to common stockholders Weighted average shares outstanding—basic Potentially dilutive common shares: Stock options Unvested incentive units Forward equity offering Market performance-based awards Weighted average shares outstanding—diluted Income per share: Basic Diluted Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 $ 173,148 $ 332,088 $ 217,266 174,059,386 149,953,662 138,247,606 — 141,136 124,527 570,049 9,726 71,031 3,990 641,279 20,424 95,746 — 501,645 174,895,098 150,679,688 138,865,421 0.99 $ 0.99 $ 2.21 $ 2.20 $ 1.57 1.56 $ $ 145 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 We have excluded the following potentially dilutive securities in the calculations above as they would be antidilutive or not dilutive: Weighted average of Operating Partnership common units not owned by Digital Realty Trust, Inc. Potentially dilutive Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock Potentially dilutive Series E Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock Potentially dilutive Series F Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock Potentially dilutive Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock Potentially dilutive Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock Potentially dilutive Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock Potentially dilutive Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 3,996,550 540,773 — 463,301 2,261,153 3,313,484 2,263,799 720,803 2,406,018 — 2,880,254 1,939,905 2,652,503 3,886,966 2,655,607 — 2,658,291 — 4,301,438 2,727,962 3,730,042 5,465,987 1,235,063 — 13,559,863 16,421,253 20,118,783 10. Income per Unit The following is a summary of basic and diluted income per unit (in thousands, except unit and per unit amounts): Net income available to common unitholders Weighted average units outstanding—basic Potentially dilutive common units: Stock options Unvested incentive units Forward equity offering Market performance-based awards Weighted average units outstanding—diluted Income per unit: Basic Diluted Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 $ 176,918 $ 337,386 $ 220,343 178,055,936 152,359,680 140,905,897 — 141,136 124,527 570,049 9,726 71,031 3,990 641,279 20,424 95,746 — 501,645 178,891,648 153,085,706 141,523,712 0.99 $ 0.99 $ 2.21 $ 2.20 $ 1.56 1.55 $ $ 146 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 We have excluded the following potentially dilutive securities in the calculations above as they would be antidilutive or not dilutive: Potentially dilutive Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Units Potentially dilutive Series E Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units Potentially dilutive Series F Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units Potentially dilutive Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units Potentially dilutive Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units Potentially dilutive Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units Potentially dilutive Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 540,773 — 463,301 2,261,153 3,313,484 2,263,799 720,803 9,563,313 — 2,880,254 1,939,905 2,652,503 3,886,966 2,655,607 — — 4,301,438 2,727,962 3,730,042 5,465,987 1,235,063 — 14,015,235 17,460,492 11. Income Taxes Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has elected to be treated, and believes that it has been organized and has operated in a manner that has enabled it to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. As a REIT, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. is generally not subject to corporate level federal income taxes on earnings distributed currently to its stockholders. Since inception, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has distributed at least 100% of its taxable income annually. As such, no provision for federal income taxes has been included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 . The Operating Partnership is a partnership and is not required to pay federal income tax. Instead, taxable income is allocated to its partners, who include such amounts on their federal income tax returns. As such, no provision for federal income taxes has been included in the Operating Partnership’s accompanying consolidated financial statements. We have elected taxable REIT subsidiary (“TRS”) status for some of our consolidated subsidiaries. In general, a TRS may provide services that would otherwise be considered impermissible for REITs to provide and may hold assets that REITs cannot hold directly. Income taxes for TRS entities were accrued, as necessary, for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 . For our TRS entities and foreign subsidiaries that are subject to U.S. federal, state and foreign income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities are established for temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of assets and liabilities at the enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse. A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is provided if we believe it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset may not be realized, based on available evidence at the time the determination is made. An increase or decrease in the valuation allowance that results from a change in circumstances that causes a change in our judgment about the realizability of the related deferred tax asset is included in income. Deferred tax assets (net of valuation allowance) and liabilities were accrued, as necessary, for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 . As of December 31, 2017 , we had deferred tax liabilities net of deferred tax assets of approximately $167.0 million primarily related to our foreign properties, classified in accounts payable and other accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheet. The majority of our net deferred tax liability relates to differences between the tax basis and book basis of the assets acquired in the Sentrum Portfolio acquisition in 2012 and the European Portfolio Acquisition in July 2016. The valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets at December 31, 2017 and 2016 relate primarily to net operating loss carryforwards attributable to certain foreign jurisdiction and the Telx Acquisition, and deferred tax assets resulting from certain foreign real estate acquisition costs, which are not depreciated for tax purposes, but are deductible upon 147 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 ultimate sale of the property. Given the indefinite holding period associated with these assets, realization of these deferred tax assets is not more-likely-than-not as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 . Deferred income tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows (in thousands): Gross deferred income tax assets: Net operating loss carryforwards Basis difference - real estate property Basis difference - intangibles Other - temporary differences Total gross deferred income tax assets Valuation allowance Total deferred income tax assets, net of valuation allowance Gross deferred income tax liabilities: Basis difference - real estate property Basis difference - intangibles Straight-line rent Other - temporary differences Total gross deferred income tax liabilities Net deferred income tax liabilities 2017 2016 $ 77,227 $ 181,254 506 47,649 306,636 (46,302) 260,334 315,553 65,921 1,597 44,241 427,312 $ 166,978 $ 98,054 156,394 2,225 31,503 288,176 (45,628) 242,548 289,867 64,714 5,172 36,614 396,367 153,819 The 2017 Tax Legislation, enacted on December 22, 2017, reduced the corporate federal tax rate in the U.S. to 21%, effective upon enactment. As such, deferred tax assets and liabilities are remeasured using the lower corporate federal tax rate at December 31, 2017. While we do not expect other material impacts, the new tax rules are complex and lack developed administrative guidance. We continue to work with our tax advisors to analyze and determine the full impact that the 2017 Tax Legislation as a whole will have on us. 148 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 12. Equity and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net (a) Equity Distribution Agreements On June 29, 2011, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. entered into equity distribution agreements, which we refer to as the 2011 Equity Distribution Agreements, with each of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, or the Agents, under which it could issue and sell shares of its common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $400.0 million from time to time through, at its discretion, any of the Agents as its sales agents. The sales of common stock made under the 2011 Equity Distribution Agreements will be made in “at the market” offerings as defined in Rule 415 of the Securities Act. To date, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has generated net proceeds of approximately $342.7 million from the issuance of approximately 5.7 million common shares under the 2011 Equity Distribution Agreements at an average price of $60.35 per share after payment of approximately $3.5 million of commissions to the sales agents and before offering expenses. No sales were made under the program during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 . As of December 31, 2017 , shares of common stock having an aggregate offering price of $53.8 million remained available for offer and sale under the program. (b) Forward Equity Sale On May 20, 2016, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. completed an underwritten public offering of 12,500,000 shares of its common stock, all of which were offered in connection with forward sale agreements it entered into with certain financial institutions acting as forward purchasers. On June 2, 2016, the underwriters exercised their option in full to purchase an additional 1,875,000 shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stock from the forward purchasers. The forward purchasers borrowed and sold an aggregate of 14,375,000 shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stock in the public offering. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. did not receive any proceeds from the sale of our common stock by the forward purchasers in the public offering. On September 27, 2016, we physically settled a portion of the forward sale agreements by issuing an aggregate of 12,000,000 shares of our common stock to the forward purchasers in exchange for net proceeds of approximately $1.1 billion . On May 19, 2017, we physically settled and issued the remaining 2,375,000 shares of our common stock to the forward purchasers in exchange for net proceeds of approximately $211.1 million . 149 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements (c) Redeemable Preferred Stock DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 Date(s) Issued Initial Date to Redeem (2) Share Cap (3) Total Liquidation Value (in thousands) (4) Annual Dividend Rate (5) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Shares Outstanding as of December 31, Balance (in thousands, net of issuance costs) as of December 31, Sep 14, 2017 May 15, 2021 0.6389035 $ 201,250 $ 1.65625 8,050,000 — $ 219,250 $ — Apr 5, 2012 Apr 5, 2017 0.6843000 182,500 1.65625 — 7,300,000 — 176,191 Apr 9, 2013 Apr 9, 2018 0.7532000 250,000 1.46875 10,000,000 10,000,000 241,468 241,468 Mar 26, 2014 Mar 26, 2019 0.9632000 365,000 1.84375 14,600,000 14,600,000 353,290 353,290 Aug 24, 2015 Aug 24, 2020 0.7623100 250,000 1.58750 10,000,000 10,000,000 242,012 242,012 Aug 7, 2017 Aug 7, 2022 0.4252100 200,000 1.31250 $ 1,448,750 8,000,000 50,650,000 — 41,900,000 $ 193,540 1,249,560 $ — 1,012,961 Preferred Stock (1) 6.625% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock 6.625% Series F Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (6) 5.875% Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock 7.375% Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock 6.350% Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock 5.250% Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (1) (2) (3) All series of preferred stock do not have a stated maturity date and are not subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption provisions. Upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, each series of preferred stock will rank senior to Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock and on parity with the other series of preferred stock. Holders of each series of preferred stock generally have no voting rights except for limited voting rights if Digital Realty Trust, Inc. fails to pay dividends for six or more quarterly periods (whether or not consecutive) and in certain other circumstances. Except in limited circumstances, reflects earliest date that Digital Realty Trust Inc. may exercise its option to redeem the preferred stock, at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends up to but excluding the date of redemption. Upon the occurrence of specified changes of control, as a result of which neither Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stock nor the common securities of the acquiring or surviving entity (or American Depositary Receipts representing such securities) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the NYSE MKT, LLC or the NASDAQ Stock Market or listed or quoted on a successor exchange or quotation system, each holder of preferred stock will have the right (unless, prior to the change of control conversion date specified in the applicable Articles Supplementary governing the preferred stock, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has provided or provides notice of its election to redeem the preferred stock) to convert some or all of the preferred stock held by it into a number of shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stock per share of preferred stock to be converted equal to the lesser of (i) the quotient obtained by dividing (a) the sum of the $25.00 liquidation preference plus the amount of any accrued and unpaid dividends to, but not including, the change of control conversion date (unless the change of control conversion date is after a record date for a preferred stock dividend payment and prior to the corresponding dividend payment date, in which case no additional amount for such accrued and unpaid dividend will be included in this sum) by (b) the common stock price specified in the applicable Articles Supplementary governing the preferred stock; and (ii) and the Share Cap, subject to certain adjustments; subject, in each case, to provisions for the receipt of alternative 150 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 (4) (5) (6) consideration as described in the applicable Articles Supplementary governing the preferred stock. Except in connection with specified change of control transactions, the preferred stock is not convertible into or exchangeable for any other property or securities of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. Liquidation preference is $25.00 per share. Dividends on preferred shares are cumulative and payable quarterly in arrears. On April 5, 2017, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. redeemed all 7,300,000 outstanding shares of its series F preferred stock for $25.01840 per share. The redemption price was equal to the original issuance price of $25.00 per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends up to but not including the redemption date. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. funded the redemption with borrowings under the global revolving credit facility, which the Operating Partnership distributed to Digital Realty Trust, Inc. in connection with the Operating Partnership’s redemption of all 7,300,000 of its outstanding series F preferred units held by Digital Realty Trust, Inc. The excess of the redemption price over the carrying value of the series F preferred stock of approximately $6.3 million relates to the original issuance costs and was recorded as a reduction to net income available to common stockholders. (d) Noncontrolling Interests in Operating Partnership Noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership relate to the interests that are not owned by Digital Realty Trust, Inc. The following table shows the ownership interest in the Operating Partnership as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 : Digital Realty Trust, Inc. Noncontrolling interests consist of: Common units held by third parties Incentive units held by employees and directors (see note 14) December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Number of units Percentage of total Number of units Percentage of total 205,470,300 96.0% 159,019,118 98.5% 6,899,094 1,590,001 3.2% 0.8% 1,141,814 1,333,849 213,959,395 100.0% 161,494,781 0.7% 0.8% 100.0% Limited partners have the right to require the Operating Partnership to redeem part or all of their common units for cash based on the fair market value of an equivalent number of shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock at the time of redemption. Alternatively, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. may elect to acquire those common units in exchange for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock on a one -for-one basis, subject to adjustment in the event of stock splits, stock dividends, issuance of stock rights, specified extraordinary distributions and similar events. Pursuant to authoritative accounting guidance, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. evaluated whether it controls the actions or events necessary to issue the maximum number of shares that could be required to be delivered under the share settlement of the noncontrolling Operating Partnership common and incentive units. Based on the results of this analysis, we concluded that the common units and incentive units of the Operating Partnership met the criteria to be classified within equity, except for certain common units issued to certain former DFT Operating Partnership unitholders in the DFT merger, which are subject to certain restrictions and, accordingly, are not presented as permanent equity in the consolidated balance sheet. In connection with the initial public offering of DFT in 2007, DFT, the DFT Operating Partnership and certain DFT Operating Partnership unitholders entered into a tax protection agreement to assist such unitholders in deferring certain U.S. federal income tax liabilities that may have otherwise resulted from the contribution transactions undertaken in connection with the initial public offering and the ownership of interests in the DFT Operating Partnership and to set forth certain agreements with respect to other tax matters. In connection with the DFT merger, certain DFT Operating Partnership unitholders entered into a new tax protection agreement with Digital Realty Trust, 151 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 Inc. and the Operating Partnership that replaced and superseded the DFT tax protection agreement, effective as of the closing of the merger. Pursuant to the new tax protection agreement, such DFT Operating Partnership unitholders entered into a guarantee of certain debt of a subsidiary of the Operating Partnership. The Operating Partnership must offer such DFT Operating Partnership unitholders a new guarantee opportunity in the event any guaranteed debt is repaid prior to March 1, 2023. If the Operating Partnership fails to offer the guarantee opportunity or to allocate guaranteed debt to any such DFT Operating Partnership unitholder as required under the new tax protection agreement, the Operating Partnership generally would be required to indemnify each such DFT Operating Partnership unitholder for the tax liability resulting from such failure, as determined under the new tax protection agreement. The redemption value of the noncontrolling Operating Partnership common units and the vested incentive units was approximately $887.0 million and $226.3 million based on the closing market price of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock on December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The following table shows activity for the noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 : As of December 31, 2014 Redemption of common units for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (1) Conversion of incentive units held by employees and directors for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (1) Cancellation of incentive units held by employees and directors Grant of incentive units to employees and directors As of December 31, 2015 Redemption of common units for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (1) Conversion of incentive units held by employees and directors for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (1) Grant of incentive units to employees and directors Cancellation of incentive units held by employees and directors As of December 31, 2016 Common units issued in connection with the DFT merger Redemption of common units for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (1) Conversion of incentive units held by employees and directors for shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock (1) Incentive units issued upon achievement of market performance condition Grant of incentive units to employees and directors As of December 31, 2017 152 Common Units 1,463,814 (42,500) Incentive Units 1,549,847 Total 3,013,661 — (42,500) — — — 1,421,314 (279,500) (113,508) (151,579) 127,252 1,412,012 — (113,508) (151,579) 127,252 2,833,326 (279,500) — (150,993) (150,993) 74,246 (1,416) 1,333,849 — — (208,092) 390,795 73,449 74,246 (1,416) 2,475,663 6,111,770 (354,490) (208,092) 390,795 73,449 1,141,814 6,111,770 (354,490) — — — 6,899,094 1,590,001 8,489,095 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 (1) These redemptions and conversions were recorded as a reduction to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership and an increase to common stock and additional paid in capital based on the book value per unit in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (e) Dividends We have declared and paid the following dividends on our common and preferred stock for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 (in thousands): Date dividend declared Dividend payable date February 25, 2015 March 31, 2015 May 12, 2015 June 30, 2015 August 11, 2015 September 30, 2015 November 12, 2015 December 31, 2015 for Preferred Stock; January 15, 2016 for Common Stock February 17, 2016 March 31, 2016 May 11, 2016 June 30, 2016 August 10, 2016 September 30, 2016 $ $ November 9, 2016 December 30, 2016 for Preferred Stock; January 13, 2017 for Common Stock March 1, 2017 March 31, 2017 May 8, 2017 June 30, 2017 August 7, 2017 September 29, 2017 $ $ November 2, 2017 December 29, 2017 for Preferred Stock; January 12, 2018 for Common Stock Annual rate of dividend per share $ $ Series C Preferred Stock Series E Preferred Stock Series F Preferred Stock Series G Preferred Stock Series H Preferred Stock Series I Preferred Stock Series J Preferred Stock $ — $ 5,031 $ 3,023 $ 3,672 $ 6,730 $ — — — — — — — — — — — — $ $ $ $ 5,031 5,031 5,031 20,124 5,031 5,031 (4) — — 10,062 — — — $ $ $ $ 3,023 3,023 3,023 12,092 3,023 3,023 3,023 3,023 12,092 3,023 (6) — — $ $ $ $ 3,672 3,672 3,672 14,688 3,672 3,672 3,672 3,672 14,688 3,672 3,672 3,672 6,730 6,730 6,730 26,920 6,730 6,730 6,730 6,730 26,920 6,730 6,730 6,730 $ $ $ $ — — — (2) $ $ $ $ 5,600 5,600 3,969 3,969 3,969 3,969 15,876 3,969 3,969 3,969 Common Stock $ 115,419 115,458 115,454 124,417 470,748 131,587 131,607 131,657 141,882 536,733 148,358 150,814 191,041 $ $ $ $ (1) (1) (1) (1) (3) (3) (3) (3) (5) (5) (5) (5) $ $ $ $ $ — — — — — — — — — — — — — (7) 3,963 (7) — — 3,672 6,730 3,969 4,200 191,067 3,963 $ — $ 3,023 $ 14,688 $ 26,920 $ 15,876 $ 4,200 $ 681,280 1.65625 $ 1.75000 $ 1.65625 $ 1.46875 $ 1.84375 $ 1.58750 $ 1.31250 (1) (2) (3) (4) $ 3.400 annual rate of dividend per share. Represents a pro rata dividend from and including the original issue date to and including December 31, 2015. $3.520 annual rate of dividend per share. Redeemed on September 15, 2016 for $25.35972 per share, or a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends up to but not including the redemption date of approximately $4.1 million in the aggregate. In connection with the redemption, the previously incurred offering costs of approximately $10.3 million were recorded as a reduction to net income available to common stockholders. 153 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 (5) (6) (7) $3.720 annual rate of dividend per share. Redeemed on April 5, 2017 for $25.01840 per share, or a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends up to but not including the redemption date of approximately $0.1 million in the aggregate. In connection with the redemption, the previously incurred offering costs of approximately $6.3 million were recorded as a reduction to net income available to common stockholders. Represents a pro rata dividend from and including the original issue date to and including December 31, 2017. Distributions out of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s current or accumulated earnings and profits are generally classified as dividends whereas distributions in excess of its current and accumulated earnings and profits, to the extent of a stockholder’s U.S. federal income tax basis in Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s stock, are generally classified as a return of capital. Distributions in excess of a stockholder’s U.S. federal income tax basis in Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s stock are generally characterized as capital gain. Cash provided by operating activities has generally been sufficient to fund all distributions, however, in the future we may also need to utilize borrowings under the global revolving credit facility to fund all or a portion of distributions. (f) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net The accumulated balances for each item within other comprehensive income (loss), net are as follows (in thousands): Balance as of December 31, 2015 Net current period change Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps Balance as of December 31, 2016 Net current period change Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps Balance as of December 31, 2017 Foreign currency translation adjustments Cash flow hedge adjustments Foreign currency net investment hedge adjustments Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net (90,342) $ (85,300) — (6,248) $ 6,246 4,890 — $ 35,149 — (96,590) (43,905) 4,890 (175,642) $ 4,888 $ 35,149 $ (135,605) 28,272 — 5,898 2,414 (9,411) — 24,759 2,414 (147,370) $ 13,200 $ 25,738 $ (108,432) $ $ $ 154 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 13. Capital and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (a) Allocations of Net Income and Net Losses to Partners Except for special allocations to holders of profits interest units described below in Note 14(a) under the heading “Incentive Plan-Long-Term Incentive Units,” the Operating Partnership’s net income will generally be allocated to Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (the General Partner) to the extent of the accrued preferred return on its preferred units, and then to the General Partner and the Operating Partnership’s limited partners in accordance with the respective percentage interests in the common units issued by the Operating Partnership. Net loss will generally be allocated to the General Partner and the Operating Partnership’s limited partners in accordance with the respective common percentage interests in the Operating Partnership until the limited partner’s capital is reduced to zero and any remaining net loss would be allocated to the General Partner. However, in some cases, losses may be disproportionately allocated to partners who have guaranteed our debt. The allocations described above are subject to special allocations relating to depreciation deductions and to compliance with the provisions of Sections 704(b) and 704(c) of the Code, and the associated Treasury Regulations. (b) Redeemable Preferred Units Preferred Units (1) Date(s) Issued Initial Date to Redeem (2) Total Liquidation Value (in thousands) (3) Annual Distribution Rate (4) 2017 2016 2017 2016 Units Outstanding as of December 31, Balance (in thousands, net of issuance costs) as of December 31, Apr 5, 2012 Apr 5, 2017 6.625% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Units Sep 14, 2017 May 15, 2021 $ 6.625% Series F Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units (5) 5.875% Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units 7.375% Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units 6.350% Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units 5.250% Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units Aug 7, 2017 Aug 7, 2022 Apr 9, 2013 Apr 9, 2018 Mar 26, 2014 Aug 24, 2015 Mar 26, 2019 Aug 24, 2020 201,250 $ 1.65625 8,050,000 — $ 219,250 $ — 182,500 1.65625 — 7,300,000 — 176,191 250,000 1.46875 10,000,000 10,000,000 241,468 241,468 365,000 1.84375 14,600,000 14,600,000 353,290 353,290 250,000 1.58750 10,000,000 10,000,000 242,012 242,012 200,000 1.31250 $ 1,448,750 8,000,000 50,650,000 — — 41,900,000 $ 1,249,560 $ 1,012,961 193,540 (1) (2) (3) All series of preferred units do not have a stated maturity date and are not subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption provisions. Upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, each series of preferred units will rank senior to Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common units and on parity with the other series of preferred units. Except in limited circumstances, reflects earliest date that Digital Realty Trust Inc. may exercise its option to redeem the corresponding series of preferred stock, at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends up to but excluding the date of redemption. The Operating Partnership is required to redeem the corresponding series of preferred units in the event that the General Partner redeems a series of preferred stock. Liquidation preference is $25.00 per unit. 155 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 (4) (5) Distributions on preferred units are cumulative and payable quarterly in arrears. Redeemed on April 5, 2017 for $25.01840 per unit, or a redemption price of $25.00 per unit, plus accrued and unpaid distributions up to but not including the redemption date of approximately $0.1 million in the aggregate. In connection with the redemption, the previously incurred offering costs of approximately $6.3 million were recorded as a reduction to net income available to common unitholders. (c) Partnership Units Limited partners have the right to require the Operating Partnership to redeem part or all of their common units for cash based on the fair market value of an equivalent number of shares of the General Partner’s common stock at the time of redemption. Alternatively, the General Partner may elect to acquire those common units in exchange for shares of the General Partner’s common stock on a one -for-one basis, subject to adjustment in the event of stock splits, stock dividends, issuance of stock rights, specified extraordinary distributions and similar events. Pursuant to authoritative accounting guidance, the Operating Partnership evaluated whether it controls the actions or events necessary to issue the maximum number of shares that could be required to be delivered under the share settlement of the limited partners’ common units and the vested incentive units. Based on the results of this analysis, the Operating Partnership concluded that the common units and incentive units of the Operating Partnership met the criteria to be classified within capital, except for certain common units issued to certain former DFT Operating Partnership unitholders in the DFT merger which are subject to certain restrictions and are not presented as permanent capital in the consolidated balance sheet. The redemption value of the limited partners’ common units and the vested incentive units was approximately $887.0 million and $226.3 million based on the closing market price of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stock on December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. 156 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements (d) Distributions DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 All distributions on our units are at the discretion of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s board of directors. We have declared and paid the following distributions on our common and preferred units for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 (in thousands): Date distribution declared Distribution payable date Series C Preferred Units Series E Preferred Units Series F Preferred Units Series G Preferred Units Series H Preferred Units Series I Preferred Units Series J Preferred Units — $ 5,031 $ 3,023 $ 3,672 $ 6,730 $ Feb 25, 2015 May 12, 2015 Aug 11, 2015 Nov 12, 2015 Feb 17, 2016 May 11, 2016 Aug 10, 2016 Nov 9, 2016 Mar 1, 2017 May 8, 2017 Aug 7, 2017 Nov 2, 2017 March 31, 2015 June 30, 2015 September 30, 2015 December 31, 2015 for Preferred Units; January 15, 2016 for Common Units March 31, 2016 June 30, 2016 September 30, 2016 December 31, 2016 for Preferred Units; January 13, 2017 for Common Units March 31, 2017 June 30, 2017 September 29, 2017 December 29, 2017 for Preferred Units; January 12, 2018 for Common Units Annual rate of distribution per unit $ $ $ $ $ $ $ — — — — — — — — — — — — $ $ $ $ 3,963 (7) 3,963 $ 5,031 5,031 5,031 20,124 5,031 5,031 — (4) — 10,062 — — — — — 3,023 3,023 3,023 12,092 3,023 3,023 3,023 3,023 12,092 3,023 $ $ $ $ — (6) — — 3,672 3,672 3,672 14,688 3,672 3,672 3,672 3,672 14,688 3,672 3,672 3,672 $ $ $ $ (2) 6,730 6,730 — — — (2) $ $ $ $ 6,730 26,920 6,730 6,730 6,730 6,730 26,920 6,730 6,730 6,730 $ $ $ $ 5,600 5,600 3,969 3,969 3,969 3,969 15,876 3,969 3,969 3,969 $ $ $ $ $ — — — — — — — — — — — — — Common Units $ 117,896 117,938 117,962 126,827 480,623 131,587 131,607 131,657 144,193 539,044 150,968 153,176 199,049 $ $ $ $ (1) (1) (1) (1) (3) (3) (3) (3) (5) (5) (5) (5) 3,672 6,730 3,969 4,200 199,061 (7) $ 3,023 $ 14,688 $ 26,920 $ 15,876 $ 4,200 $ 702,254 1.65625 $ 1.75000 $ 1.65625 $ 1.46875 $ 1.84375 $ 1.58800 $ 1.31250 (1) (2) (3) $ 3.400 annual rate of distribution per unit. Represents a pro rata distribution from and including the original issue date to and including December 31, 2015. $3.520 annual rate of distribution per unit. 157 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 (4) (5) (6) (7) Redeemed on September 15, 2016 for $25.35972 per unit, or a redemption price of $25.00 per unit, plus accrued and unpaid distributions up to but not including the redemption date of approximately $4.1 million in the aggregate. In connection with the redemption, the previously incurred offering costs of approximately $10.3 million were recorded as a reduction to net income available to common unitholders. $3.720 annual rate of distribution per unit. Redeemed on April 5, 2017 for $25.01840 per unit, or a redemption price of $25.00 per unit, plus accrued and unpaid distributions up to but not including the redemption date of approximately $0.1 million in the aggregate. In connection with the redemption, the previously incurred offering costs of approximately $6.3 million were recorded as a reduction to net income available to common unitholders. Represents a pro rata distribution from and including the original issue date to and including December 31, 2017. (e) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) The accumulated balances for each item within other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows (in thousands): Balance as of December 31, 2015 Net current period change Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps Balance as of December 31, 2016 Net current period change Reclassification to interest expense from interest rate swaps Balance as of December 31, 2017 Foreign currency translation adjustments Cash flow hedge adjustments Foreign currency net investment hedge adjustments Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (93,883) $ (86,621) — (7,081) $ 6,304 4,968 — $ 35,694 — (100,964) (44,623) 4,968 (180,504) $ 4,191 $ 35,694 $ (140,619) 28,709 — 6,108 2,459 (9,542) — 25,275 2,459 (151,795) $ 12,758 $ 26,152 $ (112,885) $ $ $ 158 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 14. Incentive Plan Our Amended and Restated 2004 Incentive Award Plan (as defined below) previously provided for grants of incentive awards to employees, directors and consultants. Awards issuable under the Amended and Restated 2004 Incentive Award Plan included stock options, restricted stock, dividend equivalents, stock appreciation rights, long-term incentive units, cash performance bonuses and other incentive awards. Only employees were eligible to receive incentive stock options under the Amended and Restated 2004 Incentive Award Plan. Initially, we reserved a total of 4,474,102 shares of common stock for issuance pursuant to the Digital Realty Trust, Inc., Digital Services, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. 2004 Incentive Award Plan (the 2004 Incentive Award Plan), subject to certain adjustments set forth in the 2004 Incentive Award Plan. On May 2, 2007, Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s stockholders approved the First Amended and Restated Digital Realty Trust, Inc., Digital Services, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. 2004 Incentive Award Plan (as amended, the Amended and Restated 2004 Incentive Award Plan). The Amended and Restated 2004 Incentive Award Plan increased the aggregate number of shares of stock which could have been issued or transferred under the plan by 5,000,000 shares to a total of 9,474,102 shares, and provided that the maximum number of shares of stock with respect to awards granted to any one participant during a calendar year was 1,500,000 shares and the maximum amount that could have been paid in cash during any calendar year with respect to any performance-based award not denominated in stock or otherwise for which the foregoing limitation would not be an effective limitation for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code was $10.0 million . On April 28, 2014, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. held its 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, or the 2014 Annual Meeting, at which its stockholders approved the Digital Realty Trust, Inc., Digital Services, Inc., and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. 2014 Incentive Award Plan (as amended, the 2014 Incentive Award Plan), which had been previously adopted by its Board of Directors and recommended to the stockholders for approval by the Board of Directors. The 2014 Incentive Award Plan became effective and replaced the Amended and Restated 2004 Incentive Award Plan as of the date of such stockholder approval. The material features of the 2014 Incentive Award Plan are described in our definitive Proxy Statement filed on March 19, 2014 in connection with the 2014 Annual Meeting, which description is incorporated herein by reference. Effective as of September 14, 2017, the 2014 Incentive Award Plan was amended to provide that shares which remained available for issuance under DFT’s Amended and Restated 2011 Equity Incentive Plan immediately prior to the closing of the DFT merger (as adjusted and converted into shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stock) may be used for awards under the 2014 Incentive Award Plan and will not reduce the shares authorized for grant under the 2014 Incentive Award Plan, to the extent that using such shares is permitted without stockholder approval under applicable stock exchange rules. In connection with the amendment to the 2014 Incentive Award Plan, on September 22, 2017, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. registered an additional 3,714,560 shares that may be issued pursuant to the 2014 Incentive Award Plan. As of December 31, 2017 , approximately 7.5 million shares of common stock, including awards convertible into or exchangeable for shares of common stock remained available for future issuance under the 2014 Incentive Award Plan. Each long-term incentive unit and each Class D Unit issued under the 2014 Incentive Award Plan counts as one share of common stock for purposes of calculating the limit on shares that may be issued under the 2014 Incentive Award Plan and the individual award limits set forth therein. (a) Long-Term Incentive Units Long-term incentive units, which are also referred to as profits interest units, may be issued to eligible participants for the performance of services to or for the benefit of the Operating Partnership. Long-term incentive units (other than Class D Units), whether vested or not, will receive the same quarterly per unit distributions as Operating Partnership common units, which equal the per share distributions on Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock. Initially, long-term incentive units do not have full parity with common units with respect to liquidating distributions. If such parity is reached, vested long-term incentive units may be converted into an equal number of common units of the Operating Partnership at any time, and thereafter enjoy all the rights and privileges of common units of the Operating Partnership, including redemption rights. In order to achieve full parity with common units, long-term incentive units must be fully vested and the holder’s capital account balance in respect of such long-term incentive units must be equal to the capital account balance of a holder of an equivalent number of common units. The capital account balance attributable to each common unit is generally expected to be the same, in part because of the amount credited to a partner’s capital account upon the partner’s contribution of property to the Operating Partnership, and in part because the partnership agreement provides, in most cases, that allocations of income, gain, loss and deduction (which will adjust the partner’s capital accounts) are to be made to the common units on a proportionate 159 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 basis. As a result, with respect to a number of long-term incentive units, it is possible to determine the capital account balance of an equivalent number of common units by multiplying the number of long-term incentive units by the capital account balance with respect to a common unit. A partner’s initial capital account balance is equal to the amount the partner paid (or contributed to the Operating Partnership) for the partner’s units and is subject to subsequent adjustments, including with respect to the partner’s share of income, gain or loss of the Operating Partnership. Because a holder of long-term incentive units generally will not pay for the long-term incentive units, the initial capital account balance attributable to such long-term incentive units will be zero . However, the Operating Partnership is required to allocate income, gain, loss and deduction to the partner’s capital accounts in accordance with the terms of the partnership agreement, subject to applicable Treasury Regulations. The partnership agreement provides that holders of long-term incentive units will receive special allocations of gain in the event of a sale or “hypothetical sale” of assets of the Operating Partnership prior to the allocation of gain to Digital Realty Trust, Inc. or other limited partners with respect to their common units. The amount of any such allocation will, to the extent of any such gain, be equal to the difference between the capital account balance of a holder of long-term incentive units attributable to such units and the capital account balance attributable to an equivalent number of common units. If and when such gain allocation is fully made, a holder of long-term incentive units will have achieved full parity with holders of common units. To the extent that, upon an actual sale or a “hypothetical sale” of the Operating Partnership’s assets as described above, there is not sufficient gain to allocate to a holder’s capital account with respect to long-term incentive units, or if such sale or “hypothetical sale” does not occur, such units will not achieve parity with common units. The term “hypothetical sale” refers to circumstances that are not actual sales of the Operating Partnership’s assets but that require certain adjustments to the value of the Operating Partnership’s assets and the partners’ capital account balances. Specifically, the partnership agreement provides that, from time to time, in accordance with applicable Treasury Regulations, the Operating Partnership will adjust the value of its assets to equal their respective fair market values, and adjust the partners’ capital accounts, in accordance with the terms of the partnership agreement, as if the Operating Partnership sold its assets for an amount equal to their value. Such adjustments will generally be made upon the liquidation of the Operating Partnership, the acquisition of an additional interest in the Operating Partnership by a new or existing partner in exchange for more than a de minimis capital contribution, the distribution by the Operating Partnership to a partner of more than a de minimis amount of partnership property as consideration for an interest in the Operating Partnership, the grant of an interest in the Operating Partnership (other than a de minimis interest) as consideration for the performance of services to or for the benefit of the Operating Partnership (including the grant of a long-term incentive unit), and at such other times as may be desirable or required to comply with the Treasury Regulations. Below is a summary of our long-term incentive unit activity for the year ended December 31, 2017 . Unvested Long-term Incentive Units Unvested, beginning of period Granted Vested Cancelled or expired Unvested, end of period Units 128,822 $ 72,664 (94,801) (7,390) 99,295 $ Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value 66.58 109.71 71.97 98.94 90.59 The grant date fair values, which equal the market price of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock on the applicable grant date(s), are being expensed on a straight-line basis for service awards over four years, the current vesting period of the long-term incentive units. Excluding the impact of our former Chief Executive Officer's equity acceleration in 2014 and subsequent cancellation in 2015, the expense recorded for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 related to long-term incentive units was approximately $3.9 million , $4.5 million and $5.9 million , respectively. We capitalized amounts relating to compensation expense of employees direct and incremental to construction and successful leasing activities of approximately $1.7 million , $1.8 million and $1.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Unearned compensation representing the unvested portion of the long-term incentive units totaled $6.9 million and $5.6 million as of December 31, 160 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 2017 and 2016 , respectively. We expect to recognize this unearned compensation over the next 2.6 years on a weighted average basis. (b) Market Performance-Based Awards During the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. approved the grant of market performance-based Class D units of the Operating Partnership and market performance-based restricted stock units, or RSUs, covering shares of the Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s common stock (collectively, the “awards”), under the 2014 Incentive Award Plan to officers and employees of the Company. The awards, which were determined to contain a market condition, utilize total shareholder return, or TSR, over a three -year measurement period as the market performance metric. Awards will vest based on the Company’s TSR relative to the MSCI US REIT Index, or RMS, over a three -year market performance period, or the Market Performance Period, commencing in January 2015, January 2016 or January 2017, as applicable (or, if earlier, ending on the date on which a change in control of the Company occurs), subject to continued services. Vesting with respect to the market condition is measured based on the difference between Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s TSR percentage and the TSR percentage of the RMS, or the RMS Relative Market Performance. In the event that the RMS Relative Market Performance upon completion of the Market Performance Period is achieved at the “threshold,” “target” or “high” level as set forth below, the awards will become vested as to the market condition with respect to the percentage of Class D units or RSUs, as applicable, set forth below: Level Below Threshold Level Threshold Level Target Level High Level RMS Relative Market Performance < -300 basis points -300 basis points 100 basis points > 500 basis points Market Performance Vesting Percentage 0% 25% 50% 100% If the RMS Relative Market Performance falls between the levels specified above, the percentage of the awards that will vest with respect to the market condition will be determined using straight-line linear interpolation between such levels. In January 2018, following the completion of the Market Performance Period, the Compensation Committee determined that the high level had been achieved for the 2015 awards and, accordingly, 363,193 class D units (including 36,246 distribution equivalent units that immediately vested on December 31, 2017, upon the high level being achieved) and 49,707 RSUs performance vested, subject to service-based vesting. On February 27, 2018, 50% of the 2015 awards vested and the remaining 50% will vest on February 27, 2019, subject to continued employment through each applicable vesting date. In January 2017, following the completion of the Market Performance Period, the Compensation Committee determined that the high level had been achieved for the 2014 awards and, accordingly, 399,250 class D units (including 44,702 distribution equivalent units that immediately vested on December 31, 2016, upon the high level being achieved) and 138,567 RSUs performance vested, subject to service-based vesting. On February 27, 2017, 50% of the 2014 awards vested and the remaining 50% vested on February 27, 2018. Following the completion of the Market Performance Period, the 2016 awards that have satisfied the market condition, if any, will vest 50% on February 27, 2019 and 50% on February 27, 2020, subject to continued employment through each applicable vesting date. Following the completion of the Market Performance Period, the 2017 awards that have satisfied the market condition, if any, will vest 50% on February 27, 2020 and 50% on February 27, 2021, subject to continued employment through each applicable vesting date. Service-based vesting will be accelerated, in full or on a pro rata basis, as applicable, in the event of a change in control, termination of employment by the Company without cause, termination of employment by the award recipient for good reason, death, disability or retirement, in any case prior to the completion of the applicable Market Performance Period. However, vesting with respect to the market condition will continue to be measured based on RMS Relative Market Performance during 161 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 the applicable three -year Market Performance Period (or, in the case of a change in control, shortened Market Performance Period). The fair values of the awards were measured using a Monte Carlo simulation to estimate the probability of the market vesting condition being satisfied. The Company’s achievement of the market vesting condition is contingent on its TSR over a three -year market performance period, relative to the total shareholder return of the RMS. The Monte Carlo simulation is a probabilistic technique based on the underlying theory of the Black-Scholes formula, which was run for 100,000 trials to determine the fair value of the awards. For each trial, the payoff to an award is calculated at the settlement date and is then discounted to the grant date at a risk-free interest rate. The total expected value of the awards on the grant date was determined by multiplying the average value per award over all trials by the number of awards granted. Assumptions used in the valuations are summarized as follows: Award Date February 24, 2015 January 1, 2016 February 16, 2016 January 1, 2017 February 28, 2017 Expected Stock Price Volatility 24% Risk-Free Interest Rate 1.00% 22% 26% 25% 23% 1.32% 0.89% 1.49% 1.43% These valuations were performed in a risk-neutral framework, and no assumption was made with respect to an equity risk premium. As of December 31, 2017 , 2,029,908 Class D Units and 543,923 market performance-based RSUs had been awarded to our executive officers and other employees. The number of units granted reflects the maximum number of Class D units or market performance-based RSUs, as applicable, which will become vested assuming the achievement of the highest level of RMS Relative Market Performance under the awards and, in the case of the Class D units, also includes distribution equivalent units. The fair value of these awards of approximately $74.9 million will be recognized as compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the expected service period of approximately four years. The unearned compensation as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 was $24.7 million and $25.6 million, respectively, net of cancellations. We expect to recognize this unearned compensation over the next 2.5 years on a weighted average basis. We recognized compensation expense related to these awards of approximately $9.6 million , $7.9 million and $4.1 million in the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. We capitalized amounts relating to compensation expense of employees directly engaged in construction and leasing activities of approximately $2.3 million , $1.9 million and $4.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. If the market conditions are not met, at the end of the applicable performance periods, the unamortized amount will be recognized as an expense at that time. 162 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 (c) Restricted Stock Below is a summary of our restricted stock activity for the year ended December 31, 2017 . Unvested Restricted Stock Unvested, beginning of period Granted (1) Vested Cancelled or expired Unvested, end of period Shares Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value 274,642 $ 120,853 (102,899) (33,174) 259,422 $ 73.81 108.65 69.04 84.68 90.54 (1) All restricted stock awards granted in 2017 are subject only to service conditions. The grant date fair values, which equal the market price of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. common stock on the grant date, are being expensed on a straight-line basis for service awards over the vesting period of the restricted stock, which ranges from three to four years. The expense recorded for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 related to grants of restricted stock was approximately $4.5 million , $4.1 million and $2.5 million , respectively. We capitalized amounts relating to compensation expense of employees direct and incremental to construction and successful leasing activities of approximately $3.3 million , $2.8 million and $2.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Unearned compensation representing the unvested portion of the restricted stock totaled $17.5 million and $14.7 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. We expect to recognize this unearned compensation over the next 2.7 years on a weighted average basis. (d) 401(k) Plan We have a 401(k) plan whereby our employees may contribute a portion of their compensation to their respective retirement accounts, in an amount not to exceed the maximum allowed under the Code. The 401(k) Plan complies with Internal Revenue Service requirements as a 401(k) Safe Harbor Plan whereby matching contributions made by us are 100% vested. The aggregate cost of our contributions to the 401(k) Plan was approximately $4.6 million , $3.6 million , and $3.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. 15. Derivative Instruments Currently, we use interest rate swaps to manage our interest rate risk. The valuation of these instruments is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves. The fair values of interest rate swaps are determined using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed cash receipts (or payments) and the discounted expected variable cash payments (or receipts). The variable cash payments (or receipts) are based on an expectation of future interest rates (forward curves) derived from observable market interest rate curves. To comply with the provisions of fair value accounting guidance, we incorporate credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both our own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements. In adjusting the fair value of our derivative contracts for the effect of nonperformance risk, we have considered the impact of netting and any applicable credit enhancements, such as collateral postings, thresholds, mutual puts, and guarantees. Although we have determined that the majority of the inputs used to value our derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with our derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default by us and our counterparties. However, as of December 31, 2017 , we 163 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 have assessed the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of our derivative positions and have determined that the credit valuation adjustments are not significant to the overall valuation of our derivatives. As a result, we have determined that our derivative valuations in their entirety are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. We do not have any fair value measurements on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) as of December 31, 2017 or December 31, 2016 . Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk Our objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest expense and to manage our exposure to interest rate movements related to the U.S. LIBOR, GBP LIBOR and CDOR-based tranches of the unsecured term loans. To accomplish this objective, we primarily use interest rate swaps as part of our interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable-rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount. We record all our interest rate swaps on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value. In determining the fair value of our interest rate swaps, we consider the credit risk of our counterparties. These counterparties are generally larger financial institutions engaged in providing a variety of financial services. These institutions generally face similar risks regarding adverse changes in market and economic conditions, including, but not limited to, fluctuations in interest rates, exchange rates, equity and commodity prices and credit spreads. The recent and pervasive disruptions in the financial markets have heightened the risks to these institutions. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivatives is recognized directly in earnings. During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, there were no ineffective portions to our interest rate swaps. As of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , we had the following outstanding interest rate derivatives that were designated as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk (in thousands): Notional Amount As of December 31, 2017 As of December 31, 2016 Currently-paying contracts $ 206,000 (1) $ 54,905 (1) — — 75,000 (1) 75,000 (1) 300,000 (2) — 229,012 (4) — — 206,000 (1) 54,905 (1) 75,000 (1) 75,000 (1) 300,000 (2) 130,850 (3) 209,132 (4) 78,357 (5) 1,018,274 $ 73,294 (5) 1,124,181 $ (1) (2) (3) (4) Type of Derivative Strike Rate Effective Date Expiration Date Fair Value at Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) As of December 31, 2017 (6) As of December 31, 2016 (6) Swap Swap Swap Swap Swap Swap Swap Swap Swap Swap 1.611 1.605 0.932 0.670 1.016 1.164 1.435 0.925 0.792 0.779 Jun 15, 2017 Jan 15, 2020 $ 1,409 $ Jun 6, 2017 Jan 6, 2020 Jun 18, 2012 Apr 18, 2017 Aug 6, 2012 Apr 6, 2017 Apr 6, 2016 Jan 6, 2021 Jan 15, 2016 Jan 15, 2021 Jan 15, 2016 Jan 15, 2023 Jul 17, 2012 Apr 18, 2017 Jan 15, 2016 Jan 15, 2019 Jan 15, 2016 Jan 15, 2021 $ 374 — — 2,260 1,947 9,978 — (430) 3,034 18,572 $ — — (90) 16 1,911 1,487 8,128 18 (1,818) 1,556 11,208 Represents portions of the U.S. dollar tranche of the 5 -Year Term Loan. Represents the U.S. dollar tranche of the 7 -Year Term Loan. Represents a portion of the Singapore dollar tranche of the 5 -Year Term Loan. Translation to U.S. dollars is based on exchange rate of $0.69 to 1.00 SGD as of December 31, 2016 . Represents the British pound sterling tranche of the 5 -Year Term Loan. Translation to U.S. dollars is based on exchange rates of $1.35 to £1.00 as of December 31, 2017 and $1.23 to £1.00 as of December 31, 2016 . 164 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 (5) (6) Represents the Canadian dollar tranche of the 5 -Year Term Loan. Translation to U.S. dollars is based on exchange rates of $0.80 to 1.00 CAD as of December 31, 2017 and $0.74 to 1.00 CAD as of December 31, 2016 . Balance recorded in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets if positive and recorded in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets if negative. Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to interest rate swaps will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on our debt. As of December 31, 2017 , we estimate that an additional $1.6 million will be reclassified as a decrease to interest expense during the year ending December 31, 2018, when the hedged forecasted transactions impact earnings. Foreign Currency Net Investment Hedges During the three months ended June 30, 2016, we entered into a series of forward contracts pursuant to which we agreed to sell an amount of foreign currency for an agreed upon amount of U.S. dollars. These forward contracts were executed to manage foreign currency exposures associated with certain transactions. As of June 30, 2016, the forward contracts did not meet the criteria for hedge accounting under GAAP and had a fair value of approximately $37.8 million . On July 1, 2016, the four forward contracts still in place met the criteria for net investment hedge accounting. During the year ended December 31, 2017 , we terminated the four forward contracts with a notional amount of GBP 357.3 million . In connection with the settlement, we received approximately $64.0 million in proceeds and the related amount of approximately $26.2 million of accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) will remain in AOCI until the Company sells or liquidates its GBP-denominated investments, which has not occurred as of December 31, 2017 . 16. Fair Value of Instruments We disclose fair value information about all financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the consolidated balance sheets, for which it is practicable to estimate fair value. Current accounting guidance requires the Company to disclose fair value information about all financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the balance sheets, for which it is practicable to estimate fair value. The Company’s disclosures of estimated fair value of financial instruments at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were determined using available market information and appropriate valuation methods. Considerable judgment is necessary to interpret market data and develop estimated fair value. The use of different market assumptions or estimation methods may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts. The carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts and other receivables, accounts payable and other accrued liabilities, accrued dividends and distributions, security deposits and prepaid rents approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments. As described in Note 15. "Derivative Instruments", the interest rate swaps and foreign currency forward contracts are recorded at fair value. We calculate the fair value of our mortgage loans, unsecured term loan and unsecured senior notes based on currently available market rates assuming the loans are outstanding through maturity and considering the collateral and other loan terms. In determining the current market rate for fixed rate debt, a market spread is added to the quoted yields on federal government treasury securities with similar maturity dates to our debt. The carrying value of our global revolving credit facility approximates fair value, due to the variability of interest rates. As of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the aggregate estimated fair value and carrying value of our global revolving credit facility, unsecured term loan, unsecured senior notes and mortgage loans were as follows (in thousands): 165 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 Global revolving credit facility (1)(5) Unsecured term loans (2)(6) Unsecured senior notes (3)(4)(7) Mortgage loans (3)(8) Categorization under the fair value hierarchy As of December 31, 2017 As of December 31, 2016 Estimated Fair Value Carrying Value Estimated Fair Value Carrying Value Level 2 Level 2 Level 2 Level 2 $ $ 558,191 $ 1,425,117 6,976,603 106,523 9,066,434 $ 558,191 $ 1,425,117 6,608,545 106,611 8,698,464 $ 210,077 $ 1,488,498 4,428,074 3,217 6,129,866 $ 210,077 1,488,498 4,179,171 3,250 5,880,996 (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) The carrying value of our global revolving credit facility approximates estimated fair value, due to the variability of interest rates and the stability of our credit ratings. The carrying value of our unsecured term loans approximates estimated fair value, due to the variability of interest rates and the stability of our credit ratings. Valuations for our unsecured senior notes and mortgage loans are determined based on the expected future payments discounted at risk-adjusted rates. The 2019 Notes, 5.875% 2020 Notes, 3.400% 2020 Notes, 2021 Notes, 3.950% 2022 Notes, 3.625% 2022 Notes, 4.750% 2023 Notes, 2.750% 2023 Notes, 2.625% 2024 Notes, 2.750% 2024 Notes, 4.750% 2025 Notes, 4.250% 2025 Notes, 2027 Notes and 2029 Notes are valued based on quoted market prices. The carrying value of the 5.875% 2020 Notes, 3.400% 2020 Notes, 2021 Notes, 3.625% 2022 Notes, 3.950% 2022 Notes, 4.750% 2023 Notes, 2.750% 2023 Notes, 2.625% 2024 Notes, 2.750% 2024 Notes, 4.250% 2025 Notes, 2027 Notes and 2029 Notes are net of discount of $18.5 million and $15.6 million in the aggregate as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. The estimated fair value and carrying value are exclusive of deferred financing costs of $7.2 million and $10.9 million as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. The estimated fair value and carrying value are exclusive of deferred financing costs of $4.8 million and $6.1 million as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. The estimated fair value and carrying value are exclusive of deferred financing costs of $37.8 million and $25.4 million as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. The estimated fair value and carrying value are exclusive of deferred financing costs of $0.0 million and $0.0 million as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. 17. Tenant Leases The future minimum lease payments to be received (excluding operating expense reimbursements) by us as of December 31, 2017 , under non-cancelable operating leases are as follows (in thousands): 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Thereafter Total $ $ 2,065,850 1,671,115 1,361,404 1,147,928 881,117 2,958,666 10,086,080 166 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements 18. Commitments and Contingencies (a) Operating Leases DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 We lease space at certain of our data centers from third parties, primarily data centers acquired as part of the Telx Acquisition and European Portfolio Acquisition, and certain equipment under noncancelable operating lease agreements. The operating leases for our data centers expire at various dates through 2033 with renewal options available to us. The lease agreements typically provide for base rental rates that increase at defined intervals during the term of the lease. As of December 31, 2017, certain of our data centers, primarily in Europe are subject to ground leases. The termination dates of these ground leases range from 2036 to 2981. These ground leases generally require us to make fixed annual rental payments. In addition, our corporate headquarters along with several regional office locations are subject to leases with termination dates ranging from 2018 to 2024. These office leases generally require us to make fixed annual rental payments plus pay our share of common area, real estate and utility expenses. Some of our ground and office leases include escalation clauses and renewal options. Rental expense for our operating leases, including ground leases, was approximately $82.5 million , $83.6 million , and $24.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The minimum commitment under these leases, excluding fully prepaid ground leases, as of December 31, 2017 was as follows (in thousands): 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Thereafter Total $ $ 76,231 81,051 83,738 82,243 78,129 544,485 945,877 (b) Capital Lease Obligations Capital lease obligations are recorded for leases in which the Company was deemed to be the owner during the construction period under lease accounting guidance. Further, each lease contains provisions indicating continuing involvement with the property at the end of the construction period. As a result, in accordance with applicable accounting guidance, buildings and related assets subject to the leases are reflected in buildings and improvements and accumulated depreciation and amortization on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and depreciated over their remaining useful lives. The present value of the lease payments associated with these buildings is recorded as capital lease obligations and is classified in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The financing obligation is amortized using the effective interest method and the interest rate is determined in accordance with the requirements of sale-leaseback accounting. 167 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 Future minimum lease payments and their present value for property under capital lease obligations as of December 31, 2017 , are as follows (in thousands): 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Thereafter Less amount representing interest Present value (c) Construction Commitments $ $ 10,933 12,738 12,839 12,941 13,357 198,181 260,989 (90,178) 170,811 Our properties require periodic investments of capital for tenant-related capital expenditures and for general capital improvements and from time to time in the normal course of our business, we enter into various construction contracts with third parties that may obligate us to make payments. At December 31, 2017 , we had open commitments, including amounts reimbursable of approximately $6.3 million , related to construction contracts of approximately $317.3 million . (d) Legal Proceedings Although the Company is involved in legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business, as of December 31, 2017 , the Company is not currently a party to any legal proceedings nor, to its knowledge, is any legal proceeding threatened against it that it believes would have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations or liquidity. 168 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 19. Quarterly Financial Information (Digital Realty Trust, Inc.) (unaudited) The tables below reflect selected quarterly information for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 . Certain amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation (in thousands, except per share amounts). Total operating revenues Net income Net income attributable to Digital Realty Trust, Inc. Preferred stock dividends and issuance costs associated with redeemed preferred stock Net income (loss) available to common stockholders Basic net income (loss) per share available to common stockholders Diluted net income (loss) per share available to common stockholders Total operating revenues Net income Net income attributable to Digital Realty Trust, Inc. Preferred stock dividends and issuance costs associated with redeemed preferred stock Net income available to common stockholders Basic net income per share available to common stockholders Diluted net income per share available to common stockholders December 31, 2017 September 30, 2017 June 30, 2017 March 31, 2017 Three Months Ended 731,445 $ 609,925 $ 565,989 $ 79,658 73,635 20,329 53,306 12,475 12,435 16,575 (4,140) 79,571 78,651 20,814 57,837 0.26 $ (0.02) $ 0.36 $ 0.26 $ (0.02) $ 0.36 $ 550,569 84,563 83,538 17,393 66,145 0.42 0.41 December 31, 2016 September 30, 2016 June 30, 2016 March 31, 2016 Three Months Ended 576,787 $ 546,293 $ 514,934 $ 96,140 95,075 17,393 77,682 222,435 219,188 31,858 187,330 50,944 50,375 22,424 27,951 0.49 $ 1.27 $ 0.19 $ 0.49 $ 1.25 $ 0.19 $ 504,199 62,333 61,549 22,424 39,125 0.27 0.27 $ $ $ $ $ $ 169 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- (Continued) December 31, 2017 and 2016 20. Quarterly Financial Information (Digital Realty Trust, L.P.) (unaudited) The tables below reflect selected quarterly information for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 . Certain amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation (in thousands, except per unit amounts). Total operating revenues Net income Net income attributable to Digital Realty Trust, L.P. Preferred unit distributions and issuance costs associated with redeemed preferred units Net income (loss) available to common unitholders Basic net income (loss) per unit available to common unitholders Diluted net income (loss) per unit available to common unitholders Total operating revenues Net income Net income attributable to Digital Realty Trust, L.P. Preferred unit distributions and issuance costs associated with redeemed preferred units Net income available to common unitholders Basic net income per unit available to common unitholders Diluted net income per unit available to common unitholders December 31, 2017 September 30, 2017 June 30, 2017 March 31, 2017 Three Months Ended 731,445 $ 609,925 $ 565,989 $ 79,658 75,773 20,329 55,444 12,475 12,356 16,575 (4,219) 0.26 $ (0.02) $ 0.26 $ (0.02) $ 79,571 79,458 20,814 58,644 0.36 $ 0.36 $ 550,569 84,563 84,442 17,393 67,049 0.42 0.41 December 31, 2016 September 30, 2016 June 30, 2016 March 31, 2016 Three Months Ended 576,787 $ 546,293 $ 514,934 $ 96,140 96,229 17,393 78,836 0.49 $ 0.49 $ 222,435 222,212 31,858 190,354 1.27 $ 1.25 $ 50,944 50,832 22,424 28,408 0.19 $ 0.19 $ 504,199 62,333 62,212 22,424 39,788 0.27 0.27 $ $ $ $ $ $ 170 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. SCHEDULE III PROPERTIES AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION December 31, 2017 (In thousands) Initial costs Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition Metropolitan Area Encumbrances Land Acquired ground lease Buildings and improvements Improvements Carrying costs Land Total costs Acquired ground lease Buildings and improvements Total Accumulated depreciation and amortization Date of acquisition or construction Acquisition (A) or construction (C) PROPERTIES: 36 NE 2nd Street 2323 Bryan Street 300 Boulevard East 2334 Lundy Place 2440 Marsh Lane 375 Riverside Parkway 4849 Alpha Road Miami Dallas New York Silicon Valley Dallas Atlanta Dallas 600 West Seventh Street 2045 & 2055 Lafayette Street 11830 Webb Chapel Road 150 South First Street 200 Paul Avenue Los Angeles Silicon Valley Dallas Silicon Valley San Francisco 1100 Space Park Drive Silicon Valley 3015 Winona Avenue 1125 Energy Park Drive Los Angeles Minneapolis 350 East Cermak Road Chicago — 1,942 — 1,838 — 5,140 — 3,607 — 1,477 — 1,250 — 2,983 — 18,478 — 6,065 — 5,881 — — 2,068 14,427 — 5,130 — 6,534 — 2,775 — 8,466 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 24,184 77,604 48,526 23,008 10,330 11,578 10,650 50,824 43,817 34,473 29,214 75,777 18,206 8,356 10,761 22,089 53,297 61,913 67 73,380 31,629 43,947 58,286 15 2,355 1,499 98,738 35,841 — 1,970 — 1,838 — 5,140 — 3,607 — 1,486 — 1,250 — 2,983 — 18,478 — 6,065 — 5,881 — — 2,068 14,445 — 5,130 6 — 6,534 (5,668) (5,900) 2,775 103,232 269,616 — 8,620 171 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 46,245 48,215 (15,363) 2002 130,901 132,739 (66,339) 2002 110,439 115,579 (64,836) 2002 23,075 26,682 (10,277) 2002 83,701 85,187 (61,783) 2003 43,207 44,457 (29,212) 2003 54,597 57,580 (29,230) 2004 109,110 127,588 (64,113) 2004 43,832 49,897 (18,230) 2004 36,828 42,709 (16,371) 2004 30,713 174,497 32,781 188,942 (12,707) (79,960) 2004 2004 54,047 59,177 (31,604) 2004 8,362 14,896 (3,643) 2004 5,093 7,868 (4,002) 2005 372,694 381,314 (214,241) 2005 (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. SCHEDULE III PROPERTIES AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION- (Continued) December 31, 2017 (In thousands) Initial costs Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition Metropolitan Area Encumbrances Land Acquired ground lease Buildings and improvements Improvements Carrying costs Land Total costs Acquired ground lease Buildings and improvements Total Accumulated depreciation and amortization Date of acquisition or construction Acquisition (A) or construction (C) PROPERTIES: Denver 8534 Concord Center Drive 2401 Walsh Street Silicon Valley 2403 Walsh Street Silicon Valley 200 North Nash Street Los Angeles 731 East Trade Street Charlotte 113 North Myers Charlotte 125 North Myers Charlotte Paul van Vlissingenstraat 16 Amsterdam 600-780 S. Federal Chicago 115 Second Avenue Chemin de l’Epinglier 2 Boston Geneva 7500 Metro Center Drive Austin 3 Corporate Place New York 1115 Centennial Avenue 4025 Midway Road Clonshaugh Industrial Estate 6800 Millcreek Drive New York Dallas Dublin Toronto 101 Aquila Way Atlanta Digital Houston Houston 120 E Van Buren Phoenix — — — — (1) 2,370 — — — — — — — — — 2,181 5,775 5,514 4,562 1,748 1,098 1,271 — 7,849 1,691 — 1,177 1,543 581 — 2,196 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 1,444 1,657 1,480 6,965 4,524 — — — — 11,561 19,267 11,695 12,503 5,727 3,127 3,738 15,255 27,881 12,569 20,071 4,877 12,678 — 14,037 5,569 11,352 34,797 23,492 157,822 — — — 2,181 5,775 5,514 — 4,562 — — — — — 1,748 1,098 1,271 — 7,849 — 1,691 — — — — — 1,177 1,543 581 — 2,196 — — — — — — 1,657 1,480 6,965 4,524 749 37 48 232 267 2,907 6,329 28,294 33,444 11,458 357 67,433 85,503 41,544 29,777 2,091 2,285 (14,520) 146,391 118,049 172 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 99 — — — — 12,310 19,304 11,743 14,491 25,079 17,257 (5,150) (8,229) (5,292) 2005 2005 2005 12,735 17,297 (6,279) 2005 5,994 6,034 10,067 43,549 61,325 7,742 7,132 11,338 43,549 69,174 (2,416) (2,343) (7,578) (18,897) (17,051) 2005 2005 2005 2005 2005 24,027 25,718 (14,640) 2005 20,428 20,428 (8,060) 2005 72,310 98,181 73,487 99,724 (10,780) (81,615) 41,544 42,125 — 2005 2005 2005 43,814 46,010 (29,196) 2006 9,005 9,104 (5,635) 2006 13,637 20,277 169,883 275,871 15,294 21,757 176,848 280,395 (6,451) — (58,292) (127,847) 2006 2006 2006 2006 (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (C) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. SCHEDULE III PROPERTIES AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION- (Continued) December 31, 2017 (In thousands) Initial costs Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition Metropolitan Area Encumbrances Land Acquired ground lease Buildings and improvements Improvements Carrying costs Land Total costs Acquired ground lease Buildings and improvements Total Accumulated depreciation and amortization Date of acquisition or construction Acquisition (A) or construction (C) PROPERTIES: Gyroscoopweg 2E-2F Clonshaugh Industrial Estate II Amsterdam Dublin 600 Winter Street Boston 2300 NW 89th Place Miami 2055 East Technology Circle Unit 9, Blanchardstown Corporate Park Phoenix Dublin 111 8th Avenue New York 8100 Boone Boulevard 21110 Ridgetop Circle 3011 Lafayette Street 44470 Chilum Place 43881 Devin Shafron Drive 43831 Devin Shafron Drive 43791 Devin Shafron Drive Mundells Roundabout N. Virginia N. Virginia Silicon Valley N. Virginia N. Virginia N. Virginia N. Virginia London 1500 Space Park Drive Silicon Valley Cressex 1 London Naritaweg 52 Amsterdam 1 St. Anne’s Boulevard London — — — — — 1,429 — 1,022 — — — — — 1,927 — — — 2,934 — 3,354 — 3,531 — 4,653 — 3,027 — 3,490 — 31,354 — — — 6,732 3,629 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 1,192 — 1,490 — 13,450 (809) — — — 6,228 3,767 82,828 456 19 — — — — 1,429 1,022 8,519 27,727 — — 40,024 17,688 158 14,311 10,305 37,360 23,631 16,247 17,444 — 6,325 9,036 23,441 1,045 27,103 23,442 1,272 1,307 50,027 1 94,180 1,382 77,003 45,616 46,196 21,090 (4,214) (701) 173 — — — — — — — — — 1,738 — — 2,934 3,354 3,531 4,653 3,027 3,490 — 21,539 — — — — 4,106 2,598 — 1,034 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 981 — 12,641 12,641 (5,065) 2006 82,828 6,684 82,828 8,113 (45,139) (2,369) 2006 2006 3,786 4,808 (1,645) 2006 36,246 36,246 (27,758) 2006 67,316 41,130 69,054 41,130 (23,961) (29,675) 2006 2006 1,430 1,430 (1,268) 2006 15,618 18,552 (5,634) 2007 60,332 63,686 (49,943) 2007 37,361 40,892 (11,118) 2007 117,811 122,464 (90,464) 2007 17,629 20,656 (5,836) 2007 94,447 97,937 (54,108) 2007 55,431 76,970 (12,931) 2007 55,147 31,157 19,438 59,253 33,755 20,419 (50,825) (19,656) (5,816) 2007 2007 2007 800 1,834 (203) 2007 (A) (C) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (C) (A) (A) (A) (A) Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. SCHEDULE III PROPERTIES AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION- (Continued) December 31, 2017 (In thousands) Initial costs Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition Metropolitan Area Encumbrances Land Acquired ground lease Buildings and improvements Improvements Carrying costs Land Total costs Acquired ground lease Buildings and improvements Total Accumulated depreciation and amortization Date of acquisition or construction Acquisition (A) or construction (C) PROPERTIES: 2 St. Anne’s Boulevard 3 St. Anne’s Boulevard 365 South Randolphville Road 701 & 717 Leonard Street Manchester Technopark 1201 Comstock Street 1550 Space Park Drive 1525 Comstock Street 43830 Devin Shafron Drive London London New York Dallas Manchester Silicon Valley Silicon Valley Silicon Valley N. Virginia 1232 Alma Road Dallas 900 Quality Way Dallas 1210 Integrity Drive 907 Security Row Dallas Dallas 908 Quality Way Dallas 904 Quality Way Dallas 1215 Integrity Drive 1350 Duane & 3080 Raymond Dallas Silicon Valley 45901 & 45845 Nokes Boulevard N. Virginia — 922 — 22,079 — 3,019 — 2,165 — — — 2,093 — 2,301 — 2,293 — — — 5,509 2,267 1,446 — 2,041 — — — — 333 6,730 760 — — 7,081 — 3,437 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 695 16,351 17,404 9,934 23,918 1,606 766 16,216 — 3,740 1,659 3,389 344 4,493 744 — 69,817 28,785 34,613 85,898 290,404 835 (7,223) 26,841 2,649 30,980 73,893 64,717 69,251 151,385 97,522 13,873 6,819 70,076 61 450 — 689 — 15,189 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 3,019 2,165 — 3,398 2,056 2,061 5,509 2,266 1,437 3,429 2,112 2,067 1,151 995 7,081 3,437 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 35,541 36,230 (5,860) 2007 109,139 124,328 (55,453) 2007 307,808 310,827 (112,084) 2008 10,769 12,934 (2,911) 2008 16,695 16,695 (4,560) 2008 27,142 30,540 (18,365) 2008 3,660 5,716 — 2008 47,428 49,489 (30,883) 2008 73,893 68,458 70,919 79,402 70,724 72,356 (36,654) (37,895) (17,711) 2009 2009 2009 153,386 156,815 (2,344) 2009 96,087 23,029 7,172 98,199 25,096 8,323 (6,008) (16,779) (1,004) 2009 2009 2009 69,081 70,076 (14,120) 2009 69,878 76,959 (14,781) 2009 29,235 32,672 (6,552) 2009 (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (C) (C) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (C) (A) (A) 174 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. SCHEDULE III PROPERTIES AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION- (Continued) December 31, 2017 (In thousands) Initial costs Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition Metropolitan Area Encumbrances Land Acquired ground lease Buildings and improvements Improvements Carrying costs Land Total costs Acquired ground lease Buildings and improvements Total Accumulated depreciation and amortization Date of acquisition or construction Acquisition (A) or construction (C) PROPERTIES: 21561 & 21571 Beaumeade Circle N. Virginia 60 & 80 Merritt New York 55 Middlesex Boston 128 First Avenue Boston Cateringweg 5 Amsterdam 1725 Comstock Street Silicon Valley 3105 Alfred Street 365 Main Street 720 2nd Street 2260 East El Segundo Silicon Valley San Francisco San Francisco Los Angeles 2121 South Price Road Phoenix 4030 Lafayette N. Virginia 4040 Lafayette N. Virginia 4050 Lafayette N. Virginia — — — — — 3,966 3,418 9,975 5,465 — — 3,274 — — — 6,533 22,854 3,884 — 11,053 — — — — 7,335 2,492 1,246 1,246 Silicon Valley — 8,976 2805 Lafayette Street 29A International Business Park 43940 Digital Loudoun Plaza 44060 Digital Loudoun Plaza 44100 Digital Loudoun Plaza 43780 Digital Loudoun Plaza 1-11 Templar Road 13-23 Templar Road Singapore N. Virginia N. Virginia N. Virginia N. Virginia Sydney Sydney Fountain Court London 72 Radnor Drive Melbourne 98 Radnor Drive Melbourne 105 Cabot Street Boston — — — 6,229 — 3,700 — 3,700 — 3,671 — 6,937 4,236 7,544 2,568 1,899 2,386 — — — — — — — — 3,518 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 24,211 71,477 68,363 185,348 3,517 6,567 3,725 158,709 116,861 51,397 238,452 16,912 4,267 4,371 18,155 137,545 — — — — — — 12,506 — — — 45 94,414 10,483 38,419 40,982 39,032 101,204 26,171 10,235 — — — — — — — — — 3,966 3,418 9,975 5,465 — 3,274 7,093 22,854 3,884 15,162 — 11,053 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 7,335 2,492 1,246 1,246 8,294 — 7,564 3,441 3,493 4,186 4,837 3,845 6,695 1,939 1,490 2,448 208,424 5,703 24,667 35,673 129,101 219,764 269,748 187,396 138,933 120,875 69,908 4,956 100,618 59,222 39,531 58,828 175 — — — — 3,451 24,256 165,891 78,846 223,767 44,566 28,222 169,309 88,821 229,232 48,017 (5,010) (35,258) (22,557) (61,794) (7,662) 2009 2010 2010 2010 2010 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 45,599 48,873 (22,476) 2010 104,369 184,880 127,096 111,462 207,734 130,980 (26,181) (46,836) (29,074) 2010 2010 2010 66,559 77,612 (18,057) 2010 446,876 22,615 28,934 40,044 454,211 25,107 30,180 41,290 (108,717) (5,546) (3,755) (20,175) 2010 2010 2010 2010 147,938 156,232 (24,526) 2010 357,309 357,309 (106,907) 2010 268,413 275,977 (58,213) 2011 187,655 191,096 (17,720) 2011 139,140 142,633 (5,679) 2011 120,360 124,546 (4,420) 2011 72,008 76,845 (13,643) 2011 5,347 113,973 59,851 39,940 58,766 9,192 120,668 61,790 41,430 61,214 — (19,418) (8,281) (13,924) (7,376) 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (C) (C) (C) (C) (C) (C) (A) (C) (C) (C) Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. SCHEDULE III PROPERTIES AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION- (Continued) December 31, 2017 (In thousands) Initial costs Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition Metropolitan Area Encumbrances Land Acquired ground lease Buildings and improvements Improvements Carrying costs Land Total costs Acquired ground lease Buildings and improvements Total Accumulated depreciation and amortization Date of acquisition or construction Acquisition (A) or construction (C) PROPERTIES: 3825 NW Aloclek Place Portland Profile Park Dublin Atlanta 760 Doug Davis Drive 360 Spear Street San Francisco 2501 S. State Hwy 121 Dallas 9333 Grand Avenue 9355 Grand Avenue 9377 Grand Avenue Chicago Chicago Chicago 850 E Collins Dallas 950 E Collins Dallas 400 S. Akard Dallas 410 Commerce Boulevard New York Croydon Watford London London Unit 21 Goldsworth Park London 11900 East Cornell 701 Union Boulevard 23 Waterloo Road 1 Rue Jean- Pierre Liet-dit le Christ de Saclay Denver New York Sydney Paris Paris 127 Rue de Paris Paris 17201 Waterview Parkway 1900 S. Price Road Dallas Phoenix — — 1,689 6,288 4,837 — — 19,828 — 23,137 — 5,686 — — — 1,614 1,546 — — 10,075 — — — — 1,683 — — 17,334 — 3,352 — 10,045 — — — — — — 7,112 9,621 3,402 8,637 2,070 5,380 — — — — — — — — — — — — — 7,355 — — — — — — — — — — — 53,551 56,733 93,943 14,515 — 57,750 46,081 3,282 (912) 17,767 73,789 227,922 — — — — 1,689 5,976 4,837 19,828 — 23,137 — — 1,205 2,518 — — — — — — — 57,750 46,393 56,833 55,821 59,439 52,369 61,670 75,649 (17,667) (2,698) (11,618) (12,113) 2011 2011 2011 2011 111,710 134,847 (26,920) 2012 92,785 225,404 93,990 227,922 (27,826) (14,665) 2012 2012 — 107,005 — 2,102 — 104,903 107,005 (1,575) 2012 — — 62,730 — 104,728 219,273 928,129 80,640 6,755 3,868 35,825 3,090 10,838 6,409 16,975 83,988 74,611 2,473 29,839 48,677 5,693 (120,819) 2,236 26,299 (2,731) (4,092) (584) (1,753) (1) 975 176 — — — — — — 1,614 1,546 10,075 — 2,413 — — 13,495 — 3,352 — 10,045 — — — — — — 5,343 8,754 3,096 7,860 2,070 5,512 — — — — — 6,619 — — — — — — — — — 83,988 74,611 65,203 85,602 76,157 75,278 29,839 152,675 225,702 29,839 155,088 232,321 (15,024) (9,276) (9,792) (10,439) (23,186) (34,406) 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 811,149 824,644 (128,322) 2012 82,876 86,228 (14,534) 2012 33,054 43,099 — 2012 2,906 8,249 (410) 2012 32,600 41,354 (5,912) 2012 2,812 9,862 5,908 17,722 (658) (2,225) 2012 2012 6,408 8,478 (1,036) 2013 17,818 23,330 (2,013) 2013 (C) (C) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (C) (C) (A) (C) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. SCHEDULE III PROPERTIES AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION- (Continued) December 31, 2017 (In thousands) Metropolitan Area Toronto Minneapolis 371 Gough Road 1500 Towerview Road Principal Park London MetCenter Business Park Austin Liverpoolweg 10 Amsterdam DePresident Amsterdam Crawley 2 London Digital Deer Park 3 3 Loyang Way Digital Loudoun III Digital Frankfurt 56 Marietta Street 2 Peekay Drive Melbourne Singapore N. Virginia Frankfurt Atlanta New York 100 Delawanna Avenue New York 60 Hudson Street 32 Avenue of the Americas 3433 S 120th Place 8435 Stemmons Freeway 2625 Walsh Avenue New York New York Seattle Dallas Silicon Valley 111 8th Avenue - Telx New York 350 East Cermak Road - Telx 200 Paul Avenue - Telx 2323 Bryan Street - Telx 600 W. 7th Street - Telx 3825 NW Aloclek Place - Telx 120 E. Van Buren Street - Telx 36 NE 2nd Street - Telx 600-780 S. Federal Street - Telx 113 N. Myers Street - Telx Chicago San Francisco Dallas Los Angeles Portland Phoenix Miami Chicago Charlotte (2) (2) (2) (2) (2) (2) (2) (2) (2) (2) (2) (2) (2) (2) (2) (2) (2) (2) Initial costs Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition Encumbrances Land Acquired ground lease Buildings and improvements Improvements Carrying costs Land — 7,394 677 96,446 — 6,033 — 10,190 — 11,837 — 8,604 — — — — — 733 6,737 24,305 1,600 — — — — 43,000 — — 5,543 — 20,054 — 20,314 3,122 — — — — — — — — 1,700 — — — 211,397 115,439 — 3,600 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 85,438 32,280 30,980 11,688 5,023 4,276 42,454 13,933 6,719 5,191 3,689 3,131 2,848 1,842 1,815 476 3,191 110,458 (28,891) 10,368 79,880 51,331 167 120,508 179,393 62,539 13,838 15,264 4,655 8,180 2,001 1,935 1,724 6,218 8,778 4,747 2,433 2,332 2,763 928 2,088 1,460 2,389 52 — — — — — — — — 10,190 13,077 — 675 8,169 21,622 1,765 — — 57,806 — 10,051 — — — — — — — — — — — — 1,700 — 3,600 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 177 Total costs Acquired ground lease Buildings and improvements Total Accumulated depreciation and amortization Date of acquisition or construction Acquisition (A) or construction (C) — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 98,484 104,517 (7,587) 2013 23,245 109,218 33,435 122,295 (3,943) (7,136) 27 27 — 13,548 78,448 54,014 14,223 86,617 75,636 2 120,508 1,767 120,508 (1,889) (625) (327) — (1,092) 2013 2013 2013 2013 2013 2014 2015 2015 164,587 222,393 (109) 2015 58,031 68,082 — 225,235 226,935 130,703 130,703 (20,292) (16,015) 2015 2015 2015 90,093 93,693 (7,222) 2015 40,460 40,460 (7,751) 2015 32,981 32,981 (5,528) 2015 13,623 13,623 (3,510) 2015 6,747 6,747 (1,453) 2015 10,494 10,494 (1,415) 2015 51,232 51,232 (11,387) 2015 18,680 18,680 (3,385) 2015 9,152 9,152 (1,777) 2015 7,523 7,523 (1,639) 2015 6,452 6,452 (1,034) 2015 4,059 4,059 (811) 2015 4,936 4,936 3,302 3,302 (778) 2015 (711) 2015 4,204 4,204 (597) 2015 528 528 (135) 2015 (A) (A) (C) (A) (A) (C) (C) (C) (A) (C) (C) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. SCHEDULE III PROPERTIES AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION- (Continued) December 31, 2017 (In thousands) Initial costs Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition Metropolitan Area Encumbrances Land Acquired ground lease Buildings and improvements Improvements Carrying costs Land Total costs Acquired ground lease Buildings and improvements Total Accumulated depreciation and amortization Date of acquisition or construction Acquisition (A) or construction (C) 1100 Space Park Drive - Telx Silicon Valley 300 Boulevard East - Telx New York Science Park Amsterdam Sovereign House London Amstel Business Park Amsterdam Olivers Yard London Bonnington House London West Drayton London Lyonerstrasse Frankfurt Meridian Gate London NE Corner of Campbell Road and Ferris Road Dallas 9401 West Grand Avenue Chicago Broad Run Technology Park 2425-2553 Edgington Street N. Virginia Chicago 44490 Chilum Place N. Virginia 44520 Hastings Drive N. Virginia 44480 Hastings Drive N. Virginia 44521 Hastings Drive N. Virginia 44461 Chilum Place N. Virginia 21625 Gresham Drive N. Virginia 21745 Sir Timothy Drive N. Virginia 21744 Sir Timothy Drive N. Virginia 2200 Busse Road 2299 Busse Road 1780 Business Center Drive 8217 Linton Hall Road Chicago Chicago N. Virginia N. Virginia 1400 East Devon Avenue Chicago 2220 De La Cruz Blvd 1 Century Place Silicon Valley Toronto (2) (2) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (4) (4) (4) (4) (4) (4) (4) (4) (4) (4) (4) (4) (4) (4) (4) — — — — — — — — — — — — 665 7,943 2,991 7,943 — — — — — 21,902 — 12,500 — — — — — — — — — — — — — 18,019 — — 11,950 — 4,180 104,000 6,140 — 12,860 — 13,210 — 9,620 — 17,500 — 16,010 — 10,523 — 17,270 — 12,780 — 7,510 — 22,340 — 11,012 — 84,650 — 26,600 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 352 197 75,095 75,184 58,138 34,744 14,127 10,135 8,407 5,893 — — — 1,615 76,745 108,105 278,384 315,539 249,371 448,968 289,281 50,411 384,558 348,348 106,363 81,985 178,627 634,007 116,863 227 53 26,200 5,454 15,861 2,504 2,268 964 1,254 572 293 19,888 11,983 35 564 785 38 — — 52 3,801 77,273 790 — — — — — — — — — — — — 720 8,243 3,241 8,243 — — — — — 22,132 — 16,036 — 26,574 — 11,959 — — 4,180 6,140 — 12,860 — 13,210 — 9,620 — 17,500 — 16,010 — 10,601 — 17,270 — — 12,780 (61) — 7,510 — — 22,340 52,286 4,343 41,361 — 11,094 — 84,650 — 25,742 178 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 579 250 579 250 101,240 101,960 (116) 2015 (99) (3,989) 2015 2016 80,338 88,581 (7,741) 2016 73,749 76,990 36,948 45,191 16,395 16,395 11,099 11,099 9,661 6,465 9,661 6,465 (8,830) (6,242) (635) (2,928) (2,163) (1,561) 63 22,195 16,352 32,388 — — 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 3,428 30,002 — 2016 1,641 13,600 (31) 2017 77,309 81,489 (1,376) 2017 108,890 115,030 (1,876) 2017 278,422 291,282 (4,934) 2017 315,539 328,749 (5,592) 2017 249,371 258,991 (4,443) 2017 449,020 466,520 (8,034) 2017 293,082 309,092 (3,856) 2017 127,606 138,207 — 2017 385,348 402,618 (6,490) 2017 348,348 361,128 (6,092) 2017 106,302 113,812 (1,657) 2017 81,985 104,325 (1,203) 2017 230,831 241,925 — 2017 638,350 723,000 (9,353) 2017 159,082 184,824 — 2017 (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (C) (C) (C) (C) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (A) (C) Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. SCHEDULE III PROPERTIES AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION- (Continued) December 31, 2017 (In thousands) Initial costs Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition Metropolitan Area Encumbrances Land Acquired ground lease Buildings and improvements Improvements Carrying costs Total costs Acquired ground lease Land Buildings and improvements Total Accumulated depreciation and amortization Date of acquisition or construction Acquisition (A) or construction (C) 505 North Railroad Avenue Chicago 250 Williams Atlanta Osaka 2 Osaka 3 Osaka Osaka De President II Development Property -- N. Virginia Development Property -- Portland Development Property -- Phoenix Amsterdam N. Virginia Portland Phoenix 330 E. Cermak Road Chicago Other (4) (4) (4) $ — — — — — 20,431 — 13,593 4,713 6,315 — 16,200 — 11,672 — 12,500 — — — — — — — — 245,810 — — — — 573 — 23,747 1,720 19 1,680 — — — — — 20,431 — 14,367 4,732 7,252 29 — 16,200 5,924 1,101 — 11,672 — — — 12,500 — — — — — — — — 245,810 23,747 946 — 266,241 23,747 15,313 4,732 743 7,995 (552) (952) — — — 2017 2017 2017 2017 2017 602 16,802 — 2017 7,025 18,697 — 2017 — 12,500 — 2017 2017 (A) (C) (C) (C) (C) (C) (C) (C) (C) — — — (8,774) — 106,370 $ 1,151,175 $ 13,509 $ 9,084,318 $ 6,666,934 $ (5,900) $ 1,136,341 $ 11,150 $ 15,768,445 $ 16,915,936 $ (3,238,227) 25,248 8,298 (2) 59,034 — 67,332 25,246 — 25,246 67,332 — — — — — — (1) (2) (3) (4) The balance shown excludes an unamortized premium of $241 . Represents properties acquired in the Telx Acquisition. Represents properties acquired in the European Portfolio Acquisition. Represents properties acquired in the DFT Merger. 179 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, INC. DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P. NOTES TO SCHEDULE III PROPERTIES AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION December 31, 2017 (In thousands) (1) Tax Cost The aggregate gross cost of the Company’s properties for federal income tax purposes approximated $17.3 billion (unaudited) as of December 31, 2017 . (2) Historical Cost and Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization The following table reconciles the historical cost of the Company’s properties for financial reporting purposes for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017 . Year Ended December 31, Balance, beginning of year Additions during period (acquisitions and improvements) Deductions during period (dispositions, impairments and assets held for sale) Balance, end of year 2017 2016 $ 11,558,469 $10,915,373 $ 9,982,612 2015 5,663,404 760,051 1,133,263 (305,937) (116,955) (200,502) $ 16,915,936 $11,558,469 $10,915,373 The following table reconciles accumulated depreciation and amortization of the Company’s properties for financial reporting purposes for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017 . Year Ended December 31, Balance, beginning of year Additions during period (depreciation and amortization expense) Deductions during period (dispositions and assets held for sale) Balance, end of year 2017 2016 $ 2,668,509 $ 2,251,268 $ 1,874,054 2015 612,970 461,506 429,057 (43,252) (44,265) (51,843) $ 3,238,227 $ 2,668,509 $ 2,251,268 Schedules other than those listed above are omitted because they are not applicable or the information required is included in the consolidated financial statements or the notes thereto. 180 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE None. ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES Our Management’s Reports on Internal Control over Financial Reporting for Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. are included in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data on pages 86 and 87. Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures (Digital Realty Trust, Inc.) The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in its reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to its management, including its chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, the Company’s management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and its management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Also, the Company has investments in certain unconsolidated entities, which are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. As the Company does not control or manage these entities, its disclosure controls and procedures with respect to such entities may be substantially more limited than those it maintains with respect to its consolidated subsidiaries. As required by Rule 13a-15(b) or Rule 15d-15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, management of the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with participation of its chief executive officer and chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures that were in effect as of December 31, 2017 . Based on the foregoing, the Company’s management concluded that its disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level. Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting During the second quarter of 2016, we completed an upgrade of our general ledger system. This system was used to produce information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. There have been no other changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the year ended December 31, 2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures (Digital Realty Trust, L.P.) The Operating Partnership maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in its reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to its management, including the chief executive officer and chief financial officer of its general partner, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, the Operating Partnership’s management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and its management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Also, the Operating Partnership has investments in certain unconsolidated entities, which are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. As the Operating Partnership does not control or manage these entities, its disclosure controls and procedures with respect to such entities may be substantially more limited than those it maintains with respect to its consolidated subsidiaries. 181 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements As required by Rule 13a-15(b) or Rule 15d-15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, management of the Operating Partnership carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with participation of the chief executive officer and chief financial officer of its general partner, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures that were in effect as of December 31, 2017 . Based on the foregoing, the Operating Partnership’s management concluded that its disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level. Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting During the second quarter of 2016, we completed an upgrade of our general ledger system. This system was used to produce information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. There have been no other changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the year ended December 31, 2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION None. 182 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements PART III ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE The information concerning our directors, executive officers and corporate governance required by Item 10 will be included in the Proxy Statement to be filed relating to our 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference. We have filed, as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the certifications of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer required under Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission regarding the quality of our public disclosure. We have furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 , the certifications of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer required under Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act. In addition, as required by Section 303A.12 of the NYSE Listed Company Manual, our Chief Executive Officer made his annual certification to the NYSE stating that he was not aware of any violation by the Company of the corporate governance listing standards of the NYSE. ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION The information concerning our executive compensation required by Item 11 will be included in the Proxy Statement to be filed relating to our 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS The information concerning the security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management and related stockholder matters (including equity compensation plan information) required by Item 12 will be included in the Proxy Statement to be filed relating to our 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE The information concerning certain relationships, related transactions and director independence required by Item 13 will be included in the Proxy Statement to be filed relating to our 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES The information concerning our principal accounting fees and services required by Item 14 will be included in the Proxy Statement to be filed relating to our 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference. 183 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements ITEM 15. EXHIBITS. PART IV Exhibit Number 2.1 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 4.1 Description Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of June 8, 2017, by and among Digital Realty Trust, Inc., Digital Realty Trust, L.P., Penguins REIT Sub LLC, Penguins OP Sub, LLC, Penguins OP Sub 2, LLC, DuPont Fabros Technology, Inc., and DuPont Fabros Technology, L.P. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Combined Current Report on Form 8-K of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (File Nos. 001-32336 and 000-54023) filed on June 9, 2017). Articles of Amendment and Restatement of Digital Realty Trust, Inc., as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (File Nos. 001-32336 and 000-54023) filed on November 9, 2017). Sixth Amended and Restated Bylaws of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32336) filed on November 15, 2016). Certificate of Limited Partnership of Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Digital Realty Trust, L.P.’s General Form for Registration of Securities on Form 10 filed on June 25, 2010 (File No. 000-54023)). Sixteenth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Digital Realty Trust, L.P., as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Combined Current Report on Form 8-K of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (File Nos. 001-32336 and 000-54023) filed on September 14, 2017). Specimen Certificate for Common Stock for Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-11 (Registration No. 333-117865) (File No. 001-32336) filed on October 26, 2004). 4.2 Specimen Certificate for Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s 6.625% Series F Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Digital Realty Trust Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A (File No. 001-32336) filed on March 30, 2012). 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of October 27, 2004, by and among Digital Realty Trust, Inc., Digital Realty Trust, L.P. and the Unit Holders, as defined therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-32336) filed on December 13, 2004). Indenture, dated as of January 28, 2010, among Digital Realty Trust, L.P., as issuer, Digital Realty Trust, Inc., as guarantor, and Wilmington Trust FSB, as trustee, including the form of 5.875% Notes due 2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32336) filed on January 29, 2010). Indenture, dated as of March 8, 2011, among Digital Realty Trust, L.P., as issuer, Digital Realty Trust, Inc., as guarantor, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Combined Current Report on Form 8-K of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (File Nos. 001-32336 and 000-54023) filed on March 8, 2011). Supplemental Indenture No. 1, dated as of March 8, 2011, among Digital Realty Trust, L.P., as issuer, Digital Realty Trust, Inc., as guarantor, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee, including the form of 5.250% Notes due 2021 and the guarantee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Combined Current Report on Form 8-K of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (File Nos. 001-32336 and 000-54023) filed on March 8, 2011). Indenture, dated as of September 24, 2012, among Digital Realty Trust, L.P., as issuer, Digital Realty Trust, Inc., as guarantor, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Combined Current Report on Form 8-K of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (File Nos. 001-32336 and 000-54023) filed on September 24, 2012). 184 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements 4.8 4.9 4.10 4.11 4.12 4.13 4.14 4.15 4.16 4.17 4.18 Supplemental Indenture No. 1, dated as of September 24, 2012, among Digital Realty Trust, L.P., as issuer, Digital Realty Trust, Inc., as guarantor, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, including the form of 3.625% Notes due 2022 and the guarantee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Combined Current Report on Form 8-K of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (File Nos. 001-32336 and 000-54023) filed on September 24, 2012). Indenture, dated as of January 18, 2013, among Digital Stout Holding, LLC, Digital Realty Trust, Inc., Digital Realty Trust, L.P., Deutsche Trustee Company Limited, as trustee, Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch, as paying agent and a transfer agent, and Deutsche Bank Luxembourg S.A., as registrar and a transfer agent, including the form of the 4.250% Guaranteed Notes due 2025 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Combined Current Report on Form 8-K of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (File Nos. 001-32336 and 000-54023) filed on January 25, 2013). Specimen Certificate for Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s 5.875% Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A (File No. 001-32336) filed on April 4, 2013). Specimen Certificate for Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s 7.375% Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A (File No. 001-32336) filed on March 21, 2014). Indenture, dated as of April 1, 2014, among Digital Stout Holding, LLC, Digital Realty Trust, Inc., Digital Realty Trust, L.P., Deutsche Trustee Company Limited, as trustee, Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch, as paying agent and a transfer agent, and Deutsche Bank Luxembourg S.A., as registrar and a transfer agent, including the form of the 4.750% Guaranteed Notes due 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Combined Current Report of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. on Form 8-K (File Nos. 001-32336 and 000-54023) filed on April 1, 2014). Indenture, dated as of June 23, 2015, among Digital Realty Trust, L.P., as issuer, Digital Realty Trust, Inc., as guarantor, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Combined Current Report on Form 8-K of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (File Nos. 001-32336 and 000-54023) filed on June 23, 2015). Supplemental Indenture No. 1, dated as of June 23, 2015, among Digital Realty Trust, L.P., as issuer, Digital Realty Trust, Inc., as guarantor, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, including the form of 3.950% Notes due 2022 and the guarantee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Combined Current Report on Form 8-K of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (File Nos. 001-32336 and 000-54023) filed on June 23, 2015). Specimen Certificate for Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s 6.350% Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A (File No. 001-32336) filed on August 21, 2015). Indenture, dated as of October 1, 2015, among Digital Delta Holdings, LLC as issuer, Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P., as guarantors, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, including the form of the Notes and the guarantees (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Combined Current Report on Form 8-K of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (File Nos. 001-32336 and 000-54023) filed on October 2, 2015). Registration Rights Agreement, dated October 1, 2015, among Digital Delta Holdings, LLC, Digital Realty Trust, Inc., Digital Realty Trust, L.P. and Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, as representatives of the several initial purchasers named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Combined Current Report on Form 8-K of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (File Nos. 001-32336 and 000-54023) filed on October 2, 2015). Indenture, dated as of April 15, 2016, among Digital Euro Finco, LLC, Digital Realty Trust, Inc., Digital Realty Trust, L.P., Deutsche Trustee Company Limited, as trustee, Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch, as paying agent and a transfer agent, and Deutsche Bank Luxembourg S.A., as registrar and a transfer agent, including the form of the 2.625% Guaranteed Notes due 2024 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Combined Current Report on Form 8-K of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (File Nos. 001-32336 and 000-54023) filed on April 19, 2016). 185 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements 4.19 4.20 4.21 4.22 4.23 4.24 4.25 4.26 10.1† 10.2 10.3† 10.4† 10.5† Indenture, dated as of May 22, 2017, among Digital Euro Finco, LLC, Digital Realty Trust, Inc., Digital Realty Trust, L.P., Deutsche Trustee Company Limited, as trustee, Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch, as paying agent and a transfer agent, and Deutsche Bank Luxembourg S.A., as registrar and a transfer agent, including the form of the Floating Rate Guaranteed Notes due 2019 (incorporated by reference to the Combined Current Report on Form 8-K of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (File Nos. 001-32336 and 000-54023) filed on May 23, 2017). Supplemental Indenture No. 2, dated as of August 7, 2017, among Digital Realty Trust, L.P., as issuer, Digital Realty Trust, Inc., as guarantor, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, including the form of 2.750% Notes due 2023, the form of 3.700% Notes due 2027 and the guarantees (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Combined Current Report on Form 8-K of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (File Nos. 001-32336 and 000-54023) filed on August 9, 2017). First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 14, 2017, among Digital Realty Trust, Inc., DuPont Fabros Technology, L.P., the guarantor parties thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Combined Current Report on Form 8-K of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (File Nos. 001-32336 and 000-54023) filed on September 14, 2017) . Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 14, 2017, among Digital Realty Trust, Inc., DuPont Fabros Technology, L.P., the guarantor parties thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Combined Current Report on Form 8-K of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (File Nos. 001-32336 and 000-54023) filed on September 14, 2017). Indenture, dated as of July 21, 2017, among Digital Stout Holding, LLC, Digital Realty Trust, Inc., Digital Realty Trust, L.P., Deutsche Trustee Company Limited, as trustee, Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch, as paying agent and a transfer agent, and Deutsche Bank Luxembourg S.A., as registrar and a transfer agent, including the form of the 2.750% Guaranteed Notes due 2024 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Combined Current Report on Form 8-K of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (File Nos. 001-32336 and 000-54023) filed on July 21, 2017). Indenture, dated as of July 21, 2017, among Digital Stout Holding, LLC, Digital Realty Trust, Inc., Digital Realty Trust, L.P., Deutsche Trustee Company Limited, as trustee, Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch, as paying agent and a transfer agent, and Deutsche Bank Luxembourg S.A., as registrar and a transfer agent, including the form of the 3.300% Guaranteed Notes due 2029 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Combined Current Report on Form 8-K of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (File Nos. 001-32336 and 000-54023) filed on July 21, 2017). Specimen Certificate for Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s 6.625% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registration Statement on Form 8-A of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (File No. 001-32336) filed on September 13, 2017). Specimen Certificate for Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s 5.250% Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registration Statement on Form 8-A of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (File No. 001-32336) filed on August 4, 2017). Form of Indemnification Agreement by and between Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and its directors and officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-11 (Registration No. 333-117865) filed on October 13, 2004). Contribution Agreement, dated as of July 31, 2004, by and among Digital Realty Trust, L.P., San Francisco Wave eXchange, LLC, Santa Clara Wave eXchange, LLC and eXchange colocation, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-11 (Registration No. 333-117865) filed on September 17, 2004). Form of Profits Interest Units Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.44 to Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-32336) filed on December 13, 2004). Form of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. Incentive Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.45 to Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-32336) filed on December 13, 2004). Form of Class C Profits Interest Units Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-32336) filed on August 9, 2007). 186 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements 10.6† 10.7† 10.8† 10.9† First Amended and Restated Digital Realty Trust, Inc., Digital Services, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. 2004 Incentive Award Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A (File No. 001-32336) filed on March 30, 2007). Form of 2008 Performance-Based Profits Interest Units Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-32336) filed on May 9, 2008). First Amendment to First Amended and Restated Digital Realty Trust, Inc., Digital Services, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. 2004 Incentive Award Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-32336) filed on May 9, 2008). Second Amendment to First Amended and Restated Digital Realty Trust, Inc., Digital Services, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. 2004 Incentive Award Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-32336) filed on August 6, 2009). 10.10† Third Amendment to First Amended and Restated Digital Realty Trust, Inc., Digital Services, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. 2004 Incentive Award Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-32336) filed on November 9, 2009). 10.11† 10.12† 10.13 10.14 10.15 10.16 10.17 Fourth Amendment to First Amended and Restated Digital Realty Trust, Inc., Digital Services, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. 2004 Incentive Award Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (File Nos. 001-32336 and 000-54023) filed on August 7, 2012). Fifth Amendment to First Amended and Restated Digital Realty Trust, Inc., Digital Services, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. 2004 Incentive Award Plan. (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.46 to the Combined Annual Report on Form 10-K of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (File Nos. 001-32336 and 000-54023) filed on March 2, 2015). Amended and Restated Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement, dated as of November 3, 2011, among Digital Realty Trust, L.P., Digital Realty Trust, Inc., the subsidiary guarantors named therein, Prudential Investment Management, Inc. and the Prudential Affiliates named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Combined Annual Report on Form 10-K of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (File Nos. 001-32336 and 000-54023) filed on February 27, 2012). Amendment No. 1 to the Amended and Restated Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement, dated as of August 15, 2013, between Digital Realty Trust, L.P. and Prudential Investment Management, Inc. (incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 10.3 to the Combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (File Nos. 001-32336 and 000-54023) filed on November 12, 2013). Release of Guarantors, dated as of January 27, 2014 executed by Digital Realty Trust, L.P., Prudential Investment Management, Inc., and the other Purchasers party to the Amended and Restated Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement, dated as of November 3, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to the Combined Annual Report on Form 10-K of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (File Nos. 001-32336 and 000-54023) filed on February 28, 2014). Release of Guarantors, dated as of April 27, 2015, executed by Digital Realty Trust, L.P., Prudential Investment Management, Inc., and the other Purchasers party to the Amended and Restated Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement, dated as of November 3, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (File Nos. 001-32336 and 000-54023) filed on August 6, 2015). Release of Guarantors, dated as of June 30, 2015, executed by Digital Realty Trust, L.P., Prudential Investment Management, Inc., and the other Purchasers party to the Amended and Restated Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement, dated as of November 3, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (File Nos. 001-32336 and 000-54023) filed on August 6, 2015). 187 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements 10.18 10.19† 10.20† 10.21† 10.22† 10.23† 10.24† 10.25† 10.26† Joinder to Multiparty Guaranty, dated as of June 30, 2015, executed by the Additional Guarantor listed thereto pursuant to the Amended and Restated Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement, dated as of November 3, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (File Nos. 001-32336 and 000-54023) filed on August 6, 2015). Director Compensation Program (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (File Nos. 001-32336 and 000-54023) filed on November 9, 2016). Digital Realty Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33 to the Combined Annual Report on Form 10-K of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (File Nos. 001-32336 and 000-54023) filed on February 28, 2014). First Amendment to Digital Realty Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.45 to the Combined Annual Report on Form 10-K of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (File Nos. 001-32336 and 000-54023) filed on March 2, 2015). Second Amendment to Digital Realty Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (File Nos. 001-32336 and 000-54023) filed on November 6, 2015). Form of Class D Profits Interest Unit Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 to the Combined Annual Report on Form 10-K of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (File Nos. 001-32336 and 000-54023) filed on February 28, 2014). Form of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35 to the Combined Annual Report on Form 10-K of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (File Nos. 001-32336 and 000-54023) filed on February 28, 2014). Form of Time-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 to the Combined Annual Report on Form 10-K of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (File Nos. 001-32336 and 000-54023) filed on February 28, 2014). Form of Time-Based Profits Interest Unit Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to the Combined Annual Report on Form 10-K of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (File Nos. 001-32336 and 000-54023) filed on March 1, 2017). 10.27† Form of Executive Time-Based Profits Interest Unit Agreement. 10.28† 10.29† 10.30† 10.31† 10.32† Digital Realty Trust, Inc., Digital Services, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. 2014 Incentive Award Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Combined Current Report on Form 10-Q of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (File Nos. 001-32336 and 000-54023) filed on August 7, 2014). First Amendment to Digital Realty Trust, Inc., Digital Services, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. 2014 Incentive Award Plan. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (File Nos. 001-32336 and 000-54023) filed on November 7, 2014). Second Amendment to Digital Realty Trust, Inc., Digital Services, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. 2014 Incentive Award Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.44 to the Combined Annual Report on Form 10-K of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (File Nos. 001-32336 and 000-54023) filed on March 2, 2015). Third Amendment to Digital Realty Trust, Inc., Digital Services, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. 2014 Incentive Award Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Combined Annual Report on Form 10-Q of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. filed on November 9, 2016). Fourth Amendment to the Digital Realty Trust, Inc., Digital Services, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. 2014 Incentive Award Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Combined Current Report on Form 8-K of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (File Nos. 001-32336 and 000-54023) filed on September 14, 2017). 188 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements 10.33† 10.34† 10.35† 10.36† 10.37† 10.38† 10.39* 10.40* 10.41† Employment Agreement among Digital Realty Trust, Inc., DLR, LLC and A. William Stein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Combined Current Report on Form 8-K of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (File Nos. 001-32336 and 000-54023) filed on November 24, 2014). Employment Agreement, dated as of April 16, 2015, by and among Digital Realty Trust, Inc., DLR LLC and Andrew P. Power (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Combined Current Report on Form 8-K of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. filed on April 16, 2015). Employment Agreement, dated as of April 16, 2015, by and among Digital Realty Trust, Inc., DLR LLC and Jarrett B. Appleby (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Combined Current Report on Form 8-K of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (File Nos. 001-32336 and 000-54023) filed on April 16, 2015). Employment Agreement, dated as of November 10, 2015, by and among Digital Realty Trust, Inc., DLR, LLC and Scott E. Peterson (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Combined Current Report on Form 8-K of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (File Nos. 001-32336 and 000-54023) filed on November 16, 2015). Employment Agreement, dated as of November 10, 2015, by and among Digital Realty Trust, Inc., DLR, LLC and Joshua A. Mills (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (File Nos. 001-32336 and 000-54023) filed on May 10, 2017). Digital Realty Trust, Inc. 2015 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (File Nos. 001-32336 and 000-54023) filed on August 6, 2015). First Amendment to Digital Realty Trust, Inc. 2015 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (File Nos. 001-32336 and 000-54023) filed on October 7, 2015). Global Senior Credit Agreement, dated as of January 15, 2016, among Digital Realty Trust, L.P. and the other initial borrowers named therein and additional borrowers party thereto, as borrowers, Digital Realty Trust, Inc., as parent guarantor, the subsidiary borrowers and guarantors named therein, Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent, Bank of America, N.A., and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as syndication agents, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, as joint lead arrangers and joint book running managers, and the other agents and lenders named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.48 to the Combined Annual Report on Form 10-K of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (File Nos. 001-32336 and 000-54023) filed on February 29, 2016). Term Loan Agreement, dated as of January 15, 2016, among Digital Realty Trust, L.P., and the other initial borrowers named therein and additional borrowers party thereto, as borrowers, and Digital Realty Trust, Inc., as parent guarantor, the additional guarantors party thereto, as additional guarantors, the initial lenders named therein, as the initial lenders, Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent, Bank of America, N.A. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as syndication agents, and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated , Citigroup Global Markets Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, the Bank of Nova Scotia and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, as joint lead arrangers and joint bookrunners for the 5-year term loan, and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, U.S. Bank National Association and TD Securities (USA) LLC, as joint lead arrangers and joint bookrunners for the 7-year term loan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.49 to the Combined Annual Report on Form 10-K of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (File Nos. 001-32336 and 000-54023) filed on February 29, 2016). 10.42† Form of Director Confidentiality Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.39 to the Combined Annual Report on Form 10-K of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (File Nos. 001-32336 and 000-54023) filed on March 1, 2017). 12.1 21.1 21.2 23.1 Statement of Computation of Ratios. List of Subsidiaries of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. List of Subsidiaries of Digital Realty Trust, L.P. Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. 189 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements 31.1 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications of Chief Executive Officer for Digital Realty Trust, Inc. 31.2 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications of Chief Financial Officer for Digital Realty Trust, Inc. 31.3 31.4 32.1 32.2 32.3 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications of Chief Executive Officer for Digital Realty Trust, L.P. Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications of Chief Financial Officer for Digital Realty Trust, L.P. 18 U.S.C. § 1350 Certifications of Chief Executive Officer for Digital Realty Trust, Inc. 18 U.S.C. § 1350 Certifications of Chief Financial Officer for Digital Realty Trust, Inc. 18 U.S.C. § 1350 Certifications of Chief Executive Officer for Digital Realty Trust, L.P. 32.4 18 U.S.C. § 1350 Certifications of Chief Financial Officer for Digital Realty Trust, L.P. 101 † * The following financial statements from Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s and Digital Realty Trust, L.P.’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, formatted in XBRL interactive data files: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016; (ii) Consolidated Income Statements for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Equity and Comprehensive Income/Statements of Capital and Comprehensive Income for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017; and (v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a grant of confidential treatment and have been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 190 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY None. 191 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. SIGNATURES D IGITAL R EALTY T RUST , I NC . By: /s/ A. WILLIAM STEIN A. William Stein Chief Executive Officer Date: February 28, 2018 POWER OF ATTORNEY KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints A. William Stein, Andrew P. Power and Joshua A. Mills, and each of them, with full power to act without the other, such person’s true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign this Form 10-K and any and all amendments thereto, and to file the same, with exhibits and schedules thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing necessary or desirable to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their or his or her substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. Signature Title Date / S / L AURENCE A. C HAPMAN Chairman of the Board February 28, 2018 Laurence A. Chapman / S / A. W ILLIAM S TEIN A. William Stein /S/ A NDREW P . P OWER Andrew P. Power / S / E DWARD F. S HAM Edward F. Sham Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer) Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer) / S / M ICHAEL A. C OKE Director Michael A. Coke 192 February 28, 2018 February 28, 2018 February 28, 2018 February 28, 2018 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Signature / S / K EVIN J. K ENNEDY Kevin J. Kennedy Director Title / S / W ILLIAM G. L A P ERCH Director William G. LaPerch /s/ A FSHIN M OHEBBI Director Afshin Mohebbi /s/ M ARK R. P ATTERSON Director Mark R. Patterson /s/ M ARY H OGAN P REUSSE Director Mary Hogan Preusse /s/ J OHN T. R OBERTS , JR . Director John T. Roberts, Jr. /s/ D ENNIS E. S INGLETON Director Dennis E. Singleton / S / R OBERT H. Z ERBST Director Robert H. Zerbst 193 Date February 28, 2018 February 28, 2018 February 28, 2018 February 28, 2018 February 28, 2018 February 28, 2018 February 28, 2018 February 28, 2018 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. SIGNATURES D IGITAL R EALTY T RUST , L.P. By: By: Digital Realty Trust, Inc., Its General Partner /s/ A. WILLIAM STEIN A. William Stein Chief Executive Officer Date: February 28, 2018 POWER OF ATTORNEY KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints A. William Stein, Andrew P. Power and Joshua A. Mills, and each of them, with full power to act without the other, such person’s true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign this Form 10-K and any and all amendments thereto, and to file the same, with exhibits and schedules thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing necessary or desirable to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their or his or her substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. Signature Title Date /S/ L AURENCE A . C HAPMAN Chairman of the Board February 28, 2018 Laurence A. Chapman / S / A. W ILLIAM S TEIN A. William Stein /S/ A NDREW P . P OWER Andrew P. Power /S/ E DWARD F . S HAM Edward F. Sham Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer) Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer) 194 February 28, 2018 February 28, 2018 February 28, 2018 Table of Contents Index to Financial Statements Signature / S / M ICHAEL A. C OKE Michael A. Coke Director Title / S / K EVIN J. K ENNEDY Director Kevin J. Kennedy / S / W ILLIAM G. L A P ERCH Director William G. LaPerch /s/ A FSHIN M OHEBBI Director Afshin Mohebbi /s/ M ARK R. P ATTERSON Director Mark R. Patterson /s/ M ARY H OGAN P REUSSE Director Mary Hogan Preusse /s/ J OHN T. R OBERTS , JR . Director John T. Roberts, Jr. /s/ D ENNIS E. S INGLETON Director Dennis E. Singleton / S / R OBERT H. Z ERBST Director Robert H. Zerbst 195 Date February 28, 2018 February 28, 2018 February 28, 2018 February 28, 2018 February 28, 2018 February 28, 2018 February 28, 2018 February 28, 2018 February 28, 2018 EXECUTIVE TIME-BASED PROFITS INTEREST UNIT AGREEMENT (US) This Profits Interest Unit Agreement (this “ Agreement ”), dated as of ______(the “ Grant Date ”), is made by and between Digital Realty Trust, L.P., a Maryland limited partnership (the “ Partnership ”) and _________ (the “ Participant ”). WHEREAS , Digital Realty Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “ Company ”) and the Partnership maintain the Digital Realty Trust, Inc., Digital Services, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. 2014 Incentive Award Plan (as amended from time to time, the “ Plan ”); WHEREAS , the Company and the Partnership wish to carry out the Plan (the terms of which are hereby incorporated by reference and made a part of this Agreement); WHEREAS , Section 9.7 of the Plan provides for the issuance of Profits Interest Units to Eligible Individuals for the performance of services to or for the benefit of the Partnership in the Eligible Individual’s capacity as a partner of the Partnership; and WHEREAS , the Committee, appointed to administer the Plan, has determined that it would be to the advantage and in the best interest of the Company and its stockholders to issue the Award (as defined below) to the Participant as an inducement to enter into or remain in the service of the Company, the Partnership, the Services Company or any Subsidiary, and as an additional incentive during such service, and has advised the Company thereof. NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto do hereby agree as follows: 1. Issuance of Award . Pursuant to the Plan, in consideration of the Participant’s agreement to provide services to or for the benefit of the Partnership, the Partnership hereby (a) issues to the Participant an award of _______ Profits Interest Units (the “ Award ”) and (b) if not already a Partner, admits the Participant as a Partner of the Partnership on the terms and conditions set forth herein, in the Plan and in the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Partnership (as amended from time to time, the “ Partnership Agreement ”). The Partnership and the Participant acknowledge and agree that the Profits Interest Units are hereby issued to the Participant for the performance of services to or for the benefit of the Partnership in his or her capacity as a Partner or in anticipation of the Participant becoming a Partner. Upon receipt of the Award, the Participant shall, automatically and without further action on his or her part, be deemed to be a party to, signatory of and bound by the Partnership Agreement. At the request of the Partnership, the Participant shall execute the Partnership Agreement or a joinder or counterpart signature page thereto. The Participant acknowledges that the Partnership may from time to time issue or cancel (or otherwise modify) Profits Interest Units in accordance with the terms of the Partnership Agreement. The Award shall have the rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to distributions, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption and conversion set forth herein and in the Plan and the Partnership Agreement. 2. Definitions . For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below. All capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Plan and/or the Partnership Agreement, as applicable. (a) “ Cause ” means “Cause” as defined in the Participant’s employment agreement (or employment offer letter, as applicable) with the Company, the Partnership or any Subsidiary as in effect as of the Grant Date if such agreement exists and contains a definition of Cause, or, if no such employment agreement (or 1 employment offer letter, as applicable) exists or such employment agreement (or employment offer letter, as applicable) does not contain a definition of Cause, then “Cause” means (i) the Participant’s willful and continued failure to substantially perform his or her duties with the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates (other than any such failure resulting from the Participant’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness), after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to the Participant, which demand specifically identifies the manner in which the Company believes that the Participant has not substantially performed his or her duties; (ii) the Participant’s willful commission of an act of fraud or dishonesty resulting in economic or financial injury to the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates; (iii) the Participant’s conviction of, or entry by the Participant of a guilty or no contest plea to, the commission of a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude; (iv) a willful breach by the Participant of any fiduciary duty owed to the Company which results in economic or other injury to the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates; (v) the Participant’s willful and gross misconduct in the performance of his or her duties that results in economic or other injury to the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates; or (vi) a material breach by the Participant of any of his or her obligations under any agreement with the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates after written notice is delivered to the Participant which specifically identifies such breach. For purposes of this provision, no act or failure to act on the Participant’s part will be considered “willful” unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by the Participant in bad faith or without reasonable belief that his or her action or omission was in the best interests of the Company. (b) “ Disability ” means a disability that qualifies or, had the Participant been a participant, would qualify the Participant to receive long-term disability payments under the Company’s group long-term disability insurance plan or program, as it may be amended from time to time. (c) “ Good Reason ” means “Good Reason” as defined in the Participant’s employment agreement (or employment offer letter, as applicable) with the Company, the Partnership or any Subsidiary as in effect as of the Grant Date if such agreement exists and contains a definition of Good Reason, or, if no such employment agreement (or employment offer letter, as applicable) exists or such employment agreement (or employment offer letter, as applicable) does not contain a definition of Good Reason, then “Good Reason” means, without the Participant’s prior written consent, the relocation of the Company’s offices at which the Participant is principally employed (the “ Principal Location ”) to a location more than forty-five (45) miles from such location, or the Company’s requiring the Participant to be based at a location more than forty-five (45) miles from the Principal Location, except for required travel on Company business. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Participant will not be deemed to have resigned for Good Reason unless (x) the Participant provides the Company with notice of the circumstances constituting Good Reason within sixty (60) days after the initial occurrence or existence of such circumstances, (y) the Company fails to correct the circumstance so identified within 30 days after the receipt of such notice (if capable of correction), and (z) the date of termination of the Participant’s employment occurs no later than one hundred eighty (180) days after the initial occurrence of the event constituting Good Reason. (d) “ Qualifying Termination ” means a Termination of Service by reason of (i) the Participant’s death, (ii) a termination by the Company, the Partnership or any Subsidiary due to the Participant’s Disability, (iii) a termination by the Company, the Partnership or any Subsidiary other than for Cause, or (iv) a termination by the Participant for Good Reason. (e) (f) “ Restrictions ” means the exposure to forfeiture set forth in Section 5. “ Service Provider ” means an Employee, Consultant or member of the Board, as applicable. 2 3. Profits Interest Units Subject to the Plan and Partnership Agreement . The Award is subject to the terms of the Plan and the terms of the Partnership Agreement, including, without limitation, the restrictions on transfer of Units (including, without limitation, Profits Interest Units) set forth in Article 11 of the Partnership Agreement. Any permitted transferee of the Award shall take such Award subject to the terms of the Plan, this Agreement, and the Partnership Agreement. Any such permitted transferee must, upon the request of the Partnership, agree to be bound by the Plan, the Partnership Agreement, and this Agreement, and shall execute the same on request, and must agree to such other waivers, limitations, and restrictions as the Partnership or the Company may reasonably require. Any Transfer of the Award which is not made in compliance with the Plan, the Partnership Agreement and this Agreement shall be null and void and of no effect. 4. Vesting . (a) Time Vesting . Subject to Sections 4(b), 4(c) and 5 below, the Restrictions set forth in Section 5 below will lapse and the Profits Interest Units will vest and become nonforfeitable in accordance with and subject to the time vesting schedule set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto, subject to the Participant’s continued status as a Service Provider through each applicable vesting date. (b) Qualifying Termination Due to Death or Disability . In the event that the Participant incurs a Qualifying Termination due to the Participant’s death or Disability, the Profits Interest Units will vest in full and become nonforfeitable upon such Qualifying Termination. (c) Qualifying Termination without Cause Not in Connection with a Change in Control . In the event that the Participant incurs a Qualifying Termination due to a termination by the Company, the Partnership or any Subsidiary other than for Cause or by the Participant for Good Reason, in either case, prior to a Change in Control or more than twelve (12) months following a Change in Control, subject to and conditioned upon the Participant’s execution of a general release of claims in a form prescribed by the Company (the “ Release ”) within twenty-one (21) days (or forty-five (45) days if necessary to comply with Applicable Law) after the date of such Qualifying Termination and, if the Participant is entitled to a seven (7) day post-signing revocation period under Applicable Law, the Participant’s non- revocation of such Release during such seven (7) day period, the Award will vest and become nonforfeitable on the fifty-fifth (55 th ) day following the date of such Qualifying Termination with respect to that number of Profits Interest Units subject to the Award which would have become vested and nonforfeitable during the twelve (12) month period immediately following the date of such Qualifying Termination had the Participant remained continuously employed by the Company, the Partnership or any Subsidiary during such period (and will, following the Participant’s Qualifying Termination, remain outstanding and eligible to vest on such date if the Release has become effective and irrevocable). (d) Qualifying Termination without Cause in Connection with a Change in Control . In the event that a Change in Control occurs and the Participant incurs a Qualifying Termination due to a termination by the Company, the Partnership or any Subsidiary other than for Cause upon or within twelve (12) months following such Change in Control, subject to and conditioned upon the Participant’s execution of the Release within twenty-one (21) days (or forty-five (45) days if necessary to comply with Applicable Law) after the date of such Qualifying Termination and, if the Participant is entitled to a seven (7) day post-signing revocation period under Applicable Law, the Participant’s non-revocation of such Release during such seven (7) day period, the Profits Interest Units will vest in full and become nonforfeitable on the fifty-fifth (55 th ) day following the date of such Qualifying Termination (and will, following the Participant’s Qualifying Termination, remain outstanding and eligible to vest on such date if the Release has become effective and irrevocable). 5. Effect of Termination of Service . In the event of the Participant’s Termination of Service for any reason other than as described in Section 4(b) or (c) above, any and all Profits Interest Units that have not vested 3 as of the date of such Termination of Service (after taking into account any accelerated vesting that occurs in connection with such termination) will thereupon automatically and without further action be cancelled and forfeited without payment of any consideration therefor, and the Participant shall have no further right or interest in or with respect to such Profits Interest Units. In the event of the Participant’s Termination of Service as described in Section 4(b) or (c) above, any and all Profits Interest Units that have not vested on or prior to the fifty-fifth (55th) day following the date of such Termination of Service (after taking into account any accelerated vesting that occurs in connection with such termination) will thereupon automatically and without further action be cancelled and forfeited without payment of any consideration therefor, and the Participant shall have no further right or interest in or with respect to such Profits Interest Units. Except as expressly provided in Section 4(b) or (c) above, in any applicable plan, program or policy of the Company, the Partnership or any Subsidiary or in any employment agreement, employment offer letter or other agreement between the Participant and the Company, the Partnership or any Subsidiary, no Profits Interest Units which have not vested as of the date of the Participant’s Termination of Service shall thereafter become vested. 6. Execution and Return of Documents and Certificates . At the Company’s or the Partnership’s request, the Participant hereby agrees to promptly execute, deliver and return to the Partnership any and all documents or certificates that the Company or the Partnership deems necessary or desirable to effectuate the cancellation and forfeiture of the unvested Profits Interest Units and the portion of the Award attributable to the unvested Profits Interest Units, or to effectuate the transfer or surrender of such unvested Profits Interest Units and portion of the Award to the Partnership. 7. Covenants, Representations and Warranties . The Participant hereby represents, warrants, covenants, acknowledges and agrees on behalf of the Participant and his or her spouse, if applicable, that: (a) Investment . The Participant is holding the Award for the Participant’s own account, and not for the account of any other Person. The Participant is holding the Award for investment and not with a view to distribution or resale thereof except in compliance with applicable laws regulating securities. (b) Relation to Partnership . The Participant is presently an employee of, or consultant to, the Partnership, or is otherwise providing services to or for the benefit of the Partnership, and in such capacity has become personally familiar with the business of the Partnership. (c) Access to Information . The Participant has had the opportunity to ask questions of, and to receive answers from, the Partnership with respect to the terms and conditions of the transactions contemplated hereby and with respect to the business, affairs, financial conditions, and results of operations of the Partnership. (d) Registration . The Participant understands that the Profits Interest Units have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), and the Profits Interest Units cannot be transferred by the Participant unless such transfer is registered under the Securities Act or an exemption from such registration is available. The Partnership has made no agreements, covenants or undertakings whatsoever to register the transfer of the Profits Interest Units under the Securities Act. The Partnership has made no representations, warranties, or covenants whatsoever as to whether any exemption from the Securities Act, including, without limitation, any exemption for limited sales in routine brokers’ transactions pursuant to Rule 144 of the Securities Act, will be available. If an exemption under Rule 144 is available at all, it will not be available until at least six (6) months from issuance of the Award and then not unless the terms and conditions of Rule 144 have been satisfied. representations, covenants or agreements as to whether there will be a public market for any of its securities. (e) Public Trading . None of the Partnership’s securities is presently publicly traded, and the Partnership has made no 4 (f) Tax Advice . The Partnership has made no warranties or representations to the Participant with respect to the income tax consequences of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including, without limitation, with respect to the decision of whether to make an election under Section 83(b) of the Code), and the Participant is in no manner relying on the Partnership or its representatives for an assessment of such tax consequences. The Participant is advised to consult with his or her own tax advisor with respect to such tax consequences and his or her ownership of the Profits Interest Units. 8. Capital Account . The Participant shall make no contribution of capital to the Partnership in connection with the Award and, as a result, the Participant’s Capital Account balance in the Partnership immediately after its receipt of the Profits Interest Units shall be equal to zero, unless the Participant was a Partner in the Partnership prior to such issuance, in which case the Participant’s Capital Account balance shall not be increased as a result of its receipt of the Profits Interest Units. 9. Redemption Rights . Notwithstanding the contrary terms in the Partnership Agreement, Partnership Units which are acquired upon the conversion of the Profits Interest Units shall not, without the consent of the Partnership (which may be given or withheld in its sole discretion), be redeemed pursuant to Section 8.6 of the Partnership Agreement within two (2) years of the date of the issuance of such Profits Interest Units. 10. Section 83(b) Election . The Participant covenants that the Participant shall make a timely election under Section 83(b) of the Code (and any comparable election in the state of the Participant’s residence) with respect to the Profits Interest Units covered by the Award, and the Partnership hereby consents to the making of such election(s). In connection with such election, the Participant and the Participant’s spouse, if applicable, shall promptly provide a copy of such election to the Partnership. Instructions for completing an election under Section 83(b) of the Code and a form of election under Section 83(b) of the Code are attached hereto as Exhibit B . The Participant represents that the Participant has consulted any tax consultant(s) that the Participant deems advisable in connection with the filing of an election under Section 83(b) of the Code and similar state tax provisions. The Participant acknowledges that it is the Participant’s sole responsibility and not the Company’s to timely file an election under Section 83(b) of the Code (and any comparable state election), even if the Participant requests that the Company or any representative of the Company make such filing on the Participant’s behalf. The Participant should consult his or her tax advisor to determine if there is a comparable election to file in the state of his or her residence. 11. Ownership Information . The Participant hereby covenants that so long as the Participant holds any Profits Interest Units, at the request of the Partnership, the Participant shall disclose to the Partnership in writing such information relating to the Participant’s ownership of the Profits Interest Units as the Partnership reasonably believes to be necessary or desirable to ascertain in order to comply with the Code or the requirements of any other appropriate taxing authority. 12. Taxes . The Partnership and the Participant intend that (i) the Profits Interest Units be treated as a “profits interest” as defined in Internal Revenue Service Revenue Procedure 93-27, as clarified by Revenue Procedure 2001-43, (ii) the issuance of such units not be a taxable event to the Partnership or the Participant as provided in such revenue procedure, and (iii) the Partnership Agreement, the Plan and this Agreement be interpreted consistently with such intent. In furtherance of such intent, effective immediately prior to the issuance of the Profits Interest Units, the Partnership will cause the “Gross Asset Value” (as defined in the Partnership Agreement) of all Partnership assets to be adjusted to equal their respective gross fair market values, and make the resulting adjustments to the “Capital Accounts” (as defined in the Partnership Agreement) of the partners, in each case as set forth in the Partnership Agreement and based upon a “Fair Market Value” (as defined in the Partnership Agreement) at the time of such adjustment, based on the trading price on the New York Stock 5 Exchange of the common stock of the Company. The Partnership may withhold from the Participant’s wages, or require the Participant to pay to the Partnership, any applicable withholding or employment taxes resulting from the issuance of the Award hereunder, from the vesting or lapse of any restrictions imposed on the Award, or from the ownership or disposition of the Profits Interest Units. 13. Remedies . The Participant shall be liable to the Partnership for all costs and damages, including incidental and consequential damages, resulting from a disposition of the Award which is in violation of the provisions of this Agreement. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Participant agrees that the Partnership shall be entitled to obtain specific performance of the obligations of the Participant under this Agreement and immediate injunctive relief in the event any action or proceeding is brought in equity to enforce the same. The Participant will not urge as a defense that there is an adequate remedy at law. 14. Restrictive Legends . Certificates evidencing the Award, to the extent such certificates are issued, may bear such restrictive legends as the Partnership and/or the Partnership’s counsel may deem necessary or advisable under applicable law or pursuant to this Agreement, including, without limitation, the following legends or any legends similar thereto: “The offering and sale of the securities represented hereby have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Any transfer of such securities will be invalid unless a Registration Statement under the Securities Act is in effect as to such transfer or in the opinion of counsel for the Partnership such registration is unnecessary in order for such transfer to comply with the Securities Act.” “The securities represented hereby are subject to forfeiture, transferability and other restrictions as set forth in (i) a written agreement with the Partnership, (ii) the Digital Realty Trust, Inc., Digital Services, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. 2014 Incentive Award Plan and (iii) the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Digital Realty Trust, L.P., in each case, as has been and as may in the future be amended (or amended and restated) from time to time, and such securities may not be sold or otherwise transferred except pursuant to the provisions of such documents.” 15. Restrictions on Public Sale by the Participant . To the extent not inconsistent with applicable law, the Participant agrees not to effect any sale or distribution of the Profits Interest Units or any similar security of the Company or the Partnership, or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for such securities, including a sale pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act, during the 14 days prior to, and during the up to 90-day period beginning on, the date of the pricing of any public or private debt or equity securities offering by the Company or the Partnership (except as part of such offering), if and to the extent requested in writing by the Partnership or the Company in the case of a non-underwritten public or private offering or if and to the extent requested in writing by the managing underwriter or underwriters (or initial purchaser or initial purchasers, as the case may be) and consented to by the Partnership or the Company, which consent may be given or withheld in the Partnership’s or the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, in the case of an underwritten public or private offering (such agreement to be in the form of lock-up agreement provided by the Company, the Partnership, managing underwriter or underwriters, as the case may be). 16. Conformity to Securities Laws . The Participant acknowledges that the Plan and this Agreement are intended to conform to the extent necessary with all provisions of all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations (including, but not limited to the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and any and all regulations and rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder, including without limitation the applicable exemptive conditions of Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act) and to such approvals by any listing, 6 regulatory or other governmental authority as may, in the opinion of counsel for the Partnership or the Company, be necessary or advisable in connection therewith. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Plan shall be administered, and the Award of Profits Interest Units is made, only in such a manner as to conform to such laws, rules and regulations. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Plan, this Agreement and the Award shall be deemed amended to the extent necessary to conform to such laws, rules and regulations. 17. Code Section 409A . To the extent applicable, this Agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with Section 409A of the Code and Department of Treasury regulations and other interpretive guidance issued thereunder, including without limitation any such regulations or other guidance that may be issued after the effective date of this Agreement. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, in the event that following the effective date of this Agreement, the Partnership determines that the Award may be subject to Section 409A of the Code and related Department of Treasury guidance (including such Department of Treasury guidance as may be issued after the effective date of this Agreement ), the Partnership may adopt such amendments to this Agreement or adopt other policies and procedures (including amendments, policies and procedures with retroactive effect ), or take any other actions, that the Partnership determines are necessary or appropriate to (a) exempt the Award from Section 409A of the Code and/or preserve the intended tax treatment of the benefits provided with respect to the Award, or (b) comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and related Department of Treasury guidance; provided, however , that this Section 17 shall not create any obligation on the part of the Partnership or any Subsidiary to adopt any such amendment, policy or procedure or take any such other action. 18. No Right to Continued Service . Nothing in this Agreement shall confer upon the Participant any right to continue as a Service Provider of the Company, the Partnership or any Subsidiary, or shall interfere with or restrict in any way the rights of the Company, the Partnership or any Subsidiary, which rights are hereby expressly reserved, to discharge the Participant at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without cause. 19. Miscellaneous . (a) Incorporation of the Plan . This Agreement is made under and subject to and governed by all of the terms and conditions of the Plan. In the event of any discrepancy or inconsistency between this Agreement and the Plan, the terms and conditions of the Plan shall control. By signing this Agreement, the Participant confirms that he or she has received a copy of the Plan and has had an opportunity to review the contents thereof. (b) Clawback . This Award shall be subject to any clawback or recoupment policy currently in effect or as may be adopted by the Company or the Partnership, in each case, as may be amended from time to time. (c) Successors and Assigns . Subject to the limitations set forth in this Agreement, this Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the executors, administrators, heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns of the parties hereto, including, without limitation, any business entity that succeeds to the business of the Partnership. (d) Entire Agreement; Amendments and Waivers. This Agreement, together with the Plan and the Partnership Agreement, constitutes the entire agreement among the parties pertaining to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements, understandings, negotiations and discussions, whether oral or written, of the parties. Without limiting the generality of the forgoing, this Agreement supersedes the provisions of any employment agreement, employment offer letter or other agreement between the Participant and the Company, the Partnership or any Subsidiary that would otherwise accelerate the vesting of the Award and the Profits Interest Units, and any 7 provision in such agreement or letter which would otherwise accelerate such vesting shall have no force or effect with respect to the Award or the Profits Interest Units. In the event that the provisions of such other agreement or letter conflict or are inconsistent with the provisions of this Agreement, the provisions of this Agreement shall control. Except as set forth in Section 17 above, this Agreement may not be amended except in an instrument in writing signed on behalf of each of the parties hereto and approved by the Committee. No amendment, supplement, modification or waiver of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by the party to be bound thereby. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of any other provision hereof (whether or not similar), nor shall such waiver constitute a continuing waiver unless otherwise expressly provided. (e) Survival of Representations and Warranties . The representations, warranties and covenants contained in Section 7 hereof shall survive the later of the date of execution and delivery of this Agreement or the issuance of the Award. (f) Severability . If for any reason one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement or in any other instrument referred to herein, shall, for any reason, be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, then to the maximum extent permitted by law, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement or any other such instrument. (g) Titles . The titles, captions or headings of the Sections herein are inserted for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be a part of or to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. (h) Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, any of which may be executed and transmitted by facsimile, and each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall be deemed to be one and the same instrument. (i)  Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California applicable to contracts entered into and wholly to be performed within the State of California by California residents, without regard to any otherwise governing principles of conflicts of law that would choose the law of any state other than the State of California. (j) Notices . Any notice to be given by the Participant under the terms of this Agreement shall be addressed to the General Counsel of the Partnership at the Partnership’s address set forth in Exhibit A attached hereto. Any notice to be given to the Participant shall be addressed to him or her at the Participant’s then current address on the books and records of the Partnership. By a notice given pursuant to this Section 19(j), either party may hereafter designate a different address for notices to be given to such party. Any notice which is required to be given to the Participant shall, if the Participant is then deceased, be given to the Participant’s personal representative if such representative has previously informed the Partnership of his or her status and address by written notice under this Section 19(j) (and the Partnership shall be entitled to rely on any such notice provided to it that it in good faith believes to be true and correct, with no duty of inquiry). Any notice required or permitted hereunder shall be given in writing and shall be deemed effectively given upon personal delivery or upon deposit in the United States mail by certified mail, with postage and fees prepaid, addressed as set forth above or upon confirmation of delivery by a nationally recognized overnight delivery service. Spousal Consent . As a condition to the Partnership’s, the Company’s and their Subsidiaries’ obligations under this Agreement, the spouse of the Participant, if any, shall execute and deliver to the Partnership the Consent of Spouse attached hereto as Exhibit C. (k) 8 (l) Fractional Units . For purposes of this Agreement, any fractional Profits Interest Units that vest or become entitled to distributions pursuant to the Partnership Agreement will be rounded to the nearest whole Profits Interest Unit, as determined by the Partnership; provided, however , that in no event shall such rounding cause the aggregate number of Profits Interest Units that vest or become entitled to such distributions to exceed the total number of Profits Interest Units set forth in Section 1 of this Agreement. IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written. DIGITAL REALTY TRUST, L.P., a Maryland limited partnership By: Digital Realty Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation Its: General Partner By: Name: Title: The Participant hereby accepts and agrees to be bound by all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement. _________________________ Doc Control No: 9 Exhibit A Vesting Schedule and Notice Address Vesting Schedule Partnership Address 4 Embarcadero Center Suite 3200 San Francisco, California 94111 Exhibit B FORM OF SECTION 83(b) ELECTION AND INSTRUCTIONS These instructions are provided to assist you if you choose to make an election under Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, with respect to the Profits Interest Units of Digital Realty Trust, L.P. transferred to you. Please consult with your personal tax advisor as to whether an election of this nature will be in your best interests in light of your personal tax situation. The executed original of the Section 83(b) election must be filed with the Internal Revenue Service not later than 30 days after the grant date. PLEASE NOTE: There is no remedy for failure to file on time. Follow the steps outlined below to ensure that the election is mailed and filed correctly and in a timely manner. ALSO, PLEASE NOTE: If you make the Section 83(b) election, the election is irrevocable. Complete all of the Section 83(b) election steps below: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Complete the Section 83(b) election form (sample form next page) and make three (3) copies of the signed election form. (Your spouse, if any, should also sign the Section 83(b) election form.) Prepare a cover letter to the Internal Revenue Service (sample letter included, following election form). Send the cover letter with the originally executed Section 83(b) election form and one (1) copy via certified mail, return receipt requested to the Internal Revenue Service at the address of the Internal Revenue Service where you file your personal tax returns. • It is advisable that you have the package date-stamped at the post office. The post office will provide you with a white certified receipt that includes a dated postmark. Enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope so that the Internal Revenue Service may return a date-stamped copy to you. However, your postmarked receipt is your proof of having timely filed the Section 83(b) election if you do not receive confirmation from the Internal Revenue Service. One (1) copy must be sent to Digital Realty Trust, L.P.’s legal department for its records. Retain the Internal Revenue Service file stamped copy (when returned) for your records. Please consult your personal tax advisor for the address of the office of the Internal Revenue Service to which you should mail your election form. 11 US-DOCS\75463384.1   ELECTION PURSUANT TO SECTION 83(B) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE The undersigned hereby elects pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, to include in the undersigned’s gross income for the taxable year in which the property was transferred the excess (if any) of the fair market value of the property described below, over the amount the undersigned paid for such property, if any, and supplies herewith the following information in accordance with the Treasury regulations promulgated under Section 83(b): 1.  The name, address and taxpayer identification (social security) number of the undersigned, and the taxable year for which this election is being made, are: NAME: SSN: ADDRESS: [Name of Taxpayer] ____________________ [ Taxpayer SSN ] ____________________ ____________________ NAME SSN: ADDRESS: ___________________ [Name of Spouse or N/A] ____________________ [Spouse SSN ] ____________________ ____________________ TAXABLE YEAR: The taxable year with respect to which this election is made is the calendar year in which the property was transferred. 2. The property with respect to which the election is made consists of Profits Interest Units (the “ Units ”) of Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (the “ Company ”), representing an interest in the future profits, losses and distributions of the Company. 3. The date on which the above property was transferred to the undersigned was . 4. The above property is subject to the following restrictions: The Units are subject to cancellation and forfeiture to the extent unvested upon a termination of service with the Company under certain circumstances. These restrictions lapse upon the satisfaction of certain conditions as set forth in an agreement between the taxpayer and the Company. In addition, the Units are subject to certain transfer restrictions pursuant to such agreement and the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Digital Realty Trust, L.P., as amended (or amended and restated) from time to time, should the taxpayer wish to transfer the Units. 5. The fair market value of the above property at the time of transfer (determined without regard to any restrictions other than those which by their terms will never lapse) was $0. 6. The amount paid for the above property by the undersigned was $0. 7. The undersigned taxpayer will file this election with the Internal Revenue Service office with which taxpayer files his or her annual income tax return not later than 30 days after the date of transfer of the property. A copy of this election will be furnished to the person for whom the services were performed. The undersigned is the person performing the services in connection with which the property was transferred . Date: _________________ ____________________________________ The undersigned spouse of the taxpayer joins in this election. (Complete if applicable.) Date: _________________ ____________________________________   VIA CERTIFIED MAIL RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED Internal Revenue Service ______________________________________ [Address where taxpayer files returns] Re : Election under Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 Taxpayer: _ Taxpayer’s Social Security Number: ___________________________ Taxpayer’s Spouse: _________________________________________ Taxpayer’s Spouse’s Social Security Number: ____________________ Ladies and Gentlemen: Enclosed please find an original and one copy of an Election under Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, being made by the taxpayer referenced above. Please acknowledge receipt of the enclosed materials by stamping the enclosed copy of the Election and returning it to me in the self-addressed stamped envelope provided herewith. Very truly yours, ___________________________________ Enclosures cc: Digital Realty Trust, L.P.   Exhibit C CONSENT OF SPOUSE I, ____________________, spouse of [_____], have read and approve the foregoing Profits Interest Unit Agreement (the “ Agreement ”) and all exhibits thereto, the Partnership Agreement and the Plan (each as defined in the Agreement). In consideration of the granting to my spouse of the profits interest units of Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (the “ Partnership ”) as set forth in the Agreement, I hereby appoint my spouse as my attorney-in-fact in respect to the exercise of any rights and taking of all actions under the Agreement and all exhibits thereto and agree to be bound by the provisions of the Agreement and all exhibits thereto insofar as I may have any rights in said Agreement or any exhibits thereto or any securities issued pursuant thereto under the community property laws or similar laws relating to marital property in effect in the state of our residence as of the date of the signing of the foregoing Agreement and exhibits thereto or otherwise. I understand that this Consent of Spouse may not be altered, amended, modified or revoked other than by a writing signed by me, the Partnership and Digital Realty Trust, Inc. Grant Date: By: ________________________________ Print name:__________________________ Dated: ___________________ Control: If applicable, you must print, complete and return this Consent of Spouse to hrdirect@digitalrealty.com. Please only print and return this page.   Income from continuing operations before noncontrolling interests Interest expense Interest within rental expense (1) Noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures Earnings available to cover fixed charges Fixed charges: Interest expense Interest within rental expense (1) Capitalized interest Total fixed charges Preferred stock dividends Exhibit 12.1 Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Subsidiaries Statement of Computation of Ratios (in thousands, except ratios) 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 Year Ended December 31, $ 256,267 $ 431,852 $ 301,591 $ 203,415 $ 258,642 27,490 (4,238) 236,480 27,879 (367) 201,435 191,085 8,208 (460) 5,393 (465) 320,449 189,399 7,687 (595) $ $ 538,161 $ 695,844 $ 510,774 $ 399,428 $ 516,940 258,642 $ 236,480 $ 201,435 $ 191,085 $ 189,399 27,490 21,714 307,846 68,802 27,879 16,324 280,683 83,771 8,208 12,851 222,494 79,423 5,393 20,373 216,851 67,465 7,687 26,277 223,363 42,905 266,268 2.31 1.94 Fixed charges and preferred stock dividends $ 376,648 $ 364,454 $ 301,917 $ 284,316 $ Ratio of earnings to fixed charges Ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preferred stock dividends 1.75 1.43 2.48 1.91 2.30 1.69 1.84 1.40 (1) Interest within rental expense represents one-third of rental expense (the approximate portion of rental expense representing interest). Income from continuing operations before noncontrolling interests Interest expense Interest within rental expense (1) Noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures Earnings available to cover fixed charges Fixed charges: Interest expense Interest within rental expense (1) Capitalized interest Total fixed charges Preferred unit distributions Digital Realty Trust, L.P. and Subsidiaries Statement of Computation of Ratios (in thousands, except ratios) 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 Year Ended December 31, $ 256,267 $ 431,852 $ 300,226 $ 203,415 $ 258,642 27,490 (4,238) 236,480 27,879 (367) 202,800 191,085 8,208 (460) 5,393 (465) 320,449 189,399 7,687 (595) $ $ 538,161 $ 695,844 $ 510,774 $ 399,428 $ 516,940 258,642 $ 236,480 $ 202,800 $ 191,085 $ 189,399 27,490 21,714 307,846 68,802 27,879 16,324 280,683 83,771 8,208 12,851 223,859 79,423 5,393 20,373 216,851 67,465 7,687 26,277 223,363 42,905 266,268 2.31 1.94 Fixed charges and preferred unit distributions $ 376,648 $ 364,454 $ 303,282 $ 284,316 $ Ratio of earnings to fixed charges Ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preferred unit distributions 1.75 1.43 2.48 1.91 2.28 1.68 1.84 1.40 (1) Interest within rental expense represents one-third of rental expense (the approximate portion of rental expense representing interest). List of Subsidiaries of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. Exhibit 21.1 Entity Name 1100 Space Park Holding Company LLC 1100 Space Park LLC 150 South First Street, LLC 1500 Space Park Holdings, LLC 1500 Space Park Partners, LLC 1525 Comstock Partners, LLC 1550 Space Park Partners, LLC 200 Paul Holding Company, LLC 200 Paul, LLC 2001 Sixth Holdings LLC 2001 Sixth LLC 2020 Fifth Avenue LLC 2045-2055 LaFayette Street, LLC 2334 Lundy Holding Company LLC 2334 Lundy LLC 34551 Ardenwood Holding Company LLC 34551 Ardenwood LLC 651 Walsh Partners, LLC Alshain Ventures LLC Ashburn Corporate Center Owners Association, Inc. Beaver Ventures LLC BNY-Somerset NJ, LLC Collins Technology Park Partners, LLC Colo Properties Atlanta, LLC Cosmic Ventures LLC DBT, LLC Devin Shafron E and F Land Condominium Owners Association, Inc. DF Property Manangement LLC DFT Canada LP LLC DFT Moose GP LLC Digital - Bryan Street Partnership, L.P. Digital 1 Savvis Parkway, LLC Digital 11085 Sun Center Drive, LLC Digital 113 N. Myers, LLC Digital 1201 Comstock, LLC Digital 125 N. Myers, LLC Digital 128 First Avenue, LLC Digital 1350 Duane, LLC Digital 1500 Space Park Borrower, LLC Digital 1500 Space Park, LLC Digital 1550 Space Park, LLC Jurisdiction of Incorporation Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware California Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Virginia Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Maryland Virginia Delaware Delaware Delaware Texas Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Entity Name Digital 1725 Comstock, LLC Digital 2020 Fifth Avenue Investor, LLC Digital 210 Tucker, LLC Digital 21110 Ridgetop, LLC Digital 2121 South Price, LLC Digital 21561-21571 Beaumeade Circle, LLC Digital 2260 East El Segundo, LLC Digital 3011 Lafayette, LLC Digital 365 Main, LLC Digital 3825 NW Aloclek Place, LLC Digital 45845-45901 Nokes Boulevard, LLC Digital 55 Middlesex, LLC Digital 60 & 80 Merritt, LLC Digital 717 GP, LLC Digital 717 Leonard, L.P. Digital 717 LP, LLC Digital 720 2nd, LLC Digital 89th Place, LLC Digital 900 Walnut, LLC Digital Above, LLC Digital Akard, LLC Digital Alfred, LLC Digital Aquila, LLC Digital Arizona Research Park II, LLC Digital Ashburn CS, LLC Digital Asia, LLC Digital Australia Finco Pty Ltd Digital Australia Investment Management Pty Limited Digital BH 800 Holdco, LLC Digital BH 800 M, LLC Digital BH 800, LLC Digital Bièvres SCI Digital Cabot, LLC Digital Chelsea, LLC Digital Collins Technology Park Investor, LLC Digital Commerce Boulevard, LLC Digital Concord Center, LLC Digital Connect, LLC Digital Crawley 1 S.à r.l. Digital Crawley 2 S.à r.l. Digital Crawley 3 S.à r.l. Digital Deer Park 2, LLC Digital Deer Park 3, LLC Digital Doug Davis, LLC Digital East Cornell, LLC Jurisdiction of Incorporation Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Texas Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Australia Australia Delaware Delaware Delaware France Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Luxembourg Luxembourg Luxembourg Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Entity Name Digital Erskine Park 2, LLC Digital Euro Finco GP, LLC Digital Euro Finco Partner Limited Digital Euro Finco, L.P. Digital Euro Finco, LLC Digital Federal Systems, LLC Digital Frankfurt GmbH Digital Garland, LLC Digital Germany Cheetah GmbH Digital Germany Holding, LLC Digital Gough, LLC Digital Grand Avenue 2, LLC Digital Grand Avenue 3, LLC Digital Grand Avenue, LLC Digital Greenfield B.V. Digital Greenspoint, L.P. Digital Greenspoint, LLC Digital HK JV Holding Limited Digital Hoofddorp 2 B.V. Digital Hoofddorp B.V. Digital Investment Management Pte. Ltd. Digital Investments Holding, LLC Digital Japan 1 Pte. Ltd. Digital Japan 2 Pte. Ltd. Digital Japan Holding Pte. Ltd. Digital Japan Investment Management GK Digital Japan, LLC Digital Lafayette Chantilly, LLC Digital Lakeside 2, LLC Digital Lakeside 3, LLC Digital Lakeside Holdings, LLC Digital Lakeside, LLC Digital Lewisville, LLC Digital London Limited Digital Loudoun 3, LLC Digital Loudoun II, LLC Digital Loudoun IV, LLC Digital Loudoun Parkway Center North, LLC Digital Luxembourg II S.à r.l. Digital Luxembourg III S.à r.l. Digital Luxembourg S.à r.l. Digital Macquarie Park, LLC Digital MetCenter 4-6, LLC Jurisdiction of Incorporation Delaware Delaware British Virgin Islands United Kingdom (Scotland) Delaware Delaware Germany Delaware Germany Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Netherlands Texas Delaware British Virgin Islands Netherlands Netherlands Singapore Delaware Singapore Singapore Singapore Japan Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware United Kingdom (England & Wales) Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Luxembourg Luxembourg Luxembourg Delaware Delaware Entity Name Digital MetCenter 7-9, LLC Digital Midway GP, LLC Digital Midway, L.P. Digital Montigny SCI Digital Moran Holdings, LLC Digital MP, LLC Digital Netherlands 10 B.V. Digital Netherlands 11 B.V. Digital Netherlands 12 B.V. Digital Netherlands I B.V. Digital Netherlands II B.V. Digital Netherlands III (Dublin) B.V. Digital Netherlands IV B.V. Digital Netherlands IV Holdings B.V. Digital Netherlands IX B.V. Digital Netherlands V B.V. Digital Netherlands VII B.V. Digital Netherlands VIII B.V. Digital Network Services, LLC Digital Northlake, LLC Digital Norwood Park 2, LLC Digital Norwood Park, LLC Digital Osaka 1 TMK Digital Osaka 2 TMK Digital Osaka 3 TMK Digital Paris Holding SARL Digital Phoenix Van Buren, LLC Digital Piscataway, LLC Digital Printers Square, LLC Digital Realty (Blanchardstown) Limited Digital Realty (Cressex) S.à r.l. Digital Realty (Management Company) Limited Digital Realty (Manchester) S.à r.l. Digital Realty (Redhill) S.à r.l. Digital Realty (UK) Limited Digital Realty (Welwyn) S.à r.l. Digital Realty Canada, Inc. Digital Realty Core Properties 1 Manager, LLC Digital Realty Core Properties 2 Investor, LLC Digital Realty Core Properties 2 Manager, LLC Digital Realty Datafirm 2, LLC Digital Realty Datafirm, LLC Digital Realty Germany GmbH Digital Realty Holdings US, LLC Jurisdiction of Incorporation Delaware Delaware Texas France Delaware Delaware Netherlands Netherlands Netherlands Netherlands Netherlands Netherlands Netherlands Netherlands Netherlands Netherlands Netherlands Netherlands Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Japan Japan Japan France Delaware Delaware Delaware Ireland Luxembourg Ireland Luxembourg Luxembourg United Kingdom (England & Wales) Luxembourg British Columbia Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Germany Delaware Entity Name Digital Realty Management France SARL Digital Realty Management Services, LLC Digital Realty Mauritius Holdings Limited Digital Realty Netherlands B.V. Digital Realty Property Manager, LLC Digital Realty Trust, L.P. Digital Realty Trust, LLC Digital Saclay SCI Digital Savvis HK Holding 1 Limited Digital Savvis HK JV Limited Digital Savvis Investment Management HK Limited Digital Savvis Management Subsidiary Limited Digital Second Manassas, LLC Digital Services Hong Kong Limited Digital Services Phoenix, LLC Digital Services, Inc. Digital Sierra Insurance Limited Digital Singapore 1 Pte. Ltd. Digital Singapore 2 Pte. Ltd. Digital Singapore Jurong East Pte. Ltd. Digital Sixth & Virginia, LLC Digital South Price 2, LLC Digital Spear Street, LLC Digital Stout Holding, LLC Digital Toronto Business Trust Digital Toronto Nominee, Inc. Digital Totowa, LLC Digital Towerview, LLC Digital Trade Street, LLC Digital UK Finco, LLC Digital Vienna, LLC Digital Walsh Holding, LLC Digital Waltham, LLC Digital Waterview, LLC Digital WBX, LLC Digital Winter, LLC Digital-Bryan Street, LLC Digital-GCEAR1 (Ashburn), LLC Digital-PR Beaumeade Circle, LLC Digital-PR Devin Shafron E, LLC Digital-PR Dorothy, LLC Digital-PR FAA, LLC Digital-PR Mason King Court, LLC Digital-PR Old Ironsides 1, LLC Digital-PR Old Ironsides 2, LLC Jurisdiction of Incorporation France Delaware Mauritius Netherlands Delaware Maryland Delaware France British Virgin Islands British Virgin Islands Hong Kong Hong Kong Delaware Hong Kong Delaware Maryland Nevada Singapore Singapore Singapore Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Maryland British Columbia Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Entity Name Digital-PR Toyama, LLC Digital-PR Venture, LLC Digital-PR Zanker, LLC Dipper Ventures LLC DLR 800 Central, LLC DLR LLC DRT Greenspoint, LLC DRT-Bryan Street, LLC DuPont Fabros Technology, L.P. Elk Ventures LLC Fawn Ventures LLC Fox Properties LLC Gazelle Ventures LLC GIP 7th Street Holding Company, LLC GIP 7th Street, LLC GIP Alpha General Partner, LLC GIP Alpha Limited Partner, LLC GIP Alpha, L.P. GIP Fairmont Holding Company, LLC GIP Stoughton, LLC GIP Wakefield Holding Company, LLC GIP Wakefield, LLC Global ASML, LLC Global Gold Camp Holding Company, LLC Global Gold Camp, LLC Global Kato HG, LLC Global Lafayette Street Holding Company, LLC Global Marsh General Partner, LLC Global Marsh Limited Partner, LLC Global Marsh Member, LLC Global Marsh Property Owner, L.P. Global Miami Acquisition Company, LLC Global Miami Holding Company, LLC Global Riverside, LLC Global Stanford Place II, LLC Global Webb, L.P. Global Webb, LLC Global Weehawken Acquisition Company, LLC Global Weehawken Holding Company, LLC Grizzly Ventures LLC Hawk Ventures LLC Lemur Properties LLC Loudoun Exchange Owners Association, Inc. Mapp Holding Company, LLC Mapp Property, LLC Jurisdiction of Incorporation Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Maryland Delaware Delaware Maryland Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Texas Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware California Delaware Delaware California Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Texas Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Texas Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Virginia California California Entity Name MC Digital Realty Inc. Moose Ventures LP Moran Road Partners, LLC Penguins OP Sub 2, LLC Porpoise Ventures LLC Quill Equity LLC Redhill Park Limited Rhino Equity LLC Sentrum (Croydon) Limited Sentrum Holdings Limited Sentrum III Limited Sentrum IV Limited Sentrum Limited Sentrum Services Limited Sixth & Virginia Holdings, LLC Sixth & Virginia Properties Tarantula Ventures LLC Telx - Charlotte, LLC Telx - Chicago Federal, LLC Telx - Chicago Lakeside, LLC Telx - Clifton, LLC Telx - Dallas, LLC Telx - Los Angeles, LLC Telx - Miami, LLC Telx - New York 111 8th, LLC Telx - New York 6th Ave LLC Telx - New York, LLC Telx - Phoenix, LLC Telx - Portland, LLC Telx - San Francisco, LLC Telx - Santa Clara, LLC Telx - Seattle, LLC Telx - Weehawken, LLC Telx Ashburn, LLC Telx Atlanta 2, LLC Telx Boston, LLC Telx Clifton-I, LLC Telx Grand Avenue, LLC Telx Real Estate Holdings, LLC Telx Richardson, LLC Telx, LLC The Sentinel-Needham Primary Condominium Trust Waspar Limited Xeres Management LLC Xeres Ventures LP Jurisdiction of Incorporation Japan Delaware Delaware Maryland Delaware Delaware United Kingdom (England & Wales) Delaware Isle of Man British Virgin Islands British Virgin Islands British Virgin Islands United Kingdom (England & Wales) United Kingdom (England & Wales) Delaware Washington Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Massachusetts Ireland Delaware Delaware Entity Name Yak Ventures LLC Jurisdiction of Incorporation Delaware List of Subsidiaries of Digital Realty Trust, L.P. Exhibit 21.2 Entity Name 1100 Space Park Holding Company LLC 1100 Space Park LLC 150 South First Street, LLC 1500 Space Park Holdings, LLC 1500 Space Park Partners, LLC 1525 Comstock Partners, LLC 1550 Space Park Partners, LLC 200 Paul Holding Company, LLC 200 Paul, LLC 2001 Sixth Holdings LLC 2001 Sixth LLC 2020 Fifth Avenue LLC 2045-2055 LaFayette Street, LLC 2334 Lundy Holding Company LLC 2334 Lundy LLC 34551 Ardenwood Holding Company LLC 34551 Ardenwood LLC 651 Walsh Partners, LLC Alshain Ventures LLC Ashburn Corporate Center Owners Association, Inc. Beaver Ventures LLC BNY-Somerset NJ, LLC Collins Technology Park Partners, LLC Colo Properties Atlanta, LLC Cosmic Ventures LLC DBT, LLC Devin Shafron E and F Land Condominium Owners Association, Inc. DF Property Manangement LLC DFT Canada LP LLC DFT Moose GP LLC Digital - Bryan Street Partnership, L.P. Digital 1 Savvis Parkway, LLC Digital 11085 Sun Center Drive, LLC Digital 113 N. Myers, LLC Digital 1201 Comstock, LLC Digital 125 N. Myers, LLC Digital 128 First Avenue, LLC Digital 1350 Duane, LLC Digital 1500 Space Park Borrower, LLC Digital 1500 Space Park, LLC Digital 1550 Space Park, LLC Digital 1725 Comstock, LLC Jurisdiction of Incorporation Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware California Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Virginia Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Maryland Virginia Delaware Delaware Delaware Texas Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Entity Name Digital 2020 Fifth Avenue Investor, LLC Digital 210 Tucker, LLC Digital 21110 Ridgetop, LLC Digital 2121 South Price, LLC Digital 21561-21571 Beaumeade Circle, LLC Digital 2260 East El Segundo, LLC Digital 3011 Lafayette, LLC Digital 365 Main, LLC Digital 3825 NW Aloclek Place, LLC Digital 45845-45901 Nokes Boulevard, LLC Digital 55 Middlesex, LLC Digital 60 & 80 Merritt, LLC Digital 717 GP, LLC Digital 717 Leonard, L.P. Digital 717 LP, LLC Digital 720 2nd, LLC Digital 89th Place, LLC Digital 900 Walnut, LLC Digital Above, LLC Digital Akard, LLC Digital Alfred, LLC Digital Aquila, LLC Digital Arizona Research Park II, LLC Digital Ashburn CS, LLC Digital Asia, LLC Digital Australia Finco Pty Ltd Digital Australia Investment Management Pty Limited Digital BH 800 Holdco, LLC Digital BH 800 M, LLC Digital BH 800, LLC Digital Bièvres SCI Digital Cabot, LLC Digital Chelsea, LLC Digital Collins Technology Park Investor, LLC Digital Commerce Boulevard, LLC Digital Concord Center, LLC Digital Connect, LLC Digital Crawley 1 S.à r.l. Digital Crawley 2 S.à r.l. Digital Crawley 3 S.à r.l. Digital Deer Park 2, LLC Digital Deer Park 3, LLC Digital Doug Davis, LLC Digital East Cornell, LLC Digital Erskine Park 2, LLC Jurisdiction of Incorporation Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Texas Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Australia Australia Delaware Delaware Delaware France Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Luxembourg Luxembourg Luxembourg Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Entity Name Digital Euro Finco GP, LLC Digital Euro Finco Partner Limited Digital Euro Finco, L.P. Digital Euro Finco, LLC Digital Federal Systems, LLC Digital Frankfurt GmbH Digital Garland, LLC Digital Germany Cheetah GmbH Digital Germany Holding, LLC Digital Gough, LLC Digital Grand Avenue 2, LLC Digital Grand Avenue 3, LLC Digital Grand Avenue, LLC Digital Greenfield B.V. Digital Greenspoint, L.P. Digital Greenspoint, LLC Digital HK JV Holding Limited Digital Hoofddorp 2 B.V. Digital Hoofddorp B.V. Digital Investment Management Pte. Ltd. Digital Investments Holding, LLC Digital Japan 1 Pte. Ltd. Digital Japan 2 Pte. Ltd. Digital Japan Holding Pte. Ltd. Digital Japan Investment Management GK Digital Japan, LLC Digital Lafayette Chantilly, LLC Digital Lakeside 2, LLC Digital Lakeside 3, LLC Digital Lakeside Holdings, LLC Digital Lakeside, LLC Digital Lewisville, LLC Digital London Limited Digital Loudoun 3, LLC Digital Loudoun II, LLC Digital Loudoun IV, LLC Digital Loudoun Parkway Center North, LLC Digital Luxembourg II S.à r.l. Digital Luxembourg III S.à r.l. Digital Luxembourg S.à r.l. Digital Macquarie Park, LLC Digital MetCenter 4-6, LLC Digital MetCenter 7-9, LLC Digital Midway GP, LLC Digital Midway, L.P. Jurisdiction of Incorporation Delaware British Virgin Islands United Kingdom (Scotland) Delaware Delaware Germany Delaware Germany Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Netherlands Texas Delaware British Virgin Islands Netherlands Netherlands Singapore Delaware Singapore Singapore Singapore Japan Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware United Kingdom (England & Wales) Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Luxembourg Luxembourg Luxembourg Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Texas Entity Name Digital Montigny SCI Digital Moran Holdings, LLC Digital MP, LLC Digital Netherlands 10 B.V. Digital Netherlands 11 B.V. Digital Netherlands 12 B.V. Digital Netherlands I B.V. Digital Netherlands II B.V. Digital Netherlands III (Dublin) B.V. Digital Netherlands IV B.V. Digital Netherlands IV Holdings B.V. Digital Netherlands IX B.V. Digital Netherlands V B.V. Digital Netherlands VII B.V. Digital Netherlands VIII B.V. Digital Network Services, LLC Digital Northlake, LLC Digital Norwood Park 2, LLC Digital Norwood Park, LLC Digital Osaka 1 TMK Digital Osaka 2 TMK Digital Osaka 3 TMK Digital Piscataway, LLC Digital Printers Square, LLC Digital Realty (Blanchardstown) Limited Digital Realty (Cressex) S.à r.l. Digital Realty (Management Company) Limited Digital Realty (Manchester) S.à r.l. Digital Realty (Redhill) S.à r.l. Digital Realty (UK) Limited Digital Realty (Welwyn) S.à r.l. Digital Realty Canada, Inc. Digital Realty Core Properties 2 Investor, LLC Digital Realty Core Properties 2 Manager, LLC Digital Realty Datafirm 2, LLC Digital Realty Datafirm, LLC Digital Realty Germany GmbH Digital Realty Holdings US, LLC Digital Realty Management France SARL Digital Realty Management Services, LLC Digital Realty Mauritius Holdings Limited Digital Realty Netherlands B.V. Digital Realty Property Manager, LLC Digital Realty Trust, L.P. Digital Realty Trust, LLC Jurisdiction of Incorporation France Delaware Delaware Netherlands Netherlands Netherlands Netherlands Netherlands Netherlands Netherlands Netherlands Netherlands Netherlands Netherlands Netherlands Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Japan Japan Japan Delaware Delaware Ireland Luxembourg Ireland Luxembourg Luxembourg United Kingdom (England & Wales) Luxembourg British Columbia Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Germany Delaware France Delaware Mauritius Netherlands Delaware Maryland Delaware Entity Name Digital Saclay SCI Digital Savvis HK Holding 1 Limited Digital Savvis HK JV Limited Digital Savvis Investment Management HK Limited Digital Savvis Management Subsidiary Limited Digital Second Manassas, LLC Digital Services Hong Kong Limited Digital Services Phoenix, LLC Digital Services, Inc. Digital Sierra Insurance Limited Digital Singapore 1 Pte. Ltd. Digital Singapore 2 Pte. Ltd. Digital Singapore Jurong East Pte. Ltd. Digital Sixth & Virginia, LLC Digital South Price 2, LLC Digital Spear Street, LLC Digital Stout Holding, LLC Digital Toronto Business Trust Digital Toronto Nominee, Inc. Digital Totowa, LLC Digital Towerview, LLC Digital Trade Street, LLC Digital UK Finco, LLC Digital Vienna, LLC Digital Walsh Holding, LLC Digital Waltham, LLC Digital Waterview, LLC Digital WBX, LLC Digital Winter, LLC Digital-Bryan Street, LLC Digital-GCEAR1 (Ashburn), LLC Digital-PR Beaumeade Circle, LLC Digital-PR Devin Shafron E, LLC Digital-PR Dorothy, LLC Digital-PR FAA, LLC Digital-PR Mason King Court, LLC Digital-PR Old Ironsides 1, LLC Digital-PR Old Ironsides 2, LLC Digital-PR Toyama, LLC Digital-PR Venture, LLC Digital-PR Zanker, LLC Dipper Ventures LLC DLR 800 Central, LLC DLR LLC DRT Greenspoint, LLC Jurisdiction of Incorporation France British Virgin Islands British Virgin Islands Hong Kong Hong Kong Delaware Hong Kong Delaware Maryland Nevada Singapore Singapore Singapore Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Maryland British Columbia Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Maryland Delaware Entity Name DRT-Bryan Street, LLC DuPont Fabros Technology, L.P. Elk Ventures LLC Fawn Ventures LLC Fox Properties LLC Gazelle Ventures LLC GIP 7th Street Holding Company, LLC GIP 7th Street, LLC GIP Alpha General Partner, LLC GIP Alpha Limited Partner, LLC GIP Alpha, L.P. GIP Fairmont Holding Company, LLC GIP Stoughton, LLC GIP Wakefield Holding Company, LLC GIP Wakefield, LLC Global ASML, LLC Global Gold Camp Holding Company, LLC Global Gold Camp, LLC Global Kato HG, LLC Global Lafayette Street Holding Company, LLC Global Marsh General Partner, LLC Global Marsh Limited Partner, LLC Global Marsh Member, LLC Global Marsh Property Owner, L.P. Global Miami Acquisition Company, LLC Global Miami Holding Company, LLC Global Riverside, LLC Global Stanford Place II, LLC Global Webb, L.P. Global Webb, LLC Global Weehawken Acquisition Company, LLC Global Weehawken Holding Company, LLC Grizzly Ventures LLC Hawk Ventures LLC Lemur Properties LLC Loudoun Exchange Owners Association, Inc. Mapp Holding Company, LLC Mapp Property, LLC MC Digital Realty Inc. Moose Ventures LP Moran Road Partners, LLC Penguins OP Sub 2, LLC Porpoise Ventures LLC Quill Equity LLC Redhill Park Limited Jurisdiction of Incorporation Delaware Maryland Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Texas Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware California Delaware Delaware California Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Texas Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Texas Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Virginia California California Japan Delaware Delaware Maryland Delaware Delaware United Kingdom (England & Wales) Entity Name Rhino Equity LLC Sentrum (Croydon) Limited Sentrum Holdings Limited Sentrum III Limited Sentrum IV Limited Sentrum Limited Sentrum Services Limited Sixth & Virginia Holdings, LLC Sixth & Virginia Properties Tarantula Ventures LLC Telx - Charlotte, LLC Telx - Chicago Federal, LLC Telx - Chicago Lakeside, LLC Telx - Clifton, LLC Telx - Dallas, LLC Telx - Los Angeles, LLC Telx - Miami, LLC Telx - New York 111 8th, LLC Telx - New York 6th Ave LLC Telx - New York, LLC Telx - Phoenix, LLC Telx - Portland, LLC Telx - San Francisco, LLC Telx - Santa Clara, LLC Telx - Seattle, LLC Telx - Weehawken, LLC Telx Ashburn, LLC Telx Atlanta 2, LLC Telx Boston, LLC Telx Clifton-I, LLC Telx Grand Avenue, LLC Telx Real Estate Holdings, LLC Telx Richardson, LLC Telx, LLC The Sentinel-Needham Primary Condominium Trust Waspar Limited Xeres Management LLC Xeres Ventures LP Yak Ventures LLC Jurisdiction of Incorporation Delaware Isle of Man British Virgin Islands British Virgin Islands British Virgin Islands United Kingdom (England & Wales) United Kingdom (England & Wales) Delaware Washington Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Massachusetts Ireland Delaware Delaware Delaware Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Exhibit 23.1 The Board of Directors Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and The Board of Directors of the General Partner Digital Realty Trust, L.P.: We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements (No. 333-220577) on Form S-8 of Digital Realty Trust, Inc., (Nos. 333-220576 and 333-220887) on Form S-3 of Digital Realty Trust, Inc., and (no. 333-220576-01) on Form S-3 of Digital Realty Trust, L.P. of our reports dated February 28, 2018 , with respect to: (i) The consolidated balance sheets of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated income statements and statements of comprehensive income, equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes and financial statement schedule III, properties and accumulated depreciation; (ii) The effectiveness of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017; and (iii) The consolidated balance sheets of Digital Realty Trust, L.P. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated income statements and statements of comprehensive income, capital, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes and financial statement schedule III, properties and accumulated depreciation, which reports appear in the December 31, 2017 annual report on Form 10-K of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and Digital Realty Trust, L.P. Our report dated February 28, 2018 , on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 , contains an explanatory paragraph that states management excluded from its assessment of the effectiveness of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 , DuPont Fabros Technology, Inc. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting associated with total assets of $8.4 billion and total revenues of $178 million included in the consolidated financial statements of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. and subsidiaries as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017 . Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. also excluded an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of DuPont Fabros Technology, Inc. and subsidiaries. San Francisco, California February 28, 2018 /s/ KPMG LLP Exhibit 31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 I, A. William Stein, certify that: I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.; 1. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 2. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 3. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and 4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. Dated: February 28, 2018 By: /s/ A. WILLIAM STEIN A. William Stein Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 Exhibit 31.2 I, Andrew P. Power, certify that: I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Digital Realty Trust, Inc.; 1. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 2. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 3. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and 4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. Dated: February 28, 2018 By: /s/ ANDREW P. POWER Andrew P. Power Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) Exhibit 31.3 Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 I, A. William Stein, certify that: I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Digital Realty Trust, L.P.; 1. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 2. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 3. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and 4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. Dated: February 28, 2018 By: /s/ A. WILLIAM STEIN A. William Stein Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) Digital Realty Trust, Inc., sole general partner of Digital Realty Trust, L.P. Exhibit 31.4 Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 I, Andrew P. Power, certify that: I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Digital Realty Trust, L.P.; 1. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 2. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 3. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and 4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. Dated: February 28, 2018 By: /s/ ANDREW P. POWER Andrew P. Power Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) Digital Realty Trust, Inc., sole general partner of Digital Realty Trust, L.P. Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as created by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the undersigned officer of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (the “Company”) hereby certifies, to such officer’s knowledge, that: Exhibit 32.1 (i) the accompanying Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2017 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and (ii) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company at the dates and for the periods indicated. Dated: February 28, 2018 /s/ A. WILLIAM STEIN A. William Stein Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) Pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission Release 33-8238, dated June 5, 2003, this certification is being furnished and shall not be deemed filed by the Company for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or incorporated by reference in any registration statement of the Company filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request. Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as created by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the undersigned officer of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (the “Company”) hereby certifies, to such officer’s knowledge, that: Exhibit 32.2 (i) the accompanying Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2017 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and (ii) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company at the dates and for the periods indicated. Dated: February 28, 2018 /s/ ANDREW P. POWER Andrew P. Power Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) Pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission Release 33-8238, dated June 5, 2003, this certification is being furnished and shall not be deemed filed by the Company for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or incorporated by reference in any registration statement of the Company filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request. Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as created by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the undersigned officer of Digital Realty Trust, Inc., in its capacity as the sole general partner of Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (the “Operating Partnership”), hereby certifies, to such officer’s knowledge, that: Exhibit 32.3 (i) the accompanying Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Operating Partnership for the year ended December 31, 2017 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and (ii) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Operating Partnership at the dates and for the periods indicated. Dated: February 28, 2018 /s/ A. WILLIAM STEIN A. William Stein Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) Digital Realty Trust, Inc., sole general partner of Digital Realty Trust, L.P. Pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission Release 33-8238, dated June 5, 2003, this certification is being furnished and shall not be deemed filed by the Operating Partnership for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or incorporated by reference in any registration statement of the Operating Partnership filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Operating Partnership and will be retained by the Operating Partnership and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request. Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as created by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the undersigned officer of Digital Realty Trust, Inc., in its capacity as the sole general partner of Digital Realty Trust, L.P. (the “Operating Partnership”), hereby certifies, to such officer’s knowledge, that: Exhibit 32.4 (i) the accompanying Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Operating Partnership for the year ended December 31, 2017 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and (ii) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Operating Partnership at the dates and for the periods indicated. Dated: February 28, 2018 /s/ ANDREW P. POWER Andrew P. Power Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) Digital Realty Trust, Inc., sole general partner of Digital Realty Trust, L.P. Pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission Release 33-8238, dated June 5, 2003, this certification is being furnished and shall not be deemed filed by the Operating Partnership for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or incorporated by reference in any registration statement of the Operating Partnership filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Operating Partnership and will be retained by the Operating Partnership and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request. 

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