Will It Be Wise To Hold Cousins (CUZ) In Your Portfolio?

We updated our research report on Cousins Properties Incorporated (NYSE:CUZ) on May 25.

This Atlanta, GA-based real estate investment trust (REIT) is engaged in the acquisition, ownership, development and management of upscale office and mixed-use properties throughout the Sunbelt markets of the U.S., with special focus on Arizona, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Texas. In first-quarter 2017, the company reported better-than-expected funds from operations (FFO) per share. The quarter witnessed solid leasing activity and strong net operating income (NOI) growth.

Cousins Properties enjoys an unmatched portfolio of Class A office assets, concentrated over the high-growth Sun Belt market. Importantly, the Sun Belt market exhibits above-average job growth due to long-term demographic trends. Also, assets in these markets command higher rents compared to the broader market. In fact, around 83% of the company’s office portfolio is situated in the best urban sub markets in each city, offering the company ample scope for growth.

However, intense competition, high dependence on office portfolio and any rise in interest rate are concerns before Cousins Properties.

In the last 30 days, the company’s second-quarter and full-year 2017 FFO per share estimates remained unchanged. Shares of Cousins Properties have outperformed the Zacks categorized REIT and Equity Trust – Other industry in the last three months. While the stock increased 0.4%, the industry lost 0.3%.



Currently, Cousins Properties carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Investors interested in the REIT space, may consider better-ranked stocks like Easterly Government Properties, Inc. (NYSE:DEA) , Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc. (NASDAQ:GLPI) and Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc. (NYSE:ELS) , each carrying a Zacks Rank #2. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

In the last 30 days, Easterly Government Properties’ FFO per share for second-quarter 2017 remained unchanged at 31 cents.

In the last 30 days, Gaming and Leisure Properties’ FFO per share for second-quarter 2017 increased 1.3% to 77 cents.

In the last 30 days, Equity LifeStyle Properties’ FFO per share for second-quarter 2017 remained unchanged at 81 cents.

Note: FFO, a widely used metric to gauge the performance of REITs, is obtained after adding depreciation and amortization and other non-cash expenses to net income. All EPS numbers presented in this write up represent FFO per share.

Looking for Ideas with Even Greater Upside?

Today's investment ideas are short-term, directly based on our proven 1 to 3 month indicator. In addition, I invite you to consider our long-term opportunities. These rare trades look to start fast with strong Zacks Ranks, but carry through with double and triple-digit profit potential. Starting now, you can look inside our home run, value, and stocks under $10 portfolios, plus more. Click here for a peek at this private information >>

Equity Lifestyle Properties, Inc. (ELS): Free Stock Analysis Report

Cousins Properties Incorporated (CUZ): Free Stock Analysis Report

Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc. (GLPI): Free Stock Analysis Report

Easterly Government Properties, Inc. (DEA): Free Stock Analysis Report

Original post