Stratus Properties Inc. Reports First-Quarter 2017 Results

Stratus Properties Inc. Reports First-Quarter 2017 Results

Stratus Properties Inc. (NASDAQ: STRS), a diversified real estate company with multi- and single-family residential real estate development, real estate leasing, hotel and entertainment businesses in the Austin, Texas area and select Texas markets, today reported first-quarter 2017 results.

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Highlights:

• Sold The Oaks at Lakeway, and a bank building and an adjacent undeveloped 4.1 acre tract of land at Barton Creek for aggregate of $117.1 million
• Paid down $91.2 million in debt during first-quarter 2017
• Returned $8.1 million to shareholders through a special cash dividend
• Increased revenue per available room (RevPAR) from Hotel segment operations by 6 percent vs. first-quarter 2016
• Completed the $26.3 million financing for the initial phase of Lantana Place, a mixed-use development project; construction is expected to commence in May 2017
• Expect to complete construction financing and break ground on Phase II of the Santal multi-family project in second-quarter 2017

• Operating income for the Entertainment segment, which includes Austin City Limits Live (ACL Live), increased by 44 percent vs. first-quarter 2016
• Sold six residential lots for $2.1 million; closed the sale of one Amarra Villas residence for $2.2 million in May 2017
• Debt to total asset value was 33 percent at March 31, 2017; for additional information, see "Cautionary Statement," and supplemental page VII.
• Reported net loss attributable to common stockholders of $2.7 million, $0.33 per share
• Stratus' total stockholders' equity was $131.0 million at December 31, 2016. At December 31, 2016, after-tax Net Asset Value (NAV), the estimated market value of Stratus' assets reduced by the book value of its total liabilities and estimated income taxes computed on the difference between the estimated market values and the tax basis of the assets, was $292.9 million, or $35.56 per share. NAV uses third-party appraisals of specified properties. For additional information, see "Cautionary Statement," and supplemental pages VI and VIII-IX.

“This quarter in particular demonstrates the strength and the execution of our strategy. We generated strong returns on the sale of The Oaks at Lakeway, significantly reduced debt and paid a meaningful special cash dividend to our stockholders,” said William H. Armstrong III, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our active development projects, all in various stages of financing, development and completion, continue to be supported by the strong, stable cash flows generated by our hotel and entertainment businesses.”

Active Development Plan

Stratus’ active development plan includes completion of both residential and commercial development projects that are available to strategically market and sell at appropriate times in order to maximize stockholder value. Stratus’ significant development portfolio consists of approximately 1,700 acres of undeveloped land with development plans that include necessary regulatory approvals, entitlements and utility capacity. Stratus' high-potential portfolio, along with management’s extensive experience in Austin-area real estate development, are expected to support Stratus' ability to obtain project financing and/or seek joint venture partners, including on the following projects:

• Lantana Place, a mixed-use development project in Austin, for which we obtained $26.3 million of project financing on April 28, 2017; construction is expected to commence in May 2017.
• West Killeen Market, a retail development project in Killeen, Texas, anchored by an HEB Grocery Company L.P. (HEB) grocery store and 44,000 square feet of total tenant leasing space. The HEB store opened in April 2017.
• Magnolia, a retail development project in Magnolia, Texas, anchored by an HEB grocery store, 351,000 square feet of total tenant leasing space and 1,200 multi-family units. The HEB store is currently expected to open in early 2019.
• Santal, Phase II, a 212-unit multi-family development in Austin; construction is expected to commence in second-quarter 2017.
• Amarra Villas, a 20 townhome project with golf course access, currently has one completed unit that was sold in May 2017 for $2.2 million and four units expected to be completed in second-quarter 2017 that are being marketed. Construction of two of the remaining 15 units, one of which is under contract, is expected to begin in second-quarter 2017.

First-Quarter 2017 Financial Results

Stratus reported a first-quarter 2017 net loss attributable to common stockholders of $2.7 million, $0.33 per share, compared with a first-quarter 2016 net loss attributable to common stockholders of $1.7 million, $0.21 per share. Stratus’ first-quarter 2017 results included a $2.5 million charge ($1.6 million to net loss attributable to common stockholders or $0.20 per share) for profit participation costs and a $0.5 million loss ($0.3 million to net loss attributable to common stockholders or $0.04 per share) on early extinguishment of debt, both related to the sale of The Oaks at Lakeway, partly offset by a $1.1 million gain ($0.7 million to net loss attributable to common stockholders or $0.09 per share) on the sale of a bank building and an adjacent undeveloped 4.1 acre tract of land at Barton Creek. A $39.7 million gain on the sale of The Oaks at Lakeway was required to be deferred under accounting rules and will be reflected in future earnings, net of future master lease payments, after Stratus' continuing involvement ends or substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership have transferred to the buyer and any remaining obligation for Stratus' support under the master leases is less than the deferred gain. Stratus’ first-quarter 2016 results included a $0.8 million loss ($0.5 million to net loss attributable to common stockholders or $0.07 per share) on early extinguishment of debt.

Stratus' Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) totaled $2.1 million in first-quarter 2017, compared with $2.3 million in first-quarter 2016. For a reconciliation of net loss attributable to common stockholders to Adjusted EBITDA, see the supplemental schedule, "Adjusted EBITDA" on supplemental page V.

^{a. Includes a $2.5 million charge ($1.6 million to net loss attributable to common stockholders or $0.20 per share) for profit participation costs associated with Stratus' sale of The Oaks at Lakeway, partly offset by a $1.1 million gain ($0.7 million to net loss attributable to common stockholders or $0.09 per share) on the sale of a bank building and an adjacent undeveloped 4.1 acre tract of land at Barton Creek.}

Revenue from the Real Estate Operations segment, which includes residential lot sales, totaled $2.2 million for first-quarter 2017, compared with $2.3 million for first-quarter 2016. Operating income of $144 thousand for first-quarter 2017 was higher, compared with an operating loss of $6 thousand for first-quarter 2016.

Revenue from the Leasing Operations segment totaled $2.3 million for first-quarter 2017, compared with $2.1 million for first-quarter 2016. The operating loss totaling $1.4 million in first-quarter 2017 included $2.5 million for profit participation charges associated with the sale of The Oaks at Lakeway, partly offset by a $1.1 million gain on the sale of a bank building and an adjacent undeveloped 4.1 acre tract of land at Barton Creek, compared to operating income of $0.8 million in first-quarter 2016. Under accounting rules, Stratus was required to defer a $39.7 million gain on the sale of The Oaks at Lakeway.

Revenue from the Hotel segment totaled $10.3 million for first-quarter 2017, compared with $10.6 million for first-quarter 2016. A $0.6 million decrease in hotel revenue was the result of lower banquet and catering revenue, partially offset by a $0.3 million increase in room revenue. Operating income was slightly higher during first-quarter 2017 totaling $2.2 million, compared with $2.1 million for first-quarter 2016. RevPAR averaged $299 for first-quarter 2017, compared with $282 for first-quarter 2016.

Revenue from the Entertainment segment totaled $5.9 million for first-quarter 2017, compared with $4.1 million for first-quarter 2016. Operating income totaled $1.1 million for first-quarter 2017, compared with $0.7 million for first-quarter 2016. The increase in revenue and operating income in first-quarter 2017, compared to first-quarter 2016, primarily was a result of an increase in the number of events hosted and higher ticket sales at ACL Live from headliners such as Sting and Dave Chappelle. In addition, first-quarter 2017 included $0.7 million of revenues from 3TEN ACL Live, which opened in March 2016.

Debt and Liquidity

At March 31, 2017, Stratus had consolidated debt of $199.9 million. The reduction of $91.2 million since December 31, 2016, was primarily from use of the proceeds from the sale of The Oaks at Lakeway, which was completed during the quarter. Purchases and development of real estate properties included in operating cash flows totaled $3.7 million in first-quarter 2017, primarily related to the development of Stratus' Barton Creek and Lantana Place projects, and $3.1 million in first-quarter 2016, primarily related to the development of Stratus' Barton Creek properties and West Killeen Market. Municipal utility district reimbursements totaled $2.2 million in first-quarter 2017, compared with none in first-quarter 2016. Capital expenditures included in investing cash flows totaled $2.3 million during first-quarter 2017, primarily related to the development of the West Killeen Market and The Oaks at Lakeway projects, compared with $13.9 million in first-quarter 2016, primarily related to development of the Santal multi-family and The Oaks at Lakeway projects, and 3TEN ACL Live. As of March 31, 2017, Stratus had $32.0 million available under its $45.0 million revolving loan under its Comerica Bank credit facility, and $27.1 million of cash and cash equivalents.

In March 2017, Stratus’ Board of Directors (Board) declared a special cash dividend of $1.00 per share ($8.1 million) that was paid on April 18, 2017, to stockholders of record on March 31, 2017. The dividend was declared after the Board’s consideration of the results of the sale of The Oaks at Lakeway.

Market Conditions

Austin remains among the fastest growing cities in the U.S. According to a US News and World Report article issued in February 2017, Austin ranked highest overall in desirability, value, quality of life and job market opportunities. From 2011 to 2015, the Austin area grew by approximately 10.5 percent due to net migration alone, making it the third fastest-growing metro area in the U.S. after Sarasota and Fort Myers, Florida.

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Stratus is a diversified real estate company engaged primarily in the acquisition, entitlement, development, management, operation and sale of commercial, hotel, entertainment, and multi- and single-family residential real estate properties, primarily located in the Austin, Texas area, but including projects in certain other select markets in Texas.

Conference Call Information

Stratus will conduct an investor conference call to discuss its unaudited first-quarter 2017 financial results today, May 10, at 11:00 a.m. ET. The public is invited to listen to the conference call by dialing (877) 317-6789 for domestic access and (412) 317-6789 for international access. A replay of the conference call will be available at the conclusion of the call for five days by dialing (877) 344-7529 domestically and by dialing (412) 317-0088 internationally. Please use replay ID: 10105240. The replay will be available on Stratus' website at stratusproperties.com until May 15, 2017.

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT AND REGULATION G DISCLOSURE. This press release contains forward-looking statements in which Stratus discusses factors it believes may affect its future performance. Forward-looking statements are all statements other than statements of historical fact, such as statements regarding the implementation and potential results of Stratus' active development plan, projections or expectations related to operational and financial performance or liquidity, reimbursements for infrastructure costs, financing and regulatory matters, development plans and sales of properties, commercial leasing activities, timeframes for development, construction and completion of Stratus' projects, capital expenditures, possible joint venture or other arrangements, Stratus’ projections with respect to its obligations under the master lease agreements entered into in connection with the sale of The Oaks at Lakeway, and other plans and objectives of management for future operations and activities and future dividend payments. The words “anticipates,” “may,” “can,” “plans,” “believes,” “potential,” “estimates,” “expects,” “projects,” “intends,” “likely,” “will,” “should,” “to be” and any similar expressions and/or statements that are not historical fact are intended to identify those assertions as forward-looking statements. Under Stratus' Comerica credit facility, Stratus is not permitted to pay dividends on common stock without Comerica's prior written consent, which was obtained in connection with the special cash dividend, but not required to be granted by Comerica in the future. The declaration of dividends is at the discretion of Stratus' Board, subject to restrictions under Stratus' Comerica credit facility, and will depend on Stratus' financial results, cash requirements, projected compliance with covenants in Stratus' debt agreements, outlook and other factors deemed relevant by the Board.

Stratus cautions readers that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and its actual results may differ materially from those anticipated, projected or assumed in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that can cause Stratus' actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, Stratus’ ability to refinance and service its debt and the availability of financing for development projects and other corporate purposes, Stratus' ability to sell properties at prices its Board considers acceptable, a decrease in the demand for real estate in the Austin, Texas market, changes in economic and business conditions, reductions in discretionary spending by consumers and corporations, competition from other real estate developers, hotel operators and/or entertainment venue operators and promoters, the termination of sales contracts or letters of intent due to, among other factors, the failure of one or more closing conditions or market changes, Stratus’ ability to secure qualifying tenants for the space subject to the master lease agreements entered into in connection with the sale of The Oaks at Lakeway and to assign such leases to the purchaser and remove the corresponding property from the master leases, the failure to attract customers for its developments or such customers’ failure to satisfy their purchase commitments, increases in interest rates, declines in the market value of Stratus' assets, increases in operating costs, including real estate taxes and the cost of construction materials, changes in external perception of the W Austin Hotel, changes in consumer preferences, changes in laws, regulations or the regulatory environment affecting the development of real estate, opposition from special interest groups with respect to development projects, weather-related risks and other factors described in more detail under the heading “Risk Factors” in Stratus’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as updated by Stratus' subsequent filings with the SEC.

This press release also includes measures of Adjusted EBITDA, after-tax NAV and debt to total asset value, which are not recognized under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Stratus believes these measures can be helpful to investors in evaluating its business. Adjusted EBITDA is a financial measure frequently used by securities analysts, lenders and others to evaluate Stratus' recurring operating performance. After-tax NAV illustrates current embedded value in Stratus' real estate, which is carried on its GAAP balance sheet primarily at cost. Management uses after-tax NAV as one of the metrics in evaluating progress on Stratus' active development plan. Debt to total asset value is a measure used by management to assess Stratus' borrowing capacity. Adjusted EBITDA, after-tax NAV and debt to total asset value are intended to be performance measures that should not be regarded as more meaningful than GAAP measures. Other companies may calculate these measures differently. As required by SEC Regulation G, reconciliations of Stratus' net loss attributable to common stockholders to Adjusted EBITDA, Stratus' after-tax NAV to total stockholders' equity in its consolidated balance sheet and Stratus' GAAP debt used in the calculation of debt to total asset value, are included in the supplemental schedules of this press release.

Investors are cautioned that many of the assumptions upon which Stratus' forward-looking statements are based are likely to change after the forward-looking statements are made. Further, Stratus may make changes to its business plans that could affect its results. Stratus cautions investors that it does not intend to update its forward-looking statements more frequently than quarterly notwithstanding any changes in its assumptions, business plans, actual experience, or other changes, and Stratus undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

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

STRATUS PROPERTIES INC.
BUSINESS SEGMENTS

Stratus currently has four operating segments: Real Estate Operations, Leasing Operations, Hotel and Entertainment.

The Real Estate Operations segment is comprised of Stratus’ real estate assets (developed, under development and available for development), which consists of its properties in Austin, Texas (the Barton Creek community, the Circle C community, Lantana and the condominium units at the W Austin Hotel & Residences); in Lakeway, Texas located in the greater Austin area (Lakeway); and in Magnolia, Texas, located in the greater Houston area (Magnolia).

The Leasing Operations segment includes the office and retail space at the W Austin Hotel & Residences, a retail building in Barton Creek Village, the Santal multi-family project and the West Killeen Market in Killeen, Texas.

The Hotel segment includes the W Austin Hotel located at the W Austin Hotel & Residences in downtown Austin, Texas.

The Entertainment segment includes ACL Live, a live music and entertainment venue and production studio at the W Austin Hotel & Residences. In addition to hosting concerts and private events, this venue is the home of Austin City Limits, a television program showcasing popular music legends. The Entertainment segment also includes revenues and costs associated with events hosted at other venues, including 3TEN ACL Live, which opened in March 2016 on the site of the W Austin Hotel & Residences, and the results of the Stageside Productions joint venture with Pedernales Entertainment LLC (see Note 2 in the Stratus 2016 Form 10-K for further discussion).

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

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

^{a. Includes sales commissions and other revenues together with related expenses.}

^{b. Includes consolidated general and administrative expenses and eliminations of intersegment amounts.}

^{c. General and administrative costs were higher in first-quarter 2017, compared with first-quarter 2016, primarily reflecting charges totaling $0.3 million for professional fees and incentive compensation.}

^{d. Also includes purchases and development of residential real estate held for sale.}

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES
ADJUSTED EBITDA

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

STRATUS PROPERTIES INC.
NET ASSET VALUE (NAV)

After-tax NAV estimates the market value of Stratus' assets (“gross value”) and subtracts the book value of Stratus' total liabilities reported under GAAP and estimated income taxes computed on the difference between the estimated market values and the tax basis of the assets. Stratus also presents the non-GAAP measure after-tax NAV per share, which is after-tax NAV divided by shares of its common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2016, plus all outstanding stock options and restricted stock units. The computation of Stratus' after-tax NAV uses third-party appraisals of specified properties as of the dates indicated, and the appraised value may be different if prepared as of a current date. These appraisals were conducted by appraisers retained by Stratus' financing sources. The appraised values may not represent fair value, as defined under GAAP. After-tax NAV and after-tax NAV per share may not be equivalent to the enterprise value of Stratus or an appropriate trading price for our common stock for many reasons, including but not limited to the following: (1) income taxes included may not reflect the actual tax amounts that will be due upon the ultimate disposition of the assets; (2) components were calculated as of the dates specified and calculations as of different dates are likely to produce different results; (3) opinions are likely to differ regarding appropriate capitalization rates; and (4) a buyer may pay more or less for Stratus or its real estate assets as a whole than for the sum of the components used to calculate after-tax NAV. Accordingly, after-tax NAV per share is not a representation or guarantee that Stratus' common stock will or should trade at this amount, that a stockholder would be able to realize this amount in selling Stratus' shares, that a third party would offer the after-tax NAV per share in an offer to purchase all or substantially all of Stratus' common stock, or that a stockholder would receive distributions per share equal to the after-tax NAV per share upon Stratus’ liquidation. Investors should not rely on the after-tax NAV per share as being an accurate measure of the current fair market value of Stratus' common stock. Management strongly encourages investors to review Stratus' consolidated financial statements and publicly filed reports in their entirety.

Below is a reconciliation of Stratus' estimates of after-tax NAV to the most comparable GAAP measure, total stockholders' equity (in millions).

STRATUS PROPERTIES INC.
DEBT TO TOTAL ASSET VALUE

Debt to total asset value is calculated by dividing the principal amount of Stratus' debt by the estimated market value of Stratus' assets ("gross value"). The gross value of assets is the same gross value shown in the NAV schedule on page VIII adjusted for certain changes that occurred during the first quarter of 2017. Debt to total asset value is a financial measure that is used by management to assess the borrowing capacity of the company. Management uses this measure in making financial, operating and planning decisions and in evaluating Stratus' performance. This measure should be considered supplemental to and not a substitute for financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. Stratus' definition and calculation of this measure may differ from similarly titled measures used by others or similar metrics used by Stratus for debt covenant compliance. Management strongly encourages investors to review Stratus' consolidated financial statements and publicly filed reports in their entirety.

Below are reconciliations of Stratus' total asset value as of December 31, 2016, to its total asset value as of March 31, 2017, and Stratus' GAAP debt as of March 31, 2017, to debt used in the calculation of debt to total asset value (in millions, except percentage).

^{a. Total asset value is equivalent to the gross value in the after-tax NAV calculation shown above.}

Stratus Properties Inc.
William H. Armstrong III, 512-478-5788

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