CUZ US Equity☆

Item 7.Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the selected financial data and the consolidated financial statements and notes.

Overview of 2023 Performance and Company and Industry Trends

Our strategy is to create value for our stockholders through ownership of the premier office portfolio in Sun Belt markets of the United States, with a particular focus on Atlanta, Austin, Tampa, Charlotte, Phoenix, Dallas, and Nashville. This strategy is based on a disciplined approach to capital allocation that includes opportunistic acquisitions, selective development, and timely dispositions of non-core assets, with a goal of maintaining a portfolio of newer and more efficient properties with lower capital expenditure requirements. To implement this disciplined approach, we maintain a simple, flexible, and low-leveraged balance sheet, which allows us to pursue compelling growth opportunities at the most advantageous points in the cycle. We utilize our strong local operating platforms within each of our major markets to implement this strategy.

During 2023, we completed two financial transactions. In April 2023, we entered into a floating-to-fixed interest rate swap on $200 million of our $400 million Term Loan with an original maturity of March 2025, fixing the underlying daily Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") at 4.298% through maturity. In May 2023, we refinanced the mortgage loan for our Medical Offices at Emory Hospital property in Atlanta, which is owned in a 50-50 joint venture with Emory University. The new $83 million mortgage loan matures in June 2032 and has a fixed interest rate of 4.80%. The proceeds were used to pay off the existing $62 million mortgage that matured on June 1, 2023.

We were able to complete the above financing transactions in a challenging debt market. As the Federal Reserve has continued to work toward managing inflation, in part by raising short-term interest rates, we have been subject to increasing costs for a portion of our borrowed capital. This is mitigated by our strategy of maintaining a relatively low-levered balance sheet; however, the impact of potential higher inflation and interest rates, if any, is uncertain.

In September 2023, we sold a 10.4 acre land parcel outside of Atlanta for a gross sales price of $4.25 million and recorded a gain of $507,000.

During 2023, we leased or renewed 1.7 million square feet of office space. Our operating portfolio was 90.9% percent leased as of December 31, 2023 and the weighted average economic occupancy during the fourth quarter of 2023 was 87.6%. The weighted average net effective rent per square foot, representing base rent excluding operating expense reimbursements and leasing costs, for new or renewed non-amenity leases with terms greater than one year signed in 2023, was $24.56 per square foot. Cash-basis net effective rent per square foot increased 5.8% on spaces that had been previously occupied in the past year. Cash-basis net effective rent represents net rent at the end of the term paid by the prior tenant compared to the net rent at the beginning of the term paid by the current tenant. Our same property net operating income for the year increased 5.0% on a straight-line basis and increased 4.2% on a cash-basis.

Even amidst economic headwinds, we believe the Sun Belt, and in particular the seven Sun Belt markets in which we own properties, will continue to outperform the broader office sector evidenced by a clear bifurcation between Sun Belt and Gateway market fundamentals. In addition, as the flight to quality trend accelerates among office users, we believe our trophy portfolio is well positioned to benefit from, and ultimately outperform in, the current real estate environment.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP as outlined in the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC"), and the notes to consolidated financial statements include a summary of the significant accounting policies for the Company. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires the use of certain estimates, a change in which could materially affect revenues, expenses, assets, or liabilities. Some of our accounting policies are considered to be critical accounting policies, which are ones that are both important to the portrayal of our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows, and ones that also require significant judgment or complex estimation processes. Our critical accounting policies are as follows:

Revenue Recognition

Most of our revenues are derived from operating leases and are reflected as rental property revenues on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Several judgments and estimates are included in the rental property revenue recognition process including the determination of lease term, ownership of tenant improvements, lease modifications, and lease terminations.

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Revenues derived from fixed lease payments, which exclude certain rental property revenue such as percentage rent and revenue related to the recovery of certain operating expenses from our tenants, are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. We make significant assumptions and judgments in determining the lease term, including the judgments involved as to when a tenant has the right to use an underlying asset and assumptions when the lease provides the tenant with an extension or early termination option.

Most of our leases involve some form of improvements to leased space. We make significant judgments in reviewing various factors to assist in determining whether we or our tenants own the improvements. Those factors include, but are not limited to, whether or not the:

•Lease agreement’s terms obligate the tenant to construct or install specifically-identified assets (i.e., the leasehold improvements);

•Tenant’s failure to make specified improvements is an event of default under which the landlord can require the lessee to make those improvements or otherwise enforce the landlord’s rights to those assets (or a monetary equivalent);

•Landlord must approve the plans prior to construction;

•Tenant is permitted to alter or remove the leasehold improvements without the landlord’s consent or without compensating the landlord for any lost utility or diminution in fair value;

•Tenant is required to provide the landlord with evidence supporting the cost of tenant improvements before the landlord pays the tenant for the tenant improvements;

•Landlord is obligated to fund cost overruns for the construction of leasehold improvements;

•Leasehold improvements are unique to the tenant or could reasonably be used by the lessor to lease to other parties; and

•Economic life of the leasehold improvements is such that a significant residual value of the assets is expected to accrue to the benefit of the landlord at the end of the lease term.

If we determine the improvements are our assets, we capitalize the cost of the improvements and recognize depreciation expense associated with such improvements over the shorter of the estimated useful life or the term of the lease. Any portion of our asset funded by a tenant is recorded as deferred revenue to be recognized in rental over the term of the lease on a straight-line basis. If the improvements are tenant assets, we defer the cost of improvements funded by us as a lease incentive asset and amortize it as a reduction of rental revenue over the term of the lease. Our determination of whether improvements are our assets or tenants' assets also affects when we commence revenue recognition in connection with a lease.

We periodically enter into amendments to our leases. When a lease is amended, we need to determine whether (i) an additional right of use not included in the original lease is being granted as a result of the modification and (ii) there is an increase in the lease payments that is commensurate with the standalone price for the additional right of use. If both of those conditions are met, the amendment is accounted for as a separate contract. If both of those conditions are not met, the amendment is accounted for as a lease modification. Most of our lease amendments result in a lease modification of our operating leases which will likely require us to reassess both the lease term and fixed lease payments, including considering any prepaid or accrued lease rentals relating to the original lease as a part of the lease payments for the modified lease.

Tenants sometimes negotiate to terminate their lease prior to the end of the lease term. Such negotiations generally require payment of a termination fee that reimburses us for a portion of the remaining rent under the original lease term and the undepreciated lease inception costs such as commissions, tenant improvements, and lease incentives. Termination fee income, included in rental property revenue, is recognized on a straight-line basis from the date of the executed termination agreement through lease expiration when the amount of the fee is determinable and collectability of the fee is reasonably assured. This fee income is adjusted on a straight-line basis by any accrued straight-line rent receivable and any above- or below-market lease intangible assets or liabilities related to the lease projected at the date of tenant vacancy.

Real Estate Carrying Value

The carrying values of our real estate assets are subject to several processes that involve a significant use of judgments and estimates. Those processes primarily include (i) purchase price allocations for acquired assets, (ii) depreciation and amortization, and (iii) impairment. The judgments and estimates used in each of these processes have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

Purchase Price Allocations for Acquired Assets

We evaluate all real estate acquisitions to determine if the transactions qualify as an acquisition of assets or of a business including cases in which we acquire a pool of properties of varying property types in different markets. For purposes of this review, we separate the assets acquired based on their unique and different risk characteristics, which may be by

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property type, geographic concentration, or other factors. If we determine that substantially all of the fair value is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar assets, generally 90% of total fair value of assets acquired, we account for the acquisition as an acquisition of assets. If we determine that there is no single or group of assets that make up substantially all of the fair value of assets acquired, we then evaluate whether the acquired set of assets includes an input and substantial process which create an output. If we determine that an input and substantial process creating an output are present, we account for the acquisition as an acquisition of a business. We use considerable judgment in determining whether the acquisition of a pool of assets is an acquisition of assets or of a business. Because acquisition costs are expensed for an acquisition of a business and capitalized for an acquisition of assets, results of operations could be materially different based on our determinations.

For acquisitions that are accounted for as an acquisition of an asset, we record the acquired tangible and intangible assets and assumed liabilities based on each asset and liability's relative fair value at the acquisition date to the total purchase price plus capitalized acquisition costs. For acquisitions that are accounted for as an acquisition of a business, we record the acquired tangible and intangible assets and assumed liabilities based on each asset and liability's relative fair value at the acquisition date to the total purchase price. Fair value is based on estimated cash flow projections that utilize available market information and discount and/or capitalization rates as appropriate. Estimates of future cash flows are based on a number of factors including historical operating results, known and anticipated trends, and market and economic conditions. The acquired assets and assumed liabilities for an acquired operating property generally include, but are not limited to: land, buildings, and identified tangible and intangible assets and liabilities associated with in-place leases, including tenant improvements, leasing costs, value of above-market and below-market leases, and value of acquired in-place leases.

The fair value of the above-market or below-market component of an acquired lease is based upon the present value (calculated using a market discount rate) of the difference between the contractual rents to be paid pursuant to the lease over its remaining term and management’s estimate of the rents that would be paid using fair market rental rates and rent escalations at the date of acquisition over the remaining term of the lease. An identifiable intangible asset or liability is recorded if there is an above-market or below-market lease at an acquired property. The amounts recorded for above-market leases are included in other assets on the balance sheets, and the amounts for below-market leases are included in other liabilities on the balance sheets. These amounts are amortized on a straight-line basis as an adjustment to rental income over the remaining term of the applicable leases.

The fair value of acquired in-place leases is derived based on our assessment of lost revenue and costs incurred for the period required to lease the “assumed vacant” property to the occupancy level when purchased. This fair value is based on a variety of considerations including, but not necessarily limited to: (i) the value associated with avoiding the cost of originating the acquired in-place leases; (ii) the value associated with lost revenue related to tenant reimbursable operating costs estimated to be incurred during the assumed lease-up period; and (iii) the value associated with lost rental revenue from existing leases during the assumed lease-up period. Factors considered in performing these analyses include an estimate of the carrying costs during the expected lease-up periods, such as real estate taxes, insurance, and other operating expenses, current market conditions, and costs to execute similar leases, such as leasing commissions, legal, and other related expenses. The amounts recorded for in-place leases are included in intangible assets on the balance sheets. These amounts are amortized as an increase to depreciation and amortization expense over the remaining term of the applicable leases.

Depreciation and Amortization

We depreciate or amortize operating real estate assets over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method of depreciation. We use judgment when estimating the useful life of real estate assets and when allocating certain indirect project costs to projects under development, which are amortized over the useful life of the property once it becomes operational. Historical data, comparable properties, and replacement costs are some of the factors considered in determining useful lives and cost allocations.

Impairment

We review our real estate assets on an asset group basis for impairment. We identify an asset group based on the lowest level of identifiable cash flows and take into consideration such things as shared expenses and amenities. This review includes our operating properties, properties under development, and land holdings (including any capitalized predevelopment costs).

The first step in this process is for us to determine whether an asset is considered to be held-for-investment or held-for-sale. In order to be considered a real estate asset held-for-sale, we must, among other things, have the authority to commit to a plan to sell the asset in its current condition, have commenced the plan to sell the asset, and have determined that it is probable that the asset will sell within one year. If we determine that an asset is held-for-sale, we record an impairment if the

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fair value less costs to sell is less than the carrying amount. All real estate assets not meeting the held-for-sale criteria are considered to be held-for-investment.

In the impairment analysis for assets held-for-investment, we must determine whether there are indicators of impairment. For operating properties, these indicators could include a reduction in our estimated hold period, a significant decline in a property’s leasing percentage, a current period operating loss or negative cash flows combined with a history of losses at the property, a significant decline in lease rates for that property or others in the property’s market, a significant change in the market value of the property, or an adverse change in the financial condition of significant tenants. For land holdings, indicators could include an overall decline in the market value of land in the region, a decline in development activity for the intended use of the land, or other adverse economic and market conditions. For projects under development, indicators could include material budget overruns without a corresponding funding source, significant delays in construction, occupancy, or stabilization timing, regulatory changes or economic trends that have a significant impact on the market, or an adverse change in the financial condition of a significant future tenant.

If we determine that an asset that is held-for-investment has indicators of impairment, we must determine whether the undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset exceed the carrying amount of the asset. If the undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, we reduce the carrying amount of the asset to fair value.

In calculating the undiscounted net cash flows of an asset, we must estimate a number of inputs. We must estimate future rental rates, future capital expenditures, future operating expenses, and market capitalization rates for residual values, among other things. In addition, if there are alternative strategies for the future use of the asset, we assess the probability of each alternative strategy and perform a probability-weighted undiscounted cash flow analysis to assess the recoverability of the asset. We use considerable judgment in determining the alternative strategies and in assessing the probability of each strategy selected.

In determining the fair value of an asset, we exercise judgment on a number of factors. We may determine fair value by using an undiscounted cash flow calculation or by utilizing comparable market information. We must determine an appropriate discount rate to apply to the cash flows in the undiscounted cash flow calculation. We use judgment in analyzing comparable market information because no two real estate assets are identical in location and price. The estimates and judgments used in the impairment process are highly subjective and susceptible to frequent change.

In addition to our real estate assets, we review each of our investments in unconsolidated joint ventures for impairment. As part of this analysis, we first determine whether there are any indicators of impairment at any property held in a joint venture investment. If indicators of impairment are present for any of our investments in joint ventures, we calculate the fair value of the investment. If the fair value of the investment is less than the carrying value of the investment, we determine whether the impairment is temporary or other than temporary. If we assess the impairment to be temporary, we do not record an impairment charge. If we conclude that the impairment is other than temporary, we record an impairment charge. We use considerable judgment in the determination of whether there are indicators of impairment present and in the assumptions, estimations, and inputs used in calculating the fair value of the investment.

Development Cost Capitalization

We are involved in all stages of real estate ownership, including development and redevelopment. Prior to the point at which a project becomes probable of being developed (defined as more likely than not), we expense predevelopment costs. After we determine a project is probable, all subsequently-incurred predevelopment costs, as well as interest and real estate taxes on qualifying assets and certain internal personnel and associated costs directly related to the project under development or redevelopment, are capitalized in accordance with accounting rules. If we abandon development or redevelopment of a project that had earlier been deemed probable, we charge all previously capitalized costs to expense. If this occurs, our predevelopment expenses could rise significantly. The determination of whether a project is probable requires judgment. If we determine that a project is probable, interest, general and administrative, and other expenses could be materially different than if we determine the project is not probable.

During the predevelopment period of a probable project and the period in which a project is under construction, we capitalize all direct and indirect costs associated with planning, developing, and constructing the project. Determination of what costs constitute direct and indirect project costs requires us, in some cases, to exercise judgment. If we determine certain costs to be direct or indirect project costs, amounts recorded in projects under development on the balance sheet and amounts recorded in general and administrative and other expenses on the statements of operations could be materially different than if we determine these costs are not directly or indirectly associated with the project.

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Once a certain project is constructed and ready for occupancy, carrying costs, such as real estate taxes, interest, internal personnel costs, and associated costs, are expensed as incurred. Determination of when construction of a project is held available for occupancy requires judgment. We consider projects and/or project phases to be held for occupancy at the earlier of the date on which the project or phase reaches economic occupancy of 90% or one year from cessation of major construction activity, which may occur prior to economic stabilization. Our judgment of the date the project is held for occupancy has a direct impact on our operating expenses and net income for the period.

Results of Operations For The Year Ended December 31, 2023

General

Net income available to common stockholders for the years ended 2023 and 2022 was $83.0 million and $166.8 million, respectively. We detail below material changes in the components of net income available to common stockholders for the year ended 2023 compared to 2022.

See "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Results of Operations" from our 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a comparison of 2022 to 2021 financial results.

Rental Property Revenues and Rental Property Operating Expenses

The following results include the performance of our Same Property portfolio. Our Same Property portfolio includes office properties that were stabilized and owned by us for the entirety of each comparable reporting period presented. Same Property amounts for the 2023 versus 2022 comparison are from properties that were stabilized and owned as of January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2023.

We use Net Operating Income ("NOI"), a non-GAAP financial measure, to assess the operating performance of our properties. NOI is also widely used by industry analysts and investors to evaluate performance. NOI, which is rental property revenues (excluding termination fees) less rental property operating expenses, excludes certain components from net income in order to provide results that are more closely related to a property's results of operations. Certain items, such as interest expense, while included in net income, do not affect the operating performance of a real estate asset and are often incurred at the corporate level as opposed to the property level. As a result, we use only those income and expense items that are incurred at the property level to evaluate a property's performance. Depreciation, amortization, gains or losses on sales of depreciated investment assets, and impairment are also excluded from NOI. Same Property NOI allows analysts, investors, and management to analyze continuing operations and evaluate the growth trend of our portfolio.

Consolidated rental property revenues, rental property operating expenses, and NOI changed between the 2023 and 2022 periods as follows ($ in thousands):

Year Ended December 31,

Rental Property Revenues

Rental Property Operating Expenses

Net Operating Income

Same Property Revenues increased $25.5 million, or 3.6%, between 2023 and 2022 primarily due to an increase in economic occupancy at our Domain and Buckhead Plaza office properties and related increases in revenues recognized from tenant-funded improvements owned by us. Our tenants are increasingly funding capital improvements at our buildings in

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excess of their tenant improvement allowances as they trend toward highly amenitized and creative office spaces to attract employees back into the office.

Same Property Operating Expenses increased $2.1 million, or 0.8%, between 2023 and 2022 primarily due to an increase in economic occupancy at our Domain and Buckhead Plaza office properties and increased operating expenses at our 3350 Peachtree office property as we completed a partial redevelopment of the property in 2023.

Non-Same Property Revenues and operating expenses increased between 2023 and 2022 primarily due to operations at our 100 Mill and Heights Union operating properties as they reached stabilization in 2022 and commencement of operations following a full building redevelopment project at our Promenade Central operating property in November 2022. These increases are partially offset by a decrease in revenues related to the write-down of net assets associated with SVB Financial Group's ("SVB Financial") bankruptcy and the impact of the rejection in bankruptcy of SVB Financial's lease at our Hayden Ferry 1 operating property. For more information related to this write-down, see note 13 to the consolidated financial statements in this Form 10-K. Hayden Ferry 1 was moved to Non-Same Property during 2023 due to the removal of the property from operations for a full building redevelopment in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Termination Fee Income increased $4.9 million, or 198.0%, between 2023 and 2022 and is recorded based on the timing of termination notices or negotiated agreements and expected move outs. The increase in termination fee income is driven by an increase in negotiated early terminations that were largely contemporaneous with the timing of leases executed with replacement tenants for the same leased space.

Fee Income

Fee income decreased $4.7 million, or 77.6%, between 2023 and 2022 primarily due to the completion of the Norfolk Southern transactions during the third quarter of 2022. The Norfolk Southern transactions are described in further detail in note 13 to the consolidated financial statements in this Form 10-K.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses increased $4.0 million, or 14.2%, between 2023 and 2022 primarily due to increases in stock compensation expense and an increase in expenses related to annual performance-based compensation paid in cash.

Interest Expense

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized, increased $32.9 million, or 45.4%, between 2023 and 2022 primarily due to increases in the interest rates on our variable rate debt which rose from a weighted average rate of 5.43% at December 31, 2022 to 6.39% as of December 31, 2023. In addition, the issuance of the 2022 Term Loan in October 2022, refinancing of the mortgage loans on our Terminus operating properties in December 2022, and a higher average balance on our line of credit in 2023 resulted in increased interest expenses in 2023.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization changed between the 2023 and 2022 periods as follows ($ in thousands):

Year Ended December 31,

Depreciation and Amortization

Same Property depreciation and amortization increased between 2023 and 2022 primarily due to the timing of accelerated depreciation related to the shortening of estimated useful lives of lease-related assets, including tenant improvements, resulting from early termination of leases and an increase in tenant improvements being placed into service.

Non-Same Property depreciation and amortization increased between 2023 and 2022 primarily due to increased depreciation at our 100 Mill and Heights Union operating properties as they reached stabilization in 2022 and at our Promenade Central operating property following a full building redevelopment project completed in November 2022.

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Income and Net Operating Income from Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

Income from unconsolidated joint ventures consisted of the following in 2023 and 2022 ($ in thousands):

Year Ended December 31,

Income from unconsolidated joint ventures $ 2,299 $ 7,700 $ (5,401) (70.1) %

Gain on sale of undepreciated property — (4,478) 4,478 100.0 %

Gain on sale of depreciated investment property, net — (81) 81 100.0 %

Net operating income:

Income from unconsolidated joint ventures decreased between 2023 and 2022 primarily due to gain on the sale of a land parcel by a joint venture in 2022 and decreases in income and depreciation and amortization as a result of the sale of our interest in the Carolina Square joint venture in September 2022.

Non-Same Property NOI from unconsolidated joint ventures decreased between 2023 and 2022 primarily due to the sale of our interest in the Carolina Square joint venture in September 2022.

Gain on Sales of Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures and Investment Properties

In September 2022, we sold our 50% joint venture interest in Carolina Square Holdings LP ("Carolina Square") for a gross sales price of $105.0 million and recognized a gain of $56.3 million on the sale.

Funds from Operations

The table below shows Funds from Operations Available to Common Stockholders (“FFO”), a non-GAAP financial measure, and the related reconciliation from net income available to common stockholders. We calculate FFO as defined by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts ("Nareit"), which is net income (loss) available to common stockholders (computed in accordance with GAAP), excluding extraordinary items, cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, and gains or losses from sales of depreciable real property, plus depreciation and amortization of real estate assets, impairment on depreciable investment property 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 an equity 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. Our management believes that 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 making comparisons of REIT operating results more meaningful. Our management evaluates operating performance in part based on FFO. Additionally, our management uses FFO and FFO per share, along with other measures, as a performance measure for incentive compensation to our officers and other key employees.

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The reconciliations of net income available to common stockholders to FFO and earnings per share to FFO per share are as follows for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 ($ in thousands, except per share information):

Year Ended December 31,

Noncontrolling interest related to unitholders 14 25 — 143 25 —

Conversion of unvested restricted stock units — 301 — — 281 —

Depreciation and amortization of real estate assets:

Partners' share of real estate depreciation (1,070) — (0.01) (794) — (0.01)

Loss (gain) on sale of depreciated properties:

Consolidated properties 2 — — 9 — —

Share of unconsolidated joint ventures — — — (81) — —

Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures — — — (56,267) — (0.37)

Net Operating Income

Company management evaluates the performance of its property portfolio in part based on NOI. NOI represents rental property revenues (excluding 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.

The following table reconciles net income to NOI for consolidated properties for each period ($ in thousands):

Year Ended December 31,

Income from unconsolidated joint ventures (2,299) (7,700)

Gain on sale of investment in unconsolidated joint ventures — (56,267)

Loss (gain) on investment property transactions (504) 9

Gain on extinguishment of debt — (169)

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary short-term and long-term liquidity needs include the following:

•property operating expenses;

•property and land acquisitions;

•expenditures on development and redevelopment projects;

•building improvements, tenant improvements, and leasing costs;

•principal and interest payments on indebtedness;

•general and administrative costs; and

•common stock dividends and distributions to outside unitholders of CPLP.

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.

Our material capital expenditure commitments for 2024 include $109.6 million of unfunded tenant improvements and development costs. As of December 31, 2023, we had $185.1 million drawn under our Credit Facility with the ability to borrow the remaining $814.9 million, as well as $6.0 million of cash and cash equivalents. We expect to have sufficient liquidity to meet our obligations for the foreseeable future.

Financial Condition

A key component of our strategy is to maintain a conservative balance sheet with leverage and liquidity that enables us to be positioned for future growth. In recent quarters, our leverage metrics which include net debt to EBITDAre (net income available to common stockholders plus interest expense, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization, losses (gains) on the disposition of depreciated property, and impairment), net debt to undepreciated assets, and net debt to total market capitalization, have consistently been among the strongest within our sector of public office REITs.

The following table sets forth information as of December 31, 2023 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

Contractual Obligations:

Company debt: (1)

Commitments:

(1)Amounts presented above assume we exercise all available extension options.

(2)Interest on variable rate obligations is based on balances and effective rates as of December 31, 2023.

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Credit Facility

Our $1 billion Credit Facility matures on April 30, 2027. The Credit Facility contains financial covenants that require, among other things, the maintenance of an unencumbered interest coverage ratio of at least 1.75x; a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.50x; a secured leverage ratio of no more than 50%; and an overall leverage ratio of no more than 60%. We are in compliance with all covenants of the Credit Facility.

The interest rate applicable to the Credit Facility varies according to our leverage ratio, and may, at our election, be determined based on either (1) the Daily SOFR or Term SOFR, plus a SOFR adjustment of 0.10% ("Adjusted SOFR") and a spread of between 0.90% and 1.40%, or (2) the greater of (i) Bank of America's prime rate, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.50%, (iii) Term SOFR, plus a SOFR adjustment of 0.10%, plus 1.00%, or (iv) 1.00%, plus a spread of between 0.00% and 0.40%, based on leverage. In addition to the interest rate, the Credit Facility is also subject to a facility fee of 0.15% to 0.30%, depending on leverage, on the entire $1 billion capacity.

We have elected to determine the interest rate based on the Daily SOFR, plus a SOFR adjustment of 0.10% and a spread of between 0.90% and 1.40%. At December 31, 2023, the Credit Facility's spread over Adjusted SOFR was 0.90%, and the facility fee spread was 0.15%. The amount that we may draw under the Credit Facility is a defined calculation based on our unencumbered assets and other factors. The total available borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility was $814.9 million at December 31, 2023. The amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility may be accelerated upon the occurrence of any events of default.

Term Loans

On October 3, 2022, we entered into the Delayed Draw Term Loan Agreement (the "2022 Term Loan") and borrowed the full $400 million available under the loan. The loan matures on March 3, 2025 with four consecutive options to extend the maturity date for an additional six months each. The interest rate provisions are the same as the 2021 Term Loan, and the covenants are the same as the Credit Facility. On April 19, 2023, we entered into a floating-to-fixed rate swap with respect to $200 million of the $400 million 2022 Term Loan through the maturity date of March 3, 2025. This swap fixed the underlying SOFR rate at 4.298% (see note 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements within this Form 10-K).

On June 28, 2021, we entered into an Amended and Restated Term Loan Agreement (the "2021 Term Loan") that amended the former term loan agreement. Under the 2021 Term Loan, we borrowed $350 million that matures on August 30, 2024 with four consecutive options to extend the maturity date for an additional 180 days each. On September 19, 2022, we entered into the First Amendment to the 2021 Term Loan. This amendment aligns covenants and available interest rates, including the addition of SOFR, to that of the Credit Facility. Under the terms of this First Amendment, the interest rate applicable to the 2021 Term Loan varies according to our leverage ratio and may, at our election, be determined based on either (1) the Daily SOFR or Term SOFR, plus a SOFR adjustment of 0.10% ("Adjusted SOFR") and a spread of between 1.05% and 1.65%, or (2) the greater of (i) Bank of America's prime rate, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.50%, (iii) Term SOFR, plus a SOFR adjustment of 0.10%, plus 1.00%, or (iv) 1.00%, plus a spread of between 0.05% and 0.65%, based on leverage. On September 27, 2022, we entered into a floating-to-fixed interest rate swap with respect to the $350 million 2021 Term Loan through the maturity date of August 30, 2024. This swap fixed the underlying SOFR rate at 4.234% (see note 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements within this Form 10-K).

We have elected to determine the interest rate based on the Daily SOFR, plus a SOFR adjustment of 0.10% and a spread of between 0.90% and 1.40%. At December 31, 2023, the Term Loans' spread over the underlying Adjusted SOFR rates was 1.05%.

Unsecured Senior Notes

At December 31, 2023, we had $1 billion in unsecured senior notes outstanding that were issued in five tranches with maturity dates that range from 2025 to 2029. The weighted average fixed interest rates on these notes is 3.91%.

The unsecured senior notes contain financial covenants that are consistent with those of our Credit Facility, with the exception of a secured leverage ratio of no more than 40%. The senior notes also contain customary representations and warranties, both affirmative and negative covenants, and customary events of default.

Secured Mortgage Notes

In December 2022, we refinanced the mortgages on our two Terminus properties in Atlanta with the existing lender. Under the new non-cross-collateralized mortgages, the maturities were extended from January 2023 to January 2031, the combined principal increased to $221.0 million from $178.9 million. The interest rate for each mortgage increased to 6.34%,

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from a combined weighted average interest rate of 4.67%. These mortgages are neither cross-collateralized nor cross-defaulted.

In October 2022, we paid off, in full, our Legacy Union One and Promenade Tower mortgages with remaining principal balances of $66.0 million and $86.3 million, respectively. These mortgages had interest rates of 4.24% and 4.27%, respectively.

As of December 31, 2023, we had $527.0 million outstanding on five non-recourse mortgage notes with a weighted average interest rate of 4.68%. All interest rates on the secured mortgage notes are fixed. Assets with depreciated carrying values of $888.4 million were pledged as security on these mortgage notes payable.

Joint Venture Commitments and Debt

We have a number of off balance sheet joint ventures with varying structures, as described in note 5 to our consolidated financial statements. The joint ventures in which we have an interest are involved in the ownership and/or development of real estate. A venture will fund capital requirements or operational needs with cash from operations or financing proceeds. If additional capital is deemed necessary, a venture may request a contribution from the partners, and we will evaluate such request. Except as previously discussed, based on the nature of the activities conducted in these ventures, management cannot estimate with any degree of accuracy amounts that we may be required to fund in the short- or long-term. However, management does not believe that additional funding of these ventures will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

At December 31, 2023, our unconsolidated joint ventures had aggregate outstanding indebtedness to third parties of $302.1 million. This debt represents mortgage or construction loans, all of which are non-recourse to us. In addition, in certain instances, we provide “non-recourse carve-out guarantees” on these non-recourse loans.

Other Debt Information

Our existing mortgage debt is solely non-recourse, fixed-rate mortgage notes secured by various real estate assets. We expect to either refinance our non-recourse mortgage loans at maturity or repay the mortgage loans with other capital sources, including our credit facility, unsecured debt, non-recourse mortgages, construction loans, the sale of assets, joint venture equity, the issuance of common stock, the issuance of preferred stock, or the issuance of units of CPLP. Many of our non-recourse mortgages contain covenants which, if not satisfied, could result in acceleration of the maturity of the debt.

We are in compliance with all covenants of our existing unsecured debt and non-recourse mortgages.

Future Capital Requirements

To meet capital requirements for future investment activities, we intend to actively manage our portfolio of properties and strategically sell assets to exit our non-core holdings and reposition our portfolio of income-producing assets. We also expect to continue to utilize cash retained from operations, as well as third-party sources of capital such as indebtedness, to fund future commitments and to utilize construction financing facilities for some development assets, if available and under appropriate terms. We may also generate capital through the issuance of securities that include common or preferred stock, warrants, debt securities, or the issuance of CPLP limited partnership units.

Our business model also includes raising or recycling capital which can assist in meeting obligations and funding 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 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

We report and analyze our cash flows based on operating activities, investing activities, and financing activities. Cash and cash equivalents totaled $6.0 million and $5.1 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. See "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Cash Flows" from our 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of the changes in cash flows between 2022 and 2021.

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The following table sets forth the changes in cash flows ($ in thousands):

Year Ended December 31, $ Change

The reasons for significant increases and decreases in cash flows between the periods are as follows:

Cash Flows from Operating Activities. Cash provided by operating activities increased $3.2 million between 2023 and 2022 primarily due to the timing of payments of operating liabilities and receipt of payments from tenants.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities. Cash used in investing activities decreased $38.8 million between 2023 and 2022. Cash used in investing activities was lower in 2023 primarily due to decreases in capital expenditures driven by the following: the Domain 9 development project nearing final phases of construction at the end of 2023; significant redevelopment activities in 2022 being completed in 2023; decreases in cash paid for building improvements; offset by increases in expenditures for tenant improvements; and other leasing costs in 2023. The net decrease in capital expenditures is in addition to a decrease in contributions to joint ventures as development activities at our Neuhoff project were increasingly funded by the joint venture's construction loan in 2023. These decreases are partially offset by a decrease in cash provided in 2023 related to the 2022 sale of our interest in Carolina Square.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities. Cash flows used in financing activities increased $36.0 million between 2023 and 2022. The increase in cash used is primarily driven by a reduction in proceeds from the 2022 issuance of common stock and issuance of the 2022 Term Loan. This increase is partially offset by a decrease in cash used in repayments of mortgage notes and a decrease in net repayments on our Credit Facility in 2023.

Capital Expenditures. We incur capital expenditures related to our real estate assets that include the acquisition of properties, the development of new properties, the redevelopment of existing or newly purchased properties, and direct leasing costs for new or replacement tenants.

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 statements of cash flows. Components of expenditures included in this line item for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows ($ in thousands):

Operating properties—building improvements 26,878 33,726

(1) Includes initial leasing costs.

Capital expenditures decreased $62.7 million between 2023 and 2022 primarily due to decreased development activities at our Domain 9 property as it nears final stages of development and the significant redevelopment projects in 2022 being completed in 2023. This decrease is partially offset by an increase in our capital expenditures related to leasing costs which include tenant improvements and other leasing costs (primarily contingent commissions) and are a function of the number, size, and timing of occupancy of executed new leases or renewals of existing leases.

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The weighted average leasing costs on a per square foot basis for leases signed during 2023 and 2022 were as follows:

The amounts of leasing costs on a per square foot basis vary by lease and by market.

Dividends. We paid common dividends of $194.3 million and $192.3 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively. We funded these dividends with cash provided by operating activities. We expect to fund our future quarterly common dividends with cash provided by operating activities. Proceeds from investment property sales, distributions from unconsolidated joint ventures, and indebtedness will be used, if necessary.

On a quarterly basis, we review the amount of our common dividend in light of current and projected future cash provided by operating activities and also consider the requirements needed to maintain our REIT status. In addition, we have certain covenants under our Credit Facility 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 under our facility. 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.

Item 7A.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

Our primary exposure to market risk results from our debt, which bears interest at both fixed and variable rates. We attempt to mitigate this risk primarily by limiting our debt exposure in total and our maturities in any one year and weighting more towards fixed-rate debt in our portfolio. We also use derivative financial instruments to effectively convert some of our variable rate debt to fixed rate debt. These fixed rate debt obligations limit the risk of fluctuating interest rates.

On April 19, 2023, we entered into a floating-to-fixed interest rate swap with respect to $200 million of the $400 million 2022 Term Loan through the maturity date of March 3, 2025. This swap fixed the underlying SOFR rate at 4.298%. On September 27, 2022, we entered into a floating-to-fixed interest rate swap with respect to the $350 million Term Loan through the maturity date of August 30, 2024. This swap fixed the underlying SOFR rate at 4.234%. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had $2.1 billion and $1.9 billion, respectively, of fixed rate debt, including the Term Loan, outstanding at a weighted average interest rate of 4.50% and 4.40%, respectively.

At December 31, 2023, we had $385.1 million of variable rate debt outstanding, which consisted of the Credit Facility with $185.1 million outstanding at an interest rate of 6.31% and $200 million of the $400 million 2022 Term Loan with an interest rate of 6.46%. At December 31, 2022, we had $456.6 million of variable rate debt outstanding, which consisted of the Credit Facility with $56.6 million outstanding at an interest rate of 5.30% and the $400 million 2022 Term Loan with an interest rate of 5.45%. Based on our average variable rate debt balances in 2023, interest incurred would have increased by $3.9 million in 2023 if these interest rates had been 1% higher.

The information presented above should be read in conjunction with note 8 and note 9 of notes to consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The financial statements and financial statement schedules required under Regulation S-X are filed pursuant to Item 15 of Part IV of this report.

Item 9.Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

Not applicable.

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Item 9A.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 judgment in assessing the costs and benefits of such controls and procedures, which, by their nature, can provide only reasonable assurance regarding our control objectives.

As of the end of the period covered by this annual 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.

Report of Management on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with GAAP. Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Management, under the supervision of and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023. The framework on which the assessment was based is described in “Internal Control – Integrated Framework” (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, we concluded that we maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023. Deloitte & Touche LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, issued an opinion on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, which follows this report of management.

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of Cousins Properties Incorporated

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Cousins Properties Incorporated and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023, of the Company and our report dated February 7, 2024, expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Report of Management on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Cousins Properties Incorporated and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Atlanta, Georgia

February 7, 2024

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PART III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

The information required by Items 401, 405, 406, and 407 of Regulation S-K is presented in Item X in Part I of this report and is included under the captions “Proposal 1 - Election of Directors” and “Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports” in the Proxy Statement relating to the 2024 Annual Meeting of the Registrant’s Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference. The Company has the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, which is applicable to its Board of Directors and all of its employees. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is publicly available on the “Investor Relations” page of its website site at www.cousins.com. Section 1 of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applies to the Company’s senior executive and financial officers and is a “code of ethics” as defined by applicable SEC rules and regulations. If the Company makes any amendments to the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics other than technical, administrative, or other non-substantive amendments or grants any waivers, including implicit waivers, from a provision of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics to the Company’s senior executive or financial officers, the Company will disclose on its website the nature of the amendment or waiver, its effective date, and to whom it applies.

Item 11. Executive Compensation

The information required by Items 402 and 407 of Regulation S-K is included under the captions “Executive Compensation,” “Director Compensation,” and "Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation" in the Proxy Statement relating to the 2024 Annual Meeting of the Registrant’s Stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 12.Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

The information under the captions “Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock” and "Equity Compensation Plan Information" in the Proxy Statement relating to the 2024 Annual Meeting of the Registrant’s Stockholders is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 13.Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

The information under the caption “Certain Transactions” and “Director Independence” in the Proxy Statement relating to the 2024 Annual Meeting of the Registrant’s Stockholders is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 14.Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The information under the caption “Summary of Fees to Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the Proxy Statement relating to the 2024 Annual Meeting of the Registrant’s Stockholders has fee information for fiscal years 2023 and 2022 and is incorporated herein by reference.

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PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(a)1. Financial Statements

A.The following consolidated financial statements of the Registrant, together with the applicable report of independent registered public accounting firm, are filed as a part of this report:

Page Number

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID No. 34) F-2

Consolidated Balance Sheets—December 31, 2023 and 2022 F-4

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-9

2.Financial Statement Schedule

The following financial statement schedule for the Registrant is filed as a part of this report:

Page Number

NOTE: Other schedules are omitted because of the absence of conditions under which they are required or because the required information is given in the financial statements or notes thereto.

(b)Exhibits

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21† Subsidiaries of the Registrant.

23† Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

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97† Cousins Properties Incorporated Clawback Policy

104† Cover Page Interactive Data File.

* Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

† Filed herewith.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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(Registrant)

BY: /s/ Gregg D. Adzema

Gregg D. Adzema

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.

Signature Capacity Date

M. Colin Connolly (Principal Executive Officer)

Gregg D. Adzema (Principal Financial Officer)

Jeffrey D. Symes (Principal Accounting Officer)

/s/ Charles T. Cannada Director February 7, 2024

Charles T. Cannada

/s/ Robert M. Chapman Chairman of the Board and Director February 7, 2024

Robert M. Chapman

/s/ Scott W. Fordham Director February 7, 2024

Scott W. Fordham

/s/ Lillian C. Giornelli Director February 7, 2024

Lillian C. Giornelli

/s/ R. Kent Griffin, Jr. Director February 7, 2024

R. Kent Griffin, Jr.

/s/ Donna W. Hyland Director February 7, 2024

Donna W. Hyland

/s/ Dionne Nelson Director February 7, 2024

Dionne Nelson

/s/ R. Dary Stone Director February 7, 2024

R. Dary Stone

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INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Cousins Properties Incorporated Page

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID No. 34) F-2

Consolidated Balance Sheets—December 31, 2023 and 2022 F-4

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-9

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Cousins Properties Incorporated

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Cousins Properties Incorporated and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes and the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15 (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 7, 2024, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matter

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

Revenue Recognition - Refer to Note 2 to the financial statements

Critical Audit Matter Description

Rental property revenues are derived from operating leases to tenants. The Company recognizes fixed lease payments, which excludes certain rental property revenue such as percentage rent and revenue related to the recovery of certain operating expenses from tenants, on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. The timing and amount of rental revenue recognition is largely dependent on whether the Company is the owner of tenant improvements at the leased property. In determining whether the Company or the tenant owns such tenant improvements, management of the Company considers a number of factors, including, among other things: (1) whether the tenant is obligated by the terms of the lease agreement to construct or install the leasehold improvements; (2) whether the landlord can require the lessee to make specified improvements or otherwise enforce its economic rights to those assets; (3) whether the tenant is permitted to alter or remove the leasehold improvements without the landlord’s consent or without compensating the landlord for any lost utility or diminution in fair value; (4) whether the tenant is required to provide the landlord with documentation supporting the cost of tenant improvements prior to reimbursement by the landlord; (5) whether the Company is obligated to fund cost overruns for the construction of leasehold improvements; (6) whether the leasehold improvements are unique to the tenant or could reasonably be used by other parties; and (7) whether the economic life of the leasehold improvements is such that a significant residual value of the assets is expected to accrue to the benefit of the landlord at the end of the lease terms.

The determination of whether the Company or its tenant owns the tenant improvements and the timing and amount of revenue recognition requires the exercise of significant judgment by management based on the facts and circumstances of the specific lease arrangement and is not based on any one factor. Auditing management’s conclusions with respect to these matters often is complex and requires subjective judgment.

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How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit

Our audit procedures related to management’s determination of the owner of the tenant improvements and the related impact on the timing and amount of revenue recognition, included the following, among others:

•We tested the effectiveness of controls over revenue recognition, including the determination of the owner of tenant improvements and the timing and amounts of rental revenues to be recognized over the term of the related lease.

•We selected a sample of lease agreements signed in the current year and performed the following to evaluate the appropriateness of management’s conclusions regarding the owner of the tenant improvements and the timing and amount of revenue recognition:

◦Evaluated the reasonableness and consistency of the factors considered by management to determine the owner of the tenant improvements and compared such factors to the terms in the lease agreement or other supporting documents.

◦Tested tenant improvement costs (including the amounts funded by the Company or the tenant) by reconciling the amounts recorded by the Company to invoices or other supporting documents and evaluated whether the costs were consistent with the terms of the lease agreement and the Company’s ownership determination.

◦Tested the timing and amounts recognized as rental property revenues, including any amortization of deferred revenue or lease incentives, by independently calculating such rental revenue amounts to be recognized and comparing it to the amounts recorded by the Company.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Atlanta, Georgia

February 7, 2024

We have served as the Company's auditor since 2002.

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COUSINS PROPERTIES INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

December 31,

Assets:

Real estate assets:

Liabilities:

Commitments and contingencies

Equity:

Stockholders' investment:

Distributions in excess of cumulative net income (1,125,390) (1,013,292)

Accumulated other comprehensive income 2,192 1,767

Nonredeemable noncontrolling interests 24,162 21,285

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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COUSINS PROPERTIES INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

Year Ended December 31,

Revenues:

Expenses:

Gain on sales of investments in unconsolidated joint ventures — 56,267 13,083

Gain (loss) on investment property transactions 504 (9) 152,547

Gain on extinguishment of debt — 169 —

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (853) (652) (410)

Net income per common share — basic and diluted $ 0.55 $ 1.11 $ 1.87

Dividends declared per common share $ 1.28 $ 1.28 $ 1.24

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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COUSINS PROPERTIES INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In thousands)

Year Ended December 31,

Comprehensive income:

Other comprehensive income:

Unrealized gains on cash flow hedges 4,357 1,063 —

Amortization of cash flow hedges (3,932) 704 —

Total other comprehensive income 425 1,767 —

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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COUSINS PROPERTIES INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

(In thousands, except per share data)

Common stock issued pursuant to stock based compensation 126 426 — — — 552 — 552

Contributions from noncontrolling interests — — — — — — 6,154 6,154

Distributions to noncontrolling interests — — — — — — (1,338) (1,338)

Contributions from noncontrolling interests — — — — — — 2,866 2,866

Distributions to noncontrolling interests — — — — — — (114) (114)

Other comprehensive income — — — — 425 425 — 425

Contributions from noncontrolling interests — — — — — — 3,115 3,115

Distributions to noncontrolling interests — — — — — — (1,091) (1,091)

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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COUSINS PROPERTIES INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

Year Ended December 31,

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

Gain on sales of investment in unconsolidated joint ventures — (56,267) (13,083)

Loss (gain) on investment property transactions (504) 9 (152,547)

Effect of non-cash adjustments to rental revenues (48,068) (41,731) (39,473)

Income from unconsolidated joint ventures (2,299) (7,700) (6,801)

Operating distributions from unconsolidated joint ventures 3,664 5,399 11,542

Loss on extinguishment of debt — (169) —

Changes in other operating assets and liabilities:

Change in receivables and other assets, net (7,725) 1,723 5,500

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

Proceeds from investment property sales, net 4,248 — 555,333

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Repayment of term loans — — (250,000)

Proceeds from mortgages — 42,118 —

Payment of deferred financing costs (71) (8,231) (2,989)

Issuance of common stock — 103,120 —

Proceeds from sale of treasury stock 443 514 —

Contributions from noncontrolling interests 3,115 2,866 6,154

Distributions to noncontrolling interests (1,091) (114) (1,338)

Acquisition of partner's noncontrolling interest — (43,387) —

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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COUSINS PROPERTIES INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Description of Business: Cousins Properties Incorporated (“Cousins”), a Georgia corporation, is a fully integrated, self-administered, and self-managed real estate investment trust (“REIT”). Cousins conducts substantially all of its business through Cousins Properties LP ("CPLP"). Cousins owns in excess of 99% of CPLP and consolidates CPLP. CPLP wholly owns Cousins TRS Services LLC ("CTRS") 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 (collectively, the “Company”) develop, acquire, lease, manage, and own primarily Class A office properties and opportunistic mixed-use developments in the Sun Belt markets of the United States with a focus on Atlanta, Austin, Tampa, Charlotte, Phoenix, Dallas, and Nashville. Cousins has elected to be taxed as a REIT and intends to, among other things, distribute at least 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 December 31, 2023, the Company’s portfolio of real estate assets consisted of interests in 18.8 million square feet of office space and 310,000 square feet of other space.

Basis of Presentation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its consolidated partnerships and wholly-owned subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company presents its financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) as outlined in the Financial Accounting Standard Board’s Accounting Standards Codification (the “Codification” or “ASC”). The Codification is the single source of authoritative accounting principles applied by nongovernmental entities in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP.

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 Codification. 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. The Company had no investments or interests in any VIEs as of December 31, 2023 or 2022.

2.SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Real Estate Assets

Cost Capitalization: Costs related to planning, developing, leasing, and constructing a property, including costs of personnel working directly on projects under development or redevelopment, are capitalized. In addition, the Company capitalizes interest to qualifying assets under development or redevelopment based on average accumulated expenditures outstanding during the period. In capitalizing interest to qualifying assets, the Company uses the interest incurred on specific project debt, if any. If there is no specific project debt, the Company uses its weighted average interest rate for non-project specific debt. The Company also capitalizes interest to investments in entities accounted for under the equity method when the entity has property under development or redevelopment with a carrying value in excess of the entity’s borrowings. To the extent debt exists within an unconsolidated joint venture during the construction period, the venture capitalizes interest on that venture-specific debt.

The Company capitalizes interest, real estate taxes, and certain operating expenses on the unoccupied portion of development or redevelopment properties, which have ongoing construction of tenant improvements, until the earlier of the date on which the development project achieves 90% economic occupancy or one year from cessation of major construction activity.

Impairment: We review our real estate assets on a property-by-property basis for impairment. This review includes our operating properties, properties under development, and land holdings.

The first step in this process is to determine whether an asset is considered to be held-for-investment or held-for-sale, in accordance with accounting guidance. In order to be considered a real estate asset held-for-sale, we must, among other things, have the authority to commit to a plan to sell the asset in its current condition, have commenced the plan to sell the asset, and have determined that it is probable that the asset will sell within one year. If we determine that an asset is held-for-sale, we record an impairment loss if the fair value less costs to sell is less than the carrying amount. All real estate assets not meeting the held-for-sale criteria are considered to be held-for-investment.

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In the impairment analysis for assets held-for-investment, we must determine whether there are indicators of impairment. For operating properties, these indicators could include a significant decline in a property’s leasing percentage, a current period operating loss or negative cash flows combined with a history of losses at the property, a decline in lease rates for that property or others in the property’s market, a significant change in the market value of the property, an adverse change in the financial condition of significant tenants, or a significant decrease in the estimated hold period. For projects under development, indicators could include material budget overruns, significant delays in construction, occupancy, or stabilization timing, regulatory changes or economic trends that have a significant impact on the market, or an adverse change in the financial condition of significant future tenants. For land holdings, indicators could include an overall decline in the market value of land in the region, regulatory changes that impact ability to develop the land, a decline in development activity for the intended use of the land, or other adverse economic and market conditions.

Acquisition of Real Estate Assets: The Company evaluates all real estate acquisitions to determine if the transactions qualify as an acquisition of assets or of a business. If the Company determines that substantially all of the fair value is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar assets, the Company will account for the acquisition as an acquisition of assets and not a business. If the Company determines that there is no single or group of assets that make up substantially all of the fair value of assets acquired, the Company must determine whether the acquired set of assets includes an input and substantial processes which create an output. Based on the facts of the transactions and guidance in ASC 805, if the Company determines that an input and substantial processes that create an output are present, the Company will account for the acquisition as an acquisition of a business.

For asset acquisitions, the Company records the acquired tangible and intangible assets and assumed liabilities based on each asset and liability's relative fair value at the acquisition date to the total purchase price plus capitalized acquisition costs. For acquisitions that are accounted for as an acquisition of a business, the Company records the acquired tangible and intangible assets and assumed liabilities at fair value at the acquisition date, excluding any acquisition costs, which are expensed as incurred. The acquired assets and assumed liabilities for an operating property acquisition generally include but are not limited to: land, buildings and improvements, and identified tangible and intangible assets and liabilities associated with in-place leases, including leasing costs, value of above-market and below-market tenant leases, value of above-market and below-market ground leases, and acquired in-place lease values, if any.

The fair value of land is derived from comparable sales of land within the same submarket and/or region. The fair value of buildings and improvements, tenant improvements, and leasing costs are based upon current market replacement costs and other relevant market rate information.

The fair value of the above-market or below-market component of an acquired lease is based upon the present value (calculated using a market discount rate) of the difference between (i) the contractual rents to be paid pursuant to the lease over its remaining term and (ii) management’s estimate of the rents that would be paid using fair market rental rates and rent escalations at the date of acquisition over the remaining term of the lease. The amounts recorded for above-market and below-market ground leases are included in intangible liabilities and intangible assets, respectively, and are amortized on a straight-line basis into rental property revenues over the remaining terms of the applicable leases.

The fair value of acquired in-place leases is derived based on management’s assessment of lost revenue and costs incurred for the period required to lease the “assumed vacant” property to the occupancy level when purchased. The amount recorded for acquired in-place leases is included in intangible assets and amortized as an increase to depreciation and amortization expense over the remaining term of the applicable leases.

Depreciation and Amortization: Real estate assets are stated at depreciated cost less impairment, if any. Buildings are depreciated over their estimated useful lives, which range generally from 30 to 40 years. The life of a particular building depends upon a number of factors including whether the building was developed or acquired and the condition of the building upon acquisition. Furniture, fixtures, and equipment are depreciated over their estimated useful lives of three to five years. Tenant improvements, leasing costs, and leasehold improvements are generally amortized over the term of the applicable leases or the estimated useful life of the assets, whichever is shorter. The Company accelerates the depreciation of tenant improvements if it estimates that the lease term will end prior to the termination date, absent any expectation that the tenant improvements will be used by a successor tenant. This acceleration may occur if a tenant files for bankruptcy, vacates its premises, or defaults in another manner outlined in its lease. Deferred expenses are amortized over the period of estimated benefit. The Company uses the straight-line method for all depreciation and amortization.

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Investment in Joint Ventures

For joint ventures that the Company does not control, but over which it exercises significant influence, the Company uses the equity method of accounting. The Company's judgment with regard to its level of influence or control of an entity involves consideration of various factors including the form of its ownership interest; its representation in the entity's governance; its ability to participate in policy-making decisions; and the rights of other investors to participate in the decision-making process, to replace the Company as manager, and/or to liquidate the venture. These ventures are recorded at cost and adjusted for equity (losses) in earnings and cash contributions and distributions. Any difference between the carrying amount of these investments on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet and the underlying equity in net assets on the joint venture’s balance sheet is adjusted as the related underlying assets are depreciated, amortized, or sold. The Company generally allocates income and loss from an unconsolidated joint venture based on the venture's distribution priorities, which may be different from its stated ownership percentage.

The Company evaluates the recoverability of its investment in unconsolidated joint ventures in accordance with accounting standards for equity investments by first reviewing each investment for any indicators of impairment. If indicators are present, the Company estimates the fair value of the investment. If the carrying value of the investment is greater than the estimated fair value, management makes an assessment of whether the impairment is “temporary” or “other-than-temporary.” In making this assessment, management considers the following: (i) the length of time and the extent to which fair value has been less than cost, (ii) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the entity, and (iii) the Company’s intent and ability to retain its interest long enough for a recovery in market value. If management concludes that the impairment is "other than temporary," the Company reduces the investment to its estimated fair value.

Noncontrolling Interest

The Company consolidates CPLP and certain joint ventures in which it owns a controlling interest. In cases where the entity’s documents do not contain a required redemption clause, the Company records the partner’s share of the entity in the equity section of the balance sheets in nonredeemable noncontrolling interests. In cases where the entity’s documents contain a provision requiring the Company to purchase the partner’s share of the venture at a certain value upon demand or at a future date, if any, the Company records the partner’s share of the entity in redeemable noncontrolling interests on the balance sheets. The outside partners' interests in CPLP are redeemable on a one-for-one basis, upon demand, into shares of common stock of the Company or, at the Company's sole discretion, into the cash equivalent of such share of common stock. Therefore, noncontrolling interests associated with CPLP are considered nonredeemable noncontrolling interests. The noncontrolling partners' share of all consolidated entities' income is reflected in net income attributable to noncontrolling interest on the statements of operations.

Revenue Recognition

Rental Property Revenues: The Company recognizes contractual revenues from leases on a straight-line basis over the term of the respective lease. Our leases regularly include allowances for tenant improvements. If we determine the improvements are our assets, we capitalize the cost of the improvements and recognize depreciation expense associated with such improvements over the shorter of the estimated useful life or the term of the lease. If the improvements are tenant assets, we defer the cost of improvements funded by us as a lease incentive asset and amortize it as a reduction of rental revenue over the term of the lease. Our determination of whether improvements are our assets or tenant assets also affects when we commence revenue recognition in connection with a lease. The Company records deferred revenue for the portion of company owned tenant improvements funded by or reimbursed by tenants and amortizes this amount on a straight-line basis into rental income over the term of the related lease. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had unamortized deferred income related to tenant-funded tenant improvements of $141.0 million and $100.1 million, respectively, included in deferred income on the consolidated balance sheets. During 2023, 2022, and 2021, the Company recognized $20.0 million, $11.2 million, and $5.4 million, respectively, in revenues related to the amortization of tenant-funded tenant improvements.

Certain leases also provide for percentage rents based upon the level of sales achieved by the lessee. Percentage rents are recognized once the specified sales target is achieved. In addition, leases typically provide for reimbursement of the tenants' share of real estate taxes, insurance, and other operating expenses to the Company. Operating expense reimbursements are recognized as the related expenses are incurred. During 2023, 2022, and 2021, the Company recognized $163.2 million, $160.7 million, and $155.5 million, respectively, in revenues from tenants related to operating expense reimbursements.

The Company makes valuation adjustments to all tenant-related accounts receivable based upon its estimate of the likelihood of collectibility of amounts due from the tenant. The amount of any valuation adjustment is based on the tenant’s credit and business risk, history of payment, and other factors considered by management.

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Fee Income: The Company recognizes development, management, and leasing fees as it satisfies the related performance obligations under the respective contracts. The Company recognizes development and leasing fees received from investments in unconsolidated joint ventures and related salaries and other direct costs incurred by the Company as income and expense based on the percentage of the joint venture which the Company does not own. Correspondingly, the Company adjusts its investment in unconsolidated joint ventures when fees are paid to the Company by a joint venture in which the Company has an ownership interest.

Gain on Investment Property Transactions: The Company recognizes a gain on the sale of investment property at the time the buyer obtains control of the investment property. If the Company maintains any continuing involvement with the investment property, that continuing involvement is considered to be one or more additional performance obligations and additional gains or losses will be recognized as these performance obligations are satisfied.

When the Company gains control of a previously unconsolidated investment accounted for under the equity method of accounting, it records a gain for the difference between the carrying value of its equity method investment and the fair value of that investment on the date control is gained.

Income Taxes

The Company has elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). To qualify as a REIT, the Company must distribute annually at least 90% of its adjusted taxable income, as defined in the Code, to its stockholders and satisfy certain other organizational and operating requirements. It is management’s current intention to adhere to these requirements and maintain the Company's REIT status. As a REIT, the Company generally will not be subject to federal income tax at the corporate level on the taxable income it distributes to its stockholders. If the Company fails to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, it will be subject to federal income taxes at regular corporate rates and may not be able to qualify as a REIT for four subsequent taxable years. The Company may be subject to certain state and local taxes on its income and property, and to federal income taxes on its undistributed taxable income.

CTRS is a C-Corporation for federal income tax purposes and uses the liability method for accounting for income taxes. Tax return positions are recognized in the financial statements when they are “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained upon examination by the taxing authority. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities result from temporary differences. Temporary differences are differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in future periods. A valuation allowance may be placed on deferred income tax assets, if it is determined that it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset may not be realized.

Stock Compensation

The Company accounts for stock-based employee compensation using the fair value measurement method. We classify share-based payment awards granted in exchange for employee services as either equity awards or liability awards. Equity-classified awards are measured based on the fair value on the date of grant. Awards that are to be settled in cash are classified as liability awards. The value of all of the Company's share-based awards is recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide services in exchange for the award - the requisite service period (usually the vesting period). No compensation costs are recognized for awards for which employees do not complete the requisite service period.

Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company manages its exposure to interest rate risk associated with its floating-rate debt using derivative financial instruments, specifically interest rate swaps. The current interest rate swaps involve the receipt of variable-rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount.

The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. Derivatives are carried at fair value on the balance sheet as either other assets or other liabilities. If the hedging instrument is designated as a cash flow hedge and is determined to be highly effective, any gain or loss from changes in the fair value of the hedging instruments are reported as a component of other comprehensive income included in the equity section of the balance sheet. When the forecasted transaction occurs, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the hedge is reclassified from other comprehensive income to interest expense on the income statement.

The Company regularly assesses the effectiveness of the hedge relationships between the hedging instrument and the underlying exposure being hedged. The Company also regularly assesses the effectiveness of its risk management strategies and its use of derivative financing instruments.

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Earnings per Share

Net income per share-basic is calculated as net income available to common stockholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, including nonvested restricted stock which has nonforfeitable dividend rights. Net income per share-diluted is calculated as net income available to common stockholders plus noncontrolling interests in CPLP divided by the diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted weighted average number of common shares uses the same weighted average share number as in the basic calculation and adds the potential dilution that would occur if (i) the outside units in CPLP were converted into the Company's common stock, (ii) any forward sales contracts of our common stock were settled, and (iii) equity-based restricted stock units ("RSUs") as well as shares to be issued under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) were vested and settled resulting in additional common shares outstanding, all calculated using the treasury stock method, as applicable. RSUs are dilutive if the shares to be granted (assuming the end of the reporting period is the end of the measurement of any required market and performance achievement) exceed the shares assumed to be repurchased under the treasury stock method (using related unamortized compensation costs as proceeds). Shares to be issued under the ESPP are dilutive if the estimated shares to be purchased under the plan based on current enrollment elections exceed the shares assumed to be repurchased under the treasury stock method (using both employee ESPP contributions and related unamortized compensation costs as proceeds).

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include unrestricted cash and highly-liquid money market instruments. Highly-liquid money market instruments include securities and repurchase agreements with original maturities of three months or less, money market mutual funds, and United States Treasury Bills with maturities of 30 days or less.

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash primarily includes escrow accounts held by lenders for reserves or funds to pay real estate taxes, if any. The Company did not have any restricted cash as of December 31, 2023 or 2022.

Determination of Fair Values

The Company uses fair values in the preparation of the financial statements and related footnote disclosures under the Fair Value Hierarchy prescribed by GAAP. The hierarchy is used for disclosing fair values of debt as of the balance sheet date (see note 8) and recording cash flow hedges (see note 9). Both of these determinations are made based on Level 2 inputs, which are described more fully in the respective footnotes. Fair values used for stock compensation are based on the assumptions and methodologies described in note 14 and are excepted from the Fair Value Hierarchy disclosure requirements.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

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3. REAL ESTATE

In September 2023, the Company sold a 10.4 acre land parcel in Atlanta for a gross sales price of $4.25 million and recorded a gain of $507,000.

During 2021, the Company sold three office properties. The following table summarizes these transactions ($ in thousands):

Property Location Date Square Feet Sales Price Gain on Sale, Net

The Company sold the properties noted above as part of its ongoing investment strategy, using these proceeds to fund new investment activity. The Company recorded a total gain of $90.1 million from the 2021 sales.

In July 2021, the Company sold 0.7 acres of land in Phoenix, adjacent to its 100 Mill development, to a hotel developer for $6.4 million. Net proceeds approximated book value.

Impairment

The Company tests buildings held-for-investment, by disposal groups, for impairment whenever changes in circumstances indicate a disposal group’s carrying value may not be recoverable. The test is conducted using undiscounted cash flows for the shorter of the building’s estimated hold period or its remaining useful life. When testing for recoverability of buildings held-for-investment, projected cash flows are used over its expected hold period. If the expected hold period includes some likelihood of shorter-term hold period from a potential sale, the probability of a sale is layered into the analysis. If any building's held-for-investment analysis were to fail the impairment test, its book value would be written down to its then current estimated fair value, before any selling expense, and that building would continue to depreciate over its remaining useful life. None of the Company’s held-for-investment buildings were impaired during any periods presented in the accompanying statement of operations.

The Company also reviews held-for-sale buildings, if any, for impairments. In order to be considered a real estate asset held-for-sale, the Company must, among other things, have the authority to commit to a plan to sell the asset in its current condition, have commenced the plan to sell the asset, and have determined that it is probable that the asset will sell within one year. If book value is in excess of estimated fair value less estimated selling costs, the Company impairs those assets to fair value less estimated selling costs. There were no held-for-sale buildings as of December 31, 2023 or December 31, 2022 and no impairments of held-for-sale buildings during any periods presented in the accompanying statement of operations.

The Company also reviews land and projects under development for impairment whenever changes in circumstances indicate the assets' carrying value may not be recoverable. None of the Company's investments in land, including any accumulated predevelopment costs, or projects under development were impaired as of December 31, 2023 or December 31, 2022.

The Company may record impairment charges in future periods if the economy and the office industry weakens, the operating results of individual buildings are materially different from our forecasts, or we shorten our contemplated holding period for any operating buildings.

4. GROUND LEASES

At December 31, 2023, the Company had three properties subject to operating ground leases with a weighted average remaining term of 77 years and one finance ground lease with a remaining term of two years. At December 31, 2023, the Company had right-of-use assets from operating ground leases of $45.5 million included in operating properties or land on the consolidated balance sheet and right-of-use assets from finance ground leases of $3.7 million included in land on the consolidated balance sheet. At December 31, 2023, the Company had lease liabilities for operating and finance ground leases of $49.8 million and $3.6 million, respectively, included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. The weighted average discount rate used in determining these liabilities associated with ground leases at December 31, 2023 was 4.3%.

At December 31, 2022, the Company had three properties subject to operating ground leases with a weighted average remaining lease term of 78 years and one finance ground lease with a remaining term of three years. At December 31, 2022, the Company had right-of-use assets from operating ground leases of $45.8 million included in operating properties or land on the consolidated balance sheet and right-of-use assets from finance ground leases of $3.7 million included in land on the

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consolidated balance sheet. At December 31, 2022, the Company had lease liabilities for operating and finance ground leases of $49.6 million and $3.6 million, respectively, included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. The weighted average discount rate used in determining these liabilities associated with ground leases at December 31, 2022 was 4.3%.

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 reflected in the statement of operations at the time of the change.

For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, the Company recognized operating ground lease expense of $2.9 million, $2.9 million, and $4.1 million, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2023, the Company had $155,000 variable lease expenses related to ground lease expense. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had no variable lease expenses related to ground lease expense. Additionally, the Company recognized interest expense related to finance ground leases of $162,000 in each of the years. For each of the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company paid $2.1 million in cash related to operating ground leases and made $162,000 in cash payments related to financing ground leases.

The following table represents the undiscounted cash flows of our scheduled obligations for future minimum payments for ground leases as of December 31, 2023, with a reconciliation of these cash flows to the related ground lease liabilities in accordance with ASC 842 ($ in thousands):

Operating Ground Leases Finance Ground Leases

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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 December 31, 2023 and 2022 ($ in thousands).

SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL POSITION

Total Assets Total Debt Total Equity (Deficit) Company's Investment

Operating Properties:

Under Development:

Land:

Sold and Other:

The information included in the summary of operations table is for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 ($ in thousands).

SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS

Total Revenues Net Income (Loss) Company's Income (Loss)from Investment

Operating Properties:

Under Development:

Land:

Sold and Other:

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Joint Ventures with Operating Properties

AMCO 120 WT Holdings, LLC ("AMCO") —AMCO is a joint venture between the Company, with a 20% interest, and affiliates of AMLI Residential, with an 80% interest, formed to develop, own, and operate 120 West Trinity, a mixed-use property in Decatur, Georgia. The property contains 52,000 square feet of commercial space and 330 apartment units. The assets of the venture in the above table include a cash balance of $1.5 million at December 31, 2023.

Crawford Long—CPI, LLC ("Crawford Long") — Crawford Long is a 50-50 joint venture between the Company and Emory University that owns Emory University Hospital Midtown, a 358,000 square foot medical office building located in Atlanta, Georgia. In May 2023, Crawford Long refinanced the mortgage loan for the Medical Offices at Emory Hospital property. This $83.0 million interest-only mortgage loan has a fixed interest rate of 4.80% and matures in June 2032. The assets of the venture in the above table include a cash balance of $2.9 million at December 31, 2023.

Joint Ventures with Properties Under Development

Neuhoff Holdings LLC ("Neuhoff") —Neuhoff is a 50-50 joint venture between the Company and Neuhoff Acquisition LLC formed for the purpose of developing a $563.0 million mixed-use property in Nashville, Tennessee. The project consists of 448,000 square feet of commercial space and 542 apartment units. The Company made an initial contribution of $35.1 million for its interest in the land and development costs incurred prior to joint venture formation. In addition to the existing assets of the joint venture, Neuhoff also has rights to adjacent parcels for future development. In September 2021, the joint venture closed on a construction loan with a borrowing capacity up to $312.7 million that matures in September 2025 with one12-month extension, subject to conditions. In April 2023, the interest rate on the loan changed from the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") to SOFR plus 3.45%, with a minimum rate of 3.60%. Prior to April 2023, the loan bore interest at London Interbank Offering Rate ("LIBOR") plus 3.45%. The assets of the venture in the above table include a cash balance of $507,000 at December 31, 2023.

Joint Ventures with Land Holdings

715 Ponce Holdings LLC ("715 Ponce") —715 Ponce is a 50-50 joint venture between the Company and 715 Acquisition LLC formed for the purpose of a future development in Midtown Atlanta, Georgia. The Company made an initial contribution of $4.0 million for its interest in the land held by the joint venture. The assets of the venture in the above table include a cash balance of $42,000 at December 31, 2023.

Sold and Other Joint Ventures

Carolina Square Holdings LP ("Carolina Square") — Carolina Square was a 50-50 joint venture between the Company and NR 123 Franklin LLC, that owned and operated a mixed-use property in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. In September 2022, the Company sold its 50% interest in Carolina Square to its partner for a gross sales price of $105.0 million. The Company recognized a gain of $56.3 million on the sale of its interest in Carolina Square, net of $179,000 of state income tax.

HICO Victory Center LP ("HICO") —HICO is a joint venture between the Company and Hines Victory Center Associates Limited Partnership ("Hines Victory"), which owned a land parcel in Dallas, Texas. The Company funded 75% of the cost of land while Hines Victory funded 25%. Pursuant to the joint venture agreement, all predevelopment expenditures, other than land, were funded equally by the partners. In June 2022, HICO sold the land parcel for a gross price of $23.1 million. The Company's share of the $6.8 million gain from the transaction was $4.5 million and is included in income from unconsolidated joint ventures on the statements of operations. The Company accounted for its investment in HICO under the equity method because it did not control the activities of the venture.

Austin 300 Colorado Project, LP ("300 Colorado") —300 Colorado was a 50-50 joint venture between the Company, 3C Block 28 Partners, LP, and 3C RR Xylem, LP, formed to develop, own, and operate a 369,000 square foot office property in Austin, Texas. In December 2021, the Company purchased the remaining 50% interest from its partners for a gross price of $162.5 million. As a result, the Company consolidated 300 Colorado and recorded the assets and liabilities at fair value on the transaction date. The construction loan was paid off concurrent with the Company's purchase of its partners' interest. Upon consolidation, the Company recognized a $62.5 million gain on this acquisition achieved in stages and recorded this amount in gain on investment property transactions.

DC Charlotte Plaza LLLP ("Charlotte Plaza") — Charlotte Plaza was a 50-50 joint venture between the Company and Dimensional Fund Advisors, formed to develop, own, and operate DFA's 281,000 square foot regional headquarters building in Charlotte, North Carolina. In September 2021, the Company sold its interest in Charlotte Plaza for a gross price of $60.8 million. The sale was triggered by the exercise of the partner's purchase option as stipulated in the partnership

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agreement. The Company recognized a gain of $13.1 million on the sale of its interest in Charlotte Plaza and recorded this amount in gain on sales of investments in unconsolidated joint ventures.

At December 31, 2023, the Company's unconsolidated joint ventures had aggregate outstanding indebtedness to third parties of $302.1 million. The above mortgage loan is non-recourse to the Company, however, the Company does provide a customary “non-recourse carve-out guaranty”. With respect to the Neuhoff construction loan, the Company and its 50-50 partner guarantee their respective halves of the borrower’s obligations to pay certain required equity contributions and project carrying costs, as well as timely completion of project construction; and the Company and its partner provide a customary non-recourse carve-out guaranty.

The Company recognized $1.2 million, $2.8 million, and $3.3 million of development, leasing, and management fees, including salary and expense reimbursements, from unconsolidated joint ventures in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.

6. INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

At December 31, 2023 and 2022, intangible assets and liabilities included the following ($ in thousands):

Intangible Assets:

Intangible Liabilities:

For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, the amortization of the above asset and liabilities are recorded as follows ($ in thousands):

Revenues:

Expenses:

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Aggregate net amortization expense related to intangible assets and liabilities was $15.5 million, $21.4 million, and $32.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. Over the next five years and thereafter, aggregate amortization of these intangible assets and liabilities is anticipated to be as follows ($ in thousands):

Weighted average remaining lease term 7 years 58 years 7 years 7 years

7. OTHER ASSETS

At December 31, 2023 and 2022, other assets included the following ($ in thousands):

Prepaid expenses and other assets 8,704 6,438

Predevelopment costs represent amounts that are capitalized related to predevelopment projects on land owned by the Company that has been determined to be probable of future development.

Lease inducements are incentives paid to tenants in conjunction with leasing space, such as moving costs, sublease arrangements of prior space, and other costs. These amounts are amortized into rental revenues over the individual underlying lease terms.

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8. NOTES PAYABLE

The following table summarizes the terms of notes payable outstanding at December 31, 2023 and 2022 ($ in thousands):

Description Interest Rate (1) Maturity (2) 2023 2022

Unsecured Notes:

Secured Mortgage Notes:

(1) Interest rate as of December 31, 2023.

(2) Weighted average maturity of notes payable outstanding at December 31, 2023 was 3.0 years.

(3) In April 2023, the Company entered into a floating-to-fixed interest rate swap with respect to $200 million of the $400 million Term Loan. As of December 31, 2023, the fixed interest rate was 5.45%, and the floating interest rate was 6.46%.

(4) Represents $123 million and $98 million non-cross-collateralized mortgages secured by the Terminus 100 and Terminus 200 buildings, respectively.

Credit Facility

On May 2, 2022, the Company entered into a Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Credit Facility") under which the Company may borrow up to $1 billion if certain conditions are satisfied. The Credit Facility contains financial covenants that require, among other things, the maintenance of unencumbered interest coverage ratio of at least 1.75x; a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.50x; a secured leverage ratio of no more than 50%; and an overall leverage ratio of no more than 60%. The Credit Facility matures on April 30, 2027.

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 Daily SOFR or Term SOFR, plus a SOFR adjustment of 0.10% ("Adjusted SOFR") and a spread of between 0.90% and 1.40%, or (2) the greater of (i) Bank of America's prime rate, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.50%, (iii) Term SOFR, plus a SOFR adjustment of 0.10%, plus 1.00%, or (iv) 1.00%, plus a spread of between 0.00% and 0.40%, based on leverage. In addition to the interest rate, the Credit Facility is also subject to a annual facility fee of 0.15% to 0.30%, depending on leverage, on the entire $1 billion capacity.

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At December 31, 2023, the Credit Facility's interest rate spread over Adjusted SOFR was 0.90%, and the facility fee spread was 0.15%. 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 $814.9 million at December 31, 2023. The amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility may be accelerated upon the occurrence of any events of default.

The Credit Facility replaced a $1 billion prior facility that was set to expire in January 2023. The rate paid under the prior facility from January 1, 2022 through May 1, 2022 was LIBOR plus 1.05%.

Term Loans

On October 3, 2022, the Company entered into a Delayed Draw Term Loan Agreement (the "2022 Term Loan") and borrowed the full $400 million available under the loan. The loan matures on March 3, 2025 with four consecutive options to extend the maturity date for an additional six months each. The interest rate provisions are the same as the 2021 Term Loan, and the covenants are the same as the Credit Facility. On April 19, 2023, the Company entered into a floating-to-fixed interest rate swap with respect to $200 million of the $400 million 2022 Term Loan through the maturity date of March 3, 2025. This swap fixed the underlying SOFR rate at 4.298% (see note 9). Subsequent to year end, the Company entered into a floating-to-fixed rate swap with respect to the remaining $200 million of the $400 million 2022 Term Loan effective January 26, 2024 through the maturity date of March 3, 2025. This swap fixed the underlying SOFR rate at 4.6675%.

On June 28, 2021, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Term Loan Agreement (the "2021 Term Loan") that amended the former term loan agreement. Under the 2021 Term Loan, the Company has borrowed $350 million that matures on August 30, 2024 with four consecutive options to extend the maturity date for an additional 180 days each. On September 19, 2022, the Company entered into the First Amendment to the 2021 Term Loan. This amendment aligned covenants and available interest rates, including the addition of SOFR, to that of the Credit Facility. Under the terms of this First Amendment, the interest rate applicable to the 2021 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 Daily SOFR or Term SOFR, plus a SOFR adjustment of 0.10% ("Adjusted SOFR") and a spread of between 1.05% and 1.65%, or (2) the greater of (i) Bank of America's prime rate, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.50%, (iii) Term SOFR, plus a SOFR adjustment of 0.10%, plus 1.00%, or (iv) 1.00%, plus a spread of between 0.05% and 0.65%, based on leverage. On September 19, 2022, the Company provided notice of our election of the Daily SOFR Rate Loan provisions. On September 27, 2022, the Company entered into a floating-to-fixed interest rate swap with respect to the $350 million 2021 Term Loan through the maturity date of August 30, 2024. This swap fixed the underlying SOFR rate at 4.234% (see note 9).

At December 31, 2023, the Term Loans' spread over the underlying SOFR rates was 1.05%.

Unsecured Senior Notes

The Company has unsecured senior notes of $1.0 billion that were funded in five tranches. The first tranche of $100 million is due in 2027 and has a fixed annual interest rate of 4.09%. The second tranche of $250 million is 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 are consistent with those of our Credit Facility, with the exception of a secured leverage ratio of no more than 40%. The senior notes also contain customary representations and warranties, both affirmative and negative covenants, and customary events of default.

Secured Mortgage Notes

In December 2022, the Company refinanced mortgages on the Company's two Terminus properties in Atlanta with the existing lender. Under the new mortgages, the maturities were extended from January 2023 to January 2031, the combined principal increased to $221.0 million, from $178.9 million. The interest rate for each mortgage increased to 6.34%, from a combined weighted average interest rate of 4.67%. These mortgages are neither cross-collateralized nor cross-defaulted.

In October 2022, the Company paid off, in full, its Legacy Union One and Promenade Tower mortgages with remaining principal balances of $66.0 million and $86.3 million, respectively. These mortgages had interest rates of 4.24% and 4.27%, respectively.

As of December 31, 2023, the Company had $527.0 million outstanding on five non-recourse mortgage notes with a weighted average interest rate of 4.68%. All interest rates on the secured mortgage notes are fixed. Assets with depreciated

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carrying values of $888.4 million were pledged as security on these mortgage notes payable. In addition, the Company provides a customary “non-recourse carve-out guaranty” on each non-recourse loan.

Other Debt Information

The Company is in compliance with all of the covenants related to its unsecured and secured debt.

At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the estimated fair value of the Company’s notes payable was $2.4 billion and $2.2 billion, respectively, calculated by discounting the debt's remaining contractual cash flows at estimated rates at which similar loans could have been obtained at December 31, 2023 and 2022. 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 years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, interest was recorded as follows ($ in thousands):

Debt Maturities

Future principal payments due (including scheduled amortization payments and payments due upon original maturity) on the Company's notes payable at December 31, 2023 are as follows ($ in thousands):