Cousins Properties Incorporated (CUZ)vsHighwoods Properties Inc (HIW)
CUZ
Cousins Properties Incorporated
$27.69
-0.22%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $4.77B
HIW
Highwoods Properties Inc
$27.88
+1.01%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $3.35B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Cousins Properties Incorporated generates 21% more annual revenue ($997.68M vs $823.80M). HIW leads profitability with a 11.4% profit margin vs -0.5%. CUZ appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.31. HIW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 49/100 (D+).
CUZ
Hold46
out of 100
Grade: D+
HIW
Hold49
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+55.9%
Fair Value
$52.40
Current Price
$27.69
$24.71 discount
Margin of Safety
+48.3%
Fair Value
$45.16
Current Price
$27.88
$17.28 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 22.1%
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 25.3%
Areas to Watch
4.8% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
ROE of -0.1% — below average capital efficiency
Earnings declined 30.5%
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
ROE of 3.8% — below average capital efficiency
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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.
Bull Case : HIW
The strongest argument for HIW centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin.
Bear Case : CUZ
The primary concerns for CUZ are Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score, Return on Equity.
Bear Case : HIW
The primary concerns for HIW are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.56 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CUZ profiles as a turnaround stock while HIW is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
CUZ carries more volatility with a beta of 1.20 — expect wider price swings.
HIW is growing revenue faster at 7.6% — sustainability is the question.
HIW generates stronger free cash flow (63M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
HIW scores higher overall (49/100 vs 46/100). CUZ offers better value entry with a 55.9% margin of safety. Both earn "Hold" 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.
Cousins Properties Incorporated
REAL ESTATE · REIT - OFFICE · USA
Cousins Properties is a fully integrated, self-managed and self-managed Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT).
Highwoods Properties Inc
REAL ESTATE · REIT - OFFICE · USA
Highwoods Properties, Inc., based in Raleigh, is a publicly traded (NYSE: HIW) real estate investment trust (?
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