Cousins Properties Incorporated (CUZ)vsEmpire State Realty OP LP ES (ESBA)
CUZ
Cousins Properties Incorporated
$22.06
+0.55%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $3.69B
ESBA
Empire State Realty OP LP ES
$4.90
-0.31%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $1.34B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Cousins Properties Incorporated generates 28% more annual revenue ($985.66M vs $767.81M). ESBA leads profitability with a 9.5% profit margin vs 4.1%. ESBA trades at a lower P/E of 19.5x. CUZ earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 58/100 (C).
CUZ
Buy58
out of 100
Grade: C
ESBA
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-1319.0%
Fair Value
$1.63
Current Price
$22.06
$20.43 premium
Margin of Safety
+45.7%
Fair Value
$11.70
Current Price
$4.89
$6.80 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 21.3%
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 83.0% YoY
Areas to Watch
ROE of 0.9% — below average capital efficiency
4.1% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
0.8% revenue growth
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of 4.0% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CUZ
The strongest argument for CUZ centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin. Revenue growth of 13.3% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.31 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : ESBA
The strongest argument for ESBA centers on Price/Book, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : CUZ
The primary concerns for CUZ are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score. A P/E of 91.4x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 4.1% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : ESBA
The primary concerns for ESBA are Revenue Growth, Market Cap, Return on Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ESBA carries more volatility with a beta of 1.39 — expect wider price swings.
CUZ is growing revenue faster at 13.3% — sustainability is the question.
CUZ generates stronger free cash flow (28M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor REIT - OFFICE industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
CUZ scores higher overall (58/100 vs 51/100) and 13.3% revenue growth. ESBA offers better value entry with a 45.7% margin of safety. 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.
Cousins Properties Incorporated
REAL ESTATE · REIT - OFFICE · USA
Cousins Properties is a fully integrated, self-managed and self-managed Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT).
Empire State Realty OP LP ES
REAL ESTATE · REIT - OFFICE · USA
Empire State Realty OP, L.P. is a subsidiary of Empire State Realty Trust, Inc.
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