Cousins Properties Incorporated (CUZ)vsHighwoods Properties Inc (HIW)
CUZ
Cousins Properties Incorporated
$28.19
+0.89%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $4.59B
HIW
Highwoods Properties Inc
$30.93
+1.61%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $3.42B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Cousins Properties Incorporated generates 22% more annual revenue ($1.03B vs $838.86M). HIW leads profitability with a 20.1% profit margin vs 0.6%. CUZ appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.31. HIW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).
CUZ
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
HIW
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+56.3%
Fair Value
$52.89
Current Price
$28.19
$24.70 discount
Margin of Safety
+48.5%
Fair Value
$45.34
Current Price
$30.93
$14.41 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
Earnings expanding 400.2% YoY
Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 26.3%
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
ROE of 3.8% — below average capital efficiency
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Distress zone — elevated risk
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 : HIW
The strongest argument for HIW centers on Price/Book, EPS Growth, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.1% and operating margin at 26.3%.
Bear Case : CUZ
The primary concerns for CUZ are Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 697.5x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 0.6% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : HIW
The primary concerns for HIW are Return on Equity, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CUZ profiles as a value stock while HIW is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
CUZ carries more volatility with a beta of 1.16 — expect wider price swings.
CUZ is growing revenue faster at 11.6% — sustainability is the question.
CUZ generates stronger free cash flow (83M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
HIW scores higher overall (65/100 vs 63/100), backed by strong 20.1% margins. CUZ offers better value entry with a 56.3% 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).
Highwoods Properties Inc
REAL ESTATE · REIT - OFFICE · USA
Highwoods Properties, Inc., based in Raleigh, is a publicly traded (NYSE: HIW) real estate investment trust (?
Compare with Other REIT - OFFICE Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?