WallStSmart

COPT Defense Properties (CDP)vsCousins Properties Incorporated (CUZ)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Cousins Properties Incorporated generates 28% more annual revenue ($997.68M vs $780.54M). CDP leads profitability with a 20.0% profit margin vs -0.5%. CDP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.03. CDP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).

CDP

Buy

64

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.5Value: 6.7Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 0.42

CUZ

Hold

46

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 4.0Profit: 4.0Value: 7.0Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 0.49
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CDPUndervalued (+17.9%)

Margin of Safety

+17.9%

Fair Value

$39.47

Current Price

$32.65

$6.82 discount

UndervaluedFair: $39.47Overvalued
CUZUndervalued (+55.7%)

Margin of Safety

+55.7%

Fair Value

$52.26

Current Price

$28.48

$23.78 discount

UndervaluedFair: $52.26Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CDP3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Profit MarginProfitability
20.0%9/10

Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Price/BookValuation
2.4x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
29.6%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 29.6%

CUZ2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.0x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
22.1%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 22.1%

Areas to Watch

CDP4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
25.2x4/10

Moderate valuation

Debt/EquityHealth
1.713/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.422/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

CUZ4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.8%4/10

4.8% revenue growth

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Return on EquityProfitability
-0.1%2/10

ROE of -0.1% — below average capital efficiency

EPS GrowthGrowth
-30.5%2/10

Earnings declined 30.5%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CDP

The strongest argument for CDP centers on Profit Margin, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.0% and operating margin at 29.6%. PEG of 1.03 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : CUZ

The strongest argument for CUZ centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin. PEG of 1.31 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : CDP

The primary concerns for CDP are P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 1.71 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : CUZ

The primary concerns for CUZ are Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score, Return on Equity.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CDP profiles as a mature stock while CUZ is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.

CUZ carries more volatility with a beta of 1.20 — expect wider price swings.

CDP is growing revenue faster at 7.3% — sustainability is the question.

CDP generates stronger free cash flow (90M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CDP scores higher overall (64/100 vs 46/100), backed by strong 20.0% margins. CUZ offers better value entry with a 55.7% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

COPT Defense Properties

REAL ESTATE · REIT - OFFICE · USA

COPT Defense Properties (CDP) is a specialized real estate investment trust (REIT) that concentrates on the acquisition, development, and management of properties catering to defense and government contractors. Positioned near key defense installations, CDP is strategically aligned to provide stable, long-term cash flows while effectively meeting the evolving demands of its tenants. The company’s disciplined capital allocation strategy, combined with a robust development pipeline, reinforces its commitment to enhancing shareholder value while contributing to national security initiatives.

Cousins Properties Incorporated

REAL ESTATE · REIT - OFFICE · USA

Cousins Properties is a fully integrated, self-managed and self-managed Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT).

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