WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Cousins Properties Incorporated generates 29% more annual revenue ($985.66M vs $766.73M). CDP leads profitability with a 19.9% profit margin vs 4.1%. CDP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.03. CDP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).

CDP

Buy

62

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.5Value: 7.3Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.41

CUZ

Buy

58

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.7Profit: 6.5Value: 4.7Quality: 3.3
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 0.68
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CDPSignificantly Overvalued (-35.5%)

Margin of Safety

-35.5%

Fair Value

$23.91

Current Price

$31.20

$7.29 premium

UndervaluedFair: $23.91Overvalued
CUZSignificantly Overvalued (-1319.0%)

Margin of Safety

-1319.0%

Fair Value

$1.63

Current Price

$21.85

$20.22 premium

UndervaluedFair: $1.63Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CDP2 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
2.3x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
29.6%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 29.6%

CUZ3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Price/BookValuation
0.8x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Return on EquityProfitability
86.0%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 86 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
21.3%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 21.3%

Areas to Watch

CDP1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.412/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

CUZ4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Profit MarginProfitability
4.1%3/10

4.1% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

P/E RatioValuation
91.0x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

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 Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.9% 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, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Revenue growth of 13.3% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.31 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : CDP

The primary concerns for CDP are Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : CUZ

The primary concerns for CUZ are Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 91.0x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 4.1% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

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

CUZ is growing revenue faster at 13.3% — sustainability is the question.

CDP generates stronger free cash flow (61M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CDP scores higher overall (62/100 vs 58/100), backed by strong 19.9% margins. Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" 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 focuses on the acquisition, development, and management of properties designed for defense and government contractors. Positioned strategically near key defense installations, CDP is committed to generating stable, long-term cash flows through its diversified portfolio, which is tailored to meet the evolving needs of its tenants. With a disciplined approach to capital allocation and a robust development pipeline, the company aims to enhance shareholder value while supporting the national security infrastructure.

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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