STRATUS PROPERTIES INC - Quarter Report: 2004 September (Form 10-Q)

STRATUS PROPERTIES INC.

Part I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.

Financial Statements.

STRATUS PROPERTIES INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)

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

STRATUS PROPERTIES INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

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

STRATUS PROPERTIES INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

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

STRATUS PROPERTIES INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

1.

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2003, included in Stratus Properties Inc.’s (Stratus) Annual Report on Form 10-K (Stratus 2003 Form 10-K) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In the opinion of management, the accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring items) considered necessary to present fairly the financial position of Stratus at September 30, 2004, and the results of operations for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, and cash flows for the nine-months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003.  Operating results for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2004.

The consolidated financial statements include accounts of those subsidiaries where Stratus has more than 50 percent of the voting rights and for which the right to participate in significant management decisions is not shared with other shareholders.  Stratus consolidates its wholly owned subsidiaries, which include: Stratus Properties Operating Co., L.P.; Circle C Land, L.P.; Stratus 7000 West, Ltd.; 7500 Rialto Boulevard, L.P.; Austin 290 Properties, Inc.; 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. and STRS L.L.C.  All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.  

2.

EARNINGS PER SHARE

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

Stock options representing 323,000 shares for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 that otherwise would have been included in the diluted earnings per share calculation were excluded because of the net loss reported for the period.

Outstanding stock options with exercise prices greater than the average market price of the common stock during the period are excluded from the computation of diluted net income (loss) per share of common stock.  A recap of the excluded amounts follows (in thousands, except exercise prices):

Stock-Based Compensation Plans.

As of September 30, 2004, Stratus had four stock-based employee and director compensation plans, which are described in Note 7 of the Stratus 2003 Form 10-K.  Stratus accounts for those plans under the recognition and measurement principles of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related interpretations.  The following table illustrates the effect on net income (loss) and earnings per share if Stratus had applied the fair value recognition provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” to all stock-based employee compensation (in thousands, except per share amounts).

For the pro forma computations, the values of option grants were calculated on the dates of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.  The following table summarizes the options granted, 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 periods presented:

Stratus assumes an expected life of 10 years for all of its options and no annual dividends. The pro forma effects on net income are not representative of future years because of the potential changes in the factors used in calculating the Black-Scholes valuation and the number and timing of option grants.  No other discounts or restrictions related to vesting or the likelihood of vesting of stock options were applied.

3.

NOTES RECEIVABLE FROM PROPERTY SALES

In the third quarter of 2004, Stratus’ developed property sales included the sale of two residential estate lots at the Mirador subdivision in September 2004 for $0.7 million, for which Stratus received cash of $0.1 million and a promissory note of $0.6 million.  Stratus also received a promissory note of $0.2 million for the $0.3 million sale of one residential estate lot at Mirador in July 2004.  The $0.6 million note, which has an annual interest rate of eight percent, requires three annual principal and interest payments with the final payment due in September 2007.  The $0.2 million note, which has an annual interest rate of 10 percent, requires monthly principal and interest payments and matures in July 2007.

4.

DEERFIELD PROJECT AND LOAN

In January 2004, Stratus, through its subsidiary, STRS Plano, L.P., acquired approximately 68 acres of land in Plano, Texas, for $7.0 million.  The property (Deerfield) is zoned and subject to a preliminary subdivision plan for 234 residential lots.  On February 27, 2004, Stratus executed an Option Agreement and a Construction Agreement with a national homebuilder.  Pursuant to the Option Agreement, Stratus received $1.4 million for an option to purchase all 234 lots over 36 monthly take-downs.  The $1.4 million is recorded in Other liabilities in Stratus’ September 30, 2004 balance sheet.  The net purchase price for each of the 234 lots is $61,500, subject to certain terms and conditions. The $1.4 million option payment is non-refundable, but would 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 Construction Agreement requires the homebuilder to complete development of the entire project by March 15, 2007. Stratus agreed to pay up to $5.2 million of the homebuilder’s development costs.  The homebuilder must pay all property taxes and maintenance costs.

On February 27, 2004, Stratus entered into a loan agreement (Deerfield loan) with Comerica Bank (Comerica) for $9.8 million with a maturity date of February 27, 2007, including an option to extend the maturity date by six months to August 27, 2007, subject to certain conditions.  The timing of advances from and payments on the loan coincides with the development and lot purchase schedules.  As of September 30, 2004, borrowings outstanding under the Deerfield loan totaled $5.2 million, which proceeds financed the acquisition and the initial development costs of the Deerfield property.

5.

WIMBERLY LANE PHASE II

In May 2004, Stratus entered into a contract with a national homebuilder to sell 41 lots within the Wimberly Lane Phase II subdivision.  Stratus is retaining and marketing the remaining six estate lots in the subdivision, each averaging approximately five acres.  In June 2004, the homebuilder paid Stratus a non-refundable $0.6 million deposit for the right to purchase the 41 lots, which has been used to pay ongoing development costs of the lots. The $0.6 million deposit is recorded in Other liabilities in Stratus’ September 30, 2004 balance sheet and will be recognized as income as lots are sold.  The lots will be sold on an installment basis, with six lots to be sold upon substantial completion of subdivision utilities, and then three lots per quarter beginning 150 days after the sale of the initial lots. The average purchase price for each of the 41 lots is $150,400, subject to a six percent annual escalator commencing upon substantial completion of development.

6.

DEBT OUTSTANDING AND EQUITY TRANSACTIONS

At September 30, 2004, Stratus had total debt of $59.6 million, including $0.4 million of current debt, compared to total debt of $47.5 million, including $0.4 million of current debt, at December 31, 2003.  On June 23, 2004, Stratus modified its $30.0 million credit facility agreement with Comerica to convert the $5.0 million term loan component to a revolver and to extend the maturity to May 2006.  The entire $30.0 million revolver facility is now available for corporate purposes.  On February 27, 2004, Stratus entered into the $9.8 million Deerfield loan (see Note 4).  Stratus’ debt outstanding at September 30, 2004 consisted of the following:

*

$10.0 million of borrowings outstanding under two unsecured $5.0 million term loans, one of which will mature in January 2006 and the other in July 2006.

*

$24.8 million of net borrowings under the $30.0 million Comerica credit facility, which was amended effective June 23, 2004 to convert the $5.0 million term loan component to a revolver and to extend the maturity to May 2006, as discussed above.  The Mirador and Escala subdivision lots and the Calera Court courtyard homes within the Barton Creek community are currently serving as collateral for this credit facility.

*

$1.2 million of net borrowings under the Calera Court project loan, for which certain of the courtyard homes at Calera Court are serving as collateral.  The project loan will mature in November 2005.

*

$6.7 million of net borrowings under the 7500 Rialto Drive project loan, which was amended effective January 31, 2004 to extend the maturity from January 31, 2004 to January 31, 2005.  Based on the terms of a previous amendment, Stratus has an option to extend the maturity for one additional year under certain conditions.

*

$11.7 million of net borrowings under the 7000 West project loan, which was amended effective January 31, 2004 to extend the maturity from January 31, 2004 to January 31, 2005.  Based on the terms of a previous amendment, Stratus has an option to extend the maturity for one additional year under certain conditions.

*

$5.2 million of net borrowings under the Deerfield loan, for which the Deerfield property and any future improvements are serving as collateral.  The project loan will mature in February 2007.

For a discussion of Stratus’ bank credit facility and other borrowings, see Note 5 of the Stratus 2003 Form 10-K.

In 2001, Stratus’ Board of Directors approved an open market share purchase program for up to 0.7 million stock-split adjusted shares of Stratus’ common stock.  During the third quarter of 2004, Stratus purchased 14,543 shares of its common stock for $0.2 million ($13.01 per share average) under its share purchase program.  During the fourth quarter of 2004 through November 4, 2004, Stratus purchased 1,456 shares of its common stock for an average of $14.59 per share and 684,001 shares remain available under its share purchase program.

7.    BUSINESS SEGMENTS

Stratus has two operating segments, “Real Estate Operations” and “Commercial Leasing.”  The Real Estate Operations segment is comprised of all Stratus’ developed and undeveloped properties in Austin, Texas, which consist of its properties in the Barton Creek community; its Circle C community properties; and until their sale in August 2003, the properties in Lantana other than its office buildings.  In addition, the 68-acre Deerfield property in Plano, Texas, which Stratus acquired in January 2004, is included in the Real Estate Operations segment (see Note 4).  

The Commercial Leasing segment currently includes the 140,000-square-foot Lantana Corporate Center office complex at 7000 West, which consists of two fully leased 70,000-square-foot office buildings, as well as Stratus’ 75,000-square-foot office building at 7500 Rialto Drive.  In March 2004, Stratus formed Southwest Property Services L.L.C. to manage these office buildings.  Previously, Stratus had outsourced its property management functions to a property management firm.  Effective June 30, 2004, Stratus terminated its agreement with this firm and Southwest Property Services L.L.C. is performing all property management responsibilities.  The occupancy rate at the 7500 Rialto Drive office building was 94 percent at September 30, 2004, compared with approximately 37 percent at September 30, 2003.  In the third quarter of 2004, Stratus executed additional leases that will increase the 7500 Rialto Drive occupancy rate to 97 percent at the end of 2004.

The segment data presented below (in thousands) was prepared on the same basis as the consolidated financial statements.  

a.

Includes sales commissions, management fees and other revenues together with related expenses.

b.

Represents all Stratus’ assets except for the plant, property and equipment assets comprising the Real Estate Operations and Commercial Leasing segments.

8. RESTRICTED CASH AND INTEREST COST

Restricted Cash.  Stratus had restricted cash deposits totaling $1.8 million at September 30, 2004 and $0.2 million at December 31, 2003, of which $0.1 million at September 30, 2004 and $0.2 million at December 31, 2003 reflect funds held to purchase the fractional shares of Stratus’ common stock resulting from its stock split transactions (see Note 7 of the Stratus 2003 Form 10-K).  The remaining restricted cash of $1.7 million at September 30, 2004 represents funds held for payment on the Comerica credit facility that were applied in October 2004.

Interest Costs.  Interest expense excludes capitalized interest of $0.6 million in the third quarter of 2004, $0.5 million in the third quarter of 2003, $1.8 million in the first nine months of 2004 and $1.6 million in the first nine months of 2003.

REVIEW BY INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The financial information as of September 30, 2004, and for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, included in Part I of this Form 10-Q pursuant to Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X has been reviewed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PricewaterhouseCoopers), Stratus’ independent registered public accounting firm, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  PricewaterhouseCoopers’ report is included in this quarterly report.

PricewaterhouseCoopers does not carry out significant or additional procedures beyond those that would have been necessary if its report had not been included in this quarterly report.  Accordingly, such report is not a “report” or “part of a registration statement” within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of the Securities Act of 1933 and the liability provisions of Section 11 of such Act do not apply.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders

   of Stratus Properties Inc.:

We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of Stratus Properties Inc. (a Delaware Corporation) as of September 30, 2004, and the related consolidated statements of operations for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, and the consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine-months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003.  These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

We conducted our review in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters.  It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.  

Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the condensed consolidated interim financial statements for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We previously audited in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of Stratus Properties Inc. as of December 31, 2003, and the related consolidated statements of income, of changes in stockholders’ equity and of cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein), and in our report dated March 23, 2004 we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.  In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2003, is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Austin, Texas

November 5, 2004  

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

OVERVIEW

Management’s discussion and analysis presented below should be read in conjunction with our discussion and analysis of financial results contained in our 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K.  The operating results summarized in this report are not necessarily indicative of our future operating results.

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.  Our principal real estate holdings are in southwest Austin, Texas.  Our most significant holding is the 1,947 acres of undeveloped residential, multi-family and commercial property and 48 developed residential estate lots located within the Barton Creek community.  We also own approximately 1,000 acres of undeveloped residential, commercial and multi-family property within the Circle C Ranch (Circle C) community.  Our remaining Austin holdings consist of 282 acres of undeveloped commercial property located within the Lantana project, as well as three Lantana office buildings. The office buildings include a 75,000-square-foot building at 7500 Rialto Drive, and two fully leased 70,000-square-foot buildings at 7000 West William Cannon Drive (7000 West), known as the Lantana Corporate Center. We also own approximately 68 acres of land in Plano, Texas, which we acquired in January 2004.

DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES

In May 2004, we entered into a contract with a national homebuilder to sell 41 lots within the Wimberly Lane Phase II subdivision.  We are retaining and marketing the remaining six estate lots in the subdivision, each averaging approximately five acres.  In June 2004, the homebuilder paid us a non-refundable $0.6 million deposit for the right to purchase the 41 lots, which has been used to pay ongoing development costs of the lots.  The deposit will be recognized as income as lots are sold.  The lots will be sold on an installment basis, with six lots to be sold upon substantial completion of subdivision utilities, and then three lots per quarter beginning 150 days after the sale of the initial lots.  The average purchase price for each of the 41 lots is $150,400, subject to a six percent annual escalator commencing upon substantial completion of development.  Subdivision streets and utilities were completed in October 2004 and the initial lot closings are now scheduled to occur in November 2004.

In January 2004, we acquired approximately 68 acres of land in Plano, Texas, for $7.0 million.  The property, which we refer to as Deerfield, is zoned and subject to a preliminary subdivision plan for 234 residential lots.  In February 2004, we executed an Option Agreement and a Construction Agreement with a national homebuilder. Pursuant to the Option Agreement, we were paid $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 is $61,500, subject to certain terms and conditions.  The $1.4 million option payment is non-refundable, but would 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 Construction Agreement requires the homebuilder to complete development of the entire project by March 15, 2007. We agreed to pay up to $5.2 million of the homebuilder’s development costs.  The homebuilder must pay all property taxes and maintenance costs.  In February 2004, we entered into a $9.8 million three-year loan agreement with Comerica Bank (Comerica) to finance the acquisition and development of Deerfield.  Development is proceeding on schedule and we had $4.6 million in remaining availability under the loan at September 30, 2004.  The initial lot closing is scheduled to occur in November 2004.

We have commenced development activities at Circle C based on the entitlements set forth in our Circle C Settlement with the City of Austin (the City).  The preliminary plan has been approved for Meridian, an 800-lot residential development at Circle C.  In October 2004, we received final City plat and construction permit approvals for the first phase of Meridian.  In addition, several retail sites at Circle C have received final City approvals and are being developed.  Other retail sites, including a proposed 160,000-square-foot project anchored by a grocery store, are currently proceeding through the City approval process.  Zoning for the 160,000-square-foot project was approved during the second quarter of 2004, and construction is expected to commence prior to year end 2004.  The Circle C Settlement permits development of one million square feet of commercial space, 900 multi-family units and 830 single-family residential lots.

During the first quarter of 2004, we completed construction of four courtyard homes at Calera Court within the Barton Creek community, one of which has been sold.  Calera Court, the initial phase of the “Calera Drive” subdivision, will include 17 courtyard homes on 16 acres.  The second phase of Calera Drive, consisting of 53 single-family lots, has received final plat and construction permit approval.  The development of these lots, many of which adjoin the Fazio Canyons Golf Course, is expected to begin at the end of 2004.  Development of the third and last phase of Calera Drive, which will include approximately 70 single-family lots, is not expected to commence until after 2005.  Funding for the construction of courtyard homes at Calera Court is provided by a $3.0 million project loan, which we established with Comerica in September 2003.  During the first quarter of 2004, we borrowed $1.2 million under the project loan, which matures in November 2005 and is secured by the courtyard homes at Calera Court.

During the first quarter of 2004, we executed leases that brought our 7500 Rialto Drive office building to 90 percent occupancy in July 2004, and at September 30, 2004, the occupancy rate was 94 percent.  In March 2004, we brought our property management functions in-house and formed Southwest Property Services L.L.C. to manage our office buildings.  Effective June 30, 2004, we terminated our agreement with the third-party property management firm previously providing this function.  Although there may be some higher costs during the initial transition, we anticipate that this change in management responsibility should provide future cost savings for our commercial leasing operations and better control of building operations.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Real Estate Operations

Summary real estate operating results follow:  

Developed Property Sales.  Developed property sales of $2.0 million for the third quarter of 2004 included sales of three residential estate lots at the Mirador subdivision for $1.0 million and two residential estate lots at the Escala Drive subdivision for $0.7 million.  In addition, we recognized $0.3 million of previously deferred revenues related to a 2003 lot sale at the Mirador subdivision.  Developed property sales of $0.5 million for the third quarter of 2003 included the sale of two residential estate lots at the Mirador subdivision.  The first nine months of 2004 also included the first-quarter sales of a residential estate lot at the Mirador subdivision for $0.4 million and the first courtyard home at Calera Court for $0.6 million, and the second-quarter sales of three residential estate lots at the Escala Drive subdivision for $1.0 million and two residential estate lots at the Mirador subdivision for $0.8 million.  Developed property sales of $1.2 million for the first nine months of 2003 included sales of two residential estate lots, one at the Mirador subdivision and one at the Escala Drive subdivision, during the first quarter, and the second-quarter sale of a Wimberly Lane subdivision residential lot.

Undeveloped Property Sales.  During the third quarter of 2004, we sold an 83-acre estate lot within the Barton Creek community for $1.8 million.  During the third quarter of 2003, we sold to a single purchaser our entire 142 acres of undeveloped residential real estate within the Lantana development in southwest Austin for $4.6 million and we also sold a 1.5-acre undeveloped retail tract in our Circle C development for $1.2 million.  In the second quarter of 2004, we also sold two tracts totaling three acres within the Circle C community for $1.4 million.  We sold six acres of undeveloped property located in southwest Austin during the first quarter of 2003 for $0.7 million.

Commissions, Management Fees and Other.  Commissions, management fees and other revenues totaled $0.2 million during the first nine months of 2004, compared to $1.4 million for the 2003 period.  The 2004 amount included sales of our development fee credits to third parties totaling $0.1 million, compared to $0.8 million for the 2003 period. We received these development fee credits as part of the Circle C Settlement.  During 2003, commissions and management fees also included fees paid to us associated with our involvement in the Lakeway Project, near Austin, Texas, totaling $0.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003.  During the first nine months of 2003, we sold the last remaining five-acre commercial tract at the Lakeway Project for $0.7 million and received $0.3 million representing our 40 percent share of the related net sales proceeds.  For more information regarding our involvement in the Lakeway Project, see Note 4 of our 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Cost of Sales.  Cost of sales totaled $2.6 million during the third quarter of 2004 and $3.9 million for the third quarter of 2003.  The decrease primarily reflects the lower costs associated with the third-quarter 2004 undeveloped property sale of 83 acres compared to the 2003 third-quarter undeveloped property sale of 142 acres.  Cost of sales totaled $5.9 million during the first nine months of 2004 and $5.4 million for the 2003 period.  

Commercial Leasing Operations

Summary commercial leasing operating results follow:

Rental Income.   For the third quarter of 2004, we received rental income of $0.8 million from our two fully leased 7000 West office buildings in the Lantana project in southwest Austin, compared to $0.9 million for the third quarter of 2003.  In addition, we earned $0.3 million in rental income from our 75,000-square-foot office building at 7500 Rialto Drive for the third quarter of 2004, compared to $0.1 million for the third quarter of 2003, as the occupancy rate increased from approximately 37 percent in the third quarter of 2003 to 94 percent in the third quarter of 2004.  During the first quarter of 2004, we executed leases that brought our 7500 Rialto Drive office building to 90 percent occupancy in July 2004.  In the third quarter of 2004, we executed additional leases that will increase the 7500 Rialto Drive occupancy rate to 97 percent at the end of 2004.

Rental Property Costs.  Rental property costs in the third quarter of 2004 and the first nine months of 2004 were reduced by $0.7 million for reimbursement of certain building repairs received from a settlement with the general contractor responsible for construction of the 7000 West office buildings. Excluding the $0.7 million settlement, rental property costs increased in the 2004 periods compared to the 2003 periods, reflecting the services provided by Southwest Property Services L.L.C., which we formed in March 2004 to manage our office buildings. Previously, we had outsourced our property management functions to a property management firm.  Effective June 30, 2004, we terminated our agreement with this firm and Southwest Property Services L.L.C. now performs all property management responsibilities.

Other Financial Results

General and administrative expenses totaled $1.1 million in the third quarter of 2004 and $1.0 million in the third quarter of 2003.  For the first nine months of 2004, general and administrative expenses were $3.7 million, compared with $3.1 million in the first nine months of 2003.  The increase for the first nine months of 2004 reflects higher legal fees related to the S.R. Ridge/Wal-Mart litigation (see “Legal Proceedings”) and charitable contributions. General and administrative expenses were also higher because of a reduction in the allocation of certain general and administrative expenses to capital projects.

Non-Operating Results

Interest income totaled $0.6 million in the third quarter of 2003 and $0.7 million during the first nine months of 2003.  Interest income included interest on Municipal Utility District (MUD) reimbursements totaling $0.5 million in the third quarter of 2003 and $0.6 million during the first nine months of 2003.

CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY

Comparison of Nine Months 2004 and 2003 Cash Flows

Operating activities provided cash of $5.7 million during the first nine months of 2004 compared to $8.2 million during the first nine months of 2003.  Compared to the 2003 period, operating cash flows declined primarily because of the decrease in sales activities and the $1.2 million of MUD reimbursements received in the third quarter of 2003 for infrastructure costs previously expensed.  In July 2003, Barton Creek Municipal Utility District No. 4 issued $5.0 million in revenue bonds, of which Stratus received approximately $3.8 million in the third quarter of 2003 as reimbursement for a portion of Stratus’ previous infrastructure work within the Barton Creek community. Reimbursements totaling $1.7 million represented (1) a $1.2 million reimbursement of infrastructure costs charged to expense in prior years and were recorded as a reduction of cost of sales and (2) $0.5 million for interest on the reimbursements.  The remaining reimbursement of $2.1 million and a fiscal deposit refund of $0.6 million represented a reimbursement of our cost of real estate properties and were recorded as a reduction of capital expenditures.   

Cash used in investing activities totaled $17.5 million during the first nine months of 2004, compared to $6.5 million during the 2003 period.  The first nine months of 2004 included $8.9 million for the acquisition and development of the Deerfield property.  In the first nine months of 2004, expenditures also included improvements to certain properties in the Barton Creek and Circle C communities.  For the first nine months of both 2004 and 2003, other expenditures included the completion of certain tenant improvements to our 7500 Rialto Drive office building.  The expenditures for the first nine months of 2004 were partly offset by MUD reimbursements of $0.7 million compared to MUD reimbursements of $2.6 million for the first nine months of 2003.  During 2003, we received $0.3 million of proceeds from the Lakeway Project, including $0.2 million representing the final return of our investment in the project.

Financing activities provided cash of $12.6 million during the first nine months of 2004 compared to uses of $1.0 million during the first nine months of 2003.  During 2004, our financing activities included $3.9 million of net borrowings from our revolving line of credit and $8.1 million of net borrowings from our project construction loans, including borrowings of $5.2 million from the Deerfield loan and $1.2 million from the Calera Court project loan.  During 2003, our financing activities reflected $0.4 million of net borrowings under our revolving line of credit and payments totaling $1.4 million under our project construction loans.

In 2001, our Board of Directors approved an open market share purchase program for up to 0.7 million stock-split adjusted shares of our common stock.  Under this program, we purchased 14,543 shares of our common stock during the third quarter of 2004 for $0.2 million, $13.01 per share average.  During the fourth quarter of 2004 through November 4, 2004, we purchased 1,456 shares of our common stock for an average of $14.59 per share and 684,001 shares remain available under this program.  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.

Credit Facility and Other Financing Arrangements

At September 30, 2004, our total debt was $59.6 million, including $0.4 million of current debt, compared to total debt of $47.5 million, including $0.4 million of current debt, at December 31, 2003.  On February 27, 2004, we entered into the $9.8 million Deerfield loan (see below and Note 4).  Our outstanding debt at September 30, 2004 consisted of the following:

*

$10.0 million of borrowings outstanding under two unsecured $5.0 million term loans, one of which will mature in January 2006 and the other in July 2006.

*

$24.8 million of net borrowings under the $30.0 million Comerica credit facility, which was amended effective June 23, 2004 to convert the $5.0 million term loan component to a revolver and to extend the maturity to May 2006.  The Mirador and Escala subdivision lots and the Calera Court courtyard homes within the Barton Creek community are currently serving as collateral for this credit facility.

*

$1.2 million of net borrowings under the Calera Court project loan, for which certain of the courtyard homes at Calera Court are serving as collateral.  The project loan will mature in November 2005.

*

$6.7 million of net borrowings under the 7500 Rialto Drive project loan, which was amended effective January 31, 2004 to extend the maturity from January 31, 2004 to January 31, 2005. Based on the terms of a previous amendment, we have an option to extend the maturity for one additional year under certain conditions.

*

$11.7 million of net borrowings under the 7000 West project loan, which was amended effective January 31, 2004 to extend the maturity from January 31, 2004 to January 31, 2005.  Based on the terms of a previous amendment, we have an option to extend the maturity for one additional year under certain conditions.

*

$5.2 million of net borrowings under the Deerfield loan, for which the Deerfield property and any future improvements are serving as collateral.  The project loan will mature in February 2007.

For a discussion of our bank credit facility and other borrowings, see Note 5 included in our 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Credit Facility Amendment

On June 23, 2004, we modified our $30.0 million credit facility agreement with Comerica to convert the $5.0 million term loan component to a revolver and to extend the maturity to May 2006.  The entire $30.0 million revolver facility is now available for corporate purposes.  

Project Loan Amendments

In January 2004, we amended our project loans associated with the 75,000-square-foot office building at 7500 Rialto Drive and the 140,000-square-foot office complex at 7000 West.  Under the terms of the project loan amendments, each project loan’s maturity was extended from January 31, 2004 to January 31, 2005, with options to extend the maturities for additional one-year periods.  The amendment on the 7500 Rialto Drive project loan required us to repay $69,900 of borrowings and reduced the commitment under the facility by $0.2 million to $7.6 million.  We may make additional borrowings under this facility to fund certain tenant improvements upon leasing the remaining available office space.  During the third quarter of 2004, we executed leases that will bring our 7500 Rialto Drive building to 97 percent occupancy by year end.  As of September 30, 2004, we had $0.5 million of remaining availability under the 7500 Rialto Drive project loan and had borrowed all amounts available under the 7000 West project loan.

Deerfield Loan

On February 27, 2004, we entered into a loan agreement (Deerfield loan) with Comerica for $9.8 million with a maturity date of February 27, 2007, including an option to extend the maturity date by six months to August 27, 2007, subject to certain conditions.  The timing of advances received and payments made under the loan coincides with the development and lot purchase schedules.  As of September 30, 2004, borrowings outstanding under the loan totaled $5.2 million, which proceeds financed the acquisition and the initial development costs of the Deerfield property.   

Outlook

As discussed in “Risk Factors” located in our 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K, 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.  The Austin real estate market has experienced a slowdown during the past several years which has affected, and will likely in the near-term continue to affect, our operating results and liquidity.  We cannot at this time project how long or to what extent this current slowdown will persist.

We have made progress securing permitting for our Austin-area properties (see “Development Activities” above).   Significant development expenditures must be incurred and additional permits secured prior to the sale of certain properties.  Certain of our properties benefit from grandfathered entitlements that are not subject to the development requirements currently in effect.  We continue to engage in positive and cooperative dialogue with the City concerning land use and development permit issues.

We are continuing to pursue additional development and management fee opportunities.  We also believe that we can obtain bank financing at a reasonable cost for developing our properties.  However, obtaining land acquisition financing is generally expensive and uncertain.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT

Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations contains forward-looking statements regarding anticipated sales, debt repayments, future reimbursement 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, that are described in more detail under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risks.

There have been no significant changes in our market risks since the year ended December 31, 2003.  For more information, please read the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.

Item 4.  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 of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.  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 filings. There were no significant changes in our internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation.

PART II. – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings.

Various regulatory matters and litigation involving the development of our Austin properties are summarized below.

SOS Lawsuit 1:  The Save Our Springs Alliance and Circle C Neighborhood Association v. The City of Austin, Circle C Land Corp., and Stratus Properties Inc. Cause No. GN-202018 (261st Judicial District Court of Travis County, Texas, filed June 24, 2002).  The Save Our Springs Alliance, a non-profit public-interest corporation, (SOSA) and the Circle C Neighborhood Association, an unincorporated association with a single member, (CCNA) opposed any settlement between the City of Austin (the City) and Stratus concerning the development of Circle C.  SOSA and CCNA worked diligently to oppose the proposed settlement in myriad ways, including public protests, mail and other media campaigns, lobbying efforts, and litigation.  On June 24, 2002, in advance of the City Council’s consideration of the settlement proposal, SOSA and CCNA filed a lawsuit against the City, Circle C Land Corp., and Stratus Properties Inc. in the 261st Judicial District Court of Travis County.  In their petition, plaintiffs request the following judicial declarations:

1.

The City’s Save Our Springs (SOS) Ordinance (SOS Ordinance) is exempt from Chapter 245 of the Texas Local Government Code (the Grandfathering Statute).

2.

Chapter 245 is an unconstitutional intrusion on the municipal authority of Texas homerule cities, either on its face or as applied in the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Watershed.

3.

Under the Texas Constitution, the City has the authority and duty to apply the SOS Ordinance and its zoning authority to Stratus’ Circle C properties.

4.

Residents of the Circle C community, including Plaintiffs, are entitled to full application of the City’s current watershed protection ordinances, including the SOS Ordinance, and the City’s zoning powers.

Stratus’ Position.  As a result of the City’s approval of the settlement agreement, effective August 15, 2002, certain of Plaintiffs’ requests are moot.  The proposal was approved by six of seven Council members and, as such, constitutes a valid amendment to the SOS Ordinance.  In addition, in connection with the approval of the settlement agreement, the City exercised its zoning authority and granted zoning for each of Stratus’ seventeen Circle C parcels.  As such, each of plaintiffs’ requested judicial declarations concerning the applicability of current City watershed ordinances or City zoning authority to Circle C have been fully satisfied and are moot.  Stratus filed a motion for summary judgment, along with the City, to dismiss the claims as to the Circle C properties on the basis that they are moot as a result of the settlement.  Stratus’ and the City’s summary judgment was heard on January 22, 2003 and granted, dismissing the lawsuit as to the Circle C properties.

The lawsuit remained pending as to Stratus’ non-Circle C properties.  Stratus and the City asserted that there is no live controversy and, as a result, the court has no jurisdiction and must dismiss the suit.  A hearing was held on May 7, 2003, at which the court agreed with the City’s and Stratus’ position and dismissed the suit.  On May 27, 2003, SOSA filed a Notice of Appeal with the Texas Third Court of Appeals.  All parties submitted briefs and oral argument occurred on December 3, 2003.  On May 6, 2004, the Texas Third Court of Appeals issued a ruling in favor of Stratus and the City, denying SOSA’s appeal and affirming the District Court’s ruling dismissing the lawsuit.  On June 7, 2004, SOSA filed a motion requesting that the Texas Third Court of Appeals reconsider its ruling.  On August 12, 2004, the Appellate Court denied SOSA’s motion.  The District Court’s ruling dismissing SOSA’s suit is final and not subject to further appeal.  

S.R. Ridge / Wal-Mart Litigation:  S.R. Ridge Limited Partnership vs. The City of Austin and Stratus Properties Inc. (Cause No. A03CA832 SS).  As previously reported, on November 20, 2003, S.R. Ridge Limited Partnership (S.R. Ridge) sued Stratus and the City in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas alleging that Stratus had conspired with the City to breach its 1996 Settlement Agreement concerning the development of S.R. Ridge’s property.  On October 14, 2004, after conducting discovery and Stratus’ filing of its motion for summary judgment, S.R. Ridge agreed to dismiss its suit.  On October 19, 2004, the United States Federal Court issued an order dismissing the lawsuit in its entirety without prejudice.   

In addition to the litigation described above, 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 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

(c)  The following table sets forth common shares we repurchased during the three month period ended September 30, 2004.

a.

In February 2001, our Board of Directors approved an open market share purchase program for up to 0.7 million stock-split adjusted shares of our common stock.  The program does not have an expiration date.

Item 6.  Exhibits.

The exhibits to this report are listed in the Exhibit Index beginning on page E-1 hereof.  

Instruments with respect to other long-term debt of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries are omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii) of Regulation S-K since the total amount authorized under each such omitted instrument does not exceed 10 percent of the total assets of the Company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.  The Company hereby agrees to furnish a copy of any such instrument to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements 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/ John E. Baker            

            John E. Baker

    Senior Vice President and

       Chief Financial Officer

       (authorized signatory and

        Principal Financial Officer)

Date:

November 5, 2004

STRATUS PROPERTIES INC.

EXHIBIT INDEX

  Exhibit

 Number