Cousins Properties: Solid Yield, Massive Upside Potential, But Sectoral Headwinds Keep Me Cautious (Rating Downgrade)

Core Viewpoint - The performance of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) has not met expectations despite anticipated rate cuts that were expected to boost the sector [1]. Group 1: Market Performance - REITs (XLRE) were expected to perform better by the end of 2025, but the actual performance has been disappointing [1]. Group 2: Analyst Background - The analyst has a background in dividend investing, focusing on quality blue-chip stocks, Business Development Companies (BDCs), and REITs, with a goal of supplementing retirement income through dividends in the next 5-7 years [1]. - The analyst aims to assist lower and middle-class workers in building investment portfolios of high-quality, dividend-paying companies [1].