strs2007_10k.htm
 
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, 2007
OR
[  ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from
 
to
 
Commission File Number: 0-19989
 
Stratus Properties Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
72-1211572
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
   
98 San Jacinto Blvd., Suite 220
 
Austin, Texas
78701
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
 
(512) 478-5788
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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
 
NASDAQ
Preferred Stock Purchase Rights
 
NASDAQ

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         0 Yes R 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.      0 Yes R 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.                                                                              R Yes 0 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.   0

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company.  See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):   0 Large accelerated filer R Accelerated filer 0 Non-accelerated filer   0 Smaller reporting company

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).                                0 Yes R No

The aggregate market value of common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $133.8 million on February 29, 2008, and approximately $152.4 million on June 30, 2007.

Common stock issued and outstanding was 7,566,181 shares on February 29, 2008, and 7,568,416 shares on June 30, 2007.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of our Proxy Statement for our 2008 Annual Meeting to be held on May 6, 2008, are incorporated by reference into Part III (Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14) of this report.
 

 

 

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Table of Contents

 
PART I

Item 1.  Business

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 report filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, are available, free of charge, through our website, www.stratusproperties.com, 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. These reports and amendments are available through our website as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file or furnish such material to the SEC. All subsequent references to “Notes” in this report refer to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements located in Item 8. of this Form 10-K.

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

Our principal real estate holdings are currently in southwest Austin, Texas. As of December 31, 2007, our most significant holding is the 1,678 acres of residential, multi-family and commercial property and 25 developed residential estate lots located within the Barton Creek community. We also own approximately 350 acres of undeveloped commercial property and approximately 37 acres of commercial property under development within the Circle C Ranch (Circle C) community. Our other properties in the Circle C community include Meridian, which is an 800-lot residential development. At December 31, 2007, Meridian consisted of approximately 249 acres under development and 58 developed residential lots. Our remaining Austin holdings at December 31, 2007, consisted of 223 acres of commercial property and two 75,000-square-foot office buildings, one of which is 90 percent leased and the other of which is approximately 94 percent leased, at 7500 Rialto Boulevard located within Lantana.

In January 2004, we acquired approximately 68 acres of land in Plano, Texas, which we refer to as Deerfield. At December 31, 2007, our Deerfield property consisted of the final 21 developed residential lots, which were sold in January 2008. We also own two acres of undeveloped commercial property in San Antonio, Texas.

In November 2005, we formed a joint venture partnership with Trammell Crow Central Texas Development, Inc. (Trammell Crow) to acquire an approximate 74-acre tract at the intersection of Airport Boulevard and Lamar Boulevard in Austin, Texas for $7.7 million. The property, known as Crestview Station, is a single-family, multi-family, retail and office development. With Trammell Crow, we have completed brown field remediation and permitting of the property and are now proceeding with infrastructure development.

In December 2006, we acquired a city block in downtown Austin for $15.1 million. The project, known as Block 21, is planned for a mixture of hotel, residential, retail, office and entertainment uses on approximately two acres. We have executed agreements with Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. for the development of a W Hotel and Residences on the site. On May 8, 2007, we announced our partnership with Canyon-Johnson Urban Fund II, L.P., a joint venture between the Los Angeles-based Canyon Capital Realty Advisors and Earvin "Magic" Johnson, for the development of Block 21. We have begun the permitting process with the City of Austin (the City) and the grand opening for the onsite sales center was held in conjunction with the groundbreaking ceremony in October 2007.

In 2006, we sold for $22.3 million our two 70,000-square-foot office buildings at 7000 West William Cannon Drive (7000 West), known as the Lantana Corporate Center. On October 12, 2007, we sold Escarpment Village, which is a 168,000 square-foot retail center anchored by a grocery store in the Circle C community, for $46.5 million, before closing costs and other adjustments. Accordingly, we have reported 7000 West’s and Escarpment Village’s assets, liabilities and results of operations as discontinued operations (see “Discontinued Operations” and Note 7).

 
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Company Strategies and Development Activities
From our formation in 1992 through 2000, our primary objectives were to reduce our indebtedness and increase our financial flexibility. In pursuing these objectives, we reduced our debt to $8.4 million at December 31, 2000 from $493.3 million in March 1992. As a result of the settlement of certain development-related lawsuits and an increasing level of cooperation with the City regarding the development of our properties, we substantially increased our development activities and expenditures during the last five years (see discussion below), which has resulted in our debt increasing to $61.5 million at December 31, 2007. We also had cash and cash equivalents of $40.9 million at December 31, 2007. We have funded our development activities primarily through sales proceeds, $40.0 million of unsecured term loans and our expanded credit facility (see “Credit Facility and Other Financing Arrangements” below and Note 4), which was established as a result of the positive financing relationship we have built with Comerica Bank (Comerica) over the past several years. In August 2002, the City granted final approval of a development agreement (Circle C settlement) and permanent zoning for our real estate located within the Circle C community, thereby establishing all essential municipal development regulations applicable to our Circle C properties for 30 years (see “Development and Other Activities” within Items 7. and 7A. and Note 8). The credit facility and other sources of financing have increased our financial flexibility and, together with the Circle C settlement, have allowed us to focus our efforts on developing our properties, acquiring other properties and increasing shareholder value.

Our overall strategy is 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 also continue to investigate and pursue opportunities for new projects that offer the possibility of acceptable returns and risk. Our progress towards accomplishing these goals includes the following:

·  
Over the past several years we have successfully permitted and developed significant projects in our Barton Creek and Lantana project areas.

Barton Creek

Wimberly Lane.  During 1999, we completed the development of the 75 residential lots at the Wimberly Lane subdivision at Barton Creek, all of which were sold by the end of 2003. During 2004, we completed the development of the 47 lots in the second phase of Wimberly Lane (Wimberly Lane Phase II), and we also entered into a contract with a national homebuilder to sell 41 of these Wimberly Lane Phase II lots. The lots are being sold on a scheduled take down basis. As of December 31, 2007, the final two remaining lots are on schedule for sale in the first half of 2008.

Mirador and Escala Drive.  We completed construction of Mirador, a subdivision within the Barton Creek community adjoining the Escala Drive subdivision in late-2001. We developed 34 estate lots in the Mirador subdivision, with each lot averaging approximately 3.5 acres in size, and have sold 32 of these lots. As of December 31, 2007, we owned two Mirador estate lots. By the end of 2006, we had sold all of the 54 lots at Escala Drive in the Barton Creek community.

Calera.  In 2002, we secured subdivision plat approval for a new residential subdivision called Calera, which consists of 155 lots. During 2004, we began construction of courtyard homes at Calera Court, the initial phase of the Calera subdivision, which will include 16 homesites on 16 acres. The second phase of Calera, Calera Drive, consisting of 53 single-family lots, many of which adjoin Fazio Canyons Golf Course, received final plat and construction permit approval in 2005. In the third quarter of 2005, development of these lots was completed and the initial lots were sold. As of December 31, 2007, only eight lots remained unsold at Calera Drive. Development of the final phase, known as Verano Drive, will include 71 single-family lots. Construction of the final phase of Calera began in the first quarter of 2007 and was completed in early 2008.

Barton Creek Village.  In the second quarter of 2007, we completed the first phase of Barton Creek Village, which includes a 22,000-square-foot retail building. In July 2007, we began construction of a 3,300-square-foot bank building within this retail complex, and it was completed in early 2008. Construction of the second retail building will begin by the second half of 2008.

 
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Lantana

In 2000, we received final subdivision plat approval from the City to develop approximately 170 acres of commercial and multi-family real estate within Lantana. We completed and leased the two 70,000-square-foot office buildings at 7000 West by the third quarter of 2000. During 2001, we reached agreement with the City concerning development of a 417-acre portion of the Lantana community. The agreement reflected a cooperative effort between the City and us to allow development based on grandfathered entitlements, while adhering to stringent water quality standards and other enhancements to protect the environment. With this agreement, we completed the core entitlement process for the entire Lantana project. The required infrastructure development at the site known as Rialto Boulevard was completed during 2001. During 2002, we completed the first 75,000-square-foot office building at 7500 Rialto Boulevard.

In 2006, we sold 7000 West for $22.3 million (see “Discontinued Operations” and Note 7) and a 58-acre tract at Lantana to Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (NYSE: AMD) for $21.2 million. As demand for office space within Lantana increased, we constructed a second 75,000-square-foot office building at 7500 Rialto Boulevard, which was completed in September 2006. As of December 31, 2007, we had leased 90 percent of the first Rialto Boulevard office building and approximately 94 percent of the second office building.

Lantana is a partially developed, mixed-use project with our remaining entitlements for approximately 1.0 million square feet of office and retail use on 223 acres as of December 31, 2007. Regional utility and road infrastructure is in place with capacity to serve Lantana at full build-out permitted under our existing entitlements.

·  
We have made significant progress in obtaining the permitting necessary to pursue development of additional Austin-area property.

Circle C Community

In August 2002, the City granted final approval of the Circle C settlement and permanent zoning for our real estate located within the Circle C community. Those approvals permitted development of approximately 1.0 million square feet of commercial space and 1,730 residential units, including 900 multi-family units and 830 single-family residential lots. In 2004, we amended our Circle C settlement with the City to increase the amount of permitted commercial space from 1.0 million square feet to 1.16 million square feet in exchange for a decrease in allowable multi-family units from 900 units to 504 units. The Circle C settlement, effective August 2002, 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 our 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 reimbursement for 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, 2007, we have permanently used $6.5 million of our City-based incentives including cumulative sales of $3.5 million to other developers, and we also have $3.1 million in Credit Bank capacity in use as temporary fiscal deposits. At December 31, 2007, unencumbered Credit Bank capacity was $5.4 million.

We have commenced development activities at the Circle C community based on the entitlements secured in our Circle C settlement with the City, as amended in 2004. The preliminary plan has been approved for Meridian, an 800-lot residential development at the Circle C community. In October 2004, we received final City plat and construction permit approvals for the first phase of Meridian, and construction commenced in January 2005. During the first quarter of 2005, we contracted to sell a total of 494 lots in our Meridian project to three national homebuilders in four phases. Sales for each of the four phases commence upon substantial completion of development for that phase, and continue every quarter until all of the lots have been sold. The first and second phases each consisted of 134 lots. The first phase was substantially completed at the end of 2005. Development of the second phase was substantially completed in March 2006. Development of the 108-lot third phase of
 
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Meridian was completed in September 2007. The 118-lot fourth phase will commence in 2008 and completion is expected by the end of 2008.

In 2006, we signed another contract with a national homebuilder for 42 additional lots. Development of those lots commenced in April 2007 and substantial completion is expected in early 2008. Development of the final phase of Meridian, which consists of 57 one-acre lots, is expected to commence by the end of 2008.

In addition, several retail sites at the Circle C community received final City approvals and are being developed. Escarpment Village, a 168,000-square-foot retail project anchored by a grocery store, opened in May 2006. On October 12, 2007, we sold Escarpment Village for $46.5 million, before closing costs and other adjustments (see “Discontinued Operations” and Note 7).

·  
We believe that we have the right to receive approximately $19.1 million of future reimbursements associated with previously incurred Barton Creek utility infrastructure development costs.

At December 31, 2007, we had approximately $9.5 million of expected future reimbursements of previously incurred costs recorded as a component of “Real estate, commercial leasing assets and facilities, net” on our balance sheet. The remaining future reimbursements are not recorded on our balance sheet because they relate to properties previously sold or represent a component of the $115 million impairment charge we recorded in 1994. Additionally, a significant portion of the substantial additional costs, which we will incur in the future as our development activities at Barton Creek continue, will be eligible for reimbursement. We received total infrastructure reimbursements, comprised of Barton Creek Municipal Utility District (MUD) reimbursements, of $4.8 million during 2007, $1.6 million during 2006 and $4.9 million during 2005.

·  
We completed the development and related sale of lots for a project in Plano, Texas.

Deerfield

In January 2004, we acquired the Deerfield property in Plano, Texas, for $7.0 million. The property was zoned and subject to a preliminary subdivision plan for 234 residential lots. We executed agreements with a national homebuilder, whereby the homebuilder paid us $1.4 million for an option to purchase all 234 lots over 36 monthly take-downs. The net purchase price for each of the 234 lots was $61,500, subject to certain terms and conditions. The $1.4 million non-refundable option payment was applied against subsequent purchases of lots by the homebuilder after certain thresholds were achieved and was recognized by us as income as lots were sold. In October 2005, we executed a revised agreement with the homebuilder, increasing the lot sizes and average purchase price to $67,150 based on a new total of 224 lots. In January 2008, we sold the remaining lots.

·  
We formed a joint venture in November 2005 to purchase and develop a multi-use property in Austin, Texas.

Crestview Station

Our joint venture with Trammell Crow acquired an approximate 74-acre tract at the intersection of Airport Boulevard and Lamar Boulevard for $7.7 million. The property, known as Crestview Station, is a single-family, multi-family, retail and office development, which is located on the commuter rail line approved by City of Austin voters. With Trammel Crow, we have completed brown field environmental remediation and permitting of the property and are now proceeding with infrastructure development. In September 2007, the State of Texas certified that the remediation was complete.



 
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·  
In December 2006, we purchased land in downtown Austin, Texas, representing a city block, to develop as a multi-use property.

Block 21

In April 2005, the City selected our proposal to develop a mixed-use project in downtown Austin immediately north of the new City Hall complex. The project, known as Block 21, includes an entire city block and is planned for a mixture of hotel, residential, retail, office and entertainment uses. In December 2006, we acquired the property for $15.1 million. We have executed agreements with Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. for the development of a W Hotel and Residences on the site. On May 8, 2007, we announced our partnership with Canyon-Johnson Urban Fund II, L.P., a joint venture between the Los Angeles-based Canyon Capital Realty Advisors and Earvin "Magic" Johnson, for the development of Block 21. We have begun the permitting process with the City and the grand opening for the onsite sales center was held in conjunction with the groundbreaking ceremony in October 2007.

Strategic Alternatives for Enhancing Shareholder Value.  As previously announced, we were exploring strategic alternatives for enhancing shareholder value, including a possible sale of the company. We retained JPMorgan as our financial advisor to assist in this process. We have terminated the process of exploring the possible sale of the company but expect to continue to review various alternatives to enhance shareholder value.

Credit Facility and Other Financing Arrangements
Credit Facility.  We established a banking relationship with Comerica in 1999 that has substantially enhanced our financial flexibility. In 2005, we replaced our $30.0 million credit facility with a $45.0 million Comerica revolving credit facility, which sets limitations on liens and transactions with affiliates and requires that certain financial ratios be maintained. The facility allows us to purchase up to $6.5 million of our outstanding common stock after September 30, 2005, of which $4.4 million remains available at December 31, 2007. In May 2006, we entered into a modification and extension agreement to extend the maturity and decrease the interest rate on the Comerica revolving credit facility. In May 2007, we entered into another modification and extension agreement to extend the maturity and further decrease the interest rate on the revolving credit facility. The $45.0 million facility, of which $3.0 million is provided for our Calera Court project, matures on May 30, 2009. Interest on the facility now accrues, at our option, at Comerica’s rate minus 1.10 percent or London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 1.65 percent, subject to a minimum annual rate of 5.0 percent. Security for obligations outstanding under the facility includes our properties within the Barton Creek community and certain of our properties within Lantana and the Circle C community. At December 31, 2007, no amounts were outstanding under the revolving credit facility.

Unsecured Term Loans.  We have $40.0 million of borrowings outstanding under seven unsecured term loans with First American Asset Management (FAAM), including two $5.0 million loans, two $8.0 million loans, a $7.0 million loan and two $3.5 million loans, all of which will mature in December 2011.

In December 2006, we amended our two unsecured $5.0 million term loans with FAAM. The amended agreements extend the maturities of both loans and decrease the annual interest rates on both loans to 6.56 percent.

In December 2006, we also entered into two separate new loan agreements with FAAM to borrow an additional $15.0 million to purchase the land being used in connection with our Block 21 project. Amounts borrowed under both loans bear interest at an annual rate of 6.56 percent.

In June 2007, we entered into three separate loan agreements with FAAM. Pursuant to the loan agreements, additional borrowings totaled $15.0 million, $10.6 million of which was used to pay down the outstanding amounts under our revolving credit facility with Comerica, and the remainder was used for operations, capital expenditures and other development costs, including Block 21.

 
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The loan agreements contain customary financial covenants and other restrictions. The loans may be prepaid subject to certain reinvestment charges as further described in the related promissory notes. The annual interest rate under the loan agreements is 6.915 percent. Repayments under the loan agreements can be accelerated upon the occurrence of certain customary events of default.

Lantana Promissory Note.  On December 14, 2007, our wholly owned subsidiary, Lantana Office Properties I, L.P., (“Lantana”), signed a promissory note to The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company. Under the terms of the note, Lantana borrowed $21.5 million, which will be used for development costs and general corporate purposes. The note matures on January 1, 2018. The note contains customary financial covenants and other restrictions and bears interest at a rate of 5.99 percent per year.

Prepayment of the note is prohibited prior to February 1, 2010. Prepayment of the note in whole, subsequent to February 1, 2010, is subject to a prepayment premium of the greater of (1) one percent of the outstanding principal balance of the note on the prepayment date or (2) the result of the sum of the present values of the remaining payments due from the prepayment date through the maturity date minus the outstanding principal balance of the note as of the prepayment date. Prepayment of the note in part is prohibited. Repayments under the note can be accelerated by the lender upon the occurrence of certain customary events of default. Lantana’s obligations under the note are secured by a first lien on real property and improvements and an assignment of rents and present and future leases related to the office buildings at 7500 Rialto Boulevard.

Discontinued Operations
Escarpment Village.  On October 12, 2007, we sold the Escarpment Village shopping center, located in Austin, Texas, to Lake Villa, L.L.C. (the Purchaser) for $46.5 million, before closing costs and other adjustments. The Purchaser paid $23.0 million in cash at closing and assumed the $22.4 million principal balance remaining under our loan from Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIAA). We used a portion of the net proceeds from the sale to pay the outstanding balance on the $45.0 million Comerica revolving credit facility and will use the remainder of the net proceeds for general corporate purposes. We recorded a gain of $16.1 million ($11.0 million net of taxes or $1.46 per basic share and $1.43 per diluted share) on the sale in 2007.

Upon completion of the sale of Escarpment Village, we ceased all involvement with the Escarpment Village shopping center. The results of operations, assets and liabilities of Escarpment Village, which have been classified as discontinued operations in our consolidated financial statements, previously represented a component of our commercial leasing segment.

7000 West.  In 2006, we sold 7000 West to CarrAmerica Lantana, LP (CarrAmerica) for $22.3 million, resulting in a gain of $9.8 million ($8.3 million net of taxes or $1.13 per basic share and $1.08 per diluted share). CarrAmerica paid us $10.6 million cash at closing and assumed the $11.7 million principal balance remaining under our 7000 West project loan. Upon completion of the sale of 7000 West, we ceased all involvement with the 7000 West office buildings. The operations, assets and liabilities of 7000 West represented a component of our commercial leasing segment.

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 result in higher developmental and administrative costs. See “Risk Factors.”

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.

 
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Employees
At December 31, 2007, we had a total of 29 employees located at our Austin, Texas headquarters. Additionally, since January 1, 1996, numerous services necessary for our business and operations, including certain executive, administrative, accounting, financial, tax 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 Copper & Gold Inc.  Either party may terminate the services agreement at any time upon 60 days notice or mutual written agreement.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors
This report includes "forward looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements about our plans, strategies, expectations, assumptions and prospects. "Forward-looking statements" are all statements other than statements of historical fact, or current facts, that address activities, events, outcomes and other matters that we plan, expect, intend, assume, believe, budget, predict, forecast, project, estimate or anticipate (or other similar expressions) will, should or may occur in the future, such as: statements regarding our financial plans; our indebtedness; share repurchases; strategic plans; future financing plans; development and capital expenditures; business strategies; our ability to obtain necessary permits for new developments; and other plans and objectives for future operations and activities.

Forward-looking statements are based on our assumptions and analysis made in light of our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors that we believe are appropriate under the circumstances. These statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including the risk factors discussed below and in our other filings with the SEC, general economic and business conditions, the business opportunities that may be presented to and pursued by us, changes in laws or regulations and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and the actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected, predicted or assumed in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations include, among others, the following:

We are vulnerable to concentration risks because our operations are currently almost exclusive to the Austin, Texas, market.

Our real estate activities are almost 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. The Austin economy is heavily influenced by conditions in the technology industry. In a weak technology market, which had been the condition between 2001 and 2004, we experienced reduced sales, primarily affecting our “high-end” properties. Although Austin real estate market conditions have improved since 2005, our geographic concentration may create increased vulnerability during regional economic downturns, which can significantly affect our financial condition and results of operations.

If we are unable to generate sufficient cash from operations, we may find it necessary to curtail our development activities.

Significant capital resources will be required to fund our development expenditures. Our performance continues to depend on future cash flows from real estate sales and rental income, and there can be no assurance that we will generate sufficient cash flow or otherwise obtain sufficient funds to meet the expected development plans for our properties.

Our results of operations and financial condition are greatly affected by the performance of the real estate industry.

The real estate industry is highly cyclical and is affected by changes in national, global and local economic conditions and events, such as employment and income levels, availability of financing, interest rates, consumer confidence and overbuilding or decrease in demand. Our real estate activities are subject to
 
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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, fluctuations in interest rates and mortgage availability, changes in demographic conditions and changes in government regulations or requirements. The occurrence of any of the foregoing could result in a reduction or cancellation of sales and/or lower gross margins for sales. Lower than expected sales as a result of these occurrences 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, competition and demographic conditions. Because of the effect these factors have on real estate values, it is difficult to predict with certainty the level of future sales or sales prices that will be realized for individual assets.

Mortgage financing issues, including lack of supply of mortgage loans and tightened lending requirements, could reduce demand for our products.

Our real estate operations are dependent upon the availability and cost of mortgage financing for potential customers, to the extent they finance their purchases, and for buyers of the potential customers’ existing residences. Many mortgage lenders and investors in mortgage loans are currently experiencing severe financial difficulties arising from losses incurred on sub-prime and other loans originated before the downturn in the real estate market. These factors have led to a decrease in the availability of financing and an increase in the cost of financing. These problems in the mortgage lending industry could adversely affect potential purchasers of our products, thus having a negative effect on demand for our products.

Our indebtedness could adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.

As of December 31, 2007, the outstanding principal amount of our indebtedness was $61.5 million. Our level of indebtedness could have important 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.

In addition, the terms of the agreements governing our indebtedness include restrictive covenants and require that certain financial ratios be maintained. We may also need to incur additional indebtedness in the future in the ordinary course of business to fund our development projects and our operations. If new debt is added to current debt levels, the risks described above could intensify. Further, if future debt financing is not available to us when required or is not available on acceptable terms, we may be unable to grow our business, take advantage of business opportunities, respond to competitive pressures or refinance maturing debt, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition. Our future performance is dependent on future cash flows from real estate sales, and there can be no assurance that we will generate sufficient cash flow.
 
Unfavorable changes in market and economic conditions could hurt occupancy or rental rates.

Market and economic conditions may significantly affect rental rates. Occupancy and rental rates in our market, in turn, may significantly affect our profitability and our ability to satisfy our financial obligations. The risks that may affect conditions in our market include the following:

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·  
the economic climate, which may be adversely impacted by industry slowdowns and other factors;

·  
local conditions, such as oversupply of office space and the demand for office space;

·  
the inability or unwillingness of tenants to pay their current rent or rent increases; and

·  
competition from other available office buildings and changes in market rental rates.

We cannot predict with certainty whether any of these factors will occur or whether they will have an adverse affect on our operations.

Our operations are subject to an intensive regulatory approval process and opposition from environmental groups that 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, density, parking, subdivision, site planning and environmental issues. Some of these approvals are discretionary by nature. 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 long 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 and do not believe unfavorable rulings would have a significant long-term adverse effect on the overall value of our property holdings. However, because of the regulatory environment that has existed in the Austin area and the intensive opposition of several special interest groups, there can be no assurance that our expectations will prove correct.

Our operations are subject to governmental environmental regulation, which can change at any time and generally would result in an increase to our costs.

Real estate development is subject to state and federal 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 properties include nesting territories for the Golden Cheek Warbler, a federally listed endangered species. In 1995, we received a permit from the United States (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 Cheek 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 our U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 10(a) permit obtained in 1995. The development permitted by our 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 do not anticipate that the 1997 listing of the Barton Springs Salamander will impact our Circle C 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 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 an additional impact on our operating costs.

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The real estate business is very 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.

Our operations are subject to natural risks.

Our performance may be adversely affected by weather conditions that delay development or damage property.

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 our stock, its market price may fluctuate significantly more than the stock market as a whole or the stock prices of similar companies. Without a larger float, our common stock will be less liquid than the stock of companies with broader public ownership, and as a result, the trading prices for our common stock may be more volatile. Among other things, trading of a relatively small volume of common stock may have a greater impact on the trading price than would be the case if public float were larger.

Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments
Not applicable.
 
Item 2.  Properties
Our developed lots, developed or under development acreage and undeveloped acreage as of December 31, 2007, are provided in the following table. The undeveloped acreage shown in the table is presented according to anticipated uses for single-family lots, multi-family units and commercial development based upon our understanding of the properties’ existing entitlements. However, there is no assurance that the undeveloped acreage will be so developed because of the nature of the approval and development process and market demand for a particular use. Undeveloped acreage includes raw real estate that can be sold "as is" i.e. no infrastructure or development work has begun on such property. A developed lot is an individual tract of land that has been developed and permitted for residential use. A developed lot may be sold with a home already built on it. As of December 31, 2007, we own only six lots with homes either built or being built on them (the Calera Court homes). 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 necessary permits have been received.

     
Acreage
   
     
Developed or Under Development
 
Undeveloped
   
 
Developed
 
Single
 
Multi-
         
Single
 
Multi-
         
Total
 
Lots
 
Family
 
family
 
Commercial
 
Total
 
Family
 
family
 
Commercial
 
Total
 
Acreage
Austin
                                     
Barton Creek
25
 
642
 
249
 
376
 
1,267
 
391
 
-
 
20
 
411
 
1,678
Lantana
-
 
-
 
-
 
223
 
223
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
223
Circle C
58
 
249
 
-
 
37
 
286
 
-
 
-
 
350
 
350
 
636
Block 21
-
 
-
 
-
 
2
 
2
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
2
Plano
                                     
Deerfield
21
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
San Antonio
                                     
Camino Real
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
2
 
2
 
2
Total
104
 
891
 
249
 
638
 
1,778
 
391
 
-
 
372
 
763
 
2,541
                                       
 
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The following schedule summarizes the estimated development potential of our Austin-area acreage as of December 31, 2007:

   
Single
     
Commercial
   
Family
 
Multi-family
 
Office
 
Retail
   
(lots)
 
(units)
 
(gross square feet)
Barton Creek
 
367
 
1,860
 
1,590,000
 
35,000
Lantana
 
-
 
-
 
1,220,393
 
470,000
Circle C
 
491
 
-
 
787,500
 
372,500
Total
 
858
 
1,860
 
3,597,893
 
877,500
                 

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings
We may from time to time be involved in various legal proceedings of a character normally incident to the ordinary course of our business. We believe that potential liability from any of these pending or threatened proceedings will not 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.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
Not applicable.

Executive Officers of the Registrant
Certain information, as of February 29, 2008, regarding our executive officers is set forth in the following table and accompanying text.

Name
 
Age
 
Position or Office
William H. Armstrong III
 
43
 
Chairman of the Board, President and
       
Chief Executive Officer
         
John E. Baker
 
61
 
Senior Vice President and
       
Chief Financial Officer
         
Kenneth N. Jones
 
48
 
General Counsel and Secretary

Mr. Armstrong has been employed by us since our inception in 1992. He has served as Chairman of the Board since August 1998, Chief Executive Officer since May 1998 and President since August 1996.

Mr. Baker has served as our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since August 2002. He previously served as Senior Vice President – Accounting from May 2001 until August 2002 and as our Vice President – Accounting from August 1996 until May 2001.

Mr. Jones has served as our General Counsel since August 1998 and Secretary since 2000. Mr. Jones is a partner with the law firm of Armbrust & Brown, L.L.P. and he provides legal and business advisory services under a consulting arrangement with his firm.

PART II

Item 5.  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Performance Graph

The following graph compares the change in the cumulative total stockholder return on our common stock with the cumulative total return of the Hemscott Real Estate Development Group and the S&P 500 Stock
 
11

 
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Index from 2003 through 2007. This comparison assumes $100 invested on December 31, 2002 in (a) our common stock, (b) the Hemscott Real Estate Development Group and (c) the S&P 500 Stock Index.

Comparison of Cumulative Total Return*
Stratus Properties Inc., Hemscott Real Estate
Development Group and S&P 500 Stock Index
 
 
 
 
December 31,
 
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
Stratus Properties Inc.
$  100.00
$  109.24
$  174.24
$  253.59
$  347.83
$  368.91
Hemscott Real Estate
           
Development Group
100.00
166.91
290.84
306.54
298.04
193.65
S&P 500 Stock Index
100.00
128.68
142.69
149.70
173.34
182.87
_______________
* Total return assumes reinvestment of dividends.

Our common stock trades on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation (NASDAQ) stock market under the symbol STRS. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the range of high and low sales prices, as reported by NASDAQ.

   
2007
 
2006
 
   
High
 
Low
 
High
 
Low
 
First Quarter
 
$35.00
 
$28.50
 
$24.96
 
$22.10
 
Second Quarter
 
40.73
 
29.96
 
26.98
 
24.01
 
Third Quarter
 
35.92
 
25.91
 
32.94
 
25.65
 
Fourth Quarter
 
36.33
 
27.37
 
33.00
 
25.72
 

 
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As of February 29, 2008, there were 621 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 our common stock. The decision whether or not to pay dividends and in what amounts is solely within the discretion of our Board of Directors. However, our current ability to pay dividends is also restricted by terms of our credit agreement, as discussed in Note 4.

The following table sets forth shares of our common stock that we repurchased during the three-month period ended December 31, 2007.

             
Current Programa
Period
 
Total Shares Purchased
 
Average Price Paid Per Share
 
Shares Purchased
 
Shares Available for Purchase
                   
October 1 to 31, 2007
 
6,236
   
$31.98
 
6,236
 
429,710
November 1 to 30, 2007
 
1,349
   
28.70
 
1,349
 
428,361
December 1 to 31, 2007
 
4,000
   
31.39
 
4,000
 
424,361
Total
 
11,585
   
$31.40
 
11,585
   
                   
a.  
In February 2001, our Board of Directors approved an open market share purchase program for up to 0.7 million shares of our common stock. The program does not have an expiration date. Our loan agreement with Comerica provides a limit of $6.5 million for our common stock repurchases after September 30, 2005. At December 31, 2007, $4.4 million remains available under the Comerica agreement for purchases of our common stock.

 
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Item 6.  Selected Financial Data
The following table sets forth our selected historical financial data for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2007. The historical financial information is derived from our audited financial statements and is not necessarily indicative of our future results. In addition, the historical results have been adjusted to reflect the operations of Escarpment Village and Stratus 7000 West Joint Venture (7000 West) as discontinued operations (see Note 7). You should read the information in the table below together with Items 7. and 7A. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation and Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” and Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
2003
 
   
(In Dollars, Except Average Shares, and In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
 
Years Ended December 31:
                               
Revenues
 
$
27,164
 
$
61,875
 
$
35,194
 
$
17,725
 
$
11,001
 
Operating income (loss)
   
2
   
23,349
   
8,336
   
338
   
(413
)
Interest income
   
849
   
370
   
226
   
70
   
728
 
Equity in unconsolidated affiliates’
                               
income
   
488
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
29
 
Income from continuing operations
   
2,589
   
31,793
   
7,960
   
99
   
17
 
Income from discontinued operations,
                               
net of taxes
   
10,766
a
 
8,495
a, b
 
514
b
 
573
b
 
3
b
Net income applicable to common
                               
stock
   
13,355
   
40,288
   
8,474
   
672
   
20
 
                                 
Basic net income per share:
                               
Continuing operations
 
$
0.34
 
$
4.35
 
$
1.11
 
$
0.01
 
$
-
 
Discontinued operations
   
1.43
a
 
1.16
a, b
 
0.07
b
 
0.08
b
 
-
b
Basic net income per share
 
$
1.77
 
$
5.51
 
$
1.18
 
$
0.09
 
$
-
 
                                 
Diluted net income per share:
                               
Continuing operations
 
$
0.34
 
$
4.15
 
$
1.04
 
$
0.01
 
$
-
 
Discontinued operations
   
1.40
a
 
1.11
a, b
 
0.07
b
 
0.08
b
 
-
b
Diluted net income per share
 
$
1.74
 
$
5.26
 
$
1.11
 
$
0.09
 
$
-
 
                                 
Average shares outstanding
                               
Basic
   
7,554
   
7,306
   
7,209
   
7,196
   
7,124
 
Diluted
   
7,677
   
7,658
   
7,636
   
7,570
   
7,315
 
                                 
At December 31:
                               
Working capital surplus (deficit)
 
$
32,902
 
$
3,230
 
$
(7,198
)
$
(4,111
)
$
(787
)
Property held for sale
   
146,282
   
133,210
   
122,468
   
119,067
   
114,207
 
Property held for use, net
   
24,421
   
18,874
   
9,452
   
9,926
   
9,065
 
Assets from discontinued operations
   
-
   
34,917
a
 
33,956
a, b
 
19,961
a, b
 
13,936
b
Total assets
   
228,357
   
203,950
   
173,886
   
152,861
   
142,430
 
Long-term debt from continuing
                               
operations, including current
                               
portion
   
61,500
   
28,000
   
40,368
   
43,646
   
35,599
 
Long-term debt, from discontinued
                               
operations, including current portion
   
-
   
22,675
a
 
21,731
a, b
 
12,001
a, b
 
11,940
b
Stockholders’ equity
   
152,400
   
133,946
   
94,167
   
88,196
   
86,821
 

a.  
Relates to the operations, assets and liabilities of Escarpment Village, which we sold in October 2007 (see Note 7).
b.  
Relates to the operations, assets and liabilities of 7000 West, which we sold in March 2006 (see Note 7).


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Items 7. and 7A.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operation and Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

OVERVIEW

In management’s discussion and analysis “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Stratus Properties Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. You should read the following discussion in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related discussion of “Business,” “Risk Factors” and “Properties” included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. The results of operations reported and summarized below are not necessarily indicative of our future operating results. All subsequent references to Notes refer to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements located in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

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

Our principal real estate holdings are currently in southwest Austin, Texas. As of December 31, 2007, our most significant holding is the 1,678 acres of residential, multi-family and commercial property and 25 developed residential estate lots located within the Barton Creek community. We also own approximately 350 acres of undeveloped commercial property and approximately 37 acres of commercial property under development within the Circle C Ranch (Circle C) community. Our other properties in the Circle C community include Meridian, which is an 800-lot residential development. At December 31, 2007, Meridian consisted of approximately 249 acres under development and 58 developed residential lots. Our remaining Austin holdings at December 31, 2007, consisted of 223 acres of commercial property and two 75,000-square-foot office buildings, one of which is 90 percent leased and the other of which is approximately 94 percent leased, at 7500 Rialto Boulevard located within Lantana.

In January 2004, we acquired approximately 68 acres of land in Plano, Texas, which we refer to as Deerfield. At December 31, 2007, our Deerfield property consisted of the final 21 developed residential lots, which were sold in January 2008. We also own two acres of undeveloped commercial property in San Antonio, Texas.

In November 2005, we formed a joint venture partnership with Trammell Crow Central Texas Development, Inc. (Trammell Crow) to acquire an approximate 74-acre tract at the intersection of Airport Boulevard and Lamar Boulevard in Austin, Texas for $7.7 million. The property, known as Crestview Station, is a single-family, multi-family, retail and office development. With Trammell Crow, we have completed brown field remediation and permitting of the property and are now proceeding with infrastructure development.

In December 2006, we acquired a city block in downtown Austin for $15.1 million. The project, known as Block 21, is planned for a mixture of hotel, residential, retail, office and entertainment uses on approximately two acres. We have executed agreements with Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. for the development of a W Hotel and Residences on the site. On May 8, 2007, we announced our partnership with Canyon-Johnson Urban Fund II, L.P., a joint venture between the Los Angeles-based Canyon Capital Realty Advisors and Earvin "Magic" Johnson, for the development of Block 21. We have begun the permitting process with the City of Austin (the City) and the grand opening for the onsite sales center was held in conjunction with the groundbreaking ceremony in October 2007.

In 2006, we sold our two 70,000-square-foot office buildings at 7000 West William Cannon Drive (7000 West), known as the Lantana Corporate Center for $22.3 million. On October 12, 2007, we sold Escarpment Village, which is a 168,000 square-foot retail center anchored by a grocery store in the Circle C community, for $46.5 million, before closing costs and other adjustments. Accordingly, we have reported 7000 West’s and Escarpment Village’s assets, liabilities and results of operations as discontinued operations (see “Discontinued Operations” and Note 7).

 
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Real Estate Market Conditions
Factors that significantly affect United States real estate market conditions include interest rate levels and the availability of financing, the supply of product (i.e. developed and/or undeveloped land, depending on buyers’ needs) and current and anticipated future economic conditions. These market conditions historically move in periodic cycles, and can be volatile in specific regions. Because of the concentration of our assets primarily in the Austin, Texas area, market conditions in this region significantly affect our business.

In addition to the traditional influence of state and federal government employment levels on the local economy, in recent years the Austin area has experienced significant growth in the technology sector. The Austin-area population increased approximately 48 percent between 1989 and 1999, largely due to an influx of technology companies and related businesses. Average income levels in Austin also increased significantly during this period, rising by 62 percent. The booming economy resulted in rising demands for residential housing, commercial office space and retail services. Between 1989 and 1999, sales tax receipts in Austin rose by 126 percent, an indication of the dramatic increase in business activity during the period. The increases in population, income levels and sales tax revenues have been less dramatic over the last few years.

The following chart compares Austin’s five-county metro area population and median family income for 1989 and 1999 and the most current information available for 2006 and 2007, based on U.S. Census Bureau data and City of Austin data.



 
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Based on the City of Austin’s fiscal year of October 1st through September 30th, the chart below compares Austin’s sales tax revenues for 1989, 1999 and 2006.


 
a.  Source: Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the City of Austin, Texas.

Real estate development in southwest Austin historically has been constrained as a result of various restrictions imposed by the City of Austin (the City). Several special interest groups have also traditionally opposed development in that area, where most of our property is located. From 2001 through 2004, a downturn in the technology sector negatively affected the Austin real estate market, especially the high-end residential and commercial leasing markets; however, beginning in 2005, market conditions have improved. The December 31, 2006 and 2007 vacancy percentages for various types of developed properties in Austin are noted below.

   
December 31,
   
2006
 
2007
Building Type
 
Vacancy Factor
Industrial Buildings
 
12% a
 
  6% a
Office Buildings (Class A)
 
13% b
 
14% a
Multi-Family Buildings
 
  7% a
 
  6% a
Retail Buildings
 
  7% c
 
  7% a

a.  
Texas A&M University Real Estate Center: Texas Market News
b.  
CB Richard Ellis:  Austin Office MarketView
c.  
NAI Global Commercial Real Estate Services


 
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BUSINESS STRATEGY

Our financial condition and results of operations are highly dependent upon market conditions in Austin. Our future operating cash flows and, ultimately, our ability to develop our properties and expand our business will be largely dependent on the level of our real estate sales. In turn, these sales will be significantly affected by future real estate market conditions in Austin, Texas, development costs, interest rate levels and regulatory issues including our land use and development entitlements. From 2001 through 2004, a downturn in the technology sector negatively affected the Austin real estate market, especially the high-end residential and commercial leasing markets; however, beginning in 2005, market conditions have improved. In the fourth quarter of 2007, the real estate market in the United States began to show signs of weakness, as credit markets became unpredictable and mixed views developed regarding the economy. Our future performance may in part be dependent upon the credit markets settling and the underlying strength of the U.S. economy.

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

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

As previously announced, we were exploring strategic alternatives for enhancing shareholder value, including a possible sale of the company. We retained JPMorgan as our financial advisor to assist in this process. We have terminated the process of exploring the possible sale of the company but expect to continue to review various alternatives to enhance shareholder value.

DEVELOPMENT AND OTHER ACTIVITIES

Block 21.  In April 2005, the City selected our proposal to develop a mixed-use project in downtown Austin immediately north of the new City Hall complex. The project includes an entire city block and is planned for a mixture of hotel, residential, retail, office and entertainment uses. In December 2006, we acquired the property for $15.1 million. We have executed agreements with Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. for the development of a W Hotel and Residences on the site. On May 8, 2007, we announced our partnership with Canyon-Johnson Urban Fund II, L.P., a joint venture between the Los Angeles-based Canyon Capital Realty Advisors and Earvin "Magic" Johnson, for the development of Block 21. We have begun the permitting process with the City and the grand opening for the onsite sales center was held in conjunction with the groundbreaking ceremony in October 2007.

Lantana.  Lantana is a partially developed, mixed-use project with remaining entitlements for approximately 1.0 million square feet of office and retail use on 223 acres as of December 31, 2007. Regional utility and road infrastructure is in place with capacity to serve Lantana at full build-out permitted under our existing entitlements.

In September 2006, we completed a second 75,000-square-foot office building at 7500 Rialto Boulevard in response to increased demand for office space within Lantana. As of December 31, 2007, we had leased approximately 94 percent of the space at the second office building and the original office building is 90 percent leased.

Barton Creek Community.  In 2002, we secured subdivision plat approval for a new residential subdivision called Calera, which consists of 155 lots. At December 31, 2007, our remaining unsold developed lots within the Barton Creek Community included:  Calera Drive – 8 lots, Amarra – 7 lots, Calera Court – 6 lots, Wimberly Lane Phase II – 2 lots and Mirador – 2 lots.

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In 2004, we entered into a contract with a national homebuilder to sell 41 lots within the Wimberly Lane Phase II subdivision in the Barton Creek community. The homebuilder paid us a non-refundable $0.6 million deposit for the right to purchase the 41 lots. The deposit was used to pay ongoing development costs of the lots. The deposit will be applied against subsequent purchases of lots by the homebuilder after certain thresholds are achieved and will be recognized as income as lots are sold. The lots are being sold on a scheduled takedown basis, with the initial six lots sold in December 2004 following completion of subdivision utilities. The average purchase price for each of the 41 lots is $150,400, subject to a six percent annual escalator commencing in December 2004. As of December 31, 2007, the final two remaining lots are on schedule for sale in the first half of 2008.

During 2004, we began construction of courtyard homes at Calera Court, the initial phase of the Calera subdivision, which will include 16 homesites on 16 acres. The second phase of Calera, Calera Drive, consisting of 53 single-family lots, many of which adjoin Fazio Canyons Golf Course, received final plat and construction permit approval in 2005. In the third quarter of 2005, development of these lots was completed and the initial lots were sold. As of December 31, 2007, only eight lots remained unsold at Calera Drive. Development of the final phase, known as Verano Drive, will include 71 single-family lots. Construction of the final phase of Calera began in the first quarter of 2007 and was completed in early 2008.

In the second quarter of 2007, we completed the first phase of the Barton Creek Village. The first phase includes a 22,000-square-foot retail building. In July 2007, we began construction of a 3,300-square-foot bank building within this retail complex, and it was completed in early 2008. Construction of the second retail building will begin by the second half of 2008.

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

In 2006, we signed another contract with a national homebuilder for 42 additional lots. Development of those lots commenced in April 2007 and substantial completion is expected in the first quarter of 2008. Development of the final phase of Meridian, which consists of 57 one-acre lots, is expected to commence in 2008.

We estimate our sales from the first three phases of Meridian will total at least 30 lots for $2.0 million during the first quarter of 2008.

Deerfield.  In January 2004, we acquired the Deerfield property in Plano, Texas, for $7.0 million. The property was zoned and subject to a preliminary subdivision plan for 234 residential lots. We executed agreements with a national homebuilder, whereby the homebuilder paid us $1.4 million for an option to purchase all 234 lots over 36 monthly take-downs. The net purchase price for each of the 234 lots was $61,500, subject to certain terms and conditions. The $1.4 million non-refundable option payment was applied against subsequent purchases of lots by the homebuilder after certain thresholds were achieved and was recognized by us as income as lots were sold. In October 2005, we executed a revised agreement with the homebuilder, increasing the lot sizes and average purchase price to $67,150 based on a new total of 224 lots. In January 2008, we sold the final 21 lots for $1.4 million.


 
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Crestview Station.  In November 2005, we formed a joint venture with Trammell Crow to acquire an approximate 74-acre tract at the intersection of Airport Boulevard and Lamar Boulevard in Austin, Texas, for $7.7 million. The property, known as Crestview Station, is a single-family, multi-family, retail and office development, which is located on the commuter rail line approved by City of Austin voters. With Trammell Crow, we have completed brown field environmental remediation and permitting of the property and are now proceeding with infrastructure development. In September 2007, the State of Texas certified that the remediation was complete. At December 31, 2007, our investment in the Crestview Station project totaled $4.2 million and the joint venture partnership had $2.6 million of outstanding debt, of which each joint venture partner guarantees $1.3 million.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

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

Summary operating results follow (in thousands):

 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Revenues:
                 
Real estate operations
$
24,083
 
$
60,213
 
$
33,841
 
Commercial leasing
 
3,081
   
1,662
   
1,353
 
Total revenues
$
27,164
 
$
61,875
 
$
35,194
 
                   
Operating income
$
2
 
$
23,349
 
$
8,336
 
                   
(Provision for) benefit from income taxes
$
(1,670
)
$
8,344
 
$
(73
)
                   

Income from continuing operations
$
2,589
 
$
31,793
 
$
7,960
 
Income from discontinued operations
 
10,766
a
 
8,495
b
 
514
 
Net income
$
13,355
 
$
40,288
 
$
8,474
 
                   
a.  
Includes a gain on sale of Escarpment Village $11.0 million, net of taxes of $5.1 million.
b.  
Includes a gain on sale of 7000 West of $8.3 million, net of taxes of $1.5 million.

Our deferred tax assets at December 31, 2005, totaled $19.5 million and we had provided a 100 percent valuation allowance because realization of the deferred tax assets was not considered likely. Realization of our deferred tax assets is dependent on generating sufficient taxable income within the carryforward period available under tax law. In 2006, we sold 7000 West (see Note 7) and 58 acres at our Lantana property. These transactions generated pre-tax income of approximately $26 million and, along with our current homebuilder contract arrangements and projected levels of future sales, provide sufficient evidence that we will more likely than not be able to realize the majority of our deferred tax assets. As a result, income from continuing operations for 2006 included an $8.3 million tax benefit, $1.14 per basic share and $1.09 per diluted share, resulting from the reversal of a portion of our deferred tax asset valuation allowance.

We have two operating segments, “Real Estate Operations” and “Commercial Leasing” (see Note 9). The following is a discussion of our operating results by segment.
 
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Real Estate Operations
Summary real estate operating results follow (in thousands):

 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Revenues:
                 
Developed property sales
$
21,388
 
$
33,459
 
$
25,453
 
Undeveloped property sales
 
1,082
   
24,929
   
7,550
 
Commissions, management fees and other
 
1,613
   
1,825
   
838
 
Total revenues
 
24,083
   
60,213
   
33,841
 
                   
Cost of sales, including depreciation
 
(15,754
)
 
(29,223
)
 
(19,770
)
General and administrative expenses
 
(6,119
)
 
(6,280
)
 
(4,346
)
                   
Operating income
$
2,210
 
$
24,710
 
$
9,725
 
                   

Developed Property Sales. Property sales for the last three years follow (revenues in thousands):

 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
 
Lots
 
Revenues
 
Lots
 
Revenues
 
Lots
 
Revenues
 
Residential Properties:
                       
Barton Creek
                       
Calera Drive
2
 
$   809
 
24
 
$10,363
 
19
 
$7,101
 
Calera Court Courtyard Homes
2
 
1,307
 
5
 
2,922
 
2
 
945
 
Mirador Estate
3
 
2,334
 
7
 
3,791
 
7
 
3,912
 
Wimberly Lane Phase II
                       
Standard Homebuilder
12
 
2,114
 
11
 
1,804
 
10
 
1,564
 
Estate
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
6
 
1,851
 
Escala Drive Estate
-
 
-
 
1
 
695
 
9
 
4,882
 
Amarra Drive Phase I
1
 
1,250
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
                         
Circle C
                       
Meridian
138
 
8,898
 
166
 
9,881
 
14
 
949
 
                         
Deerfield
70
 
4,676
 
60
 
4,003
 
68
 
4,249
 
Total Residential
228
 
$21,388
 
274
 
$33,459
 
135
 
$25,453
 
                         

Undeveloped Property Sales. During 2007, we sold a five-acre tract at Circle C for $1.1 million.

During 2006, we sold a 7.5-acre tract in the Barton Creek community for $1.5 million, a 58-acre tract at Lantana to AMD for $21.2 million of which $0.5 million represented a reimbursement of certain costs which we recorded as a reduction of cost of sales and an approximate 29-acre tract in Circle C for $2.7 million.

During 2005, we sold a 38-acre tract within the Barton Creek Community for $5.0 million and a 42-acre tract within the Circle C community for $2.6 million.

Commissions, Management Fees and Other.  Commissions, management fees and other revenues totaled $1.6 million in 2007, compared to $1.8 million in 2006, and included sales of our development fee credits to third parties totaling $0.8 million in 2007 and $1.3 million in 2006. We received these development fee credits as part of the Circle C settlement (see Note 8).

Commissions, management fees and other revenues totaled $1.8 million in 2006, compared to $0.8 million in 2005, and included sales of our development fee credits to third parties totaling $1.3 million in 2006 and $0.5 million in 2005.


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Cost of Sales.  Cost of sales totaled $15.8 million in 2007 and $29.2 million in 2006. Cost of sales for 2007 included reductions totaling $1.7 million for Barton Creek Municipal Utility District (MUD) reimbursements. Cost of sales for 2007 also decreased compared to 2006 primarily because of a decrease in developed property sales in 2007. Cost of sales increased to $29.2 million in 2006 from $19.8 million in 2005, primarily because of increases in lot sales and other land sales in 2006.
 
Commercial Leasing
Our commercial leasing operating results primarily reflect the activities at 7500 Rialto Boulevard. As of December 31, 2007, the original office building was 90 percent leased and the second building, which was completed in September 2006, was approximately 94 percent leased. Rental income increased in 2007 compared to 2006 primarily because of the increase in occupancy of the second office building during 2007; whereas, the second building was only 50 percent leased as of December 31, 2006. Rental income increased in 2006 compared to 2005 because of the completion and partial occupancy of the second office building during the second half of 2006. Summary commercial leasing operating results follow (in thousands):

 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Rental income
$
3,081
 
$
1,662
 
$
1,353
 
Rental property costs
 
(3,264
)
 
(1,718
)
 
(1,456
)
Depreciation
 
(1,115
)
 
(725
)
 
(613
)
General and administrative expenses
 
(910
)
 
(580
)
 
(673
)
Operating loss
$
(2,208
)
$
(1,361
)
$
(1,389
)
                   
Other Financial Results
General and administrative expenses increased to $7.0 million in 2007 from $6.9 million in 2006, primarily because of higher compensation costs. On January 1, 2006, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” or “SFAS No. 123R.” Stock-based compensation costs charged to general and administrative expenses totaled $0.9 million in 2007, $0.8 million in 2006 and $0.3 million in 2005.

General and administrative expenses totaled $6.9 million in 2006 and $5.0 million in 2005. The increase in 2006 compared to 2005 primarily relates to higher compensation costs, including stock-based compensation costs.

Non-Operating Results
In connection with the sale of an oil and gas property in 1993, we indemnified the purchaser for any abandonment costs in excess of cumulative net revenues received. The property was subsequently sold to other parties, most recently in 2007. After assessing available information concerning the terms of the 2007 sale and the new purchaser’s future plans for the property, we concluded that our obligation to the seller still exists and did not transfer to the new purchaser. Additionally, we concluded that the new purchaser’s assumption of all abandonment obligations, along with its significant financial investment and expanded development plans for the property, make the likelihood of our being required to satisfy this contingent abandonment obligation remote. As a result, we reversed our $3.0 million reserve and recorded the same amount as other income in 2007.

Interest expense, net of capitalized interest, totaled $0.1 million in 2007, $0.3 million in 2006 and $0.5 million in 2005 (see Note 4). Capitalized interest totaled $2.8 million in 2007, $2.0 million in 2006 and $3.3 million in 2005. The decrease in net interest expense in 2007 is related to the financing for Escarpment Village project which is included in discontinued operations.

Interest income totaled $0.8 million in 2007, $0.4 million in 2006 and $0.2 million in 2005. Interest income included interest on Barton Creek Municipal Utility District (MUD) reimbursements totaling $0.5 million in 2007 and $0.1 million in each of 2006 and 2005.


 
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DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

On October 12, 2007, we sold the Escarpment Village shopping center, located in Austin, Texas, to Lake Villa, L.L.C. (the Purchaser) for $46.5 million, before closing costs and other adjustments. The Purchaser paid $23.0 million in cash at closing and assumed the $22.4 million principal balance remaining under our loan from Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIAA). We used a portion of the net proceeds from the sale to pay the outstanding balance on the $45.0 million Comerica revolving credit facility and will use the remainder of the net proceeds for general corporate purposes. We recorded a gain of $16.1 million ($11.0 million net of taxes or $1.46 per basic share and $1.43 per diluted share) on the sale.

Upon completion of the sale of Escarpment Village, we ceased all involvement with the Escarpment Village shopping center. The results of operations, assets and liabilities of Escarpment Village, which have been classified as discontinued operations in our consolidated financial statements, previously represented a component of our commercial leasing segment. We earned rental income from Escarpment Village totaling $2.8 million in 2007 and $2.1 million in 2006.

On March 27, 2006, we sold our two 70,000-square-foot office buildings at 7000 West, known as the Lantana Corporate Center, to CarrAmerica Lantana, LP (CarrAmerica) for $22.3 million, resulting in a gain of $9.8 million ($8.3 million net of taxes or $1.13 per basic share and $1.08 per diluted share). CarrAmerica paid us $10.6 million cash at closing and assumed the $11.7 million principal balance remaining under our 7000 West project loan.

Upon completion of the sale of 7000 West, we ceased all involvement with the 7000 West office buildings. The operations, assets and liabilities of 7000 West represented a component of our commercial leasing segment. We earned rental income of $1.1 million in 2006 and $3.6 million in 2005 from the two fully leased office buildings at 7000 West.

Income from discontinued operations totaled $10.8 million, including an $11.0 million gain net of taxes on the Escarpment Village sale, in 2007, and $8.5 million, including a $7.3 million gain net of taxes on the 7000 West sale in 2006.

CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY

Comparison Of Year-To-Year Cash Flows
Operating activities provided cash of $25.7 million in 2007, $44.3 million in 2006 and $37.4 million in 2005, including cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations totaling $10.3 million in 2007, $(5.3) million in 2006 and $3.2 million in 2005. Compared to 2006, operating cash flows in 2007 improved primarily because of the sale of Escarpment Village. Compared to 2005, operating cash flows in 2006 improved primarily because of the increase in sales activities.

Cash used in investing activities totaled $22.9 million in 2007, including $10.9 million provided by discontinued operations (see “Discontinued Operations” and Note 7). Cash used in investing activities totaled $41.9 million in 2006 including $2.5 million of cash provided by discontinued operations. Cash used in investing activities totaled $39.3 million in 2005, including $14.7 million used in discontinued operations. In December 2006, we acquired approximately two acres comprising a city block in downtown Austin, Texas, for $15.1 million. Other real estate development expenditures for 2007 and 2006 included development costs for properties in the Barton Creek, Lantana and Circle C communities. Expenditures for commercial leasing properties for 2007 primarily related to the first retail building at Barton Creek Village. Commercial leasing expenditures for 2006 primarily related to the second building at 7500 Rialto Boulevard, which was completed in September 2006. In 2005, development of our commercial leasing properties included the completion of certain tenant improvements to our 7500 Rialto Boulevard office building. Expenditures were partly offset by MUD reimbursements of $2.6 million in 2007, $1.3 million in 2006 and $4.6 million in 2005.


 
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Our financing activities in 2007 include $15.0 million of borrowings under our unsecured term loans, $21.5 million of borrowings under the new Lantana promissory note and $3.0 million of net repayments on our revolving line of credit. In 2007, we also used $1.5 million to repurchase shares of our common stock on the open market. During 2006, our financing activities included net repayments of $12.7 million on our revolving line of credit and net repayments of $14.4 million on our project construction loans. In December 2006, we entered into two separate new loan agreements with First American Asset Management (FAAM) to borrow $15.0 million to fund the purchase of the land being used in connection with our Block 21 project. Financing activities provided cash of $3.4 million in 2005, including net cash provided by discontinued operations totaling $9.7 million. During 2005, our financing activities reflected $4.7 million of net payments under our revolving line of credit and $1.4 million of net borrowings from our project construction loans. See “Credit Facility and Other Financing Arrangements” below for a discussion of our outstanding debt at December 31, 2007.

In 2001, our Board of Directors approved an open market share purchase program for up to 0.7 million shares of our common stock. During 2007, we purchased 45,449 shares for $1.5 million, a $31.97 per share average. During the first quarter of 2008 through March 10, 2008, we purchased 8,575 shares for $0.3 million, a $29.37 per share average. As of March 10, 2008, a total of 415,786 shares remain available under this program. Our loan agreement with Comerica provides a limit of $6.5 million for common stock purchases after September 30, 2005 of which $4.2 million is currently available. The timing of future purchases of our common stock is dependent on many factors including the price of our common shares, our cash flows and financial position, and general economic and market conditions.

The following table summarizes our contractual cash obligations as of December 31, 2007 (in thousands):

 
2008
 
2009
 
2010
 
2011
 
2012
 
Thereafter
 
Total
Debt
$
242
 
$
279
 
$
297
 
$
40,315
 
$
334
 
$
20,033
 
$
61,500
Construction contracts
 
11,674
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
11,674
Operating lease
 
154
   
38
   
5
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
197
Total
$
12,070
 
$
317
 
$
302
 
$
40,315
 
$
334
 
$
20,033
 
$
73,371
                                         
We had commitments under noncancelable open contracts totaling $11.7 million at December 31, 2007. These commitments include the following contracts that we entered into in 2007:

         
Thirteen contracts totaling $3.9 million for infrastructure work in connection with new residential subdivisions at Barton Creek with a remaining balance of $0.3 million at December 31, 2007;
         
A $2.5 million contract for the construction of a 20,000 square-foot retail center at Circle C with a remaining balance of $1.1 million at December 31, 2007;
         
Three contracts totaling $1.3 million for the final three condominium units at Calera Court in Barton Creek with the entire balance remaining at December 31, 2007;
         
A $3.8 million contract for infrastructure work in connection with new residential subdivisions at Meridian in Circle C with a remaining balance of $1.2 million at December 31, 2007; and
         
$14.3 million in contracts in connection with architectural, design and engineering work for Block 21 with a remaining balance of $7.6 million at December 31, 2007.

In addition to the contracts noted above, we also had $0.1 million of outstanding commitments at December 31, 2007, on other ongoing Lantana, Meridian and Barton Creek development contracts.

In early 2008, we entered into additional contracts for $2.7 million for infrastructure work associated with new residential subdivisions at Barton Creek and an additional $0.7 million in contracts related to Block 21.

For a further discussion of our debt obligations, see “Credit Facility and Other Financing Arrangements” below.

Credit Facility and Other Financing Arrangements
A summary of our outstanding borrowings (in thousands) and a discussion of our financing arrangements follow.

 
December 31,
 
 
2007
 
2006
 
Unsecured term loans
$
40,000
 
$
25,000
 
Lantana Promissory Note
 
21,500
   
-
 
TIAA mortage
 
-
   
22,675
a
Comerica revolving credit facility
 
-
   
3,000
 
Total debt
$
61,500
 
$
50,675
 
             
a. 
Assumed by purchaser of Escarpment Village.

Credit Facility.  We established a banking relationship with Comerica in 1999 that has substantially enhanced our financial flexibility. In September 2005, we replaced our $30.0 million credit facility with a $45.0 million Comerica revolving credit facility, which sets limitations on liens and transactions with affiliates and requires that certain financial ratios be maintained. The facility allows us to purchase up to $6.5 million of our outstanding common stock after September 30, 2005. In May 2006, we entered into a modification and extension agreement to extend the maturity and decrease the interest rate on the Comerica revolving credit facility. In May 2007, we entered into another modification and extension agreement to extend the maturity and further decrease the interest rate on the revolving credit facility. The $45.0 million facility, of which $3.0 million is provided for our Calera Court project, matures on May 30, 2009. Interest on the facility now accrues, at our option, at Comerica’s rate minus 1.10 percent or London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 1.65 percent, subject to a minimum annual rate of 5.0 percent. Security for obligations outstanding under the facility includes our properties within the Barton Creek community and certain of our properties within Lantana and the Circle C community. At December 31, 2007, no amounts were outstanding under the revolving credit facility.

Unsecured Term Loans.  We have $40.0 million of borrowings outstanding under seven unsecured term loans with First American Asset Management (FAAM), including two $5.0 million loans, two $8.0 million loans, a $7.0 million loan and two $3.5 million loans, all of which will mature in December 2011.

In December 2006, we amended our two unsecured $5.0 million term loans with FAAM. The amended agreements extend the maturities of both loans and decrease the annual interest rates on both loans to 6.56 percent.

In December 2006, we also entered into two separate new loan agreements with FAAM to borrow an additional $15.0 million to purchase the land being used in connection with our Block 21 project. Amounts borrowed under both loans bear interest at an annual rate of 6.56 percent.

In June 2007, we entered into three separate loan agreements with FAAM. Pursuant to the loan agreements, additional borrowings totaled $15.0 million, $10.6 million of which was used to pay down the outstanding amounts under our revolving credit facility with Comerica, and the remainder was used for operations, capital expenditures and other development costs, including Block 21.

The loan agreements contain customary financial covenants and other restrictions. The loans may be prepaid subject to certain reinvestment charges as further described in the related promissory notes. The annual interest rate under the loan agreements is 6.915 percent. Repayments under the loan agreements can be accelerated upon the occurrence of certain customary events of default.

Lantana Promissory Note.  On December 14, 2007, our wholly owned subsidiary, Lantana Office Properties I, L.P., (“Lantana”), signed a promissory note to The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company. Under the terms of the note, Lantana borrowed $21.5 million, which will be used for development costs and general corporate purposes. The note matures on January 1, 2018. The note contains customary financial covenants and other restrictions. The note bears interest at a rate of 5.99 percent per year.

Prepayment of the note is prohibited prior to February 1, 2010. Prepayment of the note in whole, subsequent to February 1, 2010, is subject to a prepayment premium of the greater of (1) one percent of the outstanding principal balance of the note on the prepayment date or (2) the result of the sum of the present values of the remaining payments due from the prepayment date through the maturity date minus the outstanding principal balance of the note as of the prepayment date. Prepayment of the note in part is
 
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prohibited. Repayments under the note can be accelerated by the lender upon the occurrence of certain customary events of default.  Lantana’s obligations under the note are secured by a first lien on real property and improvements and an assignment of rents and present and future leases related to the office buildings at 7500 Rialto Boulevard.

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 United States of America. The preparation of these 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 to our consolidated financial statements under the heading “Use of Estimates.” We believe that our most critical accounting policies relate to our valuation of investment real estate and commercial leasing assets, our allocation of indirect costs, revenue recognition and valuation allowances for 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.

·       Investment in 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 and includes acreage, development, construction and carrying costs and other related costs through the development stage. Commercial leasing assets, which are held for use, are stated at cost. When events or circumstances indicate than an asset’s carrying amount may not be recoverable, an impairment test is performed in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” For properties held for sale, if estimated fair value less costs to sell is less than the related carrying amount, then a reduction of the assets carrying value to fair value less costs to sell is required. For properties held for use, 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 the 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.

Our expected future cash flows are affected by many factors including:
·  
   The economic condition of the Austin, Texas, market;
·  
        The performance of the real estate industry in the markets where our properties are located;
·  
        Our financial condition, which may influence our ability to develop our real estate; and
·  
        Governmental regulations.

Because any one of these factors could substantially affect our estimate of future cash flows, this is a critical accounting policy because these estimates could result in us either recording or not recording an impairment loss based on different assumptions. Impairment losses are generally substantial charges. We have not recorded any such impairment charges since recording a $115 million charge in 1994. Any impairment charge would more likely than not have a material effect on our results of operations.

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 our development plans. If our estimates of future cash flows from our properties differ from expectations, then our financial and liquidity position may be compromised, which could result in our default under certain debt instruments or result in our suspending some or all of our development activities.

·       Allocation of Overhead Costs.  We periodically capitalize a portion of our overhead costs and also allocate a portion of these overhead costs to cost of sales based on the activities of our employees that are directly engaged in these activities. In order to accomplish this procedure, we periodically evaluate our “corporate” personnel activities to see what, if any, time is associated with activities that would normally be
 
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Table of Contents
 
capitalized or considered part of cost of sales. After determining the appropriate aggregate allocation rates, we apply these factors to our overhead costs to determine the appropriate allocations. This is a critical accounting policy because it affects our net results of operations for that portion which is capitalized. In accordance with paragraph 7 of SFAS No. 67, “Accounting for Costs and Initial Rental Operations of Real Estate Projects,” we only capitalize direct and 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 our 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 manager and subordinates). We charge to expense indirect costs that do not clearly relate to a real estate project such as salaries and allocated expenses related to the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.

We recognize our rental income based on the terms of our signed leases with tenants on a straight-line basis. We recognize sales commissions and management and development fees when earned, as lots or acreage are sold or when the services are performed.

·     Deferred Tax Assets.  Our deferred tax assets at December 31, 2005, totaled $19.5 million primarily from net operating loss credit carryforwards, and we had provided a 100 percent valuation allowance because realization of the deferred tax assets was not considered likely (see Note 5). In 2006, we sold 7000 West (see Note 7) and 58 acres at our Lantana property. These transactions generated pre-tax income of $25.6 million and along with our current homebuilder contract arrangements and projected levels of future sales provide sufficient evidence that we now believe it is more likely than not that we will be able to realize the majority of our deferred tax assets. At December 31, 2007, our net deferred tax assets totaled $6.9 million, net of $0.2 million valuation allowance. Realization of our deferred tax assets is dependent on generating sufficient taxable income within the carryforward period available under tax law. Should actual results differ materially from our estimates, we may need to reinstate a valuation allowance, which could materially impact our results of operations and financial position in future periods.

DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS

We derive our revenues from the management, development and sale of our real estate holdings and rental of our office properties. Our results of operations can vary significantly with fluctuations in the market prices of real estate, which are influenced by numerous factors, including interest rate levels. Changes in interest rates also affect interest expense on our debt. At the present time, we do not hedge our exposure to changes in interest rates. At December 31, 2007, $40.0 million of our total outstanding debt of $61.5 million bears interest at variable rates. A change of 100 basis points in annual interest rates for this variable-rate debt would have an approximate $0.4 million impact on annual interest costs.

ENVIRONMENTAL

Increasing emphasis on environmental matters is likely to result in additional costs. Our future operations may require substantial capital expenditures, which could adversely affect the development of our properties and results of operations. Additional costs will be charged against our operations in future periods when such costs can be reasonably estimated. We cannot at this time accurately predict the costs associated with future environmental obligations. See “Risk Factors.”

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes.  On January 1, 2007, we adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes,” (FIN 48), which prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. We did not recognize a change to our unrecognized tax benefits as a result of the implementation of FIN 48. The adoption of FIN 48 had no impact on our financial statements. We had no unrecognized tax benefits as of January 1, 2007 or December 31, 2007.

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Fair Value Measurements.  In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” which provides enhanced guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 157 does not require any new fair value measurements under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP); rather this statement establishes a common definition of fair value, provides a framework for measuring fair value under U.S. GAAP and expands disclosure requirements about fair value measurements. On February 12, 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 157-2, which delays the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for nonfinancial assets or liabilities that are not required or permitted to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, and interim periods within those years. We are currently evaluating the impact, if any, the adoption of SFAS No. 157 will have on our financial reporting and disclosures.

Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Liabilities.  In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Liabilities – Including an amendment of FASB No. 115,” which permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We do not believe that the adoption of SFAS No. 159 will have a material impact on our financial reporting and disclosures.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation and Disclosures about Market Risks contains forward-looking statements regarding future reimbursements for infrastructure costs, future events related to financing and regulatory matters, the expected results of our business strategy, and other plans and objectives of management for future operations and activities. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations include economic and business conditions, business opportunities that may be presented to and pursued by us, changes in laws or regulations and other factors, many of which are beyond our control, and other factors that are described in more detail under “Risk Factors” located in Item 1 of this Form 10-K.

 
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Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS OF STRATUS PROPERTIES INC.:

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(1) present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Stratus Properties Inc. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(2) presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007 based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedule, 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 opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedule, and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated 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 audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. 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 audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for share-based compensation in 2006.

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 (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) 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 (iii) 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.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Austin, Texas
March 14, 2008

 
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MANAGEMENT’S 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. 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 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.

Our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, assessed the effectiveness of our 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, our management used the criteria set forth in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on our management’s assessment, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2007, our Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective based on the COSO criteria.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has issued their audit report on our management’s assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, as stated in their report dated March 14, 2008, which is included herein.

/s/ William H. Armstrong III
/s/ John E. Baker
William H. Armstrong III
John E. Baker
Chairman of the Board, President
Senior Vice President
and Chief Executive Officer
and Chief Financial Officer
   



 
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STRATUS PROPERTIES INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In Thousands, Except Par Value)

 
December 31,
 
 
2007
 
2006
 
ASSETS
           
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash of
           
$112 and $116, respectively
$
40,985
 
$
1,736
 
Accounts receivable
 
2,315
   
839
 
Notes receivable from property sales
 
311
   
26
 
Deposits, prepaid expenses and other
 
79
   
56
 
Deferred tax asset
 
1,401
   
1,144
 
Discontinued operations (Note 7)
 
-
   
34,917
 
Total current assets
 
45,091
   
38,718
 
Real estate, commercial leasing assets and facilities, net:
           
Property held for sale – developed or under development
 
129,759
   
116,865
 
Property held for sale – undeveloped
 
16,523
   
16,345
 
Property held for use, net
 
24,421
   
18,874
 
Investment in unconsolidated affiliate
 
4,226
   
3,800
 
Deferred tax asset
 
5,534
   
7,105
 
Other assets
 
2,803
   
2,243
 
Total assets
$
228,357
 
$
203,950
 
             
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
           
Current liabilities:
           
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
$
6,324
 
$
5,676
 
Accrued interest, property taxes and other
 
5,623
   
5,134
 
Current portion of long-term debt
 
242
   
-
 
Discontinued operations (Note 7)
 
-
   
24,678
 
Total current liabilities
 
12,189
   
35,488
 
Long-term debt (Note 4)
 
61,258
   
28,000
 
Other liabilities
 
2,510
   
6,516
 
Total liabilities
 
75,957
   
70,004
 
             
Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)
           
             
Stockholders’ equity:
           
Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, 50,000 shares authorized
           
and unissued
 
-
   
-
 
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 150,000 shares authorized,
           
8,128 and 8,057 shares issued, respectively and
           
7,542 and 7,531 shares outstanding, respectively
 
81
   
81
 
Capital in excess of par value of common stock
 
195,898
   
188,873
 
Accumulated deficit
 
(29,300
)
 
(42,655
)
Common stock held in treasury, 586 shares and 526 shares,
           
at cost, respectively
 
(14,279
)
 
(12,353
)
Total stockholders’ equity
 
152,400
   
133,946
 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
228,357
 
$
203,950
 
             
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,
 
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Revenues:
                 
Real estate
$
22,470
 
$
58,388
 
$
33,003
 
Rental income
 
3,081
   
1,662
   
1,353
 
Commissions, management fees and other
 
1,613
   
1,825
   
838
 
Total revenues
 
27,164
   
61,875
   
35,194
 
Cost of sales (Note 1):
                 
Real estate, net
 
15,597
   
29,096
   
19,625
 
Rental
 
3,264
   
1,718
   
1,456
 
Depreciation
 
1,272
   
852
   
758
 
Total cost of sales
 
20,133
   
31,666
   
21,839
 
General and administrative expenses
 
7,029
   
6,860
   
5,019
 
Total costs and expenses
 
27,162
   
38,526
   
26,858
 
Operating income
 
2
   
23,349
   
8,336
 
Other income
 
3,000
   
-
   
-
 
Interest expense, net
 
(80
)
 
(270
)
 
(529
)
Interest income
 
849
   
370
   
226
 
Equity in unconsolidated affiliate’s income
 
488
   
-
   
-
 
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
 
4,259
   
23,449
   
8,033
 
(Provision for) benefit from income taxes
 
(1,670
)
 
8,344
   
(73
)
Income from continuing operations
 
2,589
   
31,793
   
7,960
 
Income from discontinued operations,
                 
net of taxes (Note 7)
 
10,766
   
8,495
   
514
 
Net income applicable to common stock
$
13,355
 
$
40,288
 
$
8,474
 
                   
Basic net income per share of common stock:
                 
Continuing operations
$
0.34
 
$
4.35
 
$
1.11
 
Discontinued operations
 
1.43
   
1.16
   
0.07
 
Basic net income per share of common stock
$
1.77
 
$
5.51
 
$
1.18
 
                   
Diluted net income per share of common stock:
                 
Continuing operations
$
0.34
 
$
4.15
 
$
1.04
 
Discontinued operations
 
1.40
   
1.11
   
0.07
 
Diluted net income per share of common stock
$
1.74
 
$
5.26
 
$
1.11
 
                   
Average shares of common stock outstanding:
                 
Basic
 
7,554
   
7,306
   
7,209
 
Diluted
 
7,677
   
7,658
   
7,636
 
                   
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 CASH FLOWS
(In Thousands)

 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Cash flow from operating activities:
                 
Net income
$
13,355
 
$
40,288
 
$
8,474
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
                 
by operating activities:
                 
Income from discontinued operations
 
(10,766
)
 
(8,495
)
 
(514
)
Depreciation
 
1,272
   
852
   
758
 
Cost of real estate sold
 
14,262
   
23,827
   
17,057
 
Deferred income taxes
 
1,314
   
(6,431
)
 
-
 
Stock-based compensation
 
1,534
   
1,095
   
310
 
Equity in unconsolidated affiliate’s income
 
(488
)
 
-
   
-
 
Deposits
 
(1,372
)
 
272
   
(274
)
Long-term notes receivable
 
-
   
-
   
789
 
Other long-term liabilities
 
(3,000
)
 
-
   
-
 
Other
 
(759
)
 
986
   
1,021
 
(Increase) decrease in working capital:
                 
Accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other
 
(1,788
)
 
(656
)
 
(366
)
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other
 
1,767
   
(2,131
)
 
6,991
 
Net cash provided by continuing operations
 
15,331
   
49,607
   
34,246
 
Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations
 
10,333
   
(5,289
)
 
3,178
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
25,664
   
44,318
   
37,424
 
                   
Cash flow from investing activities:
                 
Purchases and development of real estate properties
 
(34,528
)
 
(36,278
)
 
(25,058
)
Development of commercial leasing properties and other
                 
expenditures
 
(1,896
)
 
(9,513
)
 
(284
)
Municipal utility district reimbursements
 
2,557
   
1,337
   
4,600
 
Investment in unconsolidated affiliate
 
-
   
-
   
(3,800
)
Net cash used in continuing operations
 
(33,867
)
 
(44,454
)
 
(24,542
)
Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations
 
10,930
   
2,520
   
(14,715
)
Net cash used in investing activities
 
(22,937
)
 
(41,934
)
 
(39,257
)
                   
Cash flow from financing activities:
                 
Borrowings from revolving credit facility
 
17,450
   
18,000
   
55,005
 
Payments on revolving credit facility
 
(20,450
)
 
(30,677
)
 
(59,684
)
Borrowings from unsecured term loans
 
15,000
   
15,000
   
-
 
Borrowings from Lantana promissory note
 
21,500
   
-
   
-
 
Borrowings from project loans
 
-
   
1,214
   
7,647
 
Repayments on project loans
 
-
   
(15,593
)
 
(6,248
)
Net (payments for) proceeds from exercised stock options
 
(112
)
 
(2,438
)
 
639
 
Excess tax benefit from exercised stock options
 
4,845
   
1,111
   
-
 
Purchases of Stratus common shares
 
(1,453
)
 
(565
)
 
(3,342
)
Bank credit facility fees
 
-
   
(810
)
 
(388
)
Net cash provided by (used in) continuing operations
 
36,780
   
(14,758
)
 
(6,371
)
Net cash (used in) provided by discontinued operations
 
(258
)
 
12,428
   
9,731
 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
 
36,522
   
(2,330
)
 
3,360
 
                   

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

 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
39,249
   
54
   
1,527
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
 
1,736
   
1,901
   
379
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
 
40,985
   
1,955
   
1,906
 
Less cash restricted as to use
 
(112
)
 
(116
)
 
(387
)
Less cash at discontinued operations
 
-
   
(219
)
 
(336
)
Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents at end of year
$
40,873
 
$
1,620
 
$
1,183
 
                   
Supplemental Information:
                 
Interest paid
$
1,146
 
$
1,071
 
$
1,085
 
Income taxes paid
$
-
 
$
952
 
$
-
 
                   
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, which include information regarding noncash transactions, are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


 
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STRATUS PROPERTIES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In Thousands)


 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Preferred stock:
                 
Balance at beginning and end of year
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
                   
Common stock:
                 
Balance at beginning of year representing 8,057 shares in 2007,
                 
7,485 shares in 2006 and 7,284 shares in 2005
 
81
   
74
   
72
 
Exercise of stock options and restricted stock representing 71
                 
shares in 2007, 572 shares in 2006 and 201 shares in 2005
 
-
   
7
   
2
 
Balance at end of year representing 8,128 shares in 2007, 8,057
                 
shares in 2006 and 7,485 shares in 2005
 
81
   
81
   
74
 
                   
Capital in excess of par value:
                 
Balance at beginning of year
 
188,873
   
182,007
   
181,145
 
Stock-based compensation expense, net of capitalized amounts
 
1,534
   
1,095
   
36
 
Exercised stock options and other
 
646
   
4,660
   
826
 
Tax benefit for stock option exercises
 
4,845
   
1,111
   
-
 
Balance at end of year
 
195,898
   
188,873
   
182,007
 
                   
Accumulated deficit:
                 
Balance at beginning of year
 
(42,655
)
 
(82,943
)
 
(91,417
)
Net income
 
13,355
   
40,288
   
8,474
 
Balance at end of year
 
(29,300
)
 
(42,655
)
 
(82,943
)
                   
Unamortized value of restricted stock units:
                 
Balance at beginning of year
 
-
   
(567
)
 
(841
)
Reclass unamortized value of restricted stock units on adoption
                 
of new accounting standard
 
-
   
567
   
-
 
Amortization of related deferred compensation, net of forfeitures
 
-
   
-
   
274
 
Balance at end of year
 
-
   
-
   
(567
)
                   
Common stock held in treasury:
                 
Balance at beginning of year representing 526 shares in 2007,
                 
268 shares in 2006 and 63 shares in 2005
 
(12,353
)
 
(4,404
)
 
(763
)
Shares purchased representing 45 shares in 2007,
                 
23 shares in 2006 and 189 shares in 2005
 
(1,453
)
 
(565
)
 
(3,342
)
Tender of 15 shares in 2007, 235 shares in 2006 and 16 shares
                 
in 2005 for exercised stock options and restricted stock
 
(473
)
 
(7,384
)
 
(299
)
Balance at end of year representing 586 shares in 2007,
                 
526 shares in 2006 and 268 shares in 2005
 
(14,279
)
 
(12,353
)
 
(4,404
)
                   
Total stockholders’ equity
$
152,400
 
$
133,946
 
$
94,167
 
                   
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
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STRATUS PROPERTIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.     Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Operations and Basis of Accounting.  The real estate development and marketing operations of Stratus Properties Inc. (Stratus), a Delaware Corporation, are conducted primarily in Austin, Texas, through its wholly owned subsidiaries and through an unconsolidated joint venture (see “Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate” below and Note 3). Stratus consolidates its wholly owned subsidiaries, which include: Stratus Properties Operating Co., L.P.; Circle C Land, L.P.; Lantana Office Properties I, L.P.; Austin 290 Properties, Inc.; Avalon Realty Company, L.L.C.; Stratus Management L.L.C.; Stratus Realty Inc.; Longhorn Properties Inc.; Stratus Investments L.L.C., STRS Plano, L.P., Southwest Property Services L.L.C., Stratus Block 21 Investments, L.P., Calera Court, L.P.; Meridian Development L.P.; Oly Stratus Barton Creek I JV and STRS L.L.C. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. On March 27, 2006, Stratus sold Stratus 7000 West Joint Venture (7000 West) and on October 12, 2007, Stratus sold the Escarpment Village shopping center. As a result, 7000 West and Escarpment Village are reported as discontinued operations and the consolidated financial statements for all periods have been adjusted to reflect this presentation (see Note 7).

Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate.  Stratus has a 50 percent interest in the Crestview Station project (see Note 3), which it accounts for under the equity method in accordance with the provisions of the American Institute of Certified Accountants Statement of Position 78-9, “Accounting for Investments in Real Estate Ventures.” Stratus has determined that consolidation of the Crestview Station project is not required under the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities.”

Use of Estimates.  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in these financial statements and accompanying notes. The more significant estimates include estimates of future cash flow from development and sale of real estate properties, allocation of certain indirect costs, valuation allowances for deferred tax assets, useful lives for depreciation and amortization and abandonment costs for a previously owned oil and gas property. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash.  Highly liquid investments purchased with maturities of three months or less are considered cash equivalents. Restricted cash includes $0.1 million held at December 31, 2007 and 2006, for payment of fractional shares resulting from the May 2001 stock split (see Note 6).

Financial Instruments.  The carrying amounts of receivables, accounts payable and long-term debt reported in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets approximate fair value. Stratus periodically evaluates its ability to collect its receivables. Stratus provides an allowance for estimated uncollectible amounts if its evaluation provides sufficient evidence of such amounts. Stratus believes all of its receivables are collectible and no allowances for doubtful accounts are included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Investment in 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, and includes acreage, development, construction and carrying costs, and other related costs through the development stage. Commercial leasing assets, which are held for use, are stated at cost. Capitalized costs are assigned to individual components of a project, as practicable, whereas interest and other 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 recorded capitalized interest of $2.8 million in 2007, $2.0 million in 2006 and $3.3 million in 2005.


 
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In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” when events or circumstances indicate that an asset’s carrying amount may not be recoverable, an impairment test is performed. Events or circumstances that Stratus considers indicators of impairment include significant decreases in market values, adverse changes in regulatory requirements (including environmental laws) and current period or projected operating cash flow losses from rental properties. Impairment tests for properties to be held and used, including rental properties, 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, including undeveloped and developed properties, 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 long-lived asset to fair value less costs to sell is required. No impairment losses are reflected in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

Accrued Property Taxes.  Stratus estimates its property tax accrual based on prior year property tax payments and other current events that may impact the payment. Upon receipt of the property tax bill, Stratus adjusts its accrued property tax balance at year-end to the actual amount of taxes due in January. Accrued property taxes totaled $1.6 million at December 31, 2007 and $2.0 million at December 31, 2006.

Depreciation.  Office buildings are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated 40-year life. Furniture, fixtures and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis over a five-year period.

Revenue Recognition.  Revenues from property sales are recognized in accordance with SFAS No. 66, “Accounting for Sales of Real Estate,” 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 it.

Stratus recognizes its rental income based on the terms of its signed leases with tenants on a straight-line basis. Stratus recognizes sales commissions and management and development fees when earned, as lots or acreage are sold or when the services are performed. A summary of Stratus’ revenues follows:

 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
 
(In Thousands)
 
Revenues:
                 
Developed property sales
$
21,388
 
$
33,459
 
$
25,453
 
Undeveloped property sales
 
1,082
   
24,929
   
7,550
 
Rental income
 
3,081
   
1,662
   
1,353
 
Commissions, management fees and other
 
1,613
   
1,825
   
838
 
Total revenues
$
27,164
 
$
61,875
 
$
35,194
 
                   


 
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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 and depreciation. A summary of Stratus’ cost of sales follows:

 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
 
(In Thousands)
 
Cost of developed property sales
$
14,106
 
$
19,627
 
$
13,023
 
Cost of undeveloped property sales
 
326
   
7,473
   
4,564
 
Rental property costs
 
3,264
   
1,718
   
1,456
 
Allocation of overhead costs (see below)
 
3,235
   
2,811
   
2,277
 
Municipal utility district reimbursements (see below)
 
(1,724
)
 
(92
)
 
(126
)
Depreciation
 
1,272
   
852
   
758
 
Other, net
 
(346
)
 
(723
)
 
(113
)
Total cost of sales
$
20,133
 
$
31,666
 
$
21,839
 
                   
Municipal Utility District Reimbursements.  Stratus receives Barton Creek Municipal Utility District (MUD) reimbursements from the City of Austin (the City) for certain infrastructure costs incurred. Prior to 1996, Stratus expensed infrastructure costs as incurred. In 1996, Stratus began capitalizing the infrastructure costs to the related properties. 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 basis in real estate properties and are recorded as a reduction of the related asset’s balance. Stratus has 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 being able to 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. MUD reimbursements represent the actual amounts received.

Allocation of Overhead Costs.  Stratus has historically allocated a portion of its overhead costs to both capital accounts (real estate, commercial leasing assets and facilities) 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 and sales and marketing for cost of sales). In accordance with paragraph 7 of SFAS No. 67, “Accounting for Costs and Initial Rental Operations of Real Estate Projects,” Stratus only capitalizes direct and 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 manager and subordinates). Stratus charges to expense indirect costs that do not clearly relate to a real estate project, such as salaries and allocated expenses related to the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.

Advertising Costs.  Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are included as a component of cost of sales. Advertising costs totaled $0.3 million in 2007, $0.2 million in 2006 and $0.2 million in 2005.

Income Taxes.  Stratus follows the liability method of accounting for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities (see Note 5).

Earnings Per Share.  Stratus’ basic net income per share of common stock was calculated by dividing the income applicable to continuing operations, income from discontinued operations and net income applicable to common stock by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. The following is a reconciliation of net income and weighted average common shares outstanding for purposes of calculating diluted net income per share (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 
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Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Income from continuing operations
$
2,589
 
$
31,793
 
$
7,960
 
Income from discontinued operations
 
10,766
   
8,495
   
514
 
Net income applicable to common stock
$
13,355
 
$
40,288
 
$
8,474
 
                   
Weighted average common shares outstanding
 
7,554
   
7,306
   
7,209
 
Add:  Dilutive stock options
 
97
   
314
   
418
 
Restricted stock
 
26
   
38
   
9
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding for
                 
purposes of calculating diluted net income per share
 
7,677
   
7,658
   
7,636
 
                   
Diluted net income per share of common stock:
                 
Continuing operations
$
0.34
 
$
4.15
 
$
1.04
 
Discontinued operations
 
1.40
   
1.11
   
0.07
 
Diluted net income per share of common stock
$
1.74
 
$
5.26
 
$
1.11
 
                   
Stock-Based Compensation Plans.  As of December 31, 2007, Stratus has two stock-based employee compensation plans and one stock-based director compensation plan, which are more fully described in Note 6. Prior to January 1, 2006, Stratus accounted for options granted under all of its plans under the recognition and measurement principles of Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related interpretations, as permitted by SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.” APB Opinion No. 25 required compensation cost for stock options to be recognized based on the difference on the date of grant, if any, between the quoted market price of the stock and the amount an employee must pay to acquire the stock (i.e., the intrinsic value). Because all the plans require that the option exercise price be at least the market price on the date of grant, Stratus recognized no compensation cost on the grant or exercise of its employees’ options through December 31, 2005. Prior to 2007, Stratus defined the market price as the average of the high and low price of Stratus common stock on the date of grant. Effective March 2007, in response to new Securities and Exchange Commission disclosure rules, Stratus now defines the market price for future grants as the closing price of Stratus common stock on the date of grant. Other awards of restricted stock units under the plans did result in compensation costs being recognized in earnings based on the intrinsic value on the date of grant.

Effective January 1, 2006, Stratus adopted the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” or “SFAS No. 123R,” using the modified prospective transition method. Under that transition method, compensation cost recognized in 2007 and 2006 includes: (a) compensation costs for all stock option awards granted to employees prior to but not yet vested as of January 1, 2006, based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the original provisions of SFAS No. 123, and (b) compensation costs for all stock option awards granted subsequent to January 1, 2006, based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123R. In addition, other stock-based awards charged to expense under SFAS No. 123 (i.e., restricted stock units) continue to be charged to expense under SFAS No. 123R. Results for prior periods have not been restated. Stratus has elected to recognize compensation costs for awards that vest over several years on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. Stratus’ stock option awards provide for employees to receive the next year’s vesting after an employee retires. For stock option awards granted after January 1, 2006, to retirement-eligible employees, Stratus records one year of amortization of the awards’ value on the date of grant. In addition, prior to adoption of SFAS No. 123R, Stratus recognized forfeitures as they occurred in its SFAS No. 123 pro forma disclosures. Beginning January 1, 2006, Stratus includes estimated forfeitures in its compensation cost and updates the estimated forfeiture rate through the final vesting date of the awards.

As a result of adopting SFAS No. 123R on January 1, 2006, Stratus’ net income for the year ended December 31, 2006, was $0.7 million ($0.10 per basic share and $0.09 per diluted share) lower than if it had continued to account for share-based compensation under APB Opinion No. 25.

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The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2005, if Stratus had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123 to stock-based awards granted under Stratus’ stock-based compensation plans (in thousands, except per share amounts):

Net income applicable to common stock, as reported
$
8,474
 
Add:  Stock-based employee compensation expense
     
included in reported net income applicable to common
     
stock for restricted stock units
 
274
 
Deduct:  Total stock-based employee compensation
     
expense determined under fair value-based method
     
for all awards
 
(937
)
Pro forma net income applicable to common stock
$
7,811
 
       
Earnings per share:
     
Basic – as reported
$
1.18
 
Basic – pro forma
$
1.08
 
       
Diluted – as reported
$
1.11
 
Diluted – pro forma
$
1.03
 
       
For the pro forma computations, the values of option grants were calculated on the dates of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and amortized to expense on a straight-line basis over the options’ vesting periods. No other discounts or restrictions related to vesting or the likelihood of vesting of stock options were applied. The following table summarizes the calculated average fair values and weighted-average assumptions used to determine the fair value of Stratus’ stock option grants under SFAS No. 123 during the year ended December 31, 2005.

Options granted
7,750
 
Fair value per stock option
$11.48
 
Risk-free interest rate
4.33
%
Expected volatility rate
46.2
%
Expected life of options (in years)
10
 

New Accounting Standards.
Fair Value Measurements.  In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” which provides enhanced guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 157 does not require any new fair value measurements under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP); rather this statement establishes a common definition of fair value, provides a framework for measuring fair value under U.S. GAAP and expands disclosure requirements about fair value measurements. On February 12, 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 157-2, which delays the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for nonfinancial assets or liabilities that are not required or permitted to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, and interim periods within those years. Stratus is currently evaluating the impact, if any, the adoption of SFAS No. 157 will have on its financial reporting and disclosures.

Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Liabilities.  In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Liabilities – Including an amendment of FASB No. 115,” which permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. Stratus does not believe that the adoption of SFAS No. 159 will have a material impact on its financial reporting and disclosures.

2.    Real Estate, Commercial Leasing Assets and Facilities, net
Undeveloped acreage includes raw real estate that can be sold "as is" i.e. no infrastructure or development work has begun on such property. A developed lot is an individual tract of land that has been developed and permitted for residential use. A developed lot may be sold with a home already built on it.
 
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As of December 31, 2007, Stratus owns only six lots with homes either built or being built on them (the Calera Court homes). 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 necessary permits have been received.

 
December 31,
 
 
2007
 
2006
 
 
(In Thousands)
 
Property held for sale – developed or under development:
           
Austin, Texas area
$
128,586
 
$
111,496
 
Other areas of Texas
 
1,173
   
5,369
 
   
129,759
   
116,865
 
Property held for sale – undeveloped:
           
Austin, Texas area
 
16,489
   
16,311
 
Other areas of Texas
 
34
   
34
 
   
16,523
   
16,345
 
             
Property held for use:
           
Commercial leasing assets, net of accumulated depreciation
           
of $3,202 in 2007 and $2,156 in 2006
 
23,800
   
18,445
 
Furniture, fixtures and equipment, net of accumulated
           
depreciation of $415 in 2007 and $428 in 2006
 
621
   
429
 
Total property held for use
 
24,421
   
18,874
 
 
$
170,703
 
$
152,084
 
             
At December 31, 2007, Stratus’ investment in real estate includes approximately 2,541 acres of land located in Austin, Plano and San Antonio, Texas. The principal holdings of Stratus are located in the Austin area and consisted of 1,678 acres of residential, multi-family and commercial property and 25 developed residential estate lots within the Barton Creek community at December 31, 2007. Stratus also holds approximately 37 acres of commercial property under development and 350 acres of undeveloped commercial property within the Circle C Ranch (Circle C) community. Stratus’ other properties in the Circle C community include Meridian, which is an 800-lot residential development. At December 31, 2007, Meridian consisted of approximately 249 acres and 58 developed residential lots. Stratus’ remaining Austin holdings at December 31, 2007, consisted of 223 acres of commercial property and two 75,000-square-foot buildings, one of which is 90 percent leased and the other of which is approximately 94 percent leased, at 7500 Rialto Boulevard located within Lantana. In 2006, Stratus sold 7000 West (see Note 7) and on October 12, 2007, Stratus sold the Escarpment Village shopping center (see Note 7). At December 31, 2007, Stratus’ Deerfield project in Plano, Texas, consisted of the final 21 developed residential lots, which were sold in January 2008.

Stratus also owns two acres of undeveloped commercial property in San Antonio, Texas.

3.     Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate
In November 2005, Stratus formed a joint venture partnership with Trammell Crow Central Texas Development, Inc. (Trammell Crow) to acquire an approximate 74-acre tract at the intersection of Airport Boulevard and Lamar Boulevard in Austin, Texas, for $7.7 million. The property, known as Crestview Station, is a single-family, multi-family, retail and office development, which is located on the commuter rail line approved by City of Austin voters. With Trammell Crow, Stratus has completed brown field environmental remediation and permitting of the property and is now proceeding with infrastructure development. In September 2007, the State of Texas certified that the remediation was complete.

At December 31, 2007, Stratus’ investment in the Crestview Station project totaled $4.2 million and the joint venture partnership had $2.6 million of outstanding debt, of which each joint venture partner guarantees $1.3 million.

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4.     Long-Term Debt
 
December 31,
 
 
2007
 
2006
 
 
(In Thousands)
 
Comerica revolving credit facility, average rate 7.4% in 2007
           
and 7.2% in 2006
$
-
 
$
3,000
 
Unsecured term loans, average rate 6.7% in 2007
           
and 9.1% in 2006
 
40,000
   
25,000
 
Lantana promissory note, average rate 6.0% in 2007
 
21,500
   
-
 
Total
 
61,500
   
28,000
 
Less:  Current portion
 
(242
)
 
-
 
Long-term debt
$
61,258
 
$
28,000
 
             
Comerica Revolving Credit Facility.  In 2005, Stratus replaced its $30.0 million credit facility with a $45.0 million Comerica revolving credit facility, which sets limitations on liens and limitations on transactions with affiliates, and requires that certain financial ratios be maintained. The facility allows Stratus to purchase up to $6.5 million of its outstanding common stock after September 30, 2005, of which $4.4 million remains available at December 31, 2007. In May 2006, Stratus entered into a modification and extension agreement to extend the maturity and decrease the interest rate on the Comerica revolving credit facility. In May 2007, Stratus entered into another modification and extension agreement to extend the maturity and further decrease the interest rate on the revolving credit facility. The $45.0 million facility, of which $3.0 million is provided for the Calera Court project, matures on May 30, 2009. Interest on the facility now accrues, at Stratus’ option, at Comerica’s rate minus 1.10 percent or London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 1.65 percent, subject to a minimum annual rate of 5.0 percent. Security for obligations outstanding under the facility includes Stratus’ properties within the Barton Creek community and certain of Stratus’ properties within Lantana and the Circle C community. At December 31, 2007, no amounts were outstanding under the revolving credit facility.

Unsecured Term Loans.  Stratus has $40.0 million of borrowings outstanding under seven unsecured term loans with First American Asset Management (FAAM), including two $5.0 million loans, two $8.0 million loans, a $7.0 million loan and two $3.5 million loans, all of which will mature in December 2011.

In December 2006, Stratus amended its two unsecured $5.0 million term loans with FAAM. The amended agreements extend the maturities of both loans and decrease the annual interest rates on both loans to 6.56 percent.

In December 2006, Stratus also entered into two separate new loan agreements with FAAM to borrow an additional $15.0 million to purchase the land being used in connection with the Block 21 project. Amounts borrowed under both loans bear interest at an annual rate of 6.56 percent.

In June 2007, Stratus entered into three separate loan agreements with FAAM. Pursuant to the loan agreements, additional borrowings totaled $15.0 million, $10.6 million of which was used to pay down the outstanding amounts under our revolving credit facility with Comerica, and the remainder was used for operations, capital expenditures and other development costs, including the Block 21 project.

The loan agreements contain customary financial covenants and other restrictions. The loans may be prepaid subject to certain reinvestment charges as further described in the related promissory notes. The annual interest rate under the loan agreements is 6.915 percent. Repayments under the loan agreements can be accelerated upon the occurrence of certain customary events of default.

Lantana Promissory Note.  On December 14, 2007, Stratus’ wholly owned subsidiary, Lantana Office Properties I, L.P., (“Lantana”), signed a promissory note to The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company. Under the terms of the note, Lantana borrowed $21.5 million, which will be used for development costs and general corporate purposes. The note matures on January 1, 2018. The note contains customary financial covenants and other restrictions and bears interest at a rate of 5.99 percent per year.

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Prepayment of the note is prohibited prior to February 1, 2010. Prepayment of the note in whole, subsequent to February 1, 2010, is subject to a prepayment premium of the greater of (1) one percent of the outstanding principal balance of the note on the prepayment date or (2) the result of the sum of the present values of the remaining payments due from the prepayment date through the maturity date minus the outstanding principal balance of the note as of the prepayment date. Prepayment of the note in part is prohibited. Repayments under the note can be accelerated by the lender upon the occurrence of certain customary events of default. Lantana’s obligations under the note are secured by a first lien on real property and improvements and an assignment of rents and present and future leases related to the office buildings at 7500 Rialto Boulevard.

TIAA Mortgage.  In June 2006, Stratus entered into a 30-year, $22.8 million mortgage with a 10-year balloon payment from Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIAA). Proceeds from the mortgage were used to repay outstanding amounts under Stratus’ Escarpment Village shopping center project loan and other outstanding project loan balances. The mortgage was assumed by the purchaser of Escarpment Village on October 12, 2007.

Maturities.  Maturities of long-term debt instruments based on the amounts and terms outstanding at December 31, 2007, totaled $0.2 million in 2008, $0.3 million in 2009, $0.3 million in 2010, $40.3 million in 2011, $0.3 million in 2012 and $20.0 million thereafter.

5.     Income Taxes
The components of deferred income taxes follow:


 
December 31,
 
 
2007
 
2006
 
 
(In Thousands)
 
Deferred tax assets and liabilities:
           
Real estate and facilities, net
$
4,096
 
$
4,922
 
Alternative minimum tax credits and depletion allowance
           
(no expiration)
 
1,225
   
1,360
 
Employee benefit accruals
 
1,092
   
593
 
Accrued liabilities
 
496
   
1,646
 
Other assets
 
377
   
339
 
Net operating loss credit carryfowards
 
178
   
218
 
Other liabilities
 
(351
)
 
(611
)
Valuation allowance
 
(178
)
 
(218
)
   
6,935
   
8,249
 
Current deferred tax asset
 
(1,401
)
 
(1,144
)
Long-term deferred tax asset
$
5,534
 
$
7,105
 
             
The income tax benefit (provision) attributable to income from continuing operations consists of the following:

 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
 
(In Thousands)
 
Current
$
29
 
$
95
 
$
(154
)
Deferred
 
(1,699
)
 
8,249
   
81
 
(Provision for) benefit from income taxes
$
(1,670
)
$
8,344
 
$
(73
)
                   
Stratus’ deferred tax assets at December 31, 2005, totaled $19.5 million and Stratus had provided a 100 percent valuation allowance because realization of the deferred tax assets was not considered likely. Realization of Stratus’ deferred tax assets is dependent on generating sufficient taxable income within the carryforward period available under tax law. In 2006, Stratus sold 7000 West (see Note 7) and 58 acres at its Lantana property. These transactions generated pre-tax income of $25.6 million and along with Stratus’ current homebuilder contract arrangements and projected levels of future sales provide sufficient
 
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evidence that Stratus now believes it is more likely than not that it will be able to realize the majority of its deferred tax assets. As a result, 2006 net income from continuing operations included an $8.3 million tax benefit resulting from the reversal of a portion of Stratus’ deferred tax asset valuation allowance. Stratus recorded a (provision for) benefit from income taxes to discontinued operations totaling $(4.9) million in 2007 and $0.4 million in 2006.

On January 1, 2007, Stratus adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes,” (FIN 48), which prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. Stratus did not recognize a change to its unrecognized tax benefits as a result of the implementation of FIN 48. The adoption of FIN 48 had no impact on Stratus’ financial statements. Stratus had no unrecognized tax benefits as of January 1, 2007 or December 31, 2007.

Stratus files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and local jurisdictions. With few exceptions, Stratus is no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations by tax authorities for the years prior to 2004, and state and local income tax examinations for the years prior to 2003. In completing its routine audit of Stratus’ Texas Franchise Tax account in September 2007, the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts noted that no additional taxes were due from Stratus.

Reconciliations of the differences between the income tax provision computed at the federal statutory tax rate and the recorded income tax provision (benefit) follow:

 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
Income tax provision computed at the
                                   
federal statutory income tax rate
$
1,491
   
35
%
$
8,166
   
35
%
$
2,991
   
35
%
Adjustments attributable to:
                                   
Change in valuation allowance
 
-
   
-
   
(16,489
)
 
(71
)
 
(2,175
)
 
(25
)
State taxes and other
 
179
   
4
   
(21
)
 
-
   
(743
)
 
(9
)
Income tax provision
$
1,670
   
39
%
$
(8,344
)
 
(36
)%
$
73
   
1
%
                                     
6.     Stock-Based Compensation, Equity Transactions and Employee Benefits
Stock-Based Compensation Plans.  Stratus’ 1998 Stock Option Plan and Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the Plans) provide for the issuance of stock options, restricted stock units (see below) and stock appreciations rights (collectively stock-based compensation awards), adjusted for the effects of the reverse stock split transactions (see below), representing 550,000 shares of Stratus common stock at no less than market value at time of grant. In May 2002, Stratus’ shareholders approved the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan (the 2002 Stock Option Plan), which provides for the issuance of stock-based compensation awards representing 355,000 shares of Stratus common stock.

Generally, stock-based compensation awards are exercisable in 25 percent annual increments beginning one year from the date of grant and expire 10 years after the date of grant. Awards for approximately 30,176 shares under the 1998 Stock Option Plan, 25,000 shares under the Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors and 44,059 shares under the 2002 Stock Option Plan were available for new grants as of December 31, 2007.


 
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Stock-Based Compensation Costs.  Compensation cost charged against earnings for stock-based awards is shown below (in thousands). Stock-based compensation costs are capitalized as appropriate, but such capitalization was not previously reflected in our pro-forma disclosures shown in Note 1 as amounts were not considered material.

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Stock options awarded to employees (including directors)
 
$
508
 
$
593
 
$
-
 
Stock options awarded to nonemployees
   
-
   
2
   
36
 
Restricted stock units
   
1,312
   
792
   
274
 
Less capitalized amounts
   
(286
)
 
(292
)
 
-
 
Impact on income from continuing operations
                   
before income taxes
 
$
1,534
 
$
1,095
 
$
310
 
                     
Options.  A summary of options outstanding as of December 31, 2007, and changes during the year ended December 31, 2007, follow:

         
Weighted
     
         
Average
 
Aggregate
 
     
Weighted
 
Remaining
 
Intrinsic
 
 
Number of
 
Average
 
Contractual
 
Value
 
 
Options
 
Option Price
 
Term (years)
 
($000)
 
Balance at January 1
297,187
 
$
12.55
           
Granted
7,500
   
32.85
           
Exercised
(92,125
)
 
11.30
           
Balance at December 31
212,562
   
13.80
 
4.1
 
$
4,281
 
                     
Vested and exercisable at December 31
166,312
   
12.06
 
3.1
 
$
3,639
 
                     
Summaries of options outstanding and changes during the years ended December 31, 2006, and December 31, 2005, follow:
 
2006
 
2005
 
     
Weighted
     
Weighted
 
 
Number
 
Average
 
Number
 
Average
 
 
Of
 
Option
 
of
 
Option
 
 
Options
 
Price
 
Options
 
Price
 
Balance at January 1
838,336
 
$
10.11
 
1,008,434
 
$
9.19
 
Granted
7,500
   
26.44
 
7,750
   
18.22
 
Exercised
(548,649
)
 
9.01
 
(177,848
)
 
5.27
 
Balance at December 31
297,187
   
12.55
 
838,336
   
10.11
 
                     
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’ stock. Stratus uses historical data to estimate option exercise, forfeitures and expected life of the options. 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. The following table summarizes the calculated fair value and assumptions used to determine the fair value of Stratus’ stock option awards during 2007 and 2006.

 
2007
   
2006
 
Options granted
 
7,500
     
7,500
 
Grant-date fair value per stock option
$
16.30
   
$
14.57
 
Expected and weighted average volatility
 
41.8
%
   
48.6
%
Expected life of options (in years)
 
6.7
     
6.7
 
Risk-free interest rate
 
4.4
%
   
4.7
%

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The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2007, was $2.0 million. During 2007, 51,000 stock options with a weighted-average grant-date fair market value of $9.33 vested. As of December 31, 2007, there were 46,250 stock options unvested with a weighted-average grant-date fair market value of $11.88. As of December 31, 2007, Stratus had $0.5 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of nine months.

The following table includes amounts related to exercises of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 (in thousands, except Stratus shares tendered):

 
2007
 
2006
 
Stratus shares tendered to pay the exercise price
           
and/or the minimum required taxesa
 
7,431
   
111,097
 
Cash received from stock option exercises
$
132
 
$
1,055
 
Actual tax benefit realized for the tax deductions
           
from stock option exercises
$
4,845
 
$
1,111
 
Amounts Stratus paid for employee taxes
$
244
 
$
3,495
 
             
a. 
Under terms of the related plans, upon exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units, employees may tender Stratus shares to Stratus to pay the exercise price and/or the minimum required taxes.

Restricted Stock Units.  Under Stratus’ restricted stock program, shares of its common stock may be granted to certain officers of Stratus at no cost. The restricted stock units are converted into shares of Stratus common stock ratably on the anniversary of each award over the vesting period, generally four years. The awards fully vest upon retirement.

Stratus granted 76,000 restricted stock units in 2007. A summary of outstanding unvested restricted stock units as of December 31, 2007, and activity during the year ended December 31, 2007 is presented below:

     
Weighted
     
     
Average
 
Aggregate
 
 
Number of
 
Remaining
 
Intrinsic
 
 
Restricted
 
Contractual
 
Value
 
 
Stock Units
 
Term (years)
 
($000)
 
Balance at January 1
71,250
           
Granted
76,000
           
Vested
(25,750
)
         
Balance at December 31
121,500
 
8.9
 
$
4,124
 
               
The grant-date fair value of restricted stock units granted during the year ended December 31, 2007, was $2.4 million. The total intrinsic value of restricted stock units vesting during the year ended December 31, 2007, was $0.8 million. As of December 31, 2007, Stratus had $2.0 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock units expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years.

Share Purchase Program.  In February 2001, Stratus’ Board of Directors authorized an open market stock purchase program for up to 0.7 million stock-split adjusted shares of Stratus’ common stock (see below). The purchases may occur over time depending on many factors, including the market price of Stratus stock; Stratus’ operating results, cash flow and financial position; and general economic and market conditions. In addition, Stratus’ $45.0 million revolving credit facility allows Stratus to purchase up to $6.5 million of its outstanding common stock after September 30, 2005. Since 2004, Stratus has purchased 275,639 shares of its common stock for $5.6 million (a $20.34 per share average) under this program. Purchases include 45,449 shares for $1.5 million (a $31.97 per share average) in 2007, 22,806 shares for $0.6 million (a $24.77 per share average) in 2006 and 188,995 shares for $3.3 million (a $17.68 per share average) in 2005. The 2005 purchases include a privately negotiated purchase of 125,316 shares from a former executive for $2.3 million (an $18.13 per share average). As of March 10, 2008, 415,786 shares remain available under this program.

 
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Stock Split Transactions.  In May 2001, the shareholders of Stratus approved an amendment to Stratus’ certificate of incorporation to permit a reverse 1-for-50 common stock split followed immediately by a forward 25-for-1 common stock split. This transaction resulted in Stratus’ shareholders owning fewer than 50 shares of common stock having their shares converted into less than one share in the reverse 1-for-50 split, for which they received cash payments equal to the fair value of those fractional interests. Stratus shareholders owning more than 50 shares of Stratus’ common stock had their number of shares of common stock reduced by one-half immediately after this transaction. Shareholders owning an odd number of shares were entitled to a cash payment equal to the fair value of the resulting fractional share. Stratus funded $0.5 million into a restricted cash account to purchase 42,000 post-stock split shares of its common stock. At December 31, 2007, $0.1 million of restricted cash remained to pay for fractional shares.

Employee Benefits.  Stratus maintains a 401(k) defined contribution plan subject to the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Effective September 1, 2003, Stratus merged its money purchase plan into the 401(k) plan. The 401(k) plan provides for an employer matching contribution equal to 100 percent of the participant’s contribution, subject to a limit of 5 percent of participant’s annual salary. The 401(k) plan also provides for discretionary contributions. Stratus’ contributions to the 401(k) plan totaled $0.5 million in 2007, $0.3 million in 2006 and $0.2 million in 2005.

7.     Discontinued Operations
Income from discontinued operations reported in the consolidated statements of income included the following (in thousands):

 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
Escarpment Village
$
15,712
 
$
(119
)
$
-
 
7000 West
 
-
   
8,187
   
514
 
Income before income taxes from
                 
discontinued operations
 
15,712
   
8,068
   
514
 
(Provision for) benefit from income taxes
 
(4,946
)
 
427
   
-
 
Income from discontinued operations
$
10,766
 
$
8,495
 
$
514
 
                   
Escarpment Village.  On October 12, 2007, Stratus sold the Escarpment Village shopping center, located in Austin, Texas, to Lake Villa, L.L.C. (the Purchaser) for $46.5 million, before closing costs and other adjustments. The Purchaser paid $23.0 million in cash at closing and assumed the $22.4 million principal balance remaining under Stratus’ loan from TIAA. Stratus recorded a gain of $16.1 million ($11.0 million net of taxes or $1.46 per basic share and $1.43 per diluted share) on the sale.

Upon completion of the sale of Escarpment Village, Stratus ceased all involvement with the Escarpment Village shopping center. The results of operations, assets and liabilities of Escarpment Village, which have been classified as discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated financial statements, previously represented a component of Stratus’ commercial leasing segment.

The table below provides a summary of Escarpment Village’s results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 (in thousands):

 
2007
 
2006
 
Rental income
$
2,841
 
$
2,132
 
Rental property costs
 
(1,547
)
 
(630
)
Depreciation
 
(680
)
 
(727
)
General and administrative expenses
 
(86
)
 
(71
)
Interest expensea
 
(1,024
)
 
(869
)
Interest income
 
70
   
46
 
Gain on sale
 
16,138
   
-
 
Provision for income taxes
 
(4,946
)
 
-
 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
$
10,766
 
$
(119
)
             
a.
Relates to interest expense from the Escarpment Village project loan and the Escarpment Village loan from TIAA and does not include any additional allocations of interest.

 
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Table of Contents
 
The following summarizes Escarpment Village’s net assets at December 31, 2006 (in thousands):

Assets:
     
Cash and cash equivalents
$
219
 
Current assets
 
3,713
 
Property held for use, net of accumulated
     
depreciation of $727
 
27,828
 
Long-term assets
 
3,157
 
Total assets
$
34,917
 
Liabilities:
     
Current portion of long-term debt
$
(311
)
Other current liabilities
 
(1,468
)
Long-term debt
 
(22,364
)
Other long-term liabilities
 
(535
)
Total liabilities
$
(24,678
)
       
7000 West.  On March 27, 2006, Stratus sold 7000 West to CarrAmerica Lantana, LP (CarrAmerica) for $22.3 million, resulting in a gain of $9.8 million ($8.3 million net of taxes or $1.13 per basic share and $1.08 per diluted share) in 2006. CarrAmerica paid $10.6 million cash to Stratus at closing and assumed the $11.7 million principal balance remaining under Stratus’ 7000 West project loan.

Upon completion of the sale of 7000 West, Stratus ceased all involvement with the 7000 West office buildings. The results of operations, assets and liabilities of 7000 West previously were reflected as a component of Stratus’ commercial leasing segment.

The table below provides a summary of 7000 West’s results of operations for years ended December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005 (in thousands):

 
2006
 
2005
 
Rental income
$
1,057
 
$
3,554
 
Rental property costs
 
(403
)
 
(1,320
)
Depreciation
 
-
   
(701
)
General and administrative expenses
 
(48
)
 
(302
)
Interest expensea
 
(168
)
 
(717
)
Interest income
 
2
   
-
 
Gain on sale
 
9,762
   
-
 
Provision for income taxes
 
(1,588
)
 
-
 
Income from discontinued operations
$
8,614
 
$
514
 
             
a.  
Relates to interest expense from 7000 West project loan and does not include any additional allocations of interest.

8.     Commitments and Contingencies
Construction Contracts.  Stratus had commitments under noncancelable open contracts totaling $11.7 million at December 31, 2007. These commitments include the following contracts that Stratus entered into in 2007:

               
Thirteen contracts totaling $3.9 million for infrastructure work in connection with new residential subdivisions at Barton Creek with a remaining balance of $0.3 million at December 31, 2007;
             
A $2.5 million contract for the construction of a 20,000 square-foot retail center at Circle C with a remaining balance of $1.1 million at December 31, 2007;
               
Three contracts totaling $1.3 million for the final three condominium units at Calera Court in Barton Creek with the entire balance remaining at December 31, 2007;
               
A $3.8 million contract for infrastructure work in connection with new residential subdivisions at Meridian in Circle C with a remaining balance of $1.2 million at December 31, 2007; and
            
$14.3 million in contracts in connection with architectural, design and engineering work for Block 21 with a remaining balance of $7.6 million at December 31, 2007.
 
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Table of Contents
 
In addition to the contracts noted above, Stratus also had $0.1 million of outstanding commitments at December 31, 2007, on other ongoing Lantana, Meridian and Barton Creek development contracts.

In early 2008, Stratus entered into additional contracts for $2.7 million for infrastructure work associated with new residential subdivisions at Barton Creek and an additional $0.7 million in contracts related to Block 21.

Operating Lease.  As of December 31, 2007, Stratus’ minimum annual contractual payments under its noncancelable long-term operating lease for its office space which extends to 2010 totaled $0.2 million in 2008 and less than $50,000 in total for both 2009 and 2010. Total rental expense under Stratus’ operating lease amounted to $0.2 million in 2007 and $0.1 million in each of 2006 and 2005.

Circle C Settlement.  On August 1, 2002, 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. Those approvals permitted development of 1.0 million square feet of commercial space, 900 multi-family units and 830 single-family residential lots. In 2004, Stratus amended its Circle C settlement with the City to increase the amount of permitted commercial space from 1.0 million square feet to 1.16 million square feet in exchange for a decrease in allowable multi-family units from 900 units to 504 units. 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 of December 31, 2007, Stratus has permanently used $6.5 million of its City-based development fee credits, including cumulative amounts sold to third parties totaling $3.5 million. Fee credits used for the development of Stratus’ properties effectively reduce the eventual 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 has $3.1 million in Credit Bank capacity in use as temporary fiscal deposits as of December 31, 2007. Unencumbered Credit Bank capacity was $5.4 million at December 31, 2007.

Environment.  Stratus has made, and will continue to make, expenditures at its operations 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.

Stratus sold its remaining oil and gas properties in 1993. In connection with the sale of an oil and gas property, Stratus indemnified the purchaser for any abandonment costs in excess of cumulative net revenues received. The property was subsequently sold to other parties, most recently in 2007. After assessing available information concerning the terms of the 2007 sale and the new purchaser’s future plans for the property, Stratus concluded that its obligation to the seller still exists and did not transfer to the new purchaser. Additionally, Stratus concluded that the new purchaser’s assumption of all abandonment obligations, along with its significant financial investment and expanded development plans for the property, make the likelihood of Stratus being required to satisfy this contingent abandonment obligation remote. As a result, Stratus reversed its $3.0 million reserve and recorded the same amount as other income in 2007.

9.     Business Segments
Stratus has two operating segments, “Real Estate Operations” and “Commercial Leasing.” The Real Estate Operations segment is comprised of all Stratus’ developed properties, properties under development and undeveloped properties in Austin, Texas, which consist of its properties in the Barton Creek community, the Circle C community and Lantana. In addition, the Deerfield property in Plano, Texas is included in the Real Estate Operations segment.

The Commercial Leasing segment primarily includes the two office buildings at 7500 Rialto Boulevard. The first 75,000-square-foot building at 7500 Rialto Boulevard is 90 percent leased. The second 75,000-
 
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Table of Contents
 
square-foot building opened in September 2006 and is approximately 94 percent leased. Southwest Property Services L.L.C., which Stratus formed in 2004, manages these office buildings. The 7000 West and Escarpment Village operating results are reported as discontinued operations in the table below.

As of December 31, 2007, Stratus’ minimum rental income which includes scheduled rent increases, under noncancelable long-term leases which extend through 2025, totaled $2.7 million in 2008, $2.7 million in 2009, $2.2 million in 2010, $1.8 million in 2011, $1.8 million in 2012 and $6.6 million thereafter.

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

 
Real Estate Operationsa
 
Commercial Leasing
 
Other
 
Total
 
 
(In Thousands)
 
Year Ended December 31, 2007
                       
Revenues
$
24,083
 
$
3,081
 
$
-
 
$
27,164
 
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation
 
(15,597
)
 
(3,264
)
 
-
   
(18,861
)
Depreciation
 
(157
)
 
(1,115
)
 
-
   
(1,272
)
General and administrative expenses
 
(6,119
)
 
(910
)
 
-
   
(7,029
)
Operating income (loss)
$
2,210
 
$
(2,208
)
$
-
 
$
2
 
Income from discontinued operations
$
-
 
$
10,766
b
$
-
 
$
10,766
 
Provision for income taxes
$
1,670
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
1,670
 
Capital expenditures
$
34,528
 
$
2,009
 
$
-
 
$
36,537
 
Total assets
$
185,611
 
$
35,773
 
$
6,973
c
$
228,357
 
                         
Year Ended December 31, 2006
                       
Revenues
$
60,213
 
$
1,662
 
$
-
 
$
61,875
 
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation
 
(29,096
)
 
(1,718
)
 
-
   
(30,814
)
Depreciation
 
(127
)
 
(725
)
 
-
   
(852
)
General and administrative expenses
 
(6,280
)
 
(580
)
 
-
   
(6,860
)
Operating income (loss)
$
24,710
 
$
(1,361
)
$
-
 
$
23,349
 
Income from discontinued operations
$
-
 
$
8,495
d
$
-
 
$
8,495
 
Benefit from income taxes
$
8,344
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
8,344
 
Capital expenditures
$
36,278
 
$
17,015
 
$
-
 
$
53,293
 
Total assets
$
139,266
 
$
56,021
e
$
8,663
c
$
203,950
 
                         
Year Ended December 31, 2005
                       
Revenues
$
33,841
 
$
1,353
 
$
-
 
$
35,194
 
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation
 
(19,625
)
 
(1,456
)
 
-
   
(21,081
)
Depreciation
 
(145
)
 
(613
)
 
-
   
(758
)
General and administrative expense
 
(4,346
)
 
(673
)
 
-
   
(5,019
)
Operating income (loss)
$
9,725
 
$
(1,389
)
$
-
 
$
8,336
 
Income from discontinued operations
$
-
 
$
514
 
$
-
 
$
514
 
Provision for income taxes
$
73
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
73
 
Capital expenditures
$
39,733
 
$
324
 
$
-
 
$
40,057
 
Total assets
$
143,521
 
$
21,682
e, f
$
8,683
 
$
173,886
 
                         
a.  
Includes sales commissions, management fees and other revenues together with related expenses.
b.  
Includes an $11.0 million gain, net of taxes of $5.1 million, on the sale of Escarpment Village.
c.  
Includes deferred tax assets resulting from the reversal of a portion of Stratus’ deferred tax asset valuation allowance which was recorded as a benefit from income taxes (see Note 5).
d.
Includes an $8.3 million gain, net of taxes of $1.5 million, on the sale of 7000 West.
e. 
Includes assets from the discontinued operations of Escarpment Village, which Stratus sold on October 12, 2007, totaling $34.9 million, net of accumulated depreciation of $0.7 million, at December 31, 2006 and $21.7 million at December 31, 2005. Escarpment Village previously represented a component of Stratus’ commercial leasing segment.

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Table of Contents
 
 f. Includes assets from the discontinued operations of 7000 West, which Stratus sold on March 27, 2006, totaling $12.2 million, net of accumulated depreciation of $4.6 million, at December 31, 2005.  7000 West previously represented a component of Stratus' commercial leasing segment.
 
 
10.    Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)

The quarterly financial information for the applicable 2007 and 2006 periods have been restated to reflect Escarpment Village and 7000 West as discontinued operations (see Note 7).

       
Operating Income
 
Net Income
 
Net Income (Loss)
Per Share
 
 
Revenues
 
(Loss)
 
(Loss)
 
Basic
 
Diluted
 
 
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
 
2007
                             
1st Quarter
$
5,316
 
$
702
 
$
738
 
$
0.10
 
$
0.10
 
2nd Quarter
 
6,788
   
585
   
241
   
0.03
   
0.03
 
3rd Quarter
 
8,036
   
(423
)
 
(345
)
 
(0.05
)
 
(0.05
)
4th Quarter
 
7,024
   
(862
)
 
12,721
   
1.69
   
1.66
 
 
$
27,164
 
$
2
 
$
13,355
   
1.77
   
1.74
 
                               

       
Operating
     
Net Income
Per Share
 
 
Revenues
 
Income
 
Net Income
 
Basic
 
Diluted
 
 
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
 
2006
                             
1st Quarter
$
11,662
 
$
1,867
 
$
18,176
 
$
2.51
 
$
2.36
 
2nd Quarter
 
32,368
   
18,222
   
17,775
   
2.43
   
2.32
 
3rd Quarter
 
9,069
   
1,231
   
1,181
   
0.16
   
0.16
 
4th Quarter
 
8,776
   
2,029
   
3,156
   
0.43
   
0.41
 
 
$
61,875
 
$
23,349
 
$
40,288
   
5.51
   
5.26
 
                               

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-14(c) and 15d-14(c) 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 are effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to Stratus (including our consolidated subsidiaries) required to be disclosed in our periodic Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings.

(b)           Changes in internal controls.  There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fourth quarter 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 and the report thereon of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP are included in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Item 9B.  Other Information
Not applicable.

 
51

 
Table of Contents

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 pursuant to Regulation 14A and is incorporated herein by reference. The information required by Item 10 regarding our executive officers appears in a separately captioned heading after Item 4 in Part I of this report on Form 10-K. Other information required by this item will be contained in our definitive proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 11.  Executive Compensation
Information required by this item will be contained in our definitive proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A and is incorporated herein by reference.

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 pursuant to Regulation 14A and is incorporated herein by reference.

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 pursuant to Regulation 14A 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 pursuant to Regulation 14A and is incorporated herein by reference.

PART IV

Item 15.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
(a)(1).                      Financial Statements.

Consolidated Balance Sheets, page 31.
Consolidated Statements of Income, page 32.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, page 33.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity, page 35.

(a)(2).                      Financial Statement Schedule.

Schedule III-Real Estate, Commercial Leasing Assets and Facilities and Accumulated Depreciation, page F-2.

(a)(3).                      Exhibits.

Reference is made to the Exhibit Index beginning on page E-1 hereof.


 
52

 
Table of Contents

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 14, 2008

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 dates 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
John E. Baker
 
 
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
Bruce G. Garrison
   



*By:                      /s/ William H. Armstrong III                                                                
William H. Armstrong III
Attorney-in-Fact

Date:  March 14, 2008


S-1
 

 
Table of Contents

 
STRATUS PROPERTIES INC.
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The schedule listed below should be read in conjunction with the financial statements of Stratus 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
 

 
Table of Contents
STRATUS PROPERTIES INC.
REAL ESTATE, COMMERCIAL LEASING ASSETS AND FACILITIES AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
December 31, 2007
(In Thousands)
SCHEDULE III
             
Cost
   
Gross Amounts at
                       
 
Initial Cost
 
Capitalized
   
December 31, 2007
       
Number of Lots
         
       
Bldg. and
 
Subsequent to
       
Bldg. and
       
and Acres
 
Accumulated
 
Year
 
Land
 
Improvements
 
Acquisitions
 
Land
 
Improvements
 
Total
 
Lots
 
Acres
 
Depreciation
 
Acquired
Developed or Under Developmenta
                                                   
Barton Creek, Austin, TXb
$
13,736
 
$
-
 
$
53,055
 
$
66,791
 
$
-
 
$
66,791
 
25
 
1,267
 
$
-
 
1988
Deerfield, Plano, TX
 
543
   
-
   
630
   
1,173
   
-
   
1,173
 
21
 
-
   
-
 
2004
Circle C, Austin, TX
 
4,671
   
-
   
14,034
   
18,705
   
-
   
18,705
 
58
 
286
   
-
 
1992
Lantana, Austin, TX
 
567
   
-
   
13,457
   
14,024
   
-
   
14,024
 
-
 
223
   
-
 
1994
Block 21, Austin, TX
 
15,108
   
-
   
13,958
   
29,066
   
-
   
29,066
 
-
 
2
   
-
 
2006
Undevelopedc
                                                   
Camino Real, San Antonio, TX
 
16
   
-
   
18
   
34
   
-
   
34
 
-
 
2
   
-
 
1990
Barton Creek, Austin, TX
 
6,372
   
-
   
1,385
   
7,757
   
-
   
7,757
 
-
 
411
   
-
 
1988
Circle C, Austin, TX
 
5,172
   
-
   
3,560
   
8,732
   
-
   
8,732
 
-
 
350
   
-
 
1992
Held for Use
                                                   
Barton Creek Village, Austin, TX
 
47
   
5,110
   
-
   
47
   
5,110
   
5,157
 
-
 
-
   
84
 
2007
7500 Rialto Boulevard, Austin, TX
 
208
   
21,637
   
-
   
208
   
21,637
   
21,845
 
-
 
-
   
3,118
 
2002
Corporate offices, Austin ,TX
 
-
   
1,036
   
-
   
-
   
1,036
   
1,036
 
-
 
-
   
415
 
-
 
$
46,440
 
$
27,783
 
$
100,097
 
$
146,537
 
$
27,783
 
$
174,320
 
104
 
2,541
 
$
3,617
   
                                                     

a.  
Real estate that is currently being developed, has been developed, or has received the necessary permits to be developed.
b.  
Includes 14 developed lots in the Calera subdivision, 7 developed lots in the Amarra Drive Phase I subdivision, 2 developed lots in the Wimberly Lane Phase II subdivision and 2 developed lots in the Mirador subdivision.
c.  
Undeveloped real estate that can be sold “as is” or will be developed in the future as additional permitting is obtained.


F-2
 

 
Table of Contents

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, 2007, 2006 and 2005 are as follows (in thousands):

   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
Balance, beginning of year
$
154,668
 
$
133,936
 
$
130,276
 
Acquisitions
 
-
   
15,108
   
-
 
Improvements and other
 
33,914
   
29,451
   
20,717
 
Cost of real estate sold
 
(14,262
)
 
(23,827
)
 
(17,057
)
Balance, end of year
$
174,320
 
$
154,668
 
$
133,936
 
                   
The aggregate net book value for federal income tax purposes as of December 31, 2007 was $182.4 million.

(2)  Reconciliation of Accumulated Depreciation:

The changes in accumulated depreciation for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 are as follows (in thousands):

   
2007
   
2006
 
2005
 
Balance, beginning of year
$
2,584
 
$
2,016
 
$
1,284
 
Retirement of assets
 
(239
)
 
(284
)
 
(26
)
Depreciation expense
 
1,272
   
852
   
758
 
Balance, end of year
$
3,617
 
$
2,584
 
$
2,016
 
                   
Depreciation of buildings and improvements reflected in the statements of income is calculated over estimated lives of 40 years.


F-3
 

 
Table of Contents
STRATUS PROPERTIES INC.
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number 

3.1
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Stratus. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Stratus for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 (Stratus’ 2004 First Quarter Form 10-Q).
   
3.2
Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Stratus, dated May 14, 1998. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Stratus’ 2004 First Quarter Form 10-Q.
   
3.3
Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Stratus, dated May 25, 2001. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Stratus for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001 (Stratus’ 2001 Form 10-K).
   
3.4
By-laws of Stratus, as amended as of February 11, 1999. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to Stratus’ 2004 First Quarter Form 10-Q.
   
4.1
Rights Agreement dated as of May 16, 2002, between Stratus and Mellon Investor Services LLP, as Rights Agent, which includes the Certificates of Designation of Series C Participating Preferred Stock; the Forms of Rights Certificate Assignment, and Election to Purchase; and the Summary of Rights to Purchase Preferred Shares. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Stratus’ Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated May 22, 2002.
   
4.2
Amendment No. 1 to Rights Agreement between Stratus Properties Inc. and Mellon Investor Services LLC, as Rights Agent, dated as of November 7, 2003. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Stratus dated November 7, 2003.
   
10.1
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., Calera Court, L.P., and Comerica Bank effective May 30, 2007. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Stratus dated June 27, 2007.
   
10.2
Loan Agreement by and between Stratus Properties Inc., Stratus Properties Operating Co., L.P., Circle C Land, L.P., Austin 290 Properties, Inc., Calera Court, L.P., and Comerica Bank dated as of September 30, 2005. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Stratus dated September 30, 2005.
   
10.3
Revolving Promissory Note by and between Stratus Properties Inc., Stratus Properties Operating Co., L.P., Circle C Land, L.P., Austin 290 Properties, Inc., Calera Court, L.P., and Comerica Bank dated as of September 30, 2005. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Stratus dated September 30, 2005.
   
10.4
Loan Agreement dated December 28, 2000, by and between Stratus Properties Inc. and Holliday Fenoglio Fowler, L.P., subsequently assigned to an affiliate of First American Asset Management. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Stratus for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000.
   
10.5
Loan Agreement dated June 14, 2001, by and between Stratus Properties Inc. and Holliday Fenoglio Fowler, L.P., subsequently assigned to an affiliate of First American Asset Management. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Stratus for the quarter ended September 30, 2001.
   
10.6
Construction Loan Agreement dated June 11, 2001, between 7500 Rialto Boulevard, L.P. and Comerica Bank-Texas. Incorporated by Reference to Exhibit 10.26 to Stratus’ 2001 Form 10-K.
   
10.7
Modification Agreement dated January 31, 2003, by and between Lantana Office Properties I, L.P., formerly 7500 Rialto Boulevard, L.P., and Comerica Bank-Texas. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Stratus for the quarter ended March 31, 2003.
 
   
10.8
Second Modification Agreement dated as of December 29, 2003, to be effective as of January 31, 2004, by and between Lantana Office Properties I, L.P., a Texas limited partnership (formerly known as 7500 Rialto Boulevard, L.P.), as borrower, and Comerica Bank, as lender. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Stratus for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 (Stratus’ 2003 Form 10-K).
   
10.9
Guaranty Agreement dated June 11, 2001, by Stratus Properties Inc. in favor of Comerica Bank-Texas. Incorporated by Reference to Exhibit 10.27 to Stratus’ 2001 Form 10-K.
   
10.10
Loan Agreement dated September 22, 2003, by and between Calera Court, L.P., as borrower, and Comerica Bank, as lender. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Stratus for the quarter ended September 30, 2003.
   
10.11
Development Agreement dated August 15, 2002, between Circle C Land Corp. and City of Austin. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Stratus for the quarter ended September 30, 2002.
   
10.12
First Modification Agreement dated March 27, 2006, by and between Stratus 7000 West Joint Venture, as Old Borrower, and CarrAmerica Lantana, LP, as New Borrower, and Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America, as Lender. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Stratus dated March 27, 2006.
   
10.13
Agreement of Sale and Purchase dated November 23, 2005, by and between Stratus Properties Operating Co., L.P., as Seller, and Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., as Purchaser. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Stratus for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 (Stratus’ 2006 First Quarter Form 10-Q).
   
10.14
First Amendment to Agreement of Sale and Purchase dated April 26, 2006, by and between Stratus Properties Operating Co., L.P., as Seller, and Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., as Purchaser. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to Stratus’ 2006 First Quarter Form 10-Q.
   
10.15
Deed of Trust, Assignment of Leases and Rents, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing dated as of June 30, 2006, by and among Escarpment Village, L.P. and Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Stratus for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 (Stratus’ 2006 Second Quarter Form 10-Q).
   
10.16
Promissory Note dated as of June 30, 2006, by and between Escarpment Village, L.P. and Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to Stratus’ 2006 Second Quarter Form 10-Q.
   
10.17
Amended and Restated Loan Agreement between Stratus Properties Inc. and American Strategic Income Portfolio Inc.-II dated as of December 12, 2006. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Stratus for the year ended December 31, 2006 (Stratus’ 2006 Form 10-K).
   
10.18
Amended and Restated Loan Agreement between Stratus Properties Inc. and American Select Portfolio Inc. dated as of December 12, 2006. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to Stratus’ 2006 Form 10-K.
   
10.19
Loan Agreement between Stratus Properties Inc. and Holliday Fenoglio Fowler, L.P. dated as of December 12, 2006. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to Stratus’ 2006 Form 10-K.
   
10.20
Loan Agreement between Stratus Properties Inc. and Holliday Fenoglio Fowler, L.P. dated as of December 12, 2006. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to Stratus’ 2006 Form 10-K.
   
10.21
Letter Agreement between Stratus Properties Inc. and Canyon-Johnson Urban Fund II, L.P., dated as of May 4, 2007. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Stratus for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 (Stratus’ 2007 Second Quarter Form 10-Q).
 
   
10.22
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., an affiliate of First American Asset Management. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to Stratus’ 2007 Second Quarter Form 10-Q.
   
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., an affiliate of First American Asset Management. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to Stratus’ 2007 Second Quarter Form 10-Q.
   
10.24
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.-III, an affiliate of First American Asset Management. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to Stratus’ 2007 Second Quarter Form 10-Q.
   
10.25
Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of July 9, 2007, between Escarpment Village, L.P. as Seller and Christopher Investment Company, Inc. as Purchaser. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Stratus dated October 12, 2007.
   
10.26
Promissory Note dated as of December 14, 2007, between Lantana Office Properties I, L.P., as borrower, and The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, as lender. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Stratus dated December 14, 2007.
   
 
Executive Compensation Plans and Arrangements (Exhibits 10.27 through 10.38)
   
10.27
Stratus’ Performance Incentive Awards Program, as amended, effective February 11, 1999. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to Stratus’ 2004 First Quarter Form 10-Q.
   
10.28
Stratus Properties Inc. Stock Option Plan, as amended and restated. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Stratus for the quarter ended March 31, 2007 (Stratus’ 2007 First Quarter Form 10-Q).
   
10.29
Stratus Properties Inc. 1996 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors, as amended and restated. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to Stratus’ 2007 First Quarter Form 10-Q.
   
10.30
Stratus Properties Inc. 1998 Stock Option Plan, as amended and restated. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to Stratus’ 2007 First Quarter Form 10-Q.
   
10.31
Form of Notice of Grant of Nonqualified Stock Options under the 1998 Stock Option Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Stratus for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 (Stratus’ 2005 Second Quarter Form 10-Q).
   
10.32
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the 1998 Stock Option Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to Stratus’ 2007 First Quarter Form 10-Q.
   
10.33
Stratus Properties Inc. 2002 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to Stratus’ 2007 First Quarter Form 10-Q.
   
10.34
Form of Notice of Grant of Nonqualified Stock Options under the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to Stratus’ 2005 Second Quarter Form 10-Q.
   
10.35
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29 to Stratus’ 2007 First Quarter Form 10-Q.
   
10.36
Stratus Director Compensation. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Stratus for the year ended December 31, 2005.
   
10.37
Change of Control Agreement between Stratus Properties Inc. and William H. Armstrong III, effective as of January 26, 2007. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Stratus dated January 24, 2007.
 
10.38
Change of Control Agreement between Stratus Properties Inc. and John E. Baker, effective as of January 26, 2007. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Stratus dated January 24, 2007.
   
14.1
Ethics and Business Conduct Policy. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14.1 to Stratus’ 2003 Form 10-K.
   
List of subsidiaries.
   
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
   
Certified resolution of the Board of Directors of Stratus authorizing this report to be signed on behalf of any officer or director pursuant to a Power of Attorney.
   
Power of attorney pursuant to which a report has been signed on behalf of certain officers and directors of Stratus.
   
Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a–14(a)/15d-14(a).
   
Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a–14(a)/15d-14(a).
   
Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
   
Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.




E-4
 

 

ex21-1.htm


Exhibit 21.1

List of Subsidiaries of
Stratus Properties Inc.

   
Name Under Which
Entity
Organized
It Does Business
     
Stratus Properties Operating Co., L.P.
Delaware
Same
Oly Stratus Barton Creek I Joint Venture
Texas
Same
STRS Plano, L.P.
Texas
Same
Stratus Block 21 Investments, L.P.
Texas
Same


 
 

 

ex23-1.htm


Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 33-78798, 333-31059, 333-52995, 333-104288) of Stratus Properties Inc. of our report dated March 14, 2008 relating to the financial statements, financial statement schedule, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in this Form 10-K.


/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Austin, Texas
March 14, 2008
 

 

 
 

 

ex24-1.htm


Exhibit 24.1

Stratus Properties Inc.

Secretary’s Certificate

I, Douglas N. Currault II, Assistant Secretary of Stratus Properties Inc. (the “Corporation”), a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, do hereby certify that the following resolution was duly adopted by the Board of Directors of the Corporation at a meeting held on February 10, 1993, and that such resolution has not been amended, modified or rescinded and is in full force and effect:

RESOLVED, That any report, registration statement or other form filed on behalf of this corporation pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or any amendment to any such report, registration statement or other form, may be signed on behalf of any director or officer of this corporation pursuant to a power of attorney executed by such director or officer.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name and affixed the seal of the Corporation on March 7, 2008.





/s/ Douglas N. Currault II
Douglas N. Currault II
Assistant Secretary
Seal



 
 

 

ex24-2.htm


Exhibit 24.2

POWER OF ATTORNEY


BE IT KNOWN:  That the undersigned, in his capacity or capacities as an officer and/or a member of the Board of Directors of Stratus Properties Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), does hereby make, constitute and appoint KENNETH N. JONES, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full power of substitution, to execute, deliver and file, for and on behalf of him, in his name and in his capacity or capacities as aforesaid, an Annual Report of the Company on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, and any amendment or amendments thereto and any other document in support thereof or supplemental thereto, and the undersigned hereby grants to said attorney, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing whatsoever that said attorney may deem necessary or advisable to carry out fully the intent of the foregoing as the undersigned might or could do personally or in the capacity or capacities as aforesaid, hereby ratifying and confirming all acts and things which said attorney may do or cause to be done by virtue of this Power of Attorney.

EXECUTED on March 6, 2008.





                                                        /s/ William H. Armstrong III
                               William H. Armstrong III





 
 

 

POWER OF ATTORNEY


BE IT KNOWN:  That the undersigned, in his capacity or capacities as an officer and/or a member of the Board of Directors of Stratus Properties Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), does hereby make, constitute and appoint WILLIAM H. ARMSTRONG III and KENNETH N. JONES, and each of them acting individually, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact with power to act without the others and with full power of substitution, to execute, deliver and file, for and on behalf of him, in his name and in his capacity or capacities as aforesaid, an Annual Report of the Company on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, and any amendment or amendments thereto and any other document in support thereof or supplemental thereto, and the undersigned hereby grants to said attorneys, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing whatsoever that said attorney or attorneys may deem necessary or advisable to carry out fully the intent of the foregoing as the undersigned might or could do personally or in the capacity or capacities as aforesaid, hereby ratifying and confirming all acts and things which said attorney or attorneys may do or cause to be done by virtue of this Power of Attorney.

EXECUTED on March 6, 2008.





                                                                  /s/ Bruce G. Garrison
                          Bruce G. Garrison
 




 
 

 

POWER OF ATTORNEY


BE IT KNOWN:  That the undersigned, in his capacity or capacities as an officer and/or a member of the Board of Directors of Stratus Properties Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), does hereby make, constitute and appoint WILLIAM H. ARMSTRONG III and KENNETH N. JONES, and each of them acting individually, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact with power to act without the others and with full power of substitution, to execute, deliver and file, for and on behalf of him, in his name and in his capacity or capacities as aforesaid, an Annual Report of the Company on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, and any amendment or amendments thereto and any other document in support thereof or supplemental thereto, and the undersigned hereby grants to said attorneys, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing whatsoever that said attorney or attorneys may deem necessary or advisable to carry out fully the intent of the foregoing as the undersigned might or could do personally or in the capacity or capacities as aforesaid, hereby ratifying and confirming all acts and things which said attorney or attorneys may do or cause to be done by virtue of this Power of Attorney.

EXECUTED on March 6, 2008.





                                                                  /s/ James C. Leslie
                             James C. Leslie








 
 

 

POWER OF ATTORNEY


BE IT KNOWN:  That the undersigned, in his capacity or capacities as an officer and/or a member of the Board of Directors of Stratus Properties Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), does hereby make, constitute and appoint WILLIAM H. ARMSTRONG III and KENNETH N. JONES, and each of them acting individually, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact with power to act without the others and with full power of substitution, to execute, deliver and file, for and on behalf of him, in his name and in his capacity or capacities as aforesaid, an Annual Report of the Company on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, and any amendment or amendments thereto and any other document in support thereof or supplemental thereto, and the undersigned hereby grants to said attorneys, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing whatsoever that said attorney or attorneys may deem necessary or advisable to carry out fully the intent of the foregoing as the undersigned might or could do personally or in the capacity or capacities as aforesaid, hereby ratifying and confirming all acts and things which said attorney or attorneys may do or cause to be done by virtue of this Power of Attorney.

EXECUTED on March 6, 2008.





                                                                  /s/ Michael D. Madden
                              Michael D. Madden









 
 

 

POWER OF ATTORNEY


BE IT KNOWN:  That the undersigned, in his capacity or capacities as an officer and/or a member of the Board of Directors of Stratus Properties Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), does hereby make, constitute and appoint WILLIAM H. ARMSTRONG III and KENNETH N. JONES, and each of them acting individually, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact with power to act without the others and with full power of substitution, to execute, deliver and file, for and on behalf of him, in his name and in his capacity or capacities as aforesaid, an Annual Report of the Company on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, and any amendment or amendments thereto and any other document in support thereof or supplemental thereto, and the undersigned hereby grants to said attorneys, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing whatsoever that said attorney or attorneys may deem necessary or advisable to carry out fully the intent of the foregoing as the undersigned might or could do personally or in the capacity or capacities as aforesaid, hereby ratifying and confirming all acts and things which said attorney or attorneys may do or cause to be done by virtue of this Power of Attorney.

EXECUTED on March 6, 2008.





                                                                     /s/ C. Donald Whitmire, Jr.
                        C. Donald Whitmire, Jr.


 
 

 

POWER OF ATTORNEY


BE IT KNOWN:  That the undersigned, in his capacity or capacities as an officer and/or a member of the Board of Directors of Stratus Properties Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), does hereby make, constitute and appoint WILLIAM H. ARMSTRONG III and KENNETH N. JONES, and each of them acting individually, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact with power to act without the others and with full power of substitution, to execute, deliver and file, for and on behalf of him, in his name and in his capacity or capacities as aforesaid, an Annual Report of the Company on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, and any amendment or amendments thereto and any other document in support thereof or supplemental thereto, and the undersigned hereby grants to said attorneys, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing whatsoever that said attorney or attorneys may deem necessary or advisable to carry out fully the intent of the foregoing as the undersigned might or could do personally or in the capacity or capacities as aforesaid, hereby ratifying and confirming all acts and things which said attorney or attorneys may do or cause to be done by virtue of this Power of Attorney.

EXECUTED on March 6, 2008.





                                                                  /s/ John E. Baker
                         John E. Baker



 
 

 

ex31-1.htm


Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATION


I, William H. Armstrong III, certify that:

1.             I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Stratus Properties Inc.;
 
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
 
 (a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
 
(b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;
 
 
 (c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of  the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
 
(d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
 
(a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
 
(b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
Date:  March 14, 2008


 
/s/ William H. Armstrong III
William H. Armstrong III
Chairman of the Board, President
and Chief Executive Officer

 
 

 

ex31-2.htm
 

                                           Exhibit 31.2
 
CERTIFICATION

I, John E. Baker, certify that:

1.             I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Stratus Properties Inc.;
 
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
 
 (a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
 
(b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;
 
 
(c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of  the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
 
(d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
 
(a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
 
(b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
Date:  March 14, 2008


/s/ John E. Baker
John E. Baker
Senior Vice President &
Chief Financial Officer

 
 

 

ex32-1.htm


Exhibit 32.1


Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
(Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)


In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Stratus Properties Inc. (the “Company”) for the year ending December 31, 2007, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), William H. Armstrong III, as Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of his knowledge:

(1)  The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)  The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Dated:  March 14, 2008


/s/ William H. Armstrong III
William H. Armstrong III
Chairman of the Board, President and
Chief Executive Officer


A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

This certification shall not be deemed filed by the Company for purposes of § 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.



 
 

 

ex32-2.htm


Exhibit 32.2


Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
(Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)


In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Stratus Properties Inc. (the “Company”) for the year ending December 31, 2007, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), John E. Baker, as Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer of the Company, hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of his knowledge:

(1)  The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)  The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Dated:  March 14, 2008



/s/ John E. Baker
John E. Baker
Senior Vice President &
Chief Financial Officer


A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

This certification shall not be deemed filed by the Company for purposes of § 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.