Equinix (EQIX) vs SBA Communications (SBAC)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Equinix (EQIX) has outperformed SBA Communications (SBAC) over the past year, gaining 31.1% versus a loss of 9.6%. Over five years, EQIX leads with a +32.0% price change compared with -47.9% for SBAC. Equinix is the larger company by market cap ($101.81 billion vs $18.08 billion), about 5.6 times the size.
On valuation, SBA Communications trades at a lower forward P/E (20.8x vs 55.7x for Equinix). SBA Communications offers the higher dividend yield (2.77% vs 1.91%). SBA Communications converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 37.4% versus 14.6%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | EQIX | SBAC |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $1,031.77 | $170.38 |
| Market cap | $101.81B | $18.08B |
| 1-day change | -1.49% | +0.40% |
| YTD return | +34.67% | -11.92% |
| 1-year return | +31.09% | -9.63% |
| 5-year return | +32.04% | -47.88% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 66.39 | 18.30 |
| Forward P/E | 55.69 | 20.83 |
| EPS (TTM) | $15.54 | $9.31 |
| Dividend yield | 1.91% | 2.77% |
| Annual dividend | $19.70 | $4.72 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $9.22B | $2.82B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +5.36% | +5.06% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $1.35B | $1.05B |
| Gross margin | 51.09% | 75.46% |
| Operating margin | 20.05% | 47.70% |
| Net margin | 14.65% | 37.43% |
| 52-week high | $1,128.68 | $224.46 |
| 52-week low | $720.62 | $156.60 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -8.59% | -24.09% |
| Analyst consensus | strong_buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +19.62% | +32.76% |
| Average volume | 537.30K | 971.19K |
| Shares outstanding | 98.67M | 106.09M |
| Employees | 13,716 | 1,844 |
| Sector | Real Estate | Real Estate |
| Industry | Real Estate Investment Trusts | Real Estate Investment Trusts |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- Equinix is about 5.6 times larger than SBA Communications by market value ($101.81B vs $18.08B).
- EQIX has outperformed SBAC by 40.7 percentage points over the past year.
- Equinix trades at a higher earnings multiple (66.4x vs 18.3x trailing P/E).
- SBA Communications is more profitable, keeping 37.4 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 14.6 cents for Equinix.
About Equinix
EQIX stock →Equinix, Inc. shortens the path to boundless connectivity anywhere in the world.
Real Estate · Real Estate Investment Trusts · 13,716 employees
About SBA Communications
SBAC stock →SBA Communications Corporation is a leading independent owner and operator of wireless communications infrastructure, including tower structures, rooftops and other structures that support antennas used for wireless communications. In our site leasing business, we lease space to wireless service providers and other customers on assets we own or operate, and manage rooftop and tower sites for property owners under various contractual arrangements.
Real Estate · Real Estate Investment Trusts · 1,844 employees
EQIX vs SBAC FAQ
Which is bigger, Equinix or SBA Communications?
Equinix (EQIX) is larger, with a market capitalization of $101.81B compared with $18.08B for SBA Communications (SBAC).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, EQIX or SBAC?
EQIX returned +31.09% over the past 12 months, compared with -9.63% for SBAC (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, EQIX or SBAC?
SBAC has the lower trailing P/E at 18.3, versus 66.4 for EQIX. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Equinix or SBA Communications?
SBA Communications has the higher yield at 2.77%, compared with 1.91% for Equinix.
Are Equinix and SBA Communications in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Real Estate Investment Trusts industry within the Real Estate sector.