JACKSON, Miss., Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- EastGroup Properties, Inc. (NYSE: EGP) (the "Company" or "EastGroup") today announced a series of leadership promotions to support the Company's continued long-term growth. Effective January 1, 2026: Reid Dunbar, Head of EastGroup's Central Region, will become President of the Company, Staci Tyler, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Accounting Officer, will become Chief Financial Officer, Brent Wood, Chief Financial Officer, will assume the newly created p ...

thJACKSON, Miss., Dec. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- EastGroup Properties, Inc. (NYSE: EGP) (the "Company" or "EastGroup") announced today that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $1.55 per share payable on January 15, 2026, to shareholders of record of Common Stock on December 31, 2025. This dividend is the 184 consecutive quarterly distribution to EastGroup's shareholders and represents an annualized dividend rate of $6.20 per share. EastGroup has increased or maintained its dividend ...

EastGroup Properties (NYSE:EGP) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that focuses on the development, acquisition, and operation of industrial properties in major Sunbelt markets throughout the United States. The company is known for its strategic investments in high-demand areas, which contribute to its growth and stability. Competitors in the REIT sector include Cousins Properties (NYSE:CUZ), which also operates in the real estate market but with a focus on office properties.On December 4, 2025, Barcl ...

Core Insights - Investors in the REIT and Equity Trust - Other sector should consider Cousins Properties (CUZ) and EastGroup Properties (EGP) for potential undervalued stock opportunities [1] Valuation Metrics - Cousins Properties has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a positive earnings outlook, while EastGroup Properties has a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) [3] - CUZ has a forward P/E ratio of 9.08, significantly lower than EGP's forward P/E of 20.23, suggesting CUZ may be undervalued [5] - The PEG ratio for CUZ is 2.04, compared to EGP's PEG ratio of 2.73, indicating CUZ has a more favorable earnings growth outlook relative to its valuation [5] - CUZ's P/B ratio is 0.91, while EGP's P/B ratio is 2.75, further supporting the argument that CUZ is undervalued [6] - Overall, CUZ has a Value grade of B, while EGP has a Value grade of D, highlighting CUZ's stronger valuation metrics [6] Conclusion - Given the stronger estimate revision activity and more attractive valuation metrics, CUZ is positioned as the superior option for value investors compared to EGP [7]

Core Viewpoint - The current environment is favorable for investing in REITs, with 66% of investors anticipating a decrease in the Fed Funds rate to between 2.75% and 3.50% over the next 12 months [1]. Group 1: Investment Environment - A significant majority of investors (66%) expect a reduction in the Fed Funds rate, which could enhance the attractiveness of REITs as an investment option [1].

Core Viewpoint - EastGroup Properties, Inc. (EGP) is showing potential for a bullish breakout as it has reached a key support level and experienced a "golden cross" in its moving averages [1][2]. Technical Analysis - A "golden cross" occurs when a stock's short-term moving average (50-day) crosses above its long-term moving average (200-day), indicating a potential bullish trend [2]. - The formation of a golden cross involves three stages: a downtrend that bottoms out, the crossover of moving averages, and subsequent upward momentum in stock prices [3]. Recent Performance - EGP shares have increased by 5.6% over the past four weeks, indicating positive momentum [4]. - The company holds a 2 (Buy) rating on the Zacks Rank, suggesting it may be positioned for further gains [4]. Earnings Outlook - There have been no cuts to earnings estimates for the current quarter, with one revision higher in the past 60 days, and the Zacks Consensus Estimate has also increased [4]. - The positive movement in earnings estimates, combined with the technical indicators, suggests that EGP may continue to attract investor interest for potential gains [5].

Core Viewpoint - The article compares Cousins Properties (CUZ) and EastGroup Properties (EGP) to determine which stock is more attractive to value investors [1] Group 1: Investment Strategies - Value investors often utilize a combination of a strong Zacks Rank and high grades in the Value category to identify potential stocks [2] - The Zacks Rank focuses on companies with positive earnings estimate revisions, while Style Scores assess companies based on specific characteristics [2][3] Group 2: Valuation Metrics - Both CUZ and EGP currently hold a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating positive earnings outlooks for both companies [3] - CUZ has a forward P/E ratio of 9.40, significantly lower than EGP's forward P/E of 19.78 [5] - CUZ's PEG ratio is 2.40, while EGP's PEG ratio stands at 3.61, suggesting CUZ may be more attractive based on growth expectations [5] - CUZ's P/B ratio is 0.93, compared to EGP's P/B ratio of 2.69, further indicating CUZ's relative undervaluation [6] - Based on these valuation metrics, CUZ is rated with a Value grade of B, while EGP has a Value grade of D, suggesting CUZ is the superior value option [6]

Group 1 - The article does not provide any specific content or key points related to a company or industry [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Funds from operations (FFO) per share for Q3 2025 was $2.27, representing a 6.6% increase compared to the same quarter last year [6][10] - Quarter-end leasing was at 96.7%, with occupancy at 95.9%, and average quarterly occupancy was 95.7%, down 100 basis points from Q3 2023 [6][10] - Cash same-store NOI rose 6.9% for the quarter and 6.2% year-to-date [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Quarterly releasing spreads were 36% GAAP and 22% cash for leases signed during the quarter, with year-to-date results at 42% and 27% GAAP and cash, respectively [6][10] - The company reported a quarterly retention rate of almost 80%, indicating a cautious nature among tenants [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The market remains somewhat bifurcated, with improved activity in smaller spaces (50,000 square feet and below) but larger spaces experiencing delays in decision-making [7][8] - The company is reforecasting 2025 starts to $200 million based on current demand levels, with a noted decline in the supply pipeline [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to capitalize on development opportunities earlier than private peers, leveraging its balance sheet strength and existing tenant expansion needs [9] - The focus is on geographic and tenant diversity to stabilize earnings regardless of economic conditions [7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about improved market activity and the potential for a stronger leasing environment in the future [15] - The company is seeing signs of macro uncertainty subsiding, which could strengthen consumer and corporate confidence [13] Other Important Information - The company has a flexible balance sheet with a debt-to-total market capitalization of 14.1% and an unadjusted debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 2.9 times [11] - Tenant collections remain healthy, with uncollectible rents estimated to be in the 35 to 40 basis point range as a percentage of revenues [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expansion on leasing and development pipeline - Management noted that conversations regarding leasing have improved since May, with a high retention rate indicating tenant stability [18][19] Question: Construction costs and market rents - Construction pricing has decreased by 10% to 12%, and current construction pricing is still yielding acceptable returns [25][26] Question: Development pipeline availability and leasing activity - Management indicated that while there is activity in the development pipeline, the pace of leasing has been slower than desired [31][32] Question: Average rent per square foot and GAAP same-store NOI - Average rent per square foot can vary significantly by market, but management remains optimistic about strong rental rate growth [76][79] Question: Bad debt levels and tenant watchlist - Bad debt remains a non-factor, with consistent levels around 30 to 35 basis points relative to total revenue [68] Question: Interest rates and leverage levels - Management is monitoring interest rates and plans to utilize debt as opportunities arise, maintaining a strong capital position [70] Question: Regional market strengths and weaknesses - The eastern region, particularly Florida and Raleigh, has shown strength, while California markets, especially LA, have been slower [48][50]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Funds from operations (FFO) per share for Q3 2025 was $2.27, an increase of 6.6% compared to the same quarter last year [6][10] - Quarter-end leasing was at 96.7%, with occupancy at 95.9%, and average quarterly occupancy was 95.7%, down 100 basis points from Q3 2023 [6][7] - Cash same-store revenue rose by 6.9% for the quarter and 6.2% year-to-date [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Quarterly releasing spreads were 36% GAAP and 22% cash for leases signed during the quarter, with year-to-date results at 42% and 27% GAAP and cash, respectively [6][10] - The company reported a quarterly retention rate of almost 80%, indicating a cautious nature among tenants [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The market remains somewhat bifurcated, with improved activity in smaller spaces (50,000 sq ft and below) but larger spaces experiencing delays in leasing [7][8] - The company is reforecasting 2025 starts to $200 million based on current demand levels, with a noted decline in the supply pipeline [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to capitalize on development opportunities earlier than private peers, leveraging its balance sheet strength and existing tenant expansion needs [9] - The focus is on geographic and tenant diversity to stabilize earnings regardless of economic conditions [7][9] - The company is excited about acquiring properties in Raleigh, North Carolina, and new development land in Orlando, as well as new buildings in Northeast Dallas [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about improved market activity and the potential for future growth, despite current delays in leasing [8][9] - The company anticipates that as demand stabilizes, upward pressure on rents will occur due to limited availability of new modern facilities [9][10] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong balance sheet and being patient in evaluating capital sources [11] Other Important Information - The company’s debt-to-total market capitalization was 14.1%, with an unadjusted debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 2.9x and interest coverage at 17x [11] - Tenant collections remain healthy, with uncollectible rents estimated to be in the 35 to 40 basis point range as a percentage of revenues [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expansion on leasing and development pipeline - Management noted that conversations regarding leasing have improved since May, with a high retention rate benefiting the portfolio [18][19] Question: Construction costs and market rents - Construction pricing has decreased by 10% to 12%, and current construction pricing is still yielding acceptable returns [26][27] Question: Development pipeline availability and leasing activity - Management indicated that while there is activity in the development pipeline, the pace of leasing has been slower than desired [31][33] Question: Regional market strengths and weaknesses - The eastern region, particularly Florida and Raleigh, has shown strength, while California markets, especially L.A., have been slower [47][49] Question: Impact of economic conditions on leasing spreads - Management believes that a shift in demand could quickly impact rents, with a low supply environment supporting potential rent increases [55][60] Question: Bad debt levels and tenant watchlist - Bad debt remains low at around 30 to 35 basis points, with no significant changes in the tenant watchlist [68] Question: Interest rates and leverage levels - Management is monitoring interest rates and plans to utilize debt as opportunities arise, maintaining a flexible capital strategy [70][71] Question: Average rent per square foot and GAAP same-store NOI - Management indicated that rental rates remain sticky despite some moderation, with a strong operating year expected to continue [78][80]