COPT Defense Properties (CDP) AI Stock Analysis
CDP AI stock analysis summary
AI ResearchCOPT Defense Properties (CDP) operates as an office REIT focused on mission-critical properties leased to the U.S. Government and defense contractors. Over the trailing twelve months, the company generated $788.1M in revenue with an operating margin of 32.2%. It supports a forward dividend yield of 3.84% backed by 35 consecutive years of dividend payments.
- Market cap
- $3.86B
- Revenue (TTM)
- $788.1M
- P/E
- 23.1x fwd 38.2x
- 1Y return
- 24.0% S&P 500 16.8%
- Avg. target
- $39.75 19.4% vs last close
Bull case
- Occupancy across its specialized defense portfolio stood at 97.2% as of December 31, 2023.
- Trailing twelve months operating margin reached 32.2%, exceeding the peer median of 25.9%.
- Analyst price targets average $39.75, representing upside of 19.4% from the last close of $33.29.
Bear case
- Total debt stands at $2.67B against $24.2M in cash, leading to a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.75.
- Gross margin dropped to 15.4% in FY2025 from 34.6% in FY2024.
- The forward P/E ratio of 38.2x reflects a notable premium above the peer median of 23.5x.
What COPT Defense Properties does
COPT Defense Properties is a self-managed real estate investment trust specializing in the ownership, operation, and development of properties located near or within critical U.S. Government defense installations and missions. Known as its Defense/IT Portfolio, these facilities cater primarily to the U.S. Government and defense contractors requiring mission-critical infrastructure and heightened security measures. As of December 31, 2023, the company's portfolio included 190 properties totaling 21.7 million square feet, with 24 owned via unconsolidated joint ventures. These properties held an occupancy rate of 97.2%.
Growth and profitability
COPT Defense increased annual revenue from $664.4M in FY2021 to $763.9M in FY2025, delivering a 5-year revenue CAGR of 5.5%. Annual net income rose to $152.3M in FY2025, rebounding from net income of -$73.5M in FY2023. Gross margin stood at 15.4% in FY2025, while operating margin expanded to 30.2%. For the trailing twelve months, revenue reached $788.1M with a net profit margin of 20.8% and EPS of $1.44. In the latest quarter ended June 30, 2026, quarterly revenue grew 3.9% year-over-year, and quarterly earnings grew 19.2%.
Balance sheet and cash flow
As of June 30, 2026, COPT Defense held $24.2M in cash and short-term investments against total debt of $2.67B, resulting in net debt of $2.65B. Shareholders' equity was $1.53B, yielding a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.75 and a current ratio of 6.85. In FY2025, the trust generated operating cash flow of $334.9M and free cash flow of $253.7M. Capital expenditures totaled $81.3M and dividends paid were $136.6M in FY2025, while share count changed 1.0% over five years.
Valuation and performance
CDP trades at a trailing P/E of 23.1x and a forward P/E of 38.2x, compared to the median of its US-listed Real Estate peers of 21.6x and 23.5x, respectively. Its price-to-sales multiple is 4.9x versus the peer median of 3.7x, while its EV-to-EBITDA stands at 15.0x compared to the peer median of 14.7x. Over the past 1-year period, the stock returned 24.0%, outperforming the S&P 500 (SPY) return of 16.8%. Over 5 years, the stock returned 45.3% versus 83.0% for the S&P 500.
CDP dividend
COPT Defense pays a quarterly dividend with an annual forward payout of $1.28, representing a dividend yield of 3.84%. The company has paid dividends for 35 consecutive years, with an annualized 5-year dividend growth rate of 2.1%. Its payout ratio is 73.1%, and the last ex-dividend date was September 30, 2026.
What analysts expect
Wall Street analysts hold 5 Strong Buy and 3 Hold ratings on CDP. The mean price target is $39.75, which sits 19.4% above the last close of $33.29. For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026, analysts estimate EPS of $1.45 on revenue of $786.0M. The company beat EPS estimates in 2 of the last 4 quarters, and the next earnings date is October 29, 2026.
Key risks and what to watch
- Net debt of $2.65B creates ongoing financing demands relative to cash reserves of $24.2M.
- Revenue growth slowed to 1.4% in FY2025, down from 10.0% growth in FY2024.
- Short interest represents 10.4% of the float, reflecting market skepticism.
AI-generated research summary. Written with AI from Quotelinks data as of October 16, 2026 and checked so every figure matches that data. For information only, not investment advice. Disclaimer
About this CDP AI stock analysis
This page is an AI-written research summary of COPT Defense Properties (CDP). The text was generated on October 30, 2026 from Quotelinks data as of October 16, 2026 (company profile, annual results, latest balance sheet, valuation, price performance and analyst estimates). An automatic check rejects any draft that contains a figure not found in that data. It is not investment advice; verify figures on the linked tabs before making decisions.
Related: CDP income statement, CDP balance sheet, CDP key metrics, CDP analyst forecast, CDP chart. See the CDP stock overview for the latest quote and news.
CDP AI stock analysis FAQ
What dividend does COPT Defense Properties pay?
COPT Defense pays an annual forward dividend of $1.28 per share, which yields 3.84%. It has paid consecutive dividends for 35 years and maintains a payout ratio of 73.1%.
What are the key financial estimates for CDP in FY2026?
For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026, consensus estimates project EPS of $1.45 and revenue of $786.0M. This implies an EPS growth estimate of 7.9%.
How does CDP's valuation compare to other real estate peers?
CDP trades at a trailing P/E of 23.1x and forward P/E of 38.2x, above the US-listed Real Estate medians of 21.6x and 23.5x. Its price-to-sales multiple is 4.9x versus the peer median of 3.7x.
When does COPT Defense report its next earnings?
The company's next earnings report is scheduled for October 29, 2026.