Item 1A. Risk Factors
This report contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States (U.S.) federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements are all statements other than statements of historical fact, such as plans, projections or expectations. For additional information, refer to “Cautionary Statement” in MD&A.
We undertake no obligation to update our forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made, notwithstanding any changes in our assumptions, business plans, actual experience, or other changes. We caution readers that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated, expected, projected or assumed in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that can cause our actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements are discussed below. Investors should carefully consider the risks described below in addition to the other information set forth in this annual report on Form 10-K. The risk factors described herein are not all of the risks we may face. Other risks not presently known to us or that we currently believe are immaterial may materially and adversely affect our business if they occur, and the trading price of our securities could decline, and you may lose part or all of your investment. Moreover, new risks emerge from time to time. Further, our business may also be affected by general risks that apply to all companies operating in the U.S., which we have not included below.
Risks Relating to our Business and Industry
We cannot assure you that our current business strategy will be successful.
We cannot assure you that our current business strategy will be successful. For a description of our current business strategy, refer to “Business Strategy” in MD&A. Our long-term success will depend on our ability to profitably execute our development plans over time. Austin, our primary market, has experienced significant growth in demand for residential projects during 2020 and 2021 and peaking in 2022 related in part to COVID-19 pandemic-influenced in-migration. However, more recently, prices and demand for residential real estate in the Austin area have generally declined from that peak. We also have faced challenging market conditions in recent years, including as a result of high inflation and interest rates. Furthermore, our development plans for our undeveloped land and land under development may change over time, including as a result of changes in real estate market conditions, economic conditions, the cost and availability of capital and changes in laws, such as changes resulting from Texas Senate Bill 2038 (the ETJ Law) enacted in 2023, discussed further below.
We may not be able to obtain the capital necessary to implement our business strategy on acceptable terms or at all. Our development plans for future projects require significant additional debt and equity capital. We have increasingly raised equity capital from third parties through joint venture structures, which, as discussed below, have their own risks. Even if we are able to obtain the necessary capital, our business strategy may not produce sufficient revenues, profits and cash flows. In addition, our ability to generate revenue in our leasing operations depends on our ability to successfully develop new projects and our ability to obtain attractive rental and occupancy rates on existing and new projects.
Results of the past sales of our properties are not indicative of results of future sales, and we may determine to hold or refinance our properties or continue to develop them, as applicable, rather than position them for sale. For example, in 2024, we paused exploring the sales of West Killeen Market, Lantana Place – Retail and Kingwood Place, deciding to retain these cash-flowing properties at this time and refinance certain of these properties. The timing of any property sales or refinancings and proceeds from such sales or refinancings are difficult to predict and depend on market conditions and other factors. Due to the nature of our development-focused business, we do not expect to generate sufficient recurring cash flow to cover our general and administrative expenses each period.
Inflation, higher borrowing costs, tightened bank credit, more limited availability of equity capital, increased construction costs, higher labor costs, labor shortages and supply chain constraints have had an adverse impact on us and may continue to do so.
Our industry has been experiencing inflation, higher borrowing costs, tightened bank credit, more limited availability of equity capital, increased construction costs, higher labor costs, labor shortages, and supply chain constraints. Inflation increased rapidly during 2021 through June 2022. Since June 2022, the rate of inflation generally has declined; however, it began increasing in the later part of 2024 and has generally remained higher than the Federal Reserve’s target rate of inflation of two percent. The Federal Reserve raised the federal funds target rate multiple times from March 2022 through July 2023, by 525 basis points on a cumulative basis. Between September 2024
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and December 2024, the Federal Reserve lowered the federal funds target rate by 100 basis points on a cumulative basis. Elevated inflation and interest rates have increased our costs, adversely impacted the projected profitability of our new projects, delayed the start of or completion of projects, adversely impacted our ability to raise equity capital on attractive terms and in our desired time frame and adversely impacted our ability to sell some properties at attractive prices in our desired time frame; and elevated inflation and interest rates may continue or worsen. Further, additional changes in U.S. trade policies, including the imposition of or increase in tariffs as have recently been imposed or threatened by the current Presidential administration, and retaliatory responses from other countries, could increase our costs or limit the availability of materials used in our development projects. For example, the administration has announced that it is considering tariffs on lumber imports, which could have a material adverse effect on the availability of lumber and on our construction costs, at least in the short term.
On completed projects, we have experienced increased borrowing costs on our variable rate debt due to higher interest rates and increased operating costs due to inflation. As of December 31, 2024, all of our consolidated debt was variable rate debt. For all such debt, the average interest rate increased for 2024 compared to 2023, but began to stabilize toward the end of 2024. Interest costs remain elevated and may rise in the future if prevailing market interest rates rise again. We typically do not hedge against changes in interest rates, except that we entered into an interest rate cap agreements for our Kingwood Place and Jones Crossing loans refinanced in November 2024 and March 2025, respectively, as required by the lender. Refer to Note 6 for additional information. Future increases in interest rates would further increase our interest costs and the costs of refinancing existing debt or incurring new debt, which would adversely affect our profits and cash flow. Our operating expenses impacted by inflation include contracted services for our properties such as janitorial and engineering services, utilities, repairs and maintenance and insurance. In addition, inflation may continue to cause the value of our properties to rise, which has resulted in higher property taxes and could lead to future increases. Our general and administrative expenses include compensation costs, professional fees and technology services, all of which may continue to increase due to inflation.
Inflation and higher interest rates may also adversely impact a potential buyer’s ability to obtain financing on favorable terms, decreasing demand for the purchase of our properties and lowering their market value. High inflation could have a negative impact on our tenants’ ability to pay rent or absorb rent increases. In addition, rising costs and delays in delivery of materials may increase the risk of default by contractors and subcontractors on ongoing construction projects. Also, as discussed elsewhere in this report, higher costs and project delays have required us to make operating loans and a capital contribution to some of our joint ventures and we expect to make additional operating loans and capital contributions during the next 12 months.
If we are unable to offset rising costs by value engineering or raising rents and sales prices, our profitability and cash flows would be adversely impacted, and we may be required to recognize additional impairment charges in the future. Further, these factors have caused and may continue to cause a decline in demand for our real estate, which could harm our revenues, profits and cash flow.
A decline in general economic conditions, particularly in the Austin, Texas area, could harm our business.
Our business may be adversely affected by periods of economic uncertainty, economic weakness or recession, declining employment levels, declining consumer confidence and spending, declining access to capital, geopolitical instability, or the public’s perception that any of these events or conditions may occur, be present or worsen. Our business is especially sensitive to economic conditions in the Austin, Texas area, where the majority of our properties are located. As discussed elsewhere in this report, our business has been adversely impacted since 2022 through early 2025 by inflation and elevated interest rates and other adverse economic conditions.
These types of adverse economic conditions can result in a general decline in real estate acquisition, disposition, development and leasing activity, a general decline in the value of real estate and in rents and increases in tenant defaults. As a result of a decline in economic conditions, the demand for and value of our real estate may be reduced, our development projects may be further delayed, and we could realize losses, diminished profitability or additional asset impairments.
We are vulnerable to concentration risks because our operations are primarily located in the Austin, Texas area and are focused on pure residential and residential-centric mixed-use real estate.
Our real estate operations are primarily located in the Austin, Texas area. While our real estate operations have expanded to include select markets in Texas outside of the Austin area, the geographic concentration of the majority
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of our operations and of the properties we may have under development at any given time means that our business is more vulnerable to negative changes in local economic, regulatory, weather and other conditions than the businesses of larger, more geographically diversified companies. The performance of the Austin area’s economy and our other select markets in Texas greatly affects our revenue and the values of our properties. We cannot assure you that these markets will grow or that underlying real estate fundamentals will be favorable in these markets.
As a result of our focus on pure residential and residential-centric mixed-use projects, we may be exposed to greater risks than if our investment focus was based on more diversified types of properties. Weakening in the Austin residential market generally makes it more difficult for us to sell our residential properties at attractive prices or to rent our properties at attractive rents. Weakening in the Austin residential market may also adversely impact the demand for our retail projects, as may any other trends that cause consumers not to shop at retail locations. Refer to “Overview of Financial Results for 2024 – Real Estate Market Conditions” in MD&A for more information.
We may not be able to raise additional capital for future projects on acceptable terms, if at all.
Our industry is capital-intensive and requires significant up-front expenditures to secure land and pursue development and construction. We have relied on proceeds from property sales and debt financing and cash flow from operations as our primary sources of funding. We have also relied on third-party project-level equity financing of our subsidiaries, which we expect to continue to seek in the future. Our ability to raise additional capital in the future will depend on conditions in the equity and debt markets, general economic and real estate conditions and our financial condition, performance and prospects, among other factors, many of which are not within our control. We may not be able to raise additional capital on acceptable terms if at all. Any inability to raise additional capital on acceptable terms when needed for existing or future projects could delay or terminate future projects, hinder our ability to complete projects, and prevent us from refinancing debt obligations, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Part of our business strategy depends on maintaining strong relationships with key tenants and our inability to do so could adversely affect our business.
We have formed strategic relationships with key tenants as part of our overall strategy for particular retail and mixed-use development projects and may enter into other similar arrangements in the future. Our inability to form and retain strategic relationships with key tenants could adversely affect our business. If we are unable to renew a lease we have with a key tenant at one of our properties, or to re-lease the space to another key tenant of similar or better quality, we could experience material adverse consequences with respect to such property, such as a higher vacancy rate, less favorable leasing terms, reduced cash flow and reduced property values. Similarly, if one or more of our key tenants becomes insolvent or enters into bankruptcy proceedings, our business could be materially adversely impacted.
Loss of key personnel could negatively affect our business.
We depend on the experience and knowledge of our executive officers and other key personnel who guide our strategic direction and execute our business strategy, have extensive market knowledge and relationships, and exercise substantial influence over our operations. Among the reasons that these individuals are important to our success is that each has a regional industry reputation that attracts business and investment opportunities and assists us in negotiations with lenders, existing and potential tenants, community stakeholders and industry personnel. The loss of any of our executive officers or other key personnel could negatively affect our business.
We could be impacted by our investments through joint ventures, which involve risks not present in investments in which we are the sole owner.
We have continued our use of third-party equity financing of our subsidiaries’ development projects. We expect to continue to fund development projects through the use of such joint ventures. Joint ventures involve risks not present with our wholly-owned properties, including but not limited to, the possibility the other joint venture partners may possess the ability to take or force action contrary to our interests or withhold consent contrary to our requests, have business goals which are or become inconsistent with ours, or default on their financial obligations to the joint venture, which may require us to fulfill the joint venture’s financial obligations as a legal or practical matter. We and our joint venture partners may each have the right to initiate a buy-sell arrangement, which could cause us to sell our interest, or acquire a joint venture partner’s interest, at a time when we otherwise would not have entered into
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such a transaction. In addition, a sale or transfer by us to a third party of our interests in the joint venture may be subject to consent rights or rights of first refusal in favor of our partners which would restrict our ability to dispose of our interest in the joint venture. Each joint venture agreement is individually negotiated, and our ability to operate, finance, or dispose of a joint venture project in our sole discretion is limited to varying degrees depending on the terms of the applicable joint venture agreement. Refer to Note 2 for further discussion of our investments in joint ventures.
Adverse weather conditions, public safety issues, geopolitical instability, and other potentially catastrophic events in our Texas markets could adversely affect our business.
Adverse weather conditions, including natural disasters, public safety issues, geopolitical instability, and other potentially catastrophic events in our Texas markets may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Adverse weather conditions may be amplified by or increase in frequency due to the effects of climate change. These events may delay development and sale activities, interrupt our leasing operations, reduce demand for our properties, damage roads providing access to our assets or damage our property, resulting in substantial repair or replacement costs to the extent not covered by insurance. Any of these factors could cause shortages and price increases in labor or raw materials, reduce property values, or cause a loss of revenue, each of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Failure to succeed in new markets may limit our growth.
We have acquired in the past, and we could acquire in the future, properties that are outside of the Austin, Texas area, which is our primary market. Our historical experience in existing markets does not ensure that we will be able to operate successfully in new markets. Entering into new markets exposes us to a variety of risks, including difficulty evaluating local market conditions and local economies, developing new business relationships in the area, competing with other companies that already have an established presence in the area, hiring and retaining personnel, evaluating quality tenants in the area, and a lack of familiarity with local governmental and permitting procedures. Furthermore, expansion into new markets may divert management’s time and other resources away from our current primary market. As a result, we may not be successful in expanding into new markets, which could adversely impact our results of operations and limit our growth.
Our insurance coverage on our properties may be inadequate to cover any losses we may incur and our insurance costs may increase.
We maintain insurance on our properties, including business interruption, property, liability, fire and extended coverage. However, there are certain types of losses, generally of a catastrophic nature, such as floods or acts of war or terrorism that may be uninsurable or not economical to insure. Further, insurance companies often increase premiums, require higher deductibles, reduce limits, restrict coverage, and refuse to insure certain types of risks, which may result in increased costs or adversely affect our business. We may be unable to renew our current insurance coverage in adequate amounts or at reasonable premiums. We use our discretion when determining amounts, coverage limits and deductibles for insurance based on retaining an acceptable level of risk at a reasonable cost. This may result in insurance coverage that, in the event of a substantial loss, would not be sufficient to pay the full current market value or current replacement cost of our lost investment. In addition, we may become liable for injuries and accidents at our properties that are underinsured. A significant uninsured loss or increase in insurance costs could materially and adversely affect our business, liquidity, financial condition and results of operations.
Our business may be adversely affected by information technology disruptions and cybersecurity breaches of our systems or the systems of our contractors.
Many of our business processes and records depend on information systems to conduct day-to-day operations and lower costs, and therefore, we are vulnerable to the increasing threat of information system disruptions and cybersecurity incidents. We also utilize the services of a number of independent contractors, such as general construction contractors, engineers, architects, leasing agents, property managers, technology service providers and attorneys, whose businesses are also vulnerable to the increasing threat of cybersecurity incidents and other information system disruptions. These risks include, but are not limited to, installation of malicious software, phishing, ransomware, credential attacks, unauthorized access to data and other cybersecurity incidents, including those that use artificial intelligence and quantum computing, that could lead to disruptions in information systems, unauthorized release of confidential or otherwise protected information, employee theft or misuse of confidential or
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otherwise protected information and the corruption of data. Increased use of remote work and virtual platforms may increase our risk of cybersecurity incidents. Our information systems and those of our contractors are also vulnerable to damage or interruption from fire, floods, power loss, telecommunications failures, computer viruses, break-ins and similar events. A significant theft, loss, loss of access to, or fraudulent use of employee, tenant or other company data could adversely impact our reputation and could result in a loss of business, as well as remedial and other expenses, fines and litigation. There can be no assurance that our security efforts and measures and those of our independent contractors will be effective.
We have experienced targeted and non-targeted cybersecurity incidents in the past and may experience them in the future. While these cybersecurity incidents did not result in any material loss to us as of March 21, 2025, there can be no assurance that we will not experience any such losses in the future. Further, as cybersecurity threats continue to evolve and become more sophisticated, we may be required to expend significant additional resources to continue to modify or enhance our protective measures or to investigate and remediate any vulnerabilities to cybersecurity threats. Refer to Item 1C. “Cybersecurity” for further information on our cybersecurity governance, risk management and strategy.
Any major public health crisis could adversely affect our business.
The U.S. and other countries have experienced, and may experience in the future, outbreaks of contagious diseases or other health crises that affect public health and public perception of health risk. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic and the public health response to it, had significant disruptive effects on global economic, market and social conditions and on our business. In the event of another public health crisis, we cannot predict the extent to which individuals and businesses may voluntarily restrict their activities, the extent to which governments may reinstitute restrictions, nor the extent to which such potential events may have an adverse impact on the economy or our business. Any future major public health crisis could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Risks Relating to our Indebtedness
We have significant amounts of debt, may incur additional debt, and need significant amounts of cash to service our debt. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash to service our debt, or are unable to refinance our debt as it becomes due, our liquidity, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
As of December 31, 2024, our outstanding debt totaled $194.9 million and our cash and cash equivalents totaled $20.2 million. As of March 21, 2025, principal payments due on outstanding debt during 2025 are expected to total $48.9 million. We estimate our interest payments during 2025 will total approximately $12.9 million, assuming interest rates in effect on our debt at December 31, 2024, no new debt agreements, and completed or scheduled principal payments as of March 21, 2025 on debt outstanding at December 31, 2024. Except for our Comerica Bank revolving credit facility, all of our loans are project-level loans. Our project loans are generally secured by all or substantially all of the assets of the project, and our Comerica Bank revolving credit facility is secured by substantially all of our assets other than those encumbered by separate project-level financing. Stratus, as the parent company, is typically required to guarantee the payment of the project loans, in some cases until certain development milestones and/or financial conditions are met, in some cases on a full recourse basis and in other cases on a more limited recourse basis. In addition, as described elsewhere in this report, as of December 31, 2024, all of our consolidated debt was variable rate debt, and interest due on such debt rises as interest rates rise. Refer to Note 6 for additional discussion.
Our level of indebtedness could have significant adverse consequences. For example, it could:
•Increase our vulnerability to adverse changes in economic and industry conditions;
•Require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations and proceeds from asset sales to pay or provide for our indebtedness, thus reducing the availability of cash flows to fund working capital, development projects, capital expenditures, land acquisitions and other general corporate purposes;
•Limit our flexibility to plan for, or react to, changes in our business and the markets in which we operate;
•Force us to dispose of one or more of our properties, possibly on unfavorable terms;
•Place us at a disadvantage to our competitors that have less debt;
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•Limit our ability to obtain future financing to fund our working capital, our development activities, capital expenditures, debt service requirements and other financing needs;
•Limit our ability to obtain bonds, letters of credit or guarantees to governmental authorities and others to ensure completion of certain projects; and/or
•Limit our ability to refinance our indebtedness or cause the refinancing terms to be less favorable than the terms of our original indebtedness.
Our ability to make scheduled debt service payments or to refinance our indebtedness depends on our future operating and financial performance, which is subject to economic, financial, competitive and other factors beyond our control. Our inability to extend, repay or refinance our debt when it becomes due, including upon a default or acceleration event, could allow our lenders to declare all amounts outstanding under the loans due and payable, seek to foreclose on the collateral securing the loans and/or seek to force us into involuntary bankruptcy proceedings. In addition, any difficulty in obtaining sufficient capital for planned development expenditures could also cause project delays, which could increase our costs, or could cause us to abandon projects already underway. There can be no assurance that we will generate cash flow from operations in an amount sufficient to enable us to service our debt, make necessary capital expenditures, or to fund our other liquidity needs.
Our current financing arrangements contain, and our future financing arrangements likely will contain, financial and restrictive covenants, and the failure to comply with such covenants could result in a default that accelerates the required payment of such debt.
The terms of the agreements governing our indebtedness include restrictive covenants, including covenants that require that certain financial ratios be maintained. The debt arrangements that we and our subsidiaries have contain significant limitations that may restrict our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to, among other things:
•borrow additional money or provide guarantees;
•pay dividends, repurchase equity or make other distributions to equity holders;
•make loans, advances or other investments or create liens on assets;
•sell assets, enter into sale-leaseback transactions or enter into transactions with affiliates; or
•permit a change of management or control, sell all or substantially all of our assets, or engage in mergers, consolidations or other business combinations. Refer to “Capital Resources and Liquidity” in MD&A and Note 6 for additional discussion of restrictive covenants in our debt agreements.
Failure to comply with any of the restrictive covenants in our loan documents could result in a default that may, if not cured or waived, accelerate the payment under our debt obligations which would likely have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, financial condition and results of operations. We may not be able to obtain waivers or modifications of covenants from our lenders and lenders may require fees or higher interest rates to grant any such requests. Certain of our debt arrangements have cross-default or cross-acceleration provisions, which could have a wider impact on liquidity than might otherwise arise from a default or acceleration of a single debt instrument. We cannot assure you that we could adequately address any such defaults, cross-defaults or acceleration of our debt payment obligations in a sufficient or timely manner, or at all. Our ability to comply with our covenants will depend upon our future economic performance. These covenants may adversely affect our ability to finance our future operations, satisfy our capital needs or engage in other business activities that may be desirable or advantageous to us.
In order to maintain compliance with the covenants in our debt agreements and carry out our business plan, we may need to use cash to pay down the principal balance of the loan, contribute additional equity or make an operating loan to a joint venture or raise additional debt or equity capital, including project-level financing of our subsidiaries. Such additional funding may not be available on acceptable terms, if at all, when needed. If new debt is added to our current debt levels, the risks described above could intensify.
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Risks Relating to Real Estate Operations
Our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition are greatly affected by the performance of the real estate industry.
The U.S. real estate industry is highly cyclical and is affected by global, national and local economic conditions, general employment and income levels, availability of financing, inflation, interest rates, and consumer confidence and spending. As discussed above, our industry has been adversely impacted since 2022 by elevated inflation and interest rates, and elevated inflation and interest rates may continue in 2025 and beyond. Other factors that may impact real estate businesses include over-building, changes in traffic patterns, changes in demographic trends, changes in tenant and buyer preferences and changes in government requirements, including tax law changes and changes in zoning or land use laws. These factors are outside of our control and may have a material adverse effect on our business, profits and the timing and amounts of our cash flows.
There can be no assurance that the properties in our development portfolio will be completed in accordance with the anticipated timing or cost.
We currently have several projects at various stages of development. The development of the projects in our portfolio is subject to numerous risks, many of which are outside of our control, including:
•inability to obtain, or delays in obtaining, entitlements, permits and development approvals;
•inability to obtain financing on acceptable terms, or delays in obtaining such financing;
•increases in labor costs, labor shortages, increases in the costs of building materials, other cost increases or overruns;
•inability to engage reliable contractors or default by any of the contractors that we engage to construct our projects;
•site accidents; and
•failure to secure tenants or buyers of our properties in the anticipated time frame, on acceptable terms, or at all.
We can provide no assurances that we will complete any of the projects in our development portfolio on the anticipated schedule or within the budget, or that, once completed, these properties will achieve the results that we expect. During 2023 and 2024, and first-quarter 2025, we made operating loans and a capital contribution to certain of our joint ventures. Refer to Note 2 for further discussion. We anticipate making future operating loans to one of our joint ventures totaling up to $1.7 million over the next 12 months. We also anticipate making an additional capital contribution of $125 thousand to one of our joint ventures over the next 12 months. Under our construction loans, advances are typically made in accordance with established budget allocations, and if the lender deems that the undisbursed proceeds of the loan are insufficient to meet the costs of completing the project, the lender may decline to make additional advances until the borrower deposits with the lender sufficient additional funds to cover the deficiency. If the development of our projects is not completed in accordance with our anticipated timing or cost, or the properties fail to achieve the financial results we expect, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows and ability to repay our debt, including project-related debt.
Holden Hills Phase 1 involves the development of a large number of residential lots, which exposes us to risks specific to that business.
Holden Hills Phase 1 involves the development of a large number of residential lots. Our ability to successfully monetize our investment in developed lots will depend on the availability and cost of financing for purchasers of the lots, for residential construction and for homebuyers, which may be adversely impacted by rising or sustained high interest and mortgage rates. We must dedicate a significant amount of time and capital to construct project infrastructure and amenities over a long period of time before the project may generate revenue. Any delays in the development of the community and sale of properties exposes us to the risk that the market assumptions on which we based our development plans may deteriorate and adversely affect or eliminate potential cash flow and profits.
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Litigation challenging the ETJ Law may make valuation of Holden Hills Phases 1 and 2 more difficult and execution of our development plans more complex and costly.
The ETJ Law became effective September 1, 2023. We have completed the statutory process to remove all of our relevant land subject to development, including primarily Holden Hills Phases 1 and 2, from the extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) of the City of Austin, as permitted under the ETJ Law. We have also made filings with Travis County to grandfather Holden Hills Phases 1 and 2 under most laws in effect in Travis County at the time of the filings. A number of cities in Texas have brought lawsuits challenging the ETJ Law.
If the ETJ Law is upheld, our projects formerly subject to both the jurisdiction of Travis County and the City of Austin, primarily Holden Hills Phases 1 and 2, will no longer be subject to the City of Austin regulations applicable in the ETJ. Accordingly, if the ETJ Law is upheld, we expect that the removal of our properties from the ETJ of the City of Austin will streamline the development permitting process, allow greater flexibility in the design of projects, potentially decrease certain development costs, and potentially permit meaningful increases in development density. We believe that the litigation challenging the ETJ Law makes valuation of Holden Hills Phases 1 and 2 more difficult.
In light of the ETJ Law, our development plans for portions of Holden Hills Phases 1 and 2 are being adjusted. We are proceeding with certain revised development plans for portions of Holden Hills Phases 1 and 2 and are incurring costs in alignment with the revised plans, subject to the risk that the ETJ law will be invalidated. We may not be able to realize any benefits from the ETJ Law in a time frame and a manner consistent with our plans.
Risks associated with our ownership of substantial amounts of undeveloped land or land under development could adversely affect our business and financial results.
We own a substantial amount of undeveloped land and land under development. If demand for undeveloped real estate, or retail, residential or multi-family properties deteriorates, we may not be able to develop or complete development of our land profitably, may not be able to fully recover the costs of some of the land we own, may choose to forfeit deposits on land controlled through options or purchase contracts, and may choose to sell land for prices lower than our costs, which may cause losses or additional impairment charges. Changes in real estate market conditions, economic conditions, the cost and availability of capital and changes in laws, among other things, may cause us to change our development plans for our undeveloped land and land under development.
It may be difficult for us to sell our real estate at times and prices advantageous to us.
Real estate is a relatively illiquid asset and we may not be able to sell our real estate at times and prices we find desirable. The value of our real estate and our ability to sell our real estate at attractive prices may be materially adversely affected by a decline in the value of real estate in our markets. The valuation of our real estate assets or real estate investments is inherently subjective and based on individual characteristics of each asset. Factors such as market supply and demand, availability of attractive financing for potential buyers, changes in laws and regulations, and political and economic conditions, among others, subject our ability to sell our real estate, and our real estate valuations, to uncertainty. Our valuations are made on the basis of assumptions and/or appraisals that may not be accurate, and which may cause us to reevaluate our assets which could result in write-downs. The relatively illiquid nature of real estate assets may limit our ability to make rapid adjustments in the size and content of our portfolio of assets in response to changes in economic or other conditions, may constrain our ability to pay our debts, and may lead to losses or additional impairment charges. Refer to “Critical Accounting Estimates” in MD&A for more information.
Significant competition could have an adverse effect on our business.
Our competitors include local developers who are committed primarily to particular markets and also regional and national developers who acquire and develop properties throughout the U.S. Many of our competitors are larger and financially stronger than we are, have more resources than we do, and have greater economies of scale and lower cost structures. If we fail to compete effectively, our business and profitability will be adversely affected.
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Our operations are subject to an intensive regulatory approval process and opposition from environmental and special interest groups, either or both of which could cause delays and increase the costs of our development efforts or preclude such developments entirely.
Real estate projects must generally comply with local land development regulations and may need to comply with state and federal regulations. Before we can develop a property, we must obtain a variety of approvals from local and state governments with respect to such matters as zoning and other land use entitlements and issues, and subdivision, site planning and environmental issues under applicable regulations. Obtaining all of the necessary permits and entitlements to develop a parcel of land is often difficult and costly, and may take several years or more to complete. Furthermore, these laws and regulations are subject to change. In some situations, we may be unable to obtain the necessary permits and/or entitlements to proceed with a real estate development or may be required to alter our plans for the development. In addition, the zoning that ultimately is approved could include density provisions that would limit the number of homes and other structures that could be built within the boundaries of a particular area. Any of these may limit, delay or increase the costs of acquisition of land and development of our properties.
Because government agencies and special interest groups from time to time express concerns about certain of our development plans, and in the future may express similar concerns, our ability to develop these properties and realize future income from our properties could be delayed, reduced, prevented or made more expensive. In addition, any failure to comply with these laws or regulations could result in capital or operating expenditures or significant financial penalties or restrictions on our operations that could adversely affect present and future operations or our ability to sell our properties, and thereby, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Further, the contractors and/or subcontractors we rely on to perform the construction of our properties are also subject to a significant number of local, state and federal laws and regulations, including laws involving matters that are not within our control. If they fail to comply with all applicable laws, we can suffer reputational damage, and may be exposed to potential liability.
Our operations are subject to environmental regulations, which can change at any time and could increase our costs. Further, changing governmental and societal expectations on environmental, social and governance matters may increase our costs.
Real estate development is subject to state and federal environmental regulations and to possible interruption or termination because of environmental considerations, including but not limited to, air and water quality, and protection of endangered species and their habitats. In addition, in those cases where an endangered or threatened species is involved and agency rulemaking and litigation are ongoing, the outcome of such rulemaking and litigation can be unpredictable, and at any time can result in unplanned or unforeseeable restrictions on or even the prohibition of development in identified environmentally sensitive areas. Certain of our developments include habitats of endangered species. We have obtained the necessary permits from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to allow the development of our properties. However, future endangered species listings or habitat designations could impact development of our properties.
Under various federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the environment, as a current or former owner or operator of real property, we may be liable for costs and damages resulting from the presence or discharge of hazardous or toxic substances, waste or petroleum products at, on, in, under or migrating through such properties, whether generated from our property or other property, including costs to investigate and clean up such contamination and liability for harm to natural resources. The costs of removal or remediation, and the impact on the development potential and development timeline could be substantial. These laws often impose liability whether or not the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of any hazardous or toxic substances. Environmental laws also may impose restrictions on the manner in which a property may be used or businesses may be operated, and these restrictions may require substantial expenditures. Environmental laws provide for sanctions in the event of noncompliance and may be enforced by governmental agencies or, in certain circumstances, by private parties. Certain environmental laws and common law principles could be used to impose liability for release of and exposure to hazardous substances, including asbestos and other airborne contaminants. In addition, third parties may seek recovery from owners or operators of real properties for personal injury or property damage associated with exposure to released hazardous substances. The cost of defending against claims of liability, of compliance with environmental regulatory requirements, of remediating any contaminated property, or of paying personal injury claims could materially adversely affect our business, assets or results of operations.
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From time to time, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and similar federal, state or local agencies review land developers’ compliance with environmental laws and may levy fines and penalties for failure to strictly comply with applicable environmental laws or impose additional requirements for future compliance as a result of past failures. Any such actions taken with respect to us may increase our costs and result in project delays. We are making, and will continue to make, expenditures with respect to our real estate development for the protection of the environment. New environmental regulations or changes in existing regulations or their enforcement may be enacted and such new regulations or changes may require significant expenditures by us. Any stricter standards in environmental legislation and regulations could have a material adverse effect on our operating costs.
Environmental, social and governance matters have been a focus of society and governments in recent years, are controversial and opinions and reactions continue to evolve. Responding to these changes may continue to increase our costs of assessing and reporting on such matters. If we are unable or are perceived to be unable to appropriately address such matters, our reputation and our business could be adversely impacted. Further, regulatory and societal responses intended to reduce potential climate change impacts may increase our costs to develop, operate and maintain our properties, including but not limited to, costs of building materials, energy and utility costs and insurance costs.
Risks Relating to Leasing Operations
We may be unable to achieve and sustain satisfactory occupancy and rental rates at our retail and mixed-use projects.
Our leasing operations include the lease of retail space to tenants in a variety of businesses at retail and mixed-use properties that we developed. Retail projects that have not yet stabilized may fail to meet our original expectations for a number of reasons, including changes in market and economic conditions, competition, and construction or leasing delays. Our ability to achieve and sustain acceptable occupancy and rental rates may be adversely affected by oversupply, decrease in demand and declines in market rental rates. We face competition in attracting tenants to choose our retail and mixed-use projects over those of other developers and owners of similar properties. If our competitors offer space at rental rates below our current rates or the market rates, we may lose current or potential tenants to other properties in our markets and we may need to reduce rental rates below our current rates in order to retain tenants upon expiration of their leases. Increased competition for tenants may require us to make improvements to properties beyond those that we would otherwise have planned to make.
Once entered into, our retail leases typically range from five to ten years or longer. We may be unable to renew existing leases as they come due at the same or higher rental rates or at all. Adverse market or economic conditions that negatively impact our tenants’ businesses could adversely impact their ability to meet their obligations under the leases or to renew the leases. The loss or failure to renew a key tenant may make it more difficult to lease or renew leases on the remainder of the affected properties. Our retail tenants face continual competition in attracting customers, often including from online competitors. There has generally been a decline over time in the brick-and-mortar retail industry due to increases in on-line shopping, which generally has had an adverse impact on retail development projects. If we are unable to lease our retail properties, collect rent payments from tenants or release space on comparable or more favorable terms, such failure could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and ability to service our debt obligations.
We may be unable to achieve and sustain satisfactory occupancy and rental rates at our multi-family properties.
Our leasing operations also include the lease of residences in multi-family projects that we developed. Multi-family projects that have not yet stabilized may fail to meet our original expectations for a number of reasons, including changes in market and economic conditions, competition, and construction or leasing delays. Our ability to achieve and sustain acceptable occupancy and rental rates may be adversely affected by oversupply, decrease in demand and declines in market rental rates. We also face competition in attracting tenants to our multi-family projects, including from other multi-family properties as well as from condominiums and single-family homes available for rent or purchase.
Once entered into, our multi-family leases are typically for a term of 12 months. As these leases typically permit the residents to leave at the end of the lease term without penalty, our rental revenues are impacted by declines in market rents more quickly than if our leases were for longer terms. Further, we may be unable to renew existing leases as they come due. Adverse economic conditions that negatively impact our tenants’ employment could
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adversely impact our tenants’ ability to pay rent and/or cause tenants and potential tenants to prefer housing alternatives with lower rents. In addition, economic developments that favor home ownership over renting, such as low or declining interest rates, favorable or improving mortgage terms or a strong or strengthening job market, could also have an adverse impact on the profitability of our multi-family properties. If we are unable to lease our multi-family properties, collect rent payments from tenants or release space on comparable or more favorable terms, such failure could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and ability to service our debt obligations.
Costs in our leasing operations, many of which are fixed, may continue to increase.
Whether or not the properties in our leasing operations are occupied, we continue to incur expenses such as maintenance costs, insurance costs and property taxes. We have experienced and may continue to experience increases in our operating expenses in our leasing operations, including due to inflation.
Risks Relating to Ownership of Shares of Our Common Stock
Our common stock is thinly traded; therefore, our stock price may fluctuate more than the stock market as a whole and it may be difficult to sell large numbers of our shares at prevailing trading prices.
As a result of the thin trading market for shares of our common stock, our stock price may fluctuate significantly more than the stock market as a whole or the stock prices of similar companies. Without a larger public float, shares of our common stock will be less liquid than the shares of common stock of companies with broader public ownership, and as a result, it may be difficult for investors to sell the number of shares they desire at an acceptable price. Trading of a relatively small volume of shares of our common stock may have a greater effect on the trading price than would be the case if our public float were larger.
Our charter documents and Delaware law contain anti-takeover provisions and our by-laws contain an exclusive forum provision.
Anti-takeover provisions in our charter documents and Delaware law may make an acquisition of us more difficult. These provisions may discourage potential takeover attempts, discourage bids for our common stock at a premium over market price or adversely affect the market price of, and the voting and other rights of the holders of, our common stock. These provisions could also discourage proxy contests and make it more difficult for stockholders to elect directors other than the candidates nominated by the Board. Refer to Exhibit 4.1 for further discussion of anti-takeover provisions and an exclusive forum provision in our charter documents and Delaware law.
We may not pay dividends on our common stock or repurchase shares of our common stock in the future.
Holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends only when and if they are declared by our Board. Further, our Comerica Bank debt agreements prohibit us from paying a dividend on our common stock without the bank’s prior written consent. Although we declared special cash dividends on our common stock in March 2017 and September 2022 after receiving written consents from Comerica Bank, we may decide not to or be unable to pay cash dividends in the future. Comerica Bank’s consents to the payment of dividends in March 2017 and September 2022 are not indicative of the bank’s willingness to consent to the payment of future dividends.
Additionally, our Comerica Bank debt agreements contain a restrictive covenant limiting common stock repurchases to $1.0 million in the aggregate during the term of the agreements. Any repurchases of our common stock in excess of $1.0 million would require a waiver from Comerica Bank. During third-quarter 2022 and fourth quarter 2023, we received written consents from Comerica Bank in order to implement our $10.0 million share repurchase program and subsequent $5.0 million share repurchase program, respectively. Comerica Bank’s consents to share repurchase programs in the past are not indicative of the bank’s willingness to consent to any future share repurchase programs. Our $10.0 million program was completed in October 2023 and in November 2023 our Board approved a new $5.0 million program. As of March 21, 2025, $3.0 million remained available for the repurchase of shares under the $5.0 million program. The timing, price and number of shares that may be repurchased under the program will be based on market conditions, applicable securities laws and other factors considered by management and the Capital Committee of the Board. Share repurchases under the program may be made from time to time through solicited or unsolicited transactions in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions or by other means in accordance with securities laws. Our share repurchase program does not obligate us to repurchase any specific amount of shares, does not have an expiration date, and may be suspended, modified or discontinued at any time without prior notice, which may decrease the trading price of our common stock.
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Any future declaration of dividends or decision to repurchase our common stock is at the discretion of our Board, subject to restrictions under our Comerica Bank debt agreements, and will depend on our financial results, cash requirements, projected compliance with covenants in our debt agreements, outlook and other factors deemed relevant by our Board.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 1C. Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity Risk Management and Strategy
We have developed and implemented a cybersecurity risk management program intended to protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of our information systems and the information stored on those systems. Our program is integrated into our overall risk management program and shares common reporting channels and governance processes that apply across our risk management program to other legal, compliance, operational and financial risk areas.
Our cybersecurity risk management program is based on the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework (NIST CSF). This does not imply that we meet any particular technical standards, specifications or requirements, but only that we use the NIST CSF as a guide to help us identify, assess and manage cybersecurity risks relevant to our business.
Our cybersecurity risk management program includes:
•a cybersecurity policy outlining our procedures for the protection of our information systems and the information stored on those systems;
•risk assessments designed to help identify material cybersecurity risks to our information systems and the information stored on those systems;
•a team of employees (as further described below) responsible for managing our cybersecurity risk assessment processes, our security controls and our response to cybersecurity incidents;
•cybersecurity awareness training of our employees;
•the use of external service providers that assess, test and otherwise assist with aspects of our cybersecurity controls;
•the use of security information and event management software tools to help protect against, detect, analyze and respond to cybersecurity threats;
•an incident response plan that includes procedures for responding to cybersecurity incidents; and
•a cybersecurity risk management process with respect to third-party service providers.
We have focused on strengthening our cybersecurity risk management program during the past few years and intend to continue to improve our program, including through additional processes to oversee and identify risks from cybersecurity threats associated with our use of third-party service providers. We have experienced cybersecurity incidents in the past and may experience them in the future. However, we have not experienced any risks from cybersecurity threats, including as a result of prior cybersecurity incidents, that have materially affected us or that we believe are reasonably likely to materially affect us, including our business strategy, results of operations or financial condition. For information about risks from cybersecurity threats that could be reasonably likely to materially affect us, please refer to “Our business may be adversely affected by cybersecurity incidents or other disruptions to our information systems or our contractors’ information systems” included in Item 1A. “Risk Factors.”
Cybersecurity Governance
Our Board considers risks from cybersecurity threats as part of its risk oversight function and has delegated to the Audit Committee oversight of our information and technology security policies and the internal controls regarding information and technology security and cybersecurity risks.
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The Audit Committee receives periodic reports from our Chief Financial Officer on our cybersecurity risks and cybersecurity risk management program. The Audit Committee reports to the full Board regarding its activities, including those related to cybersecurity. The full Board also receives briefings from our Chief Financial Officer on our cybersecurity risks and cybersecurity risk management program.
We have an information technology (IT) Steering Committee consisting of senior management that is responsible for providing input and guidance on IT issues, including cybersecurity matters and incident response. Our IT Steering Committee is led by our IT Director and includes senior members from Stratus’ different departments.
We have an IT Security Team consisting of our IT Director and Network Administrator/Security Analyst responsible for monitoring our information systems for cybersecurity threats and incidents, detecting and analyzing cybersecurity incidents, and reporting cybersecurity incidents to our Incident Response Team (described below). Our IT Security Team is led by our IT Director. Our IT Security Team may also include one or more external IT technical experts depending on the nature and scope of any particular cybersecurity threat or incident.
We have an Incident Response Team consisting of management personnel that is responsible for promptly responding to cybersecurity incidents. Our Incident Response Team is led by our Chief Financial Officer and includes our IT Director, Network Administrator/Security Analyst, Vice President – Finance, and General Counsel. Our Incident Response Team may also include one or more external IT technical experts and subject-matter experts depending on the nature and scope of any particular cybersecurity incident. As our Incident Response Team leader, our Chief Financial Officer is responsible for reporting any significant cybersecurity incident to our Chief Executive Officer, Audit Committee, and Board.
Our Chief Financial Officer has over 25 years of experience supervising public company IT departments. Our IT Director has over 25 years of experience in the development, implementation and maintenance of public company information systems with a focus on network and IT infrastructure security; five years of experience in cybersecurity matters, including identifying and assessing cybersecurity risks and developing and implementing cybersecurity risk management strategies and programs; and has completed educational programs in cybersecurity risk management. Our Network Administrator/Security Analyst holds a Master of Science degree in Cybersecurity from a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense designated university and has three years of experience working with our information systems, including endpoint security software and Security Information and Event Management tool management.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
We are from time to time involved in legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of our business. We do not believe, based on currently available information, that the outcome of any legal proceeding will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations. We maintain liability insurance to cover some, but not all, potential liabilities normally incident to the ordinary course of our business as well as other insurance coverage customary in our business, with such coverage limits as management deems prudent. Refer to Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” for further discussion.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
Information About Our Executive Officers
Certain information as of March 21, 2025, regarding our executive officers is set forth in the following table and accompanying text. Each of our executive officers serves at the discretion of our Board of Directors.
Name Age Position or Office
Erin D. Pickens 63 Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Armstrong has been employed by us since our inception in 1992. Mr. Armstrong has served as President since August 1996, Chief Executive Officer since May 1998 and Chairman of the Board since August 1998. Mr. Armstrong previously served as President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, from 1996 to 1998. Mr.
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Armstrong also serves as a director of Moody National REIT II, Inc., a publicly traded real estate investment trust, from September 2017 to present. Mr. Armstrong previously served as a director of Moody National REIT I, Inc., a publicly traded real estate investment trust, from September 2008 until September 2017. Mr. Armstrong previously served as secretary-treasurer of Green Business Certification Inc., an organization that drives implementation of the LEED green building program, from March 2021 to January 2024.
Ms. Pickens has served as our Senior Vice President since May 2009 and our Chief Financial Officer since June 2009. Ms. Pickens previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Tarragon Corporation from November 1998 until April 2009, and as Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer from September 1996 until November 1998 and Accounting Manager from June 1995 until August 1996 for Tarragon and its predecessors. Ms. Pickens is a licensed Certified Public Accountant. Ms. Pickens is a current member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants.
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PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Common Stock
Our common stock trades on The Nasdaq Stock Market (NASDAQ) under the symbol “STRS.” As of March 26, 2025, there were 293 holders of record of our common stock including participants in security position listings.
Common Stock Dividends and Share Repurchase Programs
In 2017, we paid a special cash dividend of $1.00 per share (totaling approximately $8 million) on our common stock after the sale of our Oaks at Lakeway project, and in 2022, we paid a special cash dividend of $4.67 per share (totaling approximately $40 million) on our common stock after the sales of Block 21, The Santal and The Saint Mary, in each case after receiving the consent of Comerica Bank. Our ability to pay dividends is restricted by the terms of our Comerica Bank debt agreements, which prohibit us from paying a dividend on our common stock without Comerica Bank’s prior written consent. In addition, certain of our project loan agreements contain provisions that restrict our subsidiaries from distributing cash to Stratus, as the parent company. Any future declaration of dividends is at the discretion of our Board of Directors (the Board), subject to restrictions under our Comerica Bank debt agreements, and will depend on our financial results, cash requirements, projected compliance with covenants in our debt agreements, outlook and other factors deemed relevant by our Board.
In 2022, with written consent from Comerica Bank, our Board approved a share repurchase program, which authorized repurchases of up to $10.0 million of our common stock. In October 2023, we completed the share repurchase program. In total, under the completed share repurchase program we acquired 389,378 shares of our common stock for a cost of $10.0 million at an average price of $25.68 per share. In November 2023, with written consent from Comerica Bank, our Board approved a new share repurchase program, which authorizes repurchases of up to $5.0 million of our common stock. As of March 21, 2025, $3.0 million remains available for repurchases under the program. Our Comerica Bank debt agreements contain a restrictive covenant limiting common stock repurchases to $1.0 million in the aggregate during the term of the agreements. Any repurchases of our common stock outside of our approved $5.0 million share repurchase program would require a waiver from Comerica Bank. Refer to Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” for further discussion.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities
None.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The following table sets forth information with respect to shares of our common stock that we repurchased under our share purchase program during the three months ended December 31, 2024.
a.On November 14, 2023, we announced that our Board approved a share repurchase program authorizing repurchases of up to $5.0 million of our common stock. The timing, price and number of shares that may be repurchased under the program will be based on market conditions, applicable securities laws and other factors considered by management and the Capital Committee of the Board. Share repurchases under the program may be made from time to time through solicited or unsolicited transactions in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions or by other means in accordance with securities laws. The share repurchase program does not obligate us to repurchase any specific amount of shares, does not have an expiration date, and may be suspended, modified or discontinued at any time without prior notice. Through
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March 21, 2025, we acquired 83,380 shares of our common stock for a total cost of $2.0 million at an average price of $23.98 per share, and $3.0 million remains available for repurchases under the program.
Item 6. Reserved
Items 7. and 7A. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operationsand Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
In Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, “we,” “us,” “our” and “Stratus” refer to Stratus Properties Inc. and all entities owned or controlled by Stratus Properties Inc. You should read the following discussion in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related discussion of “Business and Properties” and “Risk Factors” included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. The results of operations reported and summarized below are not necessarily indicative of future operating results, and future results could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements (refer to “Cautionary Statement” and Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” herein). All subsequent references to “Notes” refer to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements located in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
OVERVIEW
We are a residential and retail focused real estate company with headquarters in Austin, Texas. We are engaged primarily in the entitlement, development, management, leasing and sale of multi-family and single-family residential and commercial real estate properties in the Austin, Texas area and other select markets in Texas. In addition to our developed properties, we have a development portfolio that consists of approximately 1,500 acres of commercial and multi-family and single-family residential projects under development or undeveloped land held for future use. Our commercial real estate portfolio consists of stabilized retail properties or future retail and mixed-use development projects with no commercial office space. We generate revenues and cash flows from the sale of our developed and undeveloped properties, the lease of our retail, mixed-use and multi-family properties and development and asset management fees received from our properties. Refer to Part I, Items 1. and 2. “Business and Properties,” and Note 10 for further discussion of our operating segments and “Business Strategy” below for a discussion of our business strategy.
BUSINESS STRATEGY
Our primary business objective is to create value for stockholders by methodically developing and enhancing the value of our properties and then selling them or holding them for lease. We endeavor to sell properties at times when we believe market conditions are favorable to us. We are focused on the development of pure residential and residential-centric mixed-use projects in Austin and other select markets in Texas, which we believe continue to be attractive locations. Our successful development program of securing and maintaining development entitlements, developing and stabilizing properties, and selling them or holding them as part of our leasing operations is a key element of our strategy. We may also seek to refinance properties, in order to benefit from, when available, an increase in the value of the property or from lower interest rates, or for other reasons.
From time to time, when deemed appropriate by our Board of Directors (the Board) and permitted pursuant to the terms of our debt agreements, we may return capital to stockholders, as we did in 2022 and 2017 with special cash dividends totaling approximately $40 million and $8 million respectively, and as we did during 2022 and 2023 through our $10.0 million share repurchase program, which was completed in October 2023. In November 2023, our Board approved a new $5.0 million share repurchase program.
Our investment strategy focuses on projects that we believe will provide attractive long-term returns, while limiting our financial risk. We plan to continue to develop properties using project-level debt and third-party equity capital through joint ventures in which we receive development management fees and asset management fees, with our potential returns increasing above our relative equity interest in each project as negotiated return hurdles are achieved. Refer to Note 2. We expect to continue our limited use of our revolving credit facility and to retain sufficient cash to operate our business, taking into account risks associated with changing market conditions and the variability in cash flows from our business.
Our main sources of revenue and cash flow are expected to be sales of our properties to third parties or distributions from joint ventures, the timing of and proceeds from which are difficult to predict and depend on market
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conditions and other factors. We also generate cash flow from rental income in our leasing operations and from development and asset management fees received from our properties. Due to the nature of our development-focused business, we do not expect to generate sufficient recurring cash flow to cover our general and administrative expenses each period. However, we believe that the unique nature and location of our assets, and our team’s ability to execute successfully on development projects, have and will continue to provide us with positive cash flows and net income over time, as evidenced by our sales of The Santal and The Saint Mary in 2021 and Block 21 in 2022, the cash distribution from the Holden Hills Phase 1 partnership in 2023 and our property sales in 2024. Further, we believe our investment strategy, current liquidity and portfolio of projects provide us with many opportunities to increase value for our stockholders.
We do not currently have any material commitments to contribute additional cash to our joint venture projects or wholly owned development projects other than the potential additional $10.0 million of capital that we may be required to contribute to our Holden Hills Phase 1 joint venture and our share (related to Holden Hills Phase 2) of the cost of the Tecoma Improvements discussed below under “Recent Development Activities – Current Residential Activities – Barton Creek – Holden Hills Phase 1.” As of December 31, 2024, the remaining costs to complete the Tecoma Improvements totaled $3.5 million, of which our share totaled $2.1 million. However, during 2023 and 2024, and first-quarter 2025, we made operating loans and a capital contribution to our joint ventures. Refer to Note 2 for further discussion. We anticipate making future operating loans to the limited partnership for The Annie B totaling up to $1.7 million and a capital contribution to the limited partnership for The Saint George of $125 thousand over the next 12 months. Our estimates of future operating loans are based on estimates of future costs of the partnership. Refer to Note 2 and “Capital Resources and Liquidity – Revolving Credit Facility and Other Financing Arrangements” and “Capital Resources and Liquidity – Liquidity Outlook” for further discussion. In addition, our development plans for future projects require significant additional capital.
As of December 31, 2024, consolidated cash totaled $20.2 million and we had $39.0 million available under our revolving credit facility, net of $13.3 million of letters of credit committed against the facility, with no amounts drawn on the facility. In January 2025, our revolving credit facility was modified to increase the aggregate amount of letters of credit that may be committed against the facility to $15.6 million. In March 2025, our revolving credit facility was amended to extend the maturity and lower the interest rate, as described in more detail in Item 9B. “Other Information”, and as of March 25, 2025, the availability under our revolving credit facility was $38.5 million.
We were challenged by difficult conditions in the real estate business in 2023. Interest rates, which began rising in 2022, continued to increase, and costs remained elevated. During 2024, interest rates stabilized but costs remained elevated. We saw limited opportunities for transactions on favorable terms. Accordingly, during this market cycle, we have been working to maintain our business, advance our projects under construction or development, control costs and advance entitlements, relationships and opportunities to position us to capture value when market conditions improve. During 2023 and 2024, among other things, we completed construction and lease-up of The Saint June multi-family project, continued construction of The Saint George multi-family project, advanced road and utility infrastructure construction of Holden Hills Phase 1, managed our completed retail projects and advanced entitlements on other projects. In addition, during 2023 and 2024, we sold six Amarra Villas homes for a total of $21.4 million, 47 acres of undeveloped land at Magnolia Place for $14.5 million, Magnolia Place – Retail for $8.9 million and one Amarra Phase III lot for $1.4 million, described further below.
As of December 31, 2024, our retail and multi-family portfolio consisted of five stabilized projects, namely The Saint June, Jones Crossing – Retail, Kingwood Place, Lantana Place – Retail and West Killeen Market. As previously disclosed, we had been testing the market for potential sales of West Killeen Market, Magnolia Place – Retail, Lantana Place – Retail and Kingwood Place. In third-quarter 2024, we closed on the sale of Magnolia Place – Retail for $8.9 million. The sale generated pre-tax net cash proceeds of approximately $8.6 million and a pre-tax gain of $1.6 million. As described below, in fourth-quarter 2024 and first-quarter 2025, we amended or refinanced loans for The Saint June, Kingwood Place, Lantana Place and Jones Crossing, all at lower rates, and generated additional cash proceeds after property taxes, closing costs and partnership expenses of approximately $7.7 million in the aggregate.
Although 2023 and 2024 were challenging, we see reasons for optimism regarding improving real estate market conditions in our markets over the next 12 months. Among other things, the Federal Reserve lowered interest rates in September 2024 for the first time in four years, and lowered interest rates again in November and December 2024. In fourth-quarter 2024, we extended the maturity of The Saint June construction loan for one year at a lower rate and with additional cash proceeds of approximately $1.5 million after closing costs. We also refinanced the Kingwood Place construction with a three-year term loan at a lower rate and additional cash proceeds of
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approximately $2.0 million after partnership expenses and closing costs. In January 2025, we refinanced the Lantana Place construction loan with a four-year term loan at a lower rate and additional cash proceeds of approximately $3.0 million after property taxes and closing costs. In March 2025, we refinanced the Jones Crossing loan with a three-year term loan at a lower rate and additional cash proceeds of approximately $1.2 million after closing costs. We also expect that, if market rates continue to decline, interest on our outstanding debt, all of which is variable rate, will continue to decline. We believe we have sufficient liquidity and access to capital to sell properties when market conditions are favorable to us and to hold or refinance our properties or to continue to develop our properties, as applicable, through the market cycle. We expect to re-evaluate our strategy as sales and development progress on the projects in our portfolio and as market conditions continue to evolve.
OVERVIEW OF FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR 2024
Sources of revenue and income. Stratus has two operating segments: Real Estate Operations and Leasing Operations. We operate primarily in Austin, Texas and in other select markets in Texas.
Our Real Estate Operations segment encompasses our activities associated with our entitlement, development, and sale of real estate. The current focus of our real estate operations is multi-family and single-family residential properties and residential-centric mixed-use properties. We may sell or lease the properties we develop, depending on market conditions. Multi-family and retail rental properties that we develop are reclassified to our Leasing Operations segment when construction is completed and they are ready for occupancy. Revenue in our Real Estate Operations segment may be generated from the sale of properties that are developed, undeveloped or under development, depending on market conditions. Developed property sales can include an individual tract of land that has been developed and permitted for residential use, or a developed lot with a residence already built on it. In addition to our developed properties, we have a development portfolio that consists of approximately 1,500 acres of commercial and multi-family and single-family residential projects under development or undeveloped land held for future use. Our Real Estate Operations segment does not have exposure to office space.
Revenue in our Leasing Operations segment is generated from leasing space at retail and mixed-use properties and residences in the multi-family properties that we developed. Our Leasing Operations segment does not have exposure to office space. We also generate income from the sale of our leased properties from time to time, depending on market conditions.
Refer to Note 10 and Items 1. and 2. “Business and Properties” for discussion of the assets in our Real Estate Operations and Leasing Operations.
Summary financial results for 2024 and 2023. Our revenues totaled $54.2 million for 2024, compared with $17.3 million for 2023, primarily due to an increase in revenue from our Real Estate Operations segment and, to a lesser extent, from our Leasing Operations segment. The $32.3 million increase in revenues from our Real Estate Operations segment in 2024, compared to 2023, is primarily a result of the sales of five Amarra Villas homes for a total of $18.9 million, 47 acres of undeveloped land at Magnolia Place for $14.5 million and one Amarra Drive Phase III lot for $1.4 million in 2024, compared with the sale of one Amarra Villas home in 2023 for $2.5 million. Revenues from our Leasing Operations segment increased $4.6 million in 2024, primarily as a result of the commencement of operations at The Saint June in mid-2023, as well as increased revenue at Lantana Place – Retail, Jones Crossing – Retail and Kingwood Place, primarily due to new leases. During 2024, we recorded a $1.6 million pre-tax gain on the sale of Magnolia Place – Retail. Refer to “Results of Operations” below for further discussion of our segments.
Our net income attributable to common stockholders totaled $2.0 million, or $0.24 per diluted share during 2024, compared to net loss attributable to common stockholders of $(14.8) million, or $(1.85) per diluted share, during 2023.
Real Estate Market Conditions. Because of the concentration of our assets primarily in the Austin, Texas area, and in other select markets in Texas, real estate market conditions in these regions significantly affect our business. These market conditions historically have moved in periodic cycles and can be volatile. Real estate development in Austin, where most of our real estate under development and undeveloped real estate is located, has historically been constrained as a result of various restrictions imposed by the City of Austin. Additionally, several special interest groups have traditionally opposed development in Austin.
In addition to the traditional influence of state and federal government employment levels on the local economy, the Austin-Round Rock, Texas area (Austin-Round Rock) has been influenced by growth in the technology sector.
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Large, high-profile technology companies have expanded their profile in Austin-Round Rock recently as the technology sector has clustered in this market. The COVID-19 pandemic and the related increase in remote work also resulted in population increases in Texas and within the Austin area.
In 2024, the Austin-Round Rock area continued its population growth, although at a lower rate compared to recent years. According to the Texas Demographic Center, between 2020 and 2024, the City of Austin’s population increased by 2.6 percent and Austin is now the fifth largest city in the state of Texas. During that time, the Austin-Round Rock area’s population increased by 10.9 percent. The expanding economy resulted in rising demand for residential housing and retail services. This surge in population growth spurred a rapid increase in multi-family construction. In 2024, supply in the multi-family market grew by 10.3 percent over the previous year. This increased supply caused rental rates to drop by 6.9 percent from the previous year, averaging $1,478 per month. Occupancy rates remained high, however, at 92.8 percent, which was an increase over 2023 occupancy rates at 92.6 percent.
Vacancy rates in the City of Austin, Texas are noted below.
December 31,
Multi-Family Buildings a 7.2 % 7.4 %
Retail Buildings b 3.4 % 3.4 %
a.Colliers, CoStar Group, Inc.
b.Marcus & Millichap Research Services, CoStar Group, Inc.
Our industry has been experiencing construction and labor cost increases, supply chain constraints, labor shortages, higher borrowing costs and tightening bank credit. Inflation increased rapidly during 2021 through June 2022. Since June 2022, the rate of inflation generally has declined; however, it began increasing in the later part of 2024 and has generally remained higher than the Federal Reserve’s target rate of inflation of two percent. In response, the Federal Reserve raised the federal funds target rate multiple times from March 2022 through July 2023, by 525 basis points on a cumulative basis. As inflation began to decline, the Federal Reserve began to focus on improving the labor market and price stability. Between September 2024 and December 2024, the Federal Reserve lowered the federal funds target rate by 100 basis points on a cumulative basis. Elevated inflation and interest rates increase our costs of materials, services, labor and capital. Refer to Item 1A. Risk Factors for further discussion.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
Management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP) The preparation of these financial statements requires that we make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. We base these estimates on historical experience and on assumptions that we consider reasonable under the circumstances; however, reported results could differ from those based on the current estimates under different assumptions and/or conditions. The areas requiring the use of management’s estimates are discussed in Note 1 under the heading “Use of Estimates.” Critical accounting estimates are those estimates made in accordance with U.S. GAAP that involve a significant level of estimation uncertainty and have had or are reasonably likely to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. Our critical accounting estimates are discussed below.
Real Estate Impairment Assessments. Real estate is classified as held for sale, under development, held for investment or land available for development (refer to Note 1). When events or circumstances indicate that an asset’s carrying amount may not be recoverable, an impairment test is performed. For real estate held for sale, if estimated fair value less costs to sell is less than the related carrying amount, a reduction of the asset’s carrying value to fair value less costs to sell is required. For real estate under development, land available for development and real estate held for investment, if the projected undiscounted cash flow from the asset is less than the related carrying amount, a reduction of the carrying amount of the asset to fair value is required. Generally, we determine fair value using valuation techniques such as discounted expected future cash flows.
In developing estimated future cash flows for impairment testing for our real estate assets, we have incorporated our own market assumptions including those regarding real estate prices, sales pace, sales and marketing costs,
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and infrastructure costs. Our assumptions are based, in part, on general economic conditions, the current state of the real estate industry, expectations about the short- and long-term outlook for the real estate market, and competition from other developers or operators in the area in which we develop or operate our properties. These assumptions can significantly affect our estimates of future cash flows. For those properties held for sale and deemed to be impaired, we determine fair value based on appraised values, adjusted for estimated costs to sell, as we believe this is the value for which the property could be sold.
We recorded no impairment charges on real estate during 2024 or 2023.
Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance. The carrying amounts of deferred tax assets are required to be reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the available evidence, it is more likely than not that such assets will not be realized. Accordingly, we assess the need to establish valuation allowances for deferred tax assets periodically based on the more-likely-than-not realization threshold criterion. In the assessment of the need for a valuation allowance, appropriate consideration is given to all positive and negative evidence related to the realization of the deferred tax assets. This assessment considers, among other matters, the nature, frequency and severity of current and cumulative losses, the potential to recognize gains on sales of properties, forecasts of future profitability, the duration of statutory carryforward periods, our experience with operating loss and tax credit carryforwards not expiring unused, and tax planning alternatives. This process involves significant management judgment about assumptions that are subject to change based on variances between projected and actual operating performance and changes in our business environment or operating or financing plans.
We regularly evaluate the recoverability of our deferred tax assets, considering available positive and negative evidence, including earnings history and the forecast of future taxable income. We had deferred tax assets (net of deferred tax liabilities and $9.3 million valuation allowances) totaling $153 thousand at December 31, 2024. Refer to Note 7 for further discussion.
Profit Participation Incentive Plan and Long-Term Incentive Plan. Refer to Notes 1 and 8 for our accounting policies related to the Stratus Profit Participation Incentive Plan (PPIP) and Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP). During 2024, we credited $296 thousand to project development costs and charged $570 thousand to general and administrative expenses related to the PPIP and LTIP. During 2023, we capitalized $201 thousand to project development costs and credited $41 thousand to general and administrative expenses related to the PPIP and LTIP. The accrued liability for the PPIP and LTIP totaled $1.9 million at December 31, 2024, and $3.1 million at December 31, 2023 (included in other liabilities).
The most significant assumptions in the estimation of the $1.9 million PPIP and LTIP liability at December 31, 2024 were estimated capitalization rates ranging from 4.50 percent to 7.22 percent, expected remaining service periods ranging from 0.3 years to 3.1 years, and estimated transaction costs ranging from 1.25 percent to 7.46 percent of sale prices. The assumptions for the PPIP and LTIP liability as of December 31, 2023 were estimated capitalization rates ranging from 4.25 percent to 6.50 percent, expected remaining service periods ranging from 1.4 years to 2.8 years, and estimated transaction costs ranging from 1.25 percent to 7.83 percent.
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RECENT DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
The discussion below focuses on our recent residential and commercial development activity. For a description of our properties containing additional information, refer to Items 1. and 2. “Business and Properties.”
Residential. As of December 31, 2024, the number of our residential lots/units that are developed, under development and available for potential development by area are shown below:
Residential Lots/Units
Developed UnderDevelopment Potential Development a Total
Barton Creek:
Amarra Drive:
Phase III lot 1 — — 1
Amarra Villas 3 2 — 5
Other homes — — 10 10
Holden Hills Phase 1 (f/k/a Holden Hills) b — 475 — 475
Holden Hills Phase 2 (f/k/a Section N) c — — 1,412 1,412
Other Barton Creek sections — — 2 2
Circle C multi-family — — 56 56
Lantana (The Saint Julia) c — — 212 212
a.Our development of the properties identified under the heading “Potential Development” is dependent upon the approval of our development plans and permits by governmental agencies, including the City of Austin, Travis County and other local governments in our Texas markets. Those governmental agencies may not approve one or more development plans and permit applications related to such properties or may require us to modify our development plans. Accordingly, our development strategy with respect to those properties may change in the future. While we may be proceeding with approved infrastructure projects or planning activities for some of these properties, they are not considered to be “under development” for disclosure in this table until construction activities have begun.
b.For further discussion of the ETJ process and ongoing development planning that may result in changes in our development plans and increased densities for Holden Hills Phases 1 and 2, refer to “Barton Creek” below.
c.For a discussion of this project, refer to Items 1. and 2. “Business and Properties.”
Barton Creek
Amarra Villas. The Villas at Amarra Drive (Amarra Villas) project is a 20-unit development within the Amarra development for which we completed site work in 2015. We have been constructing and selling the units over time. The homes average approximately 4,000 square feet and are being marketed as “lock and leave” properties, with golf course access and cart garages. We completed construction and sale of the first nine homes between 2017 and 2022. In first-quarter 2023, we completed and sold one home for $2.5 million. Construction was completed on two of the homes in fourth-quarter 2023. In first-quarter 2024, we completed construction of two of the homes, and we sold two of the homes for a total of $7.6 million. In second-quarter 2024, we sold another Amarra Villas home for $3.6 million. In third-quarter 2024, we completed and sold one Amarra Villas home for $4.0 million. In fourth-quarter 2024, we completed construction of three of the homes and we sold one home for $3.8 million, leaving three completed homes in inventory as of December 31, 2024. Construction on the last two homes continues to progress and is expected to be completed in the first half of 2025. As of March 21, 2025, five homes remain available for sale.
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The Saint June. In third-quarter 2021, we began construction on The Saint June, a 182-unit luxury garden-style multi-family project within the Amarra development. The first units were available for occupancy in July 2023, and construction was completed in fourth-quarter 2023. We completed the lease-up of The Saint June during 2024.
Holden Hills Phase 1 (formerly known as Holden Hills). Our final large residential development within the Barton Creek community, Holden Hills Phase 1, consists of 495 acres. The community has been designed to feature unique luxury residences to be developed in multiple sections with a focus on health and wellness, sustainability and energy conservation.
We entered into a limited partnership agreement with a third-party equity investor for Holden Hills Phase 1 in January 2023, and in February 2023 obtained construction financing for road and utility infrastructure of Holden Hills Phase 1. Construction on the road and utility infrastructure is expected to be completed in the first half of 2025. As a result of the removal of Holden Hills Phase 1 from Austin’s ETJ pursuant to Texas Senate Bill 2038 (the ETJ Law), as described below, our development plans for portions of Holden Hills Phase 1 are being adjusted to benefit from the new regulatory scheme. We anticipate being in a position to start building homes and/or selling home sites in late 2025, assuming regulators timely fulfill their permit processing obligations and there are no further changes in the regulatory environment. For additional discussion, refer to Items 1. and 2. “Business and Properties” and Notes 2 and 6.
Holden Hills Phase 2 (formerly known as Section N). Using an entitlement strategy similar to that used for Holden Hills Phase 1, we continue to progress the development plans for Holden Hills Phase 2, our approximately 570-acre tract located along Southwest Parkway in the southern portion of the Barton Creek community adjacent to Holden Hills Phase 1. We have removed the majority of Holden Hills Phase 2 from Austin’s ETJ pursuant to the ETJ Law, as described below, and are adjusting our development plans to benefit from the new regulatory scheme. Holden Hills Phase 2 is being designed as a mixed-use project, with extensive residential uses, coupled with limited entertainment and hospitality uses, surrounded by extensive outdoor recreational and greenspace amenities. The new regulatory scheme is expected to result in a significant increase in development density as compared to our prior plans.
ETJ Process. The ETJ Law became effective September 1, 2023. We have completed the statutory process to remove all of our relevant land subject to development, including primarily Holden Hills Phases 1 and 2 from the extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) of the City of Austin, as permitted by the ETJ Law. We have also made filings with Travis County to grandfather Holden Hills Phases 1 and 2 under most laws in effect in Travis County at the time of the filings. A number of cities in Texas have brought lawsuits challenging the ETJ Law. If the ETJ Law is upheld, we expect that the removal of our properties from the ETJ of the City of Austin will streamline the development permitting process, allow greater flexibility in the design of projects, potentially decrease certain development costs, and potentially permit meaningful increases in development density. In light of the ETJ Law, our development plans for portions of Holden Hills Phases 1 and 2 are being adjusted. For additional discussion, refer to Item 1A. “Risk Factors.”
The Saint George
The Saint George is a luxury wrap-style multi-family project under construction on approximately four acres in north central Austin, with approximately 316 units comprised of studio, one- and two- bedroom units and an attached parking garage. We purchased the land and entered into third-party equity financing for the project in December 2021. We entered into a construction loan for the project in July 2022 and began construction in third-quarter 2022. We currently expect to achieve substantial completion in the first half of 2025. Refer to Notes 2 and 6 for further discussion.
Circle C Community
As of December 31, 2023, our Circle C community had remaining entitlements for 660,985 square feet of commercial space and 56 multi-family units. We are pursuing rezoning that would change the permitted land use from commercial to multi-family.
Lakeway Multi-Family
After extensive negotiation with the City of Lakeway, utility suppliers and neighboring property owners, during 2023 we secured the right to develop a multi-family project on approximately 35 acres of undeveloped property in Lakeway, Texas located in the greater Austin area. The multi-family project is expected to utilize the road, drainage and utility infrastructure we are required to build, subject to certain conditions, which is secured by a $2.3 million
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letter of credit under our revolving credit facility. Refer to Note 6 and “Capital Resources and Liquidity – Revolving Credit Facility and Other Financing Arrangements” below for additional discussion.
The Annie B
In September 2021, we purchased the land and announced plans for The Annie B, a proposed luxury high-rise project in downtown Austin to be developed as a 400-foot tower, consisting of approximately 420,000 square feet with 316 luxury residential units. Stratus Block 150, L.P. raised $11.7 million in third-party equity capital and entered into a $14.0 million loan to finance part of the costs of land acquisition and budgeted pre-development costs for The Annie B. We continue to work to finalize our development plans and to evaluate whether the project is most profitable as a for rent or for sale product. Our goal is to commence construction as soon as financing and other market conditions warrant. Refer to Notes 2 and 6 for additional discussion.
Magnolia Place
In first-quarter 2024, we completed the sale of approximately 47 acres planned for a second phase of retail development, all remaining pad sites and up to 600 multi-family units, for $14.5 million. In connection with the sale, the Magnolia construction loan with a balance of $8.8 million was repaid. Following the sale, we retained potential development of approximately 11 acres planned for 275 multi-family units and approximately $12 million of potential future reimbursement from the municipal utility district (MUD).
Other Residential
We have advanced development plans for The Saint Julia, an approximately 210-unit multi-family project that is part of Lantana Place, a partially developed, mixed-use development project located south of Barton Creek in Austin. Our goal is to commence construction or sell the site, as soon as financing and/or market conditions warrant.
We continue to evaluate options for a 21-acre multi-family component of Jones Crossing, an H-E-B grocery anchored, mixed-use development located in College Station, Texas. During 2023, we separated the ground lease for the multi-family parcel from the primary ground lease.
Commercial. As of December 31, 2024, the number of square feet of our commercial property developed, under development and our remaining entitlements for potential development are shown below:
Commercial Property
Developed Under Development Potential Development a Total
Barton Creek:
Lantana:
a.Our development of the properties identified under the heading “Potential Development” is dependent upon the approval of our development plans and permits by governmental agencies, including the City of Austin, Travis County and other local governments in our Texas markets. Those governmental agencies may not approve one or more development plans and permit applications related to such properties or may require us to modify our development plans. Accordingly, our development strategy with respect to those properties may change in the future. While we may be proceeding with approved infrastructure projects or planning activities for some of these properties, they are not considered to be “under development” for disclosure in this table until construction activities have begun.
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b.For a discussion of this project, refer to Items 1. and 2. “Business and Properties.”
c.We are pursuing rezoning of approximately 216 undeveloped acres planned for 660,985 square feet of commercial space from commercial use to multi-family use.
Stabilized Retail Projects
We own and operate the following stabilized retail projects that we developed:
•Lantana Place – Retail is part of our mixed-use development project within the Lantana community south of Barton Creek in Austin, Texas. As of December 31, 2024, we had signed leases for substantially all of the 99,377-square-foot retail space, including the anchor tenant, Moviehouse & Eatery, and a ground lease for an AC Hotel by Marriott that opened in November 2021.
•West Killeen Market is our H-E-B shadow-anchored retail project in West Killeen, Texas, near Fort Cavazos. As of December 31, 2024, we had executed leases for approximately 74 percent of the 44,493-square-foot retail space.
•Jones Crossing is our H-E-B-anchored mixed-use project in College Station, Texas, the location of Texas A&M University. As of December 31, 2024, we had signed leases for substantially all of the completed retail space, including the H-E-B grocery store, totaling 154,092 square feet. The Jones Crossing site has future development opportunities. As of December 31, 2024, we had approximately 22 undeveloped acres with estimated development potential of approximately 104,750 square feet of commercial space and four retail pad sites.
•Kingwood Place is our H-E-B-anchored, mixed-use development project in Kingwood, Texas (in the greater Houston area). We have constructed 151,877 square feet of retail space at Kingwood Place, including an H-E-B grocery store, and as of December 31, 2024, we had signed leases for substantially all of the retail space, including the H-E-B grocery store. We have also signed ground leases on four of the retail pad sites. One retail pad site remains available for lease.
As previously disclosed, we had been testing the market for potential sales of West Killeen Market, Magnolia Place – Retail, Lantana Place – Retail and Kingwood Place. In third-quarter 2024, we closed on the sale of Magnolia Place – Retail for $8.9 million. The sale generated pre-tax net cash proceeds of approximately $8.6 million and a pre-tax gain of $1.6 million. In fourth-quarter 2024, we refinanced the construction loan for Kingwood Place and in first-quarter 2025, we refinanced the construction loan for Lantana Place and the Jones Crossing loan, all at lower rates. Refer to Part I, Items 1. and 2. "Business and Properties" and Note 6 for further discussion.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
We are continually evaluating the development and sale potential of our properties and will continue to consider opportunities to enter into transactions involving our properties, including possible joint ventures, refinancings or other arrangements. As a result, and because of numerous factors affecting our business activities as described herein, our past operating results are not necessarily indicative of our future results.
The following table summarizes our operating results (in thousands):
Years Ended December 31,
Operating (loss) income:
Real Estate Operations a $ 4,727 $ (7,219)
General and administrative expenses c (14,952) (15,167)
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders $ 1,956 $ (14,807)
a.Includes sales commissions and other revenues together with related expenses.
b.Includes a pre-tax gain on the sale of Magnolia Place – Retail in third-quarter 2024 of $1.6 million.
c.Includes employee compensation and other costs.
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We have two operating segments: Real Estate Operations and Leasing Operations (refer to Note 10). The following is a discussion of our operating results by segment.
We use operating income (loss) before general and administrative expenses to measure the performance of our business segments. General and administrative expenses, which primarily consist of employee salaries, wages and other costs, are managed on a consolidated basis and are not allocated to Stratus’ operating segments. The following segment information reflects management determinations that may not be indicative of what the actual financial performance of each segment would be if it were an independent entity.
Real Estate Operations
The following table summarizes our Real Estate Operations results (in thousands):
Years Ended December 31,
Revenues:
Undeveloped property sales 14,500 —
Commissions and other 39 58
Expenses:
Property taxes and insurance (1,145) (1,267)
Allocated overhead costs (977) (1,731)
Depreciation and amortization (181) (154)
Operating income (loss) $ 4,727 $ (7,219)
Developed Property Sales. The following table summarizes our developed property sales (in thousands):
Years Ended December 31,
Barton Creek – Amarra Drive:
The increase in revenues from developed property sales for 2024, compared to 2023, reflects the sales of five Amarra Villas homes in 2024 compared to the sale of one Amarra Villas home in 2023, as well as an increase in average sales price by approximately 52 percent, from $2.5 million per home in 2023 to $3.8 million per home in 2024. No assurances can be given that future sale prices will be as high as sale prices in 2024. In fourth-quarter 2024, we also sold one Amarra Drive Phase III lot for $1.4 million. As of December 31, 2024, one developed Phase III lot and three completed Amarra Villas homes remained unsold and the remaining two Amarra Villas homes were under construction.
Undeveloped Property Sales. In first-quarter 2024, we completed the sale of approximately 47 acres of undeveloped land at Magnolia Place that was planned for a second phase of retail development, all remaining pad sites and up to 600 multi-family units, for $14.5 million. There were no undeveloped property sales in 2023.
Real Estate Operations Expenses. Real Estate Operations expenses include cost of real estate sold, property taxes and insurance, lease expense, professional fees, allocated overhead costs, other segment items and depreciation and amortization. Other segment items primarily include advertising, property owner association fees,
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maintenance and utilities. Cost of real estate sold is directly related to property sales. Cost of real estate sold increased $21.7 million in 2024, compared to 2023, primarily due to the sale of undeveloped property at Magnolia Place and the sales of five Amarra Villas homes in 2024 compared to no undeveloped property sales and the sale of one Amarra Villas home in 2023. In addition, the average cost of the Amarra Villas homes sold increased by approximately 46 percent in 2024 compared to 2023. Professional fees for 2024 included a $721 thousand charge to write off previously capitalized costs related to a change in development plans for one of our properties. Allocated overhead costs decreased $754 thousand in 2024, compared to 2023, primarily related to the impact of the formation of the Holden Hills Phase 1 partnership in 2023, which contributed to higher expenses in 2023. Other segment items decreased $663 thousand in 2024, compared to 2023, primarily related to the forfeiture of $1.0 million of earnest money in 2023 from a real estate acquisition that was not pursued.
Leasing Operations
The following table summarizes our Leasing Operations results (in thousands):
Years Ended December 31,
Expenses:
Property taxes and insurance (3,066) (1,769)
Property management fees and payroll (918) (650)
Other segment items (984) (787)
Gain on sales of assets 1,626 —
Rental Revenue. In 2024 and 2023, rental revenue included revenue from our retail and mixed use properties Lantana Place – Retail, Kingwood Place, Jones Crossing – Retail, West Killeen Market and Magnolia Place – Retail and our multi-family property, The Saint June. The Saint June commenced operations in mid-2023 and was completed in fourth-quarter 2023. We sold Magnolia Place – Retail in third-quarter 2024. The increase in rental revenue in 2024, compared with 2023, primarily reflects revenue from The Saint June, which had minimal rental revenue in 2023 and was in lease-up during 2024. In addition, revenue increased at Lantana Place – Retail, Jones Crossing – Retail and Kingwood Place, primarily due to new leases.
Leasing Operations Expenses. Leasing Operations expenses include property taxes and insurance, maintenance and repairs, property management fees and payroll, utilities, other segment items and depreciation. Other segment items primarily includes amortization of leasing costs, property owner association fees, professional and consulting fees, and office and computer equipment. Property taxes and insurance increased $1.3 million in 2024, compared to 2023, primarily as a result of The Saint June commencing operations in mid-2023. The increases in maintenance and repairs and depreciation in 2024, compared to 2023, are also primarily related to The Saint June commencing operations in mid-2023.
Gain on Sales of Assets. In third-quarter 2024, we closed on the sale of Magnolia Place – Retail for $8.9 million. The sale generated pre-tax net cash proceeds of approximately $8.6 million and a pre-tax gain of $1.6 million.
Non-Operating Results
Interest Expense, Net. Interest costs (before capitalized interest) totaled $15.7 million in 2024and$12.5 million in 2023. Interest costs in 2024 were higher, compared to 2023, primarily reflecting increased average interest rates as well as an increase in average debt balances. As of December 31, 2024, all of our debt was variable-rate debt, and for all such debt, the interest rates have increased year-over-year, although interest rates on our loans have declined slightly in the second half of 2024 after the Federal Reserve lowered interest rates by a total of 100 basis points between September 2024 and December 2024. In addition, in fourth-quarter 2024, we amended The Saint June construction loan and refinanced the loan on the Kingwood Place project, resulting in lower rates. Refer to Note 6 and “Debt Maturities and Other Contractual Obligations” for additional information.
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All of our interest costs were capitalized for both periods presented. Capitalized interest in 2024 was primarily related to development activities at our Barton Creek properties (primarily Amarra Villas and Holden Hills Phases 1 and 2) and The Saint George. Construction of the last two Amarra Villas homes, the road and utility infrastructure of Holden Hills Phase 1 and The Saint George is expected to be completed in the first half of 2025. Capitalized interest in 2023 was primarily related to development activities at Barton Creek (Holden Hills Phases 1 and 2 and The Saint June), The Saint George and The Annie B.
Provision for Income Taxes. We recorded provisions for income taxes of $0.4 million in 2024 and $1.5 million in 2023. We had deferred tax assets (net of deferred tax liabilities and valuation allowances) totaling $153 thousand at December 31, 2024, and $173 thousand at December 31, 2023. Refer to Note 7 for further discussion of income taxes.
Total Comprehensive Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries. Our partners’ share of losses totaled $3.9 million and $1.7 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase was primarily due to increased interest expense for Stratus Block 150, L.P. and The Saint June, L.P., and initial operating expenses for The Saint George Apartments, L.P., which is expected to be substantially completed in the first half of 2025.
CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY
Volatility in the real estate market, including the markets in which we operate, can impact the timing of and proceeds received from sales of our properties, which may cause uneven cash flows from period to period. However, we believe that the unique nature and location of our assets will provide us positive cash flows over time.
Comparison of Year-to-Year Cash Flows
Operating Activities. Cash used in operating activities totaled $5.8 million in 2024 and $51.3 million in 2023. Expenditures for purchases and development of real estate properties totaled $29.5 million in 2024 and $44.5 million in 2023, both primarily related to development of our Barton Creek properties, particularly Holden Hills Phase 1 and Amarra Villas.
Investing Activities. Cash used in investing activities totaled $21.5 million in 2024 and $47.0 million in 2023. Capital expenditures totaled $29.1 million for 2024, primarily related to The Saint George and to a lesser extent for tenant improvements at Lantana Place – Retail, and $46.0 million for 2023, primarily for The Saint George and The Saint June.
Financing Activities. Cash provided by financing activities totaled $16.1 million in 2024 and $84.9 million in 2023. During 2024 and 2023, we had no net borrowings on the Comerica Bank revolving credit facility. Net borrowings on project loans totaled $15.7 million in 2024, primarily reflecting borrowings on The Saint George and Holden Hills Phase 1 construction loans and the Amarra Villas credit facility and the refinancing of the Kingwood Place construction loan, partially offset by the payoff of the Magnolia Place construction loan and paydowns on the Amarra Villas credit facility and The Annie B land loan. Net borrowings of $51.4 million in 2023 primarily reflected borrowings on The Saint George and The Saint June construction loans and Amarra Villas construction credit facility, partially offset by the payoff of the New Caney land loan. Refer to the table “Debt Maturities and Other Contractual Obligations” below for a presentation of our outstanding debt and principal maturities for the years ending December 31, 2025 through 2028 and thereafter.
During 2024, we contributed additional capital of $400 thousand in cash, and the Class B limited partner contributed additional capital of $3.6 million in cash, to The Saint George Apartments, L.P. to support the partnership’s ability to pay its construction loan interest, which has exceeded the amount budgeted due to interest rate increases. During 2023, we received a contribution from a noncontrolling interest owner of $40.0 million, related to the Holden Hills Phase 1 partnership. Also during 2023, we paid distributions of $13 thousand to noncontrolling interest owners related to the dissolution of the limited partnership for The Saint Mary, which was sold in 2021. No distributions to noncontrolling interest owners were paid during 2024.
On September 1, 2022, after receiving written consent from Comerica Bank, our Board declared a special cash dividend of $4.67 per share (totaling $40.0 million) on our common stock, which was paid on September 29, 2022 to stockholders of record as of September 19, 2022. Our Board also approved a share repurchase program, which authorized repurchases of up to $10.0 million of our common stock. In October 2023, we completed the share repurchase program. In total, under the completed share repurchase program, we acquired 389,378 shares of our common stock for a total cost of $10.0 million at an average price of $25.68 per share.
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In November 2023, with written consent from Comerica Bank, our Board approved a new share repurchase program, which authorizes repurchases of up to $5.0 million of our common stock. The repurchase program authorizes us, in management’s and the Capital Committee of the Board’s discretion, to repurchase shares from time to time, subject to market conditions and other factors. The timing, price and number of shares that may be repurchased under the program will be based on market conditions, applicable securities laws and other factors considered by management and the Capital Committee of the Board. Share repurchases under the program may be made from time to time through solicited or unsolicited transactions in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions or by other means in accordance with securities laws. The share repurchase program does not obligate us to repurchase any specific amount of shares, does not have an expiration date, and may be suspended, modified or discontinued at any time without prior notice. In 2024, we acquired 62,686 shares of our common stock under the share repurchase program for a total cost of $1.6 million at an average price of $25.37 per share. Through March 21, 2025, we acquired 83,380 shares of our common stock for a total cost of $2.0 million at an average price of $23.98 per share, and $3.0 million remains available for repurchases under the program.
Revolving Credit Facility and Other Financing Arrangements
As of December 31, 2024, we had $20.2 million in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash of $1.0 million, and no amount was borrowed under our revolving credit facility. Of the $20.2 million in consolidated cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2024, $11.1 million held at certain consolidated subsidiaries is subject to restrictions on distribution to the parent company pursuant to project loan agreements. In 2024 and 2023, development and asset management fees of $2.2 million and $2.4 million, respectively, were paid by the limited partnerships to Stratus. The payments of these intercompany fees resulted in increases in cash available to the parent company, and the income to Stratus and cost to the partnerships have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.
At December 31, 2024, we had total debt of $196.7 million based on the principal amounts outstanding, compared with $177.4 million at December 31, 2023. Debt increased primarily due to draws on project construction loans for The Saint George and Holden Hills Phase 1 and the refinancing or modification of the Kingwood Place and The Saint June construction loans, partially offset by the payoff of the Magnolia Place construction loan and paydowns on the Amarra Villas credit facility and The Annie B land loan. As of December 31, 2024, the maximum amount that could be borrowed under the Comerica Bank revolving credit facility was $52.3 million, resulting in availability of $39.0 million, net of letters of credit totaling $13.3 million issued under the revolving credit facility, $11.0 million of which secure our obligation to build certain roads and utilities facilities benefiting Holden Hills Phases 1 and 2. Refer to Note 6 for additional discussion. Refer to “Debt Maturities and Other Contractual Obligations” below for a table illustrating the timing of principal payments due on our outstanding debt as of December 31, 2024.
We have made operating loans to Stratus Block 150, L.P. to facilitate the partnership’s ability to pay ongoing costs, including debt service, of The Annie B project during the pre-construction period. The loans are subordinate to The Annie B land loan and must be repaid before distributions may be made to the partners. In 2023, we made operating loans totaling $2.3 million. In 2024, we made operating loans totaling $3.5 million. In first-quarter 2025, we made an operating loan of $1.5 million.
Stratus and the Class B Limited partner have made operating loans to The Saint June, L.P. to support the partnership’s ability to pay its construction loan interest, which has exceeded the amount budgeted due to interest rate increases. In 2023, we made operating loans totaling $1.0 million, and the Class B Limited Partner made an operating loan of $250 thousand. In 2024, we made operating loans totaling $424 thousand, and the Class B Limited Partner made operating loans totaling $504 thousand. The loans are subordinate to The Saint June construction loan and must be repaid before distributions may be made to the partners. In October 2024, operating loan repayments of $463 thousand and $260 thousand were made to Stratus and the Class B Limited Partner, respectively, leaving outstanding balances of $962 thousand and $493 thousand payable to Stratus and the Class B Limited Partner, respectively.
In third-quarter 2024, we contributed additional capital of $400 thousand in cash, and the Class B limited partner contributed additional capital of $3.6 million in cash, to The Saint George Apartments, L.P. to support the partnership’s ability to pay its construction loan interest, which has exceeded the amount budgeted due to interest rate increases. Refer to Note 2 for further discussion.
In February 2024, The Annie B land loan was modified to extend the maturity to September 1, 2025, and change the interest rate to one-month Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) plus 3.00 percent. Under The Annie B
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land loan, Term SOFR is defined as one-month Term SOFR plus 0.10 percent and is subject to a floor of 0.50 percent. In connection with the modification, we made a $1.4 million principal payment on the loan in February 2024 and made another principal payment of $630 thousand in February 2025.
In June 2024, the Amarra Villas credit facility was modified to, among other things, extend the maturity date to June 19, 2026, change the interest rate to Term SOFR plus 3.00 percent (subject to a floor of 5.00 percent) and lower the commitment amount from $18.0 million to $10.5 million. Under the Amarra Villas credit facility, Term SOFR is defined as one-month Term SOFR plus 0.10 percent and is subject to a floor of 0.50 percent. Principal paydowns occur as homes are sold, and amounts are borrowed as homes are constructed. Paydowns made in connection with a sale of an Amarra Villas home reduce the commitment amount by the amount of the payment, and such amounts may not be re-borrowed.
In October 2024, The Saint June construction loan was modified to (i) extend the maturity date of the loan to October 2, 2025; (ii) increase the aggregate commitment under the loan by $2.0 million to $32.3 million; (iii) decrease the interest rate applicable margin from 2.85 percent to 2.35 percent; and (iv) require payment of an exit fee for prepayments and repayments of the loan of 1.00 percent of the principal amount of such amounts repaid, subject to certain exceptions. Accordingly, the loan bears interest at one-month Term SOFR plus 2.35 percent, subject to a 3.50 percent floor. The loan is payable in monthly installments of principal and interest of approximately $40,000, with the outstanding principal due at maturity. The Saint June, L.P. has an option to extend the maturity of the loan for an additional 12-month term if certain conditions are met. After closing costs, The Saint June, L.P. used the remaining portion of the $1.5 million proceeds of the loan primarily for property taxes and the partial repayment of operating loans to the partnership from Stratus and the Class B Limited Partner.
In November 2024, the Kingwood Place construction loan was refinanced. The new loan has a principal amount of $33.0 million and matures December 1, 2027. The loan bears interest at one-month Term SOFR plus 1.80 percent, with Term SOFR subject to a 3.00 percent floor. As required by the loan, Stratus Kingwood Place, L.P. purchased an interest rate cap with a Term SOFR strike rate equal to 6.00 percent, a notional amount of $33.0 million and an expiration date of December 1, 2026. Upon expiration, as required by the loan, Stratus Kingwood Place, L.P. will enter into a subsequent interest rate cap agreement with a term through the maturity date of the loan, a notional amount of the maximum loan amount and a strike price commensurate to the then current interest rate. Payments of interest only on the loan are due monthly with the outstanding principal due at maturity. Stratus Kingwood Place, L.P. may prepay all, but not a portion, of the loan; provided that a prepayment prior to December 1, 2025 is subject to a yield maintenance premium payment. After paying off the prior loan and closing costs, Stratus Kingwood Place, L.P. used the remaining approximately $3.2 million proceeds of the loan to pay for certain partnership expenses and distributions to Stratus and the third-party equity investors. In January 2025, Stratus received approximately $2.0 million in payments and distributions.
In January 2025, the Lantana Place construction loan was refinanced. The new loan has a principal amount of $29.8 million and matures February 1, 2029. The loan bears interest at one-month Term SOFR plus 2.35 percent, with a floor of 0.00 percent. Payments of interest only on the loan are due monthly through January 31, 2026. Thereafter, principal and interest payments are due monthly based on a 30-year amortization with the remaining unpaid principal and interest due at maturity. After paying off the prior loan and paying property taxes and closing costs, Stratus received approximately $3.0 million in net cash proceeds.
In March 2025, the Jones Crossing loan was refinanced. The new loan has a principal amount of $24.0 million and matures April 1, 2028. The loan bears interest at one-month Term SOFR plus 1.95 percent, with a floor of 3.00 percent. As required by the loan, College Station 1892 Properties, L.L.C. purchased an interest rate cap with a Term SOFR strike rate equal to 5.00 percent, a notional amount of $24.0 million and an expiration date of April 1, 2026. Upon expiration, as required by the loan, College Station 1892 Properties, L.L.C. will enter into two subsequent, consecutive interest rate cap agreements, each with a one-year term, a notional amount of the maximum loan amount and a strike price commensurate to the then-current interest rate. Payments of interest only on the loan are due monthly with the outstanding principal due at maturity. College Station 1892 Properties, L.L.C. may prepay all, but not a portion, of the loan; provided that a prepayment prior to April 1, 2026 is subject to a yield maintenance premium payment. After paying off the existing Jones Crossing loan and closing costs, Stratus received approximately $1.2 million in net cash proceeds.
In January 2025, we entered into a modification of the Comerica Bank revolving credit facility to increase the aggregate amount of letters of credit that may be committed against the facility from $13.3 million to $15.6 million. In March 2025, we entered into an amendment to our revolving credit facility, which extended the maturity date to
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March 27, 2027 and lowered the interest rate to one-month Term SOFR plus 0.10 percent (with a floor of 0.50 percent), plus 3.00 percent.
We expect that, if market rates continue to decline, interest on our outstanding debt, all of which is variable rate, will continue to decline.
Most of our debt agreements require compliance with specified financial covenants. The Saint June construction loan includes a requirement that we maintain liquid assets, as defined in the agreements, of not less than $10 million. The Comerica Bank revolving credit facility, the Amarra Villas credit facility, the West Killeen Market construction loan, The Saint June construction loan, The Annie B land loan, The Saint George construction loan and the Holden Hills Phase 1 construction loan include a requirement that we maintain a net asset value, as defined in each agreement, of $125 million. The Comerica Bank revolving credit facility, the Amarra Villas credit facility, The Annie B land loan, The Saint George construction loan and the Holden Hills Phase 1 construction loan also include a requirement that we maintain a debt-to-gross asset value, as defined in the agreements, of not more than 50 percent. The West Killeen Market construction loan and the Lantana Place loan each include a financial covenant requiring the applicable Stratus subsidiary to maintain a debt service coverage ratio as defined in each agreement. As of December 31, 2024, we were in compliance with all of our financial covenants.
Stratus’ and its subsidiaries’ debt arrangements, including Stratus’ guaranty agreements contain significant limitations that may restrict Stratus’ and its subsidiaries’ ability to, among other things: borrow additional money or issue guarantees; pay dividends, repurchase equity or make other distributions to equity holders; make loans, advances or other investments; create liens on assets; sell assets; enter into sale-leaseback transactions; enter into transactions with affiliates; permit a change of control or change in management; sell all or substantially all of its assets; and engage in mergers, consolidations or other business combinations. Our Comerica Bank revolving credit facility, Amarra Villas credit facility, The Annie B land loan, The Saint George construction loan and the Holden Hills Phase 1 construction loan require Comerica Bank’s prior written consent for any common stock repurchases in excess of $1.0 million or any dividend payments, which was obtained in connection with the special cash dividend and share repurchase programs. Any future declaration of dividends or decision to repurchase our common stock is at the discretion of our Board, subject to restrictions under our Comerica Bank debt agreements, and will depend on our financial results, cash requirements, projected compliance with covenants in our debt agreements, outlook and other factors deemed relevant by our Board. Our future debt agreements, future refinancings of or amendments to existing debt agreements or other future agreements may restrict our ability to declare dividends or repurchase shares.
Our project loans are generally secured by all or substantially all of the assets of the project, and our Comerica Bank revolving credit facility is secured by substantially all of our assets other than those encumbered by separate project level financing. In addition, we, as the parent company, are typically required to guarantee all or a significant portion of the payment of our project loans, in some cases until certain development milestones and/or financial conditions are met, in some cases on a full recourse basis and in other cases on a more limited recourse basis. As of December 31, 2024, we, as the parent company, guaranteed the payment of all of the project loans, except for the Kingwood Place loan, Jones Crossing loan, the Lantana Place loan and West Killeen Market loan. Our guarantees of the Kingwood Place loan, Jones Crossing loan and the Lantana Place loan are generally limited to non-recourse carve-out obligations. Our payment guarantee on The Saint June construction loan is limited to 50.0 percent and on The Saint George construction loan is limited to 25.0 percent, in each case until certain conditions are met. Refer to Note 6 for additional discussion.
Our construction loans typically permit advances only in accordance with budgeted allocations and subject to specified conditions and require lender consent for changes to plans and specifications exceeding specified amounts. If the lender deems undisbursed proceeds insufficient to meet costs of completing the project, the lender may decline to make additional advances until the borrower deposits with the lender sufficient additional funds to cover the deficiency the lender deems to exist. The inability to satisfy a condition to receive advances for a specified time period after lender’s refusal, or the failure to complete a project by a specified completion date, may be an event of default, subject to exceptions for force majeure.
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DEBT MATURITIES AND OTHER CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
The following table summarizes our total debt maturities based on the principal amounts outstanding as of December 31, 2024 (in thousands):
Comerica Bank revolving credit facility s $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
Construction loans:
West Killeen Market g 5,196 — — — — — 5,196
Amarra Villas credit facility — 1,631 — — — — 1,631
a.In March 2025, the Comerica Bank revolving credit facility was amended. The new maturity date is March 27, 2027.
b.In November 2024, the Kingwood Place construction loan was refinanced with a three-year term loan.
c.In March 2025, the Jones Crossing loan was refinanced with a three-year term loan. The new maturity date is April 1, 2028.
d.The maturity date is September 1, 2025.
e.Includes operating loans from our third-party partner of $493 thousand. The maturity date of the construction loan is October 2, 2025.
f.In January 2025, the Lantana Place construction loan was refinanced with a four-year term loan. The new maturity date is February 1, 2029. We have the option to extend the maturity for an additional 12-month term if certain conditions are met.
g.The maturity date is July 31, 2025.
The following table summarizes the weighted-average interest rate of each loan, all of which have variable rates, for the periods presented:
December 31,
Comerica Bank revolving credit facility a — % — %
Kingwood Place loan b 6.37 7.74
The Annie B land loan 8.25 7.96
Construction loans:
Amarra Villas credit facility 8.33 8.11
Magnolia Place e — 8.38
a.We did not have an outstanding balance during 2023 or 2024. At December 31, 2024, the interest rate for the revolving credit facility was 8.33 percent.
b.In November 2024, the Kingwood Place construction loan was refinanced with a three-year term loan.
c.We did not have an outstanding balance during first-quarter 2023.
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d.We did not have an outstanding balance during first-quarter and second-quarter 2023.
e.In first-quarter 2024, this loan was repaid with proceeds from the sale of 47 acres of undeveloped land.
We estimate our interest payments during 2025 will total approximately $12.9 million, based on interest rates in effect on our debt at December 31, 2024, no new debt agreements, and completed or scheduled principal payments as of March 21, 2025 on debt outstanding at December 31, 2024.
We had firm commitments totaling approximately $10 million at December 31, 2024 primarily related to construction of Holden Hills Phase 1 and The Saint George and as of March 21, 2025, we have not started construction on any new projects. We have construction loans, as well as remaining equity capital contributed to the Holden Hills Phase 1 partnership, to fund over the next 12 months following this filing, these projected cash outlays for the projects and 60 percent of the costs of the Tecoma Improvements for which we have agreed to reimburse the Holden Hills Phase 1 partnership. As of December 31, 2024, the remaining costs to complete the Tecoma Improvements totaled $3.5 million, of which our share totaled $2.1 million. Refer to “Recent Development Activities – Current Residential Activities – Barton Creek – Holden Hills Phase 1” above for further discussion of the Tecoma Improvements. Also, we anticipate making future operating loans to Stratus Block 150, L.P. totaling up to $1.7 million and a capital contribution to The Saint George partnership of $125 thousand over the next 12 months to enable the partnerships to pay debt service and project costs. The operating loans would bear interest at one-month Term SOFR plus 5.00 percent, would be subordinate to The Annie B land loan and required to be repaid before distributions may be made to the partners. Refer to Note 9 for further discussion of future cash requirements.
We project that we will be able to meet our debt service and other cash obligations for at least the next 12 months. Our stabilized retail and multi-family properties (West Killeen Market, Jones Crossing – Retail, Lantana Place – Retail, Kingwood Place and The Saint June) are projected to generate sufficient cash flow to cover debt service over the next 12 months. We expect to sell additional Amarra Villas homes and may sell other properties. For other projected pre-development costs, much of which are discretionary, and for our costs of the Tecoma Improvements and projected general and administrative expenses, we had cash and cash equivalents of $20.2 million at December 31, 2024 and availability under our revolving credit facility (which matures on March 27, 2027) of approximately $39.0 million as of December 31, 2024 which is expected to be sufficient to fund these cash requirements for the next 12 months.
We expect to successfully extend the maturities of, or to refinance, our outstanding debt that matures in the next 12 months. For future potential significant development projects, we would not plan to enter into commitments to incur material costs for the projects until we obtain what we project to be adequate financing to cover anticipated cash outlays. As discussed under “Business Strategy” above, our main source of revenue and cash flow is expected to come from sales of our properties to third parties or distributions from joint ventures, the timing of and proceeds from which are difficult to predict and depend on market conditions and other factors. We also generate cash flow from rental revenue in our leasing operations and from development and asset management fees received from our properties. Due to the nature of our development-focused business, we do not expect to generate sufficient recurring cash flow to cover our general and administrative expenses each period. However, we believe that the unique nature and location of our assets, and our team’s ability to execute successfully on development projects, will provide us with positive cash flows and net income over time. No assurances can be given that the results anticipated by our projections will occur. Refer to Note 6 and “Risk Factors” included in Part I, Item 1A. for further discussion.
Our ability to meet our cash obligations over the longer term will depend on our future operating and financial performance and cash flows, including our ability to sell or lease properties profitably and extend or refinance debt as it becomes due, which is subject to economic, financial, competitive and other factors beyond our control.
RECENT ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
For a discussion of recently issued accounting standards, see Note 1 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
Refer to Note 9 for discussion of our off-balance sheet arrangements.
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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains forward-looking statements in which we discuss factors we believe may affect our future performance. Forward-looking statements are all statements other than statements of historical fact, such as plans, projections or expectations related to inflation, interest rates, tariffs, supply chain constraints, our ability to pay or refinance our debt obligations as they become due, availability of bank credit, our ability to meet our future debt service and other cash obligations, projected future operating loans or capital contributions to our joint ventures, future cash flows and liquidity, the Austin and Texas real estate markets, the planning, financing, development, construction, completion and stabilization of our development projects, plans to sell, recapitalize or refinance properties, future operational and financial performance, MUD reimbursements for infrastructure costs, regulatory matters, including the expected impact of the ETJ Law and related ongoing litigation, leasing activities, tax rates, future capital expenditures and financing plans, possible joint ventures, partnerships or other strategic relationships, other plans and objectives of management for future operations and development projects, and potential future cash returns to stockholders, including the timing and amount of repurchases under our share repurchase program. The words “anticipate,” “may,” “can,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “target,” “intend,” “likely,” “will,” “should,” “to be” and any similar expressions or statements are intended to identify those assertions as forward-looking statements.
Under our Comerica Bank debt agreements, we are not permitted to repurchase our common stock in excess of $1.0 million or pay dividends on our common stock without Comerica Bank’s prior written consent, which we obtained in connection with our current $5.0 million share repurchase program. Any future declaration of dividends or decision to repurchase our common stock is at the discretion of our Board, subject to restrictions under our Comerica Bank debt agreements, and will depend on our financial results, cash requirements, projected compliance with covenants in our debt agreements, outlook and other factors deemed relevant by our Board. Our future debt agreements, future refinancings of or amendments to existing debt agreements or other future agreements may restrict our ability to declare dividends or repurchase shares.
We caution readers that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated, expected, projected or assumed in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that can cause our actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, our ability to implement our business strategy successfully, including our ability to develop, construct and sell or lease properties on terms our Board considers acceptable, increases in operating and construction costs, including real estate taxes, maintenance and insurance costs, and the cost of building materials and labor, elevated inflation and interest rates, the effect of tariffs or threatened tariffs, supply chain constraints, our ability to pay or refinance our debt, extend maturity dates of our loans or comply with or obtain waivers of financial and other covenants in debt agreements and to meet other cash obligations, availability of bank credit, defaults by contractors and subcontractors, declines in the market value of our assets, market conditions or corporate developments that could preclude, impair or delay any opportunities with respect to plans to sell, recapitalize or refinance properties, a decrease in the demand for real estate in select markets in Texas where we operate, particularly in Austin, changes in economic, market, tax, business and geopolitical conditions, potential U.S. or local economic downturn or recession, the availability and terms of financing for development projects and other corporate purposes, our ability to collect anticipated rental payments and close projected asset sales, loss of key personnel, our ability to enter into and maintain joint ventures, partnerships or other strategic relationships, including risks associated with such joint ventures, any major public health crisis, eligibility for and potential receipt and timing of receipt of MUD reimbursements, industry risks, changes in buyer preferences, potential additional impairment charges, competition from other real estate developers, our ability to obtain various entitlements and permits, changes in laws, regulations or the regulatory environment affecting the development of real estate, opposition from special interest groups or local governments with respect to development projects, weather- and climate-related risks, environmental and litigation risks, including the timing and resolution of the ongoing litigation challenging the ETJ Law and our ability to implement revised development plans in light of the ETJ Law, the failure to attract buyers or tenants for our developments or such buyers’ or tenants’ failure to satisfy their purchase commitments or leasing obligations, cybersecurity incidents and other factors described in more detail under the heading “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A. of this Form 10-K.
Investors are cautioned that many of the assumptions upon which our forward-looking statements are based are likely to change after the date the forward-looking statements are made. Further, we may make changes to our business plans that could affect our results. We caution investors that we undertake no obligation to update our
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forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made, notwithstanding any changes in our assumptions, business plans, actual experience or other changes.
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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
Page Reference
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 48
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID: 596) 49
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 51
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 55
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MANAGEMENT’S ANNUAL REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Stratus Properties Inc.’s (the Company’s) management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company. Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the Company’s principal executive and principal financial officers and effected by the Company’s Board of Directors, management and other personnel, 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 and includes those policies and procedures that:
•Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the Company’s assets;
•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
•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 Company’s financial statements.