Only 1 of These 2 Data Center REITs Keeps Raising Its Dividend. Here’s Which Belongs in Your Roth IRA.

Digital Realty Trust (DLR) and Equinix (EQIX) are the two largest publicly traded data center REITs. Digital Realty has maintained a flat $1.22 quarterly dividend since March 2022, while Equinix has raised its dividend 11 times in a row, reaching $5.16 per share. In a Roth IRA, REIT dividends escape ordinary income tax, making Equinix's dividend growth more powerful over time.

Equinix's guidance for 2026-2029 includes 11% to 13% AFFO per share growth and 10% to 13% revenue growth. Digital Realty, on the other hand, has not announced any dividend policy changes. Both companies are benefiting from the AI infrastructure wave, but Equinix's higher and faster-growing payouts make it the better choice for a Roth IRA.