strs2q09_10q.htm

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
(Mark One)
[X]
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2009
or
[  ]
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from
 
to
Commission File Number: 0-19989
 
 
Stratus Properties Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
72-1211572
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
   
98 San Jacinto Blvd., Suite 220
 
Austin, Texas
78701
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
 
 
(512) 478-5788
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. R Yes ÿo No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). ÿo Yes ÿo No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer oÿ                                                              Accelerated filer oÿ                                  Non-accelerated filer oÿ                                            Smaller reporting company R

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). ÿo Yes R No

On July 31, 2009, there were issued and outstanding 7,435,133 shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share.
 
 
 

 

STRATUS PROPERTIES INC.
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
   
 
Page
2
   
 
   
2
   
3
   
4
   
5
   
6
   
 
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27
   
27
   
27
   
28
   
E-1
   
 
 
 


STRATUS PROPERTIES INC.

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements.

STRATUS PROPERTIES INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
(In Thousands)

 
June 30,
 
December 31,
 
 
2009
 
2008
 
ASSETS
           
Cash and cash equivalents
$
33,549
 
$
17,097
 
Investment in U.S. treasury securities
 
-
   
15,388
 
Real estate, commercial leasing assets and facilities, net:
           
Property held for sale – developed or under development
 
127,820
   
115,966
 
Property held for sale – undeveloped
 
31,895
   
27,514
 
Property held for use, net
 
71,784
   
56,919
 
Investment in unconsolidated affiliate
 
2,360
   
2,283
 
Deferred tax asset
 
9,000
   
7,330
 
Other assets
 
7,059
   
10,049
 
Total assets
$
283,467
 
$
252,546
 
             
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
           
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
$
9,740
 
$
6,585
 
Accrued interest and property taxes
 
2,020
   
3,203
 
Deposits
 
554
   
1,301
 
Debt
 
74,241
   
63,352
 
Other liabilities
 
2,890
   
3,583
 
Total liabilities
 
89,445
   
78,024
 
             
Commitments and contingencies
           
             
Equity:
           
Stratus stockholders’ equity:
           
Preferred stock
 
-
   
-
 
Common stock
 
83
   
83
 
Capital in excess of par value of common stock
 
197,080
   
196,692
 
Accumulated deficit
 
(33,276
)
 
(30,095
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
-
   
(3
)
Common stock held in treasury
 
(17,941
)
 
(17,441
)
Total Stratus stockholders’ equity
 
145,946
   
149,236
 
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiary
 
48,076
   
25,286
 
Total equity
 
194,022
   
174,522
 
Total liabilities and equity
$
283,467
 
$
252,546
 
             

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
2


STRATUS PROPERTIES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
 
2009
 
2008
 
2009
 
2008
 
Revenues:
                       
Real estate
$
1,894
 
$
2,399
 
$
2,085
 
$
6,303
 
Rental income
 
960
   
1,169
   
2,133
   
2,120
 
Commissions, management fees and other
 
636
   
520
   
804
   
732
 
Total revenues
 
3,490
   
4,088
   
5,022
   
9,155
 
Cost of sales:
                       
Real estate, net
 
3,035
   
2,724
   
4,096
   
6,209
 
Rental
 
786
   
923
   
1,617
   
1,739
 
Depreciation
 
384
   
393
   
824
   
776
 
Total cost of sales
 
4,205
   
4,040
   
6,537
   
8,724
 
General and administrative expenses
 
1,935
   
1,897
   
4,014
   
3,554
 
Total costs and expenses
 
6,140
   
5,937
   
10,551
   
12,278
 
Operating loss
 
(2,650
)
 
(1,849
)
 
(5,529
)
 
(3,123
)
Interest income and other
 
582
   
154
   
828
   
1,103
 
Loss on extinguishment of debt
 
(182
)
 
-
   
(182
)
 
-
 
Gain on interest rate cap agreement
 
103
   
-
   
70
   
-
 
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in
                       
unconsolidated affiliate’s (loss) income
 
(2,147
)
 
(1,695
)
 
(4,813
)
 
(2,020
)
Equity in unconsolidated affiliate’s (loss) income
 
(108
)
 
149
   
(182
)
 
266
 
Benefit from income taxes
 
707
   
339
   
1,604
   
391
 
Loss from continuing operations
 
(1,548
)
 
(1,207
)
 
(3,391
)
 
(1,363
)
Loss from discontinued operations
 
-
   
(105
)
 
-
   
(105
)
Net loss
 
(1,548
)
 
(1,312
)
 
(3,391
)
 
(1,468
)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in subsidiary
 
104
   
64
   
210
   
64
 
Net loss attributable to Stratus common stock
$
(1,444
)
$
(1,248
)
$
(3,181
)
$
(1,404
)
                         
Net loss per share attributable to Stratus common stock:
                       
Continuing operations
$
(0.19
)
$
(0.15
)
$
(0.43
)
$
(0.17
)
Discontinued operations
 
-
   
(0.01
)
 
-
   
(0.01
)
Net loss per share attributable to Stratus common stock:
                       
Basic and diluted
$
(0.19
)
$
(0.16
)
$
(0.43
)
$
(0.18
)
                         
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding:
                       
Basic and diluted
 
7,435
   
7,631
   
7,441
   
7,599
 
                         

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
3


STRATUS PROPERTIES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
(In Thousands)

 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2009
 
2008
 
Cash flow from operating activities:
         
Net loss
$
(3,391
)
$
(1,468
)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
           
used in operating activities:
           
Loss from discontinued operations
 
-
   
105
 
Depreciation
 
824
   
776
 
Gain on interest rate cap agreement
 
(70
)
 
-
 
Loss on extinguishment of debt
 
182
   
-
 
Cost of real estate sold
 
1,520
   
4,624
 
Deferred income taxes
 
(1,670
)
 
(623
)
Stock-based compensation
 
346
   
483
 
Equity in unconsolidated affiliate’s loss (income)
 
182
   
(266
)
Distribution of unconsolidated affiliate’s income
 
-
   
1,266
 
Deposits
 
(747
)
 
(1,148
)
Purchases and development of real estate properties
 
(20,574
)
 
(17,456
)
Municipal utility district reimbursements
 
3,387
   
3,753
 
Decrease in other assets
 
730
   
159
 
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other
 
567
   
(98
)
Net cash used in operating activities
 
(18,714
)
 
(9,893
)
             
Cash flow from investing activities:
           
Development of commercial leasing properties and other expenditures
 
(15,238
)
 
(8,171
)
(Investment in) return of investment in unconsolidated affiliate
 
(260
)
 
2,374
 
Proceeds from matured U.S. treasury securities
 
15,391
   
-
 
Other
 
40
   
25
 
Net cash used in investing activities
 
(67
)
 
(5,772
)
             
Cash flow from financing activities:
           
Borrowings from revolving credit facility
 
10,000
   
-
 
Payments on revolving credit facility
 
(1,569
)
 
-
 
Borrowings from project and term loans
 
4,700
   
2,022
 
Payments on project and term loans
 
(398
)
 
(109
)
Noncontrolling interest contributions
 
23,000
   
10,678
 
Net payments for stock-based awards
 
(96
)
 
(114
)
Excess tax benefit from stock-based awards
 
-
   
281
 
Purchases of Stratus common shares
 
(404
)
 
(428
)
Financing costs
 
-
   
(2,845
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
 
35,233
   
9,485
 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 
16,452
   
(6,180
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
 
17,097
   
40,873
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
33,549
 
$
34,693
 
             
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
 
4


STRATUS PROPERTIES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (Unaudited)
(In Thousands)

 
Stratus Stockholders’ Equity
             
                                                 
             
Accumulated
 
Common
 
Total
         
     
Capital in
 
Accum-
 
Other
 
Stock
 
Stratus
 
Noncontrolling
     
 
Common
 
Excess of
 
ulated
 
Comprehensive
 
Held In
 
Stockholders’
 
Interest in
 
Total
 
 
Stock
 
Par Value
 
Deficit
 
Loss
 
Treasury
 
Equity
 
Subsidiary
 
Equity
 
                                                 
Balance at December 31, 2008
$
83
 
$
196,692
 
$
(30,095
)
$
(3
)
$
(17,441
)
$
149,236
 
$
25,286
 
$
174,522
 
Stock-based compensation
 
-
   
388
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
388
   
-
   
388
 
Tender of shares for stock-based awards
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(96
)
 
(96
)
 
-
   
(96
)
Purchases of Stratus common shares
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(404
)
 
(404
)
 
-
   
(404
)
Noncontrolling interest contributions
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
23,000
   
23,000
 
Comprehensive income (loss):
                                               
Net loss
 
-
   
-
   
(3,181
)
 
-
   
-
   
(3,181
)
 
(210
)
 
(3,391
)
Other comprehensive income,
                                               
net of taxes:
                                               
Unrealized gain on U.S. treasury securities
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
3
   
-
   
3
   
-
   
3
 
Other comprehensive income
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
3
   
-
   
3
   
-
   
3
 
Total comprehensive income (loss)
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
3
   
-
   
(3,178
)
 
(210
)
 
(3,388
)
Balance at June 30, 2009
$
83
 
$
197,080
 
$
(33,276
)
$
-
 
$
(17,941
)
$
145,946
 
$
48,076
 
$
194,022
 
                                                 

Balance at December 31, 2007
$
81
 
$
195,898
 
$
(26,258
)
$
-
 
$
(14,279
)
$
155,442
 
$
-
 
$
155,442
 
Exercised and issued stock-based awards and other
 
1
   
761
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
762
   
-
   
762
 
Stock-based compensation
 
-
   
575
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
575
   
-
   
575
 
Tender of shares for stock-based awards
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(596
)
 
(596
)
 
-
   
(596
)
Purchases of Stratus common shares
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(428
)
 
(428
)
 
-
   
(428
)
Noncontrolling interest contributions
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
10,678
   
10,678
 
Net loss
 
-
   
-
   
(1,404
)
 
-
   
-
   
(1,404
)
 
(64
)
 
(1,468
)
Balance at June 30, 2008
$
82
 
$
197,234
 
$
(27,662
)
$
-
 
$
(15,303
)
$
154,351
 
$
10,614
 
$
164,965
 
                                                 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
5


STRATUS PROPERTIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

1.  
GENERAL
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2008, included in Stratus Properties Inc.’s (Stratus) Annual Report on Form 10-K (Stratus 2008 Form 10-K) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In the opinion of management, the accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring items, except as described in Note 2) considered necessary for a fair statement of the financial position of Stratus at June 30, 2009, and the results of operations for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, and cash flows for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2009 and 2008. Operating results for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2009, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2009.

2.  
REVISIONS OF PREVIOUSLY ISSUED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
In connection with reporting its financial results for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2008, Stratus reviewed its accounting for capitalized interest and determined that the manner in which it had previously accounted for certain interest costs was not in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 34, “Capitalization of Interest Costs.” Additionally, Stratus determined that its equity in unconsolidated affiliate’s income for the year ended December 31, 2007, was understated. During its preparation of its financial results for the year ended December 31, 2008, Stratus reviewed its accounting policy with respect to capitalized property taxes and determined that the manner in which it had previously accounted for certain property taxes was not in accordance with SFAS No. 67, “Accounting for Costs and Initial Rental Operations of Real Estate Projects.” A discussion of each of these items follows.

Historically, Stratus applied SFAS No. 34 by (1) defining “qualifying assets” as all construction and development expenditures incurred on real estate projects, (2) applying the interest rate associated with specific borrowings actually used to fund project-specific construction and development costs to determine capitalized interest for those specific qualifying assets, (3) applying the capitalization rate for other borrowings to other qualifying assets and (4) capitalizing certain previously incurred financing costs directly to assets under development. However, Stratus excluded interest costs on borrowings used as permanent financing on completed projects when determining the amount of interest costs eligible for capitalization. As a result of Stratus’ qualifying assets, as defined in SFAS No. 34, exceeding its borrowings, this historical treatment resulted in interest costs related to permanent financing on completed projects being charged to expense rather than capitalized in accordance with SFAS No. 34.

Management reassessed this matter and determined that it is appropriate to include all interest costs on all borrowings in interest eligible for capitalization on qualifying assets. As a result, Stratus recalculated the appropriate amount of interest costs to be capitalized to its development projects. In addition, Stratus determined the effect of this adjustment to cost of sales and income taxes as previously reported, as well as the allocation between continuing and discontinued operations. The cumulative impact of this error through June 30, 2008, was primarily an understatement of previously reported net income.

Additionally, Stratus identified an error at the Crestview Station joint venture relating to gains on real estate sales that occurred during the fourth quarter of 2007, which also impacted the previously reported results for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2008. As a result, Crestview Station’s net income for the year ended December 31, 2007 was understated by $1.0 million of which Stratus’ share was $0.5 million ($0.3 million net of tax). Crestview Station’s net income was overstated by $0.1 million for the second quarter of 2008, of which Stratus’ share was less than $0.1 million pre-tax and after-tax, and $1.0 million for the first six months of 2008, of which Stratus’ share was $0.5 million pre-tax and $0.3 million after-tax.

SFAS No. 67 states that property taxes shall be capitalized as property costs only during periods in which activities necessary to get the property ready for its intended use are in progress. The guidance further states that the definition of activities necessary to get the property ready for its intended use are in progress has the same meaning as discussed in SFAS No. 34. Historically, Stratus capitalized property taxes on properties for which no development activities were in progress rather than charging them to expense.
 
 
6

 
As a result, Stratus recalculated the appropriate amount of property taxes to be charged to expense. In addition, Stratus determined the effect of the adjustment to cost of sales and income taxes as previously reported. The cumulative impact of this error through September 30, 2008, was primarily an overstatement of previously reported net income.

Stratus assessed the materiality of these items on the previously reported results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2008, the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2008, the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2008, and the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 99 and concluded that the errors were not material to such periods. Stratus concluded that the impact of correcting the capitalized interest and Crestview Station items as a cumulative adjustment in the quarter ended September 30, 2008, would have been misleading to the users of the financial statements for the quarter ended September 30, 2008. Stratus also concluded that the impact of correcting the capitalized property tax item as a cumulative adjustment in the year ended December 31, 2008, would have been misleading to the users of financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2008. Accordingly, in accordance with SAB No. 108, previously issued interim period financial statements will be revised to correct for these items the next time such financial statements are presented in SEC filings.

The following tables set forth the line items affected by the revisions on Stratus’ statements of operations for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2008 (in thousands, except per share amounts).

 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2008
 
     
Adjustments
     
 
As
 
Capitalized
 
Property
 
Crestview
 
Net
 
As
 
 
Reported
 
Interest
 
Tax
 
and Other
 
Adjustments
 
Revised
 
Total revenues
$
4,223
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
(135
)
$
(135
)
$
4,088
 
Total cost of sales
 
(3,969
)
 
(59
)
 
(161
)
 
149
   
(71
)
 
(4,040
)
Operating loss
 
(1,643
)
 
(59
)
 
(161
)
 
14
   
(206
)
 
(1,849
)
Interest expense, net
 
(329
)
 
329
   
-
   
-
   
329
   
-
 
Loss from continuing operations
                                   
before income taxes and equity
                                   
in unconsolidated affiliate’s income
 
(1,818
)
 
270
   
(161
)
 
14
   
123
   
(1,695
)
Equity in unconsolidated affiliate’s income
 
222
   
-
   
-
   
(73
)
 
(73
)
 
149
 
Benefit from income taxes
 
364
   
(104
)
 
59
   
20
   
(25
)
 
339
 
Loss from continuing operations
 
(1,232
)
 
166
   
(102
)
 
(39
)
 
25
   
(1,207
)
Net loss
 
(1,337
)
 
166
   
(102
)
 
(39
)
 
25
   
(1,312
)
Net loss attributable to Stratus
                                   
common stock
 
(1,273
)
 
166
   
(102
)
 
(39
)
 
25
   
(1,248
)
                                     
Basic and diluted net loss per
                                   
share of common stock:
                                   
Continuing operations
$
(0.16
)
$
0.02
 
$
(0.01
)
$
-
 
$
0.01
 
$
(0.15
)
Discontinued operations
 
(0.01
)
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(0.01
)
Basic and diluted net loss per
                                   
share of common stock
$
(0.17
)
$
0.02
 
$
(0.01
)
$
-
 
$
0.01
 
$
(0.16
)
                                     
 
 
7


 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2008
 
     
Adjustments
     
 
As
 
Capitalized
 
Property
 
Crestview
 
Net
 
As
 
 
Reported
 
Interest
 
Tax
 
and Other
 
Adjustments
 
Revised
 
Total revenues
$
9,290
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
(135
)
$
(135
)
$
9,155
 
Total cost of sales
 
(8,386
)
 
(98
)
 
(389
)
 
149
   
(338
)
 
(8,724
)
Operating loss
 
(2,650
)
 
(98
)
 
(389
)
 
14
   
(473
)
 
(3,123
)
Interest expense, net
 
(659
)
 
659
   
-
   
-
   
659
   
-
 
Loss from continuing operations
                                   
before income taxes and equity
                                   
in unconsolidated affiliate’s income
 
(2,206
)
 
561
   
(389
)
 
14
   
186
   
(2,020
)
Equity in unconsolidated affiliate’s income
 
778
   
-
   
-
   
(512
)
 
(512
)
 
266
 
Benefit from income taxes
 
285
   
(207
)
 
139
   
174
   
106
   
391
 
Loss from continuing operations
 
(1,143
)
 
354
   
(250
)
 
(324
)
 
(220
)
 
(1,363
)
Net loss
 
(1,248
)
 
354
   
(250
)
 
(324
)
 
(220
)
 
(1,468
)
Net loss attributable to Stratus
                                   
common stock
 
(1,184
)
 
354
   
(250
)
 
(324
)
 
(220
)
 
(1,404
)
                                     
Basic and diluted net loss per
                                   
share of common stock:
                                   
Continuing operations
$
(0.15
)
$
0.05
 
$
(0.03
)
$
(0.04
)
$
(0.02
)
$
(0.17
)
Discontinued operations
 
(0.01
)
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(0.01
)
Basic and diluted net loss per
                                   
share of common stock
$
(0.16
)
$
0.05
 
$
(0.03
)
$
(0.04
)
$
(0.02
)
$
(0.18
)
                                     

3.  
RECLASSIFICATIONS
For purposes of presentation on the statement of cash flows, until the third quarter of 2008, Stratus included all expenditures relating to the acquisition and development of all real estate property within investing cash flows. The investing cash flows included expenditures for both developed properties as well as properties under development to be held for sale or held for use. Historically, these expenditures were included in investing cash flows as management was not always able to determine the ultimate disposition of the related assets. Primarily as a result of the W Austin Hotel & Residences project, which is a mixed use project with elements of both property held for sale (condominiums) and property held for use (hotel and venue properties) that commenced construction during 2008, management decided to allocate expenditures relating to the acquisition and development of all real estate property between operating cash flows and investing cash flows. Management believes this change in cash flow presentation more appropriately reflects the cash flow presentation with the nature of the activity generating or requiring the cash flows and more closely aligns with Stratus’ existing and anticipated near-term business activities.

Capital expenditures for the W Austin Hotel & Residences have been classified as operating and investing activities, respectively on a proportional basis based on the total projected costs for the project as compared to the corresponding projected costs for residential real estate development (i.e. condominiums to be held for sale) and commercial leasing development (i.e. hotel and office space to be held for lease).

4.  
EARNINGS PER SHARE
Stratus’ basic and diluted net loss per share of common stock was calculated by dividing the loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.

Stock options and restricted stock units representing approximately 180,700 shares for the second quarter of 2009, approximately 109,200 shares for the second quarter of 2008, approximately 190,300 shares for the first six months of 2009 and approximately 76,400 shares for the first six months of 2008 that otherwise would have been included in the weighted average number of common shares outstanding were excluded because they were anti-dilutive.
 
 
8


5.  
JOINT VENTURE WITH CANYON-JOHNSON URBAN FUND II, L.P.
Effective May 1, 2008, Stratus entered into a joint venture with Canyon-Johnson Urban Fund II, L.P. (Canyon-Johnson) for the development of a 36-story mixed-use development in downtown Austin, Texas, anchored by a W Hotel & Residences (the W Austin Hotel & Residences project). Stratus’ initial capital contributions to the joint venture totaled $31.8 million, which consisted of a 1.76 acre tract of land purchased by Stratus and located across the street from Austin City Hall, the related property and development agreements for the land and other project costs incurred by Stratus before May 1, 2008.

Stratus is the manager of, and has an approximate 40 percent interest in, the joint venture. Canyon-Johnson has an approximate 60 percent interest in the joint venture. Canyon-Johnson contributed its initial capital in May 2008 and will contribute additional capital until certain capital contribution requirements are met. In the aggregate, Canyon-Johnson will contribute approximately 60 percent of the joint venture’s required capital and Stratus will contribute approximately 40 percent. The required capital contributions are approximately $53 million for Stratus and $75 million for Canyon-Johnson. Canyon-Johnson was required to fund 100 percent of project costs until their contributions reached $44 million, which occurred in May 2009. For the remaining capital contributions, Stratus will fund 40 percent and Canyon-Johnson will fund 60 percent of project costs until the required capital contributions are made. As of June 30, 2009, capital contributions totaled $35.3 million for Stratus and $48.7 million for Canyon-Johnson. The joint venture obtained a construction loan to finance project costs after the required capital contributions are made (see below).

On May 2, 2008, the joint venture entered into an agreement for a $165 million construction loan with Corus Bank, N.A., (Corus) to finance the construction of the W Austin Hotel & Residences project (see Note 9 of the Stratus 2008 Form 10-K). On February 18, 2009, Corus entered into a written agreement with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and a consent order with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, to maintain the financial soundness of Corus. On June 26, 2009, the loan agreement with Corus was assigned to a subsidiary of Stratus, which is jointly managed by Stratus and Canyon-Johnson, in exchange for a pay down of $250,000 of the outstanding principal balance of $2.1 million. As a result, Corus is no longer the lender and in the second quarter of 2009 Stratus recognized a $0.2 million loss on extinguishment of debt, which includes the write-off of unamortized deferred loan costs in the amount of $2.1 million.

The joint venture is actively pursuing other options for financing the future construction costs of the W Austin Hotel & Residences project. Such options may include additional equity contributions by Stratus and Canyon-Johnson, financing from other financial institutions, admitting new equity partners, or a combination of these alternatives. If the joint venture does not secure project financing from a third-party lender, or if Stratus or Canyon-Johnson is unable to make required additional future capital contributions to the joint venture, the joint venture may be required to delay further construction of the project until additional financing is available.

On August 1, 2008, the joint venture paid $0.7 million to enter into an agreement to cap the floating London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) on the Corus loan at 4.5 percent (see Note 6). The LIBOR cap notional amount varies based on originally projected loan balances throughout the term of the loan. The agreement terminates on July 1, 2011.

A Stratus subsidiary has been designated as the developer of the W Austin Hotel & Residences project and will be paid a $6.0 million developer’s fee over the term of construction. Stratus received development fees totaling $0.4 million in the second quarter of 2009, $0.9 million in the first six months of 2009 and $0.3 million in the second quarter and first six months of 2008, which have been eliminated in consolidation in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 46(R), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (revised December 2003) - an Interpretation of ARB No. 51” (FIN 46(R)).

Under the guidance of FIN 46(R), Stratus performed an evaluation and concluded that the joint venture is a variable interest entity (VIE) and that Stratus is currently the primary beneficiary even though it does not hold a controlling interest as it is the developer of the project, guarantees certain obligations of the joint venture and contributed the land and development to the joint venture at formation. Accordingly, the W Austin Hotel & Residences project has been consolidated in Stratus’ financial statements.
 
 
9

 
At June 30, 2009, Stratus’ consolidated balance sheet includes $93.3 million in total assets and $7.8 million in total liabilities associated with the W Austin Hotel & Residences project. The $93.3 million of total assets included $1.3 million of cash and cash equivalents, $46.1 million of property held for sale – developed or under development, $43.1 million of property held for use and $2.8 million of other assets. In accordance with FIN 46(R), certain triggering events, including when the VIE has additional equity investment at risk, require a company to reconsider whether or not an entity is still a VIE and also requires reconsideration of the primary beneficiary. Therefore, as future capital contributions are made by Canyon-Johnson and Stratus, Stratus will update its evaluation of whether the project is a VIE and whether Stratus is the primary beneficiary. If it is determined that the W Austin Hotel & Residences project is no longer a VIE under the guidance of FIN 46(R) or that Stratus is no longer the primary beneficiary of the entity, the entity will be deconsolidated from Stratus’ financial statements and will be accounted for under the equity method of accounting.

In accordance with the American Institute of Certified Accountants Statement of Position 78-9, “Accounting for Investments in Real Estate Ventures” (SOP 78-9), profits and losses between partners in a real estate venture should be allocated based on how changes in net assets of the venture would affect cash payments to the investors over the life of the venture and on its liquidation. The amount of the ultimate profits earned by the W Austin Hotel & Residences project will affect the ultimate profit sharing ratios because of provisions in the joint venture agreement which would require Stratus to return certain previously received distributions to Canyon-Johnson under certain circumstances. Accordingly, the W Austin Hotel & Residences project’s cumulative profits or losses are allocated based on a hypothetical liquidation of the venture’s net assets as of each balance sheet date because of the uncertainty of the ultimate profits and, therefore, profit-sharing ratios. At June 30, 2009, the cumulative losses for the W Austin Hotel & Residences project were allocated based on 43 percent for Stratus and 57 percent for Canyon-Johnson, in accordance with SOP 78-9.

6.  
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” includes a fair value hierarchy that is intended to increase consistency and comparability in fair value measurements and related disclosures. The fair value hierarchy is based on inputs to valuation techniques that are used to measure fair value that are either observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability based on market data obtained from independent sources while unobservable inputs reflect a reporting entity’s pricing based upon their own market assumptions.

The fair value hierarchy consists of the following three levels:

Level 1 – Inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 – Inputs are quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in an active market, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable and market-corroborated inputs which are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data.

Level 3 – Inputs are derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or value drivers are unobservable.

Stratus adopted SFAS No. 157 effective January 1, 2008, for financial assets and liabilities recognized at fair value on a recurring basis. Stratus adopted SFAS No. 157 for nonfinancial assets or liabilities that are not required or permitted to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis effective January 1, 2009. The following table sets forth Stratus’ financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2009, by level within the fair value hierarchy (in thousands):

     
Quoted Prices in
         
Significant
 
 
Total Fair Value
 
Active Markets for
   
Significant Other
   
Unobservable
 
 
Measurement
 
Identical Assets
   
Observable Inputs
   
Inputs
 
 
June 30, 2009
 
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
 
                         
Cash equivalents
$
21,534
 
$
21,534
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
Interest rate cap
                       
agreement
 
133
   
-
   
133
   
-
 
 
$
21,667
 
$
21,534
 
$
133
 
$
-
 
                         
 
 
10

 
Summarized below are the carrying values and estimated fair values of financial assets and liabilities (in thousands).

 
June 30, 2009
   
December 31, 2008
 
 
Carrying
 
Fair
   
Carrying
   
Fair
 
 
Value
 
Value
   
Value
   
Value
 
                         
Cash and cash equivalents
$
33,549
 
$
33,549
 
$
17,097
 
$
17,097
 
Restricted cash
 
-
   
-
   
6
   
6
 
Investment in U.S. treasury
                       
securities
 
-
   
-
   
15,388
   
15,388
 
Accounts and notes receivable
 
960
   
960
   
1,245
   
1,245
 
Interest rate cap agreement
 
133
   
133
   
63
   
63
 
Accounts payable, accrued
                       
liabilities, accrued interest, and
                       
property taxes
 
11,760
   
11,760
   
9,788
   
9,788
 
Debt
 
74,241
   
71,324
   
63,352
   
55,809
 
                         

Cash Equivalents. Stratus has investments in U.S. treasury securities, certificates of deposits and other short-term securities with maturities less than 90 days, which are considered cash equivalents. Stratus’ cash equivalent instruments are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices in active markets.

Accounts and Notes Receivable. Fair value approximates the carrying value because of the short-term nature and generally negligible credit issues.

Interest Rate Cap Agreement. On August 1, 2008, Stratus’ joint venture with Canyon-Johnson paid $0.7 million to enter into an agreement to cap the floating LIBOR rate on its construction loan at 4.5 percent. The joint venture entered into this derivative contract to manage interest rate risk under the W Austin Hotel & Residences project construction loan. Stratus accounts for this derivative pursuant to SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” SFAS No. 133 established accounting and reporting standards requiring that every derivative instrument be recorded in the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument depends on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation. This derivative is not designated as a hedging instrument under SFAS No. 133. Stratus records this interest rate cap agreement maturing July 2011 at fair value on a recurring basis on its balance sheet (included in other assets) and recognizes changes in fair value in current period earnings.

Stratus uses an interest rate pricing model that relies on market observable inputs such as LIBOR to measure the fair value of the interest rate cap agreement. Stratus also evaluated the counterparty credit risk associated with the interest rate cap agreement, which is considered a Level 3 input, but did not consider such risk to be significant. Therefore, the interest rate cap agreement is classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Stratus recorded a non-cash gain totaling $0.1 million for the second quarter and first six months of 2009 related to the increase in fair value of the interest rate cap agreement.

Accounts Payable, Accrued Liabilities, Accrued Interest and Property Taxes. Fair value approximates the carrying value because of the short-term nature.

Debt. Stratus measures the fair value of debt by discounting the future expected cash flows at estimated current interest rates for each loan based on quotes from one of its lenders or recently obtained debt. The fair value of debt does not represent the amounts that will ultimately be paid upon the maturities of the loans.

7.  
INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATE
In 2005, Stratus formed a joint venture with Trammell Crow Central Texas Development, Inc. (Trammell Crow) to acquire an approximate 74-acre tract at the intersection of Airport Boulevard and Lamar Boulevard in Austin, Texas, for $7.7 million. The property, known as Crestview Station, is a single-family, multi-family, retail and office development, which is located on the site of a future commuter rail line
 
 
11

 
approved by City of Austin voters. With Trammell Crow, Stratus has completed environmental remediation, which the State of Texas certified as complete in September 2007, and permitting of the property. The initial phase of utility and roadway infrastructure is complete.

In connection with funding the development of Crestview Station, the joint venture entered into a loan agreement in 2005 with Comerica (the Crestview Loan Agreement), pursuant to which the joint venture borrowed funds in the principal amount of $7.6 million. In November 2007, the joint venture amended the Crestview Loan Agreement to increase the amount of availability under the loan to $10.9 million. The principal amount of the loan was $9.2 million on June 30, 2009. Stratus and Trammell Crow, the joint venture’s operating partner, each executed guaranties of completion of certain environmental remediation (which has been completed) and payment in connection with the Crestview Loan Agreement. Each partner severally guaranteed the joint venture’s principal payment obligations under the Crestview Loan Agreement up to a maximum of $1.9 million each, plus certain interest payments and related costs. The loan matured on March 31, 2009. Trammell Crow elected not to extend the loan on the terms offered by Comerica, and as a result the joint venture received a notice of default from Comerica on April 4, 2009. On April 8, 2009, Trammell Crow agreed to the partnership’s entering into a two-month extension on the loan, extending the maturity to May 31, 2009. Comerica subsequently offered the joint venture a two-year extension of the loan, but Trammell Crow did not agree to the terms of the extension. The joint venture did not repay the loan at maturity and received a default notice from Comerica on June 4, 2009. Unless the joint venture reaches an agreement with Comerica to extend the maturity of the loan, Comerica may pursue its remedies under the Crestview Loan Agreement, including foreclosing its lien and enforcing the several guaranties against each of Stratus and Trammell Crow. In conjunction with Trammell Crow, Stratus is actively working on an extension of the Comerica loan.

Stratus has a 50 percent interest in the Crestview Station project, which is operated by Trammell Crow. Stratus accounts for the Crestview Station project under the equity method in accordance with SOP 78-9 and has determined that consolidation is not required under the provisions of FIN 46(R).

Crestview Station sold substantially all of its multi-family and commercial properties in 2007 and one commercial site in the first quarter of 2008. Stratus’ equity in Crestview Station’s (losses) earnings totaled $(0.1) million in the second quarter of 2009, $0.1 million in the second quarter of 2008, $(0.2) million in the first six months of 2009 and $0.3 million in the first six months of 2008, including adjustments to the previously reported results for the second quarter of 2008 and the first six months of 2008 as discussed in Note 2. Stratus received distributions from Crestview Station totaling $1.3 million in the first six months of 2008. Summary information for Crestview Station follows (in thousands):

 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2009
 
2008
 
2009
 
2008
 
Revenues
$
-
 
$
1,582
 
$
-
 
$
2,841
 
Gross (loss) profit
 
(17
)
 
298
   
(22
)
 
496
 
Net (loss) income
 
(216
)
 
298
   
(364
)
 
532
 
                         

8.  
INTEREST CAPITALIZATION
Stratus capitalized all of its interest costs totaling $1.5 million in the second quarter of 2009, $1.2 million in the second quarter of 2008, $2.8 million in the first six months of 2009 and $2.3 million in the first six months of 2008 (see Note 2).

9.  
INCOME TAXES
Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 28, “Interim Financial Reporting,” requires companies to determine an estimated annual effective tax rate to apply to their interim pre-tax income or loss. FIN 18, “Accounting for Income Taxes in Interim Periods – an interpretation of APB No. 28,” provides that the estimated annual effective rate should be revised, if necessary, to reflect the company's best current estimate as of the end of each successive interim period during the year. If a reliable estimate cannot be made, the actual effective tax rate for the year-to-date period may be the best estimate of the annual effective tax rate.

During 2008, Stratus concluded that estimating a consistent annual effective tax rate was increasingly difficult due to the uncertainty in forecasting taxable income or loss since its taxable income or loss is primarily dependent upon asset sales which are difficult to predict with any certainty and may vary
 
 
12

 
significantly from period to period. The ability to forecast is increasingly difficult in light of the current economic environment. Stratus believes that the uncertainty in its forecasts goes beyond normal market variations and forecasting an annual effective rate would not provide a meaningful estimate. As such, Stratus believes that the actual year-to-date effective tax rate is the best estimate of the annual tax rate in accordance with FIN 18. Stratus’ benefit from income taxes has been calculated utilizing its actual effective tax rate for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2009.

After considering the tax impact of the items discussed in Note 2, the difference between Stratus’ consolidated effective income tax rates for the first six months of 2009 and 2008 and the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35 percent was primarily attributable to state income tax expense and other permanent items.

In its ongoing assessment of the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Based on the expectation of future taxable income and that deductible temporary differences will offset existing taxable temporary differences, management believes it is more likely than not that the benefits of these deductible differences, net of the existing valuation allowances, are realizable at June 30, 2009. Such determination may change in the future based on numerous factors, including the impact of the overall economic environment on Stratus’ financial results.

Stratus anticipates that it is reasonably possible that during 2009 it will have a reduction in its unrecognized tax benefits in the range of $2.4 million to $2.6 million as a result of completing administrative processes with taxing authorities related to the timing of certain deductions taken on its tax returns. Any reduction in its unrecognized tax benefits will result in a reclassification between other liabilities and deferred tax asset on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

10.  
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
In June 2008, Stratus revised the amount of Texas Margin Tax accrued on Escarpment Village income earned during 2007. The revised accrual resulted in $0.1 million additional tax expense related to 2007, which was recognized in June 2008. As the results of operations of Escarpment Village were appropriately classified as discontinued operations, the additional Texas Margin Tax has also been classified as discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

11.  
BUSINESS SEGMENTS
Stratus has two operating segments, “Real Estate Operations” and “Commercial Leasing.” The Real Estate Operations segment is comprised of all Stratus’ developed properties, properties under development and undeveloped properties held for sale in Austin, Texas, which consist of its properties in the Barton Creek community, the Circle C community and Lantana, and certain portions of the W Austin Hotel & Residences project. In January 2008, Stratus sold the final lots of the Deerfield property in Plano, Texas, which was also included in the Real Estate Operations segment. For definitions of these property classifications, see “Properties” located in Item 2 of the Stratus 2008 Form 10-K.

The Commercial Leasing segment primarily includes the two office buildings at 7500 Rialto Boulevard. The first 75,000-square-foot building at 7500 Rialto Boulevard was 67 percent leased as of June 30, 2009. The second 75,000-square-foot building was 94 percent leased as of June 30, 2009. In addition, the commercial leasing segment includes a retail building completed in the second quarter of 2007 and a bank building completed in early 2008 in Barton Creek Village, two retail buildings completed in the third quarter of 2008 in Circle C, and certain portions of the W Austin Hotel & Residences project.

Stratus uses operating income (loss) to measure the performance of each segment. Stratus allocates general and administrative expenses between the segments based on projected annual revenues for each segment.

Segment data presented below were prepared on the same basis as Stratus’ consolidated financial statements.

 
13



 
Real Estate Operationsa
 
Commercial Leasing
 
Other
 
Total
 
 
(In Thousands)
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2009
                       
Revenues
$
2,530
 
$
960
 
$
-
 
$
3,490
 
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation
 
(3,035
)
 
(786
)
 
-
   
(3,821
)
Depreciation
 
(59
)
 
(325
)
 
-
   
(384
)
General and administrative expenses
 
(1,206
)
 
(729
)
 
-
   
(1,935
)
Operating loss
$
(1,770
)
$
(880
)
$
-
 
$
(2,650
)
                         
Capital expenditures
$
12,120
 
$
9,085
 
$
-
 
$
21,205
 
Total assets at June 30, 2009
$
184,629
 
$
89,447
 
$
9,391
b
$
283,467
 
                         

Three Months Ended June 30, 2008
                       
Revenues
$
2,919
 
$
1,169
 
$
-
 
$
4,088
 
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation
 
(2,724
)
 
(923
)
 
-
   
(3,647
)
Depreciation
 
(47
)
 
(346
)
 
-
   
(393
)
General and administrative expenses
 
(1,631
)
 
(266
)
 
-
   
(1,897
)
Operating loss
$
(1,483
)
$
(366
)
$
-
 
$
(1,849
)
                         
Loss from discontinued operations
$
-
 
$
(105
)
$
-
 
$
(105
)
Capital expenditures
$
10,605
 
$
6,378
 
$
-
 
$
16,983
 
Total assets at June 30, 2008
$
177,941
 
$
57,329
 
$
7,609
b
$
242,879
 
                         

Six Months Ended June 30, 2009
                       
Revenues
$
2,889
 
$
2,133
 
$
-
 
$
5,022
 
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation
 
(4,096
)
 
(1,617
)
 
-
   
(5,713
)
Depreciation
 
(126
)
 
(698
)
 
-
   
(824
)
General and administrative expenses
 
(2,502
)
 
(1,512
)
 
-
   
(4,014
)
Operating loss
$
(3,835
)
$
(1,694
)
$
-
 
$
(5,529
)
                         
Capital expenditures
$
20,574
 
$
15,238
 
$
-
 
$
35,812
 
                         

Six Months Ended June 30, 2008
                       
Revenues
$
7,035
 
$
2,120
 
$
-
 
$
9,155
 
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation
 
(6,209
)
 
(1,739
)
 
-
   
(7,948
)
Depreciation
 
(93
)
 
(683
)
 
-
   
(776
)
General and administrative expenses
 
(3,056
)
 
(498
)
 
-
   
(3,554
)
Operating loss
$
(2,323
)
$
(800
)
$
-
 
$
(3,123
)
                         
Loss from discontinued operations
$
-
 
$
(105
)
$
-
 
$
(105
)
Capital expenditures
$
17,456
 
$
8,171
 
$
-
 
$
25,627
 
                         
a.  
Includes sales commissions, management fees and other revenues together with related expenses.
b.  
Primarily includes deferred tax assets.

Segment operating loss excludes interest income and other, loss on extinguishment of debt, gain on interest rate cap agreement, equity in unconsolidated affiliate’s (loss) income and benefit from income taxes. A reconciliation of segment operating loss to loss from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in unconsolidated affiliate’s (loss) income for each period is as follows (in thousands):

 
14



 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
 
2009
 
2008
 
2009
 
2008
 
Operating loss
$
(2,650
)
$
(1,849
)
$
(5,529
)
$
(3,123
)
Interest income and other
 
582
   
154
   
828
   
1,103
 
Loss on extinguishment of debt
 
(182
)
 
-
   
(182
)
 
-
 
Gain on interest rate cap agreement
 
103
   
-
   
70
   
-
 
Loss from continuing operations before
                       
income taxes and equity in unconsolidated
                       
affiliate’s (loss) income
$
(2,147
)
$
(1,695
)
$
(4,813
)
$
(2,020
)
                         

12.  
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements. In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – an amendment of ARB No. 51,” which clarifies that noncontrolling interests (minority interests) are to be treated as a separate component of equity and any changes in the ownership interest (in which control is retained) are to be accounted for as capital transactions. However, a change in ownership of a consolidated subsidiary that results in a loss of control is considered a significant event that triggers gain or loss recognition, with the establishment of a new fair value basis in any remaining ownership interests. SFAS No. 160 also provides additional disclosure requirements for each reporting period. SFAS No. 160 applies to fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008. This statement is required to be adopted prospectively, except for the following provisions, which have been applied retrospectively: (i) the reclassification of noncontrolling interests to equity in the consolidated balance sheets and (ii) the adjustment to consolidated net income or loss to include net income or loss attributable to both the controlling and noncontrolling interests. Stratus adopted SFAS No. 160 effective January 1, 2009. Stratus adjusted its December 31, 2008 consolidated balance sheet to reflect noncontrolling interest in the amount of $25.3 million as a component of equity and adjusted its consolidated net loss for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 to reflect $0.1 million of its previously reported minority interest in net loss of consolidated subsidiary as net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest.

Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. In March 2008, FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133.” SFAS No. 161 amends the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities contained in SFAS No. 133. Under SFAS No. 161, entities are required to provide enhanced disclosures about (i) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (ii) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS No. 133 and related interpretations and (iii) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. SFAS No. 161 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early application encouraged. SFAS No. 161 encourages, but does not require disclosure for earlier periods presented for comparative purposes at initial adoption. Stratus’ adoption of SFAS No. 161 effective January 1, 2009, did not have a significant impact on its financial reporting and disclosures.

Interim Disclosures about Fair Value. In April 2009, FASB issued FSP No. FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, “Interim Disclosures about Fair Value,” which requires disclosures by publicly traded companies about the fair value of financial instruments for interim periods as well as in annual financial statements. This FSP is effective for interim reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, and was adopted by Stratus beginning in second-quarter 2009.

Subsequent Events. In May 2009, FASB issued SFAS No. 165, “Subsequent Events.” SFAS No. 165 introduces the concept of financial statements being available to be issued. SFAS No. 165 will require the disclosure of the date through which an entity has evaluated subsequent events and the basis of that date, that is, whether that date represents the date the financial statements were issued or were available to be issued. For SEC registrants this date will continue to be the date in which financial statements are filed with the SEC. SFAS No. 165 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods ending after June 15, 2009, and shall be applied prospectively. Stratus adopted SFAS No. 165 effective second-quarter 2009.
 
 
15

 
Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R). In May 2009, FASB issued SFAS No. 167, “Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R).” SFAS No. 167 amends Interpretation 46(R) to replace the quantitative-based risks and rewards calculation for determining which enterprise, if any, has a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity with an approach focused on identifying which enterprise has the power to direct the activities of a variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and (1) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or (2) the right to receive benefits from the entity. It also requires ongoing assessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity. SFAS No. 167 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2009. Stratus is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of SFAS No. 167 will have on its financial reporting and disclosures.

Accounting Standards Codification. In June 2009, FASB issued SFAS No. 168, “The FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles – a replacement of FASB Statement No. 162,” which replaces SFAS No. 162, “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles,” and establishes the FASB Accounting Standards Codification as the source of authoritative accounting principles recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP. Rules and interpretive releases of the SEC under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative U.S. GAAP for SEC registrants. SFAS No. 168 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after September 15, 2009, except for certain nonpublic nongovernmental entities. Stratus does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 168 to have a material impact on its financial statements.

13.  
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Stratus evaluated events after June 30, 2009 and through August 10, 2009, which is the date the financial statements were issued, and determined any events or transactions occurring during this period that would require recognition or disclosure are appropriately addressed in these financial statements.

On May 15, 2009, Stratus received a staff determination letter from The NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. stating that, in accordance with NASDAQ Marketplace Rule 5250(c)(1), Stratus’ common stock is subject to delisting for failure to file its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 (the 2008 Form 10-K), by the May 14, 2009, extended filing deadline and for failure to timely file its quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2009, (the first-quarter 2009 Form 10-Q) by the May 11, 2009, filing deadline. On May 22, 2009, Stratus requested a hearing to appeal NASDAQ’s determination and also requested a further stay on the delisting of its securities, both of which were granted. On June 24, 2009, Stratus filed its 2008 Form 10-K with the SEC. Stratus was notified by NASDAQ that the delisting action was stayed pending a hearing before the NASDAQ Listing Qualifications Hearings Panel (the Panel), which was held on June 25, 2009.

On July 8, 2009, Stratus received a letter from The NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. advising Stratus that the Panel had granted Stratus’ request for continued listing on the NASDAQ stock market. The terms of the Panel’s decision included a condition that Stratus file its first-quarter 2009 Form 10-Q by July 24, 2009, to regain compliance with the continued listing requirements set forth in NASDAQ Marketplace Rule 5250(c)(1), which requires timely filing of periodic reports with the SEC.

On July 22, 2009 Stratus announced that it received a letter from NASDAQ confirming that Stratus has complied with the Panel’s terms by filing its first-quarter 2009 Form 10-Q on July 15, 2009. Accordingly, the Panel has determined to continue listing Stratus’ common stock on The NASDAQ Stock Market.
 
 
16


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

OVERVIEW

Management’s discussion and analysis presented below should be read in conjunction with our discussion and analysis of financial results contained in our 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K (2008 Form 10-K) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and with “Note 2. Revisions of Previously Issued Consolidated Financial Statements” included in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) contained elsewhere in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q. The operating results summarized in this report are not necessarily indicative of our future operating results. All subsequent references to “Notes” refer to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited), unless otherwise stated.

We are engaged in the acquisition, development, management, operations and sale of commercial, multi-family and residential real estate properties located primarily in the Austin, Texas area.

Our principal real estate holdings are in southwest Austin, Texas. The number of developed lots, developed or under development acreage and undeveloped acreage as of June 30, 2009, are presented in the following table.

     
Acreage
   
     
Developed or Under Development
 
Undeveloped
   
 
Developed
 
Single
 
Multi-
         
Single
         
Total
 
Lots
 
Family
 
family
 
Commercial
 
Total
 
Family
 
Commercial
 
Total
 
Acreage
Austin
                                 
Barton Creek
124
 
358
 
249
 
368
 
975
 
510
 
28
 
538
 
1,513
Lantana
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
223
 
223
 
223
Circle C
75
a
-
 
-
 
265
 
265
 
148
a
122
 
270
 
535
W Austin Hotel
                                 
& Residences
-
 
-
 
-
 
2
b
2
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
2
San Antonio
                                 
Camino Real
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
2
 
2
 
2
Total
199
 
358
 
249
 
635
 
1,242
 
658
 
375
 
1,033
 
2,275
                                   
a.  
Relates to Meridian, an 800-lot residential development.
b.  
Represents a city block in downtown Austin planned for a mixture of hotel, residential, retail, office and entertainment uses.

Our other Austin holdings at June 30, 2009, consisted of two 75,000-square-foot office buildings at 7500 Rialto Boulevard (7500 Rialto) located in our Lantana development, a 22,000-square-foot retail complex representing phase one of Barton Creek Village and two retail buildings totaling 21,000 square feet at the 5700 Slaughter project in Circle C.

The sharp decline in activity in the real estate market, among other factors, significantly impacted our consolidated financial results. In the second quarter of 2009, our revenues totaled $3.5 million and our net loss totaled $1.4 million, compared with revenues of $4.1 million and a net loss of $1.2 million for the second quarter of 2008. For the first six months of 2009, our revenues totaled $5.0 million and our net loss totaled $3.2 million, compared with revenues of $9.2 million and a net loss of $1.4 million for the first six months of 2008. Our financial condition and results of operations are highly dependent upon market conditions for real estate activity in Austin, Texas. Our future operating cash flows and, ultimately, our ability to develop our properties and expand our business will be largely dependent on the level of our real estate sales. In turn, these sales will be significantly affected by future real estate market conditions in Austin, Texas, including development costs, interest rate levels, the availability of credit to finance real estate transactions, demand for residential and commercial real estate, and regulatory issues including our land use and development entitlements.

Recent economic conditions have also resulted in a general decline in leasing activity across the United States (U.S.), and have caused vacancy rates to increase in most markets, including Austin, Texas. Investment sales activity in the U.S. declined sharply during 2008 because of, among other factors, limited availability and increased cost of financing, especially the absence of securitized debt, which was the
 
 
17

 
source of heightened investment activity, and the resulting gap between buyer and seller expectations of value.

Periods of economic slowdown or recession, rising interest rates, tightening of the credit markets, declining demand for or increased supply of real estate, or the public perception that any of these events may occur can adversely affect our business. These conditions could result in a general decline in rents, which in turn would reduce revenue from leases. In addition, these conditions could lead to a decline in property values as well as a decline in funds invested in commercial real estate and related assets, which in turn may reduce revenues from leases and development fees.

U.S. credit markets have yet to fully recover, and this lingering problem is impacting the broader U.S. economy. Commercial real estate lenders have substantially tightened underwriting standards or have withdrawn from the lending market, materially impacting liquidity in the real estate debt markets, making financing terms for owners of retail properties less attractive, and in certain cases resulting in the unavailability of certain types of debt financing. Tighter lending standards and higher borrowing costs have exerted downward pressure on the value and liquidity of real estate assets which will impact the values we could obtain from the sale of our properties. These factors may make it more difficult for us to sell properties or may adversely affect the price we receive for properties that we do sell, as prospective buyers may experience increased costs of debt financing or difficulties in obtaining such financing. Our future performance will, in part, be dependent upon the recovery of the credit markets and the underlying strength of the U.S. economy.

BUSINESS STRATEGY

Over the past several years, we have successfully worked cooperatively with the City of Austin (the City) to obtain approvals that allow the development of our properties to proceed in a timely manner while protecting the environment. We believe the desirable location and overall quality of our properties, in combination with the land use and development entitlements we have obtained, will under normal market conditions command a premium over the value of other Austin-area properties.

Our long-term success will depend on our ability to maximize the value of our real estate through obtaining required approvals that permit us to develop and sell our properties in a timely manner at a reasonable cost. We must incur significant development expenditures and secure additional permits prior to the development and sale of certain properties. In addition, we continue to pursue additional development opportunities, and currently believe we can obtain bank financing necessary for developing our properties, although our ability to obtain bank financing in the future may be impacted by the current U.S. economic conditions. See “Risk Factors” located in Item 1A of our 2008 Form 10-K.

REVISIONS OF PREVIOUSLY ISSUED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND RECLASSIFICATIONS

As discussed in Note 2, certain accounting matters were identified in the third quarter of 2008 and in connection with the preparation of our financial results for the year ended December 31, 2008 that required revisions of our consolidated financial statements for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2008. Management’s discussion and analysis has been updated to discuss changes in comparative results of operations and cash flows after considering the impacts of the items discussed in detail in Notes 2 and 3.

DEVELOPMENT AND OTHER ACTIVITIES

W Austin Hotel & Residences. In 2005, the City selected our proposal to develop a mixed-use project in downtown Austin immediately north of the new City Hall complex. The W Austin Hotel & Residences project includes an entire city block and is planned for a mixture of hotel, residential, retail, office and entertainment uses. In December 2006, we acquired the property for $15.1 million. We have executed agreements with Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. for the development of a W Hotel & Residences on the site. In May 2007, we announced our proposed partnership with Canyon-Johnson Urban Fund II, L.P. (Canyon-Johnson) for the development of the W Austin Hotel & Residences project. The grand opening for the onsite sales center was held in conjunction with the groundbreaking ceremony in October 2007. Effective May 1, 2008, we entered into a joint venture with Canyon-Johnson for the
 
 
18

 
development of the project (see Note 5). Construction of the $300 million project commenced in the second quarter of 2008 and is proceeding as scheduled.

On May 2, 2008, the joint venture entered into an agreement for a $165 million construction loan with Corus Bank, N.A. (Corus) to finance the construction of the W Austin Hotel & Residences project. On February 18, 2009, Corus entered into a written agreement with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and a consent order with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, to maintain the financial soundness of Corus. On June 26, 2009, the loan agreement with Corus was assigned to a subsidiary of Stratus, which is jointly managed by Stratus and Canyon-Johnson, in exchange for a pay down of $250,000 of the outstanding principal balance of $2.1 million. As a result, Corus is no longer the lender and in the second quarter of 2009 we recognized a $0.2 million loss on extinguishment of debt, which includes the write-off of unamortized deferred loan costs in the amount of $2.1 million.

The joint venture is pursuing other options for financing the W Austin Hotel & Residences project. Such options may include additional equity contributions by the joint venture partners, financing from other financial institutions, admitting new equity partners, or a combination of these alternatives. If the joint venture does not secure project financing from a third-party lender, or if the joint venture partners are unable to make required additional future capital contributions to the joint venture, the joint venture may be required to delay further construction of the project until an additional source of financing is available.

Crestview Station. In 2005, we formed a joint venture with Trammell Crow to acquire an approximate 74-acre tract at the intersection of Airport Boulevard and Lamar Boulevard in Austin, Texas, for $7.7 million. The property, known as Crestview Station, is a single-family, multi-family, retail and office development, which is located on the site of a future commuter rail line approved by City of Austin voters. With Trammell Crow, we have completed environmental remediation, which the State of Texas certified as complete in September 2007, and permitting of the property. The initial phase of utility and roadway infrastructure is complete. Crestview Station sold substantially all of its multi-family and commercial properties in 2007 and one commercial site in the first quarter of 2008. The joint venture retained the single-family component of Crestview Station and two commercial sites. The joint venture is currently processing permits to develop Crestview Station as a 450-unit transit-oriented neighborhood. At June 30, 2009, our investment in the Crestview Station project totaled $2.4 million and the joint venture partnership had $9.2 million of outstanding debt, of which we guarantee $1.9 million. See Note 7 for further discussion of the current status of loan renegotiation efforts.

Residential. As of June 30, 2009, the number of our residential developed lots, lots under development and development potential by area are shown below (excluding lots and units associated with our Canyon-Johnson and Crestview Station joint ventures):

 
Residential Lots
 
Developed
 
Under Development
 
Potential Development a
 
Total
Barton Creek:
             
Calera:
             
Calera Court Courtyard Homes
3
 
-
 
-
 
3
Calera Drive
8
 
-
 
-
 
8
Verano Drive
68
 
-
 
-
 
68
Amarra Drive:
             
Phase I Lots
7
 
-
 
-
 
7
Phase II Lots
35
 
-
 
-
 
35
Phase II and III Townhomes
-
 
-
 
221
 
221
Phase III
-
 
89
 
-
 
89
Mirador Estate
2
 
-
 
-
 
2
Wimberly Lane Phase II
1
 
-
 
-
 
1
Section N Multi-family
-
 
-
 
1,860
 
1,860
Other Barton Creek Sections
-
 
-
 
154
 
154
               
Circle C:
             
Meridian
75
 
-
 
57
 
132
Total Residential Lots
199
 
89
 
2,292
 
2,580
               
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. Those governmental agencies may either not approve one or more development plans and permit applications related to such properties or require us to modify our development plans. Accordingly, our development strategy with
 
 
19

 
  
respect to those properties may change in the future. The timing for development of these properties has not been determined.
 
Calera. In 2002, we secured subdivision plat approval for a new residential subdivision called Calera, which consists of 155 lots. During 2004, we began construction of 16 courtyard homes at Calera Court, the 16-acre initial phase of the Calera subdivision. The second phase of Calera, Calera Drive, consisting of 53 single-family lots, many of which adjoin the Fazio Canyons Golf Course, received final plat and construction permit approval in 2005. As of June 30, 2009, three courtyard homes at Calera Court and eight lots at Calera Drive remained unsold. Construction of the final phase, known as Verano Drive, began in the first quarter of 2007 and was completed in July 2008. Verano Drive includes 71 single-family lots, three of which were sold in July 2008.

Amarra Drive. During 2007, we completed development of Amarra Drive Phase I, the initial phase of the Amarra Drive subdivision. Amarra Drive Phase I includes eight lots, one of which was sold in September 2007, with sizes ranging from approximately one to four acres, some of which are course-side lots on the Fazio Canyons Golf Course and others are secluded lots adjacent to the Nature Conservancy of Texas. In January 2008, we commenced development of Amarra Drive Phase II, which consists of 35 lots on 51 acres. Development was substantially completed in October 2008.

Mirador Estate. We completed construction of the Mirador subdivision, which included the development of 34 estate lots with each lot averaging approximately 3.5 acres in size, and have sold 32 of these lots. As of June 30, 2009, we owned two Mirador estate lots.

Wimberly Lane Phase II. In 2004, we entered into a contract with a national homebuilder to sell 41 lots within the Wimberly Lane Phase II subdivision. The average purchase price for each of the 41 lots was $150,400, subject to a six percent annual escalator. We sold the last homebuilder lot in January 2008 and have one Wimberly Lane lot remaining for sale.

Circle C. We are developing the Circle C community based on the entitlements secured in our Circle C settlement with the City. Our Circle C settlement, as amended in 2004, permits development of 1.16 million square feet of commercial space, 504 multi-family units and 830 single family residential lots. Meridian is an 800-lot residential development at the Circle C community. In 2005, we commenced the first phase of construction and contracted to sell a total of 494 lots in our Meridian project to three national homebuilders in four phases. Sales for each of the four phases commence upon substantial completion of development for that phase, and continue every quarter until all of the lots have been sold. The first and second phases each consisted of 134 lots. The first phase was substantially completed at the end of 2005. Development of the second phase was substantially completed in March 2006. Development of the 108-lot third phase of Meridian was completed in September 2007. The 118-lot fourth phase commenced in early 2008 and was completed in June 2008.

In 2006, we signed another contract with a national homebuilder for 42 additional lots. Development of those lots commenced in April 2007 and substantial completion occurred in April 2008. In June 2009, this contract was terminated by the homebuilder. As of the date the contract was terminated, there were 30 remaining unclosed lots. In connection with the termination, the homebuilder forfeited a deposit of $0.6 million, which we recorded as other income in the second quarter of 2009. We are currently pursuing development contracts with other homebuilders for the remaining lots. Construction of the final phase of Meridian, which consists of 57 one-acre lots, is expected to commence in 2010.
 
 
20


Commercial. As of June 30, 2009, the number of square feet of our commercial property developed, under development and our remaining entitlements are shown below (excluding property associated with our Canyon-Johnson and Crestview Station joint ventures):

 
Commercial Property
 
Developed
 
Under Development
 
Potential Development a
 
Total
Barton Creek:
             
Barton Creek Village Phase I
22,000
 
-
 
-
 
22,000
Barton Creek Village Phase II
-
 
-
 
18,000
 
18,000
Entry Corner
-
 
-
 
5,000
 
5,000
Amarra Retail/Office
-
 
-
 
90,000
 
90,000
Section N
-
 
-
 
1,500,000
 
1,500,000
               
Circle C:
             
Chase Ground Lease
4,000
 
-
 
-
 
4,000
Tract 106
21,000
 
-
 
-
 
21,000
Tract 107
-
 
80,000
 
-
 
80,000
Tract 110
-
 
-
 
760,000
 
760,000
Tract 101
-
 
-
 
90,000
 
90,000
Tract 102
-
 
-
 
25,000
 
25,000
Tract 114
-
 
-
 
5,000
 
5,000
               
Lantana:
             
7500 Rialto
150,000
 
-
 
-
 
150,000
Advanced Micro Devices
             
Option Tracts
-
 
-
 
760,000
 
760,000
Tract GR1
-
 
-
 
325,000
 
325,000
Tract G07
-
 
-
 
210,000
 
210,000
Tract CS5
-
 
-
 
175,000
 
175,000
Tract CS1-CS3
-
 
-
 
150,000
 
150,000
Tract LR1
-
 
-
 
75,000
 
75,000
Tract L04
-
 
-
 
70,000
 
70,000
               
Austin 290 Tract
-
 
-
 
20,000
 
20,000
Total Square Feet
197,000
 
80,000
 
4,278,000
 
4,555,000
               
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. Those governmental agencies may either not approve one or more development plans and permit applications related to such properties or require us to modify our development plans. Accordingly, our development strategy with respect to those properties may change in the future. The timing for development of these properties has not been determined.

Barton Creek. In the second quarter of 2007, we completed the first phase of the Barton Creek Village, which is a 22,000-square-foot retail complex. In July 2007, we began construction of a 3,300-square-foot bank building within this 22,000-square-foot retail complex, and it was completed in early 2008. As of June 30, 2009, the first retail complex was 69 percent leased and the bank building is leased through 2022. Construction of the second retail complex is expected to begin during 2010.

Circle C. During the third quarter of 2008, Stratus completed the construction of two retail buildings, totaling 21,000 square feet, at the 5700 Slaughter project. This retail project also includes a 4,000-square-foot bank building on an existing ground lease. Leasing for the two retail buildings is under way with 22 percent of the 21,000-square-foot retail complex leased as of June 30, 2009. We expect the 21,000-square-foot retail complex to be fully leased by the end of 2009.

The Circle C community also includes Parkside Village, an 80,000-square-foot planned retail project. The project will be developed in two phases. The first phase will consist of a 34,000-square-foot building to accommodate a full-service restaurant and theater. The second phase will consist of three tilt-wall retail buildings at 14,775 square feet, 8,075 square feet and 7,600 square feet, and two pads available for ground leases. We are pursuing final permits and entitlements to position the project for commencement of construction when appropriate.
 
 
21


Lantana. Lantana is a partially developed, mixed-use project with remaining entitlements for approximately 1.0 million square feet of office and retail use on 223 acres as of June 30, 2009. Regional utility and road infrastructure is in place with capacity to serve Lantana at full build-out permitted under our existing entitlements.

In Lantana, we also own two 75,000-square-foot office buildings at 7500 Rialto. As of June 30, 2009, occupancy was 67 percent for the original office building and 94 percent for the second office building. We are actively pursuing tenants to fill the available office space at 7500 Rialto.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

We are continually evaluating the development potential of our properties and considering opportunities to enter into transactions involving our properties. As a result, and because of numerous other factors affecting our business activities as described herein, our past operating results are not necessarily indicative of our future results.

Summary operating results follow (in thousands):

 
Second Quarter
 
Six Months
 
 
2009
 
2008
 
2009
 
2008
 
Revenues:
               
Real estate operations
$
2,530
 
$
2,919
 
$
2,889
 
$
7,035
 
Commercial leasing
 
960
   
1,169
   
2,133
   
2,120
 
Total revenues
$
3,490
 
$
4,088
 
$
5,022
 
$
9,155
 
                         
Operating loss
$
(2,650
)
$
(1,849
)
$
(5,529
)
$
(3,123
)
                         
Benefit from income taxes
$
707
 
$
339
 
$
1,604
 
$
391
 
                         
Net loss attributable to Stratus
$
(1,444
)
$
(1,248
)
$
(3,181
)
$
(1,404
)
                         

We have two operating segments, “Real Estate Operations” and “Commercial Leasing” (see Note 11). The following is a discussion of our operating results by segment.

Real Estate Operations
Summary results for our real estate operations follow (in thousands):

 
Second Quarter
 
Six Months
 
 
2009
 
2008
 
2009
 
2008
 
Revenues:
               
Developed property sales
$
1,894
 
$
2,358
 
$
2,085
 
$
6,262
 
Undeveloped property sales
 
-
   
41
   
-
   
41
 
Commissions, management fees and other
 
636
   
520
   
804
   
732
 
Total revenues
 
2,530
   
2,919
   
2,889
   
7,035
 
                         
Cost of sales, including depreciation
 
(3,094
)
 
(2,771
)
 
(4,222
)
 
(6,302
)
General and administrative expenses
 
(1,206
)
 
(1,631
)
 
(2,502
)
 
(3,056
)
                         
Operating loss
$
(1,770
)
$
(1,483
)
$
(3,835
)
$
(2,323
)
                         
 
 
22


Developed Property Sales. Residential property sales for the second-quarter and six-month periods of 2009 and 2008 included the following (revenues in thousands):

 
Second Quarter
 
 
2009
 
2008
 
 
Lots
 
Revenues
 
Lots
 
Revenues
 
Barton Creek
               
Calera Court Courtyard Homes
1
 
$                                 600
 
1
 
$                                635
 
                 
Circle C
               
Meridian
20
 
1,294
 
22
 
1,723
 
Total Residential
21
 
$                              1,894
 
23
 
$                             2,358
 
                 


 
Six Months
 
 
2009
 
2008
 
 
Lots
 
Revenues
 
Lots
 
Revenues
 
Barton Creek
               
Calera Court Courtyard Homes
1
 
$                                600
 
1
 
$                                635
 
Wimberly Lane Phase II
               
Standard Homebuilder
-
 
-
 
1
 
           265
a
                 
Circle C
               
Meridian
23
 
1,485
 
55
 
3,952
 
                 
Deerfieldb
-
 
-
 
21
 
1,410
 
Total Residential
24
 
$                             2,085
 
78
 
$                            6,262
 
                 

a.  
Includes $0.1 million for homebuilder contract termination fee.
b.  
In 2004, we acquired the Deerfield property in Plano, Texas, for $7.0 million. We executed agreements with a national homebuilder, whereby the homebuilder paid us $1.4 million for an option to purchase all 234 lots over 36 monthly take-downs. In 2005, we executed a revised agreement with the homebuilder, increasing the lot sizes and average purchase price to $67,150 based on a new total of 224 lots. In January 2008, we sold the final 21 lots for $1.4 million.

Cost of Sales. Cost of sales totaled $3.1 million for the second quarter of 2009, $2.8 million for the second quarter of 2008, $4.2 million for the first six months of 2009 and $6.3 million for the first six months of 2008, and include cost of property sold, ongoing project expenses and allocated overhead costs, partially offset by reductions for certain Municipal Utility District (MUD) reimbursements. Accordingly, while profit margins on developed property sales remain positive, the inclusion of ongoing project expenses and allocated overhead costs in cost of sales results in a negative gross margin. Most of the sales for the 2009 and 2008 periods were Circle C lots, which have lower profit margins than Barton Creek lots. Cost of sales also included reductions for Barton Creek MUD reimbursements totaling $0.1 million for first six months of 2008.

We are projecting continued lower levels of lot sales in the next several quarters because of the continued weakness in the U.S. real estate market.

General and Administrative Expenses. Consolidated general and administrative expenses were $1.9 million for the second quarters of 2009 and 2008, and increased to $4.0 million for the first six months of 2009 from $3.6 million for the first six months of 2008, primarily because of higher legal fees associated with SEC filings and higher business development costs. General and administrative expenses allocated to real estate operations decreased to $1.2 million for the second quarter of 2009 from $1.6 million for the second quarter of 2008, and decreased to $2.5 million for the first six months of 2009 from $3.1 million for the first six months of 2008 primarily as a result of a lower allocation of general and administrative expenses to the real estate operations segment in 2009 because of lower projected real estate operations revenues.
 
 
23


Commercial Leasing
Summary commercial leasing operating results follow (in thousands):

 
Second Quarter
 
Six Months
 
 
2009
 
2008
 
2009
 
2008
 
Rental income
$
960
 
$
1,169
 
$
2,133
 
$
2,120
 
Rental property costs
 
(786
)
 
(923
)
 
(1,617
)
 
(1,739
)
Depreciation
 
(325
)
 
(346
)
 
(698