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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2024

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Business and Principles of Consolidation

Business and Principles of Consolidation. Stratus Properties Inc. (Stratus), a Delaware corporation, is engaged primarily in the entitlement, development, management, leasing and sale of multi-family and single-family residential and commercial real estate properties in the Austin, Texas area and other select markets in Texas. The real estate and leasing operations of Stratus are conducted primarily through its subsidiaries. Stratus consolidates its wholly owned subsidiaries, subsidiaries in which Stratus has a controlling interest and variable interest entities (VIEs) in which Stratus is determined to be the primary beneficiary. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Concentration of Risk

Concentration of Risks. Stratus conducts its operations in the Austin, Texas area and other select markets in Texas. Consequently, any significant economic downturn in the Texas market, and the Austin market specifically, could potentially have an adverse effect on Stratus’ business, results of operations and financial condition. Stratus has taken steps to obtain Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) protection for much of its cash deposits; however it typically has some cash balances on deposit with banks in excess of FDIC-insured limits. Any loss of uninsured deposits could have an adverse effect on Stratus’ future financial condition, liquidity and operations. To help address this risk, as of December 31, 2024, $15.4 million was invested in a government securities mutual fund or an FDIC insured cash sweep platform.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates. The preparation of Stratus’ consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in these consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. The more significant areas requiring the use of management estimates include the estimates of future cash flow from development and sale of real estate properties used in the assessment of impairments; profit recognition related to the sales of real estate; deferred income taxes and related valuation allowances; income taxes; allocation of certain indirect costs; profit pools under the Profit Participation Incentive Plan (PPIP) and the Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP); and asset lives for depreciation. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents. All highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased are considered cash equivalents.

Restricted cash. Stratus’ restricted cash of $1.0 million is comprised of bank deposits.

Real Estate. Real estate held for investment is stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Real estate held for sale is stated at the lower of cost or fair value less costs to sell. The cost of real estate held for sale includes acquisition, development, construction and carrying costs, and other related costs incurred through the development stage.

Real estate under development and land available for development are stated at cost. Stratus capitalizes interest on funds used in developing properties from the date of initiation of development activities through the date the property is substantially complete and ready for use or sale. Common costs are allocated based on the relative fair value of individual land parcels. Certain carrying costs including property taxes are capitalized for properties currently under development. Stratus capitalizes improvements that increase the value of properties and have useful lives greater than one year. Costs related to repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred.

Stratus performs an impairment test when events or circumstances indicate that an asset’s carrying amount may not be recoverable. Events or circumstances that Stratus considers indicators of impairment include significant decreases in market values, adverse changes in regulatory requirements (including environmental laws), significant budget overruns for properties under development, and current period or projected operating cash flow losses from properties held for investment. Impairment tests for properties held for investment and properties under development involve the use of estimated future net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated from the operation of the property and its eventual disposition. If projected undiscounted cash flow is less than the related carrying amount, then a reduction of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset to fair value is required. Generally, Stratus determines fair value using valuation techniques such as discounted expected future cash flows. Impairment tests for properties held for sale involve management estimates of fair value based on estimated market values for similar properties in similar locations and management estimates of costs to sell. If estimated fair value less costs to

sell is less than the related carrying amount, then a reduction of the carrying amount of the asset to fair value less costs to sell is required.

Should market conditions deteriorate in the future or other events occur that indicate the carrying amount of Stratus’ real estate assets may not be recoverable, Stratus will reevaluate the expected cash flows from each property to determine whether any impairment exists.

Depreciation. Real estate held for investment is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the properties’ estimated lives of 30 to 40 years. Furniture, fixtures and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis over a 3 to 15-year period. Tenant improvements are depreciated over the related lease terms.

Accrued Property Taxes

Accrued Property Taxes. Stratus estimates its property taxes based on prior year property tax payments and other current events that may impact the amount. Upon receipt of the property tax bill, Stratus adjusts its accrued property tax balance at year-end to the actual amount of taxes due for such year. Accrued property taxes included in accrued liabilities totaled $5.2 million at December 31, 2024 and $4.2 million at December 31, 2023

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition. Revenue or gains on sales of real estate are recognized when control of the asset has been transferred to the buyer if collection of substantially all of the consideration to which Stratus will be entitled is probable and Stratus has satisfied all other performance obligations under the contract. Consideration is allocated among multiple performance obligations or distinct nonfinancial assets to be transferred to the buyer based on relative fair value. Consideration is reasonably determined and deemed likely of collection when Stratus has signed sales agreements and has determined that the buyer has demonstrated a commitment to pay.

Stratus recognizes its rental income on a straight-line basis based on the terms of its signed leases with tenants. Recoveries from tenants for taxes, insurance and other commercial property operating expenses are recognized as revenues in the period the related costs are incurred. Stratus recognizes sales commissions and management and development fees when earned, as properties are sold or when the services are performed.

Cost of Sales. Cost of sales includes the cost of real estate sold as well as costs directly attributable to the properties sold, properties held for sale, and land available for development, such as marketing, maintenance and property taxes. Cost of sales also includes operating costs and depreciation for properties held for investment. A summary of Stratus’ cost of sales follows (in thousands):


			Years Ended December 31,
			2024						2023
Cost of developed property sales			$	15,812					$	2,159
Cost of undeveloped property sales			8,082						—
Leasing operations			7,470						5,177
Project expenses and allocation of overhead costs (see below)			5,644						6,718
Depreciation and amortization			5,563						4,257
Other, net			441						738
Total cost of sales			$	43,012					$	19,049

Allocation of Overhead Costs

Allocation of Overhead Costs. Stratus allocates a portion of its overhead costs to both capitalized real estate costs and cost of sales based on the percentage of time certain employees worked in the related areas. Costs of construction and development activities are capitalized to real estate under development, and costs of project management, sales and marketing activities are charged to expense as cost of sales. Stratus capitalizes only direct and certain indirect project costs associated with the acquisition, development and construction of a real estate project. Indirect costs include allocated costs associated with certain pooled resources (such as rent, office supplies, insurance, telephone and postage) which are used to support Stratus’ development projects, as well as general and administrative functions. Allocations of pooled resources are based only on those employees directly responsible for development (i.e., project managers and subordinates). Stratus charges to expense indirect costs that do not clearly relate to a real estate project, such as all salaries and costs related to its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.

Advertising Costs

Advertising Costs. Advertising costs are charged to expense as incurred and are included as a component of cost of sales. Advertising costs totaled $0.2 million in 2024 and in 2023.

Income Taxes. Stratus accounts for deferred income taxes under an asset and liability method, whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the tax effects of temporary differences between the financial statements and the tax basis of assets and liabilities, as measured by currently enacted tax rates. The effect on deferred income tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates or laws is recognized in income or loss in the period in which such changes are enacted. Stratus periodically evaluates the need for a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets to estimated recoverable amounts. Stratus establishes a valuation allowance to reduce its deferred tax assets and records a corresponding charge to earnings if it is determined, based on available evidence at the time, that it is more likely than not that any portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In evaluating the need for a valuation allowance, Stratus estimates future taxable income based on projections and ongoing tax strategies. This process involves significant management judgment about assumptions that are subject to change based on variances between projected and actual operating performance and changes in Stratus’ business environment or operating or financial plans. Refer to Note 7 for further discussion.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share. Stratus’ basic net income (loss) per share of common stock was calculated by dividing the net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding during the period. A reconciliation of net income (loss) and weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding for purposes of calculating diluted net income (loss) per share (in thousands, except per share amounts) follows:


			Years Ended December 31,
			2024						2023
Net loss and total comprehensive loss			$	(1,908)					$	(16,493)
Total comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests			3,864						1,686
Net income (loss) and total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common stockholders			$	1,956					$	(14,807)

Basic weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding			8,059						7,996
Add shares issuable upon vesting of dilutive restricted stock units (RSUs) a			130						—
Diluted weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding			8,189						7,996

Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders			$	0.24					$	(1.85)

Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders			$	0.24					$	(1.85)

a.Excludes approximately 14 thousand shares in 2024 of common stock associated with RSUs that were anti-dilutive. Excludes approximately 217 thousand shares in 2023 of common stock associated with RSUs that were anti-dilutive as a result of the net loss.

Stock-based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation. Compensation costs for share-based payments to employees are measured at fair value and charged to expense over the requisite service period for awards that are expected to vest. The fair value of RSUs is based on Stratus’ stock price on the date of grant. Stratus estimates forfeitures at the time of grant and revises those estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates through the final vesting date of the awards. Based on Stratus’ history, turnover among RSU recipients is rare. Therefore, Stratus does not currently apply a forfeiture rate when estimating stock-based compensation costs for RSUs. The awards are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated service period.

Stratus may grant RSUs that settle in cash or stock to employees and nonemployees under the PPIP and LTIP. The value of these awards in excess of the liability amount, if any, as of the date of the capital transaction or valuation event is amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated service period. Refer to Note 8 for further discussion.

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions. Refer to Notes 2 and 4 for discussion of LCHM Holdings, LLC (LCHM), its manager, and JBM Trust, which are related parties as a result of LCHM’s representation on Stratus’ Board of Directors (the Board). LCHM and JBM Trust have invested in certain of Stratus’ limited partnerships.

In April 2022, Stratus hired the son of Stratus’ President and Chief Executive Officer as an employee at an annual salary of $100 thousand. As an employee, he received the same health and retirement benefits provided to all

Stratus employees, annual incentive awards and two awards under the Profit Participation Incentive Plan (PPIP). In first-quarter 2023, he received $22 thousand as an annual incentive award for 2022, and his annual salary was increased to $120 thousand. In first-quarter 2024, he received $22 thousand as an annual incentive award for 2023, and his annual salary was increased to $124 thousand. In September 2024, the employee resigned from employment with Stratus, resulting in the forfeiture of his two outstanding awards under the PPIP. Refer to Note 8 for discussion of the PPIP and LTIP.

New Accounting Standards

Recently Issued Accounting Standards. In November 2024, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2024-03, “Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income – Expense Disaggregation Disclosures: Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses.” This ASU requires disaggregated disclosure in the notes to the financial statements of certain costs and expenses presented on the face of the income statement, on an interim and annual basis. This ASU also requires additional footnote disclosure about selling expenses. The amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026 and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2027 and early adoption is permitted. Stratus is currently assessing adoption timing and the effect that the updated standard will have on its financial statement disclosures.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740) – Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures.” This ASU requires public business entities to disclose a tabular rate reconciliation of both percentages and reporting currency amounts on an annual basis. The ASU also requires disclosure of information on amount of income taxes paid disaggregated by federal, state and foreign taxes. This ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. We do not expect the pronouncement to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07, “Segment Reporting – Improvements to Reportable Segments Disclosures,” which enhances disclosures of significant segment expenses regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker, extends certain annual disclosures to interim periods and permits more than one measure of segment profit or loss to be reported under certain conditions. This ASU became effective for Stratus for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 and Stratus applied the amendments retrospectively to all prior periods presented in its consolidated financial statements. Refer to Note 10 for discussion of the business segments.