Stratus Properties Inc. Reports Second-Quarter 2022 Results

Stratus Properties Inc. (NASDAQ: STRS), a diversified real estate company with holdings, interests and operations in the Austin, Texas area and other select markets in Texas, today reported second-quarter 2022 results.

Highlights and Recent Developments:

• As a result of its strategic planning process, Stratus’ Board of Directors (Board) has approved returning $50.0 million cash to shareholders, subject to obtaining required consents from Comerica Bank. This return of capital could be in the form of share repurchases, dividends or a combination. After streamlining Stratus’ business through the sale of Block 21, the Board has decided to continue Stratus’ successful development program, with Stratus’ proven team focusing on pure residential and residential-focused mixed-use projects in Austin and other select markets in Texas.
• On May 31, 2022, Stratus completed the previously announced sale of Block 21, a mixed-use development in downtown Austin, Texas, that contains the W Austin Hotel and office, retail and entertainment space, to Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. (Ryman) for $260.0 million, subject to certain adjustments. Stratus’ net proceeds of cash and restricted cash totaled $112.3 million. As a result of the sale, Stratus recorded a pre-tax gain on the sale of $119.7 million ($94.1 million net of taxes) in second-quarter 2022 included in net income (loss) from discontinued operations.
• Stratus’ total stockholders’ equity increased to $262.4 million at June 30, 2022, from $158.1 million at December 31, 2021, and $98.9 million at December 31, 2020, primarily as a result of gains realized on Stratus’ sales of Block 21, The Santal and The Saint Mary.
• Net income attributable to common stockholders totaled $96.6 million, $11.53 per diluted share, in second-quarter 2022, compared to a net loss attributable to common stockholders of $10.2 million, $1.23 per diluted share, in second-quarter 2021. Second-quarter 2022 results include net income from discontinued operations, including a gain on the sale of Block 21, of $95.9 million, compared to a net loss from discontinued operations of $5.9 million in second-quarter 2021.
• Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) totaled $1.5 million in second-quarter 2022, compared to $(4.5) million in second-quarter 2021. For a reconciliation of income (loss) from continuing operations to EBITDA, see the supplemental schedule, “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measure EBITDA,” on page VI.
• Stratus continues construction on The Saint June, a 182-unit luxury garden-style multi-family project within the Amarra development in Barton Creek; Magnolia Place, an H-E-B grocery shadow-anchored, mixed-use project in Magnolia, Texas; and the last 12 Amarra Villas homes.
• In July 2022, Stratus entered into a $56.8 million construction loan to provide financing for the construction of The Saint George, a 316-unit luxury wrap-style, multi-family project in north-central Austin. Stratus began construction on the project in third-quarter 2022.
• Stratus’ three stabilized mixed-use projects anchored or shadow-anchored by H-E-B grocery stores, Kingwood Place, West Killeen Market and Jones Crossing, continue to perform well and generate revenue. Stratus is exploring a potential sale or refinancing of these three retail properties.

William H. Armstrong III, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Stratus, stated, “I am proud to share that the Stratus team’s execution has resulted in a 165 percent increase in shareholders’ equity to $262.4 million at June 30, 2022, from $98.9 million at December 31, 2020. The recent quarters have marked a significant inflection point for Stratus, with several key developments for our shareholders. We successfully closed the sale of Block 21; raised a total of $33.4 million of third-party equity capital and entered into a $56.8 million construction loan with Comerica Bank for The Saint George; and continued to make good progress on several of the projects in our pipeline, including The Saint June, Holden Hills, The Annie B and The Saint Julia. We also recently closed on the sale of 28 acres of undeveloped residential land at Magnolia Place for $3.2 million in the third quarter.

Stratus’ Board of Directors has approved returning $50.0 million cash to shareholders, in the form of share repurchases, dividends or a combination of both, subject to obtaining required consents from Comerica Bank. The Block 21 sale has allowed us to streamline our business and focus on pure residential and residential-focused mixed-use properties in Austin and other select Texas locations, where residential demand remains strong. The Board has also decided to continue Stratus’ successful development program, which has proven to maximize value for our shareholders.

Our team’s knowledge, dedication, experience and relationships in our Texas markets continue to provide the foundation for Stratus to execute on our strategy and position us to take advantage of future opportunities.”

Results of Stratus’ Strategic Planning Process

As a result of its strategic planning process, Stratus’ Board has approved returning $50.0 million cash to shareholders, subject to obtaining required consents from Comerica Bank. This return of capital could be in the form of share repurchases, dividends or a combination. After streamlining Stratus’ business through the sale of Block 21, the Board has decided to continue Stratus’ successful development program, with Stratus’ proven team focusing on pure residential and residential-focused mixed-use projects in Austin and other select markets in Texas. Stratus plans to continue to develop properties using project-level debt and third-party equity capital, with Stratus receiving development management fees and asset management fees, and with potential returns to Stratus increasing above its relative equity interest in each project as negotiated return hurdles are achieved. Stratus expects to reduce its reliance on its revolving credit facility and retain sufficient cash to operate its business, taking into account risks associated with changing market conditions.

Stratus is exploring a potential sale or refinancing of Kingwood Place, Jones Crossing and West Killeen Market, as previously disclosed, and is also pursuing other projects, which may produce additional cash to return to shareholders, subject to market conditions and obtaining any required consents. Stratus has undeveloped properties currently undergoing active planning, including its two large projects Holden Hills and Section N. Stratus will re-evaluate its strategy as development progresses on these and other projects in its pipeline, and as market conditions stabilize.

Summary Financial Results

1. Includes a $4.8 million pre-tax gain recognized on the reversal of accruals for costs to lease and construct buildings under a master lease arrangement that Stratus entered into in connection with its sale of The Oaks at Lakeway in 2017.
2. Includes a $22.9 million pre-tax gain on the January 2021 sale of The Saint Mary.
3. Includes consolidated general and administrative expenses and eliminations of intersegment amounts. The decreases in 2022 from the comparable prior-year periods are primarily the result of $3.3 million incurred in second-quarter 2021 and $4.4 million incurred for the first six months of 2021 for consulting, legal and public relation costs for Stratus’ successful proxy contest and the real estate investment trust exploration process.
4. Includes a $119.7 million pre-tax gain ($94.1 million net of taxes) on the May 2022 sale of Block 21.
5. Represents noncontrolling interest partners' share in the results of the consolidated projects in which they participate. For the first six months of 2021, $6.7 million relates to the gain from the sale of The Saint Mary allocated to noncontrolling interest owners.

Continuing Operations

The increase in revenue and operating income from the Real Estate Operations segment in second-quarter 2022, compared to second-quarter 2021, reflects the second-quarter 2022 sales of an Amarra Villas home for $2.4 million and the following undeveloped properties: (i) a six-acre multi-family tract of land in Amarra Drive for $2.5 million, (ii) a completed pad site at Magnolia Place for $2.3 million and (iii) a tract of land in Austin, Texas for $0.6 million. In August 2022, Stratus sold 28 acres of undeveloped residential land for $3.2 million at Magnolia Place.

The decrease in revenue from the Leasing Operations segment in second-quarter 2022, compared to second-quarter 2021, primarily reflects the sale of The Santal in December 2021, partly offset by increased revenue at Lantana Place. The Santal had rental revenue of $2.3 million in second-quarter 2021. Operating income in the segment increased due to lower rental cost of sales and depreciation, primarily as a result of the sale of The Santal.

Discontinued Operations - Sale of Block 21

On May 31, 2022, Stratus completed the previously announced sale of Block 21 to Ryman for $260.0 million, subject to certain purchase price adjustments, and including Ryman’s assumption of $136.2 million of existing mortgage debt, with the remainder paid in cash. Stratus’ net proceeds of cash and restricted cash totaled $112.3 million (including $6.9 million of post-closing escrow amounts to be held for 12 months after the closing, subject to a longer retention period with respect to any required reserve for pending claims). Stratus recorded a pre-tax gain on the sale of $119.7 million ($94.1 million net of taxes) in second-quarter 2022 included in net income (loss) from discontinued operations.

Debt and Liquidity

At June 30, 2022, consolidated debt totaled $114.6 million and consolidated cash totaled $102.4 million, compared with consolidated debt of $106.6 million and consolidated cash of $24.2 million at December 31, 2021. Consolidated debt at December 31, 2021, excluded the Block 21 loan of approximately $137 million, which was presented in liabilities held for sale - discontinued operations. Using proceeds from the sale of Block 21, Stratus repaid the outstanding amount under its $60.0 million Comerica Bank credit facility prior to June 30, 2022. As of June 30, 2022, Stratus had $49.0 million available under the credit facility. Letters of credit, totaling $11.0 million, have been issued under the credit facility, and secure Stratus’ obligation to build certain roads and utilities facilities benefiting Holden Hills and Section N.

In July 2022, a Stratus subsidiary entered into a $56.8 million loan with Comerica Bank to provide financing for the construction of The Saint George multi-family project. The construction loan has a maturity date of July 19, 2026, with two options to extend the maturity for an additional 12 months, subject to satisfying specified conditions. In connection with closing the construction financing, Stratus made an additional capital contribution of $1.7 million, and the unaffiliated Class B limited partner made an additional capital contribution of $15.0 million, bringing Stratus’ total capital contributions to $3.7 million and the Class B limited partner’s total capital contributions to $33.4 million.

Purchases and development of real estate properties (included in operating cash flows) and capital expenditures (included in investing cash flows) totaled $39.7 million for the first six months of 2022, primarily related to the development of The Saint June, Magnolia Place and Barton Creek properties, including Amarra Villas, compared with $7.3 million for the first six months of 2021, primarily related to the development of Barton Creek properties, including Amarra Villas, Lantana Place and Magnolia Place.

----------------------------------------------

Conference Call Information

Stratus will conduct an investor conference call to discuss its unaudited second-quarter 2022 financial and operating results today, August 15, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The public is invited to listen to the conference call by dialing (877) 418-4843 for domestic access and +1 (412) 902-6766 for international access. A replay of the conference call will be available until August 29, 2022, by dialing (877) 344-7529 for domestic access and by dialing +1 (412) 317-0088 for international access. Please use replay ID: 1725319. The replay will also be available on Stratus’ website at stratusproperties.com until August 29, 2022.

__________________________

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND REGULATION G DISCLOSURE.

This press release contains forward-looking statements in which Stratus discusses factors it believes may affect its future performance. Forward-looking statements are all statements other than statements of historical fact, such as plans, projections or expectations related to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Stratus’ ability to meet its future debt service and other cash obligations, future cash flows and liquidity, Stratus’ expectations about the Austin and Texas real estate markets, the planning, financing, development, construction, completion and stabilization of Stratus’ development projects, plans to sell, recapitalize, or refinance properties, future operational and financial performance, municipal utility district reimbursements for infrastructure costs, regulatory matters, leasing activities, tax rates, the impact of inflation and interest rate changes, future capital expenditures and financing plans, possible joint ventures, partnerships, or other strategic relationships, other plans and objectives of management for future operations and development projects, and future cash returns to shareholders, including any share repurchases and/or dividend payments. The words “anticipate,” “may,” “can,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” "target," “intend,” “likely,” “will,” “should,” “to be” and any similar expressions and/or statements are intended to identify those assertions as forward-looking statements.

Under Stratus’ Comerica Bank debt agreements, Stratus is not permitted to repurchase its common stock in excess of $1.0 million or pay dividends on its common stock without Comerica Bank’s prior written consent. The declaration of dividends or decision to repurchase Stratus’ common stock is at the discretion of Stratus’ Board, subject to restrictions under Stratus’ Comerica Bank debt agreements, and will depend on Stratus’ financial results, cash requirements, projected compliance with covenants in its debt agreements, outlook and other factors deemed relevant by the Board.

Stratus cautions readers that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and its actual results may differ materially from those anticipated, expected, projected or assumed in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that can cause Stratus’ actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and any future major public health crisis, increases in inflation and interest rates, supply chain constraints, declines in the market value of Stratus’ assets, increases in operating and construction costs, including real estate taxes and the cost of building materials and labor, Stratus’ ability to pay or refinance its debt or comply with or obtain waivers of financial and other covenants in debt agreements and to meet other cash obligations, Stratus’ ability to collect anticipated rental payments and close projected asset sales, the availability and terms of financing for development projects and other corporate purposes, Stratus’ ability to enter into and maintain joint ventures, partnerships, or other strategic relationships, including risks associated with such joint ventures, Stratus’ ability to implement its business strategy successfully, including its ability to develop, construct and sell or lease properties on terms its Board considers acceptable, market conditions or corporate developments that could preclude, impair or delay any opportunities with respect to plans to sell, recapitalize or refinance properties, Stratus’ ability to obtain various entitlements and permits, a decrease in the demand for real estate in select markets in Texas where Stratus operates, changes in economic, market and business conditions, including as a result of the war in Ukraine, reductions in discretionary spending by consumers and businesses, competition from other real estate developers, the termination of sales contracts or letters of intent because of, among other factors, the failure of one or more closing conditions or market changes, the failure to attract customers or tenants for its developments or such customers’ or tenants’ failure to satisfy their purchase commitments or leasing obligations, changes in consumer preferences, industry risks, changes in laws, regulations or the regulatory environment affecting the development of real estate, opposition from special interest groups or local governments with respect to development projects, weather- and climate-related risks, loss of key personnel, environmental and litigation risks, cybersecurity incidents and other factors described in more detail under the heading “Risk Factors” in Stratus’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2022, each filed with the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC).

This press release also includes EBITDA, which is not recognized under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Stratus believes this measure can be helpful to investors in evaluating its business. EBITDA is a financial measure frequently used by securities analysts, lenders and others to evaluate Stratus’ recurring operating performance. EBITDA is intended to be a performance measure that should not be regarded as more meaningful than a GAAP measure. Other companies may calculate EBITDA differently. As required by SEC Regulation G, a reconciliation of Stratus’ net income (loss) from continuing operations to EBITDA is included in the supplemental schedule of this press release.

Investors are cautioned that many of the assumptions upon which Stratus’ forward-looking statements are based are likely to change after the date the forward-looking statements are made. Further, Stratus may make changes to its business plans that could affect its results. Stratus cautions investors that it undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made, notwithstanding any changes in its assumptions, business plans, actual experience, or other changes.

A copy of this release is available on Stratus’ website, stratusproperties.com.

1. The decreases in 2022 from the comparable prior-year periods are primarily the result of $3.3 million incurred in second-quarter 2021 and $4.4 million incurred for the first six months of 2021 for consulting, legal and public relation costs for Stratus' successful proxy contest and the real estate investment trust (REIT) exploration process.
2. Represents a pre-tax gain recognized on the reversal of accruals for costs to lease and construct buildings under a master lease arrangement that Stratus entered into in connection with its sale of The Oaks at Lakeway in 2017.
3. Represents the pre-tax gain on the January 2021 sale of The Saint Mary.
4. Includes a $119.7 million pre-tax gain ($94.1 million net of taxes) on the May 2022 sale of Block 21.
5. Represents noncontrolling interest partners' share in the results of the consolidated projects in which they participate. For the first six months of 2021, $6.7 million relates to the gain from the sale of The Saint Mary allocated to noncontrolling interest owners.

1. Increase primarily reflects the proceeds received from the May 2022 sale of Block 21.
2. Decrease primarily reflects the reduction in liabilities associated with Stratus’ Profit Participation Incentive Plan (PPIP) as certain PPIP awards have been paid out in cash or restricted stock units to eligible participants.

STRATUS PROPERTIES INC.

BUSINESS SEGMENTS

As a result of the sale of Block 21, Stratus currently has two operating segments: Real Estate Operations and Leasing Operations. Block 21, which encompassed Stratus’ hotel and entertainment segments, along with some leasing operations, is reflected as discontinued operations through its sale in May 2022.

The Real Estate Operations segment is comprised of Stratus’ real estate assets (developed for sale, under development and available for development), which consists of its properties in Austin, Texas (including Section N, Holden Hills, Amarra multi-family and commercial land, Amara Villas, The Saint June and other vacant land in the Barton Creek community; the Circle C community; the Lantana community, including a portion of Lantana Place planned for a multi-family phase now known as The Saint Julia; The Saint George; and the land for The Annie B); in Lakeway, Texas, located in the greater Austin area (Lakeway); in College Station, Texas (a portion of Jones Crossing and vacant pad sites); in Killeen, Texas (one vacant pad site at West Killeen Market, for which a sale is pending); and in Magnolia, Texas (Magnolia Place), Kingwood, Texas (land for future multi-family development, for which a sale is pending, and a vacant pad site) and New Caney, Texas (New Caney), located in the greater Houston area.

The Leasing Operations segment is comprised of Stratus’ real estate assets, both residential and commercial, that are leased or available for lease and includes West Killeen Market, Lantana Place, Kingwood Place and the completed portion of Jones Crossing. The segment also included The Saint Mary until its sale in January 2021 and The Santal until its sale in December 2021.

Stratus uses operating income or loss to measure the performance of each segment. General and administrative expenses, which primarily consist of employee salaries, wages and other costs, are managed on a consolidated basis and are not allocated to Stratus’ operating segments. The following segment information reflects management determinations that may not be indicative of what the actual financial performance of each segment would be if it were an independent entity.

Segment information presented below was prepared on the same basis as Stratus’ consolidated financial statements (in thousands).

1. Includes sales commissions and other revenues together with related expenses.
2. Includes consolidated general and administrative expenses and eliminations of intersegment amounts.
3. The decreases in 2022 from the comparable prior-year periods are primarily the result of $3.3 million incurred in second-quarter 2021 and $4.4 million incurred for the first six months of 2021 for consulting, legal and public relation costs for Stratus’ successful proxy contest and the REIT exploration process.
4. Includes $102.3 million of cash and cash equivalents, primarily received from the May 2022 sale of Block 21.
5. Includes $67.9 million of assets held for sale related to the December 2021 sale of The Santal.
6. Includes $144.2 million of assets held for sale associated with discontinued operations at Block 21.
7. Represents a pre-tax gain recognized on the reversal of accruals for costs to lease and construct buildings under a master lease arrangement that Stratus entered into in connection with its sale of The Oaks at Lakeway in 2017.
8. Represents the pre-tax gain on the January 2021 sale of The Saint Mary.

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURE

EBITDA

EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) is a non-GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S.) financial measure that is frequently used by securities analysts, investors, lenders and others to evaluate companies’ recurring operating performance, including, among other things, profitability before the effect of financing and similar decisions. Because securities analysts, investors, lenders and others use EBITDA, management believes that Stratus’ presentation of EBITDA affords them greater transparency in assessing its financial performance. This information differs from net income (loss) from continuing operations determined in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance determined in accordance with GAAP. EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies, as different companies may calculate such measures differently. Management strongly encourages investors to review Stratus’ consolidated financial statements and publicly filed reports in their entirety. A reconciliation of Stratus’ net income (loss) from continuing operations to EBITDA follows (in thousands).

1. Includes a $4.8 million pre-tax gain recognized on the reversal of accruals for costs to lease and construct buildings under a master lease arrangement that Stratus entered into in connection with its sale of The Oaks at Lakeway in 2017.
2. Includes a pre-tax gain on the January 2021 sale of The Saint Mary of $22.9 million ($16.2 million net of noncontrolling interests).
3. The impact of accounting for the Block 21 sale as discontinued operations reduced EBITDA by $122.8 million in second-quarter 2022, less than $0.1 million in second-quarter 2021 and $125.2 million for the first six months of 2022, and increased EBITDA by $1.6 million for the first six months of 2021.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220813005021/en/