Core Insights - Cousins Properties (CUZ) reported fourth-quarter 2025 funds from operations (FFO) per share of 71 cents, marking a 2.9% year-over-year increase and aligning with the Zacks Consensus Estimate [1][10] - The company experienced strong leasing activity, although weighted average occupancy decreased, and interest expenses rose significantly [1][6][10] Financial Performance - Rental property revenues increased by 15% year over year to $253.3 million, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $248.7 million, while total revenues grew 11.6% year over year to $255 million [2][10] - For the full year 2025, FFO per share was $2.84, up from $2.69 in the previous year, consistent with the Zacks Consensus Estimate [2] - Same-property rental property revenues on a cash basis rose 1.4% year over year to $198.7 million, while operating expenses increased by 3.8% to $73.1 million, leading to a marginal improvement in same-property net operating income [5] Leasing and Occupancy - In Q4, Cousins Properties executed leases for 700,000 square feet of office space, including 493,000 square feet of new and expansion leases [4] - The weighted average occupancy for the same-property portfolio was 87.4%, down 1.4% from the prior year, with the overall portfolio leased at 90.1%, a decrease from 91% year-over-year [5][6] Acquisitions and Sales - The company announced the acquisition of 300 South Tryon for $317.5 million, a fully leased lifestyle office property in Charlotte, NC, with a weighted average lease term of six years [3] - CUZ entered into agreements to sell Harborview Plaza in Tampa, FL, for $39.5 million and a land parcel in Charlotte, NC, for $23.7 million, with expected closing in 2026 [7] Balance Sheet and Outlook - At the end of Q4 2025, CUZ had cash and cash equivalents of $5.7 million, an increase from $4.7 million as of September 30, 2025 [8] - The net debt-to-annualized EBITDAre ratio was 5.30, down from 5.38 in the previous quarter, while fixed charges coverage improved to 3.52X [8] - For 2026, CUZ expects FFO per share to be in the range of $2.87-$2.97, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate currently at $2.92 [9]

Core Insights - Cousins Properties (CUZ) reported a revenue of $253.34 million for the quarter ended December 2025, reflecting a 15% increase year-over-year and a surprise of +0.49% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $252.1 million [1] - The earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter was $0.71, significantly higher than $0.09 in the same quarter last year, aligning with the consensus EPS estimate [1] Revenue Breakdown - Rental property revenues were reported at $253.34 million, exceeding the two-analyst average estimate of $244.68 million, with a year-over-year change of +15% [4] - Other revenues amounted to $1.16 million, surpassing the two-analyst average estimate of $0.8 million, but showing a significant year-over-year decline of -74.9% [4] - Fee income was reported at $0.53 million, matching the average estimate from two analysts, and representing a year-over-year increase of +9.8% [4] Stock Performance - Shares of Cousins Properties have returned +0.6% over the past month, slightly outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +0.5% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating expected performance in line with the broader market in the near term [3]

Core Viewpoint - Cousins Properties reported quarterly funds from operations (FFO) of $0.71 per share, matching the Zacks Consensus Estimate and showing an increase from $0.69 per share a year ago [1] - The company also posted revenues of $253.34 million for the quarter, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.49% and up from $220.22 million year-over-year [2] Financial Performance - The FFO of $0.71 per share is consistent with the previous quarter's expectations, where it was anticipated to be $0.69 per share [1] - Over the last four quarters, Cousins Properties has surpassed consensus FFO estimates only once [1] - The company has exceeded consensus revenue estimates three times in the last four quarters [2] Market Performance - Cousins Properties shares have increased by approximately 0.8% since the beginning of the year, compared to a 0.5% gain in the S&P 500 [3] - The stock's future price movement will largely depend on management's commentary during the earnings call [3] Future Outlook - The current consensus FFO estimate for the upcoming quarter is $0.71, with projected revenues of $251.73 million, and for the current fiscal year, the estimate is $2.92 on $1.02 billion in revenues [7] - The estimate revisions trend for Cousins Properties was mixed prior to the earnings release, resulting in a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) for the stock, indicating expected performance in line with the market [6] Industry Context - The REIT and Equity Trust - Other industry, to which Cousins Properties belongs, is currently ranked in the bottom 28% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting potential challenges ahead [8]

Rent and Lease Information - The annualized rent as of December 31, 2025, is $892.5 million, including $52.3 million related to tenants in free rent periods[121] - The average effective annual rent per square foot increased to $38.31 in 2025 from $37.60 in 2024, reflecting a growth of 1.9%[121] - As of December 31, 2025, leases expiring in 2026 represent 5.7% of leased space, with an annual contractual rent of $48.2 million[124] - The top 20 office tenants contribute $346.3 million, accounting for 38.6% of the company's share of annualized rent[127] - The technology sector represents 30.5% of the company's share of annualized rent, making it the largest industry segment[132] Project and Development Information - The Neuhoff project in Nashville has an estimated project cost of $589.1 million, with $582.6 million incurred to date[134] - The company plans to replace Domain 4 with future development once its leases expire, indicating a strategy for market expansion[119] - As of December 31, 2025, the total developable land owned by the company is 37.0 acres, with a total cost basis of land amounting to $162.809 million[137] - The company has a construction loan capacity of $273.5 million for the Neuhoff project, with a share of $136.8 million[136] - The 303 Tremont property is under contract for sale, expected to close in the second half of 2026[137] - Corporate Center 5 is controlled through a long-term ground lease, contributing to the company's land holdings[137] Debt and Financial Information - The company has $3.0 billion of fixed rate debt outstanding at a weighted average interest rate of 4.94% as of December 31, 2025, compared to $2.7 billion at 4.85% in 2024[253] - The company holds $366.0 million of variable rate debt, including $116.0 million from the Credit Facility at an interest rate of 4.535% and $250 million from the 2021 Term Loan at 4.76%[254] - If interest rates had been 1% higher, the interest incurred on average variable rate debt would have increased by $3.3 million in 2025[254] - The company mitigates market risk primarily by limiting total debt exposure and favoring fixed-rate debt in its portfolio[252] - The company’s variable rate debt in 2024 was $362.3 million, with a Credit Facility interest rate of 5.185%[254] Land and Cost Basis Information - The company’s share of the cost basis of land is $156.003 million[137] - The company's share of property-specific mortgage debt as of December 31, 2025, is not specified but is critical for financial analysis[119] - The weighted average economic occupancy for the properties is not explicitly stated but is essential for assessing performance[118] Financial Strategy - The company’s strategy includes using derivative financial instruments to convert some variable rate debt to fixed rate debt[252]

Financial Performance - For Q4 2025, Cousins Properties reported a net loss of $3.5 million, or $0.02 per share, compared to a net income of $13.6 million, or $0.09 per share in Q4 2024, primarily due to impairment charges[13]. - For the full year 2025, net income available to common stockholders was $40.5 million, or $0.24 per share, down from $46.0 million, or $0.30 per share in 2024, also due to impairment charges[13]. - Net income available to common stockholders for Q4 2025 was a loss of $3,467 compared to a profit of $13,636 in Q4 2024, resulting in a net income per share of $(0.02) versus $0.09[34]. - The company reported a net income (loss) of $(3,468,000) for the fourth quarter of 2025, resulting in a diluted loss per share of $(0.02)[123]. - The company anticipates a net operating income of $41,252,000 for the year ended December 31, 2025[128]. Funds From Operations (FFO) - Funds From Operations (FFO) for Q4 2025 was $119.5 million, or $0.71 per share, an increase from $108.9 million, or $0.69 per share in Q4 2024[13]. - Full year 2025 FFO was $478.4 million, or $2.84 per share, compared to $414.1 million, or $2.69 per share in 2024[13]. - FFO (Funds From Operations) for Q4 2025 is expected to be $119,537 million, totaling $478,401 million for the year[116]. - The projected Funds From Operations (FFO) for 2026 is estimated to be between $485.2 million and $502.1 million, translating to a per share amount of $2.87 to $2.97[130]. Revenue and Income Growth - Rental property revenues for Q4 2025 were $253,344, up 15.0% from $220,221 in Q4 2024, with total revenues for the year reaching $993,816, a 15.9% increase from $856,758 in 2024[34]. - Same property net operating income (NOI) on a cash-basis increased by 0.03% for Q4 2025[13]. - Same Property Net Operating Income for Q4 2025 was $139.9 million, slightly up from $139.3 million in the same quarter last year, showing a marginal increase of 0.4%[129]. - Total Net Operating Income for 2024 is projected to be $673.3 million, an increase from $570.3 million in 2023, representing a growth of approximately 18.1%[50]. Leasing Activity - Cousins executed 700,000 square feet of office leases in Q4 2025, with 493,000 square feet being new and expansion leases, representing 70% of total leasing activity[12]. - The company has a late-stage leasing pipeline of approximately 1.1 million square feet[12]. - The company completed 39 transactions in office leasing activity, totaling 700,129 square feet, with a net effective rent of $22.68 per square foot for new leases[74]. Asset and Liability Management - Total assets increased to $8,890,132 in 2025 from $8,802,146 in 2024, representing a growth of 1.0%[32]. - Total liabilities rose to $4,187,930 in 2025 from $3,931,979 in 2024, marking an increase of 6.5%[32]. - The company reported a total stockholders' investment of $4,679,590 in 2025, down from $4,846,678 in 2024, reflecting a decrease of 3.4%[32]. - Cash and cash equivalents decreased to $5,720 in 2025 from $7,349 in 2024, a decline of 22.1%[32]. Market and Property Development - The company closed on the acquisition of 300 South Tryon, a 638,000 square foot lifestyle office property in Uptown Charlotte, for $317.5 million[22]. - Cousins plans to sell Harborview Plaza for gross proceeds of $39.5 million and a land parcel in Charlotte for $23.7 million, with expected closings in 2026[22]. - The company is focused on optimizing existing properties while exploring new development opportunities to drive future growth[48]. - The company plans to hold the Domain 4 site for future development, which is currently not generating income but is part of the development pipeline[54]. Debt and Interest Management - Total consolidated debt amounts to $3,357,127,000, with fixed rate debt comprising 86% and floating rate debt comprising 14%[105]. - The weighted average interest rate for total debt is 4.98%, with floating rate debt at 5.22% and fixed rate debt at 4.94%[105]. - The company has $116 million drawn under its credit facility, with an additional borrowing capacity of $884 million[107]. - Interest expense increased to $42.5 million in Q4 2025 from $33.1 million in Q4 2024, marking a rise of 28.5%[129]. Strategic Outlook - Cousins Properties provided initial earnings guidance for 2026, projecting net income between $0.23 and $0.33 per share and FFO between $2.87 and $2.97 per share[22]. - The company plans to continue focusing on market expansion and new product development as part of its strategic initiatives moving forward[130]. - The overall strategy includes market expansion and potential acquisitions to enhance property portfolio and revenue streams[48].

Acquisition Details - Cousins Properties has acquired 300 South Tryon, a 638,000 square foot lifestyle office property in Charlotte, for $317.5 million [1] - The property is located in the Uptown submarket of Charlotte, built in 2017, and is currently 100% leased with a weighted average lease term of six years [1] Funding Strategy - The acquisition will be funded through a combination of proceeds from non-core asset sales, debt financing, and/or the settlement of common shares previously issued under Cousins' ATM program [2] - Cousins is under contract to sell Harborview Plaza in Tampa and a land parcel at 303 Tremont in Charlotte for combined gross proceeds of $63.2 million [2] Market Outlook - The CEO of Cousins Properties expressed excitement about the acquisition, highlighting the improving market fundamentals in Charlotte, with increasing demand and virtually no new supply leading to rapid rent growth for lifestyle office [3] - The acquisition is seen as a strategic move to grow the Charlotte portfolio at an attractive basis, which is immediately accretive to earnings and strengthens future cash flows [3] Company Overview - Cousins Properties is a fully integrated, self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust (REIT) based in Atlanta, GA, primarily investing in Class A office buildings in high growth Sun Belt markets [4] - Founded in 1958, the company focuses on creating shareholder value through expertise in development, acquisition, leasing, and management of high-quality real estate assets [4]

Core Viewpoint - Office REITs are at a turning point as macroeconomic conditions improve, with demand recovering due to stronger employment and a shift towards higher-quality office spaces [2][4]. Group 1: Office REITs Overview - Several office REITs, including BXP Inc., Cousins Properties, SL Green, and Highwoods Properties, are set to report earnings soon, which will provide insights into leasing velocity and rent growth [3]. - The office real estate market is showing signs of recovery, with national net absorption turning positive and Class A absorption particularly strong [4]. Group 2: Market Fundamentals - Overall vacancy rates have stabilized near 20.5%, with a slight increase of 5 basis points from the previous quarter, marking the smallest annualized rise since 2020 [4]. - Asking rents have increased to approximately $38.37 per square foot, while sublease inventories have significantly declined, tightening available space in major markets [4][5]. Group 3: Construction Activity - Construction activity remains muted, with less than 20 million square feet under construction and a 35% decline in the construction pipeline in 2025 [5]. - The reduction in supply, combined with concentrated demand in gateway and Sun Belt markets, is supporting a firmer leasing environment [5][6]. Group 4: Company-Specific Insights - BXP Inc. is the largest publicly traded U.S. office REIT, managing a portfolio of 54.6 million square feet across 187 properties, and has completed asset dispositions worth over $1 billion [7][8]. - Cousins Properties is experiencing higher leasing activity in its Class A office assets due to tenant preferences for premium spaces, with a fourth-quarter revenue estimate of $248.65 million, indicating a 12.91% year-over-year increase [10][11]. - SL Green, focused on Manhattan office assets, is facing intense competition and is offering rent concessions, which may impact revenue growth; its fourth-quarter revenue estimate is $147.03 million, reflecting a 5.32% year-over-year rise [12][13]. - Highwoods Properties, with a strong focus on the Sun Belt, is well-positioned to benefit from tenant preferences for quality office spaces, with a fourth-quarter revenue estimate of $208.23 million, suggesting a 1.31% year-over-year rise [14][15].

Group 1 - Cousins Properties Incorporated (NYSE:CUZ) is favored by hedge funds and has received an Overweight rating from Barclays, with a revised price target of $34, indicating a 26% upside potential from current levels [1] - BMO Capital upgraded Cousins Properties from Market Perform to Outperform, raising the target price from $30 to $31, which suggests an upside potential of nearly 15% [3] - BMO Capital's 2026 REIT outlook identifies Cousins Properties as one of three office REITs expected to achieve higher occupancy levels, potentially driving growth in FFO per share in the coming years [4] Group 2 - Cousins Properties is a fully integrated and self-managed REIT that focuses on high-end Class A office buildings and mixed-use properties, primarily in Sun Belt markets such as Dallas, Charlotte, Atlanta, and Austin [5] - The company's revenue streams are derived from rentals and property development & management fees [5] Group 3 - Barclays' REIT outlook for 2026 reflects a Neutral sentiment but highlights positive prospects for specific property types, including apartment buildings, single-family units, and storage properties [2]

Earnings Announcement - Cousins Properties will release its fourth quarter and full year 2025 earnings after the market closes on February 5, 2026 [1] - The earnings conference call is scheduled for February 6, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time [1] Playback Information - A playback of the earnings call will be available shortly after the call on February 6, 2026, and will run through February 13, 2026 [2] - The playback can be accessed via a specific phone number and passcode, as well as through the Company's website [2] Financial Information Access - Financial information will be available on the Company's website immediately after the earnings release announcement [3] - This information will be located in the "Featured Reports" section and can also be accessed through "SEC Filings" and "Supplemental Information" links [3] Company Overview - Cousins Properties is a fully integrated, self-administered, and self-managed real estate investment trust (REIT) based in Atlanta, GA [4] - The Company primarily invests in Class A office buildings located in high-growth Sun Belt markets and has been operational since 1958 [4] - Cousins Properties focuses on creating shareholder value through expertise in development, acquisition, leasing, and management of high-quality real estate assets [4]

Core Insights - Investors are prioritizing income and stability as they look towards 2026, with REITs providing steady cash flows and attractive dividends tied to real assets [1] - The economic backdrop is improving, with recent rate cuts, cooling inflation, and strong GDP growth expected to enhance demand across various property types [2] REIT Sector Overview - Industrial real estate is experiencing strong demand, particularly from e-commerce and logistics, leading to high occupancy rates and steady rent growth [4] - The office sector is showing signs of recovery, with high-quality buildings attracting tenants as companies adapt to hybrid work strategies [5] - Retail real estate has stabilized, supported by limited supply growth and rising consumer incomes, positioning retail REITs for stable income and gradual growth [6] Company Highlights - Prologis, Inc. is the largest logistics real estate owner, with approximately 1.3 billion square feet of space across 20 countries, benefiting from strong leasing momentum and high occupancy rates [7][8] - Simon Property Group operates a diversified portfolio of malls and premium outlets, reporting a 96.4% occupancy rate and a 4.8% dividend increase in Q3 2025 [10][12] - Cousins Properties focuses on Class A office buildings in high-growth Sun Belt markets, showing robust leasing activity and raising its FFO guidance for 2025 [16][17] Financial Performance - Prologis has seen a core FFO growth that exceeded expectations, with a five-year annualized dividend growth rate of 12.66% [8] - Simon Property's FFO per share increased by 5.6% year-over-year, with a strong operational performance reflected in its dividend hike [12][13] - Cousins Properties has raised its FFO per share guidance to approximately $2.82-$2.86 for 2025, indicating improved cash flow expectations [17][18] Analyst Sentiment - Analysts are optimistic about Prologis, with upward revisions in FFO estimates for 2025 and 2026 [9] - Simon Property Group has also seen positive revisions in FFO estimates, reflecting a bullish outlook [13] - Cousins Properties is experiencing upward revisions in its FFO estimates, indicating strong growth potential [18]