UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
þ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 20192020
OR
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
Commission file number: 001-11312
COUSINS PROPERTIES INCORPORATEDINCORPORATED
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
GEORGIA
Georgia
58-0869052
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
58-0869052
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
3344 Peachtree Road NE
Suite 1800AtlantaGeorgia
30326-4802
(Address of principal executive offices)
30326-4802
(Zip Code)
(404) (404407-1000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class Trading Symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $1 par value per share CUZ New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE")
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company”, and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filerþ
 
Accelerated filero
Non-accelerated filero
 
Smaller reporting companyo
  
Emerging growth companyo
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o No þ
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Class Outstanding at May 6, 2019April 23, 2020
Common Stock, $1 par value per share 420,586,130148,539,690 shares







 Page No.
  







FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS


Certain matters contained in this report are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws and are subject to uncertainties and risks, as itemized in Item 1A included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20182019, and as itemized herein. These forward-looking statements include information about possible or assumed future results of the business and our financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, plans, and objectives. They also include, among other things, statements regarding subjects that are forward-looking by their nature, such as:
2019 guidance and underlying assumptions;
business and financial strategy;
future debt financings;
future acquisitions and dispositions of operating assets;assets or joint venture interests;
future acquisitions and dispositions of land, including ground leases;
future development and redevelopment opportunities, including fee development opportunities;
future issuances and repurchases of common stock;
future distributions;
projected capital expenditures;
market and industry trends;
entry into new markets;
future changes in interest rates;
the benefits of the proposed transactions involving us and TIER REIT, Inc. ("TIER"), including all future financial and operating results, plans, objectives, expectations and intentions;
benefits of the proposed transactions with TIER to tenants, employees, stockholders, and other constituents of the combined company;
integrating TIER with us;
the expected timetable for completing the proposed transactions with TIER; and
all statements that address operating performance, events, or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future — including statements relating to creating value for stockholders.
Any forward-looking statements are based upon management's beliefs, assumptions, and expectations of our future performance, taking into account information that is currently available. These beliefs, assumptions, and expectations may change as a result of possible events or factors, not all of which are known. If a change occurs, our business, financial condition, liquidity, and results of operations may vary materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements. Actual results may vary from forward-looking statements due to, but not limited to, the following:
the availability and terms of capital;
the ability to refinance or repay indebtedness as it matures;
the failure of purchase, sale, or other contracts to ultimately close;
the failure to achieve anticipated benefits from acquisitions, investments, or dispositions;
the potential dilutive effect of common stock or operating partnership unit issuances;
the availability of buyers and pricing with respect to the disposition of assets;
changes in national and local economic conditions, the real estate industry, and the commercial real estate markets in which we operate, (including supply and demand changes), particularly in Atlanta, Austin, Charlotte, Austin, Phoenix, Tampa, and TampaDallas where we have high concentrations of our lease revenue;revenues, including the impact of high unemployment, volatility in the public equity and debt markets, and international economic and other conditions;
the impact of a public health crisis, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and the governmental and third party response to such a crisis, which may affect our key personnel, our major tenants, and the costs of operating our assets;
the impact of social distancing, shelter-in-place, border closings, travel restrictions, remote work requirements, and similar governmental and private measures taken to combat the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operations and our tenants;
changes to our strategy with regard to land and other non-core holdings that require impairment losses to be recognized;
leasing risks, including the ability to obtain new tenants or renew expiring tenants, the ability to lease newly developed and/or recently acquired space, the failure of a tenant to commence or complete tenant improvements on schedule or to occupy leased space, and the risk of declining leasing rates;
changes in the needs of our tenants brought about by the desire for co-working arrangements, trends toward utilizing less office space per employee, and the effect of telecommuting;
any adverse change in the financial condition of one or more of our major tenants;
volatility in interest rates and insurance rates;
competition from other developers or investors;
the risks associated with real estate developments (such as zoning approval, receipt of required permits, construction delays, cost overruns, and leasing risk);
cyber security breaches;
changes in senior management, changes in the Board of Directors, and the loss of key personnel;
the potential liability for uninsured losses, condemnation, or environmental issues;
the potential liability for a failure to meet regulatory requirements;
the financial condition and liquidity of, or disputes with, joint venture partners;

2



any failure to comply with debt covenants under credit agreements;

2



any failure to continue to qualify for taxation as a real estate investment trust and meet regulatory requirements;
potential changes to state, local, or federal regulations applicable to our business;
material changes in the rates or the ability to pay dividends on common shares or other securities;
potential changes to the tax laws impacting REITs and real estate in general;
risks associated with the ability to consummate the proposed transactions with TIER and the timing of the closing of the proposed transactions with TIER;
the failure to obtain debt financing arrangements in connection with the proposed transactions with TIER;
the ability to secure favorable interest rates on debt financing incurred in connection with the proposed transactions with TIER;
the ability to successfully integrate our operations and employees in connection with the proposed transaction with TIER;
the ability to realize anticipated benefits and synergies of the proposed transactions with TIER;
the outcome of pending litigation related to the merger with TIER;
the amount of the costs, fees, expenses, and charges related to the proposed transactions with TIER; and
those additional risks and factors discussed in reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) by the Company, and TIER, and those additional risks and factors discussed in reports filed with the SEC by the Company.


The words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “plans,” “may,” “intend,” “will,” or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although we believe that our plans, intentions, and expectations reflected in any forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that such plans, intentions, or expectations will be achieved. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of future events, new information, or otherwise, except as required under U.S. federal securities laws.


3





PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.    Financial Statements.
COUSINS PROPERTIES INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
 March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
 (unaudited)  
Assets:   
Real estate assets:   
Operating properties, net of accumulated depreciation of $633,654 and $577,139 in 2020 and 2019, respectively$5,740,337
 $5,669,324
Projects under development368,414
 410,097
Land97,354
 116,860
 6,206,105
 6,196,281
Real estate assets and other assets held for sale, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $61,093 in 2019
 360,582
    
Cash and cash equivalents124,632
 15,603
Restricted cash1,947
 2,005
Notes and accounts receivable28,533
 23,680
Deferred rents receivable109,458
 102,314
Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures128,916
 133,884
Intangible assets, net240,286
 257,649
Other assets62,057
 59,449
Total assets$6,901,934
 $7,151,447
Liabilities:

 

Notes payable$1,944,034
 $2,222,975
Accounts payable and accrued expenses144,984
 209,904
Deferred income55,290
 52,269
Intangible liabilities, net of accumulated amortization of $61,084 and $55,798 in 2020 and 2019, respectively77,819
 83,105
Other liabilities120,809
 134,128
Liabilities of real estate assets held for sale, net of accumulated amortization of $7,771 in 2019
 21,231
Total liabilities2,342,936
 2,723,612
Commitments and contingencies


 


Equity:   
  Stockholders' investment:   
Preferred stock, $1 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized, 1,716,837 shares issued and outstanding in 2019
 1,717
Common stock, $1 par value, 300,000,000 shares authorized, 151,124,621 and 149,347,382 shares issued in 2020 and 2019, respectively151,125
 149,347
Additional paid-in capital5,538,875
 5,493,883
Treasury stock at cost, 2,584,933 shares in 2020 and 2019(148,473) (148,473)
Distributions in excess of cumulative net income(1,006,820) (1,137,200)
Total stockholders' investment4,534,707
 4,359,274
Nonredeemable noncontrolling interests24,291
 68,561
Total equity4,558,998
 4,427,835
Total liabilities and equity$6,901,934
 $7,151,447
    
See accompanying notes.   
COUSINS PROPERTIES INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
 March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
 (unaudited)  
Assets:   
Real estate assets:   
Operating properties, net of accumulated depreciation of $459,423 and $421,495 in 2019 and 2018, respectively$3,714,115
 $3,603,011
Projects under development35,282
 24,217
Land35,868
 72,563
 3,785,265
 3,699,791
    
Cash and cash equivalents3,456
 2,547
Restricted cash170
 148
Notes and accounts receivable10,558
 13,821
Deferred rents receivable91,240
 83,116
Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures167,429
 161,907
Intangible assets, net146,994
 145,883
Other assets46,081
 39,083
Total assets$4,251,193
 $4,146,296
Liabilities:

 

Notes payable$1,116,474
 $1,062,570
Accounts payable and accrued expenses91,477
 110,159
Deferred income55,074
 41,266
Intangible liabilities, net of accumulated amortization of $45,545 and $42,473 in 2019 and 2018, respectively53,869
 56,941
Other liabilities106,070
 54,204
Total liabilities1,422,964
 1,325,140
Commitments and contingencies

 

Equity:   
  Stockholders' investment:   
Preferred stock, $1 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized, 6,867,357 shares issued and outstanding in 2019 and 20186,867
 6,867
Common stock, $1 par value, 700,000,000 shares authorized, 430,926,519 and 430,724,520 shares issued in 2019 and 2018, respectively430,927
 430,725
Additional paid-in capital3,605,692
 3,606,191
Treasury stock at cost, 10,339,735 shares in 2019 and 2018(148,473) (148,473)
Distributions in excess of cumulative net income(1,124,596) (1,129,445)
Total stockholders' investment2,770,417
 2,765,865
Nonredeemable noncontrolling interests57,812
 55,291
Total equity2,828,229
 2,821,156
Total liabilities and equity$4,251,193
 $4,146,296
    
See accompanying notes.   


4



COUSINS PROPERTIES INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(unaudited,unaudited; in thousands, except per share amounts)



Three Months EndedThree Months Ended
March 31,March 31,
2019 20182020 2019
Revenues:      
Rental property revenues$123,345
 $113,348
$189,129
 $123,865
Fee income8,728
 2,894
4,732
 8,728
Other660
 960
37
 140
132,733
 117,202
193,898
 132,733
Expenses: 
  
 
  
Rental property operating expenses43,487
 40,191
64,538
 43,487
Reimbursed expenses932
 942
521
 932
General and administrative expenses11,460
 6,809
5,652
 11,460
Interest expense10,820
 9,778
15,904
 10,820
Depreciation and amortization45,861
 45,093
71,614
 45,861
Acquisition costs3
 91
Transaction costs365
 3
Other180
 320
566
 180
112,743
 103,224
159,160
 112,743
Income from unconsolidated joint ventures2,904
 2,885
3,425
 2,904
Gain (loss) on sale of investment properties13,111
 (372)
Loss on extinguishment of debt
 (85)
Gain on sales of investments in unconsolidated joint ventures46,230
 
Gain on investment property transactions90,916
 13,111
Net income36,005
 16,406
175,309
 36,005
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests(664) (363)(366) (664)
Net income available to common stockholders$35,341
 $16,043
$174,943
 $35,341
   
   
Net income per common share — basic and diluted

$0.08
 $0.04
Net income per common share — basic

$1.19
 $0.34
Net income per common share — diluted$1.18
 $0.34
Weighted average shares — basic420,510
 420,154
147,424
 105,127
Weighted average shares — diluted427,607
 427,695
148,561
 106,901


See accompanying notes.


5

Table of Contents




COUSINS PROPERTIES INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 and 2018(unaudited; in thousands except per share amounts)
(unaudited, in thousands)



Three Months Ended March 31, 2020Three Months Ended March 31, 2020
 Preferred
Stock
 Common
Stock
 Additional
Paid-In
Capital
 Treasury
Stock
 Distributions in
Excess of
Net Income
 Stockholders’
Investment
 Nonredeemable
Noncontrolling
Interests
 Total
Equity
Balance December 31, 2019 $1,717
 $149,347
 $5,493,883
 $(148,473) $(1,137,200) $4,359,274
 $68,561
 $4,427,835
Net income (loss) 
 
 
 
 174,943
 174,943
 366
 175,309
Common stock issued pursuant to stock based compensation 
 60
 (1,325) 
 
 (1,265) 
 (1,265)
Common stock issued pursuant to unitholder redemption (1,717) 1,719
 45,032
 
 
 45,034
 (45,034) 
Amortization of stock options and restricted stock, net of forfeitures 
 (1) 1,285
 
 
 1,284
 
 1,284
Contributions from nonredeemable noncontrolling interests 
 
 
 
 
 
 1,036
 1,036
Distributions to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests 
 
 
 
 
 
 (638) (638)
Common dividends ($0.30 per share) 
 
 
 
 (44,563) (44,563) 
 (44,563)
Balance March 31, 2020 $
 $151,125
 $5,538,875
 $(148,473) $(1,006,820) $4,534,707
 $24,291
 $4,558,998
                
Three Months Ended March 31, 2019Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
 Preferred
Stock
 
Common
Stock
 
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
 
Treasury
Stock
 
Distributions in
Excess of
Net Income
 
Stockholders’
Investment
 
Nonredeemable
Noncontrolling
Interests
 
Total
Equity
 Preferred
Stock
 Common
Stock
 Additional
Paid-In
Capital
 Treasury
Stock
 Distributions in
Excess of
Net Income
 Stockholders’
Investment
 Nonredeemable
Noncontrolling
Interests
 Total
Equity
Balance December 31, 2018 $6,867
 $430,725
 $3,606,191
 $(148,473) $(1,129,445) $2,765,865
 $55,291
 $2,821,156
 $1,717
 $107,681
 $3,934,385
 $(148,473) $(1,129,445) $2,765,865
 $55,291
 $2,821,156
Net income 
 
 
 
 35,341
 35,341
 664
 36,005
 
 
 
 
 35,341
 35,341
 664
 36,005
Common stock issued pursuant to stock based compensation 
 202
 (1,106) 
 
 (904) 
 (904) 
 50
 (954) 
 
 (904) 
 (904)
Amortization of stock options and restricted stock, net of forfeitures 
 
 607
 
 
 607
 
 607
 
 
 607
 
 
 607
 
 607
Contributions from nonredeemable noncontrolling interests 
 
 
 
 
 
 2,581
 2,581
 
 
 
 
 
 
 2,581
 2,581
Distributions to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests 
 
 
 
 
 
 (724) (724) 
 
 
 
 
 
 (724) (724)
Common dividends ($0.0725 per share) 
 
 
 
 (30,492) (30,492) 
 (30,492)
Common dividends ($0.29 per share) 
 
 
 
 (30,492) (30,492) 
 (30,492)
Balance March 31, 2019 $6,867
 $430,927
 $3,605,692
 $(148,473) $(1,124,596) $2,770,417
 $57,812
 $2,828,229
 $1,717
 $107,731
 $3,934,038
 $(148,473) $(1,124,596) $2,770,417
 $57,812
 $2,828,229
                
Balance December 31, 2017 $6,867
 $430,350
 $3,604,776
 $(148,373) $(1,121,647) $2,771,973
 $53,138
 $2,825,111
Net income 
 
 
 
 16,043
 16,043
 363
 16,406
Common stock issued pursuant to stock based compensation 
 232
 (991) 
 
 (759) 
 (759)
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle 
 
 
 
 22,329
 22,329
 
 22,329
Amortization of stock options and restricted stock, net of forfeitures 
 (9) 551
 
 
 542
 
 542
Distributions to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests 
 
 
 
 
 
 (399) (399)
Common dividends ($0.065 per share) 
 
 
 
 (27,315) (27,315) 
 (27,315)
Balance March 31, 2018 $6,867
 $430,573
 $3,604,336
 $(148,373) $(1,110,590) $2,782,813
 $53,102
 $2,835,915
See accompanying notes.




6

Table of Contents


COUSINS PROPERTIES INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited,unaudited; in thousands)


Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended March 31,
2019 20182020 2019
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:      
Net income$36,005
 $16,406
$175,309
 $36,005
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:      
(Gain) loss on sale of investment properties(13,111) 372
Gain on sales of investments in unconsolidated joint ventures(46,230) 
Gain on investment properties transactions(90,916) (13,111)
Depreciation and amortization45,861
 45,093
71,614
 45,861
Amortization of deferred financing costs and premium/discount on notes payable615
 552
(216) 615
Stock-based compensation expense, net of forfeitures607
 542
1,284
 607
Effect of non-cash adjustments to revenues(11,933) (9,996)(13,602) (11,933)
Income from unconsolidated joint ventures(2,904) (2,885)(3,425) (2,904)
Operating distributions from unconsolidated joint ventures2,536
 2,564
1,829
 2,536
Loss on extinguishment of debt
 85
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities:      
Change in other receivables and other assets, net(1,720) (7,094)(13,661) (1,720)
Change in operating liabilities, net(11,455) (24,733)(69,022) (11,455)
Net cash provided by operating activities44,501
 20,906
12,964
 44,501
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:      
Proceeds from investment property sales57,676
 
433,875
 57,676
Proceeds from sales of investments in unconsolidated joint ventures53,104
 
Property acquisition, development, and tenant asset expenditures(122,785) (60,175)(67,983) (122,785)
Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures(5,566) (21,613)(1,238) (5,566)
Distributions from unconsolidated joint ventures
 242
Change in notes receivable and other assets(23) (795)26
 (23)
Other
 (472)
Net cash used in investing activities(70,698) (82,813)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities417,784
 (70,698)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:      
Proceeds from credit facility160,000
 
280,500
 160,000
Repayment of credit facility(103,600) 
(532,000) (103,600)
Repayment of notes payable(2,710) (2,161)(26,849) (2,710)
Payment of deferred financing costs
 (6,013)
Contributions from nonredeemable noncontrolling interests2,581
 
1,036
 2,581
Distributions to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests(724) (399)(638) (724)
Common dividends paid(27,326) (25,169)(42,561) (27,326)
Other(1,093) (759)(1,265) (1,093)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities27,128
 (34,501)(321,777) 27,128
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH931
 (96,408)
NET INCREASE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH108,971
 931
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD2,695
 205,745
17,608
 2,695
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH AT END OF PERIOD$3,626
 $109,337
$126,579
 $3,626
See accompanying notes.


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Table of Contents




COUSINS PROPERTIES INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 20192020
(Unaudited)
1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Description of Business
: Cousins Properties Incorporated (“Cousins”), a Georgia corporation, is a publicly traded (NYSE: CUZ), self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust (“REIT”). Cousins conducts substantially all of its operations through Cousins Properties LP ("CPLP"). Cousins owns approximately 98%over 99% of CPLP and consolidates CPLP. CPLP owns Cousins TRS Services LLC ("CTRS"), which is wholly owned by CPLP, is a taxable entity which owns and manages its own real estate portfolio and performs certain real estate related services for other parties.
Cousins, CPLP, CTRS, and their subsidiaries are hereinafter referred to collectively as "the Company."
The Company develops, acquires, leases, manages,(collectively, the "Company") develop, acquire, lease, manage, and ownsown Class A office and mixed-use properties in SunbeltSun Belt markets with a focus on Georgia, Texas, North Carolina, Arizona, and Florida. Cousins has elected to be taxed as a REIT and intends to, among other things, distribute 100% of its net taxable income to stockholders, thereby eliminating any liability for federal income taxes under current law. Therefore, the results included herein do not include a federal income tax provision for Cousins. As of March 31, 2020, the Company's portfolio of real estate assets consisted of interests in 19.0 million square feet of office space and 310,000 square feet of mixed-use space.
Basis of Presentation
: The condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and were prepared by the Company in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). In the opinion of management, these financial statements reflect all adjustments necessary (which adjustments are of a normal and recurring nature) for the fair presentation of the Company's financial position as of March 31, 20192020 and the results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 20192020 and 2018.2019. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 20192020 are not necessarily indicative of results expected for the full year. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.2019. The accounting policies employed are substantially the same as those shown in note 2 to the consolidated financial statements included therein.
On June 14, 2019, the Company restated and amended its articles of incorporation to effect a reverse stock split of the issued and outstanding shares of its common and preferred stock pursuant to which (1) each four shares of the Company's issued and outstanding common stock and preferred stock were combined into one share of the Company's common or preferred stock, respectively, and (2) the authorized number of the Company's common stock was proportionally reduced to 175 million shares. Fractional shares of common stock resulting from the reverse stock split were settled in cash. Fractional shares of preferred stock resulting from the reverse stock split were redeemed without payout. Immediately thereafter, the Company further amended its articles of incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of its common stock from 175 million to 300 million shares. All shares of common stock, preferred stock, stock options, restricted stock units, and per share information presented in the condensed consolidated financial statements have been adjusted to reflect the reverse stock split on a retroactive basis for all periods presented.
For the three months ended March 31, 20192020 and 2018,2019, there were no items of other comprehensive income. Therefore, no presentation of comprehensive income is required. Additionally, certain subtotals within the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2018 were removed to conform to the current period presentation.
The Company evaluates all partnerships, joint ventures, and other arrangements with variable interests to determine if the entity or arrangement qualifies as a variable interest entity ("VIE"), as defined in the Financial Accounting Standard Board's ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC"). If the entity or arrangement qualifies as a VIE and the Company is determined to be the primary beneficiary, the Company is required to consolidate the assets, liabilities, and results of operations of the VIE.
In the first quarter of 2019, At March 31, 2020, the Company transferred the right to acquire a building to a special purpose entity to facilitate a potential Section 1031 exchange under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the special purpose entity acquired the building. To realize the tax deferral available under Section 1031, the Company must complete the exchange and relinquish title to the to-be-exchanged building within 180 days of the purchase date. The Company has determined that this special purpose entity is a VIE, and the Company is the primary beneficiary. Therefore, the Company consolidates this entity. As of March 31, 2019, this VIE had total assets of $92.3 million, no significant liabilities, and no significant cash flows.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-02, "Leases," ("ASC 842") which amended the previous standard for lease accounting by requiring lessees to record most leases on their balance sheets and making targeted changes to lessor accounting and reporting. The new standard requires lessees to record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for leases and classify such leases as either financeinvestments or operating leases based on the principle of whether the lease is effectively a financed purchase of the leased asset by the lessee. The classification of the leases determines whether the lease expense is recognized based on an effective interest method (finance leases) or on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease (operating leases). The new standard also revised the treatment of indirect leasing costs and permits the capitalization and

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amortization of direct leasing costs only. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company capitalized $1.2 million of indirect leasing costs.
The Company adopted the following optional practical expedients providedinterests in ASC 842:
no reassessment of any expired or existing contracts to determine if they contain a lease;
no requirement to write-off any unamortized, previously capitalized, initial direct costs for existing leases;
no recognition of right-of-use assets for leases with at term of one year or less;
no requirement to separately classify and disclose non-lease components of revenue in lease contracts from the related lease components provided certain conditions are met; and,
no requirement to reassess the classification of existing leases as finance leases versus operating leases.
For those leases where the Company is lessee, specifically ground leases, the adoption of ASC 842 required the Company to record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability on the consolidated balance sheet. The Company recorded right-of-use assets and lease liabilities in the amount of $56.3 million upon the adoption of ASC 842. In calculating the right of use asset and lease liability the Company used a weighted average discount rate of 4.49%, which represented the Company's incremental borrowing rate related to the ground lease assets as of January 1, 2019. Ground leases executed before the adoption of ASC 842 are accounted for as operating leases and did not result in a materially different ground lease expense. However, most ground leases executed after the adoption of ASC 842 are expected to be accounted for as finance leases, which will result in ground lease expense being recorded using the effective interest method instead of the straight-line method over the term of the lease, resulting in higher ground lease expense in the earlier years of a ground lease when compared to the straight line method. The Company used the "modified retrospective" method upon adoption of ASC 842, which permitted application of the new standard on the adoption date as opposed to the earliest comparative period presented in its financial statements. For additional disclosures, see note 4 "Leases."
On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted, ASU 2017-05, “Other Income - Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (Subtopic 610-20): Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets” (“ASU 2017-05"). As a result of the adoption of ASU 2017-05, the Company recorded a cumulative effect from change in accounting principle, which credited distributions in excess of cumulative net income by $22.3 million. This cumulative effect adjustment resulted from the 2013 transfer of a wholly-owned property to an entity in which it had a noncontrolling interest.VIEs.
2. MERGER WITH TIER REIT, INC.
On June 14, 2019, pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated March 25, 2019 (the “Merger Agreement”), by and among the Company and TIER REIT, Inc. (“TIER”) entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), pursuant to which TIER will mergemerged with and into a subsidiary of the Company (the “Merger”). Pursuant to with this subsidiary continuing as the Merger Agreement, uponsurviving corporation of the Merger. In accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions of the Merger Agreement, upon closing, each share of TIER common stock issued and outstanding will beimmediately prior to the Merger, was converted into the right to receive 2.98 newly issued pre-reverse split shares of the Company’s common stock.stock with fractional shares being settled in cash. In addition, upon closing, each outstanding awardthe Merger, former TIER common stockholders received approximately 166 million pre-reverse split shares of TIER restricted shares and restrictedcommon stock units will become fully vested (inof the case of restricted stock units,Company. As discussed in note 1 to the extent provided in the TIER equity plan, and in the case of any performance-based restricted stock units, with performance determined to be achieved as set forth in the TIER equity plan) and will convert into newly issued shares of Company common stock on the same basis as other shares of TIER common stock.
The respective boards of directors (the “Board of Directors”) of the Company and TIER have unanimously approved the Merger Agreement and have recommended that their respective stockholders approve their Merger-related propsals. Upon closing, two members of the Board of Directors of TIER, Scott W. Fordham and one additional independent member on the Board of Directors of TIER to be mutually agreed upon by the parties, will be appointed to the Board of Directors of the Company.
The closing of the Merger is subject to satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, including: (1) approval of the Merger by TIER stockholders; (2) approval of the issuance of Company common stock by the Company’s stockholders; (3) approval for listing on the New York Stock Exchange of the Company common stock to be issued in the Merger; (4) the absence of an injunction or law prohibiting the Merger; (5) the correctness of all representations and warranties, made by the parties to the Merger Agreement and performance by the parties of their obligations under the Merger Agreement (subject in most cases to materiality or material adverse effect qualifications) and receipt of an officer's certificate from each party attesting thereto; (6) receipt by the Company and by TIER of an opinion to the effect that the Merger will qualify as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and of an opinion as to the qualification of the Company and TIER, respectively, as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) under the Code; and (7) effectiveness of the registration statement that will contain the joint proxy statement/prospectus sent to Company and TIER stockholders.
The Merger Agreement contains customary representations and warranties by each party. The Company and TIER have also agreed to various customary covenants and agreements, including, among others, to conduct their business in the ordinary course

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consistent with past practice during the period between the execution of the Merger Agreement and closing and to maintain REIT status. The Merger Agreement provides that, during the period from the date of the Merger Agreement until closing, TIER will be subject to certain restrictions on its ability to solicit alternative transaction proposals from third parties, to provide non-public information to third parties and to engage in discussions with third parties regarding alternative transaction proposals, subject to customary exceptions.
The Merger Agreement contains certain termination rights for the Company and TIER. The Merger Agreement can be terminated by mutual written consent or by either party (1) if there is a final nonappealable order, decree, or ruling permanently enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the consummation of the Merger; (2) if the Merger has not been consummated by 5:00 p.m., New York time, on October 31, 2019; (3) if the Company’s stockholders fail to approve the issuance of Company common stock in connection with the Merger or TIER’s stockholders fail to approve the Merger; or (4) if the other party has breached or failed to perform any of its representations, warranties, or covenants in a way that prevents satisfaction of a closing condition, subject to a cure period. In addition, the Company may terminate the Merger Agreement if the Board of Directors of TIER changes its recommendation with respect to the Merger or upon a willful breach by TIER of its obligations not to solicit alternative transaction proposals. TIER may terminate the Merger Agreement in order to enter into a definitive agreement with respect to a Superior Proposal (as defined in the Merger Agreement) (subject to compliance with certain terms and conditions included in the Merger Agreement). If the Merger Agreement is terminated because (1) the Board of Directors of TIER changes its recommendation to TIER stockholders with respect to the Merger; (2) TIER terminates the Merger Agreement to enter into a definitive agreement with respect to a Superior Proposal; or (3) TIER consummates or enters into an agreement for an alternative transaction within twelve monthscondensed consolidated financial statements, immediately following termination under certain circumstances, TIER must pay a termination fee of $45.5 million million to the Company. The amount payable to the Company by TIER may also be reduced to the extent necessary to maintain Cousins' qualification as a REIT. Should any amount of the fee be unpaid because of REIT requirements, TIER shall place the unpaid amount of the fee in escrow and shall not release any portion thereof to Cousins unless and until Cousins receives a reasoned opinion from counsel or other tax advisor or a ruling from the IRS providing that Cousins' receipt of the unpaid fee will not impact its qualification as a REIT under the Code. The obligations of TIER to pay any unpaid portion of the fee shall terminate on December 31 following the date which is five years from the date of March 25, 2019. Amounts remaining in escrow after the obligation of TIER to pay the fee terminates shall be released to TIER.
In connection with the Merger, the Company has filed an amended registration statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-230968), declared effective by the SEC on May 8, 2019, that includescompleted a joint proxy statement of Cousins and TIER that also constitutes a prospectus of the Company.1-for-4 reverse stock split.
The Merger has been accounted for as a business combination with the Company as the accounting acquirer, which requires, among other things, that the assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recognized at their acquisition date fair value. The total value of the

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transaction is currently anticipatedbased on the closing stock price of the Company's common stock on June 13, 2019, the day immediately prior to closethe closing of the Merger. Based on the shares issued in the second quartertransaction, the total fair value of 2019.the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the Merger was $1.6 billion. During the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company incurred no material merger-related expenses.expenses related to the Merger of $365,000 and $3,000, respectively.
Two putative stockholder class action lawsuits have been filed by purported TIER stockholders challengingManagement engaged a third party valuation specialist to assist with valuing the disclosures madereal estate assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with the Merger. The third party used cash flow analyses as well as an income approach and a cost approach to determine the lawsuits seekfair value of real estate assets acquired. Based on additional information that may become available, subsequent adjustments may be made to enjoin the Merger,purchase price allocation within the allocation period, which typically does not exceed one year.
The purchase price was allocated as follows (in thousands):
Real estate assets$2,202,712
Real estate assets held for sale21,395
Cash and cash equivalents84,042
Restricted cash1,947
Notes and other receivables6,524
Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures331
Intangible assets141,184
Other assets9,954
 2,468,089
  
Notes payable747,549
Accounts payable and accrued expenses53,054
Deferred income8,131
Intangible liabilities47,988
Other liabilities7,676
Nonredeemable noncontrolling interests5,329
 869,727
  
Total purchase price$1,598,362

During the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company recorded revenues of $51.0 million related to recover damagesassets acquired in the Merger. The following unaudited supplemental pro forma information is based upon the Company's historical condensed consolidated statements of operations, adjusted as if the Merger had occurred on January 1, 2018. The supplemental pro forma information is consummated, attorney's fees, and other relief. Additional lawsuits arising outnot necessarily indicative of future results, or of actual results, that would have been achieved had the Merger may be filedbeen consummated on January 1, 2018.
 Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
Revenues$185,765
Net income26,165
Net income available to common stockholders25,870

Supplemental pro forma earnings were adjusted to exclude $3,000 of transaction costs incurred in the future. For a more detailed description of litigation in connection with the Merger, see note 9 "Commitments and Contingencies."three months ended March 31, 2019.
3. TRANSACTIONS WITH NORFOLK SOUTHERN RAILWAY COMPANY
On March 1, 2019, the Company entered into a series of agreements and executed related transactions with Norfolk Southern Railway Company (“NS”) as follows:
Sold land to NS for $52.5 million.
Executed a Development Agreement with NS whereby the Company will receive fees totaling $5 million in consideration for development services for NS’s corporate headquarters that will beis being constructed on the land sold to NS.

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Executed a Consulting Agreement with NS whereby the Company will receive fees totaling $32 million in consideration for consulting services for NS’s corporate headquarters. The Development Agreement and Consulting Agreement are collectively referred to below as the “Fee Agreements.”
Purchased a building from NS (the “1200 Peachtree Building”(“1200 Peachtree”) for $82 million subject to a three-year market rate lease with NS that covers the entire building.
The Company sold the land to NS for $5.0 million above its carrying amount, which included $37.0 million of land purchased in 2018, $6.5 million of land purchased in 2019, and $4.0 million of site preparation work. The Company purchased the 1200 Peachtree Building from NS for an amount it determined to be $10.3 million below the building’s fair value.
In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 606, theThe Company determined that all contracts and transactions associated with NS with the exception of the aforementioned lease which will be accounted for in accordance with ASC 842, should be combined for accounting purposes, givenand the factamounts exchanged under the combined contracts should be allocated to the various components of the overall transaction at fair value or market value as discussed below. The Company determined that they were all executed simultaneouslythe purchase of 1200 Peachtree should be recorded at fair value of $92.3 million. The Company determined that the lease with NS at the 1200 Peachtree building was at market value under ASC 842. The land sale was accounted for under ASC 610-20 and 0 gain or loss was recorded on the derecognition of this non-financial asset as the fair value was determined to equal the carrying amount. Consideration related to various services provided to NS, and accounted for under ASC 606, was determined to be $52.3 million and represents the negotiated market value for the single commercialservices agreed to by the Company and NS in the contracts. This amount included non-cash consideration of the $10.3 million discount on the purchase of 1200 Peachtree as well as cash consideration of $5 million from the land sale contract (difference between fair value and contract amount), $5 million from the Development Agreement, and $32 million from the Consulting Agreement. Since all of the agreements and contracts above were executed for the purpose of delivering and constructing a corporate headquarters for NS and all of the contractsservices and deliverables are highly interdependent, and would not have been entered into separately. Further, the Company concludeddetermined that the Fee Agreements haveservices represent a single performance obligation under ASC 606.

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obligation to provide services to NS for a new corporate headquarters as the services being provided to NS are highly interdependent. The transaction price for the Fee Agreements was determined to be comprised of both cash and non-cash consideration associated with this arrangement. The cash consideration represents the amounts to be received under the Fee Agreements as well as the excess of the sales price of the land over the fair value of the land. The non-cash consideration represents the $10.3 million excess of the fair value of the 1200 Peachtree Building over the amount the Company paid. The gross transaction price for the Fee Agreements was $52.3 million.
In accordance with ASC 606, the Company determined that control of the services to be provided under the Fee Agreements is being transferred over time and, thus, the Company must recognize the transaction$52.3 million contract price in revenue as it satisfies the performance obligation. The Company determined that the inputs method of measuring progress of satisfying the performance obligation was the most appropriate method of recognizing revenue for the Fee Agreements.services component. Therefore, the Company recognizedbegan recognizing revenue in the quarter ended March 31, 2019, and will recognize future revenue under the Fee Agreements based upon the time spent by the Company’s employees in providing these services as compared to the total estimated time required to satisfy the performance obligation. During the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company recognized $3.7 million and $6.6 million, respectively, in fee income in its condensed consolidated statements of operations related to the Fee Agreements.
The following table summarizes the allocationsservices provided to NS. As of the estimated fair value of the assetsMarch 31, 2020 and liabilities of the 1200 Peachtree Building discussed above (in thousands):
Tangible assets: 
Land and improvements$19,495
Building62,836
Tangible assets82,331
  
Intangible assets: 
In-place leases9,969
Intangible assets9,969
  
Total net assets acquired$92,300
4. LEASES
At MarchDecember 31, 2019, the Company had three properties subjectdeferred income included in the consolidated balance sheet of $9.9 million and $11.3 million, respectively, related to NS.
4. REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS
During March 2020, the Company sold Hearst Tower, a 966,000 square foot office building in Charlotte, North Carolina that was included in the Company's Charlotte/Office operating ground leasessegment, for a gross purchase price of $455.5 million. This transaction was triggered by the exercise of a purchase option by the building's primary lessee. The Company recognized a gain of $90.9 million on the sale of Hearst Tower.
During February 2020, as part of the Company's strategy in regards to disposal of non-core assets, the Company sold Woodcrest, a 386,000 square foot office property in Cherry Hill, New Jersey that was included in the Company's Other/Office operating segment, for a gross purchase price of $25.3 million. The Company acquired Woodcrest in the Merger with a weighted average remaining termTIER and did not record any gain or loss on the sale of 74 years and two finance ground leases with a weighted average remaining term of five years. At March 31,Woodcrest.
During February 2019, the Company had right-of-use assetssold air rights that cover 8 acres in Downtown Atlanta for a gross sales price of $68.1$13.3 million included in operating properties, projects under development, or land on the condensed consolidated balance sheets and recorded a lease liabilitygain of $68.0 million included in other liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The weighted average discount rate at March 31, 2019 was 4.50%, which represents the Company's incremental borrowing rate related to the ground lease assets.$13.1 million.
Rental payments on these ground leases are adjusted periodically based on either the Consumer Price Index, changes in developed square feet on the underlying leased asset, or on a pre-determined schedule. The monthly payments on a pre-determined schedule are recognized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the respective leases while payments resulting from changes in the Consumer Price Index or future development are not estimated as part of our measurement of straight-line rental expense.
For the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company recognized $839,000 of operating ground lease expense, of which no amounts represented variable lease expenses, and $116,000 of interest expense related to finance ground leases. For the three months ended March 31, 2019, $393,000 was paid in cash for operating ground leases and no cash payments were made for financing ground leases. At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, the future minimum payments to be made by consolidated entities for ground leases are as follows (in thousands):

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March 31, 2019
 Operating Ground Leases Finance Ground Leases
2019$1,831
 $462
20202,460
 462
20212,497
 6,562
20222,497
 162
20232,497
 162
Thereafter202,603
 3,838
 $214,385
 $11,648
    
Discount(156,270) (1,803)
Lease liability$58,115
 $9,845
December 31, 2018
 Operating Ground Leases Finance Ground Leases
2019$2,441
 $462
20202,460
 462
20212,497
 6,562
20222,497
 162
20232,497
 162
Thereafter202,603
 3,838
 $214,995
 $11,648
    
Discount(156,867) (1,918)
Lease liability$58,128
 $9,730

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5. INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURES
The following information summarizes financial data and principal activities of the Company's unconsolidated joint ventures. The information included in the following table entitled summary of financial position is as of March 31, 20192020 and December 31, 2018.2019 (in thousands). The information included in the summary of operations table is for the three months ended March 31, 20192020 and 20182019 (in thousands):

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  Total Assets Total Debt Total Equity Company’s Investment 
SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL POSITION: 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 
Terminus Office Holdings $261,069
 $258,060
 $197,598
 $198,732
 $52,370
 $50,539
 $49,334
 $48,571
 
DC Charlotte Plaza LLLP 175,223
 155,530
 
 
 89,989
 88,922
 47,691
 46,554
 
Austin 300 Colorado Project, LP 66,812
 51,180
 1
 
 46,723
 41,298
 25,159
 22,335
 
Carolina Square Holdings LP 113,906
 106,187
 74,649
 74,638
 27,017
 28,844
 15,862
 16,840
 
HICO Victory Center LP 15,042
 15,069
 
 
 14,970
 14,801
 10,073
 10,003
 
Charlotte Gateway Village, LLC 112,218
 112,553
 
 
 109,190
 109,666
 7,987
 8,225
 
AMCO 120 WT Holdings, LLC 50,791
 36,680
 
 
 44,203
 31,372
 7,493
 5,538
 
CL Realty, L.L.C. 4,168
 4,169
 
 
 4,139
 4,183
 2,864
 2,886
 
Temco Associates, LLC 1,505
 1,482
 
 
 1,402
 1,379
 930
 919
 
EP II LLC 246
 247
 
 
 164
 165
 30
 30
 
EP I LLC 459
 461
 
 
 294
 296
 6
 6
 
Wildwood Associates 11,147
 11,157
 
 
 11,085
 11,108
 (472)(1)(460)(1)
Crawford Long - CPI, LLC 26,968
 26,429
 69,136
 69,522
 (43,258) (44,146) (20,648)(1)(21,071)(1)
  $839,554
 $779,204
 $341,384
 $342,892
 $358,288
 $338,427
 $146,309
 $140,376
 

  Total Assets Total Debt Total Equity Company’s Investment 
SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL POSITION: 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 
DC Charlotte Plaza LLLP $179,082
 $179,694
 $
 $
 $92,162
 $90,373
 $48,807
 $48,058
 
Austin 300 Colorado Project, LP 140,520
 112,630
 42,226
 21,430
 68,145
 68,101
 37,239
 36,846
 
AMCO 120 WT Holdings, LLC 79,703
 77,377
 
 
 74,908
 70,696
 14,146
 13,362
 
Carolina Square Holdings LP 102,523
 114,483
 76,074
 75,662
 24,735
 25,184
 13,816
 14,414
 
HICO Victory Center LP 15,543
 16,045
 
 
 15,479
 15,353
 10,460
 10,373
 
Charlotte Gateway Village, LLC 
 109,675
 
 
 
 106,651
 
 6,718
 
Wildwood Associates 
 11,061
 
 
 
 10,978
 

(521)(1)
Crawford Long - CPI, LLC 30,069
 28,459
 67,543
 67,947
 (39,215) (40,250) (18,708)(1)(19,205)(1)
Other 8,899
 8,879
 
 
 7,353
 7,318
 4,448
 4,113
 
  $556,339
 $658,303
 $185,843
 $165,039
 $243,567
 $354,404
 $110,208
 $114,158
 

 Total Revenues Net Income (Loss) Company's Share of Income (Loss) Total Revenues Net Income (Loss) Company's Share of Income (Loss)
SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS: 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019
Charlotte Gateway Village, LLC $6,743
 $6,772
 $2,524
 $2,793
 $1,262
 $1,397
 $6,572
 $6,743
 $3,296
 $2,524
 $1,647
 $1,262
Terminus Office Holdings 11,797
 10,922
 1,831
 1,599
 880
 830
DC Charlotte Plaza LLLP 5,276
 410
 1,789
 410
 750
 205
Crawford Long - CPI, LLC 3,129
 3,126
 889
 823
 424
 391
 3,343
 3,129
 1,035
 889
 497
 424
DC Charlotte Plaza LLLP 410
 
 410
 
 205
 
Carolina Square Holdings LP 3,706
 3,294
 530
 170
 254
 58
HICO Victory Center LP 130
 96
 130
 96
 62
 50
 126
 130
 126
 130
 63
 62
Carolina Square Holdings LP 3,294
 2,614
 170
 202
 58
 (175)
Austin 300 Colorado Project, LP 126
 150
 72
 99
 36
 49
 98
 126
 44
 72
 22
 36
Temco Associates, LLC 32
 48
 15
 22
 11
 11
Wildwood Associates 
 
 (23) (1,000) (12) 317
CL Realty, L.L.C. 
 
 (29) (44) (22) (28)
EP I LLC 
 4
 (2) (16) 
 (12)
EP II LLC 
 
 
 (5) 
 (4)
Terminus Office Holdings LLC 
 11,797
 
 1,831
 
 880
AMCO 120 WT Holdings, LLC 
 
 (10) (7) 
 
 138
 
 (509) (10) (141) 
Other 
 
 
 (5) 
 59
 196
 32
 61
 (39) 333
 (23)
 $25,661
 $23,732
 $5,977
 $4,557
 $2,904
 $2,885
 $19,455
 $25,661
 $6,372
 $5,977
 $3,425
 $2,904

(1) Negative balancesbases are included in deferred income on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

In March 2020, the Company sold its interest in Charlotte Gateway Village, LLC ("Gateway"), which owned a 1.1 million square foot office building in Charlotte, North Carolina, to its partner for a gross purchase price of $52.2 million. The sale was triggered by the exercise of the partner's purchase option and the proceeds from this sale represent a 17% internal rate of return for the Company on its invested capital, as stipulated in the partnership agreement. The Company recognized a gain of $44.9 million on the sale of its interest in Gateway.

In February 2020, as part of its strategy in regards to disposal of non-core assets, the Company sold its remaining interest in the Wildwood Associates joint venture, which owned a 6.3 acre parcel of land in Atlanta, to its venture partner for a gross purchase price of $900,000. The Company recognized a gain of $1.3 million on the sale of its interest in Wildwood Associates, which included elimination of the remaining negative basis in the joint venture of $520,000.
13In April 2020, the Carolina Square Holdings LP joint venture executed an amendment for its associated construction loan, extending the maturity date from May 2020 to May 2021 and reducing the spread over LIBOR from 1.90% to 1.25%.

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6.INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Intangible assets on the balance sheets as of March 31, 20192020 and December 31, 20182019 included the following (in thousands):
  2020 2019
In-place leases, net of accumulated amortization of $178,757 and $163,867 in 2020 and 2019, respectively $187,870
 $202,760
Above-market tenant leases, net of accumulated amortization of $28,892 and $26,487 in 2020 and 2019, respectively 33,295
 35,699
Below-market ground lease, net of accumulated amortization of $966 and $897 in 2020 and 2019, respectively 17,447
 17,516
Goodwill 1,674
 1,674
  $240,286
 $257,649
  2019 2018
In-place leases, net of accumulated amortization of $132,512 and $125,130 in 2019 and 2018, respectively $108,552
 $105,964
Above-market tenant leases, net of accumulated amortization of $20,910 and $19,502 in 2019 and 2018, respectively 19,045
 20,453
Below-market ground lease, net of accumulated amortization of $690 and $621 in 2019 and 2018, respectively 17,723
 17,792
Goodwill 1,674
 1,674
  $146,994
 $145,883

The carrying amount of goodwill did not change during the three months ended March 31, 20192020 and 2018.2019.

11



7.OTHER ASSETS
Other assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 20192020 and December 31, 20182019 included the following (in thousands):
  2020 2019
Predevelopment costs and earnest money $19,491
 $25,586
Furniture, fixtures and equipment, leasehold improvements, and other deferred costs, net of accumulated depreciation of $30,039 and $29,131 in 2020 and 2019, respectively 17,890
 17,791
Prepaid expenses and other assets 15,036
 5,924
Lease inducements, net of accumulated amortization of $2,563 and $2,333 in 2020 and 2019, respectively 5,500
 5,632
Line of credit deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization of $3,328 and $2,952 in 2020 and 2019, respectively 4,140
 4,516
  $62,057
 $59,449
  2019 2018
Furniture, fixtures and equipment, leasehold improvements, and other deferred costs, net of accumulated depreciation of $26,057 and $25,193 in 2019 and 2018, respectively $15,011
 $14,942
Predevelopment costs and earnest money 10,685
 8,249
Prepaid expenses and other assets 9,971
 5,087
Line of credit deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization of $1,824 and $1,451 in 2019 and 2018, respectively 5,632
 5,844
Lease inducements, net of accumulated amortization of $1,724 and $1,545 in 2019 and 2018, respectively 4,782
 4,961
  $46,081
 $39,083

8. NOTES PAYABLE
The following table summarizes the terms of notes payable outstanding at March 31, 20192020 and December 31, 2018 (in2019 ($ in thousands):
Description Interest Rate Maturity (1) 2019 2018 Interest Rate Maturity (1) 2020 2019
Unsecured Notes:        
Credit Facility, Unsecured 2.04% 2023 $
 $251,500
Term Loan, Unsecured 3.69% 2021 $250,000
 $250,000
 2.19% 2021 250,000
 250,000
Senior Notes, Unsecured 3.91% 2025 250,000
 250,000
Senior Notes, Unsecured 4.09% 2027 100,000
 100,000
2019 Senior Notes, Unsecured 3.95% 2029 275,000
 275,000
2017 Senior Notes, Unsecured 3.91% 2025 250,000
 250,000
2019 Senior Notes, Unsecured 3.86% 2028 250,000
 250,000
2019 Senior Notes, Unsecured 3.78% 2027 125,000
 125,000
2017 Senior Notes, Unsecured 4.09% 2027 100,000
 100,000
 1,250,000
 1,501,500
Secured Mortgage Notes:    
Fifth Third Center 3.37% 2026 142,715
 143,497
 3.37% 2026 139,522
 140,332
Terminus 100 5.25% 2023 117,375
 118,146
Colorado Tower 3.45% 2026 118,849
 119,427
 3.45% 2026 116,486
 117,085
Promenade 4.27% 2022 98,438
 99,238
 4.27% 2022 95,152
 95,986
816 Congress 3.75% 2024 81,260
 81,676
 3.75% 2024 79,554
 79,987
Credit Facility, Unsecured 3.54% 2023 56,400
 
Terminus 200 3.79% 2023 75,654
 76,079
Legacy Union One 4.24% 2023 66,000
 66,000
Meridian Mark Plaza 6.00% 2020 23,391
 23,524
 6.00% 2020 
 22,978
     $1,121,053
 $1,067,362
 689,743
 716,593
     $1,939,743
 $2,218,093
    
Unamortized premium 10,323
 11,239
Unamortized loan costs (4,579) (4,792) (6,032) (6,357)
Total Notes Payable $1,116,474
 $1,062,570
 $1,944,034
 $2,222,975
(1) Weighted average maturity of notes payable outstanding at March 31, 20192020 was 5.45.7 years.
Credit Facility
The Company has a $1 billion senior unsecured line of credit (the "Credit Facility") that matures on January 3, 2023. The Credit Facility contains financial covenants that require, among other things, the maintenance of an unencumbered interest coverage ratio of at least 1.75; a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.50; a secured leverage ratio of no more than 40%; and an overall leverage ratio of no more than 60%, plus a portion of the net cash proceeds from certain equity issuances.. The Credit Facility also contains customary representations and

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warranties and affirmative and negative covenants, as well as customary events of default. The amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility may be accelerated upon the occurrence of any events of default.

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The interest rate applicable to the Credit Facility varies according to the Company's leverage ratio, and may, at the election of the Company, be determined based on either (1) the current LIBORLondon Interbank Offering Rate ("LIBOR") plus a spread of between 1.05% and 1.45%, or (2) the greater of Bank of America's prime rate, the federal funds rate plus 0.50%, or the one-month LIBOR plus 1.0% (the "Base Rate"), plus a spread of between 0.10% or 0.45%, based on leverage.
At March 31, 2019,2020, the Credit Facility's spread over LIBOR was 1.05%. The amount that the Company may draw under the Credit Facility is a defined calculation based on the Company's unencumbered assets and other factors.
The total available borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility was $943.6 million$1.0 billion at March 31, 2019.2020.
Term Loan
The Company has a $250 million unsecured term loan (the "Term Loan") that matures on December 2, 2021. The Term Loan has financial covenants consistent with those of the Credit Facility. The interest rate applicable to the Term Loan varies according to the Company’s leverage ratio and may, at the election of the Company, be determined based on either (1) the current LIBOR plus a spread of between 1.20% and 1.70%, based on leverage or (2) the greater of Bank of America's prime rate, the federal funds rate plus 0.50%, or the one-month LIBOR plus 1.00% (the “Base Rate”), plus a spread of between 0.00% and 0.75%, based on leverage. At March 31, 2019,2020, the Term Loan's spread over LIBOR was 1.20%.
Unsecured Senior Notes
The Company has $350 million of unsecured senior notes of $1.0 billion that were funded in two5 tranches. The first tranche of $100 million has a 10-year maturityis due in 2027 and has a fixed annual interest rate of 4.09%. The second tranche of $250 million has an 8-year maturityis due in 2025 and has a fixed annual interest rate of 3.91%. The third tranche of $125 million is due in 2027 and has a fixed annual interest rate of 3.78%. The fourth tranche of $250 million is due in 2028 and has a fixed annual interest rate of 3.86%. The fifth tranche of $275 million is due in 2029 and has a fixed annual interest rate of 3.95%.
The unsecured senior notes contain financial covenants that require, among other things, the maintenance of an unencumbered interest coverage ratio of at least 2.00;1.75; a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.50; an overall leverage ratio of no more than 60%; and a minimum shareholders' equity in an amount equal to $1.9 billion, plus a portionsecured leverage ratio of the net cash proceeds from certain equity issuances.no more than 40%. The senior notes also contain customary representations and warranties and affirmative and negative covenants, as well as customary events of default.
Mortgage Notes
On February 3, 2020, the Company prepaid in full, without penalty, the $23.0 million Meridian Mark Plaza mortgage note.
Other Debt Information
At March 31, 20192020 and December 31, 2018,2019, the estimated fair value of the Company’s notes payable was $1.1were $2.0 billion for each of the periods,and $2.3 billion, respectively, calculated by discounting the debt's remaining contractual cash flows at estimated rates at which similar loans could have been obtained at March 31, 20192020 and December 31, 2018.2019. The estimate of the current market rate, which is the most significant input in the discounted cash flow calculation, is intended to replicate debt of similar maturity and loan-to-value relationship. These fair value calculations are considered to be Level 2 under the guidelines as set forth in ASC 820 as the Company utilizes market rates for similar type loans from third party brokers.
For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, and 2018, interest expense was recorded as follows (in thousands):
 2020 2019
Total interest incurred$21,213
 $11,835
Interest capitalized(5,309) (1,015)
Total interest expense$15,904
 $10,820


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 2019 2018
Total interest incurred$11,835
 $10,874
Interest capitalized(1,015) (1,096)
Total interest expense$10,820
 $9,778

9. OTHER LIABILITIES
Other liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 included the following (in thousands):
  2020 2019
Ground lease liability $59,277
 $59,379
Prepaid rent 30,841
 33,428
Security deposits 12,900
 13,545
Restricted stock unit liability 6,169
 16,592
Other liabilities 11,622
 11,184
  $120,809
 $134,128

9. 10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Commitments
At March 31, 2019,2020, the Company had outstanding performance bonds totaling $556,000.$1.1 million. As a lessor, the Company had $95.1$237.1 million in future obligations under leases to fund tenant improvements and other future construction obligations at March 31, 2019. As a lessee, the Company had future obligations for other operating leases of $449,000 at March 31, 2019.2020.
Litigation
On May 1, 2019, a purported TIER stockholder filed a putative stockholder class action against TIER and the members of the TIER board of directors challenging the disclosures made in connection with the Merger. The lawsuit is captioned Martin v. TIER REIT, INC., et al., No. 1:19-CV-01292, and is pending in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland. On

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May 3, 2019, a purported TIER stockholder filed a putative stockholder class action against TIER, the members of the TIER board of directors, and the Company also challenging the disclosures made in connection with the Merger. The lawsuit is captioned Franchi v. TIER REIT, Inc. et al., No. 1:19-CV-01310, and is also pending in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland. The complaints generally allege that the registration statement filed in connection with the Merger of which this joint proxy statement/prospectus forms a part fails to disclose certain allegedly material information in violation of Section 14(a) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 14a-9 promulgated thereunder. The alleged omissions relate to (i) the existence of certain provisions in confidentiality agreements entered into between TIER and alternative bidders during the strategic sales process; (ii) certain financial projections and GAAP reconciliations for TIER and the Company; and (iii) certain financial analyses performed by TIER's financial advisor. Plaintiffs seek to enjoin the Defendants from proceeding with the Merger and seek damages in the event the transaction is consummated. TIER and the Company are reviewing the complaints and have not yet formally responded to them, but believe that Plaintiffs' allegations are without merit and intend to defend against them vigorously. However, litigation is inherently uncertain and there can be no assurance regarding the likelihood that TIER's and the Company's defense of the actions will be successful. Accordingly, at this time, the Company is not able to determine if the outcome of these matters will have a material adverse effect on the liquidity, results of operations, business, or financial condition of the Company. Additional lawsuits arising out of the Merger may also be filed in the future.
The Company is subject to various other legal proceedings, claims, and administrative proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business, some of which are expected to be covered by liability insurance. Management makes assumptions and estimates concerning the likelihood and amount of any potential loss relating to these matters using the latest information available. The Company records a liability for litigation if an unfavorable outcome is probable and the amount of loss or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. If an unfavorable outcome is probable and a reasonable estimate of the loss is a range, the Company accrues the best estimate within the range. If no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount, the Company accrues the minimum amount within the range. If an unfavorable outcome is probable but the amount of the loss cannot be reasonably estimated, the Company discloses the nature of the litigation and indicates that an estimate of the loss or range of loss cannot be made. If an unfavorable outcome is reasonably possible and the estimated loss is material, the Company discloses the nature and estimate of the possible loss of the litigation. The Company does not disclose information with respect to litigation where an unfavorable outcome is considered to be remote or where the estimated loss would not be material. Based on current expectations, such matters, both individually and in the aggregate, are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the liquidity, results of operations, business, or financial condition of the Company.
Contingencies
10. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
Recent events related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the actions taken to contain it have created substantial uncertainty for all businesses, including the Company. The Company has several typesCompany’s financial statements as of stock-based compensation - stock options, restricted stock, and restricted stock units (“RSUs”) - which arefor the three months ended March 31, 2020 have been prepared in light of these circumstances. We have continued to follow the policies described in note 13 of notes to consolidated financial statementsour footnotes in the Company'sCompany’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. The expense2019, including those related to a portionimpairment and estimates of the likelihood of collectibility of amounts due from tenants. While the results of our current analysis did not result in any impairments or material valuation adjustments to amounts due from tenants as of March 31, 2020, circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic may result in recording impairments or material valuation adjustments to amounts due from tenants in future periods.
While the Company has not been obligated contractually or by law to provide its tenants with rent relief related to COVID-19, it will recognize any associated rent reductions in the period during which those obligations occur. Otherwise any COVID-19 related changes in negotiated rents or leasing terms will be accounted for as lease modifications and the Company will recognize the effects over time.
11.    STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
In the first quarter of 2020, the Company issued 1.7 million shares of common stock in connection with the redemption of 1.7 million limited partnership units in CPLP. Each of the redeemed limited partnership units in CPLP was "paired" with a share of limited voting preferred stock with a par value of $1 per share. The shares of limited voting preferred stock were automatically redeemed by Cousins without consideration when their paired limited partnership unit in CPLP was redeemed. Holders of limited voting preferred stock are entitled to one vote on the following matters only: the election of directors, any proposed amendment of the Company's Articles of Incorporation, any merger or other business combination of the Company, any sale of substantially all of the Company's assets, and any liquidation of the Company. Holders of limited voting preferred stock are not entitled to any dividends or distributions and the limited voting preferred stock is not convertible into or exchangeable for any other property or securities of the Company.

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As of March 31, 2020, the Company had 0 preferred stock outstanding.
12. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
The Company has several types of stock-based compensation stock options, restricted stock, and restricted stock units (“RSUs”).
The Company's compensation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2020 relates to restricted stock and RSUs awarded in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020. Restricted stock and the 2020 RSUs are equity-classified awards for which the compensation expense per share is fixed. The 2018 and 2019 RSUs are liability-classified awards for which the expense related to other stock-based compensation awards fluctuates from period to period dependent, in part, on both the Company's stock price and on the Company's stock performance relative to its peers. The Company recordedFor the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, stock-based compensation expense, net of forfeitures, of $5.5 million and $2.6 million forwas recorded as follows (in thousands):
 2020 2019
Equity-classified awards$1,284
 $607
Liability-classified awards(1,020) 4,921
Total stock-based compensation expense, net of forfeitures$264
 $5,528

On April 23, 2019, the three months ended March 31,Company's stockholders approved the Cousins Properties Incorporated 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Omnibus Incentive Stock Plan (the "2019 Plan"). The Company also maintains the Cousins Properties Incorporated 2009 Incentive Stock Plan (the "2009 Plan") and the Cousins Properties Incorporated 2005 Restricted Stock Unit Plan (the “RSU Plan”). , although no further issuances are permitted under the 2009 plan or RSU Plan.
Under the 20092019 Plan, during the quarterthree months ended March 31, 2019,2020, the Company made restricted stock grants of 263,33971,421 shares to key employees, which vest ratably over a three-year period. UnderAlso under the RSU2019 Plan, during the quarterthree months ended March 31, 2019,2020, the Company awarded two2 types of performance-based RSUs to key employees based on the following metrics: (1) Total Stockholder Return of the Company, as defined in the RSU2019 Plan, as compared to the companies in the SNL US REIT Office index (“TSRMarket-based RSUs”), and (2) the ratio of cumulative funds from operations (“FFO”) per share to targeted cumulative funds from operationsFFO per share (“FFOPerformance-based RSUs”), as defined in the RSU2019 Plan. The performancemeasurement period for both awards is January 1, 20192020 to December 31, 2021,2022, and the targeted units awarded of TSRMarket-based RSUs and FFOPerformance-based RSUs was 260,98871,038 and 111,853,30,447, respectively. The ultimate payoutsettlement of these awards can range from 0% to 200% of the targeted number of units depending on the achievement of the market and performance metrics described above. These RSU awards cliff vest on December 31, 20212022 and are to be settled in cashthe Company’s common stock with paymentsettlement dependent on attainment of required service, market, and performance criteria. The number of RSUs vesting will be determined by the Compensation Committee, and the payout per unit will be equal to the average closing price on each trading day during the 30-day period ending on December 31, 2021.Committee. The Company expenses an estimate of the fair value of the TSRMarket-based RSUs, calculated using a Monte Carlo valuation at grant date, ratably over the performancevesting period, using a quarterly Monte Carlo valuation.adjusting for forfeitures when they occur. The FFOPerformance-based RSUs are expensed over the vesting period using the fair market value of the Company's stock at the reporting date multiplied by the anticipated number of units to be paid based on the current estimateCompany’s share price on the grant date. The expense is recognized ratably over the vesting period and adjusted each quarter based on the number of what the ratio isshares expected to be upon vesting.vest and for forfeitures when they occur. Dividend equivalents on the TSRMarket-based RSUs and the FFOPerformance-based RSUs will also be paidsettled in shares of the Company’s common stock based upon the percentagenumber of units vested.
The company’s stock compensation for stock options, restricted stock, and RSUs granted in 2018 and 2019 is described in note 15 of the notes to consolidated financial statements in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.
11. 13. REVENUE RECOGNITION
The Company categorizes its primary sources of revenue into revenue from contracts with customers and other revenue accounted for as leases under ASC 842 as follows:
Rental property revenue consistsrevenues consist of (1) contractual revenues from leases recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the respective lease; (2) percentage rents recognized once a specified sales target is achieved; (3) parking revenue; (4) termination fees; and (4)(5) the reimbursement of the tenants' share of real estate taxes, insurance, and other operating expenses. The Company's leases typically include renewal options and are classified and accounted for as operating leases. Rental property revenue isrevenues are accounted for in accordance with the guidance set forth in ASC 842.
Fee income consists of development fees, management fees, and leasing fees earned from unconsolidated joint ventures and from third parties. Fee income is accounted for in accordance with the guidance set forth in ASC 606.
Other revenue consists primarily of termination fees, which are accounted for in accordance with the guidance set forth in ASC 842.
For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company recognized rental property revenuerevenues of $123.3$189.1 million and $123.9 million, respectively, of which $54.1 million and $32.6 million, respectively, represented variable rental revenue. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 the Company recognized rental property revenue of $113.3 million. For the three months ended March 31,2020 and 2019, and 2018 the Company recognized fee and other revenue of $9.4$4.8 million and $3.9$8.9 million, respectively. The following tables set forth the future minimum rents to be received by consolidated entities under existing non-cancellable leases as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively (in thousands):


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March 31, 2019
  
2019$301,235
2020400,754
2021379,056
2022334,015
2023301,549
Thereafter1,266,401
 $2,983,010
December 31, 2018
  
2019$328,607
2020330,477
2021314,410
2022280,959
2023256,233
Thereafter1,115,490
 $2,626,176
12. SALE OF AIR RIGHTS
On February 26, 2019, the Company sold air rights that cover eight acres within Downtown Atlanta for a gross sales price of $13.25 million and recorded a gain of $13.1 million.

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13. 14. EARNINGS PER SHARE
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 20192020 and 20182019 (in thousands):
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 2020 2019
Earnings per Common Share - basic:   
Numerator:   
      Net income$175,309
 $36,005
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in
CPLP from continuing operations
(302) (588)
      Net income attributable to other noncontrolling interests(64) (76)
Net income available to common stockholders$174,943
 $35,341
    
Denominator:   
Weighted average common shares - basic147,424
 105,127
Net income per common share - basic$1.19
 $0.34
    
Earnings per common share - diluted:   
Numerator:   
      Net income$175,309
 $36,005
Net income attributable to other noncontrolling interests(64) (76)
Net income available for common stockholders before allocation of net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in CPLP$175,245
 $35,929
    
Denominator:   
Weighted average common shares - basic147,424
 105,127
     Add:   
Potential dilutive common shares - stock options15
 30
Potential dilutive common shares - restricted stock units,
    less shares assumed purchased at market price
2
 
Weighted average units of CPLP convertible into
    common shares
1,120
 1,744
Weighted average common shares - diluted148,561
 106,901
Net income per common share - diluted$1.18
 $0.34
    
Antidilutive restricted stock units, less share assumed purchased at market price3
 


For the three months ended March 31, 2020, 3,000 restricted stock units, less shares assumed purchased at market price, were not included in the diluted weighted average common shares because they would have been antidilutive for the period presented. These restricted stock units could be dilutive in the future.


16
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 2019 2018
Earnings per Common Share - basic:   
Numerator:   
      Net income$36,005
 $16,406
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in CPLP
from continuing operations
(588) (287)
      Net income attributable to other noncontrolling interests(76) (76)
         Net income available to common stockholders$35,341
 $16,043
    
Denominator:   
Weighted average common shares - basic420,510
 420,154
Earnings per common share - basic$0.08
 $0.04
    
Earnings per common share - diluted:   
Numerator:   
      Net income$36,005
 $16,406
Net income attributable to other noncontrolling interests(76) (76)
Net income available for common stockholders before
     net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in
     CPLP
$35,929
 $16,330
    
Denominator:   
Weighted average common shares - basic420,510
 420,154
     Add:   
Potential dilutive common shares - stock options123
 567
Weighted average units of CPLP convertible into
    common shares
6,974
 6,974
Weighted average common shares - diluted427,607
 427,695
Earnings per common share - diluted$0.08
 $0.04
    
Anti-dilutive stock options outstanding
 24


14.


15. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Supplemental information related to the cash flows, including significant non-cash activity affecting the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows, for the three months endedMarch 31, 20192020 and 20182019 is as follows (in thousands):
 2020 2019
Interest paid$27,288
 $31,601
Non-Cash Activity:   
Transfers from projects under development to operating properties95,185
 
Common stock dividends declared and accrued44,563
 30,492
Transfer from land held and other assets to projects under development29,121
 
Change in accrued property, acquisition, development, and tenant expenditures13,845
 11,085
Ground lease right-of-use assets and associated liabilities
 56,294
Non-cash consideration for property acquisition
 10,071
 2019 2018
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized$14,267
 $13,775
Non-Cash Transactions:   
Ground lease right-of-use assets and associated liabilities56,294
 
Common stock dividends declared30,492
 27,315
Change in accrued property, acquisition, development, and tenant expenditures11,085
 28,465
Non-cash consideration for property acquisition10,071
 
Transfers from projects under development to operating properties
 212,628
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
 22,329


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The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheets to cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows (in thousands):
 March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
Cash and cash equivalents$124,632
 $15,603
Restricted cash1,947
 2,005
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash$126,579
 $17,608
 March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
Cash and cash equivalents$3,456
 $2,547
Restricted cash170
 148
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash$3,626
 $2,695

15. 16. REPORTABLE SEGMENTS
The Company's segments are based on its method of internal reporting, which classifies operations by property type and geographical area. The segments by property type are: Office and Mixed-Use. The segments by geographical region are: Atlanta, Austin, Charlotte, Dallas, Phoenix, Tampa, and Other. Included in Other is a property in Cherry Hill, New Jersey that was sold in February 2020 and properties located in Chapel Hill, Fort Worth, and Houston. These reportable segments represent an aggregation of operating segments reported to the Chief Operating Decision Maker based on similar economic characteristics that include the type of property and the geographical location. Each segment includes both consolidated operations and the Company's share of unconsolidated joint venture operations.
Company management evaluates the performance of its reportable segments in part based on net operating income (“NOI”). NOI represents rental property revenues, less termination fees, less rental property operating expenses. NOI is not a measure of cash flows or operating results as measured by GAAP, is not indicative of cash available to fund cash needs, and should not be considered an alternative to cash flows as a measure of liquidity. All companies may not calculate NOI in the same manner. The Company considers NOI to be an appropriate supplemental measure to net income as it helps both management and investors understand the core operations of the Company's operating assets. NOI excludes corporate general and administrative expenses, interest expense, depreciation and amortization, impairments, gains/loss on sales of real estate, and other non-operating items.
Segment net income, amount of capital expenditures, and total assets are not presented in the following tables because management does not utilize these measures when analyzing its segments or when making resource allocation decisions. Information on the Company's segments along with a reconciliation of NOI to net income for the three months ended March 31, 20192020 and 20182019 are as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Office Mixed-Use Total
Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Office Mixed-Use Total
Net Operating Income:            
Atlanta $37,399
 $
 $37,399
 $44,855
 $(60) $44,795
Austin 15,948
 
 15,948
 29,294
 
 29,294
Charlotte 15,808
 
 15,808
 22,113
 
 22,113
Dallas 3,639
 
 3,639
Phoenix 9,491
 
 9,491
 9,793
 
 9,793
Tampa 7,988
 
 7,988
 8,144
 
 8,144
Other 230
 867
 1,097
 9,128
 876
 10,004
Total Net Operating Income $86,864
 $867
 $87,731
 $126,966
 $816
 $127,782

Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Office Mixed-Use Total
Net Operating Income:      
Atlanta $32,165
 $
 $32,165
Austin 14,941
 
 14,941
Charlotte 15,842
 
 15,842
Phoenix 8,974
 
 8,974
Tampa 7,728
 
 7,728
Other 440
 488
 928
Total Net Operating Income $80,090
 $488
 $80,578





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Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Office Mixed-Use Total
Net Operating Income:      
Atlanta $37,399
 $
 $37,399
Austin 15,948
 
 15,948
Charlotte 15,808
 
 15,808
Phoenix 9,491
 
 9,491
Tampa 7,988
 
 7,988
Other 230
 867
 1,097
Total Net Operating Income $86,864
 $867
 $87,731

The following reconciles Net Operating Income to Net Income for each of the periods presented (in thousands):
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 2020 2019
Net Operating Income$127,782
 $87,731
Net operating income from unconsolidated joint ventures(6,035) (7,873)
Fee income4,732
 8,728
Termination fee income2,844
 520
Other income37
 140
Reimbursed expenses(521) (932)
General and administrative expenses(5,652) (11,460)
Interest expense(15,904) (10,820)
Depreciation and amortization(71,614) (45,861)
Transaction costs(365) (3)
Other expenses(566) (180)
Income from unconsolidated joint ventures3,425
 2,904
Gain on sales of investments in unconsolidated joint ventures46,230
 
Gain on investment property transactions90,916
 13,111
Net Income$175,309

$36,005
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 2019 2018
Net Operating Income$87,731
 $80,578
Net operating income from unconsolidated joint ventures(7,873) (7,421)
Fee income8,728
 2,894
Other income660
 960
Reimbursed expenses(932) (942)
General and administrative expenses(11,460) (6,809)
Interest expense(10,820) (9,778)
Depreciation and amortization(45,861) (45,093)
Acquisition and transaction costs(3) (91)
Loss on extinguishment of debt
 (85)
Other expenses(180) (320)
Income from unconsolidated joint ventures2,904
 2,885
Gain (loss) on sale of investment properties13,111
 (372)
Net Income$36,005

$16,406

Revenues by reportable segment, including a reconciliation to total rental property revenues on the condensed consolidated statements of operations, for three months ended March 31, 20192020 and 20182019 are as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Office Mixed-Use Total
Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Office Mixed-Use Total
Revenues:            
Atlanta $57,468
 $
 $57,468
 $65,877
 $35
 $65,912
Austin 27,556
 
 27,556
 48,747
 
 48,747
Charlotte 23,402
 
 23,402
 34,537
 
 34,537
Dallas 4,471
 
 4,471
Phoenix 13,159
 
 13,159
Tampa 12,971
 
 12,971
 14,112
 
 14,112
Phoenix 13,003
 
 13,003
Other 546
 1,181
 1,727
 16,494
 1,262
 17,756
Total segment revenues 134,946
 1,181
 136,127
 197,397
 1,297
 198,694
Less Company's share of rental property revenues from unconsolidated joint ventures (11,601) (1,181) (12,782) (8,268) (1,297) (9,565)
Total rental property revenues $123,345
 $
 $123,345
 $189,129
 $
 $189,129

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Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Office Mixed-Use Total
Revenues:      
Atlanta $49,466
 $
 $49,466
Austin 26,576
 
 26,576
Charlotte 23,041
 
 23,041
Tampa 12,536
 
 12,536
Phoenix 12,060
 
 12,060
Other 524
 795
 1,319
Total segment revenues 124,203
 795
 124,998
Less Company's share of rental property revenues from unconsolidated joint ventures (10,855) (795) (11,650)
Total rental property revenues $113,348
 $
 $113,348



20
Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Office Mixed-Use Total
Revenues:      
Atlanta $57,468
 $
 $57,468
Austin 28,092
 
 28,092
Charlotte 23,386
 
 23,386
Tampa 12,971
 
 12,971
Phoenix 13,003
 
 13,003
Other 546
 1,181
 1,727
Total segment revenues 135,466
 1,181
 136,647
Less Company's share of rental property revenues from unconsolidated joint ventures (11,601) (1,181) (12,782)
Total rental property revenues $123,865
 $
 $123,865





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Item 2.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Overview:
Cousins Properties Incorporated ("Cousins") (and collectively, with its subsidiaries, the "Company," "we," "our," or "us") is a publicly traded (NYSE: CUZ), self-administered, and self-managed real estate investment trust, or REIT. Cousins conducts substantially all of its business through Cousins Properties, LP ("CPLP"). Cousins owns approximately 98%over 99% of CPLP and consolidates CPLP. CPLP owns Cousins TSR Services LLC, a taxable entity which owns and manages its own real estate portfolio and performs certain real estate related services for other parties. Our strategy is to create value for our stockholders through ownership of the premier urban office portfolio in the SunbeltSun Belt markets, with a particular focus on Georgia, Texas, North Carolina, Arizona, and Florida. This strategy is based on a disciplined approach to capital allocation that includes strategic acquisitions, selective development projects, and timely dispositions of non-core assets. This strategy is also based on a simple, flexible, and low-leveraged balance sheet that allows us to pursue investment opportunities at the most advantageous points in the cycle. To implement this strategy, we leverage our strong local operating platforms within each of our major markets. As of March 31, 2019, our portfolio of real estate assets consisted of interests in 29 operating properties (28 office and one mixed use), containing 16.0 million square feet of space, and three projects (two office and one mixed-use) under active development.
We leased or renewed 682,129 square feet of office space during the first quarter of 2019. The weighted average net effective rent of these leases, representing base rent less operating expense reimbursements and leasing costs, was $24.50 per square foot. For those leases that were previously occupied within the past year, net effective rent increased 22.8%. Same property net operating income (defined below) for consolidated properties and our share of unconsolidated properties increased by 4.3% between the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018.
On March 1,Consistent with this strategy, on June 14, 2019, we entered into a series of transactions with Norfolk Southern Railway Company ("NS") whereby we executed a development agreement to develop NS's corporate headquarters in Midtown Atlanta and purchased 1200 Peachtree, a 370,000 square foot office building in Midtown Atlanta, from NS that is 100% leased by NS through December 31, 2021. In the first quarter of 2019, we recognized $6.6 million in fee income related to this arrangement.
On March 25, 2019, we entered into an agreement and plan of merger (the "Merger Agreement")merged with TIER REIT, Inc. ("TIER") wherebyin a stock-for-stock transaction (the "Merger"). As a result, we acquired interests in nine operating properties containing 5.8 million square feet of space, two office properties under development that are expected to add 620,000 square feet of space upon completion, and seven strategically located land parcels on which up to 2 million square feet of additional space may be developed. As a part of this transaction, we issued $650 million in senior unsecured debt at a weighted average interest rate of 3.88%, which effectively replaced the majority of the TIER will merge with and into a subsidiary of Cousins.debt assumed in the Merger. We believe that this merger creates a company with an attractive portfolio of trophy office assets balanced across the premier Sun Belt markets. We believe that the Merger will enhance our position in our existing markets of Austin and Charlotte, provide a strategic entry into Dallas, and balance our exposure in Atlanta. The Merger is also expected to enhance growth and to provide value-add opportunities as TIER has ana result of TIER's active and attractive development portfolio and land bank. Upon closing, we expect to have aAs of March 31, 2020, our portfolio of over 21real estate assets consisted of interests in 35 operating properties (34 office and one mixed-use), containing 19.4 million square feet of space, and six projects (five office and one mixed-use) under active development.
During the first quarter of 2020 we completed sales of three operating office properties. We sold Hearst Tower, a 966,000 square foot office building in premier Sunbelt markets. For additional information aboutCharlotte, North Carolina for gross proceeds of $455.5 million, recognizing a gain of $90.9 million on the sale. We sold our interest in Charlotte Gateway Village, LLC, which owned a 1.1 million square foot office building in Charlotte, North Carolina, to our venture partner for a gross purchase price of $52.2 million, recognizing a gain of $44.9 million on the sale. We sold Woodcrest, a non-strategic asset in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, for $25.3 million. We acquired Woodcrest in the Merger see "Liquiditywith TIER and Capital Resources -- Mergerdid not record any gain or loss on its sale.
During the quarter, we leased or renewed 476,000 square feet of office space. The weighted average net effective rent of these leases, representing base rent less operating expense reimbursements and leasing costs, was $25.01 per square foot. For those leases that were previously occupied within the past year, net effective rent increased 26.9%. Same property net operating income (defined below) for consolidated properties and our share of unconsolidated properties increased by 3.2% between the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019.
On June 14, 2019, we restated and amended our articles of incorporation to effect a reverse stock split of the issued and outstanding shares of its common stock pursuant to which, (1) each four shares of our issued and outstanding common stock and preferred stock were combined into one share of our common stock or preferred stock, as applicable, and (2) the authorized number of our common stock was proportionally reduced to 175 million shares. Fractional shares of common stock resulting from the reverse stock split were settled in cash. Fractional shares of preferred stock resulting from the reverse stock split were redeemed without payout. Immediately thereafter, we further amended our articles of incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of our common stock from 175 million to 300 million shares.

On a regular basis we review and, as appropriate, revise our corporate contingency plan, which addresses the steps necessary to respond to an unexpected interruption of business, including the unavailability of our corporate office space. In light of the increasing reports regarding the threat presented by COVID-19, and in accordance with TIER."the advice of the CDC, we confirmed our readiness to adjust to teleworking if appropriate. Throughout the month of March, our tenants widely adopted teleworking for their office employees, as we increased our janitorial cleaning protocols in our buildings. The rental obligations under our space leases have not been materially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic to date, and any requests for rent adjustments are addressed on a case-by-case basis. We also have worked closely with essential vendors, including the contractors and others involved in our development projects, to assess potential impact of appropriate and necessary distancing measures upon our operations and our development delivery timelines.

Although the impact to our business of the COVID-19 pandemic has not been severe to date, the long-term impact of the pandemic on our tenants and the world-wide economy is uncertain and will depend on the scope, severity, and duration of the pandemic. A prolonged

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economic downturn resulting from the pandemic could adversely affect many of our tenants, which could, in turn, adversely impact our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Results of Operations
General
Our financial results have been significantly affected by the Merger. In addition, our results have been affected by a series of transactions we entered into on March 1, 2019 with Norfolk Southern Railway Company ("NS") whereby we executed an agreement to develop NS's corporate headquarters in Midtown Atlanta and purchased 1200 Peachtree, a 370,000 square foot office building in Midtown Atlanta, from NS that is 100% leased by NS. Accordingly, our historical financial statements may not be indicative of future operating results.
Rental Property Revenue, Rental Property Operating Expenses, and Net Operating Income
The following table summarizes rental property revenues, rental property operating expenses, and net operating income ("NOI") for each of the periods presented, including our same property portfolio. NOI represents rental property revenue (excluding lease termination fees) less rental property operating expenses. Our same property portfolio is comprised of office properties that have been fully operational in each of the comparable reporting periods. A fully operational property is one that has achieved 90% economic occupancy or has been substantially completecompleted and owned by us for each of the periods presented. This information is presented for consolidated properties only and does not include net operating income from our unconsolidated joint ventures.
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended March 31,
2019 2018 $ Change % Change2020 2019 $ Change % Change
Rental Property Revenues              
Same Property$110,530
 $105,680
 $4,850
 4.6%$114,383
 $113,468
 $915
 0.8 %
Non-Same Property12,815
 7,668
 5,147
 67.1%
Legacy TIER Properties51,011
 
 51,011
 100.0 %
Other Non-Same Properties23,735
 10,397
 13,338
 128.3 %
Total Rental Property Revenues$123,345
 $113,348
 $9,997
 8.8%$189,129
 $123,865
 $65,264
 52.7 %
      
      
Rental Property Operating Expenses              
Same Property$40,380
 $38,605
 $1,775
 4.6%$38,233
 $40,342
 $(2,109) (5.2)%
Non-Same Property3,107
 1,586
 1,521
 95.9%
Legacy TIER Properties18,980
 
 18,980
 100.0 %
Other Non-Same Properties7,325
 3,145
 4,180
 132.9 %
Total Rental Property Operating Expenses$43,487
 $40,191
 $3,296
 8.2%$64,538
 $43,487
 $21,051
 48.4 %
      
      
Net Operating Income              
Same Property NOI$70,150

$67,075
 $3,075
 4.6%$74,722
 $72,593
 $2,129
 2.9 %
Non-Same Property NOI9,708

6,082
 3,626
 59.6%
Legacy TIER Properties31,956
 
 31,956
 100.0 %
Other Non-Same Properties15,069

7,265
 7,804
 107.4 %
Total NOI$79,858

$73,157
 $6,701
 9.2%$121,747
 $79,858
 $41,889
 52.5 %
Same property NOI increased $3.1 million (4.6%) betweenrental property operating expenses decreased in the 2019 and 2018 three month periods. The increase isperiod primarily due to higher occupancy ratesa settlement that resulted in the recovery of previously incurred legal expenses at Northpark, Corporate Center, 111 Congress,3344 Peachtree.
Revenues and 816 Congress. Non-same property NOIexpenses for Legacy TIER properties represent amounts recorded for the properties acquired in the Merger.
Revenues and expenses of Other Non-Same Properties increased $3.6 million (59.6%) betweenin the 2019 and 2018 three month periodsperiod primarily due to commencementas a result of operations at the second and final phaseaddition of Spring & 8th in the fourth quarter of 2018 and at 1200 Peachtree in the first quarter ofMarch 2019 and due to the lease-up of 8000 Avalon. Non-same property expenses increased $1.5 million while non-same property revenues increased $5.1 million becauseTerminus, which was consolidated in October 2019 when we receive, and recognize, a high percentage of operating expensespurchased our partner's interest in revenue from our tenant at Spring & 8th and because our tenant at 1200 Peachtree is responsible for paying all operating expenses.Terminus Office Holdings LLC ("TOH").
Fee Income
Fee income increased $5.8decreased $4.0 million (202%(46%) between the 20192020 and 20182019 three month periods.period. The increasedecrease is primarily driven by fee income related to the NS transactions.transactions with NS.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses increased $4.7decreased $5.8 million (68%(51%) between the 20192020 and 20182019 three month periods. The increase isperiod. These decreases are primarily driven by long-term compensation expense increasesdecreases as a result of fluctuations in our common stock price relative tofor our office peers included in the SNL US Office REIT Index.liability-classified awards.


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Interest Expense
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized, increased $1.0$5.1 million (11%(47%) between the 2020 and 2019 and 2018three month periods. The increase in the three month periods is due to an increase in LIBOR causing an increase in interest expenseincurred on the term loan and line of creditunsecured senior notes that were issued on June 19, 2019 and an increase in the average debt outstanding balance on our credit facility.
Depreciation and Amortization
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 2020 2019 $ Change % Change
Depreciation and Amortization       
Same Property$40,353
 $41,209
 $(856) (2.1)%
Legacy TIER Properties24,483
 
 24,483
 100.0 %
Other Non-Same Properties6,571
 4,196
 2,375
 56.6 %
Non-Real Estate Assets207
 456
 (249) (54.6)%
Total Depreciation and Amortization$71,614
 $45,861
 $25,753
 56.2 %
Depreciation and amortization for Legacy TIER properties represent amounts recorded on the lineproperties acquired in the Merger.
Depreciation and amortization of credit.Other Non-Same Properties increased in the three month periods primarily as a result of addition of 1200 Peachtree in March 2019 and of Terminus, which was consolidated in the October 2019 when we purchased our partner's interest in TOH.
Transaction Costs
Transaction costs for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 primarily relate to the Merger. These costs include financial advisory, legal, accounting, severance, and other costs of combining our operations with TIER.
Income from Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
Income from unconsolidated joint ventures consisted of the Company's share of the following (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended March 31,
2019 2018 $ Change % Change2020 2019 $ Change % Change
Net operating income$7,873
 $7,421
 $452
 6.1 %$6,035
 $7,873
 $(1,838) (23.3)%
Termination fee income1
 3
 (2) (66.7)%
Other income, net39
 350
 (311) (88.9)%68
 36
 32
 88.9 %
Depreciation and amortization(3,254) (3,419) 165
 (4.8)%(2,347) (3,254) 907
 (27.9)%
Interest expense(1,754) (1,515) (239) 15.8 %(650) (1,754) 1,104
 (62.9)%
Net gain on sale of investment property
 48
 (48) (100.0)%318
 
 318
 100.0 %
Income from unconsolidated joint ventures$2,904
 $2,885
 $19
 0.7 %$3,425
 $2,904
 $521
 17.9 %
Net operating income, depreciation and amortization, and interest expense from unconsolidated joint ventures increased $452,000 (6%)decreased between the three month periods primarily due to the commencementconsolidation of operations at Dimensional Place, the office building owned by the DC Charlotte Plaza LLLP joint venture,Terminus in the first quarter of 2019. Other income from unconsolidated joint ventures decreased $311,000 (89%) between the three month periods primarily due to the 2018 sale of a parcel of land held by the Wildwood Associates joint venture.October 2019 when we purchased our partner's interest in TOH.
Gain (Loss) on SaleSales of Investment PropertiesInvestments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
The gain on the salesales of investment propertiesinvestments in unconsolidated joint ventures for the three months ended March 31, 2019 relates to2020 includes the sale of our interests in the Company's air rights that cover approximately eight acres within an areaWildwood Associates and Gateway Village joint ventures. The capitalization rate of Downtown Atlanta.Gateway Village was not a determinant of the sales price as, per the joint venture agreement, our interest was valued at a 17% internal rate of return on our invested capital. There was no capitalization rate associated with the sale of our interest in the Wildwood Associates joint venture as the underlying asset was land.
Gain on Investment Property Transactions
The gain on investment property transactions for the three months ended March 31, 2020 includes the sale of Hearst Tower. The combined sales prices of the Hearst Tower and Woodcrest dispositions represented a weighted average capitalization rate of 5.1%. Capitalization rates are calculated by dividing projected annualized NOI by the sales price.
Funds From Operations
The table below shows Funds from Operations (“FFO”) and the related reconciliation to net income available to common stockholders. We calculate FFO in accordance with the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts’ (“NAREIT”) definition, which is net

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income available to common stockholders (computed in accordance with GAAP), excluding extraordinary items, cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, and gains on sale or impairment losses on depreciable property, plus depreciation and amortization of real estate assets, and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures to reflect FFO on the same basis.
FFO is used by industry analysts and investors as a supplemental measure of a REIT’s operating performance. Historical cost accounting for real estate assets implicitly assumes that the value of real estate assets diminishes predictably over time. Since real estate values instead have historically risen or fallen with market conditions, many industry investors and analysts have considered presentation of operating results for real estate companies that use historical cost accounting to be insufficient by themselves. Thus, NAREIT created FFO as a supplemental measure of REIT operating performance that excludes historical cost depreciation, among other items, from GAAP net income. The use of FFO, combined with the required primary GAAP presentations, has been fundamentally beneficial, improving the understanding of operating results of REITs among the investing public and

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making comparisons of REIT operating results more meaningful. Company management evaluates operating performance in part based on FFO. Additionally, we use FFO, along with other measures, to assess performance in connection with evaluating and granting incentive compensation to its officers and other key employees. The reconciliation of net income to FFO is as follows for the three months ended March 31, 20192020 and 20182019 (in thousands, except per share information):
Three Months Ended March 31,
Three Months Ended March 31,2020 2019
2019 2018Dollars Weighted Average Common Shares Per Share Amount Dollars Weighted Average Common Shares Per Share Amount
Net Income Available to Common Stockholders$35,341
 $16,043
$174,943
 147,424
 $1.19
 $35,341
 105,127
 $0.34
Noncontrolling interest related to unitholders302
 1,120 (0.01) 588
 1,744
 
Conversion of stock options
 15 
 
 30
 
Conversion of unvested restricted stock units
 2 
 
 
 
           
Net Income — Diluted175,245
 148,561
 1.18
 35,929
 106,901
 0.34
Depreciation and amortization of real estate assets:              
Consolidated properties45,405
 44,620
71,406
 
 0.48
 45,405
 
 0.42
Share of unconsolidated joint ventures3,254
 3,419
2,347
 
 0.02
 3,254
 
 0.03
Partners' share of real estate depreciation(96) (69)(149) 
 
 (96) 
 
(Gain) loss on sale of depreciated properties:              
Consolidated properties21
 372
(90,916) 
 (0.61) 21
 
 
Share of unconsolidated joint ventures
 (48)(318) 
 
 
 
 
Non-controlling interest related to unit holders588
 287
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures(44,894) 
 (0.31) 
 
 
Funds From Operations$84,513
 $64,624
$112,721
 148,561
 $0.76
 $84,513
 106,901
 $0.79
Per Common Share — Diluted:   
Net Income Available to Common
Stockholders
$0.08
 $0.04
Funds From Operations$0.20
 $0.15
Weighted Average Shares — Diluted427,607
 427,695
           


Net Operating Income


Company management evaluates the performance of its property portfolio in part based on NOI. NOI represents rental property revenues, less termination fees, less rental property operating expenses. NOI is not a measure of cash flows or operating results as measured by GAAP, is not indicative of cash available to fund cash needs, and should not be considered an alternative to cash flows as a measure of liquidity. All companies may not calculate NOI in the same manner. The Company considers NOI to be an appropriate supplemental measure to net income as it helps both management and investors understand the core operations of the Company's operating assets. NOI excludes corporate general and administrative expenses, interest expense, depreciation and amortization, impairments, gains/loss on sales of real estate, and other non-operating items.







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The following table reconciles NOI for consolidated properties to Net Incomenet income for each of the periods presented (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended March 31,
2019 20182020 2019
Net Income$36,005
 $16,406
Net income$175,309
 $36,005
Fee income(8,728) (2,894)(4,732) (8,728)
Termination fee income(2,844) (520)
Other income(660) (960)(37) (140)
Reimbursed expenses932
 942
521
 932
General and administrative expenses11,460
 6,809
5,652
 11,460
Interest expense10,820
 9,778
15,904
 10,820
Depreciation and amortization45,861
 45,093
71,614
 45,861
Acquisition and transaction costs3
 91
Transaction costs365
 3
Other expenses180
 320
566
 180
Income from unconsolidated joint ventures(2,904) (2,885)(3,425) (2,904)
Gain (loss) on sale of investment properties(13,111) 372
Loss on extinguishment of debt
 85
Gain on sale of investments in unconsolidated joint ventures(46,230) 
Gain on investment property transactions(90,916) (13,111)
Net Operating Income$79,858
 $73,157
$121,747
 $79,858

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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our primary short-term and long-term liquidity needs include the following:
property and land acquisitions;
expenditures on development projects;
building improvements, tenant improvements, and leasing costs;
principal and interest payments on indebtedness; and
common stock dividends and distributions to outside unitholders of CPLP.dividends.
We may satisfy these needs with one or more of the following:
cash and cash equivalents on hand;
net cash from operations;
proceeds from the sale of assets;
borrowings under our credit facility;
proceeds from mortgage notes payable;
proceeds from construction loans;
proceeds from unsecured loans;
proceeds from offerings of equity securities; and
joint venture formations.
As of March 31, 2019,2020, we had $56.4 million drawnavailable to us the entire $1.0 billion borrowing capacity under our Credit Facility withand $124.6 million of cash and cash equivalents. While we expect to have sufficient liquidity to meet our obligations for the ability to borrow an additional $943.6 million.foreseeable future, the COVID-19 outbreak and associated responses could adversely impact our future cash flows and financial condition.
Merger with TIER
On March 25, 2019, we entered into the Merger Agreement with TIER, pursuant to which TIER will merge with and into one of our subsidiaries (the “Merger”). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Merger Agreement, upon closing, each share of TIER common stock issued and outstanding will be converted into the right to receive 2.98 newly issued shares of our common stock. In addition, upon closing, each outstanding award of TIER restricted shares and restricted stock units will become fully vested (in the case of restricted stock units, to the extent provided in the TIER equity plan, and in the case of any performance-based restricted stock units, with performance determined to be achieved as set forth in the TIER equity plan) and will convert into newly issued shares of our common stock on the same basis as other shares of TIER common stock.
The respective boards of directors (the “Board of Directors”) have unanimously approved the Merger Agreement and have recommended that their respective stockholders approve their Merger-related proposals. Upon closing, two members of the Board of Directors of TIER, Scott W. Fordham and one additional independent member on the Board of Directors of TIER to be mutually agreed upon by the parties, will be appointed to our Board of Directors.
The closing of the Merger is subject to satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, including: (1) approval of the Merger by TIER stockholders; (2) approval of the issuance of our common stock by our stockholders; (3) approval for listing on the New York Stock Exchange of our common stock to be issued in the Merger; (4) the absence of an injunction or law prohibiting the MErger; (5) the correctness of all representations and warranties made by the parties to the Merger Agreement and performance by the parties of their obligations under the Merger Agreement (subject in most cases to materiality or material adverse effect qualifications), and receipt of an officer's certificate from each party attesting thereto; (6) receipt by us and by TIER of an opinion to the effect that the Merger will qualify as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and of an opinion as to the qualification of us and TIER, respectively, as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) under the Code; and (7) effectiveness of the registration statement that will contain the joint proxy statement/prospectus sent to our stockholders and TIER stockholders.
The Merger Agreement contains customary representations and warranties by each party. Both companies have also agreed to various customary covenants and agreements, including, among others, to conduct their business in the ordinary course consistent with past practice during the period between the execution of the Merger Agreement and closing and to maintain REIT status. The Merger Agreement provides that, during the period from the date of the Merger Agreement until closing, TIER will be subject to certain restrictions on its ability to solicit alternative transaction proposals from third parties, to provide non-public information to third parties and to engage in discussions with third parties regarding alternative transaction proposals, subject to customary exceptions.
The Merger Agreement contains certain termination rights for both companies. The Merger Agreement can be terminated by mutual written consent or by either party (1) if there is a final nonappealable order, decree, or ruling permanently enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the consummation of the Merger; (2) if the Merger has not been consummated by 5:00 p.m., New York time, on October 31, 2019; (3) if our stockholders fail to approve the issuance of our common stock in connection with the Merger or





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TIER’s stockholders fail to approve the Merger; or (4) if the other party has breached or failed to perform any of its representations, warranties, or covenants in a way that prevents satisfaction of a closing condition, subject to a cure period. In addition, we may terminate the Merger Agreement if the Board of Directors of TIER changes its recommendation with respect to the Merger or upon a willful breach by TIER of its obligations not to solicit alternative transaction proposals. TIER may terminate the Merger Agreement in order to enter into a definitive agreement with respect to a Superior Proposal (as defined in the Merger Agreement) (subject to compliance with certain terms and conditions included in the Merger Agreement). If the Merger Agreement is terminated because (1) the Board of Directors of TIER changes its recommendation with respect to the Merger; (2) TIER terminates the Merger Agreement to enter into a definitive agreement with respect to a Superior Proposal; or (3) TIER consummates or enters into an agreement for an alternative transaction within twelve months following termination under certain circumstances, TIER must pay a termination fee of $45.5 million to Cousins. The amount payable to Cousins by TIER may also be reduced to the extent necessary to maintain Cousins' qualification as a REIT. should any amount of the fee be unpaid because of REIT requirements, TIER shall place the unpaid amount of the fee in escrow and shall not release any portion thereof to Cousins unless and until Cousins receives a reasoned opinion from counsel or other tax advisor or a ruling from the IRS providing that Cousins; receipt of the unpaid fee will not impact its qualification as a REIT under the Code. The obligations of TIER to pay any unpaid portion of the fee shall terminate on December 31 following the date which is five years from the date of March 25, 2019. Amounts remaining in escrow after the obligation of TIER to pay the fee terminates shall be released to TIER.
In connection with the Merger, we have filed an amended registration statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-230968), declared effective by the SEC on May 8, 2019, that includes a joint proxy statement of Cousins and TIER that also constitutes a prospectus of Cousins.
The Merger is currently anticipated to close in the second quarter of 2019. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we incurred no material merger-related expenses.
Two putative stockholder class action lawsuits have been filed by purported TIER stockholders challenging the disclosures made in connection with the Merger. The lawsuits seek to enjoin the Merger, to recover damages if the Merger is consummated, attorney's fees, and other relief. Additional lawsuits arising out of the Merger may be filed in the future. For a more detailed description of litigation in connection with the Merger, see note 9 to the financial statements.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
The following table sets forth information as of March 31, 20192020 with respect to our outstanding contractual obligations and commitments (in thousands):
 Total Less than 1 Year 1-3 Years 3-5 Years More than 5 years Total Less than 1 Year 1-3 Years 3-5 Years More than 5 years
Contractual Obligations:                    
Company debt:                    
Term Loan $56,400
 $
 $
 $56,400
 $
Unsecured Senior Notes 350,000
 
 
 
 350,000
Unsecured Credit Facility 250,000
 
 250,000
 
 
Unsecured credit facility (1) $
 $
 $
 $
 $
Unsecured senior notes 1,000,000
 
 
 
 1,000,000
Term loan 250,000
 
 250,000
 
 
Mortgage notes payable 464,653
 8,287
 45,083
 105,316
 305,967
 689,743
 11,850
 118,769
 332,242
 226,882
Interest commitments (1)(2) 222,833
 40,566
 77,277
 52,792
 52,198
 417,824
 61,740
 114,325
 98,543
 143,216
Ground leases 226,033
 2,904
 11,990
 5,318
 205,821
 224,400
 3,567
 12,283
 5,391
 203,159
Other operating leases 449
 239
 207
 3
 
 342
 187
 155
 
 
Total contractual obligations $1,570,368
 $51,996
 $384,557
 $219,829
 $913,986
 $2,582,309
 $77,344
 $495,532
 $436,176
 $1,573,257
Commitments:                    
Unfunded tenant improvements and construction obligations $95,125
 $90,971
 $4,154
 $
 $
 $237,100
 $192,464
 $44,636
 $
 $
Performance bonds 556
 530
 26
 
 
 1,102
 1,095
 7
 
 
Total commitments $95,681
 $91,501
 $4,180
 $
 $
 $238,202
 $193,559
 $44,643
 $
 $
(1)As of March 31, 2020, the entire $1.0 billion borrowing capacity was available to us under our Credit Facility.
(2)Interest on variable rate obligations is based on rates effective as of March 31, 2019.2020.
In addition, we have several standing or renewable service contracts mainly related to the operation of buildings. These contracts are in the ordinary course of business and are generally one year or less. These contracts are not included in the above table and are usually reimbursed in whole or in part by tenants.


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Other Debt Information
Our existing mortgage debt is primarily non-recourse, fixed-rate mortgage notes secured by various real estate assets. Many of our non-recourse mortgages contain covenants which, if not satisfied, could result in acceleration of the maturity of the debt. We expect to either refinance the non-recourse mortgages at maturity or repay the mortgages with proceeds from asset sales, debt, or other capital sources.
Over 75%85% of our debt bears interest at a fixed rate. Our variable-interest debt instruments, including our Credit Facility and $250 million term loan, may use London Interbank Offering Rate ("LIBOR") as a benchmark for establishing the rate. LIBOR is the subject of recent regulatory guidance and proposals for reform.reform and in July 2017, the Financial Conduct Authority (the authority that regulates LIBOR) announced it intends to stop compelling banks to submit rates for the calculation of LIBOR after 2021. These reforms may cause LIBOR to no longer be provided or to perform differently than in the past. If LIBOR is no longer widely available, or otherwise at our option, our variable-interest debt instruments, including our Credit Facility and term loan facilities, provide for alternate interest rate calculations. For additional information, please refer
There can be no assurances as to Item 3, "Quantitativewhat alternative interest rates may be and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk", for additional informationwhether such interest rates will be more or less favorable than LIBOR and any other unforeseen impacts of the potential discontinuation of LIBOR. The Company intends to continue monitoring the developments with respect to the potential phasing out of LIBOR after 2021 and work with its lenders to ensure any transition away from LIBOR will have minimal impact on its financial condition, but can provide no assurances regarding interest rate risk.

the impact of the discontinuation of LIBOR.
Future Capital Requirements
To meet capital requirements for future investment activities over the long term, we intend to actively manage our portfolio of properties, generating internal cash flows, and strategically sell assets. We expect to continue to utilize indebtedness to fund future commitments, if available and under appropriate terms. We may also seek equity capital and capital from joint venture partners to implement our strategy.
Our business model is dependent upon raising or recycling capital to meet obligations and to fund development and acquisition activity. If one or more sources of capital are not available when required, we may be forced to reduce the number of projects we acquire

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or develop and/or raise capital on potentially unfavorable terms, or we may be unable to raise capital, which could have an adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.
Cash Flows Summary
We report and analyze our cash flows based on operating activities, investing activities, and financing activities. The following table sets forth the changes in cash flows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended March 31,
2019 2018 Change2020 2019 Change
Net cash provided by operating activities$44,501
 $20,906
 $23,595
$12,964
 $44,501
 $(31,537)
Net cash used in investing activities(70,698) (82,813) 12,115
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities417,784
 (70,698) 488,482
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities27,128
 (34,501) 61,629
(321,777) 27,128
 (348,905)
The reasons for significant increases and decreases in cash flows between the periods are as follows:
Cash Flows from Operating Activities. Cash flows from operating activities increased $23.6decreased $31.5 million between the 20192020 and 20182019 three month periods primarily due to 2019 development feesa larger decrease in operating liabilities, specifically accrued property taxes and accrued interest, in 2020. This is partially offset by an increase in net cash received related to the NS transactions; increased occupancy rates at Northpark, Corporate Center, 111 Congress, and 816 Congress; and the commencementfrom operations of operations at the second and final phase of Spring & 8thproperties acquired in the fourth quarterMerger in June 2019, of 2018 and at 1200 Peachtree, which was acquired in March 2019, and of Terminus, which was consolidated in the first quarter of 2019.October 2019 when we purchased our partner's interest in TOH.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities. Cash flows from investing activities increased $12.1$488.5 million between the 20192020 and 20182019 three month periods primarily due to an increasecash received from the sales of the Hearst Tower and Woodcrest operating properties, combined with the sales of our interests in proceeds from investment property salesthe Gateway Village and a decrease in contributions to unconsolidatedWildwood Associates joint ventures partially offset by an increase in acquisition and development expenses.ventures.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities. Cash flows from financing activities increased $61.6decreased $348.9 million between the 20192020 and 20182019 three month periods primarily due to an increasea decrease in net borrowings under the credit facility.on our Credit Facility in 2020, which has no outstanding balance as of March 31, 2020.
Capital Expenditures. We incur costs related to our real estate assets that include acquisition of properties, development of new properties, redevelopment of existing or newly purchased properties, leasing costs for new or replacement tenants, and ongoing property repairs and maintenance.
Capital expenditures for assets we develop or acquire and then hold and operate are included in the property acquisition, development, and tenant asset expenditures line item within investing activities on the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. Amounts accrued are removed from the table below (accrued capital adjustment) to show the components of these costs on a cash basis. Components of costs included in this line item for the three months ended March 31, 20192020 and 20182019 are as follows (in thousands):

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Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended March 31,
2019 20182020 2019
Acquisition of property$82,120
 $
$
 $82,120
Development11,983
 12,573
22,037
 11,983
Operating — leasing costs6,647
 14,374
2,801
 6,647
Operating — building improvements2,330
 1,488
21,202
 2,330
Purchase of land held for investment6,512
 

 6,512
Capitalized interest1,015
 1,096
5,309
 1,015
Capitalized personnel costs1,093
 2,179
1,882
 1,093
Change in accrued capital expenditures11,085
 28,465
13,811
 11,085
Total property acquisition, development, and tenant asset expenditures$122,785
 $60,175
$67,042
 $122,785
Capital expenditures including capitalized interest, increased $62.6decreased $55.7 million between the 20192020 and 20182019 three month periods primarily due to the purchase of 1200 Peachtree and the purchase of land in the first quarter of 2019. This is partially offset by a decreaseincreases in spending for projects under development, tenant improvements, and leasing costscommissions and accrued capital expenditures.by increased capitalized interest related to the Domain development projects. Tenant improvements and leasing costs, as well as related capitalized personnel costs, are a function of the number and size of newly executed leases or renewals of existing leases. The amounts of tenant improvement and leasing costs for our office portfolio on a per square foot basis for the three months ended March 31, 20192020 and 20182019 were as follows:

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 2019 2018 2020 2019
New leases $1.82 $6.83 $12.33 $1.82
Renewal leases $4.74 $5.40 $6.58 $4.74
Expansion leases $7.29 $7.16 $8.28 $7.29
The amounts of tenant improvement and leasing costs on a per square foot basis vary by lease and by market. During the first quarter of 2019, the Company executed a new full-building lease at 1200 Peachtree with SouthernNS that had lower than average tenant improvement and leasing costs.
Dividends. We paid common dividends of $27.3$42.6 million and $25.2$27.3 million in the 20192020 and 20182019 three month periods, respectively. We funded the common dividends with cash on hand and cash provided by operating activities. We expect to fund our future quarterly common dividends with cash provided by operating activities, also using proceeds from investment property sales, distributions from unconsolidated joint ventures, and indebtedness, if necessary.
On a quarterly basis, we review the amount of the common dividend in light of current and projected future cash flows from the sources noted above and also consider the requirements needed to maintain our REIT status. As a result of this review, in the first quarter of 2019, we declared a common dividend per share of $0.0725 which was an increase from the previous quarter's dividend of $0.065 per share. In addition, we have certain covenants under credit agreements which could limit the amount of common dividends paid. In general, common dividends of any amount can be paid as long as leverage, as defined in our credit agreements, is less than 60% and we are not in default. Certain conditions also apply in which we can still pay common dividends if leverage is above that amount. We routinely monitor the status of our common dividend payments in light of the covenants of our credit agreements.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
General. We have a number of off balance sheet joint ventures with varying structures, as described in note 68 of our 20182019 Annual Report on Form 10-K and note 5 of this Form 10-Q. The joint ventures in which we have an interest are involved in the ownership, acquisition, and/or development of real estate. A venture will fund capital requirements or operational needs with cash from operations or financing proceeds, if possible. If additional capital is deemed necessary, a venture may request a contribution from the partners, and we will evaluate such request.
Debt. At March 31, 2019,2020, our unconsolidated joint ventures had aggregate outstanding indebtedness to third parties of $341.4$185.8 million. These loans are generally mortgage or construction loans, most of which are non-recourse to us except as described in the paragraph below. In addition, in certain instances, we provide “non-recourse carve-out guarantees” on these non-recourse loans. Certain of these loans have variable interest rates, which creates exposure to the ventures in the form of market risk from interest rate changes.
We guarantee 12.5% of the loan amount related to the Carolina Square construction loan, which has a lending capacity of $79.8 million, and an outstanding balance of $74.6$76.1 million as of March 31, 2019.2020. At March 31, 2019,2020, we guaranteed $9.3$9.5 million of the amount outstanding.

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Critical Accounting Policies
There have been no material changes in the critical accounting policies from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.2019.
Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
There have been no material changes in the market risk associated with our notes payable at March 31, 20192020 compared to that as disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.2019.
Item 4.    Controls and Procedures.
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management necessarily applied

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its judgment in assessing the costs and benefits of such controls and procedures, which, by their nature, can provide only reasonable assurance regarding management’s control objectives.
As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer along with the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness, design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)). Based upon the foregoing, the Chief Executive Officer along with the Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective. In addition, based on such evaluation we have identified no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.    Legal Proceedings.
Information regarding legal proceedings is described under the subheading "Litigation" in note 910 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements set forth in this Form 10-Q.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Risk factors that affect our business and financial results are discussed in Part I, "Item 1A. Risk Factors," of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.2019. There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those previously disclosed in our Annual Report and our Quarterly Reports other than as set forth below. You should carefully consider the risks described in our Annual Report and below, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in our Annual Report and below are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, and/or operating results. If any of the risks actually occur, our business, financial condition, and/or results of operations could be negatively affected.
A pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of a contagious disease, such as the ongoing global pandemic of COVID-19, could adversely affect us.
Public health crises, pandemics, and epidemics, such as those caused by COVID-19, could have a material adverse effect on global, national, and local economies, as well as on our business and our tenants’ businesses. The Mergerpotential impact of a pandemic, epidemic, or outbreak of a contagious disease on our tenants and our properties is difficult to predict or assess. The extent to which the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, including the outbreaks in Atlanta, Austin, Charlotte, Phoenix, Tampa, and Dallas and actions taken to contain or slow them, impacts our operations and those of our tenants, will depend on future developments. These may include the scope, severity, and duration of the pandemic, and the actions taken to mitigate its impact, all of which are highly uncertain and unpredictable, but could be material. Considerable uncertainty surrounds the nature of COVID-19 and its potential effects, and the extent of and effectiveness of any responses taken on a national and local level to try to contain it. The long-term impact of COVID-19 on the U.S. and global economies is uncertain and could result in a world-wide economic downturn and recession that may lead to corporate bankruptcies among our tenants. Any of these developments, and other effects of the ongoing global pandemic of COVID-19 or any other pandemic, epidemic, or outbreak of contagious disease, could adversely affect us.
In addition to the general economic impact of a pandemic, epidemic, or outbreak of a contagious disease, if an outbreak of COVID-19 occurs within the workforce of our tenants or otherwise disrupts their management and other personnel, the business and operating results of our tenants could be negatively impacted. Large-scale “shelter in place” or “stay safe” executive orders in Atlanta, Austin, Charlotte, Phoenix, Tampa, or Dallas, where we have high concentrations of our lease revenues, could cause many of our tenants, including retailers and restaurants, to stay closed for an extended period of time. The negative impact upon our tenants may include an immediate reduction in cash flow available to pay rent under our leases, and although various governmental financial programs may mitigate this, governmental assistance may not be completed on the termsavailable to all affected tenants or timeline currently contemplated, or at all.
The completion of the Merger is subjectmay be significantly delayed. In turn, our tenants' inability to certain conditions, including: (i) approval bypay rent under our common stockholders of the issuance of our common stock and approval by the TIER common stockholders of the Merger; (ii) approval for listing on the NYSE of our common stock to be issued in the Merger; (iii) the absence of an injunction or law prohibiting the Merger; (iv) accuracy of each party’s representations, subject in most cases to materiality or material adverse effect qualifications, and receipt by each party of a certificate to such effect; (v) material compliance with each party’s covenants; (vi) receipt by us and TIER of an opinion to the effect that the Merger will qualify as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code and of an opinion that we and TIER will qualify as a REIT under the Code; and (vii) effectiveness of the registration statement that will contain the joint proxy statement/prospectus sent to our stockholders and TIER stockholders. We cannot provide assurances that the Merger will be consummated on the terms or timeline currently contemplated, or at all.
The pendency of the Mergerleases could adversely affect our businessown liquidity, and operations.
In connection withthere can be no guarantee that additional liquidity will be readily available or available on favorable terms in the pending Merger, somefuture. Large-scale executive orders and other measures taken to curb the spread of COVID-19 may also negatively impact the ability of our customersproperties to continue to obtain necessary goods and services or vendorsprovide adequate staffing, which may delay or defer decisions, which could negatively impact our revenues, earnings, cash flows and expenses, regardless of whether the Merger is completed. In addition, due to restrictive operating covenants in the Merger Agreement, we may be unable, during the pendency of the Merger, to pursue strategic transactions, undertake significant capital projects, undertake certain significant financing transactions, enter into new development agreements and otherwise pursue other actions, even if such actions would prove beneficial.
Failure to complete the Merger couldalso adversely affect our stock priceoperating results and future businessreputation. Any increased costs or lost revenue as a result of tenant financial difficulty, or their need to comply with executive orders and financial results.
Ifother guidance from the Merger isCenters for Disease Control and Prevention, may not completed,be fully recoverable under our ongoing business may be adversely affected and we will be subject to numerous risks, including the following:
having to pay substantial costs relatingleases or adequately covered by insurance, which could impact our profitability. In addition to the Merger, such as legal, accounting, financial advisor, filing printing and mailing fees, and integration costs that have already been incurredpotential consequences listed above, these same factors may cause prospective tenants to delay their leasing decisions or will continueto lease less space. Even after the pandemic has ceased to be incurred untilactive, the closingprevalence of work-from-home policies during the Merger;
our management focusing onpandemic may alter tenant preferences in the Merger instead of pursuing other opportunities that could be beneficial to us without realizing any of the benefits of having the Merger completed; and
reputational harm duelong term with respect to the adverse perception of any failure to successfully complete the Merger.demand for leasing office space.
If the Merger is not completed, we cannot assure our stockholders that these risks will not materialize and will not materially affect our business, financial results, and stock price.
Our stockholders will be diluted by the Merger.
The Merger will dilute the ownership position of our stockholders. Upon completion of the Merger, our legacy stockholders will own approximately 72% of the issued and outstanding shares of our common stock, and legacy TIER stockholders will own approximately 28% of the issued and outstanding shares of our common stock. The issued and outstanding shares of our preferred stock will not change in connection with the completion of the Merger, but on the limited matters upon which our preferred stock may vote, it generally votes as a single class with the holders of Cousins common stock. Consequently, our stockholders, as a general matter, will have less influence over our management and policies after the effective time of the Merger than they currently exercise over our management and policies.


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Litigation filed or that may be filed against us, TIER, and/or members of each board of directors could prevent or delay the consummation of the Merger.
Two putative stockholder class action lawsuits have been filed by purported TIER stockholders challenging the disclosures made in connection with the Merger. The lawsuits seek to enjoin the Merger, to recover damages if the Merger is consummated, attorney's fees, and other relief. Additional lawsuits arising out of the Merger may be filed in the future. For a more detailed description of litigation in connection with the Merger, see note 9 to the financial statemets.
The outcome of these lawsuits or any other lawsuit that may be filed challenging the Merger is uncertain. One of the conditions to the closing of the Merger is that no governmental authority has issued or entered any order after the date of the Merger Agreement having the effect of enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the consummation of the Merger. Accordingly, if these lawsuits or any future lawsuit is successful in obtaining any order enjoining consummation of the Merger, then such order may prevent the Merger from being consummated, or from being consummated within the expected time frame, and could result in substantial costs to TIER and us, including but not limited to, costs associated with the indemnification of directors and officers. Any such injunction or delay in the Merger being completed may adversely affect TIER's or our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
Following the Merger, the composition of our Board of Directors will be different than the composition of our current Board of Directors.
The Merger Agreement provides that, as of the effective time of the Merger, our Board of Directors will consist of eleven members, including nine individuals who are current members of the Board of Directors. Upon closing, two members of our Board of Directors of TIER, Scott W. Fordham and one additional independent member on the Board of Directors of TIER to be mutually agreed upon by the parties, will be appointed to our Board of Directors.
Our future results will suffer if we do not effectively manage our operations following the Merger.
Following the Merger, we may continue to expand our operations through additional acquisitions, development opportunities and other strategic transactions, some of which involve complex challenges. Our future success will depend, in part, upon our ability to manage our expansion opportunities, which poses substantial challenges for us to integrate new operations into our existing business in an efficient and timely manner, and to successfully monitor our operations, costs, regulatory compliance and service quality, and to maintain other necessary internal controls. We cannot assure you that our expansion or acquisition opportunities will be successful, or that they will realize their expected operating efficiencies, cost savings, revenue enhancements, synergies or other benefits.

Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
For information on our equity compensation plans, see note 15 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, and note 12 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements set forth in this Form 10-Q. We did not make any sales of unregistered securities during the first quarter of 2019.2020.
We purchased the following common shares during the first quarter of 2019:2020:
Total Number of Shares Purchased (1) Average Price Paid per Share (1)Total Number of Shares Purchased (1) Average Price Paid per Share (1)
January 1 - 3129,616
 $8.82
7,940
 $41.31
February 1 - 2860,364
 8.99
February 1 - 2940,917
 41.57
March 1 - 31
 
481
 34.33
89,980
 $8.94
49,338
 $41.46
(1) Activity for the first quarter of 20192020 related to the remittancesremittance of shares for income taxes associated with restricted stock vestings. For information on our equity compensation plans, see note 13 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K,vesting and note 10 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements set forth in this Form 10-Q.

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Item 5.    Other Information.
Results of 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
On April 23, 2019, the Company held its annual meeting of stockholders. Proxies for the meeting were solicited pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The following matters were submitted to a vote of the stockholders:
Proposal 1 - the votes regarding the election of nine directors for a term expiring in 2020 were as follows:
Name For Against Abstentions Broker Non-Votes
Charles T. Cannada 377,189,838
 6,626,924
 192,487
 11,255,083
Edward M. Casal 379,341,250
 4,474,335
 193,664
 11,255,083
Robert M. Chapman 378,551,287
 5,265,841
 192,121
 11,255,083
M. Colin Connolly 381,595,827
 2,220,478
 192,944
 11,255,083
Lawrence L. Gellerstedt, III 379,474,147
 4,105,457
 429,645
 11,255,083
Lillian C. Giornelli 373,776,682
 10,042,757
 189,810
 11,255,083
S. Taylor Glover 379,024,655
 4,789,347
 195,247
 11,255,083
Donna W. Hyland 376,920,915
 6,898,446
 189,888
 11,255,083
R. Dary Stone 378,014,564
 5,801,290
 193,395
 11,255,083
Proposal 2 - the advisory votes on executive compensation, often referred to as "say on pay," were as follows:
For Against Abstentions Broker Non-Votes
373,358,623
 10,422,971
 227,655
 11,255,083
Proposal 3 - the votes to approve the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Stock Plan were as follows:
For Against Abstentions Broker Non-Votes
377,193,233
 6,666,369
 149,647
 11,255,083
Proposal 4 - the votes to ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company's independent registered public accountant firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019 were as follows:
For Against Abstentions
386,451,524
 8,615,360
 197,448
On April 23, 2019, the Company's stockholders approved the Cousins Properties Incorporated 2019 Omnibus Incentive Stock Plan (the “Plan”). The Plan was authorized and approved by the Company’s Board of Directors on February 5, 2019, subject to approval by the Registrant’s stockholders at the 2019 annual meeting of stockholders. The numberremittance of shares for income taxes and strike price associated with the exercise of our commonfully vested stock available for issuance pursuant to awards under the Plan is 15,000,000 shares. The Plan expires on April 23, 2029. The foregoing description of the terms and conditions of the Plan is qualified in its entirety by reference to the terms and conditions of the Plan, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 hereto and is incorporated herein by reference.options.


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Item 6. Exhibits.
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 †
 †
 †
   
 †
   
 †
   
 †
   
101 †The following financial information for the Registrant, formatted in inline XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the condensed consolidated balance sheets, (ii) the condensed consolidated statements of operations, (iii) the condensed consolidated statements of equity, (iv) the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows, and (v) the notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
104 †Cover page interactive data file (formatted as inline XBRL with applicable taxonomy extension information contained in Exhibit 101).




 † Filed herewith.


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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
COUSINS PROPERTIES INCORPORATED
 
  /s/ Gregg D. Adzema
 Gregg D. Adzema 
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer) 
Date: May 9, 2019April 30, 2020




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