Cousins Properties Inc. ( CUZ ) is making dedicated efforts to simplify its business by specifically targeting trophy assets and opportunistic mixed-use developments in the best urban submarkets. Moreover, the company focuses on increasing the value of its current portfolio by inking long-term lease deals with high-end tenants. Notably, the pre-leasing deal with Earth Fare for Emory Point Phase II, inked in May, reflects the strong demand for the company's assets. Also, Cousins Properties aims towards maintaining a flexible balance sheet with ample liquidity to not only capitalize on opportunistic acquisitions but also leverage on improving market fundamentals and raise operational efficiency. In May, fueled by a significant rise in revenues, Cousins Properties reported an earnings surprise of 11.8% for first-quarter 2014.