Cousins Properties’ Execs Go Long: SVP Buys Big After RSU Vesting, Signaling Confidence in Sun Belt Growth Strategy

Insider Buying Spurs Optimism for Cousins Properties

On February 2, 2026, SVP Jeffrey D. Symes completed a sizable purchase of 5,348 shares of Cousins Properties common stock as part of the vesting of restricted‑stock units from the 2019 incentive plan. The transaction was executed at a price of $24.84 per share—just below the market close of $25.40—indicating a willingness to acquire stock even when the market is slightly over‑valued. The move comes after a period of mixed insider activity: Symes sold 4,612 shares in September 2025, and the CEO, CFO and several EVP‑level officers have all added significant long‑term positions in the same day. This cluster of purchases suggests a broader confidence in Cousins’ growth trajectory.

Implications for Investors

The recent buy‑side activity aligns with Cousins’ strong quarterly performance and its strategy to focus on high‑growth Sun Belt office markets. With a market cap of $4.24 billion and a 52‑week high of $31.36, the stock’s current price represents a modest 16% discount to its peak, offering a potentially attractive entry point for value‑seeking investors. The insider purchases, coupled with a 4.7% weekly gain, signal that management believes the company’s asset‑acquisition pipeline and portfolio optimisation will sustain upward momentum. However, the 15% decline over the year and a 1.9% monthly dip indicate that the market remains wary of the broader real‑estate environment, so investors should monitor vacancy rates and refinancing risk.

What Symes’ History Tells Us

Symes’ trading pattern shows a disciplined approach to equity. In September 2025 he sold 4,612 shares, likely to diversify or meet liquidity needs, then turned to a sizable purchase in February 2026 as his RSUs vested. The 2025 sale was at $29.30—a higher price than the 2026 purchase—yet Symes still increased his stake when the shares were awarded. This suggests he views the long‑term prospects of Cousins as stronger than the short‑term market fluctuations. As a chief accounting officer, Symes is privy to the company’s financial health; his decision to buy upon vesting indicates confidence in the trust’s cash flow generation and debt‑management strategy.

Looking Ahead

With the company’s focus on Class A office assets in fast‑growing markets, Cousins is positioned to benefit from rising corporate demand and limited supply in the Sun Belt. Management’s recent buying spree, coupled with the firm’s disciplined capital allocation, could presage a rebound in share price as the real‑estate market recovers. For investors, the insider activity is a positive signal—especially when paired with the company’s solid fundamentals and a market‑price discount—yet vigilance remains essential given the sector’s sensitivity to economic cycles and interest‑rate shifts.