Cousins Properties Incorporated (CUZ)vsEmpire State Realty OP LP ES (ESBA)
CUZ
Cousins Properties Incorporated
$30.91
-1.56%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $5.19B
ESBA
Empire State Realty OP LP ES
$4.71
-1.86%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $1.49B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Cousins Properties Incorporated generates 32% more annual revenue ($1.03B vs $776.71M). ESBA leads profitability with a 7.8% profit margin vs 0.6%. ESBA trades at a lower P/E of 25.3x. CUZ earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).
CUZ
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
ESBA
Hold41
out of 100
Grade: D
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+56.6%
Fair Value
$53.29
Current Price
$30.91
$22.38 discount
Margin of Safety
+82.7%
Fair Value
$36.80
Current Price
$4.71
$32.09 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 84.4% YoY
Strong operational efficiency at 24.2%
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
0.6% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
ROE of -0.1% — below average capital efficiency
Moderate valuation
4.9% revenue growth
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of 3.7% — below average capital efficiency
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CUZ
The strongest argument for CUZ centers on Price/Book, EPS Growth, Operating Margin. Revenue growth of 11.6% 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.
Bear Case : CUZ
The primary concerns for CUZ are Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 788.8x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 0.6% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : ESBA
The primary concerns for ESBA are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Market Cap. Debt-to-equity of 2.21 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ESBA carries more volatility with a beta of 1.40 — expect wider price swings.
CUZ is growing revenue faster at 11.6% — sustainability is the question.
ESBA generates stronger free cash flow (51M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor REIT - OFFICE industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
CUZ scores higher overall (63/100 vs 41/100) and 11.6% revenue growth. ESBA offers better value entry with a 82.7% 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.
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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