Cousins Properties Incorporated (CUZ)

Cousins Properties Incorporated (CUZ) is a fully integrated real estate investment trust (REIT) that focuses on trophy office assets in high-growth Sun Belt markets, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Led by President and CEO Colin Connolly, Cousins’ strategic mission is to "create value for shareholders through the ownership and management of a premier portfolio of lifestyle office assets." The company holds a dominant industry position as the preeminent Sun Belt office REIT, with a portfolio concentrated in Atlanta, Austin, Charlotte, and Dallas. Cousins’ vision is to capitalize on the "Flight to Quality" and the migration of businesses to the Southern United States. By late 2025, CUZ stock has shown remarkable resilience, maintaining high occupancy rates while the broader office sector faced headwinds.

The business operations of Cousins are centered on its 19 million square foot portfolio of Class A office space. In fiscal 2025, the company reported a record 2.0 million square feet of leasing activity with an 8.5% cash rent roll-up, signaling strong demand for high-end workspace. The 2026 strategic roadmap focuses on "Capital Recycling," selling non-core assets to fund new development in high-demand submarkets like Austin’s South Congress. Cousins holds a "Financial Moat" characterized by one of the strongest balance sheets in the REIT sector, with a low leverage-to-EBITDA ratio. By utilizing its "Lifestyle Office" model—integrating wellness, outdoor spaces, and high-end amenities—Cousins continues to attract premium tenants and command top-of-market rents, positioning it as the definitive "Quality Play" in commercial real estate.