Our multidisciplinary team provides coordinated valuation and advisory services for data center and infrastructure assets, operating businesses, specialized equipment, contractual interests, and related property rights, delivering analyses that reflect the complex and interconnected nature of infrastructure investments.
Related Resources
How We Support the Data Center Sector:
Marshall & Stevens supports the full lifecycle of data center ownership and investment through integrated valuation and advisory services spanning real estate, machinery and equipment, business valuation, financial reporting, transaction advisory, tax planning, litigation support, and energy and infrastructure consulting. Rather than evaluating a data center through a single discipline, the firm’s multidisciplinary approach considers the facility as an interconnected asset where real estate, critical infrastructure, specialized equipment, operations, and financial performance all influence value. This integrated perspective provides clients with independent, well supported analyses that address the technical, financial, and regulatory complexities unique to data center assets.
Upcoming Event:
Real Estate Valuation
Competitive Market Analysis:
Assessment of key location factors such as power availability, cooling infrastructure, fiber connectivity, and zoning conditions.
Market-Based Value Opinions:
In-depth valuation reports based on recent market activity, demand drivers, and comparable facilities.
Expert Witness Services:
Independent valuation testimony for litigation, condemnation, partnership disputes, and regulatory matters.
Appraisals for Multiple Purposes:
Tailored valuations for financing, acquisitions, investment planning, tax appeals, and financial reporting.
Energy & Infrastructure Advisory
Energy Cost Optimization:
Analyzing utility tariffs, load profiles, and system efficiencies to reduce energy spend.
Renewable Integration Feasibility:
Evaluating the financial viability of solar, battery storage, and microgrid systems.
Sustainability Strategy Development:
Advising on carbon reduction, redundant power planning, and environmental impact mitigation.
Litigation Support
Expert Witness Testimony:
Independent, defensible valuation opinions for court proceedings and arbitration.
Financial Damage Assessments:
Quantifying losses related to contracts, utility service interruptions, or construction delays.
Regulatory and Contract Disputes:
Support in matters involving tax appeals, easement rights, purchase price disputes, and shareholder actions.
Financial Valuation & Advisory
Enterprise Valuations:
Determining the fair value of operating data center businesses for investment, exit planning, or M&A transactions.
Purchase Price Allocation (ASC 805):
Assigning value to tangible and intangible assets post acquisition in compliance with U.S. GAAP.
Impairment Testing:
Goodwill and long-lived asset impairment analyses (ASC 350/360) to meet financial reporting requirements.
Feasibility Studies & Market Assessments:
Supporting go/no-go decisions with financial modeling and demand forecasting.
Machinery & Equipment Valuation
Lifecycle and Depreciation Analysis:
Evaluating functional and economic obsolescence, expected service life, and replacement cost.
Equipment Appraisal:
Valuation of backup power systems (generators, UPS), cooling systems (CRAC units, chillers), IT equipment, and structured cabling.
Insurance and Tax Reporting Support:
Providing insurable values and support for personal property tax compliance.
Cost Segregation & Tax Consulting
Cost Segregation Studies:
Breaking down construction or acquisition costs into shorter-life assets to accelerate depreciation schedules.
Energy Tax Credit Identification:
Assessing eligibility for federal, state, and local energy efficiency incentives.
Lease and CapEx Compliance:
Supporting accurate financial treatment of capital expenditures and lease accounting standards. (ASC 842/IFRS 16).
Multidisciplinary Data Center Valuation
Marshall & Stevens - Data Centers Forum
Marshall & Stevens hosted a two-part virtual series, the Data Centers Forum, uniting industry leaders to explore the forces shaping the future of digital infrastructure. The sessions, Part One: Power, Financing & Alternative Investments and Part Two: Construction, Infrastructure, Energy, Cooling & Connectivity, examined how energy availability, cost, and reliability have become the defining factors for data center viability and investment strategy
Today’s Energy Market Challenges & Opportunities
The 2026 Marshall & Stevens Energy Forum brought together leaders from energy development, project finance, infrastructure, regulatory policy, and valuation to examine the forces reshaping energy investment and development.
The discussion focused on issues that continue to influence market decisions today, including:
- AI-driven power demand
- Transmission constraints
- Capital reallocation
- Project finance challenges
- Regulatory uncertainty
- The changing economics of energy infrastructure.
Marshall & Stevens has expanded the forum discussion into a collection of resources that explore these themes in greater depth.
Who Should Explore These Resources:
Private Equity Firms | Infrastructure & Energy Funds | Energy Developers | Data Center & AI Infrastructure Investors | Lenders | Attorneys | Accountants | Corporate Development Teams
Explore the 2026 Energy Forum Insights
Multidisciplinary Data Center Valuation
Marshall & Stevens provides tailored valuation and consulting solutions for the data center sector, supporting investment decisions, risk management, and regulatory compliance. Our multidisciplinary approach integrates real estate, equipment, finance, infrastructure, and tax, offering holistic insights to data center owners, operators, investors, and lenders.
Data Center Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the data center market experiencing such rapid growth?
The global data center market is expanding due to the increasing demand for cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), digital transactions, and data storage. In 2025, global revenue is projected to reach approximately US$452.50 billion, with the U.S. contributing US$137.50 billion. The surge is driven by rising internet use, remote work trends, and digital content consumption.
What are the key financial incentives available for data centers?
Data centers benefit from Investment Tax Credits (ITCs) and Tax Equity Financing, particularly when integrating renewable energy solutions. These tools help reduce tax liabilities and attract investor capital for large-scale projects. However, eligibility depends on state and federal regulations, and such programs may change, requiring ongoing monitoring.
How are energy storage systems (ESS) being used in data centers?
ESS are vital for ensuring reliability, cost savings, and sustainability. They store energy during off-peak hours, maintain operations during outages, and support renewable energy integration. These systems align with corporate environmental goals and help manage fluctuating energy demands.
What valuation services does Marshall & Stevens offer for data centers?
Marshall & Stevens provides a comprehensive suite of services including:
- Real Estate Valuation for market value and infrastructure assessments.
- Machinery & Equipment Valuation covering IT systems, power, and cooling.
- Financial Valuation & Advisory, including purchase price allocations and feasibility studies.
- Energy & Infrastructure Advisory, focused on energy efficiency and renewables.
- Cost Segregation & Tax Consulting for depreciation optimization and tax credit identification.
- Litigation Support with expert witness services and dispute assessments.
What geographic areas are emerging as key data center hubs?
The U.S. states of Northern Virginia, Texas, and Arizona are leading data center real estate development due to infrastructure availability and state incentives. These regions are seeing significant investment and expansion, supported by favorable regulatory environments.
Data Center Valuation Contacts at Marshall & Stevens
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MAI, MRICSPrincipal & Executive Managing DirectorReal Estate Valuation212.897.9481 [email protected]
Relevant Insights
Marshall & Stevens Data Centers White Paper
Read our white paper about the data how center industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace, driven by advancements in
cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and the increasing demand for data storage and processing.
Author: Patrick Craig, MAI, MRICS, CREA, Principal and Managing Director, Marshall & Stevens
M&S Forum to explore Cayman’s role in data financing
A virtual forum on September 10 and 17 will examine how the Cayman Islands and similar offshore jurisdictions might play a growing role in financing the rapidly expanding global data center sector. The events, hosted by valuation firm Marshall & Stevens, will bring together financiers, developers, and infrastructure experts to explore investment flows…
Power First, Capital Next: What’s Driving Data Center Growth
This document captures the key takeaways from both of our Data Centers Forum.
Across both sessions, discussions emphasized that power scarcity is now the ultimate constraint on growth, and that financing, modular innovation, and integrated energy strategies will define the next wave of digital infrastructure.