UNITED STATES | ||
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION | ||
Washington, D.C. 20549 | ||
FORM 10-K | ||
(Mark One) | ||
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | ||
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 | ||
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: 000-19989 | ||
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.) |
212 Lavaca St., Suite 300 | |
Austin, Texas | 78701 |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
(512) 478-5788 | |
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code) | |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class | Name of each exchange on which registered | |
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share | The NASDAQ Stock Market | |
Preferred Stock Purchase Rights | The NASDAQ Stock Market | |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. o Yes þ No
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. o Yes þ No
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. þ Yes o 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). þ Yes o No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o
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. o Large accelerated filer o Accelerated filer o Non-accelerated filer þ Smaller reporting company
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). o Yes þ No
The aggregate market value of common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $65.2 million on February 27, 2015, and approximately $78.0 million on June 30, 2014.
Common stock issued and outstanding was 8,041,680 shares on February 27, 2015, and 8,029,353 shares on June 30, 2014.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of our proxy statement for our 2015 annual meeting of stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III (Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14) of this report.
STRATUS PROPERTIES INC. | |
TABLE OF CONTENTS | |
Page | |
PART I
Items 1. and 2. Business and Properties
Except as otherwise described herein or the context otherwise requires, all references to “Stratus,” “we,” “us” and “our” in this Form 10-K refer to Stratus Properties Inc. and all entities owned or controlled by Stratus Properties Inc. All of our periodic reports filed with or furnished to the United States (U.S.) Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports are available, free of charge, through our website, www.stratusproperties.com, or by submitting a written request via mail to Stratus Investor Relations, 212 Lavaca St., Suite 300, Austin, Texas 78701. These reports and amendments are available through our website or by request as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file or furnish such material with or to the SEC.
All references to “Notes” herein refer to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements located in Part II, Item 8. of this Form 10-K.
Overview
We are a diversified real estate company engaged primarily in the development, management, operation and/or sale of commercial, hotel, entertainment, and multi- and single-family residential real estate properties located in Texas, primarily in the Austin area. We generate revenues from sales of developed properties, from our hotel and entertainment operations and from rental income from our commercial properties. See Note 11 for further discussion of our operating segments.
Developed property sales can include an individual tract of land that has been developed and permitted for residential use, a developed lot with a home already built on it or condominium units at the W Austin Hotel & Residences project. We may sell properties under development, undeveloped properties or commercial properties, if opportunities arise that we believe will maximize overall asset values as part of our business plan.
Our principal executive offices are located in Austin, Texas, and our company was incorporated under the laws of the state of Delaware on March 11, 1992. Stratus Properties Inc. was formed to hold, operate and develop the domestic real estate and oil and gas properties of our former parent company. We sold all of our oil and gas properties during the 1990s and have since focused solely on our real estate properties. Our overall strategy has been to enhance the value of our properties by securing and maintaining development entitlements and developing and building real estate projects on these properties for sale or investment. We have also pursued opportunities for new projects that offer the possibility of acceptable returns and risks. See "Business Strategy and Related Risks" in Part 2, Item 7. for further discussion of Stratus' business strategy and related risks.
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Operations
Real Estate Operations. A developed lot is an individual tract of land that has been developed and permitted for residential use. Developed acreage or acreage under development includes real estate for which infrastructure work over the entire property has been completed, is currently being completed or is able to be completed and for which necessary permits have been obtained. The undeveloped acreage shown in the table below is presented according to anticipated uses for multi- and single-family lots and commercial development based upon our understanding of the properties’ existing entitlements. However, there is no assurance that the undeveloped acreage will be developed because of the nature and cost of the approval and development process and market demand for a particular use. Undeveloped acreage includes real estate that can be sold “as is” (i.e., no infrastructure or development work has begun on such property). The number of developed lots/units, acreage under development and undeveloped acreage as of December 31, 2014, that comprise our real estate operations are presented in the following table.
Acreage | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Under Development | Undeveloped | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Developed Lots/Units | Single Family | Commercial | Total | Single Family | Multi- family | Commercial | Total | Total Acreage | ||||||||||||||||||
Austin: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Barton Creek | 14 | 166 | — | 166 | 512 | 327 | 418 | 1,257 | 1,423 | |||||||||||||||||
Circle C | 50 | — | — | — | — | 36 | 228 | 264 | 264 | |||||||||||||||||
Lantana | — | — | — | — | — | — | 44 | 44 | 44 | |||||||||||||||||
W Austin Residences | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
Lakeway | — | — | 87 | 87 | — | — | — | — | 87 | |||||||||||||||||
Magnolia | — | — | — | — | — | — | 124 | 124 | 124 | |||||||||||||||||
San Antonio: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Camino Real | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2 | 2 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||
Total | 66 | 166 | 87 | 253 | 512 | 363 | 816 | 1,691 | 1,944 | |||||||||||||||||
Revenue from our real estate operations segment accounted for 28 percent of our total revenue for 2014 and 53 percent for 2013.
The following table summarizes the estimated development potential, including 64 single family lots and 245,022 square feet of commercial space currently under development, of our Austin-area acreage as of December 31, 2014:
Single Family | Multi-family | Commercial | ||||||
(lots) | (units) | (gross square feet) | ||||||
Barton Creek | 219 | 2,074 | 1,604,081 | |||||
Lantana | — | — | 485,000 | |||||
Circle C | — | 296 | 692,857 | |||||
Lakeway | — | — | 245,022 | |||||
Magnolia | — | — | 351,000 | |||||
Austin 290 Tract | — | — | 20,000 | |||||
Total | 219 | 2,370 | 3,397,960 | |||||
Hotel. The W Austin Hotel includes 251 luxury rooms and suites, a full service spa, gym, rooftop pool and 9,750 square feet of meeting space. We have an agreement with Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (Starwood) for the management of hotel operations at our W Austin Hotel & Residences project. Revenue per available room for the W Austin Hotel averaged $291 during 2014 and $260 during 2013.
Revenue from our hotel segment accounted for 45 percent of our total revenue for 2014 and 31 percent for 2013.
Entertainment. The entertainment space at the W Austin Hotel & Residences project is occupied by Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater (ACL Live) and includes a live music and entertainment venue and production studio with a maximum capacity of approximately 3,000 people. In addition to hosting concerts and private events, this venue is the home of Austin City Limits, a television program showcasing popular music legends. ACL Live
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hosted 207 events in 2014 with an estimated attendance of 231,200, and 186 events in 2013 with an estimated attendance of 217,100. As of February 27, 2015, ACL Live has events booked through March 2016.
Our entertainment business also includes events hosted at other venues through our joint ventures.
Revenue from our entertainment segment accounted for 20 percent of our total revenue for 2014 and 12 percent for 2013.
Commercial Leasing. Our principal commercial holdings at December 31, 2014, consisted of 39,328 square feet of office space and 18,362 square feet of retail space at the W Austin Hotel & Residences project, a 22,366-square-foot retail complex and a 3,085-square-foot bank building representing the first phase of Barton Creek Village, two retail buildings totaling 21,248 square feet in the aggregate and a 4,450-square-foot bank building on an existing ground lease at the 5700 Slaughter retail complex in the Circle C Ranch (Circle C) community, and 90,184 square feet at Parkside Village, a retail project in the Circle C community.
For 2014, no single commercial leasing property exceeded ten percent or more of our total assets or represented ten percent or more of our aggregate gross revenue. Our largest commercial leasing property, Parkside Village, provided 42 percent of our 2014 commercial leasing revenues and 3 percent of our 2014 total revenues.
A summary of the average occupancy rates and average rentals per square foot for our portfolio of commercial leasing properties for each of the last two years follows:
2014 | 2013 | |||||||
Average occupancy | 91 | % | 87 | % | ||||
Average rentals per square foota | $ | 37.77 | $ | 34.19 | ||||
a. Based on revenue for contractual rentals plus expense reimbursements for leased space.
Revenue from our commercial leasing segment accounted for 7 percent of our total revenue for 2014 and 4 percent for 2013.
Our scheduled expirations of leased square footage as of December 31, 2014, as a percentage of total leased space follows:
2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | Thereafter | |||||||||||
2 | % | — | % | 6 | % | 9 | % | 12 | % | 71 | % | |||||
For further information about our operating segments see “Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7. and Note 11.
Properties
Our properties include the following:
Barton Creek
Calera. Calera is a residential subdivision with plat approval for 155 lots. The initial 16-acre phase of the Calera subdivision included courtyard homes at Calera Court, the last of which were sold in 2012.
The second phase of Calera, Calera Drive, consisted of 53 single-family lots, many of which adjoin the Fazio Canyons Golf Course. During 2013, we sold the remaining six Calera Drive lots.
Construction of the final phase of Calera, known as Verano Drive, was completed in July 2008 and included 71 single-family lots. During 2014, we sold the remaining nine Verano Drive lots.
Amarra Drive. Amarra Drive Phase I, which is the initial phase of the Amarra Drive subdivision, was completed in 2007 and included six lots with sizes ranging from approximately one to four acres. During 2013, we sold the remaining two Phase I lots.
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In 2008, we developed Amarra Drive Phase II, which consisted of 35 lots on 51 acres. During 2014, we sold 16 Phase II lots and as of December 31, 2014, 14 Phase II lots remain unsold. As of March 3, 2015, one Phase II lot was under contract.
During fourth-quarter 2013, we commenced development of Amarra Drive Phase III, which consists of 64 lots on 166 acres. These lots were substantially completed during first-quarter 2015 and will be marketed for sale beginning in late March 2015.
Mirador Estate. The Mirador subdivision consisted of 34 estate lots, with each lot averaging approximately 3.5 acres in size. During 2013, we sold the final Mirador lot.
Barton Creek Village. The first phase of Barton Creek Village included a 22,366-square-foot retail complex with a 3,085-square-foot bank building. As of December 31, 2014, occupancy was 100 percent for the retail complex and the bank building was leased through January 2023.
Circle C Community
Effective August 2002, the City of Austin (the City) granted final approval of a development agreement (the Circle C settlement), which firmly established all essential municipal development regulations applicable to our Circle C properties for 30 years. The City also provided us $15 million of cash incentives in connection with the future development of our Circle C and other Austin-area properties. These incentives, which are in the form of Credit Bank capacity, can be used for City fees and for reimbursement of certain infrastructure costs. Annually, we may elect to sell up to $1.5 million of the incentives to other developers for their use in paying City fees related to their projects. As of December 31, 2014, we have permanently used $11.4 million of the $15 million of cash incentives provided by the City, including cumulative sales of $5.1 million to other developers. We also have $1.4 million in Credit Bank capacity in use as temporary fiscal deposits. At December 31, 2014, available Credit Bank capacity was $2.2 million.
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. Development of the final phase of Meridian, which consisted of 57 one-acre lots, was completed in first-quarter 2014. During 2014, we sold seven Meridian lots and as of December 31, 2014, 50 lots remained unsold. During early 2015, we sold eight Meridian lots, and as of March 3, 2015, one Meridian lot was under contract.
In addition, several retail sites at the Circle C community have received final approvals by the City. In 2008, we completed the construction of two retail buildings at 5700 Slaughter totaling 21,248 square feet in the aggregate. As of December 31, 2014, occupancy was 100 percent for the two retail buildings. This project also included a 4,450-square-foot bank building on an existing ground lease, which expires in 2025.
The Circle C community also includes Parkside Village, a 90,184-square-foot retail project. The project consists of a 33,650-square-foot full-service movie theater and restaurant, a 13,890-square-foot medical clinic and five other retail buildings, including a 14,926-square-foot building, a 10,175-square-foot building, a 8,043-square-foot building, a 4,500-square-foot building and a stand-alone 5,000-square-foot building. In 2011, we entered into a joint venture with LCHM Holdings, LLC (LCHM Holdings), formerly Moffett Holdings, LLC, to develop Parkside Village (see Note 3). Construction of the Parkside Village retail project was completed in fourth-quarter 2014, and as of December 31, 2014, occupancy of Parkside Village was approximately 96 percent. Leases for the remaining available space were signed in March 2015.
As of December 31, 2014, our Circle C community had remaining entitlements for 692,857 square feet of commercial space and 296 multi-family units.
Lantana
Lantana is a partially developed, mixed-use real-estate development project. During first-quarter 2013, we sold a 16-acre tract with entitlements for approximately 70,000 square feet of office space for $2.1 million. As of December 31, 2014, we had remaining entitlements for approximately 485,000 square feet of office and retail use
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on 44 acres. Regional utility and road infrastructure is in place with capacity to serve Lantana at full build-out as permitted under our existing entitlements.
The W Austin Hotel & Residences
In December 2006, we acquired a two-acre city block in downtown Austin for $15.1 million to develop a multi-use project. In 2008, we entered into a joint venture with Canyon-Johnson for the development of the W Austin Hotel & Residences project (see Note 2). Construction of the $300 million project commenced in 2008 and is complete.
In December 2010, the hotel at the W Austin Hotel & Residences project opened, and in January 2011, we began closing on sales of condominium units at the project. The W Austin Hotel & Residences project contains a 251-room luxury hotel, 159 residential condominium units, 39,328 square feet of office space, and 18,362 square feet of retail space and entertainment space. During 2014, we sold seven condominium units and only two condominium units remained unsold as of December 31, 2014.
The Oaks at Lakeway
In 2013, we acquired 87 acres in the greater Austin area for The Oaks at Lakeway, an HEB-anchored retail project planned for 245,022 square feet of commercial space. The HEB lease and related agreements have been executed and leasing for the approximately 150,000 square feet of remaining retail space is underway. The project is currently under construction, and the HEB store is expected to open in October 2015.
Magnolia
In 2014, we acquired 124 acres in the greater Houston area for the Magnolia project, an HEB-anchored retail project planned for 351,000 square feet of commercial space. Planning and infrastructure work by the city of Magnolia and road expansion by the Texas Department of Transportation are in progress and construction is expected to begin in 2016.
Unconsolidated Affiliates
Crestview Station. In 2005, we 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 (the Crestview Station Joint Venture) is a single-family, multi-family, retail and office development, which is located on the site of a commuter line (see Note 6).
Stump Fluff. In April 2013, we formed a joint venture, Stump Fluff LLC (Stump Fluff), with Transmission Entertainment, LLC (Transmission) to own, operate, manage and sell live music and entertainment promotion, booking, production, merchandising, venue services and other related products and services. As of December 31, 2014, Stratus' capital contributions to Stump Fluff totaled $0.8 million. Stratus will contribute additional capital to Stump Fluff as necessary to fund its working capital needs. Stratus and Transmission each have a 50 percent voting interest in Stump Fluff. After Stratus is repaid its original capital contributions and a preferred return (10 percent annually) on those contributions, Stratus will receive 33 percent of any distributions from Stump Fluff and Transmission will receive 67 percent. We account for our investment in Stump Fluff under the equity method.
Guapo Enterprises. In May 2013, Stratus and Austin Pachanga Partners, LLC (Pachanga Partners) formed a joint venture, Guapo Enterprises LLC (Guapo) to own, operate, manage and sell the products and services of the Pachanga music festival business. As of December 31, 2014, Stratus' capital contributions to Guapo totaled $0.3 million. Stratus will contribute additional capital to Guapo as necessary to fund its working capital needs. Stratus and Pachanga Partners each have a 50 percent voting interest in Guapo. After Stratus is repaid its original capital contributions and a preferred return (10 percent annually) on those contributions, Stratus will receive 33 percent of any distributions from Guapo and Pachanga Partners will receive 67 percent. We account for our investment in Guapo under the equity method.
See Note 6 for further discussion of our unconsolidated affiliates.
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Competition
We operate in highly competitive industries, namely the real estate development, hotel, entertainment venue and commercial leasing industries. In the real estate development industry, we compete with numerous public and private developers of varying sizes, ranging from local to national in scope. As a result, we may be competing for investment opportunities, financing and potential buyers with developers that may possess greater financial, marketing or other resources than we have. Our prospective customers generally have a variety of choices of new and existing homes and homesites when considering a purchase. We attempt to differentiate our properties primarily on the basis of community design, quality, uniqueness, amenities, location and developer reputation.
In the hotel industry, competition is generally based on quality and consistency of rooms, restaurant and meeting facilities and services, attractiveness of location, price and other factors. Management believes that we compete favorably in these areas. Our W Austin Hotel competes with other hotels and resorts in our geographic market, including facilities owned locally and facilities owned by national and international chains.
In the entertainment industry, we compete with other venues in Austin, Texas, and venues in other markets for artists likely to perform in the Austin, Texas region. Consequently, touring artists have several alternatives to our venue in scheduling tours. Some of our competitors in venue management have a greater number of venues in certain markets and may have greater financial resources in those markets. We differentiate our entertainment businesses by providing a quality live music experience and promoting our entertainment space through KLRU's broadcast of Austin City Limits.
The commercial leasing industry is highly fragmented among individuals, partnerships and public and private entities, with no dominant single entity or person. Although we may compete against large sophisticated owners and operators, owners and operators of any size can provide effective competition for prospective tenants. We compete for tenants primarily on the basis of property location, rent charged, and the design and condition of improvements.
Credit Facility and Other Financing Arrangements
Obtaining and maintaining adequate financing is a critical component of our business. For information about our credit facility and other financing arrangements, see “Credit Facility and Other Financing Arrangements” in Part II, Item 7. and Note 7.
Regulation and Environmental Matters
Our real estate investments are subject to extensive local, city, county and state rules and regulations regarding permitting, zoning, subdivision, utilities and water quality as well as federal rules and regulations regarding air and water quality and protection of endangered species and their habitats. Such regulation has delayed and may continue to delay development of our properties and may result in higher development and administrative costs. See Part 1, Item 1A. "Risk Factors" for further discussion.
We have made, and will continue to make, expenditures for the protection of the environment with respect to our real estate development activities. Emphasis on environmental matters will result in additional costs in the future. Based on an analysis of our operations in relation to current and presently anticipated environmental requirements, we currently do not anticipate that these costs will have a material adverse effect on our future operations or financial condition.
Employees
At December 31, 2014, we had a total of 113 employees, 39 of which were full-time employees, located at our Austin, Texas headquarters. We believe we have a good relationship with our employees, none of whom are represented by a union. Since January 1, 1996, certain services necessary for our business and operations, including certain administrative, financial reporting and other services, have been performed by FM Services Company (FM Services) pursuant to a services agreement. FM Services is a wholly owned subsidiary of Freeport-McMoRan Inc. Either party may terminate the services agreement at any time upon 60 days notice or earlier upon mutual written agreement.
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Item 1A. Risk Factors
This report contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of U.S. federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements are all statements other than statements of historical facts, such as projections or expectations related to operational and financial performance, reimbursements for infrastructure costs, financing and regulatory matters, development plans and sales of land, units and lots, commercial leasing activities, timeframes for development, construction and completion of our projects, capital expenditures, liquidity and capital resources, results of our business strategy, and other plans and objectives of management for future operations and activities. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated, projected or assumed in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations include, without limitation, the following:
Risks Relating to our Business and Industries
We need significant amounts of cash to service our debt. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash to service our debt, our liquidity, financial condition and results of operations could be negatively affected.
Our business strategy requires us to rely on cash flow from operations and our debt agreements as our primary sources of funding for our liquidity needs. As of December 31, 2014, our outstanding debt totaled $196.5 million and our cash and cash equivalents totaled $29.6 million, of which $11.6 million is available to Stratus, $17.3 million is available to our joint venture with Canyon-Johnson and $0.7 million is available to our joint venture with LCHM Holdings. Our level of indebtedness could have significant 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, capital expenditures, acquisitions, investments and other general corporate purposes; |
• | limit our flexibility to plan for, or react to, changes in our business and the market in which we operate; |
• | place us at a competitive disadvantage to our competitors that have less debt; and |
• | limit our ability to borrow money to fund our working capital, capital expenditures, debt service requirements and other financing needs. |
As of December 31, 2014, we had approximately $40.4 million of debt scheduled to become due during 2015. Historically, much of our debt has been renewed or refinanced in the ordinary course of business. However, in the future we may not be able to obtain sufficient external sources of liquidity on attractive terms, if at all, or otherwise renew, extend or refinance a significant portion of our outstanding debt scheduled to become due in the near future. In addition, there can be no assurance that we will maintain cash reserves and generate sufficient cash flow from operations in an amount sufficient to enable us to service our debt or to fund our other liquidity needs. Any of these occurrences may have a material, adverse effect on our liquidity, financial condition and results of operations.
The terms of the agreements governing our indebtedness include restrictive covenants and require that certain financial ratios be maintained. For example, the minimum stockholders' equity covenant contained in most of our debt agreements requires us to maintain total stockholders’ equity of no less than $110.0 million. At December 31, 2014, our total stockholders’ equity was $136.4 million and was in compliance with this covenant. Failure to comply with this covenant could result in a default that may, if not cured, accelerate the payment under such debt which would likely have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, financial condition and results of operations.
In order to maintain compliance with the covenants in our debt agreements and carry out our business plan, we may need to raise additional capital through equity transactions or obtain waivers or modifications of covenants from our lenders. Such additional funding may not be available on acceptable terms, if at all, at such time. We also may need to incur additional indebtedness in the future in the ordinary course of business to fund our development projects and our operations. There can be no assurance that such additional financing would be available or, if available, offered on acceptable terms. If new debt is added to current debt levels, the risks described above could intensify.
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We are vulnerable to concentration risks because our operations are almost exclusive to the Austin, Texas market.
Our real estate operations are primarily, and our hotel and entertainment venue operations are entirely, located in Austin, Texas. Because of our geographic concentration and limited number of projects, our operations are more vulnerable to local economic downturns and adverse project-specific risks than those of larger, more diversified companies. The performance of the Austin economy greatly affects our sales and consequently the underlying values of our properties. Our geographic concentration may create increased vulnerability during regional economic downturns, which can significantly affect our financial condition and results of operations.
The success of our business is significantly related to general economic conditions and, accordingly, our business could be harmed by any slowdown or deterioration in the economy.
Periods of economic weakness or recession; significantly rising interest rates; declining employment levels; declining demand for real estate; declining real estate values; conditions which negatively shape public perception of travel, including travel-related accidents, the financial condition of the airline, automotive and other transportation-related industries; or the public perception that any of these events or conditions may occur or be present, may negatively affect our business. These economic conditions can result in a general decline in acquisition, disposition and leasing activity, demand for hotel rooms and related lodging services, a general decline in the value of real estate and in rents, which in turn reduces revenue derived from property sales and leases and hotel operations as well as revenues associated with development activities. These conditions also can lead to a decline in property sales prices as well as a decline in funds invested in existing commercial real estate and related assets and properties planned for development. In addition, during periods of economic slowdown and recession, many consumers have historically reduced their discretionary spending, and our entertainment businesses depend on discretionary consumer and corporate spending. A reduction in consumer spending historically is accompanied by a decrease in attendance at live entertainment, sporting and leisure events, which may result in reductions in ticket sales, sponsorship opportunities and our ability to generate revenue with our entertainment businesses.
During an economic downturn, investment capital is usually constrained and it may take longer for us to dispose of real estate investments. As a result, the value of our real estate investments may be reduced and we could realize losses or diminished profitability. If economic and market conditions decline, our business performance and profitability could deteriorate. If this were to occur, we could fail to comply with certain financial covenants in our debt agreements, which would force us to seek amendments with our lenders. No assurance can be given that we would be able to obtain any necessary waivers or amendments on satisfactory terms, if at all.
Changes in weather conditions or natural disasters could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our performance may be adversely affected by weather conditions. For our real estate operations, adverse weather may delay development or damage property, resulting in substantial repair or replacement costs to the extent not covered by insurance, a reduction in property values, or a loss of revenue, each of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Our competitors may be affected differently by such changes in weather conditions or natural disasters depending on the location of their supplies or operations. Adverse weather conditions also may affect our live music events. Due to weather conditions, we may be required to reschedule an event to another available day, which would increase our costs for the event and could negatively affect the attendance at the event, as well as concession and merchandise sales, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Our insurance coverage on our properties may be inadequate to cover any losses we may incur.
We maintain insurance on our properties, including property, liability, fire and extended coverage. However, there are certain types of losses, generally of a catastrophic nature, such as hurricanes and floods or acts of war or terrorism that may be uninsurable or not economical to insure. We use our discretion when determining amounts, coverage limits and deductibles for insurance. These terms are determined 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. Inflation, changes in building codes and ordinances, environmental considerations and other factors also may make it unfeasible to use insurance proceeds to replace a building or other facility after it has been damaged or destroyed.
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Under such circumstances, the insurance proceeds we receive may be inadequate to restore our economic position in a property.
Risks Relating to Real Estate Operations
The real estate business is highly competitive and many of our competitors are larger and financially stronger than we are.
The real estate business is highly competitive. We compete with a large number of companies and individuals that have significantly greater financial, sales, marketing and other resources than we have. Our competitors include local developers who are committed primarily to particular markets and also national developers who acquire properties throughout the U.S. A downturn in the real estate industry could significantly increase competition among developers. Increased competition could cause us to increase our selling incentives and/or reduce our prices. An oversupply of real estate properties available for sale or lease, as well as the potential significant discounting of prices by some of our competitors, may adversely affect our results of operations.
We currently participate in five joint ventures and may participate in other joint ventures in the future. We could be adversely affected if any of our joint venture partners fail to fulfill their obligations or if we have disagreements with any of our joint venture partners that are not satisfactorily resolved.
We currently have investments in and commitments to five joint ventures and we may participate in other joint ventures in the future. Under existing joint venture agreements, we and our joint venture partners could be required to, among other things, provide guarantees of obligations or contribute additional capital until specified capital contribution requirements are met and we may have little or no control over the amount or timing of these obligations. In some circumstances, decisions of the joint venture are made by unanimous vote of the partners. If our joint venture partners are unable or unwilling to fulfill their obligations or if we have any unresolved disagreements with our joint venture partners, we may be required to fulfill those obligations alone, expend additional resources to continue development of projects or delay further construction of projects, or we may be required to write down our investments at amounts that could be significant.
Our participation in our current joint ventures and/or joint ventures in the future could subject us to certain risks, other than or in addition to the risk of non-performance by and/or disagreements with our joint venture partners, which may not otherwise be present, including:
• | the joint venture partner may have economic, business or legal interests or goals that are inconsistent with or adverse to our interests or goals or the goals of the joint venture; |
• | the joint venture partner may take actions contrary to our requests or instructions or contrary to our objectives or policies; |
• | the joint venture partner might become bankrupt or fail to fund its share of required capital contributions; and |
• | we may become liable for the actions of our third-party joint venture partners. |
Any unresolved disputes that may arise between joint venture partners and us may result in litigation or arbitration that would increase our expenses and prevent us from focusing our time and effort on the business of the joint ventures or our other businesses.
Our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition are greatly affected by the performance of the real estate industry.
Revenue from our real estate operations segment accounted for 28 percent of our total revenue for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014. The U.S. real estate industry is highly cyclical and is affected by changes in global, national and local economic conditions and events such as general employment and income levels, availability of financing, interest rates, consumer confidence and overbuilding of or decrease in demand for residential and commercial real estate. Our real estate activities are subject to numerous factors beyond our control, including local real estate market conditions (both where our properties are located and in areas where our potential customers reside), substantial existing and potential competition, general national, regional and local economic conditions,
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fluctuations in interest rates and mortgage availability, changes in demographic conditions and changes in government regulations or requirements. Any of the foregoing factors could result in a reduction or cancellation of sales and/or lower gross margins for sales. Lower than expected sales could have a material adverse effect on the level of our profits and the timing and amounts of our cash flows.
Real estate investments often cannot easily be converted into cash and market values may be adversely affected by these economic circumstances, market fundamentals, and competitive and demographic conditions. Because of the effect these factors have on real estate values, it is difficult to predict the level of future sales or sales prices that will be realized for individual assets.
Our operations are subject to an intensive regulatory approval process and opposition from environmental groups, either or both of which could cause delays and increase the costs of our development efforts or preclude such developments entirely.
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 issues, and subdivision, site planning and environmental issues under applicable regulations. Some of these approvals are discretionary. Because government agencies and special interest groups have in the past expressed concerns about our development plans in or near Austin, our ability to develop these properties and realize future income from our properties could be delayed, reduced, prevented or made more expensive.
Several special interest groups have in the past opposed our plans in the Austin area and have taken various actions to partially or completely restrict development in some areas, including areas where some of our most valuable properties are located. We have actively opposed these actions. However, because of the regulatory environment that has existed in the Austin area and the opposition of these special interest groups, there can be no assurance that an unfavorable ruling would not have a significant long-term adverse effect on the overall value of our property holdings.
Our operations are subject to environmental regulation, which can change at any time and could 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, without limitation, air and water quality and protection of endangered species and their habitats.
Certain of the Barton Creek and Lantana properties include nesting territories for the Golden-cheeked Warbler, a federally listed endangered species. In 1995, we received a permit from the U.S. Wildlife Service pursuant to the Endangered Species Act, which to date has allowed the development of the Barton Creek and Lantana properties free of restrictions under the Endangered Species Act related to the maintenance of habitat for the Golden-cheeked Warbler.
Additionally, in April 1997, the U.S. Department of Interior listed the Barton Springs Salamander as an endangered species after a federal court overturned a March 1997 decision by the Department of Interior not to list the Barton Springs Salamander based on a conservation agreement between the State of Texas and federal agencies. The listing of the Barton Springs Salamander has not affected, nor do we anticipate it will affect, our Barton Creek and Lantana properties for several reasons, including the results of technical studies and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 10(a) permit obtained by us in 1995. The development permitted by the 2002 Circle C settlement with the City has been reviewed and approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and, as a result, we also do not anticipate that the 1997 listing of the Barton Springs Salamander will affect our Circle C properties.
In January 2013, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced that it had conducted an economic assessment of the potential designation of critical habitat for four species of Central Texas salamanders. Although this potential designation of habitat has not affected, nor do we anticipate that it will affect, our Barton Creek, Lantana or Circle C properties for several reasons, including prior studies and approvals, and our existing U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 10(a) permit obtained in 1995, future endangered species listings or habitat designations could impact development of our properties.
We are making, and will continue to make, expenditures with respect to our real estate development for the protection of the environment. Emphasis on environmental matters will result in additional costs in the future. New
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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. The recent trend toward stricter standards in environmental legislation and regulations is likely to continue and could have a material adverse effect on our operating costs.
Risks Relating to Hotel Operations
We are subject to the business, financial and operating risks common to the hotel industry, any of which could reduce our revenues.
Revenue from our hotel segment accounted for 45 percent of our total revenue for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014. Business, financial and operating risks common to the hotel industry include:
• | changes in desirability of geographic regions and geographic concentration of our operations and customers; |
• | decreases in the demand for hotel rooms and related lodging services, including a reduction in business travel as a result of alternatives to in-person meetings (including virtual meetings hosted online or over private teleconferencing networks) or due to general economic conditions; |
• | decreased corporate or governmental travel-related budgets and spending, as well as cancellations, deferrals or renegotiations of group business such as industry conventions; |
• | negative public perception of corporate travel-related activities; |
• | the effect of internet intermediaries and other new industry entrants on pricing and our increasing reliance on technology; |
• | the costs and administrative burdens associated with complying with applicable laws and regulations in the U.S., including health, safety and environmental laws, rules and regulations and other governmental and regulatory action; |
• | changes in operating costs including, but not limited to, energy, water, labor costs (including the effect of labor shortages and unionization), food costs, workers’ compensation and health-care related costs, insurance and unanticipated costs such as acts of nature and their consequences; and |
• | cyclical over-building in the hotel industry. |
External perception of the W Austin Hotel could negatively affect our results of operations.
Starwood manages hotel operations at the W Austin Hotel. Our ability to attract and retain guests depends, in part, upon the external perceptions of Starwood and the quality of the W Austin Hotel and its services. We believe that recognition of the Starwood brand gives us a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining guests; however, there is a risk to the reputation of the W Austin Hotel if Starwood fails to act responsibly or comply with regulatory requirements in a number of areas, such as safety and security, sustainability, responsible tourism, environmental management, human rights and support for the local communities where Starwood manages and/or owns properties. The considerable increase in the use of social media over recent years has greatly expanded the potential scope and scale, and increased the rapidity of the dissemination of negative publicity that could be generated by any adverse incident or failure on the part of hotel operators. An adverse incident involving associates or guests and any media coverage resulting therefrom may cause a loss of consumer confidence in the Starwood brand which could negatively affect our results or operations.
Our revenues, profits or market share could be harmed if we are unable to compete effectively in the hotel industry in Austin.
The hotel industry in Austin is highly competitive. The W Austin Hotel competes for customers with other hotel and resort properties in Austin, ranging from national and international hotel brands to independent, local and regional hotel operators. We compete based on a number of factors, primarily including quality and consistency of rooms, restaurant and meeting facilities and services, attractiveness of location and price. Some of our competitors may
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have substantially greater marketing and financial resources than we do, and if we are unable to successfully compete in these areas, our operating results could be adversely affected.
Currently, the Austin market has a limited number of high-end hotel accommodations. If hotel capacity is expanded by other hotel operators in Austin, competition will increase which could lead to an excess supply of hotel rooms in the Austin market, thereby causing Starwood to increase promotional incentives for hotel guests and/or reduce rates. Increased competition in the Austin market from new hotels or hotels that have recently undergone substantial renovation could have an adverse effect on occupancy, average daily rate and room revenue per available room.
Risks Relating to Entertainment Businesses
We face intense competition in the live music industry, and we may not be able to maintain or increase our current revenue, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Revenue from our entertainment businesses accounted for 20 percent of our total revenue for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014. Our entertainment businesses compete in a highly competitive industry, and we may not be able to maintain or increase our current revenue as a result of such competition. The live music industry competes with other forms of entertainment for consumers’ discretionary spending and within this industry we compete with other venues to book artists. Our competitors compete with us for key employees who have relationships with popular music artists and that have a history of being able to book such artists for concerts and tours. These competitors may engage in more extensive development efforts, undertake more far-reaching marketing campaigns, adopt more aggressive pricing policies and make more attractive offers to existing and potential artists. Our competitors may develop services, advertising options or music venues that are equal or superior to those we provide or that achieve greater market acceptance and brand recognition than we achieve. It is possible that new competitors may emerge and rapidly acquire significant market share.
Other variables related to our entertainment businesses that could adversely affect our financial performance by, among other things, leading to decreases in overall revenue, the number of sponsors, event attendance, ticket prices and fees or profit margins include:
• | an increased level of competition for advertising dollars, which may lead to lower sponsorships as we attempt to retain advertisers or which may cause us to lose advertisers to our competitors offering better programs that we are unable or unwilling to match; |
• | unfavorable fluctuations in operating costs, which we may be unwilling or unable to pass through to our customers via ticket prices; |
• | competitors’ offerings that may include more favorable terms than we do in order to obtain events for the venues they operate; |
• | technological changes and innovations that we are unable to adopt or are late in adopting that offer more attractive entertainment alternatives than we or other live entertainment providers currently offer, which may lead to a reduction in attendance at live events, a loss of ticket sales or lower ticket fees; |
• | other entertainment options available to our audiences that we do not offer; |
• | general economic conditions which could cause our consumers to reduce discretionary spending; and |
• | unfavorable changes in labor conditions which may require us to spend more to retain and attract key employees. |
There is the risk of personal injuries and accidents in connection with our live music events, which could subject us to personal injury or other claims and increase our expenses, as well as reduce attendance at our live music events, causing a decrease in our revenue.
There are inherent risks involved with producing live music events. As a result, personal injuries and accidents have, and may, occur from time to time, which could subject us to claims and liabilities for personal injuries. Incidents in connection with our live music events at the Moody Theater or festival sites that we rent through our
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joint ventures could also result in claims or reduce attendance at our events, which could cause a decrease in our revenue or reduce our operating income. While we maintain insurance policies that provide coverage within limits that are sufficient, in management’s judgment, to protect us from material financial loss for personal injuries sustained by persons at our venues or events or accidents in the ordinary course of business, there can be no assurance that such insurance will be adequate at all times and in all circumstances.
Risks Relating to Commercial Leasing
Unfavorable changes in market and economic conditions could negatively affect occupancy or rental rates, which could negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Another decline in the real estate market and economic conditions could significantly affect rental rates. Occupancy and rental rates in our market, in turn, could significantly affect our profitability and our ability to satisfy our financial obligations. The risks that could affect conditions in our market include the following:
• | local conditions, such as oversupply of office space, a decline in the demand for office space or increased competition from other available office buildings; |
• | the inability or unwillingness of tenants to pay their current rent or rent increases; and |
• | declines in market rental rates. |
We cannot predict with certainty whether any of these conditions will occur or whether, and to what extent, they will have an adverse effect on our operations.
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.
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, the trading prices for shares of our common stock may be more volatile. Among other things, 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.
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.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
Executive Officers of the Registrant
Certain information as of February 27, 2015, 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 | ||
William H. Armstrong III | 50 | Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer | ||
Erin D. Pickens | 53 | 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.
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Ms. Pickens has served as our Senior Vice President since May 2009 and as 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. Tarragon Corporation filed for voluntary reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code on January 12, 2009, and emerged from bankruptcy on July 6, 2010.
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 The Nasdaq Stock Market (NASDAQ) under the symbol "STRS". The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the range of high and low sales prices of our common stock, as reported by NASDAQ.
2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||
High | Low | High | Low | ||||||||||||
First Quarter | $ | 17.93 | $ | 16.35 | $ | 16.54 | $ | 8.25 | |||||||
Second Quarter | 17.55 | 15.53 | 16.03 | 11.59 | |||||||||||
Third Quarter | 16.50 | 13.75 | 14.10 | 11.86 | |||||||||||
Fourth Quarter | 14.74 | 13.25 | 17.90 | 12.78 | |||||||||||
As of February 27, 2015, there were 435 holders of record of our common stock. We have not in the past paid, and do not anticipate in the future paying, cash dividends on shares of our common stock. The declaration of dividends is at the discretion of our board of directors; however, our ability to pay dividends is restricted by the terms of our credit facility. See Part III, Item 12. for information on our equity compensation plans.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The following table sets forth information with respect to shares of our common stock that we repurchased under the board-approved open market share purchase program during the three-month period ended December 31, 2014.
Period | Total Number of Shares Purchased | Average Price Paid Per Share | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programsa | Maximum Number of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programsa | |||||||||
October 1 to 31, 2014 | 760 | $ | 13.80 | 760 | 993,995 | ||||||||
November 1 to 30, 2014 | 900 | 13.72 | 900 | 993,095 | |||||||||
December 1 to 31, 2014 | 1,400 | 13.84 | 1,400 | 991,695 | |||||||||
Total | 3,060 | $ | 13.80 | 3,060 | 991,695 | ||||||||
a. | In November 2013, the board of directors approved an increase in our open-market share purchase program initially authorized in 2001 for up to 1.7 million shares of our common stock. The program does not have an expiration date. |
Stratus' loan agreements with Comerica Bank and Diversified Real Asset Income Fund require lender approval of any common stock repurchases.
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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
OVERVIEW
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" for further discussion). All references to “Notes” refer to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements located in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
We are a diversified real estate company engaged primarily in the development, management, operation and/or sale of commercial, hotel, entertainment, and multi- and single-family residential real estate properties located in Texas, primarily in the Austin area. We generate revenues from sales of developed properties, from our hotel and entertainment operations and from rental income from our commercial properties. See Note 11 for further discussion of our operating segments. See "Business Strategy and Related Risks" for a discussion of our business strategy.
Developed property sales can include an individual tract of land that has been developed and permitted for residential use, a developed lot with a home already built on it or condominium units at the W Austin Hotel & Residences project. We may sell properties under development, undeveloped properties or commercial properties, if opportunities arise that we believe will maximize overall asset values as part of our business plan. See "Business Strategy and Related Risks" below.
The principal holdings in our real estate operating segment are in southwest Austin, Texas. The number of developed lots/units, acreage under development and undeveloped acreage as of December 31, 2014, that comprise our real estate operations are presented in the following table.
Acreage | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Under Development | Undeveloped | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Developed Lots/Units | Single Family | Commercial | Total | Single Family | Multi- family | Commercial | Total | Total Acreage | ||||||||||||||||||
Austin: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Barton Creek | 14 | 166 | — | 166 | 512 | 327 | 418 | 1,257 | 1,423 | |||||||||||||||||
Circle C | 50 | — | — | — | — | 36 | 228 | 264 | 264 | |||||||||||||||||
Lantana | — | — | — | — | — | — | 44 | 44 | 44 | |||||||||||||||||
W Austin Residences | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
Lakeway: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Oaks at Lakeway | — | — | 87 | 87 | — | — | — | — | 87 | |||||||||||||||||
Magnolia | — | — | — | — | — | — | 124 | 124 | 124 | |||||||||||||||||
San Antonio: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Camino Real | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2 | 2 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||
Total | 66 | 166 | 87 | 253 | 512 | 363 | 816 | 1,691 | 1,944 | |||||||||||||||||
Our residential holdings at December 31, 2014, included developed lots at Barton Creek and the Circle C community, and condominium units at the W Austin Hotel & Residences. See "Development Activities - Residential" for further discussion. Our principal commercial leasing holdings at December 31, 2014, in addition to the office and retail space at the W Austin Hotel & Residences project, consisted of the first phase of Barton Creek Village, and the 5700 Slaughter retail complex and Parkside Village, which are both in the Circle C community. See "Development Activities - Commercial" for further discussion.
The W Austin Hotel & Residences project is located on a two-acre city block in downtown Austin and contains a 251-room luxury hotel, 159 residential condominium units (of which we owned and were marketing the remaining two unsold units as of December 31, 2014), and office, retail and entertainment space. The hotel is managed by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. The entertainment space, occupied by Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater (ACL Live), includes a live music and entertainment venue and production studio.
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In 2014, our revenues totaled $94.1 million and our net income attributable to common stock totaled $13.4 million, compared with revenues of $127.7 million and net income attributable to common stock of $2.6 million for 2013. The decrease in revenues in 2014 primarily relates to fewer condominium unit sales at the W Austin Residences and fewer lot sales at Verano Drive, as we continued to sell our remaining available W Austin Residences condominium inventory and completed the sale of our remaining Verano Drive lots. Revenue and operating income from our Hotel and Entertainment segments increased. The results for 2014 included credits to the provision for income taxes of $12.1 million primarily associated with the reversal of the valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets. The results for 2014 also included pre-tax income of $1.5 million associated with a litigation settlement, $0.6 million associated with an insurance settlement and $0.4 million associated with the recovery of building repair costs associated with damage caused by the June 2011 balcony glass breakage incidents at the W Austin Hotel & Residences. The results for 2013 included pre-tax income of $1.9 million associated with undeveloped land sales, an insurance settlement of $1.8 million and $1.1 million associated with the recovery of building repair costs, partly offset by a pre-tax loss on early extinguishment of debt of $1.4 million.
For discussion of operating cash flows and debt transactions see "Capital Resources and Liquidity" below.
Real Estate Market Conditions
Because of the concentration of our assets primarily in the Austin, Texas area, market conditions in this region significantly affect our business. Our future operating cash flows and our ability to develop and sell our properties will be dependent on the level and profitability of our real estate sales. In turn, these sales will be significantly affected by future real estate market conditions in and around 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 factors including our use and development entitlements. These market conditions historically move in periodic cycles, and can be volatile.
In addition to the traditional influence of state and federal government employment levels on the local economy, the Austin area has been influenced by growth in the technology sector. The Austin-area population increased approximately 13 percent between 2009 and 2014, largely because of an influx of technology companies and related businesses. Median family income levels in Austin also increased during the period from 2009 through 2014, rising nine percent. The expanding economy resulted in rising demands for residential housing, commercial office space and retail services. Between 2009 and 2013, sales tax receipts in Austin rose by approximately 26 percent, an indication of the increase in business activity during the period.
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The following chart compares Austin's five-county metro area population and median family income for 1999, 2009 and the most current information available for 2013 and 2014, based on United States (U.S.) Census Bureau data and City of Austin (the City) data.
Based on the City’s fiscal year of October 1st through September 30th, the chart below compares Austin’s sales tax revenues for 1999, 2009 and 2013 (the latest period for which data is available).
Source: Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the City of Austin, Texas
Real estate development in southwest Austin, where most of the property in our real estate operations segment is located, has historically been constrained as a result of various restrictions imposed by the City. Additionally, several special interest groups have traditionally opposed development in southwest Austin. During 2008 and 2009, economic conditions resulted in a general decline in leasing activity across the U.S. and caused vacancy rates to
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increase in most markets, including Austin, Texas. Vacancy rates for various types of developed properties in Austin have improved since 2009, and the vacancy rates as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, are noted below.
December 31, | |||||||
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Building Type | Vacancy Rates | ||||||
Industrial Buildings | 11 | % | a | 10 | % | a | |
Office Buildings (Class A) | 10 | % | a | 12 | % | a | |
Multi-Family Buildings | 5 | % | b | 5 | % | b | |
Retail Buildings | 5 | % | b | 6 | % | b | |
a. | CB Richard Ellis: Austin MarketView |
b. | Marcus & Millichap Research Services, CoStar Group, Inc. |
BUSINESS STRATEGY AND RELATED RISKS
Stratus Properties Inc. was formed in 1992 to hold, operate and develop the domestic real estate and oil and gas properties of our former parent company. We sold all of our oil and gas properties during the 1990s and have since focused solely on our real estate properties. Our overall strategy has been to enhance the value of our properties by securing and maintaining development entitlements and developing and building real estate projects on these properties for sale or investment. We have also pursued opportunities for new projects that offer the possibility of acceptable returns and risks.
Our board of directors has unanimously approved a five-year plan to create value for stockholders by methodically developing certain existing assets and actively marketing other assets, including the W Austin Hotel & Residences project development, for possible sale at appropriate values. Under the plan, any future new projects will be complementary to existing operations and will be projected to be developed and sold within a five-year time frame. We believe that the Austin and surrounding sub-markets continue to be desirable. Many of our developments are in locations where development approvals have historically been subject to regulatory constraints, which has made it difficult to obtain entitlements. Our Austin assets, which are located in desirable areas with significant regulatory constraints, are now highly entitled and, as a result, we believe that through strategic planning and selective development, we can maximize and fully realize their value. Our development plans require significant additional capital, and may be pursued through joint ventures or other means. In addition, our strategy is subject to continued review by our board of directors and may change as a result of market conditions or other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors.
In January 2015, we and Canyon-Johnson Urban Fund II, L.P. (Canyon-Johnson), our joint venture partner in the W Austin Hotel & Residences project, engaged a financial adviser to explore a possible sale of the W Austin Hotel & Residences project. Stratus is the manager of, and has an approximate 42 percent interest in, the W Austin Hotel & Residences project, and Canyon-Johnson has an approximate 58 percent interest in the W Austin Hotel & Residences project. We believe the W Austin Hotel sets a high standard for contemporary luxury in downtown Austin and competes favorably with other hotels and resorts in our geographic market. Our entertainment operations provide quality live music experiences that create awareness for our Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater (ACL Live) venue and brand, which we believe enhances the overall value of the W Austin Hotel & Residences project. We are also in the process of engaging or considering the engagement of advisers to market other developed and undeveloped properties.
In years past, economic conditions, including the constrained capital and credit markets, negatively affected the execution of our business plan, primarily by decreasing our pace of development to match economic and market conditions. We responded to these conditions by successfully restructuring our existing debt, including reducing interest rates and extending maturities, which enabled us to preserve our development opportunities until market conditions improved. Economic conditions have improved and we believe we have the financial flexibility to fully exploit our development opportunities and resources. During 2014, the joint venture for the W Austin Hotel & Residences project, CJUF II Stratus Block 21, LLC (the Block 21 Joint Venture), paid $8.0 million in distributions to Stratus and $11.0 million to Canyon-Johnson. Additionally, during 2014, our operating cash flows reflect purchases and development of real estate properties totaling $54.9 million, funded primarily from construction and terms loans, to invest in new development opportunities to be executed over the next 24 months. As of December 31, 2014, we had $11.9 million of availability under our revolving line of credit with Comerica Bank, which matures in May 2015 and which we expect to refinance in the normal course of business. We also had $11.6 million in cash and cash
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equivalents available for use in our real estate operations, excluding cash balances held by our joint ventures, as shown below (in thousands):
Consolidated cash and cash equivalents | $ | 29,645 | |||
Less: Block 21 Joint Venture cash | 17,319 | ||||
Less: Parkside Village Joint Venture cash | 726 | ||||
Net cash available | $ | 11,600 | |||
Although we have debt maturities of $40.4 million in 2015 and $109.2 million million in 2016, and significant recurring costs, including property taxes, maintenance and marketing, we believe we will have sufficient sources of debt financing and cash from operations to address our cash requirements. See “Capital Resources and Liquidity” and Part 1, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” for further discussion.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
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 U.S. 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.” We believe that our most critical accounting policies relate to our real estate and commercial leasing assets and deferred tax assets.
Management has reviewed the following discussion of its development and selection of critical accounting estimates with the audit committee of our board of directors.
Ÿ Real Estate, Hotel, Entertainment Venue and Commercial Leasing Assets. Real estate held for sale is stated at the lower of cost or fair value less costs to sell. The cost of real estate sold includes acquisition, development, construction and carrying costs and other related costs through the development stage. Real estate under development and land available for development are stated at cost. Real estate held for investment, which includes the hotel and entertainment venue at the W Austin Hotel & Residences project and our commercial leasing assets, is also stated at cost. 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, then 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, then a reduction of the carrying amount of the asset to fair value is required. Measurement of an impairment loss is based on the fair value of the asset. 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, 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 in the area in which we develop 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 losses during 2014 or 2013 (see Note 1).
The estimate of our future revenues is also important because it is the basis of our development plans and also a factor in our ability to obtain the financing necessary to complete such plans. If our estimates of future cash flows from our properties differ from expectations, then our financial position and liquidity may be impacted, which could result in our default under certain debt instruments or result in our suspending some or all of our development activities.
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Ÿ Deferred Tax Assets. 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 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, 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.
In fourth-quarter 2014, we evaluated the recoverability of our deferred tax assets, considering available positive and negative evidence, including recent earnings history and the current forecast of future taxable income. As a result, we concluded that there was sufficient positive evidence that our $11.8 million of deferred tax assets (net of deferred tax liabilities) will be realized. Accordingly, we reversed the valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2014, resulting in credits to the provision for income taxes of $12.1 million in 2014 (see Note 8).
Our future results of operations may be negatively impacted by our inability to realize a tax benefit for future tax losses or for items that will generate additional deferred tax assets that are not more likely than not to be realized.
DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
Residential. As of December 31, 2014, the number of our residential developed lots/units, lots under development and lots/units for potential development by area are shown below:
Residential Lots/Units | |||||||||||
Developed | Under Development | Potential Developmenta | Total | ||||||||
Barton Creek: | |||||||||||
Amarra Drive: | |||||||||||
Phase II lots | 14 | — | — | 14 | |||||||
Phase III lots | — | 64 | — | 64 | |||||||
Townhomes | — | — | 214 | 214 | |||||||
Section N multi-family (Tecoma) | — | — | 1,860 | 1,860 | |||||||
Other Barton Creek sections | — | — | 155 | 155 | |||||||
Circle C: | |||||||||||
Meridian | 50 | — | — | 50 | |||||||
Tract 101 multi-family | — | — | 240 | 240 | |||||||
Tract 102 multi-family | — | — | 56 | 56 | |||||||
W Austin Hotel & Residences project: | |||||||||||
Condominium unitsb | 2 | — | — | 2 | |||||||
Total Residential Lots/Units | 66 | 64 | 2,525 | 2,655 | |||||||
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 (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. While we may be proceeding with approved infrastructure projects on some of these properties, they are not considered to be “under development” for disclosure in this table unless other development activities necessary to fully realize the properties’ intended final use are in progress or scheduled to commence in the near term. |
b. | Owned through a joint venture. |
Calera. Calera is a residential subdivision with plat approval for 155 lots. The initial phase of the Calera subdivision included 16 courtyard homes at Calera Court. The second phase of the Calera subdivision, Calera Drive, consisted of 53 single-family lots. Construction of the final phase, known as Verano Drive, was completed in July 2008 and included 71 single-family lots. During 2013, we sold the remaining six Calera Drive lots for $1.4 million and during 2014, we sold the remaining nine Verano Drive lots for $3.5 million.
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Amarra Drive. Amarra Drive Phase I, which is the initial phase of the Amarra Drive subdivision, was completed in 2007 and included six lots with sizes ranging from approximately one to four acres. Amarra Drive Phase II, which consisted of 35 lots on 51 acres, was substantially completed in October 2008. During 2013, we sold the remaining two Phase I lots for $0.7 million. During 2014, we sold 16 Phase II lots for $8.2 million, and as of December 31, 2014, 14 Phase II lots remained unsold. As of March 3, 2015, one Phase II lot was under contract.
During late 2013, we commenced development of Amarra Drive Phase III, which consists of 64 lots on 166 acres. These lots were substantially completed during first-quarter 2015 and will be marketed for sale beginning late March 2015.
Circle C. We are developing the Circle C community based on the entitlements secured in our Circle C settlement with the City. The 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. See "Properties" under Part 1, Items 1. and 2. for further discussion of our Circle C settlement with the City. Meridian is an 800-lot residential development at the Circle C community. Development of the final phase of Meridian, which consisted of 57 one-acre lots, was completed in first-quarter 2014. During 2014, we sold seven Meridian lots for $2.0 million and as of December 31, 2014, 50 lots remained unsold. During early 2015, we sold eight Meridian lots for $2.2 million, and as of March 3, 2015, one Meridian lot was under contract.
W Austin Hotel & Residences. During 2014, sales of seven of the remaining condominium units closed for $11.9 million, and as of December 31, 2014, only two condominium units remained unsold.
Commercial. As of December 31, 2014, the number of square feet of our commercial property developed, under development and our remaining entitlements for potential development related to our commercial property (excluding property associated with our unconsolidated joint venture with Tramell Crow Central Texas Development, Inc. relating to Crestview Station in Austin, TX (the Crestview Station Joint Venture)) are shown below:
Commercial Property | |||||||||||
Developed | Under Development | Potential Development a | Total | ||||||||
Barton Creek: | |||||||||||
Treaty Oak Bank | 3,085 | — | — | 3,085 | |||||||
Barton Creek Village Phase I | 22,366 | — | — | 22,366 | |||||||
Barton Creek Village Phase II | — | — | 16,000 | 16,000 | |||||||
Entry corner | — | — | 5,000 | 5,000 | |||||||
Amarra retail/office | — | — | 83,081 | 83,081 | |||||||
Section N | — | — | 1,500,000 | 1,500,000 | |||||||
Circle C: | |||||||||||
Chase Bank ground lease | 4,450 | — | — | 4,450 | |||||||
5700 Slaughter | 21,248 | — | — | 21,248 | |||||||
Parkside Villageb | 90,184 | — | — | 90,184 | |||||||
Tract 110 | — | — | 614,500 | 614,500 | |||||||
Tract 114 | — | — | 78,357 | 78,357 | |||||||
Lantana: | |||||||||||
Tract GR1 | — | — | 325,000 | 325,000 | |||||||
Tract G07 | — | — | 160,000 | 160,000 | |||||||
W Austin Hotel & Residences project: | |||||||||||
Officeb | 39,328 | — | — | 39,328 | |||||||
Retailb | 18,362 | — | — | 18,362 | |||||||
Lakeway: | |||||||||||
The Oaks at Lakeway | — | 245,022 | — | 245,022 | |||||||
Magnolia | — | — | 351,000 | 351,000 | |||||||
Austin 290 tract | — | — | 20,000 | 20,000 | |||||||
Total Square Feet | 199,023 | 245,022 | 3,152,938 | 3,596,983 | |||||||
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. While we may be proceeding with approved infrastructure projects on some of these properties, they are not considered to be |
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“under development” for disclosure in this table unless other development activities necessary to fully realize the properties’ intended final use are in progress or scheduled to commence in the near term.
b. | Owned though a joint venture. |
Barton Creek. The first phase of Barton Creek Village consists of a 22,366-square-foot retail complex and a 3,085-square-foot bank building. As of December 31, 2014, occupancy was 100 percent for the retail complex, and the bank building is leased through January 2023.
Circle C. In 2008, we completed the construction of two retail buildings, totaling 21,248 square feet, at 5700 Slaughter in the Circle C community (5700 Slaughter). As of December 31, 2014, aggregate occupancy for the two retail buildings was 100 percent. The Circle C community also included a 4,450-square-foot bank building on an existing ground lease, which expires in 2025.
The Circle C community also includes Parkside Village, a 90,184-square-foot retail project. The project consists of a 33,650-square-foot full-service movie theater and restaurant, a 13,890-square-foot medical clinic and five other retail buildings, including a 14,926-square-foot building, a 10,175-square-foot building, a 8,043-square-foot building, a 4,500-square-foot building and a stand-alone 5,000-square-foot building. In February 2011, we entered into a joint venture with LCHM Holdings, LLC, formerly Moffett Holdings, LLC, for the development of Parkside Village (the Parkside Village Joint Venture), obtained final permits and entitlements and began construction on the retail project (see Note 3). Construction of the Parkside Village retail project was completed in fourth-quarter 2014, and as of December 31, 2014, occupancy of Parkside Village was approximately 96 percent. Leases for the remaining available space were signed in March 2015.
Lantana. Lantana is a partially developed, mixed-use real-estate development project. During first-quarter 2013, we sold a 16-acre tract of land with entitlements for approximately 70,000 square feet of office space for $2.1 million. As of December 31, 2014, we had entitlements for approximately 485,000 square feet of office and retail space on the remaining 44 acres. Regional utility and road infrastructure is in place with capacity to serve Lantana at full build-out as permitted under our existing entitlements.
W Austin Hotel & Residences. The project has 39,328 square feet of leasable office space, including 9,000 square feet occupied by our corporate office, and 18,362 square feet of retail space. As of December 31, 2014, occupancy for the office space was 91 percent and occupancy for the retail space was 74 percent. A lease for the remaining available office space was signed in October 2014 and the tenant is expected to take occupancy in March 2015. Leasing is ongoing for the remaining retail space.
The Oaks at Lakeway. The Oaks at Lakeway is a HEB-anchored retail project planned for 245,022 square feet of commercial space. The HEB lease and related agreements have been executed and leasing for the retail space is underway. The project is currently under construction, and the HEB store is expected to open in October 2015.
Magnolia. The Magnolia project is a HEB-anchored retail project planned for 351,000 square feet of commercial space. Planning and infrastructure work by the city of Magnolia and road expansion by the Texas Department of Transportation are in progress and construction is expected to begin in 2016.
Crestview Station. Crestview Station is a single-family, multi-family, retail and office development, located on the site of a commuter rail line. The Crestview Station Joint Venture sold substantially all of its multi-family and commercial properties in 2007 and one commercial site in 2008. In 2014, the Crestview Station Joint Venture sold the remaining residential land to DR Horton, see table below (in millions, except lots closed).
Closing Date | Lots Closed | Sale Price | Gross Profit | ||||||||
April 2012 | 74 | $ | 3.8 | $ | 0.4 | ||||||
May 2013 | 59 | 3.4 | 0.7 | ||||||||
March 2014 | 59 | 3.5 | 0.8 | ||||||||
November 2014 | 111 | 6.8 | 1.8 | ||||||||
303 | $ | 17.5 | $ | 3.7 | |||||||
As of December 31, 2014, the Crestview Station Joint Venture had one commercial site remaining. We account for our 50 percent interest in the Crestview Station Joint Venture under the equity method. See Note 6 for further discussion of Crestview Station.
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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. 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.
The following table summarizes our operating results (in thousands):
Years ended December 31, | |||||||
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Operating income: | |||||||
Real estate operations | $ | 1,186 | $ | 9,000 | |||
Hotel | 5,854 | 3,706 | |||||
Entertainment | 2,937 | 1,119 | |||||
Commercial leasing | 238 | 277 | |||||
Eliminations and other | 149 | 49 | |||||
Operating income | $ | 10,364 | $ | 14,151 | |||
Interest expense, net | $ | (3,751 | ) | $ | (7,093 | ) | |
Net income | $ | 18,157 | $ | 5,894 | |||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries | $ | (4,754 | ) | $ | (3,309 | ) | |
Net income attributable to common stock | $ | 13,403 | $ | 2,585 | |||
We have four operating segments: Real Estate Operations, Hotel, Entertainment and Commercial Leasing (see Note 11). The following is a discussion of our operating results by segment.
Real Estate Operations
The following table summarizes our Real Estate Operations operating results (in thousands):
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Revenues: | |||||||
Developed property sales | $ | 25,674 | $ | 63,676 | |||
Undeveloped property sales | — | 3,266 | |||||
Commissions and other | 507 | 719 | |||||
Total revenues | 26,181 | 67,661 | |||||
Cost of sales, including depreciation | 20,972 | 54,422 | |||||
Litigation and insurance settlements | (2,082 | ) | (1,785 | ) | |||
General and administrative expenses | 6,105 | 6,024 | |||||
Operating income | $ | 1,186 | $ | 9,000 | |||
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Developed Property Sales. The following table summarizes our developed property sales for 2014 and 2013(dollars in thousands):
2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Lots/Units | Revenues | Average Cost per Lot/Unit | Lots/Units | Revenues | Average Cost per Lot/Unit | ||||||||||||||||
W Austin Hotel & Residences | |||||||||||||||||||||
Condominium units | 7 | $ | 11,928 | $ | 1,517 | 32 | $ | 47,582 | $ | 1,251 | |||||||||||
Barton Creek | |||||||||||||||||||||
Calera: | |||||||||||||||||||||
Verano Drive | 9 | 3,523 | 181 | 39 | 12,143 | 163 | |||||||||||||||
Calera Drive | — | — | — | 6 | 1,371 | 142 | |||||||||||||||
Amarra: | |||||||||||||||||||||
Phase I lots | — | — | — | 2 | 650 | 279 | |||||||||||||||
Phase II lots | 16 | 8,216 | 194 | 3 | 1,525 | 217 | |||||||||||||||
Mirador Estate | — | — | — | 1 | 405 | 264 | |||||||||||||||
Circle C | |||||||||||||||||||||
Meridian | 7 | 2,007 | 160 | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
Total Residential | 39 | $ | 25,674 | 83 | $ | 63,676 | |||||||||||||||
The decrease in developed property sales and revenues in 2014 primarily resulted from decreases in condominium unit sales at the W Austin Residences and lot sales at Verano Drive as inventories of both have declined, partly offset by increased lot sales at Amarra Drive Phase II and Meridian.
Undeveloped Property Sales. During March 2013, we sold a 16-acre tract of land with entitlements for approximately 70,000 square feet of office space in Lantana for $2.1 million, and entitlements for 20,000 square feet of office space in Circle C for $1.2 million.
Commissions and Other. Commissions and other primarily includes design fees and sales of our development fee credits, which totaled less than $0.1 million in 2014 and 2013, to third parties. We received the development fee credits as part of the Circle C settlement (see Note 10).
Cost of Sales. Cost of sales includes cost of property sold, project operating and marketing expenses and allocated overhead costs, partly offset by reductions for certain municipal utility district (MUD) reimbursements. Cost of sales totaled $21.0 million in 2014 and $54.4 million in 2013. The decrease in cost of sales in 2014, compared with 2013, primarily reflects fewer condominium unit sales at the W Austin Residences. Cost of sales for our real estate operations also include significant recurring costs (including property taxes, maintenance and marketing), which totaled $3.5 million in 2014 and $5.4 million in 2013. The decrease in these recurring costs for 2014 primarily reflects lower property taxes as a result of lower condominium unit inventory at the W Austin Residences. We received no MUD reimbursements credited to cost of sales in 2014 or 2013. Cost of sales also included credits of $0.4 million in 2014 and $1.1 million in 2013 related to the recovery of building repair costs associated with damage caused by the June 2011 balcony glass breakage incidents at the W Austin Hotel & Residences project.
Litigation and Insurance Settlements. We recorded pre-tax income on a litigation settlement totaling $1.5 million in 2014 related to the termination of a lease. We also had pre-tax income of $0.6 million in 2014 and $1.8 million in 2013 related to insurance settlements.
General and Administrative Expenses. Consolidated general and administrative expenses primarily consist of employee salaries, wages and other costs and totaled $7.9 million in 2014 and $7.1 million in 2013. The increase in general and administrative expenses for 2014 primarily reflects increased employee costs and consulting fees. General and administrative expenses allocated to real estate operations totaled $6.1 million in 2014 and $6.0 million in 2013. For information about the allocation of general and administrative expenses to our operating segments see Note 11.
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Hotel
The following table summarizes our Hotel operating results (in thousands):
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Hotel revenue | $ | 42,860 | $ | 39,544 | |||
Hotel cost of sales, excluding depreciation | 30,753 | 29,483 | |||||
Depreciation | 5,851 | 6,033 | |||||
General and administrative expenses | 402 | 322 | |||||
Operating income | $ | 5,854 | $ | 3,706 | |||
Hotel Revenue. Hotel revenue reflects the results of operations for the W Austin Hotel, and primarily includes revenue from room reservations and food and beverage sales. Revenue per Available Room (REVPAR), which is calculated by dividing total room revenue by total rooms available, averaged $291 for 2014, compared with $260 for 2013. Hotel revenues increased in 2014, compared with 2013, primarily reflecting higher room rates and increased food and beverage sales.
Hotel Cost of Sales. Hotel operating costs increased in 2014, compared with 2013, primarily reflecting increased variable costs, including labor and marketing.
Entertainment
The following table summarizes our Entertainment operating results (in thousands):
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Entertainment revenue | $ | 19,108 | $ | 15,559 | |||
Entertainment cost of sales, excluding depreciation | 14,763 | 13,076 | |||||
Depreciation | 1,260 | 1,239 | |||||
General and administrative expenses | 148 | 125 | |||||
Operating income | $ | 2,937 | $ | 1,119 | |||
Entertainment Revenue. Entertainment revenue primarily reflects the results of operations for ACL Live including ticket sales, revenue from private events, sponsorships, personal seat license sales and suite sales, and sales of concessions and merchandise. Entertainment revenue also reflects revenues associated with outside events hosted at venues other than ACL Live and production of recorded content for artists performing at ACL Live, as well as the results of the joint venture with Pedernales Entertainment LLC relating to Stageside Productions. Revenues from the Entertainment segment will vary from period to period as a result of factors such as the price and number of tickets sold, as well as the number and types of events. The increase in Entertainment revenue for 2014 primarily resulted from higher private event revenue and higher ancillary revenue per attendee.
Certain key operating statistics specific to the concert and event hosting industry are included below to provide additional information regarding our ACL Live operating performance.
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Events: | |||||||
Events hosted | 207 | 186 | |||||
Estimated attendance | 231,200 | 217,100 | |||||
Ancillary net revenue per attendee | $ | 41.91 | $ | 35.31 | |||
Ticketing: | |||||||
Number of tickets sold | 166,603 | 148,400 | |||||
Gross value of tickets sold (in thousands) | $ | 10,270 | $ | 9,397 | |||
Entertainment Cost of Sales. Entertainment operating costs increased in 2014, compared with 2013, primarily reflecting an increase in events hosted.
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Commercial Leasing
The following table summarizes our Commercial Leasing operating results (in thousands):
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Rental revenue | $ | 7,128 | $ | 5,923 | |||
Rental cost of sales, excluding depreciation | 3,236 | a | 2,755 | ||||
Depreciation | 1,785 | 1,687 | |||||
General and administrative expenses | 1,869 | 1,204 | |||||
Operating income | $ | 238 | $ | 277 | |||
a. Includes $0.3 million of lease termination charges.
Rental Revenue. Rental revenue primarily reflects revenue from the office and retail space at the W Austin Hotel & Residences project, Barton Creek Village, and Parkside Village and 5700 Slaughter, which are both in the Circle C community. The increase in rental revenue in 2014, compared with 2013, primarily reflects increased occupancy at the W Austin Hotel & Residences project.
Rental Cost of Sales. Rental costs increased in 2014, compared with 2013, primarily reflecting higher operating costs from the increased occupancy at the W Austin Hotel & Residences project.
Non-Operating Results
Interest Expense, Net. Interest expense (before capitalized interest) totaled $7.9 million in 2014 and $10.7 million in 2013. The decrease in interest expense in 2014, compared with 2013, primarily reflects lower average interest rates following refinancing transactions. Capitalized interest totaled $4.1 million in 2014 and $3.6 million in 2013, and is primarily related to development activities at properties in Barton Creek.
Loss on Early Extinguishment of Debt. We recorded a loss on early extinguishment of debt totaling less than $0.1 million for 2014 associated with the refinancing of the term loan secured by 5700 Slaughter in July 2014, and $1.4 million in 2013 associated with the prepayment of the loan related to the W Austin Hotel & Residences project. See Note 7 for further discussion.
Loss on Interest Rate Cap Agreement. We recorded a loss of $0.3 million in 2014 and $0.1 million in 2013, associated with changes in the fair value of our interest rate cap agreement (see Note 5).
Other Income, Net. We recorded other income of less than $0.1 million in 2014 and $1.4 million in 2013. Other income in 2013 included interest received in connection with a Barton Creek MUD reimbursement and a gain on the recovery of land previously sold.
Equity in Unconsolidated Affiliates' Income (Loss). We account for our interests in our unconsolidated affiliates, Crestview Station, Stump Fluff and Guapo Enterprises, using the equity method. Our equity in the net income (loss) of these entities totaled $1.1 million in 2014 and $(0.1) million in 2013. Equity in our unconsolidated affiliates income for 2014 reflects the third and fourth closings in the take-down agreement between Crestview Station and DR Horton and events hosted by Stump Fluff during the South by Southwest festival. See Note 6 for further discussion.
Benefit from (Provision for) Income Taxes. We recorded a benefit from (provision for) income taxes of $10.7 million in 2014 and $(0.9) million in 2013, primarily reflecting credits to the provision for income taxes of $12.1 million associated with the reversal of the valuation allowance against deferred tax assets in 2014. Our tax provisions for both 2014 and 2013 also include the Texas state margin tax. The difference between our consolidated effective income tax rate for 2014, compared to the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35 percent, is primarily attributable to the reversal of the valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets. The difference between our consolidated effective income tax rate for 2013, compared to the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35 percent, is primarily attributable to the realization of deferred tax assets (see Note 8).
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries. Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries totaled $4.8 million in 2014 and $3.3 million in 2013. The increase for 2014 primarily relates to income from the W Austin Hotel & Residences project (see Note 2).
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RECOGNITION OF DEFERRED GAIN
In 2012, Stratus sold 7500 Rialto, an office building in Lantana. In connection with the sale, Stratus recognized a gain of $5.1 million and deferred a gain of $5 million related to a guaranty provided to the lender in connection with the buyer's assumption of the loan related to 7500 Rialto. The guaranty was released in January 2015, and Stratus will recognize the $5 million deferred gain in first-quarter 2015.
CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY
Volatility in the real estate market, including the markets in which we operate, can impact sales of our properties from period to period. However, we believe that the unique nature and location of our assets will provide us positive cash flows over time. See "Business Strategy and Related Risks" for further discussion of our liquidity.
Comparison of Year-to-Year Cash Flows
Cash (used in) provided by operating activities totaled $(21.6) million in 2014, compared with $55.9 million in 2013. Operating cash flows for 2014 decreased by $77.5 million compared to 2013 because of fewer developed property sales principally resulting from decreases in condominium unit sales at the W Austin Residences and lot sales at Verano Drive as inventories have declined. Additionally, expenditures for purchases and development of real estate properties increased to $54.9 million during 2014 compared with $16.6 million during 2013, primarily reflecting increased development costs for The Oaks at Lakeway and our Barton Creek properties, and the purchase of land in Magnolia, Texas.
Cash used in investing activities totaled $2.7 million in 2014, compared with $3.5 million in 2013. Capital expenditures for 2014 totaled $6.8 million, primarily for The Oaks at Lakeway, compared with $2.4 million in 2013, primarily for the hotel and office portions of the W Austin Hotel & Residences project and Parkside Village. During 2014, Stratus received distributions from Crestview Station totaling $4.7 million and during 2013, Stratus made capital contributions of $1.1 million to certain of its unconsolidated affiliates.
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities totaled $32.6 million in 2014, compared with $(43.9) million in 2013. During 2014, net borrowings on the Comerica credit facility totaled $23.1 million, compared with net payments of $26.6 million for 2013. Net borrowings on the Bank of America (BoA) loan, the Lakeway Construction loan, the Barton Creek Village term loan and other project and term loans totaled $22.1 million for 2014, compared with net borrowings of $40.2 million for 2013. Noncontrolling interest distributions for the Block 21 Joint Venture and the Parkside Village Joint Venture totaled $11.6 million for 2014, compared with distributions primarily for the Block 21 Joint Venture of $54.7 million for 2013. For a description of our outstanding debt, see Note 7. See also “Credit Facility and Other Financing Arrangements” for a discussion of our outstanding debt at December 31, 2014.
In November 2013, the board approved an increase in the open market share purchase program to 1.7 million shares of our common stock. During 2014, purchases under this program included 39,960 shares of our common stock for $0.7 million, or $17.00 per share. As of December 31, 2014, a total of 991,695 shares of our common stock remain available under this program. There have not been any additional purchases through February 27, 2015. Our loan agreements with Comerica Bank and Diversified Real Asset Income Fund (DRAIF) require lender approval of any stock repurchases.
Credit Facility and Other Financing Arrangements
At December 31, 2014, we had total debt of $196.5 million, compared with $151.3 million at December 31, 2013. The increase is primarily related to increased borrowing under our Comerica revolving credit facility, the Lakeway construction loan and the Magnolia loan. Our debt outstanding at December 31, 2014, consisted of the following:
• | $98.3 million outstanding under the BoA loan. |
• | $23.1 million outstanding under the $48.0 million Comerica credit facility, which is comprised of a $35.0 million revolving loan, $11.9 million of which was available at December 31, 2014; a $3.0 million tranche for letters of credit, with no amounts outstanding ($2.7 million of letters of credit committed); and a $10.0 million construction loan, with no amounts outstanding ($1.9 million of letters of credit committed). The Comerica credit facility is secured by substantially all of our assets except for properties that are encumbered by separate loan financing. |
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• | $23.0 million outstanding under the five unsecured term loans with DRAIF, formerly American Strategic Income Portfolio Inc. or ASIP, which include an $8.0 million loan, a $5.0 million loan, two $3.5 million loans and a $3.0 million loan. |
• | $18.9 million outstanding under the $19.7 million Parkside Village loan. |
• | $16.6 million outstanding under the Lakeway construction loan. |
• | $6.9 million outstanding under the United/Slaughter loan. |
• | $5.9 million outstanding under the Barton Creek Village term loan. |
• | $3.8 million outstanding under the Magnolia loan. |
The Comerica credit facility and our DRAIF unsecured term loans contain customary financial covenants, including a requirement that we maintain a minimum total stockholders’ equity balance of $110 million. As of December 31, 2014, Stratus' total stockholders' equity was $136.4 million. See Note 7 for further discussion of our outstanding debt.
DEBT MATURITIES AND OTHER CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
The following table summarizes our contractual cash obligations as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
Total | 2015 | 2016 - 2017 | 2018 - 2019 | Thereafter | |||||||||||||||
Debta | $ | 196,477 | $ | 40,424 | $ | 110,042 | $ | 18,237 | $ | 27,774 | |||||||||
Scheduled interest paymentsb | 17,459 | 5,999 | 5,564 | 2,932 | 2,964 | ||||||||||||||
Construction contracts | 55,251 | 48,178 | 7,073 | — | — | ||||||||||||||
Operating lease | 211 | 100 | 70 | 41 | — | ||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 269,398 | $ | 94,701 | $ | 122,749 | $ | 21,210 | $ | 30,738 | |||||||||
a. | Debt maturities represent scheduled maturities based on outstanding debt balances at December 31, 2014. |
b. | Scheduled interest payments were calculated using stated coupon rates for fixed-rate debt and interest rates applicable at December 31, 2014, for variable-rate debt. |
We had commitments under noncancelable contracts totaling $55.3 million at December 31, 2014. These commitments primarily included contracts for construction of improvements for the Tecoma apartments at Barton Creek and The Oaks at Lakeway.
We also had guarantees related to the W Austin Hotel & Residences project at December 31, 2014 (see Note 7).
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
We do not expect the impact of recently issued accounting standards to have a significant impact on our future financial statements and disclosures.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
Refer to Note 10 for discussion of off-balance sheet arrangements.
28
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contain 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 facts, such as statements regarding the implementation and potential results of our new five-year business strategy, projections or expectations related to operational and financial performance, reimbursements for infrastructure costs, financing and regulatory matters, development plans and sales of land, units and lots, commercial leasing activities, timeframes for development, construction and completion of our projects, capital expenditures, liquidity and capital resources and other plans and objectives of management for future operations and activities. The words “anticipates,” “may,” “can,” “plans,” “believes,” “potential,” “estimates,” “expects,” “projects,” “intends,” “likely,” “will,” “should,” “to be” and any similar expressions and/or statements that are not historical facts are intended to identify those assertions as forward-looking statements.
We caution readers that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated, 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 refinance and service our debt and the availability of financing for development projects and other corporate purposes, our ability to sell properties at prices we consider acceptable, a decrease in the demand for real estate in the Austin, Texas market, changes in economic and business conditions, reductions in discretionary spending by consumers and corporations, competition from other real estate developers, hotel operators and/or entertainment venue operators and promoters, business opportunities that may be presented to and/or pursued by us, the failure of third parties to satisfy debt service obligations, the failure to complete agreements with strategic partners and/or appropriately manage relationships with strategic partners, the termination of sales contracts or letters of intent due to, among other factors, the failure of one or more closing conditions or market changes, the failure to attract customers for our developments or their failure to satisfy their purchase commitments, increases in interest rates, declines in the market value of our assets, increases in operating costs, including real estate taxes and the cost of construction materials, changes in external perception of the W Austin Hotel, changes in consumer preferences, changes in laws, regulations or the regulatory environment affecting the development of real estate, opposition from special interest groups with respect to development projects, weather-related risks and other factors described in more detail under “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A. of this Form 10-K.
Investors are cautioned that many of the assumptions on which our forward-looking statements are based are subject to change after our forward-looking statements are made. Further, we may make changes to our business plans that could or will affect our results. We caution investors that we do not intend to update our forward-looking statements, notwithstanding any changes in our assumptions, business plans, actual experience, or other changes, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.
29
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
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. |
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
The Company's management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, assessed the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting as of the end of the fiscal year covered by this annual report on Form 10-K. In making this assessment, the Company's management used the criteria set forth in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). Based on management’s assessment, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2014, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective based on the COSO criteria.
BKM Sowan Horan, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm who audited the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K, has issued an attestation report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, which is included herein.
/s/ William H. Armstrong III | /s/ Erin D. Pickens |
William H. Armstrong III | Erin D. Pickens |
Chairman of the Board, President | Senior Vice President |
and Chief Executive Officer | and Chief Financial Officer |
30
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Stratus Properties Inc.
We have audited Stratus Properties Inc.'s (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO criteria). Stratus Properties Inc.'s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the Company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, Stratus Properties Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on the COSO criteria.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Stratus Properties Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, equity and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2014, and our report dated March 16, 2015, expressed an unqualified opinion on these consolidated financial statements.
/s/ BKM Sowan Horan, LLP
Austin, Texas
March 16, 2015
31
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Stratus Properties Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Stratus Properties Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2014, and 2013 and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, equity and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2014. Our audit also includes the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index. Stratus Properties Inc.'s management is responsible for these financial statements and the schedule. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Stratus Properties Inc. as of December 31, 2014, and 2013, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2014 in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Stratus Properties Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated March 16, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
/s/ BKM Sowan Horan, LLP
Austin, Texas
March 16, 2015
32
STRATUS PROPERTIES INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In Thousands, Except Par Value)
December 31, | |||||||
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
ASSETS | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 29,645 | $ | 21,307 | |||
Restricted cash | 7,615 | 5,077 | |||||
Real estate held for sale | 12,245 | 18,133 | |||||
Real estate under development | 123,921 | 76,891 | |||||
Land available for development | 21,368 | 21,404 | |||||
Real estate held for investment, net | 178,065 | 182,530 | |||||
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates | 795 | 4,427 | |||||
Deferred tax assets | 11,759 | 263 | |||||
Other assets | 17,274 | 16,911 | |||||
Total assets | $ | 402,687 | $ | 346,943 | |||
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | |||||||
Liabilities: | |||||||
Accounts payable | $ | 8,076 | $ | 5,143 | |||
Accrued liabilities | 9,670 | 9,360 | |||||
Debt | 196,477 | 151,332 | |||||
Other liabilities and deferred gain | 13,378 | 11,792 | |||||
Total liabilities | 227,601 | 177,627 | |||||
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 7,10 and 12) | |||||||
Equity: | |||||||
Stratus stockholders’ equity: | |||||||
Common stock, par value of $0.01 per share, 150,000 shares authorized, | |||||||
9,116 and 9,076 shares issued, respectively and | |||||||
8,035 and 8,046 shares outstanding, respectively | 91 | 91 | |||||
Capital in excess of par value of common stock | 204,269 | 203,724 | |||||
Accumulated deficit | (47,321 | ) | (60,724 | ) | |||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (279 | ) | (22 | ) | |||
Common stock held in treasury, 1,081 shares and 1,030 shares | |||||||
at cost, respectively | (20,317 | ) | (19,448 | ) | |||
Total stockholders’ equity | 136,443 | 123,621 | |||||
Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries | 38,643 | 45,695 | |||||
Total equity | 175,086 | 169,316 | |||||
Total liabilities and equity | $ | 402,687 | $ | 346,943 | |||
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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STRATUS PROPERTIES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Years Ended December 31, | |||||||
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Revenues: | |||||||
Hotel | $ | 42,354 | $ | 39,234 | |||
Real estate operations | 26,084 | 67,589 | |||||
Entertainment | 19,048 | 15,481 | |||||
Commercial leasing | 6,625 | 5,406 | |||||
Total revenues | 94,111 | 127,710 | |||||
Cost of sales: | |||||||
Hotel | 30,746 | 29,483 | |||||
Real estate operations | 20,650 | 54,129 | |||||
Entertainment | 14,431 | 12,922 | |||||
Commercial leasing | 3,138 | 2,670 | |||||
Depreciation | 8,977 | 9,053 | |||||
Total cost of sales | 77,942 | 108,257 | |||||
Litigation and insurance settlement | (2,082 | ) | (1,785 | ) | |||
General and administrative expenses | 7,887 | 7,087 | |||||
Total costs and expenses | 83,747 | 113,559 | |||||
Operating income | 10,364 | 14,151 | |||||
Interest expense, net | (3,751 | ) | (7,093 | ) | |||
Loss on early extinguishment of debt | (19 | ) | (1,379 | ) | |||
Loss on interest rate cap | (272 | ) | (136 | ) | |||
Other income, net | 29 | 1,356 | |||||
Income before income taxes and equity in unconsolidated affiliates' income (loss) | 6,351 | 6,899 | |||||
Equity in unconsolidated affiliates' income (loss) | 1,112 | (76 | ) | ||||
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes | 10,694 | (929 | ) | ||||
Net income | 18,157 | 5,894 | |||||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries | (4,754 | ) | (3,309 | ) | |||
Net income attributable to common stock | $ | 13,403 | $ | 2,585 | |||
Net income per share attributable to common stockholders: | |||||||
Basic | $ | 1.67 | $ | 0.32 | |||
Diluted | $ | 1.66 | $ | 0.32 | |||
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding: | |||||||
Basic | 8,037 | 8,077 | |||||
Diluted | 8,078 | 8,111 | |||||
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
34
STRATUS PROPERTIES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In Thousands)
Years Ended December 31, | |||||||
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Net income | $ | 18,157 | $ | 5,894 | |||
Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes: | |||||||
Loss on interest rate swap agreement | (427 | ) | (32 | ) | |||
Other comprehensive loss | (427 | ) | (32 | ) | |||
Total comprehensive income | 17,730 | 5,862 | |||||
Total comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests | (4,584 | ) | (3,299 | ) | |||
Total comprehensive income attributable to common stock | $ | 13,146 | $ | 2,563 | |||
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
35
STRATUS PROPERTIES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In Thousands)
Years Ended December 31, | |||||||
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Cash flow from operating activities: | |||||||
Net income | $ | 18,157 | $ | 5,894 | |||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by | |||||||
operating activities: | |||||||
Depreciation | 8,977 | 9,053 | |||||
Cost of real estate sold | 15,725 | 42,944 | |||||
Loss on early extinguishment of debt | 19 | 1,379 | |||||
Stock-based compensation | 480 | 338 | |||||
Equity in unconsolidated affiliates' (income) loss | (1,112 | ) | 76 | ||||
Return on investment in unconsolidated affiliate | 675 | — | |||||
Deposits | (425 | ) | — | ||||
Deferred income taxes | (11,358 | ) | 30 | ||||
Purchases and development of real estate properties | (54,928 | ) | (16,595 | ) | |||
Recovery of land previously sold | — | (485 | ) | ||||
Municipal utility districts reimbursement | — | 208 | |||||
(Increase) decrease in other assets | (2,161 | ) | 11,236 | ||||
Increase in accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other | 4,389 | 1,863 | |||||
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities | (21,562 | ) | 55,941 | ||||
Cash flow from investing activities: | |||||||
Capital expenditures | (6,804 | ) | (2,386 | ) | |||
Return of investment in (investment in) unconsolidated affiliates | 4,069 | (1,100 | ) | ||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (2,735 | ) | (3,486 | ) | |||
Cash flow from financing activities: | |||||||
Borrowings from credit facility | 36,000 | 18,000 | |||||
Payments on credit facility | (12,915 | ) | (44,612 | ) | |||
Borrowings from project loans | 34,588 | 109,042 | |||||
Payments on project and term loans | (12,528 | ) | (68,806 | ) | |||
Noncontrolling interests distributions | (11,637 | ) | (54,721 | ) | |||
Repurchases of treasury stock | (679 | ) | (957 | ) | |||
Net payments for stock-based awards | (125 | ) | (9 | ) | |||
Financing costs | (69 | ) | (1,869 | ) | |||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 32,635 | (43,932 | ) | ||||
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | 8,338 | 8,523 | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | 21,307 | 12,784 | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year | $ | 29,645 | $ | 21,307 | |||
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, which include information regarding noncash transactions, are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
36
STRATUS PROPERTIES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
(In Thousands)
Stratus Stockholders’ Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Stock | Common Stock Held in Treasury | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of Shares | At Par Value | Capital in Excess of Par Value | Accum- ulated Deficit | Accum- ulated Other Compre-hensive Loss | Number of Shares | At Cost | Total Stratus Stockholders’ Equity | Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries | Total Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2012 | 9,037 | $ | 90 | $ | 203,298 | $ | (63,309 | ) | $ | — | 940 | $ | (18,392 | ) | $ | 121,687 | $ | 87,208 | $ | 208,895 | |||||||||||||||||
Common stock repurchases | — | — | — | — | — | 82 | (957 | ) | (957 | ) | — | (957 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Exercised and issued stock-based awards | 39 | 1 | 88 | — | — | — | — | 89 | — | 89 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | — | — | 338 | — | — | — | — | 338 | — | 338 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tender of shares for stock-based awards | — | — | — | — | — | 8 | (99 | ) | (99 | ) | — | (99 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Noncontrolling interests distributions | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | (44,812 | ) | (44,812 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income (loss) | — | — | — | 2,585 | (22 | ) | — | — | 2,563 | 3,299 | 5,862 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2013 | 9,076 | 91 | 203,724 | (60,724 | ) | (22 | ) | 1,030 | (19,448 | ) | 123,621 | 45,695 | 169,316 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock repurchases | — | — | — | — | — | 40 | (679 | ) | (679 | ) | — | (679 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Exercised and issued stock-based awards | 40 | — | 65 | — | — | — | — | 65 | — | 65 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | — | — | 480 | — | — | — | — | 480 | — | 480 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tender of shares for stock-based awards | — | — | — | — | — | 11 | (190 | ) | (190 | ) | — | (190 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Noncontrolling interests distributions | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | (11,636 | ) | (11,636 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income (loss) | — | — | — | 13,403 | (257 | ) | — | — | 13,146 | 4,584 | 17,730 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2014 | 9,116 | $ | 91 | $ | 204,269 | $ | (47,321 | ) | $ | (279 | ) | 1,081 | $ | (20,317 | ) | $ | 136,443 | $ | 38,643 | $ | 175,086 | ||||||||||||||||
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
37
STRATUS PROPERTIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Business and Principles of Consolidation. Stratus Properties Inc. (Stratus), a Delaware corporation, is engaged primarily in the development, management, operation and sale of commercial, hotel, entertainment, and multi- and single-family residential real estate properties located primarily in the Austin, Texas area. The real estate development and marketing operations of Stratus are conducted through its wholly owned subsidiaries, two consolidated joint ventures (see Notes 2 and 3) and through unconsolidated joint ventures (see “Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates” below and Note 6). Stratus consolidates its wholly owned subsidiaries, subsidiaries in which Stratus has a controlling interest and variable interest entities in which Stratus is deemed the primary beneficiary. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Concentration of Risks. Stratus primarily conducts its operations in Austin, Texas. Consequently, any significant economic downturn in the Austin market could potentially have an effect on Stratus’ business, results of operations and financial condition.
Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S.) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in these financial statements and accompanying notes. The more significant estimates include the (1) estimates of future cash flow from development and sale of real estate properties used in the assessment of impairments, (2) valuation allowances for deferred tax assets, (3) allocation of certain indirect costs and (4) useful lives for depreciation. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Real Estate and Commercial Leasing Assets. Real estate held for sale is stated at the lower of cost or fair value less costs to sell. The cost of real estate held for sale includes acquisition, development, construction and carrying costs, and other related costs incurred through the development stage. Real estate under development and land available for development are stated at cost. Real estate held for investment, which includes the hotel and entertainment venue at the W Austin Hotel & Residences project and Stratus' commercial leasing assets, is stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Stratus capitalizes interest on funds used in developing properties from the date of initiation of development activities through the date the property is substantially complete and ready for sale or lease. Common costs are allocated based on the relative fair value of individual land parcels. Certain carrying costs are capitalized on properties currently under active development. Stratus capitalizes improvements that increase the value of commercial leasing properties and have useful lives greater than one year. Costs related to repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred.
Stratus performs an impairment test when events or circumstances indicate that an asset’s carrying amount may not be recoverable. Events or circumstances that Stratus considers indicators of impairment include significant decreases in market values, adverse changes in regulatory requirements (including environmental laws), significant budget overruns for properties under development, and current period or projected operating cash flow losses from rental properties. Impairment tests for properties to be held and used, including properties under development, involve the use of estimated future net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated from the use of the property and its eventual disposition. If projected undiscounted cash flow from properties to be held and used is less than the related carrying amount, then a reduction of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset to fair value is required. Measurement of the impairment loss is based on the fair value of the asset. Generally, Stratus determines fair value using valuation techniques such as discounted expected future cash flows. Impairment tests for properties held for sale involve management estimates of fair value based on estimated market values for similar properties in similar locations and management estimates of costs to sell. If estimated fair value less costs to sell is less than the related carrying amount, then a reduction of the carrying amount of the asset to fair value less costs to sell is required.
Stratus recorded no impairment charges for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. Should market conditions deteriorate in the future or other events occur that indicate the carrying amount of Stratus’ real estate assets may not be recoverable, Stratus will reevaluate the expected cash flows from each property to determine whether any impairment exists.
38
Depreciation. Commercial leasing properties are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated life of between 30 and 40 years. The hotel and entertainment venue properties are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated life of 35 years. Furniture, fixtures and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis over a three to five-year period. Tenant improvements are depreciated over the related lease terms.
Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates. Stratus has interests in three unconsolidated affiliates, which it accounts for under the equity method (see Note 6).
Other Assets. Other assets primarily consist of restricted cash (associated with the joint venture between Stratus and Canyon-Johnson Urban Fund II, L.P. (Canyon-Johnson) (the Block 21 Joint Venture)), deferred financing and leasing costs, prepaid insurance, tenant and other accounts receivable, and notes and interest receivable. Deferred financing costs are amortized using the straight-line method over the term of the related debt, which approximates the effective interest method, to interest expense. Deferred leasing costs are amortized to cost of sales using the straight-line method over the related lease terms.
Accrued Property Taxes. Stratus estimates its property taxes based on prior year property tax payments and other current events that may impact the amount. Upon receipt of the property tax bill, Stratus adjusts its accrued property tax balance at year-end to the actual amount of taxes due for such year. Accrued property taxes included in accrued liabilities on the balance sheets totaled $5.0 million at December 31, 2014, and $5.1 million at December 31, 2013.
Revenue Recognition. Revenues from property sales are recognized when the risks and rewards of ownership are transferred to the buyer, when the consideration received can be reasonably determined and when Stratus has completed its obligations to perform certain supplementary development activities, if any exist, at the time of the sale. Consideration is reasonably determined and considered likely of collection when Stratus has signed sales agreements and has determined that the buyer has demonstrated a commitment to pay. The buyer’s commitment to pay is supported by the level of their initial investment, Stratus’ assessment of the buyer’s credit standing and Stratus’ assessment of whether the buyer’s stake in the property is sufficient to motivate the buyer to honor their obligation to pay.
Stratus' revenues from hotel operations are primarily derived from room reservations and food and beverage sales. Revenue is recognized when rooms are occupied and services have been rendered. Taxes collected from customers and submitted to taxing authorities are not recorded in revenue.
Stratus' revenues from entertainment operations are primarily derived from ticket sales; sponsorships, personal seat licenses and suite sales; and sales of concessions and merchandise. Revenues from ticket sales are recognized after the corresponding performance occurs. Revenues from sponsorships and other revenue not related to a single event are classified as deferred revenue and generally amortized over the operating season or term of the contract. Revenues from concessions and merchandise sales are recognized at the time of sale.
Stratus recognizes its rental income based on the terms of its signed leases with tenants on a straight-line basis. Recoveries from tenants for taxes, insurance and other commercial property operating expenses are recognized as revenues in the period the related costs are incurred. Stratus recognizes sales commissions and management and development fees when earned, as properties are sold or when the services are performed.
A summary of Stratus’ revenues follows (in thousands):
Years Ended December 31, | |||||||
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Revenues: | |||||||
Hotel | $ | 42,354 | $ | 39,234 | |||
Developed property sales | 25,674 | 63,676 | |||||
Undeveloped property sales | — | 3,266 | |||||
Entertainment | 19,048 | 15,481 | |||||
Commercial leasing | 6,625 | 5,406 | |||||
Commissions and other | 410 | 647 | |||||
Total revenues | $ | 94,111 | $ | 127,710 | |||
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Cost of Sales. Cost of sales includes the cost of real estate sold as well as costs directly attributable to the properties sold such as marketing, maintenance and property taxes. Cost of sales also includes operating costs and depreciation for properties held for investment and municipal utility district reimbursements. A summary of Stratus’ cost of sales follows (in thousands):
Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||||
Hotel | $ | 30,746 | $ | 29,483 | ||||
Cost of developed property sales | 16,466 | 48,732 | ||||||
Cost of undeveloped property sales | 43 | 1,122 | ||||||
Entertainment | 14,431 | 12,922 | ||||||
Commercial leasing | 3,138 | 2,670 | ||||||
Project expenses and allocation of overhead costs (see below) | 3,543 | 5,423 | ||||||
Depreciation | 8,977 | 9,053 | ||||||
Other, net | 598 | a | (1,148 | ) | a | |||
Total cost of sales | $ | 77,942 | $ | 108,257 | ||||
a. Includes a credit of $0.4 million in 2014 and $1.1 million in 2013 related to the recovery of building repair costs associated with damage caused by the June 2011 balcony glass breakage incidents at the W Austin Hotel & Residences project.
Gross profit on condominium sales from the W Austin Hotel & Residences project is based on estimates of total project sales value and total project costs for the condominiums. When estimates of sales value or project costs are revised, gross profit is adjusted in the period of change so that cumulative project earnings reflect the revised profit estimate.
Allocation of Overhead Costs. Stratus allocates a portion of its overhead costs to both capitalized real estate costs and cost of sales based on the percentage of time certain of its employees, comprising its indirect overhead pool, worked in the related areas (i.e. construction and development for capital assets and sales and marketing for cost of sales). Stratus capitalizes only direct and certain indirect project costs associated with the acquisition, development and construction of a real estate project. Indirect costs include allocated costs associated with certain pooled resources (such as office supplies, telephone and postage) which are used to support Stratus’ development projects, as well as general and administrative functions. Allocations of pooled resources are based only on those employees directly responsible for development (i.e., project managers and subordinates). Stratus charges to expense indirect costs that do not clearly relate to a real estate project, such as all salaries and costs related to its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.
Municipal Utility District Reimbursements. Stratus receives Barton Creek Municipal Utility District (MUD) reimbursements for certain infrastructure costs incurred in the Barton Creek area. Prior to 1996, Stratus capitalized infrastructure costs to its properties as those costs were incurred. Subsequently, those costs were charged to cost of sales as properties were sold. In 1996, following the 1995 creation of MUDs, Stratus began capitalizing the infrastructure costs to a separate MUD property category. MUD reimbursements received for infrastructure costs incurred prior to 1996 are reflected as a reduction of cost of sales, while other MUD reimbursements represent a reimbursement of the cost of MUD properties and are recorded as a reduction of the related asset’s carrying amount or cost of sales if the property has been sold. Stratus has long-term agreements with seven independent MUDs in Barton Creek to build the MUDs’ utility systems and to be eligible for future reimbursements for the related costs. The amount and timing of MUD reimbursements depends upon the respective MUD having a sufficient tax base within its district to issue bonds and obtain the necessary state approval for the sale of the bonds. Because the timing of the issuance and approval of the bonds is subject to considerable uncertainty, coupled with the fact that interest rates on such bonds cannot be fixed until they are approved, the amounts associated with MUD reimbursements are not known until approximately one month before the MUD reimbursements are received. To the extent the reimbursements are less than the costs capitalized, Stratus records a loss when that determination is made. MUD reimbursements represent the actual amounts received.
Advertising Costs. Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are included as a component of cost of sales. Advertising costs totaled $0.8 million in 2014 and $0.9 million in 2013.
Income Taxes. Stratus accounts for deferred income taxes utilizing an asset and liability method, whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the tax effects of temporary differences between the financial statements and the tax basis of assets and liabilities, as measured by current enacted tax rates. The effect on
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deferred income tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates or laws is recognized in income in the period in which such changes are enacted. Stratus periodically evaluates the need for a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets to estimated recoverable amounts. Stratus establishes a valuation allowance to reduce its deferred tax assets and records a corresponding charge to earnings if it is determined, based on available evidence at the time, that it is more likely than not that any portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In evaluating the need for a valuation allowance, Stratus estimates future taxable income based on projections and ongoing tax strategies. 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 Stratus’ business environment or operating or financial plans. See Note 8 for further discussion.
Earnings Per Share. Stratus’ basic net income per share of common stock was calculated by dividing the net income attributable to common stock by the weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding during the period. A reconciliation of net income and weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding for purposes of calculating diluted net income per share (in thousands, except per share amounts) for the years ended December 31 follows:
2014 | 2013 | |||||||
Net income | $ | 18,157 | $ | 5,894 | ||||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | (4,754 | ) | (3,309 | ) | ||||
Net income attributable to common stock | $ | 13,403 | $ | 2,585 | ||||
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding | 8,037 | 8,077 | ||||||
Add shares issuable upon exercise or vesting of: | ||||||||
Dilutive stock options | 11 | 7 | a | |||||
Restricted stock units | 30 | b | 27 | |||||
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding for purposes of calculating diluted net income per share | 8,078 | 8,111 | ||||||
Diluted net income per share attributable to common stock | $ | 1.66 | $ | 0.32 | ||||
a. | Excludes 1,000 shares of Stratus common stock associated with outstanding stock options with exercise prices less than the average market price of Stratus' common stock that were anti-dilutive based on the treasury stock for the year ended December 31, 2013. |
b. | Excludes 36,000 shares of common stock that were anti-dilutive based on the treasury stock method. |
Outstanding stock options with exercise prices greater than the average market price for Stratus' common stock during the period are excluded from the computation of diluted net income per share of common stock. Excluded were 42,000 stock options with a weighted average exercise price of $23.44 for 2014, and 64,000 stock options with a weighted average exercise price of $20.85 for 2013.
Stock-Based Compensation. Compensation costs for share-based payments to employees, including stock options, are measured at fair value and charged to expense over the requisite service period for awards that are expected to vest. The fair value of stock options is determined using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. In addition, for restricted stock units, compensation costs are recognized based on the fair value on the date of grant. Stratus estimates forfeitures at the time of grant and revises those estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates through the final vesting date of the awards. See Note 9 for further discussion.
2. Joint Venture with Canyon-Johnson Urban Fund II, L.P.
Stratus and Canyon-Johnson are participants in the Block 21 Joint Venture for a 36-story mixed-use development in downtown Austin, Texas, anchored by a W Hotel & Residences (the W Austin Hotel & Residences project). Stratus is the manager of, and has an approximate 40 percent interest in the Block 21 Joint Venture, and Canyon-Johnson has an approximate 60 percent interest. As of December 31, 2014, cumulative capital contributions totaled $71.9 million for Stratus and $94.0 million for Canyon-Johnson. As of December 31, 2014, the inception-to-date distributions totaled $52.7 million to Stratus, including $8.0 million in 2014, and $61.6 million to Canyon-Johnson, including $11.0 million in 2014.
Upon formation of the Block 21 Joint Venture, Stratus performed an initial evaluation and concluded that the Block 21 Joint Venture was a variable interest entity (VIE) and that Stratus was the primary beneficiary. Stratus reevaluated and reaffirmed its previous conclusion as to the VIE status and Stratus as primary beneficiary of the
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Block 21 Joint Venture as of September 30, 2013, the date of the Bank of America (BoA) refinancing transaction (see Note 7). Stratus will continue to evaluate which entity is the primary beneficiary of the Block 21 Joint Venture in accordance with applicable accounting guidance.
Stratus’ consolidated balance sheets include the following assets and liabilities of the Block 21 Joint Venture (in thousands):
December 31, | |||||||
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Assets: | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 17,319 | $ | 13,192 | |||
Restricted cash | 7,090 | 5,069 | |||||
Real estate held for sale | — | 10,942 | |||||
Real estate held for investment, net | 151,078 | 157,541 | |||||
Other assets | 6,042 | 7,631 | |||||
Total assets | 181,529 | 194,375 | |||||
Liabilities: | |||||||
Accounts payable | 2,859 | 3,428 | |||||
Accrued liabilities | 6,901 | 6,856 | |||||
Debt | 98,267 | 99,754 | |||||
Other liabilities | 5,346 | 4,761 | |||||
Total liabilities | 113,373 | 114,799 | |||||
Net assets | $ | 68,156 | $ | 79,576 | |||
Profits and losses among partners in a real estate venture are allocated based on how changes in net assets of the venture would affect cash payments to the partners over the life of the venture and on its liquidation. The amount of the ultimate profits earned by the Block 21 Joint Venture 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. Because of the uncertainty of the ultimate profits and, therefore, profit-sharing ratios, the Block 21 Joint Venture's cumulative profits or losses are allocated based on a hypothetical liquidation of the Block 21 Joint Venture's net assets as of each balance sheet date. As of December 31, 2014, the cumulative earnings of the Block 21 Joint Venture were allocated based on 42 percent for Stratus and 58 percent for Canyon-Johnson.
On October 3, 2012, the joint venture and Pedernales Entertainment LLC (Pedernales) formed Stageside Productions (Stageside) to promote, market and commercialize the production, sale, distribution and general oversight of audio and video recordings of events or performances occurring at Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater (ACL Live). The Block 21 Joint Venture's initial capital contributions to Stageside totaled $0.3 million, and the Block 21 Joint Venture will contribute additional capital as necessary to fund the working capital needs of Stageside. The Block 21 Joint Venture has a 100 percent capital funding interest and a 40 percent residual and voting interest in Stageside. The joint venture performed an evaluation and concluded Stageside is a VIE and that the Block 21 Joint Venture is the primary beneficiary. Accordingly, the results of Stageside are consolidated in the Block 21 Joint Venture's financial statements.
3. Joint Venture with LCHM Holdings, LLC
In 2011, Stratus entered into a joint venture (the Parkside Village Joint Venture) with Moffett Holdings, LLC (Moffett Holdings) for the development of Parkside Village, a retail project in the Circle C community in southwest Austin, Texas. On March 3, 2014, Moffett Holdings redeemed and purchased the membership interest in Moffett Holdings held by LCHM Holdings, LLC (LCHM Holdings). In connection with the redemption, (1) LCHM Holdings received the 625,000 shares of Stratus common stock held by Moffett Holdings and (2) LCHM Holdings entered into an assignment and assumption agreement pursuant to which Moffett Holdings assigned to LCHM Holdings its rights and obligations under the Investor Rights Agreement between Moffett Holdings and Stratus dated as of March 15, 2012.
Stratus’ capital contributions to the Parkside Village Joint Venture totaled $3.1 million, which consisted of a 23.03 acre tract of land located in Austin, Texas, the related property and development agreements for the land and other project costs incurred by Stratus before February 28, 2011. Moffett Holdings made cash capital contributions to the
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Parkside Village Joint Venture totaling $3.8 million, the rights of which were subsequently assigned to LCHM Holdings, to fund the development of the project. As of December 31, 2014, cumulative distributions of $4.0 million were made to Stratus ($0.5 million in 2014 and $3.5 million in 2013) and $4.8 million to LCHM Holdings, formerly Moffett Holdings ($0.7 million in 2014 and $4.1 million in 2013). The Parkside Village Joint Venture also has a loan with Comerica Bank (see Note 7 for further discussion). The Parkside Village loan had an outstanding balance of $18.9 million and further availability of $0.8 million at December 31, 2014.
Stratus is the manager of the Parkside Village Joint Venture. After the partners are paid a preferred return on their contributions, Stratus will receive 80 percent of any distributions and LCHM Holdings will receive 20 percent. As the manager Parkside Village Joint Venture with a majority of the voting and profit interest (80 percent), Stratus consolidates the Parkside Village Joint Venture in its financial statements.
4. Real Estate, net
Stratus' consolidated balance sheets include the following net real estate assets as of December 31 (in thousands):
December 31, | ||||||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||||
Real estate held for sale: | ||||||||
Developed lots and condominium units | $ | 12,245 | $ | 18,133 | ||||
Real estate under development: | ||||||||
Acreage and lots | 123,921 | 76,891 | ||||||
Land available for development: | ||||||||
Undeveloped acreage | 21,368 | 21,404 | ||||||
Real estate held for investment: | ||||||||
W Austin Hotel & Residences | ||||||||
Hotel | 123,474 | 122,979 | ||||||
Entertainment venue | 41,344 | 41,048 | ||||||
Office and retail | 16,647 | 16,389 | ||||||
Parkside Village | 18,680 | 15,459 | ||||||
Barton Creek Village | 6,120 | 6,443 | ||||||
5700 Slaughter | 5,741 | 5,846 | ||||||
Furniture, fixtures and equipment | 1,443 | 1,375 | ||||||
Total | 213,449 | 209,539 | ||||||
Accumulated depreciation | (35,384 | ) | (27,009 | ) | ||||
Total real estate held for investment, net | 178,065 | 182,530 | ||||||
Total real estate, net | $ | 335,599 | $ | 298,958 | ||||
Real estate held for sale. Developed lots and condominium units include condominium units at the W Austin Hotel & Residences project, an individual tract of land that has been developed and permitted for residential use, or a developed lot with a home already built on it. As of December 31, 2014, Stratus owned 64 developed lots and two completed condominium units at the W Austin Hotel & Residences project.
Real estate under development. Acreage under development includes real estate for which infrastructure for the entire property is currently under construction and/or is expected to be completed, and necessary permits have been received, or acreage on which commercial properties are under development. Acreage under development at December 31, 2014, totaled 253 acres.
Land available for development. Undeveloped acreage includes real estate that can be sold “as is” (i.e., no infrastructure or development work has begun on such property). Stratus’ undeveloped acreage as of December 31, 2014, included approximately 1,691 acres of land primarily in Austin, Texas, permitted for residential and commercial development.
Real estate held for investment. The W Austin Hotel & Residences project includes a 251-room hotel, which opened in December 2010. The W Austin Hotel & Residences project also includes ACL Live, an entertainment venue and production studio, with a maximum capacity of 3,000 people, 39,328 square feet of office space and 18,362 square feet of retail space. As of December 31, 2014, occupancy was 91 percent for the office space and 74 percent for the retail space. Parkside Village consists of a 90,184-square-foot retail complex in the Circle C community.
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Construction was completed in fourth-quarter 2014 and as of December 31, 2014, occupancy was 96 percent. Barton Creek Village includes a 22,366-square-foot retail complex, which was 100 percent leased at December 31, 2014, and a 3,085-square-foot bank building, which is leased through January 2023. The 5700 Slaughter property includes two retail buildings totaling in the aggregate 21,248 square feet, which was 100 percent leased at December 31, 2014.
Capitalized interest. Stratus recorded capitalized interest of $4.1 million in 2014 and $3.6 million in 2013.
5. Fair Value Measurements
Fair value accounting guidance includes a hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 inputs) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 inputs).
The carrying value for certain Stratus financial instruments (i.e., cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts payable and accrued liabilities) approximates fair value because of their short-term nature and generally negligible credit losses. A summary of the carrying amount and fair value of Stratus' other financial instruments follows (in thousands):
December 31, 2014 | December 31, 2013 | ||||||||||||||
Carrying Value | Fair Value | Carrying Value | Fair Value | ||||||||||||
Assets: | |||||||||||||||
Interest rate cap agreement | $ | 79 | $ | 79 | $ | 351 | $ | 351 | |||||||
Liabilities: | |||||||||||||||
Interest rate swap | 596 | 596 | 32 | 32 | |||||||||||
Debt | 196,477 | 196,856 | 151,332 | 151,584 | |||||||||||
Interest Rate Cap Agreement. On September 30, 2013, the Block 21 Joint Venture paid $0.5 million to enter into an interest rate cap agreement, which caps the one-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), the variable rate in the BoA loan agreement relating to the W Austin Hotel & Residences project (the BoA loan), at 1 percent for the first year the BoA loan is outstanding, 1.5 percent for the second year and 2 percent for the third year. 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. See Note 7 for more information on the BoA loan.
Interest Rate Swap Agreement. On December 13, 2013, the Parkside Village Joint Venture entered into an interest rate swap agreement with Comerica Bank that effectively converts the variable rate portion of Parkside Village's loan from Comerica Bank (the Parkside Village loan) from one-month LIBOR to a fixed rate of 2.3 percent. With the interest rate swap agreement in place, the Parkside Village Joint Venture's interest cost on the Parkside Village loan will be 4.8 percent through the December 31, 2020, maturity date. Stratus also evaluated the counterparty credit risk associated with the interest rate swap agreement, which is considered a Level 3 input, but did not consider such risk to be significant. Therefore, the interest rate swap agreement is classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. See Note 7 for more information on the Parkside Village loan.
Debt. Stratus' debt is recorded at cost and is not actively traded. Fair value is estimated based on discounted future expected cash flows at estimated current market interest rates. Accordingly, Stratus' debt is classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of debt does not represent the amounts that will ultimately be paid upon the maturities of the loans.
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6. Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliates
Crestview Station. 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 (the Crestview Station Joint Venture), is a single-family, multi-family, retail and office development located on the site of a commuter line. The Crestview Station Joint Venture sold substantially all of its multi-family and commercial properties in 2007 and one commercial site in 2008. The Crestview Station Joint Venture sold the remaining residential land to DR Horton, as follows (in millions, except lots closed):
Closing Date | Lots Closed | Sale Price | Gross Profit | ||||||||
April 2012 | 74 | $ | 3.8 | $ | 0.4 | ||||||
May 2013 | 59 | 3.4 | 0.7 | ||||||||
March 2014 | 59 | 3.5 | 0.8 | ||||||||
November 2014 | 111 | 6.8 | 1.8 | ||||||||
303 | $ | 17.5 | $ | 3.7 | |||||||
At December 31, 2014, the Crestview Station Joint Venture had one commercial site remaining. Stratus accounts for its 50 percent interest in the Crestview Station Joint Venture under the equity method.
Stump Fluff. In April 2013, Stratus formed a joint venture, Stump Fluff LLC (Stump Fluff), with Transmission Entertainment, LLC (Transmission) to own, operate, manage and sell live music and entertainment promotion, booking, production, merchandising, venue services and other related products and services. As of December 31, 2014, Stratus' capital contributions to Stump Fluff totaled $0.8 million. Stratus will contribute additional capital to Stump Fluff as necessary to fund its working capital needs. Transmission contributed its existing assets to Stump Fluff. In addition, Stump Fluff assumed specified liabilities of Transmission totaling $0.2 million. Transmission is not required to make any future capital contributions to Stump Fluff. Stratus and Transmission each have a 50 percent voting interest in Stump Fluff. After Stratus is repaid its original capital contributions and a preferred return (10 percent annually) on those contributions, Stratus will receive 33 percent of any distributions from Stump Fluff and Transmission will receive 67 percent.
Guapo Enterprises. In May 2013, Stratus and Austin Pachanga Partners, LLC (Pachanga Partners) formed a joint venture, Guapo Enterprises LLC (Guapo) to own, operate, manage and sell the products and services of the Pachanga music festival business. As of December 31, 2014, Stratus' capital contributions to Guapo totaled $0.3 million. Stratus will contribute additional capital to Guapo as necessary to fund its working capital needs. Pachanga Partners contributed its existing assets to Guapo and is not required to make any future capital contributions. Stratus and Pachanga Partners each have a 50 percent voting interest in Guapo. After Stratus is repaid its original capital contributions and a preferred return (10 percent annually) on those contributions, Stratus will receive 33 percent of any distributions from Guapo and Pachanga Partners will receive 67 percent.
Stratus has concluded that both Stump Fluff and Guapo are VIEs and that no partner in either joint venture is the primary beneficiary because decision-making regarding the activities that most significantly impact the VIEs' economic performance is shared equally between the partners. Stratus accounts for its investments in Stump Fluff and Guapo using the equity method.
Stratus’ equity in unconsolidated affiliates' income (losses) totaled $1.1 million in 2014 and less than $(0.1) million in 2013.
Summarized unaudited financial information for Stratus' unconsolidated affiliates follows (in thousands):
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Years Ended December 31: | |||||||
Revenues | $ | 14,900 | $ | 8,334 | |||
Gross profit | 2,608 | 716 | |||||
Net income | 2,357 | 115 | |||||
At December 31: | |||||||
Total assets | $ | 1,546 | $ | 9,610 | |||
Total liabilities | 558 | 1,587 | |||||
Total equity | 988 | 8,023 | |||||
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7. Debt
Stratus' total debt as of December 31 follows (in thousands):
December 31, | |||||||
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
BoA loan, | |||||||
average interest rate 2.66% in 2014 and 2.67% in 2013 | $ | 98,267 | $ | 99,754 | |||
Comerica credit facility, | |||||||
average interest rate 6.00% in 2014 | 23,085 | — | |||||
Diversified Real Asset Income Fund (DRAIF) term loans, | |||||||
average interest rate 7.25% in 2014 and 2013 | 23,000 | 23,000 | |||||
Parkside Village loan, | |||||||
average interest rate 2.66% in 2014 and 4.97% in 2013 | 18,923 | 17,672 | |||||
Lakeway Construction loan, | |||||||
average interest rate 2.91% in 2014 and 5.0% in 2013 | 16,588 | 1,550 | |||||
United/Slaughter term loan, | |||||||
average interest rate 4.50% in 2014 and 6.95% in 2013 | 6,932 | 5,073 | |||||
Barton Creek Village term loan, | |||||||
average interest rate 4.19% in 2014 and 6.25% in 2013 | 5,932 | 4,283 | |||||
Magnolia term loan | |||||||
average interest rate 7.00% in 2014 | 3,750 | — | |||||
Total debt | $ | 196,477 | $ | 151,332 | |||
BoA loan. On September 30, 2013, the Block 21 Joint Venture entered into a term loan agreement for a $100 million non-recourse loan.
The initial maturity date of the BoA loan is September 29, 2016, but the Block 21 Joint Venture has the option to extend the maturity date for up to three additional one-year terms. The BoA loan accrues interest at the LIBOR daily floating rate plus 2.5 percent. The Block 21 Joint Venture entered into an interest rate cap agreement for the BoA loan (see Note 5). The Block 21 Joint Venture’s obligations under the BoA loan are secured by certain property and assets related to the W Austin Hotel & Residences project, excluding the remaining unsold condominium residences. Additionally, Stratus and Canyon-Johnson guarantee certain obligations of the Block 21 Joint Venture, including environmental indemnification and other customary carve-out obligations. The BoA loan contains customary financial covenants and other restrictions.
Comerica credit facility. Stratus has a $48.0 million credit facility with Comerica, divided into three tranches as follows: (1) a $35.0 million revolving line of credit, (2) $3.0 million for letters of credit and (3) a $10.0 million construction loan. The interest rate applicable to amounts borrowed under each loan is an annual rate of LIBOR plus 4.0 percent, with a minimum interest rate of 6.0 percent. The credit facility will mature in May 2015. Stratus' obligations under the credit facility are secured by substantially all of Stratus' assets, except for properties that are encumbered by separate loan financing. The credit facility sets limitations on liens and transactions with affiliates and requires that certain financial ratios be maintained, including a requirement that Stratus maintain a minimum total stockholders' equity balance of $110.0 million. Stratus is currently negotiating a new credit facility with Comerica that is expected to be completed in second-quarter 2015.
Under the terms of the credit facility, (1) any distributions received by Stratus from its investment in the W Austin Hotel & Residences project shall be paid to Comerica and applied against the $35.0 million revolving loan to the extent of any outstanding balance and (2) MUD reimbursements and land sales proceeds directly related to Section N of Barton Creek shall be used to first repay the Barton Creek Village term loan (discussed below), with any excess used to pay down the $35.0 million revolving loan. Any amounts borrowed and repaid under the $10.0 million construction loan will not be available for future advance to Stratus. At December 31, 2014, a total of $23.1 million was outstanding under the revolving line of credit, no amounts outstanding under the letters of credit tranche ($2.7 million of letters of credit committed) and no amounts were outstanding under the construction loan ($1.9 million of letters of credit committed).
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DRAIF term loans. Stratus has $23.0 million outstanding under five unsecured term loans with DRAIF, formerly American Strategic Income Portfolio Inc., including two $3.5 million loans, an $8.0 million loan, a $5.0 million loan and a $3.0 million loan. The DRAIF loan agreements have an interest rate of 7.25 percent, and maturity dates are as follows:
Principal Balance | Maturity Date | ||
$ | 5,000,000 | 3/31/2015 | |
3,500,000 | 3/31/2015 | ||
3,000,000 | 12/31/2015 | ||
3,500,000 | 12/31/2015 | ||
8,000,000 | 12/31/2016 | ||
The DRAIF loan agreements contain a debt service coverage ratio covenant and an alternative covenant that requires Stratus to maintain total stockholders' equity of no less than $110.0 million.
Parkside Village loan. On May 17, 2011, the Parkside Village Joint Venture entered into a construction loan agreement and promissory note with Comerica Bank to finance the development of Parkside Village (the Parkside Village loan). In December 2013, the Parkside Village Joint Venture extended and modified the Parkside Village loan to extend the maturity date from December 31, 2013, to December 31, 2020, increase the principal amount available to a total of $19.7 million, replace the debt coverage provision by providing for a minimum debt yield, as defined in the loan agreement, of 9.1 percent, and amend certain other provisions of the loan agreement. The Parkside Village loan is secured by a lien on the assets of the Parkside Village project, which had a net book value of $16.9 million at December 31, 2014, and Stratus has provided a limited guaranty. As of December 31, 2014, the amount outstanding was $18.9 million with $0.8 million available.
Lakeway Construction loan. On September 29, 2014, a Stratus subsidiary entered into a $62.9 million construction loan agreement with PlainsCapital Bank (the Lakeway Construction loan) to fund the construction, development and leasing of The Oaks at Lakeway in Lakeway, Texas (The Oaks at Lakeway). On November 7, 2014, the Stratus subsidiary and PlainsCapital Bank entered into an amendment to the loan agreement to effect the syndication of a portion of the aggregate principal amount of the Lakeway Construction loan with Southside Bank. Pursuant to the amendment, PlainsCapital Bank has committed $37.9 million and Southside Bank has committed $25.0 million under the Lakeway Construction loan. The loan is secured by the related land, which had a net book value of $32.6 million at December 31, 2014. As of December 31, 2014, Stratus had $16.6 million outstanding under the Lakeway Construction loan, which matures on September 29, 2019.
The variable interest rate is one-month LIBOR plus 2.75 percent. The Lakeway Construction loan is guaranteed by Stratus subject to the guarantee decreasing as certain milestones set forth in the loan agreement are met. Pursuant to the Lakeway Construction loan, $1.6 million of the proceeds were used to fully repay the existing Lakeway loan, which was scheduled to mature on May 15, 2015.
United/Slaughter term loan. On July 18, 2014, Stratus entered into a $7.0 million term loan agreement with United Heritage Credit Union (the United/Slaughter loan), that matures on July 31, 2024. The United/Slaughter loan is secured by assets at Stratus' 5700 Slaughter project in the Circle C community, which had a net book value of $4.6 million at December 31, 2014. The interest rate is 4.50 percent through July 31, 2019. Beginning August 1, 2019, and continuing through the maturity date, interest will accrue at the greater of the prime interest rate plus 1.25 percent, or 4.95 percent. As required by the United/Slaughter loan, $5.0 million of the proceeds were used to fully repay the existing 5700 Slaughter term loan, which was scheduled to mature on January 31, 2015. As of December 31, 2014, the amount outstanding was $6.9 million.
Barton Creek Village term loan. On June 27, 2014, Stratus entered into a $6.0 million term loan agreement with PlainsCapital Bank (the Barton Creek Village term loan), that matures on June 27, 2024. The Barton Creek Village term loan is secured by assets at Stratus' Barton Creek Village project, which had a net book value of $4.8 million at December 31, 2014. The interest rate is 4.19 percent and payments of principal and interest are due monthly. As required by the Barton Creek Village term loan, $4.3 million of the proceeds were used to fully repay the existing Barton Creek Village loan, which was scheduled to mature on June 30, 2014. As of December 31, 2014, the amount outstanding was $5.9 million.
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Magnolia term loan. On September 15, 2014, Stratus entered into a $3.8 million term loan agreement with Holliday Fenoglio Fowler, L.P. (the Magnolia loan). The proceeds of the Magnolia loan were used to purchase approximately 142 acres of land located in Magnolia, Texas (approximately 18 acres of which were subsequently sold to HEB Grocery Stores). The interest rate is fixed at 7 percent and the Magnolia loan matures on October 1, 2016. The Magnolia loan is secured by the land, which had a net book value of $3.8 million at December 31, 2014. Stratus has the option to extend the maturity date on the Magnolia loan to October 1, 2017, upon prior written notice to the lender no later than July 1, 2016. As of December 31, 2014, the amount outstanding was $3.8 million.
Maturities. The following table summarizes Stratus' debt maturities as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | Thereafter | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||
BoA loana | $ | 1,564 | $ | 96,703 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 98,267 | |||||||||||||
Comerica credit facilityb | 23,085 | — | — | — | — | — | 23,085 | ||||||||||||||||||||
DRAIF term loansc | 15,000 | 8,000 | — | — | — | — | 23,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Parkside Village loan | 480 | 480 | 480 | 480 | 480 | 16,523 | 18,923 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Lakeway Construction loan | — | — | — | — | 16,588 | — | 16,588 | ||||||||||||||||||||
United/Slaughter term loan | 154 | 161 | 169 | 177 | 185 | 6,086 | 6,932 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Barton Creek Village term loan | 141 | 146 | 153 | 160 | 167 | 5,165 | 5,932 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Magnolia term loan | — | 3,750 | — | — | — | — | 3,750 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 40,424 | $ | 109,240 | $ | 802 | $ | 817 | $ | 17,420 | $ | 27,774 | $ | 196,477 | |||||||||||||
a. | The Block 21 Joint Venture has the option to extend the 2016 maturity date for up to three additional one-year terms. |
b. | The facility matures in May 2015. |
c. | The $5.0 million loan and one of the $3.5 million loans both mature in March 2015. The other $3.5 million loan and the $3.0 million loan both mature in December 2015. |
8. Income Taxes
The components of deferred income taxes follow (in thousands):
December 31, | |||||||
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Deferred tax assets and liabilities: | |||||||
Real estate, commercial leasing assets and facilities | $ | 6,069 | $ | 4,829 | |||
Alternative minimum tax credits (no expiration) | 908 | 860 | |||||
Employee benefit accruals | 550 | 917 | |||||
Accrued liabilities | 164 | 88 | |||||
Deferred income | 3,137 | 3,747 | |||||
Charitable contribution carryforward | 519 | 659 | |||||
Other assets | 494 | 580 | |||||
Net operating loss credit carryforwards | 39 | 705 | |||||
Other liabilities | (121 | ) | (26 | ) | |||
Valuation allowance | — | (12,096 | ) | ||||
Deferred tax assets, net | $ | 11,759 | $ | 263 | |||
In fourth-quarter 2014, Stratus evaluated the recoverability of its deferred tax assets, considering available positive and negative evidence, including recent earnings history and forecasts of future taxable income. As a result, Stratus concluded that there was sufficient positive evidence that its $11.8 million of deferred tax assets (net of deferred tax liabilities) will be realized. Accordingly, Stratus reversed the valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2014. Stratus recorded credits totaling $12.1 million in 2014 and $1.4 million in 2013 to the provision for income taxes to adjust the valuation allowances.
Stratus’ future results of operations may be negatively impacted by an inability to realize a tax benefit for future tax losses or for items that will generate additional deferred tax assets.
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Stratus’ income tax provision consists of the following (in thousands):
Years Ended December 31, | |||||||
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Current | $ | (664 | ) | $ | (899 | ) | |
Deferred | 11,358 | (30 | ) | ||||
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes | $ | 10,694 | $ | (929 | ) | ||
Excess tax benefits related to option exercises and vesting of restricted stock units cannot be recognized until realization through a reduction of current taxes payable. Stratus' deferred tax assets related to the U.S. net operating loss carry forwards at December 31, 2014, did not include an additional $5.2 million of net operating losses in relation to excess tax benefits on stock option exercises and restricted stock units vested because these benefits have not yet been realized. At December 31, 2014, excluding these losses, Stratus had operating loss carryforwards totaling $0.1 million that expire between 2029 and 2031.
During 2014 and 2013, Stratus recorded unrecognized tax benefits related to state income tax filing positions. A summary of the changes in unrecognized tax benefits follows (in thousands):
December 31, | |||||||
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Balance at January 1 | $ | 854 | $ | 562 | |||
Additions for tax positions related to the current year | 221 | 274 | |||||
Additions for tax positions related to prior years | 85 | 18 | |||||
Balance at December 31 | $ | 1,160 | $ | 854 | |||
As of December 31, 2014, there was $1.2 million of unrecognized tax benefits that if recognized would affect Stratus' annual effective tax rate. Stratus does not expect its unrecognized tax benefits to change significantly over the next 12 months.
Stratus records liabilities offsetting the tax provision benefits of uncertain tax positions to the extent it estimates that a tax position is not more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities. Stratus has elected to classify any interest expense and penalties related to income taxes within income tax expense in its consolidated statements of operations. As of December 31, 2014, less than $0.1 million of interest costs have been accrued.
Stratus files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and state jurisdictions. With few exceptions, Stratus is no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations by tax authorities for the years prior to 2009, and state income tax examinations for the years prior to 2010.
Reconciliations of the income tax benefit computed at the federal statutory tax rate of 35 percent and the recorded income tax provision follow (dollars in thousands):
Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||||
Amount | Percent | Amount | Percent | ||||||||||
Income tax expense computed at the | |||||||||||||
federal statutory income tax rate | $ | (2,612 | ) | (35 | )% | $ | (2,388 | ) | (35 | )% | |||
Adjustments attributable to: | |||||||||||||
Change in valuation allowance | 12,096 | 162 | % | 1,395 | 20 | % | |||||||
Noncontrolling interests | 1,664 | 22 | % | 1,158 | 17 | % | |||||||
Equity in unconsolidated affiliates’ (income) loss | — | — | % | 27 | — | % | |||||||
State taxes and other, net | (454 | ) | (6 | )% | (1,121 | ) | (16 | )% | |||||
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes | $ | 10,694 | 143 | % | $ | (929 | ) | (14 | )% | ||||
Stratus paid federal and state income taxes totaling $0.5 million in 2014 and $0.5 million in 2013. Stratus received income tax refunds of less than $0.1 million in 2014. Stratus did not receive refunds of federal or state income taxes in 2013.
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9. Stock-Based Compensation, Equity Transactions and Employee Benefits
Stock-Based Compensation Plans. Stratus currently has three stock-based compensation plans, all of which have awards available for grant. In May 2013, Stratus' stockholders approved the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan, which provides for the issuance of stock-based compensation awards, including stock options and restricted stock units, relating to 180,000 shares of Stratus common stock that are issuable to Stratus employees and non-employee directors. Stratus’ 2010 Stock Incentive Plan provides for the issuance of stock options and restricted stock units relating to 140,000 shares of Stratus common stock that are issuable to Stratus employees and non-employee directors. Stratus’ 1996 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors provides for the issuance of stock options only. Stratus common stock issued upon option exercises or restricted stock unit vestings represent newly issued shares of common stock. Awards with respect to 139,000 shares under the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan, 1,875 shares under the 2010 Stock Incentive Plan and 2,500 shares under the 1996 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors were available for new grants as of December 31, 2014.
Stock-Based Compensation Costs. Compensation costs charged against earnings for stock-based awards are shown below (in thousands). Stock-based compensation costs are capitalized when appropriate. Stratus’ estimated forfeiture rate used in estimating stock-based compensation costs for stock options was 2.8 percent and for restricted stock units was zero percent for the years presented below.
Years Ended December 31, | |||||||
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Stock options awarded to directors | $ | 6 | $ | 14 | |||
Restricted stock units awarded to employees and directors | 474 | 324 | |||||
Impact on net income before income taxes | $ | 480 | $ | 338 | |||
Options. Stock options granted under the plans generally expire 10 years after the date of grant and vest in 25 percent annual increments beginning one year from the date of grant. The plans and award agreements provide that participants will receive the following year’s vesting after retirement and provide for accelerated vesting if there is a change of control (as defined in the plans). Stratus has not granted stock options since 2011. A summary of stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2014, and changes during the year ended December 31, 2014, follow:
Number of Options | Weighted Average Option Price | Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (years) | Aggregate Intrinsic Value ($000) | |||||||||
Balance at January 1 | 76,875 | $ | 18.42 | |||||||||
Exercised | (5,000 | ) | 13.06 | |||||||||
Expired | (28,750 | ) | 16.02 | |||||||||
Balance at December 31 | 43,125 | 20.65 | 3.1 | $ | 81 | |||||||
Vested and exercisable at December 31 | 41,875 | 20.97 | 2.9 | $ | 77 | |||||||
The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option valuation model. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of Stratus’ common stock. Stratus estimates its expected life of options using historical data to estimate option exercises and forfeitures. When appropriate, employees who have similar historical exercise behavior are grouped for valuation purposes. The risk-free interest rate is based on Federal Reserve rates in effect for bonds with maturity dates equal to the expected term of the option at the date of grant. Stratus has not paid, and has no current plan to pay, cash dividends on its common stock. Our current ability to pay dividends is restricted by terms of our credit facility. There were no stock options granted during 2014 or 2013.
The intrinsic value of options exercised during 2014 and 2013 was less than $0.1 million. A total of 2,500 stock options vested during 2014 and 3,750 vested during 2013, with weighted-average grant-date fair values of $6.63 per option and $5.91 per option, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, there were 1,250 stock options unvested with a weighted-average grant-date fair value of $6.91 per option. As of December 31, 2014, Stratus had no unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options.
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Restricted Stock Units. Restricted stock units granted under the plans provide for the issuance of common stock to the non-employee directors and certain officers of Stratus at no cost to the directors and officers. The restricted stock units are converted into shares of Stratus common stock ratably and generally vest in one-quarter increments over the four years following the grant date. For officers, the awards will fully vest upon retirement, death and disability, and upon a change of control. For directors, the awards will fully vest upon a change of control and there will be a partial acceleration of vesting due to retirement, death and disability.
A summary of outstanding unvested restricted stock units as of December 31, 2014, and activity during the year ended December 31, 2014, is presented below:
Number of Restricted Stock Units | Aggregate Intrinsic Value ($000) | |||||
Balance at January 1 | 100,875 | |||||
Granted | 48,000 | |||||
Vested | (35,375 | ) | ||||
Balance at December 31 | 113,500 | $ | 1,566 | |||
The total grant date fair value of restricted stock units granted during the year ended December 31, 2014, was $0.8 million. The total intrinsic value of restricted stock units vesting during the year ended December 31, 2014, was $0.6 million. As of December 31, 2014, Stratus had $1.1 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock units expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.8 years.
The following table includes amounts related to exercises of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units for the years ended December 31, 2014, and 2013 (in thousands, except shares of Stratus common stock tendered):
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Stratus shares tendered to pay the exercise | |||||||
price and/or the minimum required taxesa | 10,917 | 8,132 | |||||
Cash received from stock option exercises | $ | 65 | $ | 91 | |||
Amounts Stratus paid for employee taxes | $ | 125 | $ | 9 | |||
a. | Under terms of the related plans and agreements, upon exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units, employees may tender shares of Stratus common stock to Stratus to pay the exercise price and/or the minimum required taxes. |
Share Purchase Program. In November 2013, Stratus' board of directors approved an increase in the open market share purchase program from 0.7 million shares to 1.7 million shares of Stratus common stock. The purchases may occur over time depending on many factors, including the market price of Stratus common stock; Stratus’ operating results, cash flow and financial position; and general economic and market conditions. Purchases under this program during 2014 included 39,960 shares for $0.7 million (an average of $17.00 per share), which Stratus purchased in private transactions. As of December 31, 2014, 991,695 shares remain available under this program.
Employee Benefits. Stratus maintains 401(k) defined contribution plans subject to the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). The 401(k) plans provide for an employer matching contribution equal to 100 percent of the participant’s contribution, subject to a limit of 5 percent of the participant’s annual salary. Stratus’ policy is to make an additional safe harbor contribution equal to 3 percent of each participant’s total compensation for corporate employees and 4 percent for ACL Live employees. The 401(k) plans also provide for discretionary contributions. Stratus’ contributions to the 401(k) plans totaled $0.4 million in both 2014 and 2013.
10. Commitments and Contingencies
Construction Contracts. Stratus had commitments under noncancelable construction contracts totaling $55.3 million at December 31, 2014. These commitments primarily included contracts for construction of improvements for the Tecoma apartments at Barton Creek and The Oaks and Lakeway.
Guarantees. At December 31, 2014, Stratus had guarantees related to the W Austin Hotel & Residences project (see Note 2).
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Letters of Credit. As of December 31, 2014, Stratus had letters of credit committed totaling $4.6 million under its credit facility with Comerica (see Note 7).
Rental Income. As of December 31, 2014, Stratus’ minimum rental income, including scheduled rent increases under noncancelable long-term leases which extend through 2025, totaled $4.8 million in 2015, $4.8 million in 2016, $4.8 million in 2017, $4.5 million in 2018, $3.8 million in 2019 and $15.3 million thereafter.
Operating Lease. As of December 31, 2014, Stratus’ minimum annual contractual payments under its noncancelable long-term operating leases totaled $0.1 million for each of 2015 and 2016 and less than $0.1 million in 2017. Total expense under Stratus’ operating leases amounted to $0.1 million in 2014 and 2013.
Circle C Settlement. On August 1, 2002, the City of Austin (the City) granted final approval of a development agreement (the Circle C settlement) and permanent zoning for Stratus’ real estate located within the Circle C community in southwest Austin. The Circle C settlement firmly established all essential municipal development regulations applicable to Stratus’ Circle C properties for thirty years. The City also provided Stratus $15 million of development fee credits, which are in the form of credit bank capacity, in connection with its future development of its Circle C and other Austin-area properties for waivers of fees and reimbursement for certain infrastructure costs. In addition, Stratus can elect to sell up to $1.5 million of the incentives per year to other developers for their use in paying City fees related to their projects as long as the projects are within the desired development zone, as defined within the Circle C settlement. To the extent Stratus sells the incentives to other developers, Stratus recognizes the income from the sale when title is transferred and compensation is received. As of December 31, 2014, Stratus had permanently used $11.4 million of its City-based development fee credits, including cumulative amounts sold to third parties totaling $5.1 million. Fee credits used for the development of Stratus’ properties effectively reduce the basis of the related properties and defer recognition of any gain associated with the use of the fees until the affected properties are sold. Stratus also had $1.4 million in credit bank capacity in use as temporary fiscal deposits as of December 31, 2014. Available credit bank capacity was $2.2 million at December 31, 2014.
Environmental Regulations. Stratus has made, and will continue to make, expenditures for protection of the environment. Increasing emphasis on environmental matters can be expected to result in additional costs, which will be charged against Stratus’ operations in future periods. Present and future environmental laws and regulations applicable to Stratus’ operations may require substantial capital expenditures that could adversely affect the development of its real estate interests or may affect its operations in other ways that cannot be accurately predicted at this time.
Litigation. Stratus may from time to time be involved in various legal proceedings of a character normally incident to the ordinary course of its business. Stratus believes that potential liability from any of these pending
or threatened proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on Stratus’ financial condition or results of operations.
11. Business Segments
Stratus currently has four operating segments: Real Estate Operations, Hotel, Entertainment and Commercial Leasing.
The Real Estate Operations segment is comprised of Stratus’ real estate assets (developed, under development and available for development), which consists of its properties in Austin, Texas (the Barton Creek community, the Circle C community, Lantana and the condominium units at the W Austin Hotel & Residences project); in Lakeway, Texas (The Oaks at Lakeway) located in the greater Austin area; and in Magnolia, Texas located in the greater Houston area.
The Hotel segment includes the W Austin Hotel located at the W Austin Hotel & Residences project.
The Entertainment segment includes ACL Live, a live music and entertainment venue and production studio at the W Austin Hotel & Residences project. In addition to hosting concerts and private events, this venue is the home of Austin City Limits, a television program showcasing popular music legends. The Entertainment segment also includes revenues and costs associated with events hosted at other venues and the results of the Stageside Productions joint venture with Pedernales Entertainment LLC (see Note 2).
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The Commercial Leasing segment includes the office and retail space at the W Austin Hotel & Residences project, a retail building and a bank building in Barton Creek Village, and 5700 Slaughter and Parkside Village in the Circle C community.
Stratus uses operating income or loss to measure the performance of each segment. Stratus allocates parent company general and administrative expenses that do not directly relate to a particular operating segment between the Real Estate Operations and Commercial Leasing segments based on projected annual revenues for each segment. General and administrative expenses related to the W Austin Hotel & Residences project are allocated to the Real Estate Operations, Hotel, Entertainment and Commercial Leasing segments based on projected annual revenues for the W Austin Hotel & Residences project. The following segment information reflects management’s determinations that may not be indicative of what actual financial performance of each segment would be if it were an independent entity.
Segment data presented below was prepared on the same basis as Stratus’ consolidated financial statements (in thousands).
Real Estate Operationsa | Hotel | Entertainment | Commercial Leasing | Eliminations and Otherb | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
Year Ended December 31, 2014: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Unaffiliated customers | $ | 26,084 | $ | 42,354 | $ | 19,048 | $ | 6,625 | $ | — | $ | 94,111 | |||||||||||
Intersegment | 97 | 506 | 60 | 503 | (1,166 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||||
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation | 20,743 | 30,753 | 14,763 | 3,236 | (530 | ) | 68,965 | ||||||||||||||||
Depreciation | 229 | 5,851 | 1,260 | 1,785 | (148 | ) | 8,977 | ||||||||||||||||
Litigation settlement | (2,082 | ) | — | — | — | — | (2,082 | ) | |||||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 6,105 | 402 | 148 | 1,869 | (637 | ) | 7,887 | ||||||||||||||||
Operating income | $ | 1,186 | $ | 5,854 | $ | 2,937 | $ | 238 | $ | 149 | $ | 10,364 | |||||||||||
Capital expendituresc | $ | 54,928 | $ | 704 | $ | 123 | $ | 5,977 | $ | — | $ | 61,732 | |||||||||||
Total assets at December 31, 2014 | $ | 183,856 | $ | 111,671 | $ | 50,486 | $ | 50,510 | $ | 6,164 | $ | 402,687 | |||||||||||
Year Ended December 31, 2013: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Unaffiliated customers | $ | 67,589 | $ | 39,234 | $ | 15,481 | $ | 5,406 | $ | — | $ | 127,710 | |||||||||||
Intersegment | 72 | 310 | 78 | 517 | (977 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||||
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation | 54,180 | 29,483 | 13,076 | 2,755 | (290 | ) | 99,204 | ||||||||||||||||
Depreciation | 242 | 6,033 | 1,239 | 1,687 | (148 | ) | 9,053 | ||||||||||||||||
Insurance Settlement | (1,785 | ) | — | — | — | — | (1,785 | ) | |||||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 6,024 | 322 | 125 | 1,204 | (588 | ) | 7,087 | ||||||||||||||||
Operating income | $ | 9,000 | $ | 3,706 | $ | 1,119 | $ | 277 | $ | 49 | $ | 14,151 | |||||||||||
Capital expendituresc | $ | 16,595 | $ | 759 | $ | 280 | $ | 1,347 | $ | — | $ | 18,981 | |||||||||||
Total assets at December 31, 2013 | $ | 140,890 | $ | 115,510 | $ | 47,802 | $ | 48,617 | $ | (5,876 | ) | $ | 346,943 | ||||||||||
a. | Includes sales commissions and other revenues together with related expenses. |
b. | Includes eliminations of intersegment amounts, including the deferred development fee income between Stratus and the Block 21 Joint Venture (see Note 2). |
c. | Also includes purchases and development of residential real estate held for sale. |
12. Subsequent Events
On January 8, 2015, a Stratus subsidiary entered into a $34.1 million construction loan agreement with Comerica Bank (the Tecoma Construction loan), to fund the development and construction of the first phase of a multi-family development in Section N of Barton Creek, which is referred to as the Tecoma Barton Creek multi-family project. The interest rate is a LIBOR-based rate (as defined in the loan agreement) plus 2.5 percent. The Tecoma Construction loan matures on January 8, 2018, and Stratus has the option to extend the maturity date for two additional twelve-month periods, subject to certain debt service coverage conditions. The Tecoma Construction loan is fully guaranteed by Stratus until certain operational milestones (as defined in the loan agreement) are met.
In 2012, Stratus sold 7500 Rialto, an office building in Lantana, and recognized a gain of $5.1 million and deferred a gain of $5 million related to a guaranty provided to the lender in connection with the buyer's assumption of the loan.
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The guaranty was released in January 2015, and Stratus will recognize the $5 million deferred gain in first-quarter 2015.
Stratus evaluated events after December 31, 2014, and through 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.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Not applicable.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
(a) Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, with the participation of management, have evaluated the effectiveness of our “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this annual report on Form 10-K. Based on their evaluation, they have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.
(b) Changes in internal controls over financial reporting. There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2014, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
(c) Management's annual report on internal control over financial reporting is included in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
Item 9B. Other Information
On January 8, 2015, Barton Creek Tecoma I, L.L.C., a wholly owned subsidiary of Stratus, and Comerica Bank entered into a construction loan agreement, a promissory note and related loan documents which provide for a construction loan in the aggregate amount of $34,148,000, the proceeds of which will be used for the development and construction of the first phase, consisting of 236 units, of a 1,856 unit multi-family development in Section N of Barton Creek, which is referred to as the Tecoma Barton Creek multi-family project.
The interest rate applicable to amounts borrowed under the loan is a LIBOR-based rate (defined under the loan agreement as the per annum interest rate equal to the quotient of LIBOR divided by 1.00 minus the maximum rate during the interest period at which the lender is required to maintain reserves on “Euro-currency Liabilities” as defined in and pursuant to Regulation D of the Board of Governors) plus 2.5 percent per annum. The loan may be repaid in part or whole at any time during the term of the loan without penalty. The loan will mature on January 8, 2018, and Stratus may extend the maturity of the loan for up to two additional twelve-month periods, the second of which ends on January 8, 2020, subject to satisfaction of certain conditions, including a debt service coverage ratio of at least 1.10 to 1.00 on the date immediately preceding the commencement of the first extension period and 1.20 to 1.00 on the date immediately preceding the commencement of the second extension period.
The loan contains affirmative and negative covenants usual and customary for loan agreements of this nature.
The loan is secured by a first lien on 44.888 acres of land in Section N of Barton Creek and the improvements thereon.
The payment and performance of the loan has been guaranteed by Stratus as follows: 100 percent through completion of the development and construction of the first phase, reducing to 50 percent upon the issuance of the certificate of occupancy, and ceasing once the Tecoma Barton Creek multi-family project’s net operating income achieves the greater of a 9.10 percent debt yield ratio or a debt service coverage ratio of at least 1.20 to 1.00.
PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Information required by this item will be contained in our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A relating to our 2015 annual meeting of stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference. The information required by Item 10. regarding our executive officers appears under "Executive Officers of the Registrant" after Part I, Item 4. "Mine Safety Disclosures."
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Item 11. Executive Compensation
Information required by this item will be contained in our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A relating to our 2015 annual meeting of stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.
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Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Information required by this item will be contained in our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A relating to our 2015 annual meeting of stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.
Equity Compensation Plan Information as of December 31, 2014
We have equity compensation plans pursuant to which our common stock may be issued to employees and non-employees as compensation. All of our outstanding equity compensation plans were previously approved by our stockholders, and the following plans had shares available for grant as of December 31, 2014: the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan, the 2010 Stock Incentive Plan and the 1996 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors. The following table presents information regarding these equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2014:
Number of Securities To be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights (a) | Weighted-Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights (b) | Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans (Excluding Securities Reflected in Column (a)) (c) | ||||||||
Equity compensation plans | ||||||||||
approved by security holders | 156,625 | a | $ | 20.65 | 143,375 | b | ||||
Equity compensation plans not | ||||||||||
approved by security holders | N/A | N/A | N/A | |||||||
Total | 156,625 | a | $ | 20.65 | 143,375 | b | ||||
a. The number of securities to be issued upon the exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights includes shares issuable upon the vesting of 113,500 restricted stock units. These awards are not reflected in column (b) as they do not have an exercise price.
b. As of December 31, 2014, there were 139,000 shares remaining available for future issuance to Stratus employees and non-employee directors under the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan, all of which could be issued pursuant to awards of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units or "other stock-based awards." There were 1,875 shares remaining available for future issuance to Stratus employees and non-employee directors under the 2010 Stock Incentive Plan, all of which could be issued pursuant to awards of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units or "other stock-based awards." There were 2,500 shares remaining available for future issuance of stock options to our non-employee directors under the 1996 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Information required by this item will be contained in our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A relating to our 2015 annual meeting of stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
Information required by this item will be contained in our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A relating to our 2015 annual meeting of stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.
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PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
(a)(1). | Financial Statements. |
The consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, cash flows and equity, and the consolidated balance sheets are included as part of Part II, Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."
(a)(2). | Financial Statement Schedules. |
Reference is made to Schedule III-Real Estate, Commercial Leasing Assets and Facilities and Accumulated Depreciation, beginning on page F-2 hereof.
(a)(3). | Exhibits. |
Reference is made to the Exhibit Index beginning on page E-1 hereof.
57
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
STRATUS PROPERTIES INC.
By: /s/ William H. Armstrong III
William H. Armstrong III
Chairman of the Board, President
and Chief Executive Officer
Date: March 16, 2015
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.
/s/ William H. Armstrong III | Chairman of the Board, President | |
William H. Armstrong III | and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) | |
* | Senior Vice President | |
Erin D. Pickens | and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) | |
* | Vice President and Controller | |
C. Donald Whitmire, Jr. | (Principal Accounting Officer) | |
* | Director | |
James C. Leslie | ||
* | Director | |
Michael D. Madden | ||
* | Director | |
William H. Lenehan IV | ||
* | Director | |
Charles W. Porter | ||
*By: /s/ William H. Armstrong III
William H. Armstrong III
Attorney-in-Fact
Date: March 16, 2015
S-1
STRATUS PROPERTIES INC.
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The schedule listed below should be read in conjunction with the financial statements of Stratus Properties Inc. contained elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Page | |
Schedule III-Real Estate, Commercial Leasing Assets | |
and Facilities and Accumulated Depreciation | F-2 |
Schedules other than the one listed above have been omitted since they are either not required, not applicable or the required information is included in the financial statements or notes thereto.
F-1
STRATUS PROPERTIES INC.
REAL ESTATE, COMMERCIAL LEASING ASSETS AND FACILITIES AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
December 31, 2014
(In Thousands, except Number of Lots and Acres)
SCHEDULE III
Initial Cost | Cost Capitalized | Gross Amounts at December 31, 2014 | Number of Lots/Units and Acres | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bldg. and | Subsequent to | Bldg. and | Lots/ Units | Acres | Accumulated | Year | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Land | Improvements | Acquisitions | Land | Improvements | Total | Depreciation | Acquired | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Real Estate Held for Salea | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Barton Creek, Austin, TX | $ | 353 | $ | — | $ | 2,257 | $ | 2,610 | $ | — | $ | 2,610 | 14 | — | $ | — | 1988 | ||||||||||||||||||
Circle C, Austin, TX | 837 | — | 6,555 | 7,392 | — | 7,392 | 50 | — | — | 1992 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
W Austin Hotel & Residences, Austin, TX | — | 2,243 | — | — | 2,243 | 2,243 | 2 | — | — | 2014 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Real Estate Under Developmentb,c | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Barton Creek, Austin, TX | 9,505 | — | 71,162 | 80,667 | — | 80,667 | — | 166 | — | 1988 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lakeway, TX | 22,562 | — | 10,022 | 32,584 | — | 32,584 | — | 87 | — | 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Circle C, Austin, TX | 753 | — | 1,591 | 2,344 | — | 2,344 | — | — | — | 1992 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Magnolia, TX | 3,237 | — | 523 | 3,760 | — | 3,760 | — | 124 | — | 2014 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lantana, Austin, TX | 1,513 | — | 3,053 | 4,566 | — | 4,566 | — | 36 | — | 1994 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Land Available for Developmentc,d | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Camino Real, San Antonio, TX | 16 | — | (16 | ) | — | — | — | — | 2 | — | 1990 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Barton Creek, Austin, TX | 7,983 | — | 7,829 | 15,812 | — | 15,812 | — | 1,257 | — | 1988 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Circle C, Austin, TX | 2,704 | — | 2,441 | 5,145 | — | 5,145 | — | 264 | — | 1992 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lantana, Austin, TX | 157 | — | 254 | 411 | — | 411 | — | 8 | — | 1994 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Real Estate Held for Investmentb,c | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
W Austin Hotel & Residences, Austin, TXe | 8,075 | 173,565 | — | 8,075 | 173,565 | 181,640 | — | — | 30,596 | 2006 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Barton Creek Village, Austin, TXf | 55 | 6,065 | — | 55 | 6,065 | 6,120 | — | — | 1,317 | 2007 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
5700 Slaughter, Austin, TXg | 969 | 4,772 | — | 969 | 4,772 | 5,741 | — | — | 1,169 | 2008 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Parkside Village, Austin, TXh | 665 | 18,015 | — | 665 | 18,015 | 18,680 | — | — | 1,750 | 1992 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate offices, Austin,TX | — | 1,268 | — | — | 1,268 | 1,268 | — | — | 552 | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 59,384 | $ | 205,928 | $ | 105,671 | $ | 165,055 | $ | 205,928 | $ | 370,983 | 66 | 1,944 | $ | 35,384 | |||||||||||||||||||
a. | Includes individual tracts of land that have been developed and permitted for residential use, condominium units at our W Austin Hotel & Residences project or developed lots with homes already built on them. |
b. | Includes real estate that is currently being developed or has received the necessary permits to be developed. |
c. | See Note 7 included in Part II, Item 8. of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a description of assets securing debt. |
d. | Includes undeveloped real estate that can be sold “as is” or will be developed in the future as additional permitting is obtained. |
e. | Consists of a 251-room hotel, entertainment venue, and office and retail space at the W Austin Hotel & Residences project. |
f. | Consists of a 22,366-square-foot retail complex representing the first phase of Barton Creek Village and a 3,085-square-foot bank building. |
g. | Consists of two retail buildings totaling 21,248 square feet and a 4,450-square-foot bank building at the 5700 Slaughter retail complex in the Circle C community. |
h. | Consists of a 90,184-square-foot retail complex in the Circle C community. |
F-2
STRATUS PROPERTIES INC.
Notes to Schedule III
(1) Reconciliation of Real Estate, Commercial Leasing Assets and Facilities:
The changes in real estate, commercial leasing assets and facilities for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, are as follows (in thousands):
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Balance, beginning of year | $ | 325,967 | $ | 349,120 | |||
Improvements and other | 60,741 | 19,791 | |||||
Cost of real estate sold | (15,725 | ) | (42,944 | ) | |||
Balance, end of year | $ | 370,983 | $ | 325,967 | |||
The aggregate net book value for federal income tax purposes as of December 31, 2014 was $370.9 million.
(2) Reconciliation of Accumulated Depreciation:
The changes in accumulated depreciation for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, are as follows (in thousands):
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Balance, beginning of year | $ | 27,009 | $ | 18,380 | |||
Retirement of assets | (602 | ) | (424 | ) | |||
Depreciation expense | 8,977 | 9,053 | |||||
Balance, end of year | $ | 35,384 | $ | 27,009 | |||
Depreciation of buildings and improvements is calculated over estimated lives of 30 to 40 years.
F-3
STRATUS PROPERTIES INC.
EXHIBIT INDEX
Incorporated by Reference | ||||||||||
Exhibit Number | Exhibit Title | Filed with this Form 10-K | Form | File No. | Date Filed | |||||
3.1 | Composite Certificate of Incorporation of Stratus Properties Inc. | 8-A/A | 000-19989 | 8/26/2010 | ||||||
3.2 | By-laws of Stratus Properties Inc., as amended as of November 6, 2007. | 10-Q | 000-19989 | 8/11/2008 | ||||||
4.1 | Amended and Restated Rights Agreement, dated as of April 13, 2012, between Stratus Properties Inc. and Computershare Shareowner Services LLC, as Rights Agent, which includes the Form of Certificate of Designations of Series C Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock, the Form of Right Certificate, and the Summary of Stockholder Rights. | 8-K | 000-19989 | 4/18/2012 | ||||||
4.2 | Investor Rights Agreement by and between Stratus Properties Inc. and Moffett Holdings, LLC dated as of March 15, 2012. | 8-K | 000-19989 | 3/20/2012 | ||||||
4.3 | Assignment and Assumption Agreement by and between Moffett Holdings, LLC and LCHM Holdings, LLC. | 13D | 000-19989 | 3/5/2014 | ||||||
10.1 | Loan Agreement by and among Stratus Properties Inc., Stratus Properties Operating Co., L.P., Circle C Land, L.P., Austin 290 Properties, Inc. and Comerica Bank dated as of December 31, 2012. | 8-K | 000-19989 | 1/7/2013 | ||||||
Modification and Extension Agreement by and between Stratus Properties Inc., Stratus Properties Operating Co., L.P., Circle C Land, L.P., Austin 290 Properties, Inc. and Comerica Bank dated as of November 12, 2014. | X | |||||||||
Second Modification and Extension Agreement by and between Stratus Properties Inc., Stratus Properties Operating Co., L.P., Circle C Land, L.P., Austin 290 Properties, Inc. and Comerica Bank dated as of February 11, 2015. | X | |||||||||
10.4 | Promissory Note by and between Stratus Properties Inc., Stratus Properties Operating Co., L.P., Circle C Land, L.P., Austin 290 Properties, Inc., and Comerica Bank dated as of December 31, 2012 ($35.0 million revolving line of credit). | 10-K | 000-19989 | 3/29/2013 | ||||||
10.5 | Promissory Note by and between Stratus Properties Inc., Stratus Properties Operating Co., L.P., Circle C Land, L.P., Austin 290 Properties, Inc., and Comerica Bank dated as of December 31, 2012 ($3.0 million letters of credit). | 10-K | 000-19989 | 3/29/2013 | ||||||
10.6 | Promissory Note by and between Stratus Properties Inc., Stratus Properties Operating Co., L.P., Circle C Land, L.P., Austin 290 Properties, Inc., and Comerica Bank dated as of December 31, 2012 ($10.0 million construction loan). | 10-K | 000-19989 | 3/29/2013 | ||||||
10.7 | Term Loan Agreement by and among CJUF II Stratus Block 21 LLC, Bank of America, N.A., and the lenders party thereto from time to time, dated September 30, 2013. | 8-K | 000-19989 | 10/3/2013 | ||||||
10.8 | Promissory Note by and between CJUF II Stratus Block 21 LLC and Bank of America, N.A., dated September 30, 2013. | 8-K | 000-19989 | 10/3/2013 | ||||||
E-1
Incorporated by Reference | ||||||||||
Exhibit Number | Exhibit Title | Filed with this Form 10-K | Form | File No. | Date Filed | |||||
10.9 | Loan Modification Agreement by and between Stratus Properties Inc. and American Select Portfolio Inc. effective as of April 1, 2013 ($5.0 million loan). | 10-Q | 000-19989 | 5/15/2013 | ||||||
10.10 | Loan Modification Agreement by and between Stratus Properties Inc. and American Select Portfolio Inc. effective as of September 1, 2012 ($5.0 million loan). | 8-K | 000-19989 | 9/12/2012 | ||||||
10.11 | Amended and Restated Loan Agreement between Stratus Properties Inc. and American Select Portfolio Inc. dated as of December 12, 2006 ($5.0 million loan). | 10-K | 000-19989 | 3/16/2007 | ||||||
10.12 | Loan Modification Agreement by and between Stratus Properties Inc. and American Strategic Income Portfolio Inc.-II effective as of April 1, 2013 ($3.0 million loan). | 10-Q | 000-19989 | 5/15/2013 | ||||||
10.13 | Loan Modification Agreement by and between Stratus Properties Inc. and American Strategic Income Portfolio Inc.-II effective as of September 1, 2012 ($3.0 million loan). | 8-K | 000-19989 | 9/12/2012 | ||||||
10.14 | Amended and Restated Loan Agreement between Stratus Properties Inc. and American Strategic Income Portfolio Inc.-II dated as of December 12, 2006 ($3.0 million loan). | 10-K | 000-19989 | 3/16/2007 | ||||||
10.15 | Loan Modification Agreement by and between Stratus Properties Inc. and American Strategic Income Portfolio Inc.-II effective as of April 1, 2013 ($8.0 million loan). | 10-Q | 000-19989 | 5/15/2013 | ||||||
10.16 | Loan Modification Agreement by and between Stratus Properties Inc. and American Strategic Income Portfolio Inc.-II effective as of September 1, 2012 ($8.0 million loan). | 8-K | 000-19989 | 9/12/2012 | ||||||
10.17 | Loan Agreement between Stratus Properties Inc. and Holliday Fenoglio Fowler, L.P. dated as of December 12, 2006, subsequently assigned to American Strategic Income Portfolio Inc.-II ($8.0 million loan). | 10-K | 000-19989 | 3/16/2007 | ||||||
10.18 | Loan Modification Agreement by and between Stratus Properties Inc. and American Select Portfolio Inc. effective as of April 1, 2013 ($3.5 million loan). | 10-Q | 000-19989 | 5/15/2013 | ||||||
10.19 | Loan Modification Agreement by and between Stratus Properties Inc. and American Select Portfolio Inc. effective as of September 1, 2012 ($3.5 million loan). | 8-K | 000-19989 | 9/12/2012 | ||||||
10.20 | Loan Agreement between Stratus Properties Inc. and Holliday Fenoglio Fowler, L.P. dated as of June 1, 2007, subsequently assigned to American Select Portfolio Inc. ($3.5 million loan). | 10-Q | 000-19989 | 8/9/2007 | ||||||
10.21 | Loan Modification Agreement by and between Stratus Properties Inc. and American Strategic Income Portfolio Inc. effective as of April 1, 2013 ($3.5 million loan). | 10-Q | 000-19989 | 5/15/2013 | ||||||
10.22 | Loan Modification Agreement by and between Stratus Properties Inc. and American Strategic Income Portfolio Inc. effective as of September 1, 2012 ($3.5 million loan). | 8-K | 000-19989 | 9/12/2012 | ||||||
10.23 | Loan Agreement between Stratus Properties Inc. and Holliday Fenoglio Fowler, L.P. dated as of June 1, 2007, subsequently assigned to American Strategic Income Portfolio Inc. ($3.5 million loan). | 10-Q | 000-19989 | 8/9/2007 | ||||||
E-2
Incorporated by Reference | ||||||||||
Exhibit Number | Exhibit Title | Filed with this Form 10-K | Form | File No. | Date Filed | |||||
10.24 | Construction Loan Agreement by and between Tract 107, L.L.C. and Comerica Bank dated as of May 17, 2011. | 10-Q | 000-19989 | 8/15/2011 | ||||||
10.25 | Fifth Modification and Extension Agreement by and among Tract 107, L.L.C., Stratus Properties Inc. and Comerica Bank effective as of December 12, 2013. | 8-K | 000-19989 | 12/18/2013 | ||||||
10.26 | Amended and Restated Promissory Note by and between Tract 107, L.L.C. and Comerica Bank effective as of December 12, 2013. | 8-K | 000-19989 | 12/18/2013 | ||||||
10.27 | Development Agreement effective as of August 15, 2002, between Circle C Land Corp. and City of Austin. | 10-Q | 000-19989 | 11/14/2002 | ||||||
First Amendment dated June 21, 2004, Second Amendment dated November 9, 2004, and Third Amendment dated March 2, 2005, to Development Agreement effective as of August 15, 2002, between Circle C Land Corp. and City of Austin. | X | |||||||||
10.29 | Construction Loan Agreement among Stratus Lakeway Center L.L.C., as Borrower and PlainsCapital Bank, as Administrative Agent and the Other Financial Institutions Party Thereto as Lenders dated as of September 29, 2014. | 8-K | 000-19989 | 10/3/2014 | ||||||
10.30 | First Amendment to Construction Loan Agreement among Stratus Lakeway Center L.L.C., as Borrower, PlainsCapital Bank, as Administrative Agent and the Other Financial Institutions Party Thereto as Existing Lender and New Lender dated as of November 7, 2014. | 10-Q | 000-19989 | 11/13/2014 | ||||||
Promissory Note dated September 29, 2014 executed by and among Stratus Lakeway Center L.L.C. and PlainsCapital Bank. | X | |||||||||
Promissory Note dated September 29, 2014 executed by and among Stratus Lakeway Center L.L.C. and Southside Bank. | X | |||||||||
Construction Loan Agreement by and between Barton Creek Tecoma I, L.L.C. and Comerica Bank effective as of January 8, 2015. | X | |||||||||
Promissory Note by and between Barton Creek Tecoma I, L.L.C. and Comerica Bank dated as of January 8, 2015. | X | |||||||||
Stratus Properties Inc. 2013 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated. | X | |||||||||
Stratus Properties Inc. 2010 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated. | X | |||||||||
10.37* | Form of Notice of Grant of Nonqualified Stock Options under the Stratus Properties Inc. stock incentive plans (adopted January 2011). | 10-K | 000-19989 | 3/31/2011 | ||||||
10.38* | Form of Notice of Grant of Restricted Stock Units under the Stratus Properties Inc. stock incentive plans (adopted January 2011). | 10-K | 000-19989 | 3/31/2011 | ||||||
10.39* | Form of Notice of Grant of Restricted Stock Units under the 2010 Stock Incentive Plan for Non-Employee Director Grants (adopted August 2012). | 10-K | 000-19989 | 3/29/2013 | ||||||
E-3
Incorporated by Reference | ||||||||||
Exhibit Number | Exhibit Title | Filed with this Form 10-K | Form | File No. | Date Filed | |||||
Form of Notice of Grant of Restricted Stock Units under the Stratus Properties Inc. Stock Incentive Plan for Non-Employee Director Grants (adopted August 2014) | X | |||||||||
10.41* | Stratus Properties Inc. Performance Incentive Awards Program, as amended, effective December 30, 2008. | 10-Q | 000-19989 | 5/5/2009 | ||||||
10.42* | Stratus Properties Inc. 1996 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors, as amended and restated. | 10-Q | 000-19989 | 5/10/2007 | ||||||
10.43* | Stratus Properties Inc. Director Compensation. | 10-K | 000-19989 | 3/31/2014 | ||||||
10.44* | Change of Control Agreement between Stratus Properties Inc. and William H. Armstrong III, effective as of April 1, 2013. | 8-K | 000-19989 | 4/15/2013 | ||||||
10.45* | Change of Control Agreement between Stratus Properties Inc. and Erin D. Pickens, effective as of April 1, 2013. | 8-K | 000-19989 | 4/15/2013 | ||||||
14.1 | Ethics and Business Conduct Policy. | 10-K | 000-19989 | 3/30/2004 | ||||||
List of subsidiaries. | X | |||||||||
Consent of BKM Sowan Horan, LLP. | X | |||||||||
Certified resolution of the Board of Directors of Stratus Properties Inc. authorizing this report to be signed on behalf of any officer or director pursuant to a Power of Attorney. | X | |||||||||
Power of Attorney pursuant to which this report has been signed on behalf of certain officers and directors of Stratus Properties Inc. | X | |||||||||
Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a). | X | |||||||||
Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a). | X | |||||||||
Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350. | X | |||||||||
Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350. | X | |||||||||
101.INS | XBRL Instance Document. | X | ||||||||
101.SCH | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema. | X | ||||||||
101.CAL | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase. | X | ||||||||
101.DEF | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase. | X | ||||||||
101.LAB | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase. | X | ||||||||
101.PRE | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase. | X | ||||||||
_______________________
* Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
E-4