Cousins Properties Inc
NYSE:CUZ
Cousins Properties Inc
Cousins Properties Inc. is a storied name in the realm of real estate investment trusts, with its roots deep-seated in the bustling business hubs of the Southern United States. Founded in 1958, Cousins began as a family-run enterprise, gradually evolving into a major player in the commercial real estate landscape. The company's strategic focus is astutely pinned on owning, developing, and managing high-quality office spaces in some of the most dynamic urban centers, like Atlanta, Austin, and Charlotte. With an eye for prime locations, Cousins Properties chose markets that are not only rich in culture and talent but also experience burgeoning business climates. By doing so, they ensure that their properties are in demand from a mix of Fortune 500 companies and burgeoning tech startups seeking modern and functional office environments.
Cousins Properties drives revenue mainly through rental income from these premium office spaces. The company leases its properties to a diverse portfolio of tenants, which helps mitigate risk by avoiding over-reliance on any single sector or client. This portfolio diversity is coupled with the company’s commitment to being a hands-on operator, which allows them to maintain high occupancy rates and customer satisfaction. Beyond just renting spaces, Cousins Properties also raises capital and enhances shareholder value through thoughtful acquisitions, divestitures, and developments in their chosen markets. This mix of activities creates a robust framework that supports sustained growth and financial stability, enabling the company to navigate the cyclical nature of the real estate industry with remarkable resilience.
Cousins Properties Inc. is a storied name in the realm of real estate investment trusts, with its roots deep-seated in the bustling business hubs of the Southern United States. Founded in 1958, Cousins began as a family-run enterprise, gradually evolving into a major player in the commercial real estate landscape. The company's strategic focus is astutely pinned on owning, developing, and managing high-quality office spaces in some of the most dynamic urban centers, like Atlanta, Austin, and Charlotte. With an eye for prime locations, Cousins Properties chose markets that are not only rich in culture and talent but also experience burgeoning business climates. By doing so, they ensure that their properties are in demand from a mix of Fortune 500 companies and burgeoning tech startups seeking modern and functional office environments.
Cousins Properties drives revenue mainly through rental income from these premium office spaces. The company leases its properties to a diverse portfolio of tenants, which helps mitigate risk by avoiding over-reliance on any single sector or client. This portfolio diversity is coupled with the company’s commitment to being a hands-on operator, which allows them to maintain high occupancy rates and customer satisfaction. Beyond just renting spaces, Cousins Properties also raises capital and enhances shareholder value through thoughtful acquisitions, divestitures, and developments in their chosen markets. This mix of activities creates a robust framework that supports sustained growth and financial stability, enabling the company to navigate the cyclical nature of the real estate industry with remarkable resilience.
FFO Growth: Cousins delivered Q4 FFO of $0.71 per share, in line with consensus, and achieved 2025 full-year FFO of $2.84 per share, up 5.6% from 2024.
Leasing Momentum: The company completed 700,000 square feet of leasing in Q4, its second-highest quarterly volume in four years; leasing pipeline remains robust at over 1.1 million square feet.
Portfolio Moves: Acquired 300 South Tryon in Charlotte for $317.5 million at a 7.3% cash cap rate; under contract to sell Harbor View Plaza and a Charlotte land parcel for a combined $63.2 million.
Occupancy Target: Portfolio ended 2025 at 88.3% occupied; management aims for 90% or higher occupancy by year-end 2026, with low lease expirations (4.8% of rent) aiding the goal.
2026 Guidance: Introduced 2026 FFO guidance of $2.92 per share at the midpoint, representing 2.8% growth over 2025—the third straight year of projected FFO growth.
Office Market Trends: Return-to-office mandates and minimal new supply are driving demand and positive rent growth, especially in Sunbelt markets; management expects a shortage of premier space by 2028.
