FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Fair value accounting guidance includes a hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 inputs) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 inputs).

The carrying value for certain Stratus financial instruments (i.e., cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts payable and accrued liabilities) approximates fair value because of their short-term nature and generally negligible credit losses.

A summary of the carrying amount and fair value of Stratus’ interest rate cap follows (in thousands):

 December 31,
2025
December 31,
2024
Carrying
Value
Fair
Value
Carrying
Value
Fair
Value
Assets
Interest Rate Cap$— $— $19 $19 

Interest Rate Cap Agreement. In November 2024, a Stratus subsidiary paid $27,400 to enter into an interest rate cap agreement, with a Term SOFR strike rate equal to 6.00 percent, a notional amount of $33.0 million (the principal amount of the Kingwood loan) and an expiration date of December 1, 2026. In March 2025, College Station 1892 Properties, L.L.C. paid $4,800 to enter into an interest rate cap agreement, with a Term SOFR strike rate equal to 5.00 percent, a notional amount of $24.0 million (the principal amount of the Jones Crossing loan) and an expiration date of April 1, 2026.

The interest rate caps are derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. Therefore, changes in the instruments’ fair values are recorded in the consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) income. Stratus uses an interest rate pricing model that relies on market observable inputs such as Term SOFR to measure the fair value of the agreements. Stratus also evaluated the counterparty credit risk associated with the agreements, which is considered a Level 3 input, but did not consider such risk to be significant. Therefore, the interest rate caps are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the interest rate caps is presented as part of other assets in the consolidated balance sheets.

Debt. The fair value of Stratus’ debt approximates fair value, as the interest rates are variable and approximate prevailing market interest rates available for similar mortgage debt. Stratus’ debt is recorded at cost and is not actively traded. Fair value is estimated based on discounted future expected cash flows at estimated current market interest rates available for similar mortgage debt. Accordingly, Stratus’ debt is classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of debt does not represent the amounts that will ultimately be paid upon the maturities of the loans.

Historical Timeline

Fiscal YearFiled
2025Mar 27, 2026Showing above
2024Mar 28, 2025
2023Mar 28, 2024
2022Mar 31, 2023
2021Mar 31, 2022
2020Mar 15, 2021
2019Mar 16, 2020
2018Mar 18, 2019
2017Mar 16, 2018
2016Mar 16, 2017
2015Mar 15, 2016

About Fair Value Disclosures

Fair value disclosures classify all assets and liabilities measured at fair value into a three-level hierarchy: Level 1 (quoted market prices), Level 2 (observable inputs like yield curves), and Level 3 (unobservable inputs requiring management estimates). The proportion of Level 3 assets directly reflects how much of the balance sheet depends on internal models rather than market evidence.

Key signals: a growing Level 3 balance relative to total fair-value assets increases valuation uncertainty and earnings volatility risk. Watch for transfers between levels — assets moving from Level 2 to Level 3 often signal deteriorating market liquidity. Unrealized gains and losses on Level 3 positions flow through earnings or other comprehensive income, so large swings deserve scrutiny. For financial institutions, examine the sensitivity disclosures that show how Level 3 valuations change under alternative assumptions. Compare the fair value of debt against its carrying amount to gauge hidden leverage.