Cousins Properties Incorporated (CUZ)vsHighwoods Properties Inc (HIW)
CUZ
Cousins Properties Incorporated
$22.06
+0.55%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $3.69B
HIW
Highwoods Properties Inc
$21.12
+0.28%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $2.36B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Cousins Properties Incorporated generates 22% more annual revenue ($985.66M vs $808.48M). HIW leads profitability with a 19.7% profit margin vs 4.1%. CUZ appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.31. CUZ earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 58/100 (C).
CUZ
Buy58
out of 100
Grade: C
HIW
Buy54
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
-136.8%
Fair Value
$9.86
Current Price
$21.12
$11.26 premium
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
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Strong operational efficiency at 26.2%
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
ROE of 6.7% — below average capital efficiency
Expensive relative to growth rate
Revenue declined 1.6%
Earnings declined 13.5%
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 : HIW
The strongest argument for HIW centers on Price/Book, P/E Ratio, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.7% and operating margin at 26.2%.
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 : HIW
The primary concerns for HIW are Return on Equity, PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CUZ profiles as a value stock while HIW is a declining 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.
HIW generates stronger free cash flow (42M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CUZ scores higher overall (58/100 vs 54/100) and 13.3% revenue growth. 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 (?
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