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(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area codei(281)i719-6100
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class:
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered:
iCommon
stock, par value $0.01 per share
iHHH
iNew York Stock Exchange
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer,
as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. iYes☒No ☐
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐iNo☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. iYes☒No☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). iYes☒No☐
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,”“accelerated filer,”“smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
iLarge
accelerated filer
☒
Accelerated filer
☐
Emerging growth company
i☐
Non-accelerated filer
☐
Smaller reporting company
i☐
If
an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. i☒
If
securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. i☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s
executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes☐iNo☒
As of June 30, 2023, the aggregate market value of the
registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $i2.5 billion based on the closing sale price as reported on the New York Stock Exchange.
The number of shares of common stock, $0.01 par value, outstanding as of February 20, 2024 was i50,256,371.
Portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement for its 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference in Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The registrant intends to file its Proxy Statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of the
registrant’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.
Throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K (Annual Report), references to the “Company,”“HHH,”“we,”“us,” and “our” refer to Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context requires otherwise. This Annual Report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 (Securities Act) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act). All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this Annual Report are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements give our current expectations relating
to our financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance, or business. You can identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to current or historical facts. These statements may include words such as “anticipate,”“believe,”“estimate,”“expect,”“forecast,”“intend,”“likely,”“may,”“plan,”“project,”“realize,”“should,”“transform,”“would,” and other statements of similar expression. Forward-looking statements should not be relied upon. They give our expectations about the future and are not guarantees.
Forward-looking statements include:
–accelerated growth in our core Master Planned Communities (MPC) assets
–expected
performance of our stabilized, income-producing properties and the performance and stabilization timing of properties that we have recently placed into service or are under construction
–forecasts of our future economic performance
–expected capital required for our operations and development opportunities for our properties
–impact of technology on our operations and business
–expected performance of our segments
–expected commencement and completion for property developments and timing of sales or rentals of certain properties
–estimates of our future liquidity,
development opportunities, development spending and management plans
–the potential impact of a resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, our tenants and the economy in general, and our ability to accurately assess and predict such impacts on the financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and performance of our Company; and
–descriptions of assumptions underlying or relating to any of the foregoing
These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance and achievements to materially differ from any future results, performance and achievements expressed or implied by such
forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements include:
–our ability to satisfy the necessary conditions to complete the spinoff on a timely basis, or at all
–our ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the spinoff
–the effects of the spinoff on our ongoing business
–macroeconomic conditions such as volatility in capital markets, and a prolonged recession in the national economy, including any adverse business or economic conditions in the homebuilding, condominium-development, retail, and office sectors
–our
inability to obtain operating and development capital, including our inability to obtain or refinance debt capital from lenders and the capital markets
–rising interest rates and inflation
–the availability of debt and equity capital
–our ability to successfully identify, acquire, develop and/or manage properties on terms that are favorable to us
–our ability to compete effectively, including the potential impact of heightened competition for tenants and potential decreases in occupancy at our properties
–general inflation, including core and wage inflation; commodity and energy price and currency volatility; as well as monetary,
fiscal and policy interventions in anticipation of our reaction to such events, including increases in interest rates
–mismatch of supply and demand, including interruptions of supply lines
–extreme weather conditions or climate change, including natural disasters, that may cause property damage or interrupt business
–the impact of a resurgence of COVID-19 on our businesses, our tenants and the economy, including as described above
–contamination of our property by hazardous or toxic substances
–terrorist activity, acts of violence, or breaches of our data security
–losses
that are not insured or exceed the applicable insurance limits
–our
ability to obtain the necessary governmental permits for the development of our properties and necessary regulatory approvals pursuant to an extensive entitlement process involving multiple and overlapping regulatory jurisdictions, which often require discretionary action by local governments
–increased construction costs exceeding our original estimates, delays or overruns, claims for construction defects, or other factors affecting our ability to develop, redevelop or construct our properties
–regulation of the portion of our business that is dedicated to the formation and sale of condominiums, including regulatory filings to state agencies, additional entitlement processes and requirements to transfer control to a condominium association’s board of directors in certain situations, as well as potential defaults by purchasers on their
obligations to purchase condominiums
–fluctuations in regional and local economies, the impact of changes in interest rates on residential housing and condominium markets, local real estate conditions, tenant rental rates, and competition from competing retail properties and the internet
–inherent risks related to disruption of information technology networks and related systems, including cyber security attacks
–our ability to attract and retain key personnel
–our ability to collect rent and attract tenants
–our indebtedness, including our $750,000,000 5.375% Senior Notes due 2028, $650,000,000 4.125% Senior Notes due 2029 and
$650,000,000 4.375% Senior Notes due 2031, contain restrictions that may limit our ability to operate our business
–our directors’ involvement or interests in other businesses, including real estate activities and investments
–our inability to control certain of our properties due to the joint ownership of such property and our inability to successfully attract desirable strategic partners
–catastrophic events or geopolitical conditions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and resurgence of different variants that may disrupt our business; and
–the other risks described in Item 1. Business, Item 1A. Risk Factors
and Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of this Annual Report
Any factor could, by itself, or together with one or more other factors, adversely affect our business, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance, or financial condition. Other factors not described in this Annual Report also could cause results to differ from our expectations. Given these risks and uncertainties, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements present our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this Annual Report. Except as may be required by law, we undertake no obligation to modify or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this Annual Report.
General On July 17, 2023, The Howard Hughes Corporation (HHC) announced that its Board of Directors authorized the creation of a holding company structure. On August 11, 2023, upon the consummation of the transaction, Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. (HHH or the Company), the new holding company, replaced HHC as the public company trading on the New York Stock Exchange. Existing shares of common stock of HHC were automatically converted,
on a one-for-one basis, into shares of common stock of HHH, with the same designations, rights, powers, and preferences, and the same qualifications, limitations, and restrictions, as the shares of HHC common stock immediately prior to the reorganization. HHH became the successor issuer to HHC pursuant to Rule 12g-3 (a) under the Exchange Act and replaced HHC as the public company trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "HHH." The holding company reorganization is intended to be a tax-free transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes for the Company’s stockholders. The Board and the executive officers of HHC now hold their same roles at HHH. The Company believes that the reorganization will promote the growth of its businesses by providing additional flexibility
to fund future investment opportunities and to segregate assets and related liabilities in separate subsidiaries.
References to HHH, the Company, we, us, and our refer to Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, which includes The Howard Hughes Corporation, unless otherwise specifically stated. References to HHC refer to The Howard Hughes Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise specifically stated.
Seaport
Entertainment On October 5, 2023, HHH announced the intent to form a new division, Seaport Entertainment, that is expected to include the Company’s entertainment-related assets in New York and Las Vegas, including the Seaport in Lower Manhattan, the Las Vegas Aviators Triple-A Minor League Baseball team, and the Las Vegas Ballpark, as well as the Company’s ownership stake in Jean-Georges Restaurants and other partnerships and its 80% interest in the air rights above the Fashion Show Mall in Las Vegas.
HHH is establishing Seaport Entertainment with the intention of completing its spinoff as an independent, publicly traded company in 2024, but
there can be no assurance regarding the ultimate timing of the spinoff or that the spinoff will ultimately occur. The planned separation of Seaport Entertainment will refine the identity of HHH as a pure-play real estate company focused solely on its portfolio of master planned communities and allow the new company, Seaport Entertainment, to operate independently as an entertainment-focused enterprise.
Business Overview The Company’s award-winning assets include one of the nation's largest portfolios of master planned communities (MPCs) spanning approximately 101,000 gross acres, as well as operating properties, strategic developments, and other unique assets across six states from New York to Hawai‘i. We create some of the most sought-after communities in the country by curating
an environment tailored to meet the needs of our residents and tenants. Our unique business model allows us to drive outsized risk-adjusted returns while maintaining a sharp focus on sustainability to ensure our communities are equipped with the resources to last several decades.
We operate through four business segments: Operating Assets, MPCs, Strategic Developments, and Seaport. We create a unique and continuous value-creation cycle through operational and financial synergies associated with our three primary business segments of Operating Assets, MPCs, and Strategic Developments. In our MPC segment, we plan, develop, and manage small cities and large-scale, mixed-use communities in markets with strong long-term growth fundamentals. This business focuses on the horizontal development of residential land. The improved acreage is then sold to homebuilders who build and sell homes to new
residents. New homeowners create demand for commercial developments, such as retail, office, and multi-family offerings. We build these commercial properties through Strategic Developments at the appropriate time using the cash flow harvested from the sale of land to homebuilders, which helps mitigate development risk. Once the commercial developments are completed, the assets transition to Operating Assets, which increase recurring Net Operating Income (NOI), further funding our Strategic Developments. New office, retail, and other commercial amenities make our MPC residential land more appealing to buyers and increase the velocity of land sales at premiums that typically exceed the broader market. This increased demand for residential land generates more cash flow from MPCs, thus continuing the value-creation cycle. Our fourth business segment, Seaport, is one of the few multi-block districts largely under private management by a single owner in New York City.
Our assets are located across the United States, with the vast majority of the assets in our Operating Assets segment located within our MPCs. This helps us achieve scale and, in most cases, critical mass, which leads to pricing power
in lease and vendor negotiations; increased ability to attract, hire, and retain the best local leadership and leasing teams; flexibility to meet changing customer demands; and enhanced ability to identify and capitalize on emerging opportunities. Our MPCs, including our Floreo joint venture, span approximately 101,000 gross acres, with approximately 22,000 residential acres of land remaining to be developed and sold in high-demand geographic areas. In addition to the residential land, our MPC segment contains approximately 13,000 acres designated for commercial development or sale to non-competing users such as hospitals. This land is held in our MPC segment until we identify demand for a new commercial development, at which point the land is transitioned into our Strategic Developments segment.
HHH was incorporated in Delaware on August 11,
2023, and its predecessor, HHC, was incorporated in Delaware on July 1, 2010. Financial information about each of our segments is presented in Note 18 - Segments in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Our Competitive Strengths
We distinguish ourselves from other real estate companies through the following competitive strengths:
–Track Record of Value Creation. We have completed the development of 7.5 million square feet of office and retail operating
properties, 5,194 multi-family units, and 909 hospitality keys since 2011. Excluding land which we own, we have invested approximately $3.2 billion in these developments, which is projected to generate a 9.0% yield on cost, a significant spread over market cap rates which, in turn, has generated meaningful value for our shareholders. These investments and returns exclude condominium development as well as projects under construction. We exclude condominium developments since they do not result in recurring NOI, and we exclude projects under development due to the wider range of NOI they are expected to generate upon stabilization. In Ward Village, we have either opened or have under construction 4,287 condominium units, which have approximately 99.2% units sold as of December 31, 2023.
–Unique, Diverse Portfolio. We
own a portfolio with many diverse market-leading assets with a combination of steady cash flow and longer-term value creation opportunities.
–Significant Value Creation Opportunity. We have an exceptional development pipeline with over 100 million square feet of vertical entitlements remaining across our portfolio. This represents approximately 13 times the 7.5 million square feet we have delivered in the last 13 years without having to acquire another development site or external asset, which we believe is a significant competitive advantage over other real estate development corporations.
–Flexible Balance Sheet. We ended the year with $631.5 million of cash on hand. As of December 31,
2023, our total debt equaled approximately 55.4% of the book value of our total assets, which we believe is significantly less than our market value. Our net debt, which includes our share of debt of unconsolidated ventures less cash and Special Improvement District (SID) and Municipal Utility District (MUD) receivables, equaled approximately 46.1% of our total enterprise value. Unconsolidated ventures refer to partnerships or joint ventures primarily for the development and operation of real estate assets. Our strong balance sheet provides substantial insulation against potential downturns and provides us with the flexibility to evaluate new real estate project opportunities.
–Self-Funded Business Plan. One of our key differentiators is our ability to self-fund significant portions of our new development without having to dispose of
our recently completed developments. Our residential land sales, recurring NOI, and profits on the sales of condominium units generate substantial amounts of free cash flow, which is used to fund the equity required to execute our many development opportunities.Furthermore, we are not required to pay dividends, nor are we restricted from investing in any asset type, amenity, or service, unlike many other real estate companies, which are limited in their activities because they have elected to be taxed as a real estate investment trust (REIT). We believe our structure currently provides us with significant financial and operating flexibility to maximize the value of our real estate portfolio.
The nature and extent of our competition depends on the type of property involved. With respect to our Operating Assets segment and our Landlord Operations within the Seaport segment, we primarily compete for retail, office, and multi-family tenants. We believe the principal factors that retailers consider in making their leasing decisions include: (1) consumer demographics; (2) age, quality, design, and location of properties; (3) neighboring real estate projects that have been developed or that we,
or others, may develop in the future; (4) diversity of retailers and anchor tenants at shopping center locations; (5) management and operational expertise; and (6) rental rates. The principal factors influencing tenant leasing decisions for our office space include: (1) rental rates; (2) attractive views; (3) amenities; (4) walkable retail; (5) commute time; (6) efficiency of space; and (7) demographics of the available workforce.For residential tenants of our multi-family properties in our Operating Assets segment, we believe the principal factors that impact their decision of where to live are: (1) walkability/proximity to work; (2) amenities; and (3) the best value for their money.
With respect to our MPC segment, we compete with other landholders and residential and commercial property developers primarily in the development of properties
within Las Vegas, Nevada; the greater Houston, Texas area; and Phoenix, Arizona markets. Significant factors that we believe allow us to compete effectively in this business include:
–the size and scope of our MPCs
–our strong reputation within the industry and years of experience serving our communities
–the recreational and cultural amenities available within our communities
–the commercial centers in our communities, including the properties that we own and/or operate or may develop
–our relationships with homebuilders
–our level of debt relative to total assets
–the
proximity of our developments to major metropolitan areas
With respect to the Managed Businesses and Events & Sponsorships within our Seaport segment, the restaurant and event industry is intensely competitive with respect to the type and quality of food, price, service, restaurant, or event location, personnel, brand, attractiveness of facilities, availability of carryout and home delivery, internet and mobile ordering capabilities, and effectiveness of advertising and marketing. We compete in the New York area for guests, management, and hourly personnel.
With respect to our Strategic Developments segment our direct competitors include other commercial property developers and other owners of commercial real estate that engage in similar businesses. With respect to our Strategic Developments segment,
we also compete with residential condominium developers. With significant existing entitlements, we hold an advantage over many of our competitors in our markets in that we already own or have significant influence over, substantial acreage for development. We also own the majority of square feet of each product type in many of our markets.
Available Information
Our website address is www.howardhughes.com. The 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K of our
subsidiary, The Howard Hughes Corporation, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and other publicly filed documents, including all exhibits filed therewith, are available and may be accessed free of charge through the Investors section of our website under the SEC Filings subsection, as soon as reasonably practicable after those documents are filed with, or furnished to, the SEC at www.sec.gov. Also available through the Investors section of our website are reports filed by our directors and executive officers on Forms 3, 4, and 5, and amendments to those reports. Our website and included or linked
information on the website are not incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10-K. From time to time, we use our website as an additional means of disclosing public information to investors, the media, and others interested in us.
BUSINESS SEGMENTS
The following further describes our four business segments and provides a general description
of the assets comprising these segments. Refer to Item 2. Properties foradditional detail on individual properties, including assets by reportable segment, geographic location, and predominant use at December 31, 2023. This section should be referred to when reading Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, which contains information about our financial results and operating performance for our business segments.
We have developed many of the assets in our Operating Assets segment since the Company’s inception in 2010. As of December 31, 2023, we have 73 Operating Assets, including our investments in unconsolidated ventures, consisting of 11 retail properties, 34 office properties, 17 multi-family properties, and 11 other operating properties or investments. Excluding
our projects under construction, we own approximately 8.8 million square feet of retail and office space and 5,587 multi-family units.
We believe that the long-term value of our Operating Assets is driven by their concentration in our MPCs, where we have a competitive advantage. We believe that these assets have the potential for future growth by increasing rental rates, absorbing remaining vacancy, and changing the tenant mix in retail centers to improve gross sales revenue of our tenants, thereby increasing rents. Revenue is primarily generated through rental services and is directly impacted by trends in rental rates and operating costs.
We will also occasionally sell an operating asset when it does not complement our existing properties or no longer fits within our current strategy. In 2023, the
Company completed the sale of two land parcels in Honolulu, Hawai‘i, including an 11,929-square-foot building at the Ward Village Retail property, as well as two self-storage facilities and a medical office building in The Woodlands, for total net proceeds after debt repayment of $43.3 million.
For certain assets, we believe there are opportunities to improve operating performance through redevelopment or repositioning. Redevelopment plans for these assets may include office, retail, or residential space, shopping centers, movie theaters, parking complexes, or open space. The redevelopment plans may require that we obtain permits, licenses, consents, and/or waivers from various parties. These opportunities will require new capital investment and vary in complexity and scale. The redevelopment opportunities range from those that would have minimal disruption to the property to those
requiring partial or full demolition of existing structures for new construction. Factors we evaluate in determining whether to redevelop or reposition an asset include the following: (1) existing and forecasted demographics surrounding the property; (2) competition related to existing and/or alternative uses; (3) existing entitlements of the property and our ability to change them; (4) compatibility of the physical site with proposed uses; and (5) environmental considerations, traffic patterns, and access to the properties.
We generally transfer an operating asset that is being repositioned or redeveloped into our Strategic Developments segment when we close operations at a property and/or begin construction on the redevelopment project. Upon completion of construction or renovation of a development or redevelopment, the asset is fully or partially placed in service and transferred back
into our Operating Assets segment.
Master Planned Communities
As of December 31, 2023, our portfolio of MPCs comprises Summerlin in Las Vegas; The Woodlands, The Woodlands Hills and Bridgeland in the Houston region; and Teravalis in the Phoenix region. Our MPC segment includes the development and sale of residential and commercial land, primarily in large-scale, long-term projects. These developments often require decades of investment and continued focus on the changing market dynamics surrounding these communities. We believe that the long-term value of our MPCs remains strong because of their competitive positioning in their respective
markets, our in-depth experience in diverse land-use planning, and the fact that we have substantially completed the entitlement processes within the majority of our communities.
Our MPCs have won numerous awards for design excellence and for community contribution. Summerlin and Bridgeland were again ranked by Robert Charles Lesser & Co., LLC (RCLCO), capturing fourth and fifth top-selling master planned communities in the nation, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2023.
We expect the competitive position, desirable locations, and land development expertise to drive the long-term growth of our MPCs. As of December 31, 2023, our MPCs, including Floreo, our unconsolidated joint venture near Phoenix,
Arizona, encompass approximately 101,000 gross acres of land and include approximately 35,000 acres of land available for sale or development. Residential sales, which are generated primarily from the sale of finished lots and undeveloped superpads to residential homebuilders and developers, include standard and custom parcels designated for detached and attached single-family homes and range from entry-level to luxury homes. Superpad sites are generally 10- to 25-acre parcels of unimproved land where we develop and construct the major utilities (water, sewer, and storm drainage) and roads to the borders of the parcel, and the homebuilder completes the on-site utilities, roads, and finished lots. Revenue is also generated through builder price participation with homebuilders.
We also occasionally sell or lease land for commercial development when we deem its use will not compete with our existing properties or our development strategy. Commercial sales include land parcels designated for retail, office, hospitality, high-density residential projects (condominiums and apartments), services, and other for-profit activities, as well as those parcels designated for use by government, schools, and other not-for-profit entities.
Seaport
On
October 5, 2023, HHH announced the intent to form a new division, Seaport Entertainment, that is expected to include all of the assets in the Seaport segment, as well as the Las Vegas Aviators Triple-A Minor League Baseball team, the Las Vegas Ballpark, and our 80% interest in the air rights above the Fashion Show Mall in Las Vegas. HHH is establishing Seaport Entertainment with the intention of completing its spinoff as an independent, publicly traded company in 2024, but there can be no assurance regarding the ultimate timing of the spinoff or that the spinoff will ultimately occur.
The Seaport spans approximately 472,000 square feet and several city blocks, including Pier 17, the Tin Building, the Historic District, and the 250 Water Street development. Our Seaport segment is part non-stabilized operating asset, part development project,
and part operating business. Due to this range of asset types, we categorize the businesses in the Seaport segment into the following groups: Landlord Operations, Managed Businesses, the Tin Building, and Events and Sponsorships.
Strategic Developments
Our Strategic Developments segment consists of 18 development or redevelopment projects, including developments within our MPCs that will transition to Operating Assets upon completion and condominium towers at Ward Village. Many of these developments require extensive planning and expertise in large-scale and long-range development to maximize their highest and best uses. The strategic process is complex and unique to each asset and requires
ongoing assessment of the changing market dynamics prior to the commencement of construction. We must study each local market, determine the highest and best use of the land and necessary improvements to the area, obtain entitlements and permits, complete architectural design and construction drawings, secure tenant commitments, and obtain and commit sources of capital.
We are in various stages of predevelopment or execution of our strategic plans for many of these assets based on market conditions. As of December 31, 2023, seven properties are under construction and not yet placed into service. We generally obtain construction financing to fund a significant amount of the costs associated with developing these assets.
Our expansive portfolio and tremendous scale give HHH a unique opportunity to build next-generation communities and make a meaningful, positive impact on people’s lives at a local, regional, and national level. We are acutely aware of the responsibility that comes along with that opportunity. Building on our reputation for excellence and innovation, we remain focused on making our developments sustainable; giving back to our communities; protecting our landscapes; supporting inclusivity; and establishing communities that create value and well-being for generations to come.
Acknowledging the power of our scale, as well as the opportunities for taking climate action, we are amplifying and accelerating our efforts to further advance resiliency, conservation, innovation,
and inclusion throughout our large-scale, mixed-use communities. We have aligned our community strategies to support the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals, defined by the UN as the blueprint for achieving a better and more sustainable future for all. This framework helps us view our people-centric approach to development and management through the global lens of our planet’s most pressing issues.
Our program is overseen by our chief executive officer, president, and board of directors. Additional details on our sustainable, inclusive, and transparent approach are available in our latest ESG annual report now called the Communities Report, which can be found on the Company’s website
(https://www.howardhughes.com/communities/). This annual report, published in October 2023, looks at the collective efforts of our team in 2022. It reflects each business segment and region across our national portfolio of MPCs, Strategic Developments, Operating Assets, and the Seaport. Our disclosure is in reference to the Global Reporting Initiative’s 2021 Standards. Prior to this report, our most recent Communities report was published in November 2022 and covered calendar year 2021.
Environmental Strategy and Performance
The guiding principle that
drives the development of our award-winning master planned communities is, ‘How you live, how we build’. HHH operates one of the nation's largest portfolios of large-scale, mixed-use master planned communities, including The Woodlands in Texas, which in 2022 became the world's largest master planned community to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Precertification for excellence in sustainable development. Ward Village was honored and recognized as the top LEED developer in Hawai'i with the most LEED-certified and registered green buildings in the state.
Each community manages and addresses its unique context through resilient planning, green building design, high operational performance, and ongoing risk management. We continue to monitor and refine our approach as developments transition into operating assets in order to ensure continued support for the responsible
use of resources, conservation, and efficiency measures. From an operational standpoint, we measure energy, water, emissions, and waste performance and proactively pursue efforts to reduce our impact across our portfolio. These efforts align with UN Sustainable Development Goals, which focus on climate health and responsible resource stewardship. We complement this holistic approach with programs and actions customized for the age, asset type, and regional considerations of our diverse properties. Data-driven analysis, engineering insights, and occupant feedback drive unique strategies for each of our buildings.
In 2017, we set 10-year environmentally focused goals for reductions in energy use, water use, waste, and carbon emissions. We report our progress against these goals annually in our Communities Report and leverage industry leadership programs to benchmark and certify environmental
performance. Our report highlighted our management of climate-related risks and opportunities in line with the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations. Annually, we work with DNV Business Assurance USA, Inc. to externally confirm our energy consumption, water consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and waste data. LEED, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR, and BOMA 360 certifications validate our use of sustainable design, construction, and operations principles that result in reduced resource usage, decreased emissions and better well-being for building occupants. We have 94 active or pending building and community green certifications.
In 2023, Marlow, a multi-family asset in Columbia, received the highest level for green building certification at LEED Platinum, the 1700 Pavilion office building in Summerlin achieved LEED Silver, and
Creekside Park Medical Plaza in The Woodlands achieved LEED Gold. HHH leveraged our green building strategy to execute sustainability-linked financial instruments, and our sustainability platform was featured in three industry reports and six thought-leadership conferences.
Human Capital As of December 31, 2023, our workforce was made up of approximately 608 employees who form the bedrock of our core operations. Another 187 individuals, including seasonal staff, deliver operational excellence at the Las Vegas Ballpark during ongoing events, merchandising operations, and other Aviators activities.
Beyond our commitment to community building, we create spaces for our employees to thrive, both within and beyond their professional lives. We actively cultivate
a culture of learning throughout our organization. Opportunities for ongoing development include resources like tuition reimbursement, student debt management assistance, financial wellness courses, and dedicated budgets for training. We prioritize personal well-being through comprehensive programs tailored to employees and their families across all life stages. These programs encompass a robust health benefits package and wellness discount, a 401k match program, up to 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave, support for adoption and surrogacy services, commuter benefits, and even pet care insurance.
In 2023, we elevated our efforts in enhancing our workplace culture, fostering inclusivity, and promoting opportunities for all. Throughout the past year, all employees across regions, levels, and departments had access to 20 unique opportunities to participate actively and learn about the
Company’s culture, market positioning, and community involvement. We also saw an increase in job or location-specific growth and training programs developed by subject matter experts, which were offered to relevant groups of employees. These efforts support our goal to attract, develop, and retain world-class talent that ultimately drives performance and sustains excellence. In addition to equitable access to professional and personal development opportunities, we invest in active internal networks for connection and strategic partnerships for talent acquisition. We continue to invest in attracting a qualified and well-rounded candidate pool. For early career employees, our 2023 internship population was over 60% female. As of December 31, 2023, our full-time workforce was 52% female and 36% ethnically diverse. Employees at a Vice President level or above were 37%
female and 19% ethnically diverse. Our dedication to building teams with unique strengths and perspectives remains unwavering.
In addition to our focus on our employees, we are highly attuned to how we impact the lives of those within our communities, and we support over 220 local charities through monetary donations and volunteerism within our HHCares program. In 2023, the Company donated over $2.6 million nationwide, including over $250,000 of individual employee donations and company matches to registered 501c3 non-profit organizations. Our employees also donated nearly 2,800 hours of volunteer time throughout 2023. At HHH, we recognize that our people are the foundation of our communities, and we are committed to holistically supporting them.
Governance
and Risk Management
In order to identify, monitor, and mitigate potential risks that could impact our organization and investors, HHH has made governance and risk management a top Board priority. As part of our corporate governance framework, we have a formal Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Program that is overseen by the Board’s Risk Committee and led by our Risk Management team. The Risk Committee helps to evaluate the effectiveness of the ERM Program and the performance of the Risk Management team. It also reviews and monitors risks that have been identified and are considered critical by management, such as capital, market, liquidity, legal, regulatory, operational, reputational, and strategic risks. The Risk Committee reviews and approves periodic risk assessment results and reviews risk mitigation activities deemed material by management. The Risk Committee also
reviews risk mitigation activities for emerging risks and oversees management’s approach to fostering a risk-intelligent culture. Additionally, the Risk Committee identifies key risk topics to refer to the Board for further analysis and decision-making.
HHH’s program is shaped and supported by the Board and encompasses a range of corporate governance policies and guidelines that include but are not limited to: Anti-Corruption Compliance Policy, Board Diversity Policy, Cybersecurity Policy, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Officers and Employees, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for the Board of Directors, Corporate Governance Guidelines, and Insider Trading Policy. These policies and our Human Rights Policy are published on the Company’s website
(https://investor.howardhughes.com/governance/governance-documents).
A portion of our business is dedicated to the development and sale of condominiums. Condominiums are generally regulated by an agency of the state in which they are located or where the condominiums are marketed to be sold. In connection with our development and offering of condominium units for sale, we must submit regulatory filings to various state agencies and engage in an entitlement process by which real property owned under one title is converted into individual units. Responses or comments on our condominium filings may delay our ability to sell condominiums in certain states and other jurisdictions in a timely manner, or at all. In addition,
approval to develop real property sometimes requires political support and generally entails an extensive entitlement process involving multiple and overlapping regulatory jurisdictions and often requires discretionary action by local governments. Real estate projects must generally comply with local land development regulations and may need to comply with state and federal regulations. We incur substantial costs to comply with legal and regulatory requirements.
Various local, state, and federal statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations concerning building, health and safety, site and building design, environment, zoning, sales and similar matters apply to and/or affect the real estate development industry. Our ability to obtain or renew permits or approvals and the continued effectiveness of permits already granted or approvals already obtained depends on factors beyond our control,
such as changes in federal, state, and local policies, rules and regulations, and their interpretations and application.
There is a variety of legislation being enacted, or considered for enactment, at the federal, state, and local levels relating to energy and climate change. This legislation relates to items such as carbon dioxide emissions control and building codes that impose energy efficiency standards. New building code requirements that impose stricter energy efficiency standards could significantly increase our cost to construct buildings. As climate change concerns continue to grow, legislation and regulations of this nature are expected to continue and become more costly to comply with. We may be required to apply for additional approvals or modify our existing approvals because of changes in local circumstances or applicable law. Energy-related initiatives affect a wide variety
of companies throughout the United States and the world and, because our operations are heavily dependent on significant amounts of raw materials, such as lumber, steel, and concrete, they could have an indirect adverse impact on our operations and profitability to the extent the manufacturers and suppliers of our materials are burdened with expensive cap and trade and similar energy-related taxes and regulations. Governmental regulation also affects sales activities, mortgage lending activities, and other dealings with consumers. Further, government agencies routinely initiate audits, reviews, or investigations of our business practices to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, which can cause us to incur costs or create other disruptions in our business that can be significant. We may experience delays and increased expenses as a result of legal challenges to our proposed communities, whether brought by governmental authorities or private parties.
Under
various federal, state, and local laws and regulations, an owner of real estate is liable for the costs of remediation of certain hazardous substances, including petroleum and certain toxic substances (collectively hazardous substances) on such real estate. These laws often impose such liability without regard to whether the owner knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of such hazardous substances. The costs of remediation of such substances may be substantial, and the presence of such substances, or the failure to remediate such substances, may adversely affect the owner’s ability to sell such real estate or to obtain financing using such real estate as collateral. Other federal, state, and local laws, ordinances and regulations require abatement or removal of asbestos-containing materials in the event of demolition or certain renovations or remodeling, the cost of which may be substantial for certain redevelopments, and also govern emissions of and exposure
to asbestos fibers in the air. Federal and state laws also regulate the operation and removal of underground storage tanks. In connection with our ownership, operation, and management of certain properties, we could be held liable for the costs of remedial action with respect to these regulated substances or tanks or related claims.
For further information see Governance and Risk Management above.
The risks and uncertainties described below are those that we deem currently to be material, and do not represent all of the risks that we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently do not consider material may in the future become material and impair our business operations. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business could be materially harmed, and our financial condition
and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. Our business, prospects, financial condition, or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected by the following:
RISKS RELATED TO OUR INDUSTRY, MARKET AND CUSTOMERS
Our performance and the market value of our securities are subject to risks associated with our investments in real estate assets and with trends in the real estate industry.
Our economic performance and the value of our real estate assets,
and consequently the market value of the Company’s securities, are subject to the risk that our properties may not generate revenues sufficient to meet our operating expenses or other obligations. A deficiency of this nature would adversely impact our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, the quoted trading price of our securities, and our ability to satisfy our debt service obligations.
A downturn in the housing market or decline in general economic conditions could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and operations.
We believe that new home sales are an important indicator of future demand for our superpad sites, lots, and condominium units. Demand for new homes is sensitive to changes
in economic conditions such as the level of employment, consumer confidence, consumer income, the availability of financing, and interest rate levels. The prior economic downturn severely affected both the number of homes that could be sold in our MPCs and the prices for which homebuilders could sell them. We cannot predict when another economic downturn in the housing market will occur. If there were another economic downturn in the housing market or in general economic conditions, the resulting decline in demand for new homes and condominium units would likely have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Our condominium sales are sensitive to interest rates and the ability of consumers to obtain mortgage financing.
The ability of the ultimate buyers of
condominiums to finance their purchases is generally dependent on their personal savings and availability of third-party financing. Consequently, the demand for condominiums could be adversely affected by increases in interest rates (which generally rose in 2022 and 2023), unavailability of mortgage financing, increasing housing costs, and unemployment levels. Levels of income and savings, including retirement savings, available to condominium purchasers can be affected by declines in the capital markets. Any significant increase in the mortgage interest rates or decrease in available credit could reduce consumer demand for housing, and result in fewer condominium sales, which may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Purchasers may default on their obligations to purchase condominiums.
We
enter into contracts for the sale of condominium units that generally provide for the payment of a substantial portion of the sales price at closing when a condominium unit is ready to be delivered and occupied. A significant amount of time may pass between the execution of a contract for the purchase of a condominium unit and the closing thereof. The rate of defaults may increase from historical levels due to the personal finances of purchasers being negatively impacted as a result of changing macroeconomic and other conditions, including slow growth or recession, higher interest rates, high unemployment, inflation, and/or tighter credit. Defaults by purchasers to pay any remaining portions of the sales prices for condominium units under contract
may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Downturn in tenants’ businesses may reduce our revenues and cash flows.
A tenant may experience a downturn in its business, due to a variety of factors including rising inflation or supply chain issues, which may weaken its financial condition and result in its failure to make timely rental payments or result in defaults under our leases. The rate of defaults may increase from historical levels due to tenants’ businesses being negatively impacted by higher interest rates. In the event of default by a tenant, we may experience delays in enforcing our rights as the landlord and may incur substantial costs in protecting our investment.
We maybenegatively impacted by the consolidation or closing of anchor stores.
Many
of our mixed-used properties are anchored by “big box” tenants. We could be adversely affected if these or other anchor stores were to consolidate, close, or enter into bankruptcy. Given the current economic environment for certain retailers, there is a heightened risk an anchor store could close or enter into bankruptcy. Any losses resulting from the bankruptcy of any of our existing tenants could adversely impact our financial condition. Even if we own the anchor space, we may be unable to re-lease this area or to re-lease it on comparable terms. The loss of these revenues could adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows. Further, the temporary or permanent loss of any anchor would likely reduce customer traffic in the retail center, which could lead to decreased sales at other retail stores. Rents obtained from other tenants may be adversely impacted as a result of co-tenancy clauses in their leases. One or more of these factors could cause the
retail center to fail to meet its debt service requirements. The consolidation of anchor stores may also negatively affect lease negotiations and current and future development projects.
We may be unable to renew leases or re-lease available space.
We cannot provide any assurance that existing leases will be renewed, available space will be re-leased, or that our rental rates will be equal to or above the current rental rates. If the average rental rates for our properties decrease, existing tenants do not renew their leases, or available space is not re-leased, our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, and our ability to satisfy our debt service obligations at the affected properties could be adversely affected.
Significant
competition could have an adverse effect on our business.
The nature and extent of the competition we face depend on the type of property. With respect to our MPCs, we compete with other landholders and residential and commercial property developers in the development of properties in the respective MPC regions. Numerous residential and commercial developers, some with greater financial and other resources, compete with us in seeking resources for development and prospective purchasers and tenants. Competition from other real estate developers may adversely affect our ability to attract purchasers and sell residential and commercial real estate, sell undeveloped rural land, attract and retain experienced real estate development personnel, or obtain construction materials and labor. These competitive conditions can make it difficult to sell land at desirable prices and can adversely affect
our results of operations and financial condition.
There are numerous shopping facilities that compete with our operating retail properties in attracting retailers to lease space. In addition, retailers at these properties face continued competition from other retailers, including internet retailers, retailers at other regional shopping centers, outlet malls and other discount shopping centers, discount shopping clubs, and catalog companies. Competition of this type could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. In addition, we compete with other major real estate investors with significant capital for attractive investment and development opportunities. These competitors include REITs and private institutional investors.
The concentration of our properties in certain states may
make our revenues and the value of our assets vulnerable to adverse changes in local economic conditions.
Many of the properties we own are located in the same or in a limited number of geographic regions, including Texas, Hawai‘i, Nevada, New York, and Maryland. In October 2021, we announced the launch of Teravalis, a new large-scale master planned community in the West Valley of Phoenix, Arizona. Our current and future operations at the properties in these states are generally subject to significant fluctuations by various factors that are beyond our control such as the regional and local economy, which may be negatively impacted by material relocation by residents, industry slowdowns, plant closings, increased unemployment, lack of availability of consumer credit, levels of consumer debt, housing market conditions, adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, climate change and other
factors, as well as the local real estate conditions, such as an oversupply of, or a reduction in demand for, retail space or retail goods and the availability and creditworthiness of current and prospective tenants.
In addition, some of our properties are subject to various other factors specific to those geographic areas. For example, tourism is a major component of both the local economies in Hawai‘i and Nevada. Ward Village, which is located in Honolulu, Hawai‘i, and Summerlin, which is located in Las Vegas, Nevada, may be impacted by the local and global tourism industry. These properties are susceptible to many factors that affect travel and tourism related to Hawai‘i and Las Vegas, including cost and availability of air services and the impact of any events that disrupt air travel to and from these regions. Moreover, these properties may be affected by risks such as acts of terrorism
and natural disasters, including major fires, floods, and earthquakes, as well as severe or inclement weather, which could also decrease tourism activity in Las Vegas or Hawai‘i.
Further,
Summerlin is to some degree dependent on the gaming industry, which could be adversely affected by changes in consumer trends and preferences and other factors over which we have no control. The gaming industry is characterized by an increasingly high degree of competition among a large number of participants, including riverboat casinos, dockside casinos, land-based casinos, video lottery, sweepstakes, and poker machines, many of which are located outside of Las Vegas. Furthermore, competition from internet lotteries, sweepstakes, and other internet-wagering gaming services, which allow their customers to wager on a wide variety of sporting events and play Las Vegas-style casino games from home or in non-casino settings, could negatively impact the population in the Las Vegas area.
Markets and the local economies surrounding our properties in Columbia, Maryland are heavily influenced
by government spending and activity. A reduction of government spending in this market generally could decrease the demand for housing and retail space in this geographic region.
The Woodlands, The Woodlands Hills, and Bridgeland in the Houston, Texas region depend significantly on the energy sector. Our success depends to a large extent upon the business activity, population, income levels, employment trends, and real estate activity in and around Houston, Texas. In the event that oil prices fall and remain depressed for a sustained period, demand may decrease for housing and commercial space in The Woodlands, Bridgeland, and The Woodlands Hills.
Additionally, the success of Summerlin, our master planned community in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Teravalis, our new master planned community in the Phoenix, Arizona
region, may be negatively impacted by changes in temperature due to climate change, increased stress on water supplies caused by climate change and population growth and other factors over which we have no control.
If any or all of the factors discussed above were to occur and result in our inability to sell or lease our residential and commercial property in any of these geographic regions, it would likely have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Our business model includes entering into joint venture arrangements with strategic partners, and our strategic partners may have different interests than us.
We currently have and intend to enter into additional joint venture
partnerships. These joint venture partners may bring local market knowledge and relationships, development experience, industry expertise, financial resources, financing capabilities, brand recognition, and credibility or other competitive advantages. In the future, we may not have sufficient resources, experience and/or skills to locate desirable partners. We also may not be able to attract partners who want to conduct business in the locations where our properties are located, and who have the assets, reputation, or other characteristics that would optimize our development opportunities.
While we generally participate in making decisions for our jointly owned properties and assets, we might not always have the same objectives as the partner in relation to a particular asset, and we might not be able to formally resolve any issues that arise. In addition, actions by a partner may subject
property owned by the joint venture to liabilities greater than those contemplated by the joint venture agreements, be contrary to our instructions or requests or result in adverse consequences. We cannot control the ultimate outcome of any decision made by our partners, which may be detrimental to our interests.
The bankruptcy or, to a lesser extent, financial distress of any of our joint venture partners could materially and adversely affect the relevant property or properties. If this occurred, we would be precluded from taking some actions affecting the estate of the other investor without prior court approval which would, in most cases, entail prior notice to other parties and a hearing. At a minimum, the requirement to obtain court approval may delay the actions we would or might want to take. If the relevant joint venture through which we have invested in a property has incurred
recourse obligations, the discharge in bankruptcy of one of the other partners might result in our ultimate liability for a greater portion of those obligations than would otherwise be required.
Because real estate is illiquid, we may not be able to sell properties when in our best interest.
Real estate investments generally, and in particular large office and mixed-use properties like those that we develop and construct, often cannot be sold quickly. The capitalization rates at which properties may be sold could be higher than historic rates, thereby reducing our potential proceeds from the sale. Consequently, we may not be able to alter our portfolio promptly in response to changes in economic or other conditions. All of these factors reduce our ability to respond to changes in the performance of our investments
and could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Some of our properties are subject to potential natural or other disasters.
A number of our properties are located in areas which are subject to natural or other disasters, including hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, and oil spills. We cannot predict the extent of damage that may result from such adverse weather events, which depend on a variety of factors beyond our control. Some of our properties, including Houston-area MPCs, Ward Village, and the Seaport are located in regions that could be affected by increases in sea levels, the frequency or severity of hurricanes and tropical storms, or environmental disasters, whether such events are caused by global climate changes or other factors. Additionally, adverse weather events can cause widespread property damage and significantly depress the local economies in which the Company
operates and have an adverse impact on the Company’s business, financial condition, and operations.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS OPERATIONS AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Our MPC segment is highly dependent on homebuilders.
We are highly dependent on our relationships with homebuilders to purchase superpad sites and lots at our MPCs. Our business will be adversely affected if homebuilders do not view our MPCs as
desirable locations for homebuilding operations or due to a change in demand, our inability to achieve certain pricing arrangements, or upon an overall decline in general market conditions. Also, some homebuilders may be unwilling or unable to close on previously committed lot purchases due to our failure to meet certain conditions in our agreements or otherwise. As a result, we may sell fewer lots and in certain instances suspend any of our MPC developments. This would result in lower land sales revenues, which could have an adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations.
The Seaport’s operational results are volatile, which could have an adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations.
The Seaport’s operational results are volatile. The increased volatility is largely
the result of: (i) seasonality; (ii) potential sponsorship revenue; (iii) potential event revenue; and (iv) business operating risks from our various managed businesses. We own, either wholly or through joint ventures, and in some instances operate several start-up businesses in the Seaport. As a result, the revenues and expenses of these businesses directly impact the net operating income of the Seaport, which could have an adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations. This is in contrast to our other retail properties where we generally receive lease payments from unaffiliated tenants and are not necessarily impacted by the operating performance of their underlying businesses.
We are exposed to risks associated with the development, redevelopment, or construction of our properties.
Our
development, redevelopment, and construction activities expose us to risks such as:
–inability to obtain construction financing for the development or redevelopment of properties
–increased construction costs for a project that exceeded our original estimates due to increases in materials, labor, or other costs, which could make completion of the project less profitable because market rents or condominium prices may not increase sufficiently to compensate for the increased construction costs
–supply chain issues and increased difficulty for workforce recruitment which may lead to construction delays and increased project development costs
–claims for construction defects after a property has been
developed
–poor performance or nonperformance by any of our joint venture partners or other third parties on whom we rely
–health and safety incidents and site accidents
–easement restrictions which may impact our development costs and timing
–compliance with building codes and other local regulations
–the inability to secure tenants necessary to support commercial projects
If any of the aforementioned risks were to occur during the development, redevelopment, or construction of our properties, it could have a substantial negative impact on the project’s
success and result in a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
Our development projects may subject us to certain liabilities.
We may hire and supervise third-party contractors to provide construction, engineering, and various other services for wholly owned development projects or development projects undertaken by real estate ventures in which we hold an equity interest. Certain of these contracts are structured such that we are the principal rather than the agent. As a result, we may assume liabilities in the course of the project and be subjected to, or become liable for, claims for construction defects, negligent performance of work or other similar actions by third parties
we have engaged.
Adverse outcomes of disputes or litigation could negatively impact our business, results
of operations, and financial condition, particularly if we have not limited the extent of the damages to which we may be liable, or if our liabilities exceed the amounts of the insurance that we carry. Moreover, our tenants and condominium owners may seek to hold us accountable for the actions of contractors because of our role even if we have technically disclaimed liability as a legal matter, in which case we may determine it necessary to participate in a financial settlement for purposes of preserving the tenant or customer relationship or to protect our corporate brand. Acting as a principal may also mean that we pay a contractor before we have been reimbursed by our tenants or have received the entire purchase price of a condominium unit from the purchaser. This exposes us to additional risks of collection in the event of a bankruptcy, insolvency, or a purchaser default. The reverse can occur as well, where a contractor we have paid files for bankruptcy protection
or commits fraud with the funds before completing a project which we have funded in part or in full.
For example, we are directly paying the costs to repair certain construction defects at the Waiea condominium tower in Ward Village and will seek to recoup these costs from the general contractor and other responsible parties. We have subsequently entered into a settlement agreement with the Waiea homeowners association pursuant to which we have agreed to pay for the repair. We believe the general contractor is ultimately responsible for the defects and as such, we should be entitled to recover our repair costs from the general contractor, other responsible parties and insurance proceeds; however, we can provide no assurances that all or any portion of these costs will be recovered. Total estimated cost related to the remediation is $155.4 million, inclusive of $16.1 million of additional
anticipated costs recognized in 2023.
Cybersecurity risks and incidents, such as a breach of the Company’s privacy or information security systems, or those of our vendors or other third parties, could compromise our information and expose us to liability, which would cause our business and reputation to suffer.
In the ordinary course of our business, we collect and store sensitive data, including intellectual property, our proprietary business information and that of our tenants and business partners and personally identifiable information of our employees on our networks. The collection and use of personally identifiable information are governed by federal and state laws and regulations. Privacy
and information security laws continue to evolve and may be inconsistent from one jurisdiction to another. Compliance with all such laws and regulations may increase our operating costs and adversely impact our ability to market our properties and services.
Additionally, we rely on our information technology systems to be able to monitor and control our operations, adjust to changing market conditions and implement strategic initiatives. We own and manage some of these systems but also rely on third parties for a range of products and services. Any disruptions in or the failure of our own systems, or those managed by third parties, to operate as expected could adversely affect our ability to access and use certain applications and could, depending on the nature and magnitude of the problem, adversely affect our operating results by limiting our ability to effectively monitor and control
our operations, adjust to changing market conditions, and implement strategic initiatives.
The security measures that we and our vendors put in place cannot provide absolute security, and the information technology infrastructure we and our vendors use may be vulnerable to criminal cyber-attacks or data security incidents.
Any such incident could compromise our networks or our vendors’ networks (or the networks or systems of third parties that facilitate our business activities or our vendors’ business activities), and the information we or our vendors store could be accessed, misused, publicly disclosed, corrupted, lost, or stolen, resulting in fraud, including wire fraud related to our assets, or other harm. Moreover, if a data security incident or breach affects our systems or our vendors’ systems, whether
through a breach of our systems or a breach of the systems of third parties, or results in the unauthorized release of personally identifiable information, our reputation and brand could be materially damaged, and we may be exposed to a risk of loss or litigation and possible liability, including, without limitation, loss related to the fact that agreements with our vendors, or our vendors’ financial condition, may not allow us to recover all costs related to a cyber-breach for which they alone are responsible or for which we are jointly responsible for, which could result in a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
Like many companies, we and our third party vendors have been impacted by security incidents in the past and will likely experience security incidents of varying degrees. While we do not believe these incidents have had a material
impact to date, privacy and information security risks have generally increased in recent years because of the proliferation of new technologies, such as ransomware, and the increased sophistication and activities of perpetrators of cyber-attacks. The rapid evolution and increased adoption of artificial intelligence technologies may also intensify our privacy and information security risks. Further, there has been a surge in widespread cyber-attacks during and since the COVID-19 pandemic, and the use of remote work environments and virtual platforms may increase our risk of cyber-attack or data security breaches. In light of the increased risks, we have dedicated substantial additional resources of expense, labor, and time to
strengthening the security of our computer systems. In the future, we may expend additional resources to continue to enhance our information security measures and/or to investigate and remediate any information security vulnerabilities. Despite these steps, there can be no assurance that we will not suffer a significant data security incident in the future, that unauthorized parties will not gain access to sensitive data stored on our systems, or that any such incident will be discovered in a timely manner. Any failure in or breach of our
information security systems, those of third-party service providers, or a breach of other third-party systems that ultimately impacts our operational or information security systems as a result of cyber-attacks or information security breaches could result in a wide range of potentially serious harm to our business and results of operations.
Global economic and political instability and conflicts, such as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the more recent Israel-Hamas war, could adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
Our business could be adversely affected by unstable economic and political conditions within the U.S. and foreign jurisdictions and geopolitical conflicts, such as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the more recent Israel-Hamas war.
While we do not have any customer or direct supplier relationships in any of these countries, the current military conflicts and related sanctions, as well as export controls or actions that may be initiated by nations (e.g., potential cyberattacks, disruption of energy flows, etc.) and other potential uncertainties could adversely affect our supply chain by causing shortages or increases in costs for materials necessary for construction. These conflicts have already resulted in significant volatility in oil and natural-gas prices worldwide. In addition, such events could cause higher interest rates, inflation, or general economic uncertainty, which could negatively impact our business partners, employees, or customers, or otherwise adversely impact our business.
Some of our directors are involved in other businesses including real estate activities and public and/or private investments
and, therefore, may have competing or conflicting interests with us.
Certain of our directors have and may in the future have interests in other real estate business activities and may have control or influence over these activities or may serve as investment advisors, directors, or officers. These interests and activities, and any duties to third parties arising from such interests and activities, could divert the attention of such directors from our operations. Additionally, certain of our directors are engaged in investment and other activities in which they may learn of real estate and other related opportunities in their non-director capacities. Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applicable to our directors expressly provides, as permitted by Section 122(17) of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the DGCL), that our non-employee directors are not obligated to limit their interests
or activities in their non-director capacities or to notify us of any opportunities that may arise in connection therewith, even if the opportunities are complementary to, or in competition with, our businesses. Accordingly, we have no expectation that we will be able to learn of or participate in such opportunities. If any potential business opportunity is expressly presented to a director exclusively in his or her director capacity, the director will not be permitted to pursue the opportunity, directly or indirectly through a controlled affiliate in which the director has an ownership interest, without the approval of the independent members of our board of directors.
Pershing Square will have the ability to influence our policies and operations and its interests may not in all cases be aligned with other stockholders.
Pershing
Square beneficially owns approximately 37.7% of our outstanding common stock as of December 31, 2023. Additionally, Mr. William Ackman, founder and chief executive officer of Pershing Square, is the chairman of our board of directors. Accordingly, Pershing Square will have the ability to influence our policies and operations, including the appointment of management, future issuances of our common stock or other securities, the payment of dividends, if any, on our common stock, the incurrence or modification of debt by us, amendments to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws and the entering into of extraordinary transactions, and its interests may not in all cases be aligned with other stockholders’
interests.
RISKS RELATED TO THE SPINOFF AND OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH SEAPORT ENTERTAINMENT
The spinoff of Seaport Entertainment into an independent publicly traded company may not be completed on the currently contemplated timeline, or at all, and we may not achieve some or all of the spinoff’s expected benefits.
On October 5, 2023, we announced our intent to form a new division, Seaport Entertainment, that is expected to include our entertainment-related
assets in New York and Las Vegas, including the Seaport in Lower Manhattan and the Las Vegas Aviators Triple-A Minor League Baseball team, as well as our 25% ownership stake in Jean-Georges Restaurants and other partnerships and our 80% interest in the air rights above the Fashion Show Mall in Las Vegas. We are
establishing Seaport Entertainment with the intent of completing its spinoff as an independent, publicly traded company in 2024, but there can be no assurance regarding the ultimate timing of the spinoff or that the spinoff will ultimately occur.
Completion of the spinoff is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including obtaining final approvals from our board of directors; the completion of the transfer of assets and liabilities to Seaport Entertainment in accordance with the separation and distribution agreement; due execution and delivery of the agreements relating to the spinoff; no order, injunction, or decree issued by any court of competent jurisdiction or other legal restraint or prohibition in effect preventing the consummation of the spinoff, the distribution,
or any of the related transactions; acceptance for listing on a national stock exchange of the Seaport Entertainment shares to be distributed, subject to official notice of distribution; and no other event or development having occurred or being in existence that, in the judgment of our board of directors, in its sole discretion, makes it inadvisable to effect the spinoff. The spinoff is complex in nature, and unanticipated developments or changes, including changes in the law, macroeconomic environment, and competitive conditions of our markets, the uncertainty of the financial markets, and challenges in executing the spinoff, could delay or prevent the completion of the spinoff or cause the spinoff to occur on terms or conditions that are different or less favorable than expected.
Whether or not we complete the spinoff, our ongoing business may face material challenges in connection
with the spinoff, including, but not limited to:
–uncertainty about the effect of the spinoff on our employees and third parties with whom we conduct business, which may impair our ability to retain and motivate key personnel and could cause such third parties to defer or decline entering into contracts with us or seek to change existing business relationships with us
–foreseen and unforeseen costs and expenses that we will incur in connection with the spinoff, including accounting, tax, legal, and other professional services costs
–potential negative reactions from the financial markets if we fail to complete the spinoff in its currently intended form, within the anticipated
timeframe or at all
If we do complete the spinoff, the anticipated benefits may not be achieved, may be delayed, or may be less advantageous than we anticipate for a variety of reasons, including that the actions required to separate the companies’ respective businesses could disrupt each company’s operations; following the spinoff, each company may be more susceptible to market fluctuations and other adverse events than if the companies were still combined; and following the spinoff the companies’ businesses will be less diversified than the combined businesses prior to the spinoff.
Seaport Entertainment may fail to perform its obligations under various transaction agreements that will be executed as part of the spinoff.
The
separation and distribution agreement and other agreements we intend to enter into in connection with the spinoff will determine the allocation of assets and liabilities between us and Seaport Entertainment following the spinoff and will include any necessary indemnifications related to liabilities and obligations. We will rely on Seaport Entertainment after the spinoff to satisfy its performance and payment obligations under these agreements. If Seaport Entertainment is unable to satisfy these obligations, including its indemnification obligations, we could incur operational difficulties or losses that could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
After the spinoff, certain HHH executive officers and directors may have actual or potential conflicts of interest because of their equity interests in Seaport Entertainment.
Because
of their current or former positions with the Company, certain HHH executive officers and directors are expected to own equity interests in Seaport Entertainment. Their ownership of shares of common stock of Seaport Entertainment could create, or create the appearance of, potential conflicts of interest if we and Seaport Entertainment face decisions that could have implications for both companies after the spinoff.
If the distribution fails to qualify as a distribution under Section 355 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), we and our shareholders could incur significant adverse tax consequences.
The distribution is conditioned upon, among other things, our receipt of an opinion of Latham & Watkins
LLP, tax counsel to HHH, regarding the qualification of the distribution as a distribution under Section 355 of the Code. There is no administrative or judicial authority that directly addresses facts that are substantially similar to those of the distribution, and the opinion of tax counsel is therefore not free from doubt. Moreover, the opinion of tax counsel will be based on, among other things, certain factual assumptions, representations, and undertakings from Seaport Entertainment and us, including those regarding the past and future conduct of the companies’ respective businesses and other matters. If any of these factual assumptions, representations, or undertakings is incorrect or not satisfied, we may not be able to rely on the opinion, and we and our shareholders could be subject to significant adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences. In addition, the opinion of tax counsel will not be binding on the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the IRS) or the courts,
and, notwithstanding the opinion of tax counsel, the IRS could determine that the distribution does not so qualify or that the
distribution should
be taxable for other reasons, including as a result of a significant change in stock or asset ownership after the distribution.
If the distribution is ultimately determined not to qualify as a distribution under Section 355 of the Code, the distribution could be treated as a taxable disposition of common shares of Seaport Entertainment by us and as a taxable dividend or capital gain to our shareholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In such case, we and our shareholders that are subject to U.S. federal income tax could incur significant adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences.
FINANCIAL
RISKS
Our indebtedness and changing interest rates could adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition, or results of operations and prevent us from fulfilling our obligations under our Senior Notes and Loan Agreements.
As of December 31, 2023, our total consolidated debt was approximately $5.3 billion of which $2.1 billion was recourse to the Company or one of its subsidiaries. In addition, as of December 31, 2023, we have $69.3 million of recourse guarantees associated with undrawn financing commitments.
As of December 31, 2023, our proportionate share of the debt of our unconsolidated ventures was $134.9 million based upon our economic interest. All of this indebtedness is without recourse to the Company, with the exception of the collateral maintenance obligation for Floreo.
Subject to the limits contained in the indentures governing the $475 million Bridgeland Notes due 2026, the $750 million 5.375% senior notes due 2028, the $650 million 4.125% senior notes due 2029, and the $650 million 4.375% senior notes due 2031 (collectively, the Senior Notes), and any limits under our other debt agreements, we may need to incur substantial additional indebtedness from time
to time, including project indebtedness for developments by our subsidiaries. If we incur additional indebtedness or experience an adverse change in interest rates, the risks related to our level of indebtedness could intensify. Specifically, an increased level of indebtedness could have important consequences, including:
–making it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to our indebtedness, including the Senior Notes and Loan Agreements
–limiting our ability to obtain additional financing to fund future working capital, capital expenditures, debt service requirements, execution of our business strategy, or finance other general corporate requirements
–requiring
us to make non-strategic divestitures, particularly when the availability of financing in the capital markets is limited, which may adversely impact sales prices
–requiring a substantial portion of our cash flow to be allocated to debt service payments instead of other business purposes, thereby reducing the amount of cash flow available for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, dividends, and other general corporate purposes
–increasing our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions, including increases in interest rates, particularly given that certain indebtedness bears interest at variable rates
–limiting our ability to capitalize on business opportunities, reinvest in and develop properties, and to react to competitive pressures
and adverse changes in government regulations
–placing us at a disadvantage compared to other less leveraged competitors, if any
–limiting our ability, or increasing the costs, to refinance indebtedness
–resulting in an event of default if we fail to satisfy our obligations under our indebtedness, which default could result in all or part of our indebtedness becoming immediately due and payable and, in the case of our secured debt, could permit the lenders to foreclose on our assets securing such debt
The indentures governing our Senior Notes, the Loan Agreements and our other debt agreements contain
restrictions that may limit our ability to operate our business.
The indentures governing our Senior Notes contain certain restrictions that may limit our ability to operate. In addition, the Loan Agreements contain representations and covenants customary for loan agreements of this type, including financial covenants related to maintenance of interest coverage ratios and loan-to-value ratios with respect to the certain mortgaged properties, taken as a whole. The Loan Agreements also contain customary events of default, certain of which are subject to cure periods. These restrictions limit our ability or the ability of certain of our subsidiaries to, among other things:
–incur
indebtedness or issue equity
–create certain liens
–pay dividends on, redeem, or repurchase capital stock or make other restricted payments
–make investments
–incur obligations that restrict the ability of our subsidiaries to make dividend or other payments to us
Additionally, certain of our debt agreements also contain various restrictive covenants, including minimum net worth requirements, maximum payout ratios on distributions, minimum debt yield ratios, minimum fixed charge coverage ratios, minimum interest coverage ratios and maximum leverage ratios.The restrictions under the indentures and/or other debt agreements could limit our ability to finance our future operations or capital needs, make acquisitions, or pursue available business opportunities.
We may be required to take action to reduce
our debt or act in a manner inconsistent with our business objectives and strategies to meet such ratios and satisfy the covenants in our debt agreements. Events beyond our control, such as changes in economic and business conditions, may affect our ability to do so. We may not be able to meet the ratios or satisfy the covenants in our debt agreements, and we cannot provide any assurance that our lenders will waive any failure to do so. A breach of any of the covenants in, or our inability to maintain the required financial ratios, under our debt agreements would likely result in a default under such debt agreements, which may accelerate the principal and interest payments of the debt and, if such debt is secured, result in the foreclosure on certain of our assets that secure such debt. A breach of any of the covenants in, or our inability to maintain the required financial ratios, under our debt agreements also would prevent us from borrowing additional money under
such agreements that include revolving credit facilities. A default under any of our debt agreements could, in turn, result in defaults under other obligations and result in other creditors accelerating the payment of other obligations and foreclosing on assets securing such obligations, if any. Any such defaults could materially impair our financial condition and liquidity. In addition, if the lenders under any of our debt agreements or other obligations accelerate the maturity of those obligations, we cannot assure that we will have sufficient assets to satisfy our obligations under the notes or our other debt.
We may be unable to develop and expand our properties without sufficient capital or financing.
Our business objective includes the development and redevelopment of our properties, particularly those
in our Strategic Developments segment, which we may be unable to do if we do not have, cannot obtain, or cannot generate sufficient capital from MPC land sales or operations, debt capital from lenders or the capital markets, or government incentives, such as tax increment financing, to proceed with planned development, redevelopment, or expansion activities. We may be unable to access or acquire financing due to the market volatility and uncertainty. We may be unable to obtain an anchor store, mortgage lender and property partner approvals that are required for any such development, redevelopment, or expansion. We may abandon redevelopment or expansion activities already underway that we are unable to complete due to the inability to secure additional capital to finance such activities. This may result in charge-offs of costs previously capitalized. In addition, if redevelopment, expansion, or reinvestment projects are unsuccessful, the investment in such projects may
not be recoverable, in full or in part, from future operations or sale resulting in impairment charges.
The Company is dependent on the operations and funds of its subsidiaries, including The Howard Hughes Corporation.
The Company has no business operations of its own, and the Company’s only significant assets are the outstanding equity interests of its subsidiaries,
including The Howard Hughes Corporation (HHC). As a result, the Company relies on cash flows from its subsidiaries, including HHC, to meet its financial obligations, including to service any debt obligations that the Company may incur from time to time in the future. Legal and contractual restrictions in agreements governing future indebtedness of any of the Company’s subsidiaries, as well as the financial condition and future operating requirements of any such subsidiaries,
in each case, including HHC, may limit such subsidiaries’ ability to distribute cash to the Company. If HHC or any of the Company’s other subsidiaries is limited in its ability to distribute cash to the Company, or if the earnings or other available assets of the Company’s subsidiaries are not sufficient to pay distributions or make loans to the
Company in the amounts or at the times necessary for the Company to meet its financial obligations, then the Company’s business, financial condition, cash flows, results of operations, and reputation may be materially adversely affected.
We are subject to risks associated with hedging arrangements.
We enter into interest rate swap agreements and other interest rate hedging contracts, including caps and cash settled forward starting swaps, to mitigate or reduce our exposure to interest rate volatility, or to satisfy lender requirements. These
agreements expose us to additional risks, including a risk that counterparties of these hedging and swap agreements will not perform. There also could be significant costs and cash requirements involved to fulfill our obligations
under
a hedging agreement. In addition, our hedging activities may not have the desired beneficial impact on interest rate exposure and have a negative impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
We may not realize the value of our tax assets.
Certain provisions of the Internal Revenue Code could limit our ability to fully utilize certain tax assets if we were to experience a change in control. As of December 31, 2023, we have approximately $51.7 million of federal net operating loss carryforwards. If certain change in control events were to occur, the cash flow benefits we might otherwise have received could be decreased.
Inflation has adversely affected
us and may continue to adversely affect us by increasing costs beyond what we can recover through price increases.
The U.S. economy has experienced an increase in inflation recently. Inflation can adversely affect us by increasing costs of land, materials, and labor, which we have experienced in recent years due to higher inflation rates. Although we believe that sources of supply for raw materials and components are generally adequate, it is difficult to predict what effects price increases may have in the future. In addition, significant inflation is often accompanied by higher interest rates, which have a negative impact on demand for homes in our MPCs and demand for our condominium projects, and our ability to refinance existing indebtedness on favorable terms, or at all, due to higher borrowing costs. In an inflationary environment, depending on the homebuilding industry and other
economic conditions, we may be precluded from raising land prices enough to keep up with the rate of inflation, which could significantly reduce our profit margins. In recent years we have been experiencing increases in the prices of labor and materials above the general inflation rate. Our inability to offset increasing costs due to inflation through price increases to customers could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial conditions, and cash flows.
Some potential losses are not insured.
We carry comprehensive liability, fire, flood, earthquake, terrorism, extended coverage, and rental loss insurance on all of our properties. We believe the policy specifications and insured limits of these policies are adequate and appropriate. There are some types of losses, including lease
and other contract claims, which generally are not insured. If an uninsured loss or a loss in excess of insured limits occurs, we could lose all or a portion of the capital invested in a property, as well as the anticipated future revenue from the property. If this happens, we might remain obligated for any mortgage debt or other financial obligations related to the property.
REGULATORY, LEGAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS
Our development, construction, and sale of condominiums are subject
to state regulations and may be subject to claims from the condominium owner’s association at each project.
A portion of our business is dedicated to the development and sale of condominiums. Condominiums are generally regulated by an agency of the state in which they are located or where the condominiums are marketed to be sold. In connection with our development and offering of condominium units for sale, we must submit regulatory filings to various state agencies and engage in an entitlement process by which real property owned under one title is converted into individual units. Responses or comments on our condominium filings may delay our ability to sell condominiums in certain states and other jurisdictions in a timely manner, or at all. Further, we will be required to transfer control of a condominium association’s board of directors once we trigger one of several statutory thresholds,
with the most likely triggers being tied to the sale of not less than a majority of units to third-party owners. Transfer of control can result in claims with respect to deficiencies in operating funds and reserves, construction defects, and other condominium-related matters by the condominium association and/or third-party condominium unit owners. Any material claims in these areas could negatively affect our reputation in condominium development and ultimately have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Development of properties entails a lengthy, uncertain and costly entitlement process.
Approval to develop real property sometimes requires political support and generally entails an extensive entitlement process involving multiple and overlapping regulatory
jurisdictions and often requires discretionary action by local governments. Real estate projects must generally comply with local land development regulations and may need to comply with state and federal regulations. We incur substantial costs to comply with legal and regulatory requirements. An increase in legal and regulatory requirements may cause us to incur substantial additional costs, or in some cases cause us to determine that the property is not feasible for development. In addition, our competitors and local residents may
challenge our efforts to obtain entitlements and permits for the development of properties. The process to comply with these regulations is usually lengthy and costly, may not result in the approvals we seek and can be expected to materially affect our development activities.
Government regulations and legal challenges may delay the start or completion of the development of our communities, increase our expenses, or limit our homebuilding or other activities.
Various local, state, and federal statutes, ordinances, rules, and regulations concerning
building, health and safety, site and building design, environment, zoning, sales, and similar matters apply to and/or affect the real estate development industry. In addition, our ability to obtain or renew permits or approvals and the continued effectiveness of permits already granted or approvals already obtained depends on factors beyond our control, such as changes in federal, state, and local policies, rules, and regulations, and their interpretations and application.
Municipalities may restrict or place moratoriums on the availability of utilities, such as water and sewer taps. If municipalities in which we operate take such actions, it could have an adverse effect on our business by causing delays, increasing our costs, or limiting our ability to operate in those municipalities. These measures may reduce our ability to open new MPCs and to build and sell other real estate development
projects in the affected markets, including with respect to land we may already own, and create additional costs and administration requirements, which in turn may harm our future sales, margins, and earnings.
Governmental regulation affects not only construction activities but also sales activities, mortgage lending activities, and other dealings with consumers. Further, government agencies routinely initiate audits, reviews, or investigations of our business practices to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, which can cause us to incur costs or create other disruptions in our business that can be significant. Further, we may experience delays and increased expenses as a result of legal challenges to our proposed communities, whether brought by governmental authorities or private parties.
We
may be subject to increased compliance costs to comply with new and contemplated government regulations relating to energy standards and climate change.
A variety of legislation is being enacted, or considered for enactment, at the federal, state, and local levels relating to energy and climate change. This legislation relates to items such as carbon dioxide emissions control and building codes that impose energy efficiency standards. New building code requirements that impose stricter energy efficiency standards could significantly increase our cost to construct buildings. Such environmental laws may affect, for example, how we manage storm water runoff, wastewater discharges, and dust; how we develop or operate on properties on or affecting resources such as wetlands, endangered species, cultural resources, or areas subject to preservation laws; and how we address contamination. As climate
change concerns continue to grow, legislation and regulations of this nature are expected to continue and to make compliance more costly. In addition, it is possible that some form of expanded energy efficiency legislation may be passed by the U.S. Congress or federal agencies and certain state legislatures, which may, despite being phased in over time, significantly increase our costs of building MPCs and the sale price to our buyers and adversely affect our sales volumes. We may be required to apply for additional approvals or modify our existing approvals because of changes in local circumstances or applicable law.
Energy-related initiatives affect a wide variety of companies throughout the U.S. and the world. Because our operations are heavily dependent on significant amounts of raw materials, such as lumber, steel, and concrete, energy-related initiatives could have an indirect adverse
impact on our operations and profitability to the extent the manufacturers and suppliers of our materials are burdened with expensive cap and trade and similar energy-related taxes and regulations. Noncompliance with environmental laws could result in fines and penalties, obligations to remediate, permit revocations, and other sanctions.
We may be subject to potential costs to comply with environmental laws.
Future development opportunities may require additional capital and other expenditures to comply with laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment. Under various federal, state, or local laws, ordinances, and regulations, a current or previous owner or operator of real estate may be required to investigate and clean up hazardous or toxic substances released at a property and may
be held liable to a governmental entity or to third parties for property damage or personal injuries and for investigation and clean-up costs incurred by the parties in connection with the contamination. These laws often impose liability without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the release of the hazardous or toxic substances. The presence of contamination or the failure to remediate contamination may adversely affect the owner’s ability to sell or lease real estate or to borrow using the real estate as collateral. Other federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations require abatement or removal of asbestos-containing materials in the event of demolition or certain renovations or remodeling, the cost of which may be substantial for certain redevelopments, and also govern emissions of and exposure to asbestos fibers in the air. Federal
and state laws also regulate the operation and removal of underground storage tanks. In connection with our ownership, operation, and management of certain properties, we could be held liable for the costs of remedial action
with respect to these regulated substances or tanks or related claims.
We cannot predict with any certainty the magnitude of any expenditures relating to the environmental compliance or the long-range effect, if any, on our operations. Compliance with such laws has not had a material adverse effect on our operating results or competitive position in the past but could have such an effect on our operating results and competitive position in the future.
Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act may be a significant cost for us.
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended (ADA), requires that all public accommodations and commercial facilities, including office buildings, meet certain federal requirements
related to access and use by disabled persons. Other federal, state, and local laws may require modifications to or restrict further renovations of our properties with respect to such accesses. Noncompliance with the ADA or similar or related laws or regulations could result in the U.S. government imposing fines or private litigants being awarded damages against us. Such costs may adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Catastrophic events, including climate change, may adversely affect our business.
As a result of climate change, we may experience extreme weather and changes in precipitation and temperature, all of which may result in physical damage or a decrease in demand for our properties located in the areas affected by these conditions.
Should the impact of climate change be material in nature or occur for lengthy periods of time, our financial condition or results of operations would be adversely affected. In addition, many state and local governments are adopting or considering adopting regulations requiring that property owners and developers include in their development or redevelopment plans resiliency measures to address climate-change related risks. We may be required to incur substantial costs if such regulations apply to any of our properties. Additionally, COVID-19 disrupted our business and a resurgence of it, or another pandemic, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial performance and condition, operating results, and cash flows, and could materially adversely impact and cause disruption to, our business, financial performance and condition, operating results, and cash flows.
Water
and electricity shortages could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Drought conditions and increased temperatures in the Phoenix, Arizona and Las Vegas, Nevada, regions could cause our master planned communities in these regions to experience water and electricity shortages. The lack or reduced availability of electricity or water in these regions may make it more difficult or expensive for us to obtain approvals for new developments and could limit, impair or delay our ability to develop or sell, or increase the cost of developing, our land in these master planned communities.
Tax increases and changes in tax rules may adversely affect our financial results.
As a company
conducting business with physical operations throughout North America, we are exposed, both directly and indirectly, to the effects of changes in U.S., state, and local tax rules. Taxes for financial reporting purposes and cash tax liabilities in the future may be adversely affected by changes in such tax rules.
GENERAL RISKS
The Company may not obtain the anticipated benefits of the holding company structure.
The
anticipated benefits of the holding company structure may not be obtained by the Company if circumstances prevent the Company from taking advantage of the strategic and business opportunities that it expects the structure may afford it. As a result, the Company may incur costs associated with the holding company structure without realizing the anticipated benefits, which could adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition, cash flows, and results of operations.
Loss of key personnel could adversely affect our business and operations.
We depend on the efforts of key executive personnel. The loss of the services of any key executive personnel could adversely affect our business and operations. While we believe we have proper succession planning and are confident we could attract and train new personnel if necessary, this could impose additional costs and hinder our business strategy.
Possible
terrorist activity or other acts of violence could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Future terrorist attacks in the U.S. or other acts of violence may result in declining economic activity, which could harm the demand for goods and services offered by tenants and the value of our properties and might adversely affect the value of an investment in our securities. Such a resulting decrease in retail demand could make it difficult to renew or re-lease properties at lease rates equal to or above historical rates. Terrorist activities or violence also could directly affect the value of our properties, including a high-profile property such as the Seaport, through damage, destruction or loss, and the availability of insurance for such acts, or of insurance generally, might be lower or cost more, which could increase our operating expenses and adversely affect
our financial condition and results of operations. To the extent that tenants are affected by future attacks, their businesses similarly could be adversely affected, including their ability to continue to meet obligations under their existing leases. Any one of these events might decrease demand for real estate, decrease or delay the occupancy of new or redeveloped properties, and limit access to capital or increase the cost of capital.
Our stock price may continue to be volatile.
The trading price of our common stock is likely to continue to be volatile due to the stock market’s routine periods of large or extreme volatility. This volatility often has been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of particular companies, including ours. Factors that affect our trading price may include
the following:
–results of operations that vary from the expectations of securities analysts and investors, including our ability to finance and achieve operational success at the Seaport project
–changes in expectations as to our future financial performance, including financial estimates and investment recommendations by securities analysts and investors
–announcements by us or our competitors of new significant real-estate developments, acquisitions, joint ventures, other strategic relationships or actions, capital commitments, or responses to these events
–changes in general economic or market conditions, including increases in interest rates, or trends in our industry or markets
–future
sales of our common stock or other securities
–guidance, if any, that we provide to the public, any changes in this guidance, or our failure to meet this guidance
–the development and sustainability of an active trading market for our stock
–changes in accounting principles
–events or factors resulting from natural disasters, war, acts of terrorism, or responses to these events
These broad market and industry fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of our common stock, regardless of our actual operating performance. In addition, price volatility may be greater if the public float and trading volume of our
common stock is low. In the past, following periods of market volatility, stockholders have instituted securities class action litigation. If we were involved in securities litigation, it could have a substantial cost and divert resources and the attention of executive management from our business regardless of the outcome of such litigation.
Anti-takeover provisions in our certificate of incorporation, our by-laws, Delaware law, stockholder’s rights agreement and certain other agreements may prevent or delay an acquisition of us, which could decrease the trading price of our common stock.
–the inability of our stockholders to act by written consent
–restrictions on the ability of stockholders to call a special meeting without 15% or more of the voting power of the issued and outstanding shares entitled to vote generally in the election of our directors
–rules regarding stockholder proposals and director nominations
–the right of our board of directors to issue preferred stock without stockholder approval
–a
requirement that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, certain proceedings against or involving us or our directors or officers be brought exclusively in the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware
–that certain provisions may be amended only by the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the shares of common stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors
In addition, we are a Delaware corporation, and Section 203 of the DGCL applies to us. In general, Section 203 prevents an interested stockholder from engaging in certain business combinations with us for three years following the date that person becomes an interested stockholder subject to certain exceptions. The statute generally defines an interested stockholder as any person that is the owner of 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock or is our affiliate or associate and was the owner of 15% or more of outstanding voting stock at any time within the three-year period immediately before the date of determination.
We have
granted a waiver of the applicability of the provisions of Section 203 of the DGCL to Pershing Square Capital Management, L.P., PS Management GP, LLC and William A. Ackman (together, Pershing Square) such that Pershing Square may increase its position in our common stock up to 40% of the outstanding shares without being subject to Section 203’s restrictions on business combinations. As such, Pershing Square, through its ability to accumulate more common stock than would otherwise be permitted under Section 203, has the ability to become a large holder that would be able to affect matters requiring approval by Company stockholders, including the election of directors and approval of mergers or other business combination transactions. The Board’s Corporate Governance Guidelines reflect that it will grant to any stockholder a waiver of the applicability of Section 203 of the DGCL to the acquisition of up to 40% of the
Company’s outstanding voting stock upon the request of such stockholder, subject to the Board’s fiduciary duties and applicable law.
These anti-takeover provisions could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us, even if the third-party’s offer may be considered beneficial by many of our stockholders. As a result, our stockholders may be limited in their ability to obtain a premium for their shares. These provisions could limit the price that investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock.
Risk Management
and Strategy The HHH cybersecurity program is an enterprise-wide, risk-based program that is designed to support the security, confidentiality, integrity, and availability of our systems and information. We conduct periodic assessments of the cybersecurity program to identify and manage material cybersecurity threats and risks using internal teams and independent third parties. The assessment results are used to develop appropriate cybersecurity controls best practices and risk mitigation strategies, which are then implemented throughout the Company.
We rely on our systems and networks to support our business activities. As some of these networks and systems are managed by third parties, the HHH cybersecurity program also includes evaluation and monitoring of cybersecurity risks
associated with its use of third-party service providers. We also leverage third-party experts and vendors to help manage our cybersecurity program, audit the effectiveness of our existing cybersecurity controls, and make recommendations for improvements and best practices. We utilize a Managed Detection and Response service that provides threat intelligence, technology, and specialist expertise to protect our systems and networks from cyber threats. We require all third parties with access to our information systems or data to maintain industry standard cybersecurity programs and to report actual or suspected security incidents to us.
We employ a range of tools and strategies to mitigate cybersecurity risks, regularly testing them for effectiveness. Additionally, we continuously assess and improve our cybersecurity stance by conducting vulnerability scans, internal and external network
penetration tests, and by integrating threat intelligence updates. We also have specific tools to provide real time, continuous monitoring and protection of our endpoints. To the extent that our proactive monitoring and testing identifies weakness in our cybersecurity readiness, these weaknesses are tracked and remediated as part of our cybersecurity program. Our employees receive security awareness training on an annual basis and are subjected to phishing training and phishing tests throughout the year. Annually, we perform tabletop exercises to test our cybersecurity incident response plan that is kept within our written information security program (WISP). Our cybersecurity program is aligned with industry standards and best practices such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework.
As of the date of this report, we are not aware of any material risks from
cybersecurity threats that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company, including our business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition. However, along with all companies of a similar size, we face common cybersecurity threats. These threats include ransomware and denial-of-service, including sophisticated attacks from criminal ransomware groups and nation state actors. Our customers, supply-chain providers, and subcontractors face similar cybersecurity threats, and an incident impacting us or any of these entities could materially adversely affect our business operations.
Governance Management is responsible for measuring and managing cybersecurity risk, specifically the prevention, mitigation, detection, and remediation of cybersecurity
incidents as well as the Company’s overall information security strategy, policy, and operations. The cybersecurity program is executed by the Company’s Senior Vice President of IT Governance, Risk, and Compliance, who has over 15 years of cybersecurity experience in overseeing and managing cybersecurity risk. He is also responsible for maintaining and, in the event of an actual suspected security incident, executing the Company’s WISP.
The Company’s Board of Directors recently formed a technology committee (the Technology Committee) to assume
governance and oversight of HHH’s cybersecurity program from the Audit Committee. This includes reviewing the cybersecurity program’s strategy and effectiveness, the cybersecurity landscape and emerging threats, and reports from any cybersecurity events. The Technology Committee also oversees cybersecurity and digital strategy and, whenever necessary, will communicate with, or advise management to consult with, the Audit Committee regarding technology, digital, and other innovation-related matters that relate to or affect the Company’s internal control systems. The Technology Committee will actively participate in strategic cybersecurity decisions and will be responsible for approving major initiatives. Management will provide updates to the Technology Committee on a quarterly basis and will continue to provide updates to the full Board of Directors on an annual basis. When appropriate,
the Technology Committee will inform the Board of Directors on important matters. Furthermore, the Board of Directors would be notified in accordance with the Company’s incident response plan, of any suspected cyber incidents that may have at least a moderate business impact on the Company.
Our corporate headquarters are located in The Woodlands, Texas. We also maintain offices at certain of our properties nationwide, including Honolulu, Hawai‘i; New York, New York; Columbia, Maryland; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Scottsdale, Arizona. We believe our present facilities are sufficient to support our operations.
OPERATING
ASSETS
In our Operating Assets segment, we own a variety of asset types including approximately 8.8 million square feet of retail and office properties, 5,587 wholly and partially owned multi-family units, and wholly and partially owned other properties and investments. Our assets in this segment are primarily located in and around Houston, Texas (The Woodlands and Bridgeland); Columbia, Maryland (Columbia); Las Vegas, Nevada (Summerlin); and Honolulu, Hawai‘i (Ward Village).
The following table summarizes certain metrics of our office assets within our Operating Assets segment as of December 31, 2023:
Office
Assets
Rentable Square Feet
% Leased
Annualized Base Rent (thousands) (a)
Annualized Base Rent Per Square Foot (a)
Effective Annual Rent (thousands) (b)
Effective Annual Rent per Square Foot (b)
Year Built / Acquired / Redeveloped
The Woodlands
Creekside
Park Medical Plaza
(c)
32,689
—%
$—
$—
$—
$—
2022
One Hughes Landing
200,639
65%
3,436
27.03
5,165
40.63
2013
Two
Hughes Landing
197,950
87%
4,353
25.15
6,714
38.80
2014
Three Hughes Landing
321,649
96%
7,702
28.43
11,670
43.08
2016
1725
Hughes Landing Boulevard
339,608
58%
4,815
24.55
7,051
35.95
2015
1735 Hughes Landing Boulevard
318,237
100%
8,202
25.77
12,607
39.62
2015
2201
Lake Woodlands Drive
22,259
100%
470
21.13
878
39.45
2011
Lakefront North
258,058
98%
7,069
28.00
11,356
44.97
2018
8770
New Trails
(d)
180,000
100%
—
—
—
—
2020
9303 New Trails
98,283
42%
874
21.20
1,454
35.27
2011
3831
Technology Forest Drive
97,360
100%
2,444
25.10
3,710
38.10
2014
3 Waterway Square
227,617
91%
5,085
27.47
7,833
42.32
2013
4
Waterway Square
217,952
90%
4,867
26.93
7,524
41.64
2011
The Woodlands Towers at The Waterway
(e)
1,395,599
96%
37,388
30.47
56,297
45.88
2019
1400
Woodloch Forest
94,276
84%
2,493
31.98
2,691
34.51
2011
4,002,176
Columbia
Merriweather
Row
(f)
925,584
79%
18,336
26.37
18,893
27.17
2012 / 2014
Columbia Office Properties
67,066
83%
1,319
23.77
1,602
28.85
2004
/ 2007
One Mall North
99,806
49%
1,444
29.49
1,594
32.56
2016
One Merriweather
209,959
100%
8,222
39.16
8,583
40.88
2017
Two
Merriweather
124,639
94%
4,000
36.88
4,168
38.43
2017
6100 Merriweather
326,237
98%
8,182
36.19
8,432
37.30
2019
1,753,291
Summerlin
Aristocrat
(d)
181,534
100%
—
—
—
—
2018
1700
Pavilion
265,898
90%
4,648
35.46
4,648
35.46
2022
One Summerlin
207,292
87%
7,694
43.24
7,953
44.70
2015
Two
Summerlin
147,139
100%
5,542
37.67
5,940
40.37
2018
801,863
Total
6,557,330
(a)Annualized
Base Rent is calculated as the monthly Base Minimum Rent for the property for December 31, 2023, multiplied by 12. Annualized Base Rent Per Square Foot is the Annualized Base Rent for the property at December 31, 2023, divided by the average occupied square feet.
(b)Effective Annual Rent includes base minimum rent and common area maintenance recovery revenue. Effective Annual Rent Per Square Foot is the Effective Annual Rent divided by the average occupied square feet.
(c)Creekside Park Medical Plaza was placed in service during the fourth quarter of 2022 and had no executed leases. Subsequent to year end, the Company completed the sale of this property
for $14.0 million. As such, Annualized Base Rent and Effective Annual Rent are not applicable.
(d)These properties are build-to-suit projects entirely leased by a single tenant. Therefore, the Annualized Base Rent and Effective Annual Rent details have been excluded for competitive reasons.
(e)The Woodlands Towers at the Waterway includes 1201 Lake Robbins and 9950 Woodloch Forest.
(f)In 2023, the Company rebranded Merriweather Row (formerly 10 - 70 Columbia Corporate Center).
The following table summarizes certain metrics of our retail properties within the Operating Assets segment as of December 31, 2023, and does not include any retail square footage in our multi-family assets:
Retail
Properties
Rentable Square Feet
% Leased
Annualized Base Rent (thousands) (a)
Annualized Base Rent Per Square Foot (a)
Year Built / Acquired / Redeveloped
The Woodlands
Creekside Park West
72,976
97%
$1,954
$29.70
2019
Hughes
Landing Retail
125,709
100%
4,035
36.23
2015
1701 Lake Robbins
12,376
100%
533
43.05
2014
20/25 Waterway Avenue
51,543
100%
1,544
38.41
2011
Waterway
Square Retail
21,513
100%
849
39.55
2011
284,117
Bridgeland
Lakeland
Village Center at Bridgeland
67,947
92%
1,845
33.01
2016
Columbia
Color
Burst Park Retail
(b)(c)
12,410
100%
—
—
2020
Rouse Building
(b)
89,199
100%
2,778
31.15
2014
101,609
Summerlin
Downtown
Summerlin
(d)
803,145
96%
24,329
31.85
2014 / 2015
Ward Village
Ward
Village Retail - Pending Redevelopment
356,724
91%
7,848
24.06
2002
Ward Village Retail - New or Renovated
500,015
94%
21,310
45.25
2012 - 2023
856,739
Total
2,113,557
(a)Annualized
Base Rent is calculated as the monthly Base Minimum Rent for the property for December 31, 2023, multiplied by 12. Annualized Base Rent Per Square Foot is the Annualized Base Rent for the property at December 31, 2023, divided by the average occupied square feet.
(b)In 2023, the Company rebranded Color Burst Park Retail (formerly Merriweather District Area 3 Retail) and Rouse Building (formerly Columbia Regional Building).
(c)Color Burst Park Retail is comprised of two buildings and each is entirely leased by a single tenant. Therefore, the Annualized Base Rent and Effective Annual Rent details have been excluded for competitive reasons.
(d)Excludes
381,767 square feet of anchors and 39,700 square feet of additional office space above our retail space.
The
following tables summarize certain metrics of our multi-family Operating Assets as of December 31, 2023:
Multi-family Assets
Ownership %
Units
Retail
Square Feet
% Units Leased
Average Monthly Rate
Average Monthly Rate Per Square Foot
Year Built / Acquired / Redeveloped
The Woodlands
Creekside Park
100%
292
—
95%
$1,806
$1.84
2018
Creekside
Park The Grove
100%
360
—
95%
1,806
1.84
2021
Millennium Six Pines
100%
314
—
93%
2,030
2.11
2016
Millennium
Waterway
100%
393
—
97%
1,767
1.96
2012
One Lakes Edge
100%
390
22,971
95%
2,267
2.29
2015
Two
Lakes Edge
100%
386
11,415
94%
2,861
2.87
2020
The Lane at Waterway
100%
163
—
94%
2,597
2.36
2020
Bridgeland
Lakeside
Row
100%
312
—
96%
1,869
1.90
2019
Starling at Bridgeland
100%
358
—
94%
2,001
2.05
2022
Wingspan
(a)
100%
263
—
15%
2,511
2.01
2023
Columbia
Juniper
100%
382
55,677
96%
2,206
2.47
2020
Marlow
100%
472
32,607
57%
2,078
2.66
2022
The
Metropolitan
50%
380
13,591
95%
2,319
2.45
2015
TEN.m.flats
50%
437
28,026
97%
2,232
2.51
2018
Summerlin
Constellation
100%
124
—
87%
2,564
2.29
2017
Tanager
100%
267
—
96%
2,474
2.54
2019
Tanager
Echo
100%
294
—
21%
2,652
3.03
2023
Total
5,587
164,287
(a)Wingspan, our first single-family rental community in Bridgeland,
welcomed its first residents in October 2023. As of December 31, 2023, 28% of the property has been placed in service, with an additional 35% being placed in service in January 2024. The remaining 37% is expected to be placed in service in the second quarter of 2024.
The following tables summarize certain metrics of our other Operating Assets as of December 31, 2023:
Other Assets
Ownership %
Asset
Type
Size
% Leased
Year Built / Acquired / Redeveloped
The Woodlands
Hughes Landing Daycare
100%
Daycare
10,000 sq ft
100%
2019
Houston Ground Leases
100%
Ground
lease
N/A
N/A
Various
Stewart Title of Montgomery County, TX
50%
Title Company
N/A
N/A
—
Woodlands Sarofim
20%
Industrial
129,790 sq ft
84%
late
1980's
The Woodlands Warehouse
100%
Warehouse
125,801 sq ft
100%
2019
Summerlin
Hockey Ground Lease
100%
Ground
lease
N/A
N/A
2017
Las Vegas Aviators
100%
Minor League Baseball Team
N/A
N/A
2017
Las Vegas Ballpark
100%
Ballpark
N/A
N/A
2019
Summerlin
Hospital Medical Center
5%
Hospital
N/A
N/A
1997
Ward Village
Kewalo Basin Harbor
100%
Marina
55
acres
N/A
2019
Other
Parking Garages (a)
100%
Garage
9,184 spaces
N/A
Various
(a)Includes
parking garages in The Woodlands, Columbia, and Ward Village.
Our MPCs are located in and around Houston, Texas; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Phoenix, Arizona and are summarized in the following table as of December 31, 2023:
Total
Gross
Approx. No.
Remaining Saleable Acres
Average Price Per Acre (thousands) (b)
Projected Community Sell-Out Date
Projected Cash Margin (c)
Community
Location
Acres (a)
Residents
Residential
Commercial
Residential
Commercial
Residential
Commercial
Residential
Bridgeland
Cypress, TX
11,506
23,000
1,671
1,055
$501
$752
2035
2046
78%
Summerlin
Las Vegas, NV
22,500
127,000
2,462
551
1,309
1,176
2043
2039
80%
Teravalis
Phoenix,
AZ
33,810
—
15,804
10,531
751
206
2086
2086
39%
The Woodlands (d)
The Woodlands, TX
28,545
123,000
35
725
1,923
950
2026
2034
97%
The
Woodlands Hills
Conroe, TX
2,055
2,700
691
167
346
532
2030
2033
89%
Total
98,416
275,700
20,663
13,029
Floreo
(e)
Phoenix, AZ
3,029
—
861
457
779
151
2032
2035
53%
(a)Encompasses all of the land located within the borders of the master planned community, including parcels already sold, saleable parcels, and non-saleable areas such as roads, parks and recreation areas, conservation areas, and parcels acquired during the year.
(b)Average
Price Per Acre is the uninflated weighted-average land value per acre, which reflects current market values being attained by the Company on current projects or at new projects based on third-party market data.
(c)Projected cash gross margin represents the net cash margin expected to be received in the future and includes all future projected revenues less all remaining future projected cash development costs. The projected cash gross margin does not include remaining historical development costs incurred to date. Gross margin for each MPC may vary from period to period based on the locations of the land sold and the related costs associated with developing the land sold.
(d)The Woodlands residential land development is nearing completion.
(e)The
Company owns a 50% interest in this unconsolidated venture, however the data above is presented at 100%. See below for additional detail.
The Summit
Within our Summerlin MPC, an exclusive luxury community named The Summit is being developed and managed through a joint venture with Discovery Land Company (Discovery), a leading developer of luxury communities and private clubs. The original 555-acre community is nearing completion and consists of approximately 270 homes including 32 condominiums. In 2022, the Company contributed an additional 54 acres to The Summit adjacent to the existing Summit
community to develop approximately 28 custom home sites. See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Note 2 - Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further details.
Floreo
Floreo, the first village to be developed in our Teravalis MPC, will be developed and managed through a 50% joint venture. The 3,029-acre village is located in the greater Phoenix, Arizona area and is expected to consist of approximately 5,000 residential lots, commercial sites, as
well as a planned business park. The first Floreo land sales were contracted as of December 31, 2023, and are expected to close in the first quarter of 2024. See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Note 2 - Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further details.
The Seaport, located on the East River in Lower Manhattan, encompasses several city blocks (inclusive of Historic Area/Uplands, Pier 17, Tin Building, and the 250 Water Street development) and totals approximately 472,000 square feet of innovative culinary, entertainment, and cultural experiences.
The following table summarizes certain metrics of the Seaport as of December 31,
2023:
$ in thousands
Landlord Operations (a)
Landlord Operations - Multi-family (b)
Managed
Businesses (c)
Tin Building (d)
Events and Sponsorships (e)
Total
Rentable Square Feet / Units
Total square feet / units
342,674
13,000
/
21
51,458
53,783
24,577
Leased
square feet / units
(f)
201,223
—
/
21
45,846
53,783
24,577
% Leased
(f)
59%
—%
/
100%
89%
100%
100%
Development
Development
costs incurred
(g)
$ 567,414
$ —
$ —
$ 201,579
$ —
$
768,993
(a)Landlord Operations represents physical real estate in the Historic District and Pier 17 developed
and owned by HHH and leased to third parties.
(b)Landlord Operations - Multi-family represents 85 South Street which includes base-level retail in addition to residential units.
(c)Managed Businesses represents retail and food and beverage businesses in the Historic District and Pier 17 that HHH owns, either wholly or through joint ventures, and operates, including through license and management agreements.
(d)The Company owns 100% of the Tin Building and leases 100% of the space to the Tin Building by Jean-Georges joint venture, in which the Company has an equity ownership interest.
(e)Events
and Sponsorships includes private events, catering, sponsorships, concert series, and other rooftop activities.
(f)The square footage and percent leased for Landlord Operations includes agreements with terms of less than one year.
(g)Development costs incurred are shown net of insurance proceeds of approximately $64.7 million and excludes any impact related to the Seaport impairment recognized in 2023. Refer to Note 4 - Impairment in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional detail.
We continue to plan, develop, and hold or seek development rights for unique properties primarily in Ward Village, The Woodlands, Bridgeland, Summerlin, Columbia, and Teravalis. We continue to execute our strategic plans for developing several of these assets with construction either actively underway or pending. Strategic Developments are transferred into our Operating Assets segment when the asset is placed in service.
The
following table summarizes our Strategic Developments projects under construction as of December 31, 2023:
$ in thousands
Asset Type
Location
Size (a)
Total Estimated Cost (b)
Estimated
Completion
Estimated Stabilization Date
Strategic Developments Under Construction
Columbia
10285 Lakefront Medical Office (c)
Office
Columbia, MD
86,000 sq ft
$49,930
Q2 2024
2027
Summerlin
Meridian (c)
Office
Las Vegas, NV
147,000 sq ft
55,459
Q1 2024
2027
Summerlin Grocery Anchored Center
Retail
Las Vegas, NV
67,000
sq ft
46,372
Q3 2024
2027
The Woodlands
1 Riva Row
Multi-Family
The Woodlands,
TX
268 units
155,997
2025
2028
Ward Village
Under Construction
The
Park Ward Village
Condominium
Honolulu, HI
545 units / 26,800 sq ft
605,150
2026
N/A
Ulana Ward Village
Condominium
Honolulu, HI
696 units / 32,100 sq ft
402,914
2025
N/A
Victoria
Place
Condominium
Honolulu, HI
349 units
511,343
Q4 2024
N/A
Completed
and Sold Out
‘A‘ali‘i
Condominium
Honolulu, HI
750 units / 11,175 sq ft
394,908
Completed
N/A
Ae‘o
Condominium
Honolulu, HI
465
units / 70,800 sq ft
430,737
Completed
N/A
Anaha
Condominium
Honolulu, HI
317 units / 16,048 sq ft
403,974
Completed
N/A
Ke Kilohana
Condominium
Honolulu, HI
423
units / 28,386 sq ft
218,406
Completed
N/A
Kō'ula
Condominium
Honolulu, HI
565 units / 36,995 sq ft
487,039
Completed
N/A
Waiea
Condominium
Honolulu, HI
177
units / 7,716 sq ft
624,254
Completed
N/A
(a)For
condominium units and multi-family assets, square feet represents ground floor retail space whereas units represents residential units for sale or rent.
(b)As of December 31, 2023, total estimated cost remaining to be spent on these properties was $1.3 billion, of which $207.5 million is expected to be funded by HHH with the remaining cost to be funded with existing debt.
(c)In 2023, the Company rebranded 10285 Lakefront Medical Office (formerly South Lake Medical Office Building) and Meridian (formerly Summerlin South Office).
The following table summarizes future Strategic Developments projects as of December 31, 2023:
$ in thousands
Location
Size
Future
Strategic Developments Rights or Pending Construction
Columbia
Lakefront District (a)
Columbia, MD
1,914,000 sq ft
Bridgeland
Village
Green at Bridgeland Central (b)
Houston, TX
28,000 sq ft
Summerlin
80%
Interest in Fashion Show Air Rights
Las Vegas, NV
—
The Woodlands
Grogan's Mill Village Center (c)
The Woodlands, TX
79,000
sq ft
2000 Woodlands Parkway (d)
The Woodlands, TX
7,900 sq ft
Ward
Village
Kalae
Honolulu, HI
329 units / 2,000 sq ft
Other
West
End Alexandria (e)
Alexandria, VA
41 acres
Commercial Land
The Woodlands
The
Woodlands Commercial Land (f)
The Woodlands, TX
13 acres
Columbia
Columbia Commercial Land (f)(g)
Columbia, MD
96
acres
Merriweather District (f)
Columbia, MD
15 acres
Ward Village
Ward
Commercial Land (f)
Honolulu, HI
10 acres
(a)Represents remaining square footage approved for new mixed-use development in the Lakefront District which will include office, retail, and residential assets.
(b)This development will be anchored by 110,000 square feet of grocery space currently being constructed by H-E-B under a ground lease. The additional 28,000 square feet of retail space shown above will be constructed by HHH. The Company closed on the related construction loan in December 2023, and
expects to begin construction in early 2024.
(c)Grogan’s Mill Village Center was acquired in 2023 and is being held in the Strategic Developments segment for planned redevelopment.
(d)2000 Woodlands Parkway was transferred to Strategic Developments in the fourth quarter of 2023 and is currently pending redevelopment.
(e)Represents acreage owned through a joint venture.
(f)Represents land acquired or transferred to the Strategic Developments segment for future development, excluding acreage related to assets that are now in service in our Operating Assets segment or related to completed or under construction condominium towers.
(g)Columbia
MPC land development is complete and the sale of remaining land or development of additional commercial assets will occur as the market dictates. As such, the remaining Columbia MPC land was transferred to the Strategic Developments segment in the first quarter of 2023.
We, as part of our normal business activities, are a party to a number of legal proceedings. Management periodically assesses our liabilities and contingencies in connection with these matters based upon the latest information available. We disclose material pending legal proceedings pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission rules and other pending matters as we may determine to be appropriate. As of December 31, 2023, management believes that any monetary liability or financial impact of claims or potential claims to which we might be subject after
final adjudication of any legal procedures would not be material to our financial position or our results of operations. See Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further discussion.
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
During
the third quarter of 2023, the Company became the successor issuer of HHC pursuant to Rule 12g-3(a) under the Exchange Act as of August 11, 2023.
MARKET INFORMATION
Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (the NYSE) under the ticker symbol “HHH”. No dividends have been declared or paid in 2023 or 2022. Any future determination related to our dividend policy will be made at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on a number of factors, including future earnings, capital requirements, restrictions under debt agreements,
financial condition, future prospects, and other factors the board of directors may deem relevant.
NUMBER OF HOLDERS OF RECORD
As of February 20, 2024, there were 1,154 stockholders of record of our common stock.
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following performance graph compares the yearly dollar change in the cumulative total stockholder return on our common stock
with the cumulative total returns of the NYSE Composite Index, MSCI US REIT Index, and the S&P 500 Real Estate Index. The graph tracks the performance of a $100 investment in our common stock and in each of the indexes during the last five fiscal years ended December 31, 2023. The graph was prepared based on the assumption that dividends have been reinvested subsequent to the initial investment. Stockholder returns over the indicated period are based on historical data and should not be considered indicative of future stockholder returns.
The following sets forth information with respect to the equity compensation plans available to employees and directors of the Company at December 31, 2023:
Plan
Category
(a) Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants, and rights (1)
(b) Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants, and rights
(c) Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (2)
134,337
$
108.76
727,758
Equity
compensation plans not approved by security holders
—
—
—
Total
134,337
$
108.76
727,758
(1)The amounts shown in columns (a) of the above table do not include 393,698 outstanding Common Shares (all of which are restricted and subject to vesting requirements) that were
granted under the Company’s 2020 Equity Incentive Plan and its predecessor, the Amended and Restated 2010 Incentive Plan (2010 Incentive Plan), as further described in Note 11 - Stock-Based Compensation Plans in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
(2)Reflects stock option grants under the Company’s 2020 Equity Incentive Plan and the 2010 Incentive Plan.
In March 2022, the Board authorized a share repurchase program pursuant to which the Company may, from time to time, purchase
up to $250.0 million of its common stock through open-market transactions. The date and time of such repurchases will depend upon market conditions and the program may be suspended or discontinued at any time. During 2022, the Company repurchased 2,704,228 shares of its common stock under this program for approximately $235.0 million at an average price of $86.90 per share. All purchases were funded with cash on hand.
Following the Company’s holding company reorganization on August 11, 2023, HHC transferred to the Company, and the
Company assumed sponsorship of all of HHC’s stock plans along with all of HHC’s rights and obligations under each plan.
The following sets forth information with respect to repurchases made by the Company of its shares of common stock during the fourth quarter of 2023:
Period
Total
number of shares purchased (a)
Average price paid per share
Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs
Approximate dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs
October 1-31, 2023
31
$
66.79
—
$
15,009,600
November
1-30, 2023
1,675
$
73.45
—
$
15,009,600
December 1-31, 2023
10,127
$
85.55
—
$
15,009,600
Total
11,833
$
83.79
—
(a)During
the fourth quarter of 2023, all 11,833 shares repurchased related to stock received by the Company for the payment of withholding taxes due on employee share issuances under share-based compensation plans. For additional information, see Note 11 - Stock-Based Compensation Plans in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes filed as a part of this Annual Report. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors, including those described in Part I, Item 1A. Risk
Factors and elsewhere in this Annual Report. These factors and others not currently known to us could cause our financial results in 2023 and subsequent fiscal years to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, those forward-looking statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this information which speaks only as of the date of this report. We are not obligated to update this information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law.
This section of our Form 10-K discusses 2023 and 2022 items and year-to-year comparisons between 2023 and 2022. Discussion of 2021 and year-to-year comparisons between 2022 and 2021 that are not included in this Form 10-K can be found in Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations of The Howard Hughes Corporation’s Annual Report Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.
All references to numbered Notes are to specific Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report and which descriptions are incorporated into the applicable response by reference. Capitalized terms used, but not defined, in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) have the same meanings as in such Notes.
General Overview Please refer to Item 1. Business for a general discussion of our business strategy, competitive strengths, and a general description of the assets contained in our four business
segments and Item 2. Properties for details regarding the asset type, size, location, and key metrics about our various properties. Changes for monetary amounts between periods presented are calculated based on the amounts in thousands of dollars stated in our consolidated financial statements and then rounded to the nearest million. Therefore, certain changes may not recalculate based on the amounts rounded to the nearest million.
We are primarily focused on creating shareholder value by increasing our per-share net asset value. Often, the nature of our business results in short-term volatility in our net income due to the timing of Master Planned Communities (MPC) land sales, recognition of condominium revenue, and operating business pre-opening expenses.
2023
Results During 2023, we maintained positive momentum and delivered solid financial results which met or exceeded our 2023 guidance expectations within each of our core businesses. This strong performance is a testament to our premier communities and best-in-class assets, further highlighting the strength of our unique business model.
In our MPCs, a year-over-year increase of 45% in new homes sales in our communities, led to heightened demand and home builder interest for new land parcels as the year progressed. MPC earnings before taxes (EBT) increased 21% year over year, driven by solid land sales and high residential prices per acre.
In Operating Assets, we delivered another full-year net operating income (NOI) record, outpacing 2022 results by 5%, excluding dispositions. This
growth was led by strong leasing velocity at our newest multi-family developments, as well as increased occupancy and absorption within our office portfolio. In 2023, our leasing teams executed 581,000 square feet of new or expanded office leases, bringing our stabilized office assets to 88% leased at year-end and setting the stage for considerable NOI growth in the coming years.
Ward Village had another strong year, selling out all remaining condo inventory at ‘A‘ali‘i and Kō'ula and contracting to sell 78 units at our three condo towers in pre-sales, The Park Ward Village, Ulana Ward Village, and Kalae. Together with Victoria Place, which is fully sold out and expected to be delivered in late 2024, these projects were 96% pre-sold at year-end and represent more than $2.6 billion of future contracted revenue that will be recognized as these projects are completed.
2024
Outlook Proceeding into 2024, we maintain a positive long-term outlook for our businesses. Across our MPCs, we see incredibly strong demand for our unmatched landbank, world-class portfolio of operating assets, and premier condo developments. The anticipated spin-off of Seaport Entertainment later in 2024 will allow Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. (HHH or the Company) to better focus on long-term opportunities within our renowned portfolio of master planned communities and enable considerable growth and value creation in the years to come.
MPC EBT is projected to remain robust during 2024, aided by modest anticipated reductions in mortgage rates and tight supply of existing homes on the market. New home sales in Summerlin, Bridgeland, and The Woodlands Hills are expected to be strong,
leading to continued homebuilder demand for residential land. The first land sales in Floreo, the first village in Teravalis, are also expected to contribute incremental EBT in 2024. These year-over-year gains are expected to be more than offset by reduced EBT associated with exceptional commercial land sales and builder price participation during 2023, as well as reduced inventory of custom lots available to sell at Aria Isle in The Woodlands and the Summit in Summerlin. As a result, 2024 MPC EBT is expected to modestly decline 10% to 15% year-over-year.
Operating Assets NOI is projected to benefit from increased occupancy at new multi-family developments in Downtown Columbia, Summerlin, and Bridgeland, as well as improved retail leasing and new tenants in Downtown Columbia, Ward Village, and The Woodlands. The office portfolio is expected to benefit from strong leasing momentum experienced
since mid-2022, but free rent periods on many of the new leases and the impact of some tenant vacancies and new office developments expected to be completed in 2024 will likely result in office NOI being relatively flat year-over-year. Overall, 2024 Operating Assets NOI is expected to be in a range of up 1% to 4% year-over-year. This includes projected NOI from The Las Vegas Aviators and the Las Vegas Ballpark, which are expected to be included in the spin-off of Seaport Entertainment.
Condo sales revenues are projected to range between $675 million and $725 million, with gross margins between 28% to 30%. Projected condo sales revenues will be driven by the closing of units at Victoria Place, our 349-unit upscale development in Ward Village, which is 100% pre-sold and expected to be completed late in the fourth quarter of 2024. This guidance contemplates a portion of condo sales revenues
for Victoria Place occurring in the first quarter of 2025 due to the timing of condo closings.
–Net income attributable to common stockholders decreased to a net loss of $551.8 million in 2023, including an after-tax impairment of $548.5 million related to the Seaport. This compares to net income of $184.5 million for the prior year. Excluding the after-tax impairment, the year-over-year reduction was primarily attributed to the timing of condo sales as the prior year included the delivery of Kō'ula in Ward Village.
–We continue to maintain a strong liquidity position with $631.5 million of cash and cash equivalents, $1.0 billion of undrawn lender commitment available to be drawn for property development, and limited near-term debt maturities.
–During
2023, we completed the sale of two land parcels in Honolulu, Hawai‘i, including an 11,929-square-foot building at the Ward Village Retail property, two self-storage facilities in The Woodlands, and Memorial Hermann Medical Office in The Woodlands for total net proceeds after debt repayment of $43.3 million.
Operating Assets
–Operating Assets NOI totaled $233.6 million in 2023, a $7.9 million increase compared to $225.8 million in the prior year. Excluding the impact of dispositions in 2022 and 2023, Operating Assets NOI increased $11.5 million compared to the prior-year period.
–Multi-family NOI increased $7.3 million primarily due to continued lease-up at our newer properties, Marlow in Downtown Columbia and Starling at Bridgeland, and rent growth across
our portfolio.
–Office NOI increased $6.6 million, primarily due to continued lease-up activity and abatement expirations at various properties in The Woodlands, most notably at 9950 Woodloch Forest and Lakefront North, and one-time lease termination fees at 1725 Hughes Landing. These increases are partially offset by decreases related to lower occupancy at One Hughes Landing, 1725 Hughes Landing, and various properties in Downtown Columbia, rent abatements at 3 Waterway Square, and initial operating losses from 1700 Pavilion in Summerlin.
–Retail NOI remained relatively flat in 2023 compared to the prior year.
MPC
–MPC EBT totaled $341.4 million in 2023, a $58.4 million increase compared
to $283.0 million in the prior year.
–The increase in EBT was primarily due to increased residential land sales in Summerlin, a higher overall residential price per acre in our MPCs, and higher equity earnings at The Summit primarily related to Phase II land inventory.
Seaport
–During 2023, the Company recorded an impairment charge related to the Seaport segment. For additional information, refer to Note 4 - Impairment in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
–Seaport NOI totaled a loss of $15.5 million in 2023,
a $5.7 million decrease compared to the prior year. This change was primarily due to reduced restaurant performance as a result of poor weather conditions and elevated labor and overhead costs, and fewer private events in the current year, as well as COVID-related recoveries at the Fulton Market Building in the prior year. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in rental revenue driven by the opening of the Tin Building in 2022.
–Seaport NOI excludes the impact of the Company’s equity ownership interest in the Tin Building by Jean-Georges managed business. Tin Building by Jean-Georges NOI was a loss of $38.8 million in 2023, compared to a loss of $36.2 million in the prior year.
Strategic Developments
–Strategic
Developments EBT totaled a loss of $17.3 million in 2023, a $207.5 million decrease compared to income of $190.2 million in the prior year.
–The decrease in EBT was primarily due to a $187.4 million decrease in profits from condominium sales. We closed on 31 units at ‘A‘ali‘i and 16 units at Kō'ula during 2023, compared to 549 units at Kō'ula, 56 units at ‘A‘ali‘i, and 2 units at Waiea during the prior year. The lower volume of condominium closings in 2023 was expected as our completed towers are now 100.0% sold and the next tower, Victoria Place, is not scheduled for completion until late 2024.
–During 2023, the final units at ‘A‘ali‘i and Kō'ula were sold, resulting in our six completed towers being 100.0% sold.
–As of December 31,
2023, 97.9% of the units at our three towers under construction, Victoria Place, The Park Ward Village, and Ulana Ward Village, are under contract, with Victoria Place and Ulana Ward Village being 100% sold. Kalae, which is still in presales, was 87.2% presold as of December 31, 2023.
–In 2023, we placed Tanager Echo, a multi-family property in Summerlin, and the first phase of Wingspan, a single family build to rent property in Bridgeland, in service, representing a total of 368 multi-family units. The second phase of Wingspan, representing an additional 92 units, was placed in service in January 2024. The final phase of Wingspan, representing an additional 97 units, is expected to be placed in service in the second quarter of 2024.
–In 2023, we began construction on Ulana Ward Village, our ninth condominium project in Ward Village, 1 Riva Row, a multi-family property in The Woodlands, and a retail
center in Downtown Summerlin, which will be anchored by a new Whole Foods Market. These assets under construction represent 268 multi-family units, 696 condominium units, and 99,100 square feet of retail space.
Corporate
–Net expenses related to Corporate income, expenses, and other items decreased $217.3 million compared to the prior-year period primarily due to a decrease in income tax expense.
Capital and Financing Activities
–In 2023, our financing activity included draws on existing mortgages of $384.4 million, an additional draw of $200.0 million on the Secured Bridgeland Notes, refinancings of $161.0 million, and repayments of $48.4 million. For additional information,
refer to Note 7 - Mortgages, Notes, and Loans Payable, Net in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Segment EBTThe following table presents segment EBT for Operating Assets for the years ended December 31:
Operating
Assets Segment EBT
thousands
2023
2022
$ Change
Rental revenue
$
383,238
$
379,693
$
3,545
Other land, rental,
and property revenues
60,394
52,141
8,253
Total revenues
443,632
431,834
11,798
Operating costs
(158,965)
(141,678)
(17,287)
Rental
property real estate taxes
(53,817)
(52,096)
(1,721)
(Provision for) recovery of doubtful accounts
2,616
(722)
3,338
Total operating expenses
(210,166)
(194,496)
(15,670)
Segment
operating income (loss)
233,466
237,338
(3,872)
Depreciation and amortization
(170,731)
(154,626)
(16,105)
Interest income (expense), net
(127,388)
(89,959)
(37,429)
Other
income (loss), net
1,843
(1,140)
2,983
Equity in earnings (losses) from unconsolidated ventures
2,969
22,263
(19,294)
Gain (loss) on sale or disposal of real estate and other assets, net
23,926
29,588
(5,662)
Gain
(loss) on extinguishment of debt
(96)
(2,230)
2,134
Segment EBT
$
(36,011)
$
41,234
$
(77,245)
Operating
Assets segment EBT decreased $77.2 million compared to the prior-year period primarily due to the following:
–Interest expense increased $37.4 million primarily due to new financings secured by our operating assets and higher interest rates on variable-rate debt.
–Equity earnings decreased $19.3 million primarily as a result of a $11.8 million decrease related to the change in value of certain derivative instruments and a $4.9 million decrease related to the sale of 110 North Wacker in the first quarter of 2022. This decrease is due to the release of our share of accumulated other comprehensive income related to 110 North Wacker’s derivative instruments upon the sale in 2022.
–Depreciation and amortization increased $16.1 million primarily related to new assets placed
in service in the second half of 2022.
–Gain on sale of real estate decreased $5.7 million as the combined gain on the sales of two self-storage properties and Memorial Hermann Medical Office in The Woodlands and certain properties in Ward Village in 2023 was lower than the combined gain on the sales of Creekside Village Green, Lake Woodlands Crossing, and Outlet Collection at Riverwalk in 2022.
–Total revenues, net of operating costs decreased $5.5 million primarily due to COVID-related tenant recoveries at Ward Village in the prior year, and the sales of Creekside Village Green and Lake Woodlands Crossing in 2022, as well as increased insurance costs across our portfolio and increased labor and event costs for the Las Vegas Aviators in 2023. These decreases are partially offset by increased leasing activity and abatement expirations
across our portfolio as well as one-time lease termination fees.
Net Operating Income In addition to the required presentations using accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP), we use certain non-GAAP performance measures, as we believe these measures improve the understanding of our operational results and make comparisons of operating results among peer companies more meaningful. Management continually evaluates the usefulness, relevance, limitations and calculation of our reported non-GAAP performance measures to determine how best to provide relevant information to the public, and thus such reported measures could change.
We define NOI as operating revenues (rental income, tenant recoveries, and other revenue) less operating
expenses (real estate taxes, repairs and maintenance, marketing, and other property expenses). NOI excludes straight-line rents and amortization of tenant incentives, net; interest expense, net; ground rent amortization; demolition costs; other income (loss); depreciation and amortization; development-related marketing costs; gain on sale or disposal of real estate and other assets, net; loss on extinguishment of debt; provision for impairment; and equity in earnings from unconsolidated ventures.
We believe that NOI is a useful supplemental measure of the performance of our Operating Assets and Seaport segments because it provides a performance measure that reflects the revenues and expenses directly associated with owning and operating real estate properties. We use NOI to evaluate our operating performance on a property-by-property basis because NOI allows us to evaluate the impact that property-specific factors such as rental and occupancy rates, tenant mix, and operating costs have on our operating results, gross margins,
and investment returns.
A reconciliation of Operating Assets segment EBT to Operating Assets NOI is presented in the table below. Refer to the Seaport section for a reconciliation of Seaport segment EBT to Seaport NOI.
Operating Assets NOI
thousands
2023
2022
$
Change
Total Operating Assets segment EBT
$
(36,011)
$
41,234
$
(77,245)
Add back:
Depreciation and amortization
170,731
154,626
16,105
Interest
(income) expense, net
127,388
89,959
37,429
Equity in (earnings) losses from unconsolidated ventures
(2,969)
(22,263)
19,294
(Gain) loss on sale or disposal of real estate and other assets, net
(23,926)
(29,588)
5,662
(Gain)
loss on extinguishment of debt
96
2,230
(2,134)
Impact of straight-line rent
(2,256)
(11,241)
8,985
Other
587
827
(240)
Operating
Assets NOI
$
233,640
$
225,784
$
7,856
The below table presents Operating Assets NOI by property type:
Operating
Assets NOI by Property Type
thousands
2023
2022
$ Change
Office
$
117,840
$
111,210
$
6,630
Retail
51,548
51,245
303
Multi-family
52,831
45,564
7,267
Other
10,489
12,711
(2,222)
Redevelopments
(a)
(189)
280
(469)
Dispositions (a)
1,121
4,774
(3,653)
Operating Assets NOI
$
233,640
$
225,784
$
7,856
(a)Properties
that were transferred to our Strategic Developments segment for redevelopment and properties that were sold are shown separately for all periods presented.
Operating Assets NOI increased $7.9 million compared to the prior-year period primarily due to the following:
–Multi-family NOI increased $7.3 million primarily driven by continued lease-up at our newer properties, Marlow in Downtown Columbia and Starling at Bridgeland, rent growth across our portfolio, and winter weather-related insurance recoveries.
–Office NOI increased $6.6 million primarily due to continued lease-up activity and abatement expirations at various properties in The Woodlands, most notably at 9950 Woodloch Forest and Lakefront North, and one-time lease termination fees at 1725
Hughes Landing. These increases are partially offset by decreases related to lower occupancy at One Hughes Landing, 1725 Hughes Landing, and various properties in Downtown Columbia, rent abatements at 3 Waterway Square, and initial operating losses from 1700 Pavilion in Summerlin.
–These increases were partially offset by a $3.7 million decrease related to the retail asset dispositions of Creekside Village Green, Lake Woodlands Crossing, and Outlet Collection at Riverwalk in 2022 and two self-storage properties in The Woodlands in 2023.
–Other NOI decreased $2.2 million primarily due to higher labor and event costs related to the Las Vegas Aviators.
Segment EBTThe following table presents segment EBT for MPC for the years ended December 31:
MPC
Segment EBT
thousands
2023
2022
$ Change
Master Planned Community land sales (a)
$
370,185
$
316,065
$
54,120
Other
land, rental, and property revenues
17,278
20,539
(3,261)
Builder price participation (b)
60,989
71,761
(10,772)
Total revenues
448,452
408,365
40,087
Master
Planned Communities cost of sales
(140,050)
(119,466)
(20,584)
Operating costs
(53,420)
(54,439)
1,019
Total operating expenses
(193,470)
(173,905)
(19,565)
Segment
operating income (loss)
254,982
234,460
20,522
Depreciation and amortization
(418)
(394)
(24)
Interest income (expense), net
64,291
50,305
13,986
Other
income (loss), net
(102)
23
(125)
Equity in earnings (losses) from unconsolidated ventures
22,666
(1,407)
24,073
Segment
EBT
$
341,419
$
282,987
$
58,432
(a)MPC land sales include deferred revenue from land sales closed in a previous period that met criteria for recognition in the current period and excludes amounts deferred from current period land sales that do not yet meet the recognition criteria.
(b)Builder price participation revenue is earned when a developer that acquired land from us develops and sells a home to an end user at a price higher than
a predetermined breakpoint. The excess over the breakpoint is shared between us and the developer at the time of closing on the sale of the home based on a previously agreed-upon percentage. This revenue fluctuates based upon the number and the prices of homes closed that qualify for builder price participation payments.
The following table presents MPC segment EBT by MPC for the years ended December 31:
MPC Segment EBT by MPC
thousands
2023
2022
$
Change
Bridgeland
$
101,835
$
94,912
$
6,923
Columbia (a)
—
(2,297)
2,297
Summerlin
227,409
179,063
48,346
Teravalis
(b)
(3,777)
(1,975)
(1,802)
The Woodlands
4,036
(4,406)
8,442
The Woodlands Hills
11,916
17,690
(5,774)
Segment
EBT
$
341,419
$
282,987
$
58,432
Floreo (c)
$
(4,150)
$
(2,848)
$
(1,302)
(a)Columbia
MPC land development is complete and the sale of remaining land or development of additional commercial assets will occur as the market dictates. As such, the remaining Columbia land was transferred to the Strategic Developments segment in the first quarter of 2023.
(b)As of December 31, 2023, the Company owns an 88.0% interest and consolidates Teravalis. For additional detail, refer to Note 3 - Acquisitions and Dispositions in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
(c)These amounts represent 100% of Floreo EBT. The Company owns
a 50% interest in Floreo. Refer to Note 2 - Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8 of this Form 10-K for a description of the joint venture and further discussion.
MPC Segment EBT increased $58.4 million compared to the prior-year period primarily due to higher superpad land sales and price per acre in Summerlin, higher equity earnings of $24.1 million, primarily related to The Summit, and higher capitalized interest, partially offset by lower builder price participation of $10.8 million in all MPCs.
Summerlin EBT increased $48.3 million compared to the prior period.
–MPC sales, net of MPC cost of sales increased $28.5 million primarily due to the following activity:
–increase in superpad acres sold, with 169.2 acres sold at an average price of $1.3 million per acre in 2023, compared to 94.6 acres sold at an average
price of $1.1 million per acre in 2022
–decrease in commercial acres sold, with no acres sold in 2023, compared to 16.6 acres sold at an average price of $1.6 million in 2022
–decrease in custom lots sold, with one lot sold at a price of $2.0 million in 2023, compared to four lots sold with an average price of $2.2 million in 2022
–Equity earnings at The Summit increased $24.8 million primarily related to higher sales in 2023 as a result of additional available Phase II inventory and the close-out of clubhouse condominium units.
–Builder price participation decreased $8.1 million as fewer homes were closed with sales prices over the predetermined breakpoint necessary for participation revenue in
the current period. This reflects price moderation from all-time highs in 2022.
The Woodlands EBT increased $8.4 million compared to the prior period.
–MPC sales, net of MPC cost of sales increased $6.2 million primarily due to the following activity.
–increase in commercial acres sold, with 8.4 acres sold at an average price of $646,000 in 2023, compared to no acres sold in 2022
–increase in residential acres sold, with 9.8 acres sold in Aria Isle, an exclusive gated community, at an average price of $2.5 million per acre in 2023, compared to 7.4 acres sold at an average price of $3.0 million per acre in 2022
–Operating
costs decreased $4.7 million due to higher legal fees in the prior year, primarily related to the flood litigation.
–Builder price participation decreased $1.6 million as fewer homes were closed with sales prices over the predetermined breakpoint necessary for participation revenue in the current period. This reflects price moderation from all-time highs in 2022.
Bridgeland EBT increased $6.9 million compared to the prior period.
–Increase of $6.2 million primarily due to higher capitalized interest inclusive of derivatives. For additional detail, refer to Note 9 - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
–MPC
sales, net of MPC cost of sales increased $3.5 million primarily due to the following activity:
–increase due to more revenue recognized out of deferred revenue in 2023, compared to 2022
–decrease in commercial price per acre, with 121.3 acres sold at an average price of $249,000 per acre in 2023, compared to 110.7 acres sold at an average price of $433,000 in 2022
–decrease in residential acres sold, with 151.0 acres sold at an average price of $564,000 per acre in 2023, compared to 156.8 acres sold at an average price of $544,000 per acre in 2022
–Operating costs increased $3.0 million primarily due to higher real estate taxes.
The
Woodlands HillsEBT decreased $5.8 million compared to the prior period.
–MPC sales, net of MPC cost of sales decreased $4.7 million primarily due to the following activity:
–decrease in residential acres sold, with 44.7 acres sold at an average price of $427,000 per acre in 2023, compared to 61.9 acres sold at an average price of $382,000 per acre in 2022
–decrease in commercial acres sold, with no acres sold in 2023, compared to 8.0 acres sold at an average price of $175,000 in 2022
–Builder price participation decreased $1.2 million as fewer homes were closed with sales prices over the predetermined breakpoint necessary for participation revenue
in the current period. This reflects price moderation from all-time highs in 2022.
The Summit, our joint venture with Discovery, offers a mix of custom lots, single-family homes, and clubhouse suites in our Summerlin MPC. The original 555-acre community (Phase I) is nearing completion and consists of approximately 270 homes including 32 condominiums. In 2022, the Company contributed an additional 54 acres (Phase II) to The Summit adjacent to the existing Summit community to develop approximately 28 custom home sites. We recognized equity earnings of $24.8 million and received cash distributions of $15.1 million in 2023, compared to equity losses of $30.0 thousand and no cash distributions in 2022.
Floreo
Land
development is currently underway at Floreo, our joint venture with Trillium Development Holding Company, LLC. The first Floreo land sales were contracted as of December 31, 2023, and are expected to close in the first quarter of 2024.
For additional detail, refer to Note 2 - Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Residential and Commercial Land Sales The following tables detail our residential and commercial land sales for the years ended December 31:
Summary
of MPC Land Sales Closed
Land Sales
Acres Sold
Average Price Per Acre
thousands, except acres sold
2023
2022
2023
2022
2023
2022
Residential Land Sales Closed
Bridgeland
Single
family
$
85,156
$
85,320
151.0
156.8
$
564
$
544
Summerlin
Superpad
sites
223,583
108,196
169.2
94.6
1,321
1,144
Custom lots
2,000
8,910
0.7
2.0
2,857
4,455
The
Woodlands
Single family
24,421
21,864
9.8
7.4
2,492
2,955
The
Woodlands Hills
Single family
19,103
23,659
44.7
61.9
427
382
Total
residential land sales closed (a)
$
354,263
$
247,949
375.4
322.7
$
944
$
768
Commercial
Land Sales Closed
Bridgeland
Commercial
$
30,536
$
47,971
123.5
110.7
$
247
$
433
Summerlin
Commercial
—
26,016
—
16.6
—
1,567
The
Woodlands
Commercial
5,424
—
8.4
—
646
—
The
Woodlands Hills
Commercial
—
1,396
—
8.0
—
175
Total
commercial land sales closed (a)
$
35,960
$
75,383
131.9
135.3
$
273
$
557
(a)Excludes revenues related to sales closed in a previous
period and deferred for recognition that met criteria for recognition in the current period. Please see the Reconciliation of MPC Land Sales Closed to GAAP Land Sales Revenue table below which reconciles Total residential and commercial land sales closed to Land sales revenue for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
Reconciliation of MPC Land Sales Closed to GAAP Land Sales Revenue The following table reconciles residential and commercial land sales closed in the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, to Master Planned Community land sales for the respective periods. Total net recognized (deferred) revenue includes revenues recognized in the current period which are related to sales closed in prior periods, offset by revenues deferred on sales closed in the current period.
thousands
2023
2022
Total
residential land sales closed
$
354,263
$
247,949
Total commercial land sales closed
35,960
75,383
Net recognized (deferred) revenue:
Bridgeland
10,467
(18,388)
The
Woodlands
(782)
—
The Woodlands Hills
22
(172)
Summerlin
(44,174)
3,248
Total net recognized (deferred) revenue
(34,467)
(15,312)
Special
Improvement District revenue
14,429
8,045
Master Planned Community land sales
$
370,185
$
316,065
Although our business does not involve the sale or resale of homes, we believe that net new home sales are an important indicator of future demand for our superpad sites and finished lots. Therefore, we use this statistic where relevant in our discussion of MPC operating
results herein. Net new home sales reflect home sales made by homebuilders, less cancellations. Cancellations generally occur when a homebuyer signs a contract to purchase a home but later fails to qualify for a home mortgage or is unable to provide an adequate down payment to complete the home sale.
Net New Home Sales
Median
Home Sales Price
thousands except percentages
2023
2022
% Change
2023
2022
% Change
Bridgeland
985
566
74.0
%
$
477
$
525
(9.1)
%
Summerlin
1,071
775
38.2
%
696
722
(3.6)
%
The
Woodlands (a)
5
32
(84.4)
%
1,565
1,285
21.8
%
The Woodlands Hills
228
201
13.4
%
478
429
11.4
%
Total
2,289
1,574
45.4
%
(a)
New home sales in The Woodlands are not expected to be significant as residential land development is nearing completion.
MPC Net Contribution MPC Net Contribution is a non-GAAP financial measure derived from EBT, adjusted for certain items as discussed below. Management uses this measure because it captures current period performance through the velocity of sales, as well as current period development expenditures based upon demand at our MPCs, which varies depending upon the stage of the MPCs development lifecycle and the overall economic environment. MPC Net Contribution is defined as MPC segment EBT, plus MPC cost of sales, Depreciation and amortization, and net collections from Special Improvement District (SID) bonds and Municipal Utility District (MUD) receivables, reduced by MPC development expenditures, land acquisitions, and Equity in earnings from unconsolidated
ventures, net of distributions. MPC Net Contribution is not a GAAP-based operational metric and should not be used to measure operating performance of the MPC assets as a substitute for GAAP measures of such performance nor should it be used as a comparison metric with other comparable businesses.
Below is a reconciliation of segment EBT to MPC Net Contribution for the years ended December 31:
thousands
2023
2022
$
Change
MPC segment EBT
$
341,419
$
282,987
$
58,432
Plus:
Master Planned Communities cost of sales
140,050
119,466
20,584
Depreciation
and amortization
418
394
24
MUD and SID bonds collections, net (a)
136,409
131,126
5,283
Distributions from unconsolidated ventures
15,050
—
15,050
Less:
MPC
development expenditures
(403,633)
(396,102)
(7,531)
Equity in (earnings) losses from unconsolidated ventures
(22,666)
1,407
(24,073)
MPC Net Contribution
$
207,047
$
139,278
$
67,769
(a)SID
collections are shown net of SID transfers to buyers in the respective periods.
MPC
Net contribution increased $67.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, primarily due to higher MPC land sales and an increase in distributions from unconsolidated ventures.
MPC Land Inventory The following table summarizes MPC land inventory activity:
(a)Columbia
MPC land development is complete and the sale of remaining land or development of additional commercial assets will occur as the market dictates. As such, the remaining Columbia land was transferred to the Strategic Developments segment in the first quarter of 2023.
(b)Development expenditures are inclusive of capitalized interest and property taxes.
(c)MUD reimbursable costs represent land development expenditures transferred to MUD Receivables.
Seaport Entertainment On October 5, 2023, HHH announced the intent to form a new division, Seaport Entertainment, that is expected to include all of the assets in the Seaport segment,
as well as the Las Vegas Aviators Triple-A Minor League Baseball team, the Las Vegas Ballpark, and our 80% interest in the air rights above the Fashion Show Mall in Las Vegas. HHH is establishing Seaport Entertainment with the intention of completing its spinoff as an independent, publicly traded company in 2024, but there can be no assurance regarding the ultimate timing of the spinoff or that the spinoff will ultimately occur.
General The Seaport is part non-stabilized operating asset, part development project, and part operating business. As such, the Seaport has a greater range of possible outcomes than our other projects. The greater uncertainty is largely the result of: (i) seasonality; (ii) potential sponsorship revenue; (iii) potential event revenue; and (iv) business operating risks from various start-up businesses. We operate and own, either directly,
through license agreements, or in joint ventures, many of the tenants in the Seaport. As a result, the revenues and expenses of these businesses, as well as the underlying market conditions affecting these types of businesses, will directly impact the NOI of the Seaport. This is in contrast to our other retail properties where we primarily receive lease payments and are not as directly impacted by the operating performance of the underlying businesses. This causes the financial results and eventual stabilized yield of the Seaport to be less predictable than our other operating real estate assets with traditional lease structures. Further, as we open new operating businesses, either owned entirely or in partnership with third parties, we expect to incur pre-opening expenses and operating losses until those businesses stabilize, which likely will not happen until the Seaport reaches its critical mass of offerings. Given the factors and uncertainties listed above, we do
not currently provide guidance on our expected NOI yield or stabilization date for the Seaport.
We primarily categorize the businesses in the Seaport segment into the following groups: Landlord Operations, Managed Businesses, the Tin Building, and Events and Sponsorships.
Landlord Operations Landlord Operations represent physical real estate in the Historic District and Pier 17 that we have developed and own, and is inclusive of our office, retail, and multi-family properties.
Managed Businesses Managed Businesses represent retail and food and beverage businesses in the Historic District and Pier 17 that the
Company owns, either wholly or through partnerships with third parties, and operates, including license and management agreements. These businesses include, among others, The Fulton, Mister Dips, Carne Mare, and Malibu Farm. The Fulton and Malibu Farm are managed by Creative Culinary Management Company, LLC (CCMC), a Jean-Georges company, and Mister Dips and Carne Mare are managed by Seaport F&B LLC, an Andrew Carmellini company. These management companies are responsible for employment and supervision of all employees providing services for the food and beverage operations and restaurant as well as day-to-day operations and accounting for food and beverage operations.
The Company owns a 25% interest in Jean-Georges Restaurants, which currently operates over 40 restaurant and hospitality offerings
around the world. This ownership interest is reported in accordance with the equity method.
In the fourth quarter of 2023, we expanded our Managed Businesses portfolio with the launch of The Lawn Club, a new joint venture concept that transformed over 20,000 square feet of the Fulton Market Building into an immersive indoor and outdoor experience that includes an extensive indoor grass area, a stylish clubhouse bar, and a wide variety of lawn games.
Tin Building The Tin Building includes both landlord operations and managed business. The Company owns 100% of the Tin Building, which was completed and placed in service during the third quarter of 2022. The
Company leased 100% of the space to the Tin Building by Jean-Georges joint venture, a managed business in which the Company has an equity ownership interest and reports its ownership interest in accordance with the equity method. Based on capital contribution and distribution provisions for the Tin Building by Jean-Georges, the Company currently recognizes all of the economic interest in the venture. The Company recognizes lease payments from the Tin Building by Jean-Georges in Rental revenue and recognizes its share of the offsetting rent expense in Equity earnings. As the Company currently recognizes 100% of operating income
or losses from the Tin Building by Jean-Georges, the Tin Building lease has no net impact to Seaport EBT. However, Seaport NOI includes only rental revenue related to the Tin Building lease payments, and does not include the offsetting rent expense in Equity earnings.
The Tin Building by Jean-Georges opened in late September 2022, with an expanded focus on experiences including in-person dining, retail shopping, and delivery and is managed by CCMC, a Jean-Georges company.
Events and Sponsorships Our events and sponsorships businesses include our concert series, event catering, private events, and sponsorships. Food and beverage operations associated with concert concessions and catering are operated under management agreements with CCMC.
The 2023 summer concert series, which began in May and ran through the end of October, included
63 shows with over 204,000 tickets sold, representing over 93% of available ticket inventory. This represents a modest increase from the 2022 summer concert series, which included 60 shows with over 188,200 tickets sold, representing over 90% of available ticket inventory.
250 Water Street In 2021, the Company received the necessary approvals for its 250 Water Street development project, which includes a mixed-use development with affordable and market-rate apartments, community-oriented spaces, and office space. In May 2021, the Company received approval from the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) on its proposed design for the 250 Water Street site. The
Company received final approvals in December 2021 through the New York City Uniform Land Use Review Procedure known as ULURP, which allowed the necessary transfer of development rights to the parking lot site.
Also in December 2021, an amendment to the Seaport ground lease was executed giving the Company extension options, at the discretion of the Company, for an additional 48 years from its current expiration in 2072 until 2120. We received a building foundation permit from the New York City Department of Buildings and began initial foundation work and remediation in the second quarter of 2022. Remediation of the site as a volunteer of the New York State Brownfield Cleanup program was completed in December 2023.
Various lawsuits have been filed challenging the governmental approval of our development project. For additional information regarding these lawsuits, see Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Segment EBTThe following table presents segment EBT for the Seaport for the years ended December 31:
Seaport Segment EBT
thousands
2023
2022
$
Change
Rental revenue (a)
$
21,746
$
19,410
$
2,336
Other land, rental, and property revenues
60,225
69,058
(8,833)
Total
revenues
81,971
88,468
(6,497)
Operating costs
(102,725)
(102,271)
(454)
Rental property real estate taxes
(686)
(885)
199
(Provision
for) recovery of doubtful accounts
(55)
(1,237)
1,182
Total operating expenses
(103,466)
(104,393)
927
Segment operating income (loss)
(21,495)
(15,925)
(5,570)
Depreciation
and amortization
(37,791)
(36,338)
(1,453)
Interest income (expense), net
3,065
3,902
(837)
Other income (loss), net
(1,290)
245
(1,535)
Equity
in earnings (losses) from unconsolidated ventures
(81,485)
(36,273)
(45,212)
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt
(48)
—
(48)
Provision for impairment
(672,492)
—
(672,492)
Segment
EBT
$
(811,536)
$
(84,389)
$
(727,147)
(a)Lease payments for the Tin Building included in Rental revenue and offset in Equity losses were $11.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, and $4.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. No rental payments were made during the first or second quarter of 2022 as the lease had not yet commenced. Refer to the Tin Building discussion above for additional detail.
Seaport
segment EBT decreased $727.1 million compared to the prior-year period primarily due to the following:
–Provision for impairment includes $672.5 million and Equity losses includes $37.0 million related to the Seaport impairment. For additional information, refer to Note 4 - Impairment in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
–Equity losses increased $8.2 million, excluding the impact of the $37.0 million impairment charge above, primarily due to operating losses for the Tin Building by Jean-Georges, which opened in the third quarter of 2022.
–Total revenues, net of Operating costs decreased $7.0 million primarily due to reduced restaurant performance as a result of poor weather
conditions and elevated labor and overhead costs, and fewer private events in the current year, as well as COVID-related recoveries at the Fulton Market Building in the prior year. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in rental revenue driven by the opening of the Tin Building.
–Depreciation expense increased $1.5 million primarily due to the Tin Building being completed and placed in service in the third quarter of 2022, partially offset by a decrease as a result of the Seaport impairment.
Net Operating Income A reconciliation of Seaport segment EBT to Seaport NOI is presented below:
Seaport NOI
thousands
2023
2022
$
Change
Total Seaport segment EBT
$
(811,536)
$
(84,389)
$
(727,147)
Add back:
Depreciation and amortization
37,791
36,338
1,453
Interest
(income) expense, net
(3,065)
(3,902)
837
Equity in (earnings) losses from unconsolidated ventures
81,485
36,273
45,212
(Gain) loss on extinguishment
of debt
48
—
48
Impact of straight-line rent
1,927
456
1,471
Other (income) loss, net
5,341
5,456
(115)
Provision
for impairment
672,492
—
672,492
Seaport NOI
$
(15,517)
$
(9,768)
$
(5,749)
The Seaport, including Managed Businesses, Events and Sponsorships, and the Tin Building,
is approximately 69% leased. We may continue to incur operating expenses in excess of rental revenues while the remaining available space is in lease-up, as the Seaport continues to move toward its critical mass of offerings.
The below table presents Seaport NOI by category:
Seaport NOI by Category
thousands
2023
2022
$
Change
Landlord Operations
$
(21,506)
$
(15,702)
$
(5,804)
Landlord Operations - Multi-family
133
110
23
Managed
Businesses
(3,516)
(85)
(3,431)
Tin Building
9,486
4,015
5,471
Events and Sponsorships
(114)
1,894
(2,008)
Seaport
NOI
$
(15,517)
$
(9,768)
$
(5,749)
Seaport NOI decreased $5.7 million compared to the prior-year period. The decreases in Landlord Operations NOI are primarily due to increased labor and overhead costs, insurance expense, and franchise tax expense in the current year as well as COVID-related recoveries at the Fulton Market Building in the prior year. The decreases in Managed Businesses and Events and Sponsorships NOI are due to reduced restaurant performance as a result of poor weather conditions and elevated labor
and overhead costs, fewer private events, and increased marketing and production costs related to the concert series in the current year. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in Tin Building NOI resulting from the opening of the Tin Building in the third quarter of 2022.
Tin Building in the table above represents NOI from our landlord business and, as defined, excludes the impact of the Company’s equity ownership interest in the Tin Building by Jean-Georges managed business which opened in the third quarter of 2022. The table below presents the above NOI related to the Tin Building, which primarily represents lease payments from the Tin Building by Jean-Georges, as well as the Company’s share of NOI
related to its investment in the Tin Building by Jean-Georges, which primarily represents the operations of the Tin Building marketplace and includes rent expense paid to the Company.
thousands
2023
2022
2023-2022
$
Change
Tin Building
$
9,486
$
4,015
$
5,471
Tin Building by Jean-Georges
(38,798)
(36,183)
(2,615)
Total
$
(29,312)
$
(32,168)
$
2,856
Tin
Building by Jean-Georges NOI losses during 2022 relate to costs incurred prior to the marketplace opening in the third quarter of 2022 and elevated operating losses during the early months of operation. In 2023, the Tin Building by Jean-Georges was open seven days per week, with strong foot traffic and sales. However, operating losses remained elevated in 2023, as the Company continues to refine the operating model during the marketplace’s first year in operations, and the Seaport experienced poor weather conditions throughout the year.
Our Strategic Developments assets generally require substantial future development to maximize their value. Other than our condominium properties, most of the properties and projects in this segment do not generate revenues. Our expenses relating
to these assets are primarily related to costs associated with constructing the assets, selling condominiums, marketing costs associated with our Strategic Developments, carrying costs including, but not limited to, property taxes and insurance and other ongoing costs relating to maintaining the assets in their current condition. If we decide to redevelop or develop a Strategic Developments asset, we expect that with the exception of the residential portion of our condominium projects, upon completion of development, the asset would likely be reclassified to Operating Assets when the asset is placed in service and NOI would become a meaningful measure of its operating performance. All development costs discussed herein are exclusive of land costs.
Segment EBT The following table presents segment EBT for Strategic Developments for the years
ended December 31:
Strategic Developments Segment EBT
thousands
2023
2022
$ Change
Condominium rights and unit sales
$
47,707
$
677,078
$
(629,371)
Rental
revenue
379
—
379
Other land, rental, and property revenues
1,901
2,685
(784)
Total revenues
49,987
679,763
(629,776)
Condominium
rights and unit cost of sales
(55,417)
(483,983)
428,566
Operating costs
(21,908)
(19,001)
(2,907)
Real estate taxes
(3,147)
(1,052)
(2,095)
Total
operating expenses
(80,472)
(504,036)
423,564
Segment operating income (loss)
(30,485)
175,727
(206,212)
Depreciation and amortization
(3,963)
(5,319)
1,356
Interest
income (expense), net
16,074
17,073
(999)
Other income (loss), net
690
1,799
(1,109)
Equity in earnings (losses) from unconsolidated ventures
142
868
(726)
Gain
(loss) on sale or disposal of real estate and other assets, net
236
90
146
Segment EBT
$
(17,306)
$
190,238
$
(207,544)
Strategic
Developments segment EBT decreased $207.5 million compared to the prior-year period primarily due to the following:
–Condominium sales, net of cost of sales decreased $187.4 million, excluding the change in remediation costs of $13.4 million discussed below, due to the timing of condominium closings, including the completion of Kō'ula in the third quarter of 2022, and pricing reductions in 2023 at ‘A‘ali‘i and Kō'ula to facilitate the close-out of remaining units. We closed on 31 units at ‘A‘ali‘i and 16 units at Kō'ula during 2023, compared to 549 units at Kō'ula, 56 units at ‘A‘ali‘i, and 2 units at Waiea during the prior year. The lower volume of condominium closings in 2023 was expected as our completed towers are now 100.0% sold and the next tower, Victoria Place, is not scheduled for completion until late 2024.
–Condominium
cost of sales also includes an increase of$13.4 million due to charges related to the defect remediation accrual at Waiea. We charged $16.1 million in 2023, related to additional anticipated costs, compared to $2.7 million charged in 2022.
Strategic Developments ProjectsThe following describes the status of our major construction projects and announced Strategic Developments projects as of December 31, 2023.
Columbia
10285 Lakefront Medical Office 10285 Lakefront Medical Office (formerly South Lake Medical Office) will be an 86,000 square foot medical office property. Total development costs are expected to be approximately $49.9 million, which will be partially
financed with a $28.2 million construction loan. We began construction in the third quarter of 2022 and anticipate project completion in the second quarter of 2024. We expect to reach projected annual stabilized NOI of $3.2 million by 2027.
Summerlin
Meridian Meridian (formerly Summerlin South Office) will be a 147,000 square foot office property. Total development costs are expected to be approximately $55.5 million, which will be partially financed with a $27.8 million construction loan. We began construction in the fourth quarter of 2022 and anticipate project completion in the first quarter of 2024. We expect to reach projected annual stabilized NOI of $4.3 million by 2027.
Summerlin Grocery Anchored
Center This 67,000 square foot retail property in Downtown Summerlin will be anchored by a new Whole Foods Market. Total development costs are expected to be approximately $46.4 million, which will be partially financed with an $18.0 million construction loan. We began construction in the third quarter of 2023 and anticipate project completion in the third quarter of 2024. We expect to reach projected annual stabilized NOI of $1.8 million by 2027.
The Woodlands
1 Riva Row 1 Riva Row will be a 268-unit multi-family property and will consist of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. Total development costs are expected to be approximately $156.0 million, which will be partially financed by a $93.3 million construction loan. We began construction in the
third quarter of 2023 and anticipate project completion in 2025. We expect to reach projected annual stabilized NOI of $9.9 million by 2028.
Ward Village
We continue to transform Ward Village into a vibrant neighborhood offering unique retail experiences, dining, and entertainment, along with exceptional residences and workforce housing set among open public spaces and pedestrian-friendly streets. We believe we have found the optimal mix of price point and product in the Honolulu market for condominium development as evidenced by the demand for our condominium projects discussed below. The ongoing and completed construction at our mixed-use condominium projects includes 232,020 square feet of retail to serve our new residents and the community at large. As we progress the buildout of the master plan, which
ultimately contemplates a total of approximately 1,000,000 million square feet of commercial space at completion, we will periodically redevelop, reposition, or replace the existing retail spaces as part of new mixed-use projects.
Condominium revenue is recognized when construction of the condominium tower is complete and unit sales close, leading to potentially significant variability in revenue recognized between periods. Sales contracts for condominium units are subject to a 30-day rescission period, and the buyers are typically required to make an initial deposit at signing and an additional deposit 30 days later at which point their total deposit becomes non-refundable. Buyers are typically then required to make a final deposit within approximately 90 days of our receipt of their second deposit.
Certain buyers are required to deposit the remainder of the sales price on a predetermined pre-closing date, which is specified in the sales contracts for each condominium project. Contracted units disclosed below represent sales that are past the 30-day rescission period.
During 2023, we achieved 100% presold status at Ulana Ward Village, achieved 100% sold status at ‘A‘ali‘i and Kō‘ula, and began construction at Ulana Ward Village.
Completed Condominiums As of December 31, 2023, our six completed condominiums, Ae‘o, Ke Kilohana, Anaha, Waiea, ‘A‘ali‘i, and Kō‘ula, are completely sold.
Condominiums
Under Construction As of December 31, 2023, 97.9% of the units at our three towers under construction, Victoria Place, The Park Ward Village, and Ulana Ward Village, are under contract. We broke ground on our seventh condominium project, Victoria Place in February 2021, and expect to complete construction in the fourth quarter of 2024. Victoria Place, which is 100.0% presold, will consist of 349 one-, two-, and three-bedroom units.
We broke ground on our eighth condominium project, The Park Ward Village, in October 2022, expect to complete construction in 2026. The Park Ward Village will consist of 545 studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom residences. As of December 31, 2023, we have entered into contracts for 512 units, representing 93.9% of total units.
We
broke ground on our ninth condominium project, Ulana Ward Village, in January 2023 and expect to complete construction in 2025. Ulana Ward Village, which is 100.0% presold, will consist of 696 studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. All units are designated as workforce housing units and are being offered to local residents who meet certain maximum income and net worth requirements.
Predevelopment Condominiums We launched public presales of our tenth condominium project, Kalae, in September 2022. Kalae will consist of 329 one-, two-, and three-bedroom residences. As of December 31, 2023, we have entered into contracts for 287 units, representing 87.2% of total units.
The
following provides further details for Ward Village as of December 31, 2023:
The following table contains certain corporate-related and other items not related to segment activities and that are not otherwise included within the segment analyses. Variances related to income
and expenses included in NOI or EBT are explained within the previous segment discussions. Significant variances for consolidated items not included in NOI or EBT are described below for the years ended December 31:
thousands
2023
2022
$ Change
Corporate income
$
60
$
58
$
2
General
and administrative
(91,193)
(81,772)
(9,421)
Corporate interest expense, net
(87,243)
(88,394)
1,151
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt
—
(147)
147
Corporate
other income (loss), net
3,143
982
2,161
Corporate depreciation and amortization
(3,215)
(3,684)
469
Other
(13,383)
(11,977)
(1,406)
Income
tax (expense) benefit
163,735
(60,500)
224,235
Total Corporate income, expenses, and other items
$
(28,096)
$
(245,434)
$
217,338
Corporate income, expenses, and other
items was favorably impacted compared to the prior-year period by the following:
–Income tax expense decreased $224.2 million primarily due to a decrease in income before income taxes.
–Corporate other income increased $2.2 million primarily related to the receipt of insurance proceeds.
Corporate income, expenses, and other items was unfavorably impacted compared to the prior-year period by the following:
–General and administrative expenses increased $9.4 million primarily attributable to an increase in compensation costs and increased legal and consulting fees related to the holding company reorganization and planned spinoff of Seaport Entertainment.
Income
Taxes
thousands except percentages
2023
2022
Income tax expense (benefit)
$
(163,735)
$
60,500
Income (loss) before income taxes
$
(715,265)
$
245,136
Effective
tax rate
22.9
%
24.7
%
The Company’s effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2023, was 22.9% compared to 24.7% for the year ended December 31, 2022. The Company’s effective tax rate is typically impacted by non-deductible executive compensation and other permanent differences as well as state income taxes, which cause the
Company’s effective tax rate to deviate from the federal statutory rate.
For additional information on income taxes, see Note 12 - Income Taxes in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
We continue to maintain a strong balance sheet and ensure we maintain the financial flexibility and liquidity necessary to fund future growth. In 2023, our financing activity included draws on existing mortgages of $384.4 million, an additional draw of $200.0 million on the Secured Bridgeland
Notes, refinancings of $161.0 million, and repayments of $48.4 million. As of December 31, 2023, we have $1.0 billion of undrawn lender commitment available to be drawn for property development, subject to certain restrictions.
In 2022, the Company sold its ownership interest in 110 North Wacker for net proceeds to the Company of $168.9 million and sold the Outlet Collection at Riverwalk for net proceeds of $8.2 million. Additionally, during the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company completed the sale of two retail properties in The Woodlands, Lake Woodlands Crossing and Creekside Village
Green, for combined net proceeds after debt repayment of $38.8 million.
In 2023, the Company completed the sale of two land parcels in Honolulu, Hawai‘i, including an 11,929-square-foot building at the Ward Village Retail property, two self-storage facilities in The Woodlands, and Memorial Hermann Medical Office in The Woodlands for total net proceeds after debt repayment of $43.3 million.
Cash Flows
Year
Ended December 31,
thousands
2023
2022
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities
$
(258,482)
$
325,254
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities
(336,143)
(220,695)
Cash provided by (used
in) financing activities
548,745
(222,259)
Operating Activities Each segment’s relative contribution to our cash flows from operating activities will likely vary significantly from year to year given the changing nature of our development focus. Other than our condominium properties, most of the properties and projects in our Strategic Developments segment do not generate revenues, and the cash flows and earnings may vary. Condominium deposits received from contracted units offset by other various cash uses related to condominium development and sales activities are a substantial portion of our operating activities in 2023. Operating cash continued to be
utilized in 2023 to fund ongoing development expenditures in our Strategic Developments and MPC segments, consistent with prior years.
The cash flows and earnings from the MPC business may fluctuate more than from our operating assets because the MPC business generates revenues from land sales rather than recurring contractual revenues from operating leases. MPC land sales are a substantial portion of our cash flows from operating activities and are partially offset by development costs associated with the land sales business and acquisitions of land that is intended to ultimately be developed and sold.
Net cash used in operating activities was $258.5 million in 2023 and net cash provided by operating activities was $325.3 million in 2022. The change in operating activities of $583.7 million was primarily
due to a $693.9 million increase in net cash used associated with our condominiums due to timing, as we continued development activity on our three under construction projects and did not complete a condominium project in 2023. This change was also impacted by a $35.1 million increase in interest payments, partially offset by a $20.2 million increase in MUD receivable collections and a $14.4 million decrease in income tax payments.
Investing ActivitiesNet cash used in investing activities was $336.1 million in 2023 and net cash used in investing activities was $220.7 million in 2022. The $115.4 million increase in cash used in investing activities was primarily due to a $194.7 million decrease in distributions from unconsolidated ventures and a $42.2 million decrease in proceeds from sales of properties. The decrease in distributions primarily
related to distributions received from the sale of the Company’s interest in 110 North Wacker in the first quarter of 2022, which resulted in a net increase to the Company’s liquidity of $168.9 million after the payment of transaction costs and distributions to our partner. The impact of these changes was partially offset by a decrease in cash used related to investments in unconsolidated ventures of $54.9 million, primarily attributable to the Company’s investment in Jean-Georges Restaurants in the first quarter of 2022, and a $78.0 million decrease in cash used for property development and redevelopment expenditures.
Financing Activities Net cash provided by financing activities was $548.7 million in 2023 and net cash used
in financing activities was $222.3 million in 2022. The change in financing activities of $771.0 million was primarily due to a decrease in cash used related to principal payments on mortgages, notes, and loans payable of $815.9 million and repurchases of common shares of $403.9 million in 2022, with no similar activity in 2023. These decreases in cash used were partially offset by a decrease in proceeds from mortgages, notes, and loans payable of $443.5 million.
Short- and Long-Term Liquidity
Short-Term LiquidityIn
the next 12 months, we expect our primary sources of cash to include cash flow from MPC land sales and condominium closings, cash generated from our operating assets, first mortgage financings secured by our assets, and deposits from condominium sales (which are restricted to funding construction of the related developments). We expect our primary uses of cash to include condominium pre-development and development costs, debt principal payments and debt service costs, MPC land development costs, other strategic developments costs, and general operating costs. We believe that our sources of cash, including existing cash on hand, will provide sufficient liquidity to meet our existing obligations and anticipated ordinary course operating expenses for at least the next 12 months.
Long-Term LiquidityThe development and redevelopment opportunities
in Strategic Developments and Operating Assets are capital intensive and will require significant additional funding, if and when pursued. Any additional funding beyond those sources listed above would be raised with a mix of construction, bridge, and long-term financings, by entering into joint venture arrangements, as well as future equity raises.
We cannot provide assurance that financing arrangements for our properties will be on favorable terms or occur at all, which could have a negative impact on our liquidity and capital resources. In addition, we typically must provide completion guarantees to lenders in connection with their financing for our projects.
Summary of Remaining Development CostsThe following table summarizes remaining development costs
and related debt for projects held in the Operating Assets and Strategic Developments segments as of December 31, 2023. Total cost remaining to be paid net of debt and buyer deposits consists of $88.0 million related to substantially completed projects, $36.9 million related to projects with estimated completion dates within the next 12 months, and $114.6 million related to projects with estimated completion dates in 2025 and 2026.
Projects that are substantially complete and have been placed into service in the Operating Assets segment and completed condominium projects in the Strategic Developments segment are included in the following table if the project has more than $1.0 million of estimated costs remaining to be incurred. As of December 31, 2023, $23.4 million primarily relates to
warranty repairs at Waiea in Ward Village. However, we anticipate recovering a substantial amount of these costs in the future, which is not reflected in the table below. The remaining cost related to substantially completed projects primarily represent costs associated with the completion of common areas at our completed condominium towers and budgeted tenant allowances necessary to bring our completed operating assets to stabilized occupancy.
We expect to be able to meet our cash funding requirements with a combination of existing and anticipated construction loans, condominium buyer deposits, free cash flow from our Operating Assets and MPC segments, net proceeds from condominium sales, and our existing cash balances.
thousands
Estimated
Remaining to be Spent
Remaining Buyer Deposits/Holdback to be Drawn
Debt to be Drawn (a)
Costs Remaining to be Paid, Net of Debt and Buyer Deposits/Holdbacks to be Drawn (b)
Operating Assets
Columbia
$
33,197
$
—
$
9,747
$
23,450
The
Woodlands
1,916
—
—
1,916
Bridgeland
31,790
—
30,961
829
Summerlin
23,936
—
18,133
5,803
Total
Operating Assets
90,839
—
58,841
31,998
Strategic
Developments
Columbia
27,045
—
23,758
3,287
The Woodlands
146,443
—
93,299
53,144
Summerlin
70,041
—
45,762
24,279
Ward
Village (b)
1,010,730
147,201
736,731
126,798
Total Strategic Developments
1,254,259
147,201
899,550
207,508
Total
$
1,345,098
$
147,201
$
958,391
$
239,506
(a)Refer
to Note 7 - Mortgages, Notes, and Loans Payable, Net in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information on debt.
(b)Estimated remaining to be spent includes amounts for Waiea warranty repairs. However, we anticipate recovering a substantial amount of these costs in the future, which is not reflected in this schedule.
Contractual Cash Obligations and Commitments The following table aggregates our contractual cash obligations and commitments as of December 31, 2023:
thousands
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
Thereafter
Total
Mortgages,
notes, and loans payable
$
214,526
$
527,478
$
968,964
$
298,601
$
835,522
$
2,507,519
$
5,352,610
Interest Payments (a)
297,880
250,482
204,598
156,897
131,891
280,733
1,322,481
Ground
lease commitments (b)
2,883
2,937
2,992
3,049
3,108
240,242
255,211
Total
$
515,289
$
780,897
$
1,176,554
$
458,547
$
970,521
$
3,028,494
$
6,930,302
(a)Interest
is based on the borrowings that are presently outstanding and current floating interest rates.
(b)Ground lease commitments totaling $247.5 million relate to the Seaport ground lease, which has an initial expiration date of December 31, 2072, and is subject to extension options through December 31, 2120. Future cash payments are not inclusive of extension options. The remaining $7.7 million in ground lease commitments relates to Kewalo Basin Harbor.
DebtAs of December 31, 2023, the Company had $5.3 billion of outstanding debt and $1.0 billion of undrawn lender commitment available to be drawn for property development, subject to certain
restrictions. Refer to Note 7 - Mortgages, Notes, and Loans Payable, Net in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional detail. Our proportionate share of the debt of our unconsolidated ventures totaled $134.9 million as of December 31, 2023. All of this indebtedness is without recourse to the Company, with the exception of the collateral maintenance obligation for Floreo. See Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information related to the Company’s collateral maintenance obligation.
Debt
Compliance As of December 31, 2023, the Company was in compliance with all property-level debt covenants with the exception of five property-level debt instruments. As a result, the excess net cash flow after debt service from the underlying properties became restricted. While the restricted cash could not be used for general corporate purposes, it could be used to fund operations of the underlying assets and did not have a material impact on the Company’s liquidity or its ability to operate these assets. Additionally, one property-level debt instrument that was not in compliance as of September 30, 2023, is in compliance as of December
31, 2023, but requires two consecutive quarters of compliance to remove the cash flow restriction.
Net Debt The following table summarizes our net debt on a segment basis as of December 31, 2023. Net debt is defined as Mortgages, notes, and loans payable, net, including our ownership share of debt of our unconsolidated ventures, reduced by liquidity sources to satisfy such obligations such as our ownership share of Cash and cash equivalents and SID, MUD, and TIF receivables. Although net debt is a non-GAAP financial measure, we believe that such information is useful to our investors and other users of our financial statements as net debt and its components are important indicators of our overall liquidity, capital structure, and financial position. However, it should not be used as an alternative to our debt calculated in accordance with GAAP.
Mortgages,
notes, and loans payable of unconsolidated ventures
90,593
44,209
76
—
134,878
—
134,878
Less:
Cash and cash equivalents
(11,393)
(92,821)
(1,952)
(13,164)
(119,330)
(512,218)
(631,548)
Cash
and cash equivalents of unconsolidated ventures
(1,649)
(16,763)
(9,308)
(650)
(28,370)
—
(28,370)
Special Improvement District receivables
—
(74,899)
—
—
(74,899)
—
(74,899)
Municipal
Utility District receivables, net
—
(547,952)
—
(2,932)
(550,884)
—
(550,884)
TIF receivable
—
—
—
(6,371)
(6,371)
—
(6,371)
Net
Debt
$
2,393,294
$
(152,099)
$
101,815
$
284,678
$
2,627,688
$
1,517,738
$
4,145,426
Unconsolidated VenturesWe have interests
in certain unconsolidated ventures which, as of December 31, 2023, have mortgage financing totaling $273.1 million, with our proportionate share of this debt totaling $134.9 million. All of this indebtedness is without recourse to the Company, with the exception of the collateral maintenance obligation for Floreo. See Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8 of this Form 10-Kfor additional information related to the Company’s collateral maintenance obligation. The following table summarizes our share of affiliate debt and cash as of December 31,
2023:
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make informed judgments, assumptions, and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Changes in facts and circumstances or additional information may result in revised estimates, and actual results may differ from these estimates.
Below is a discussion of the accounting policies that we consider critical to an understanding of our financial condition and operating results that may require complex or significant judgment in their application or require estimates about matters which are inherently uncertain.
A discussion of our significant accounting policies, including further discussion of the accounting policies described below, can be found in Note 1 - Presentation of Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Impairments
Methodology We review our long-lived assets for potential impairment indicators whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Although the carrying amount may exceed the estimated fair value of certain properties, a real estate asset is only considered
to be impaired when its carrying amount is not expected to be recovered through estimated future undiscounted cash flows. To the extent an impairment provision is necessary, the excess of the carrying amount of the asset over its estimated fair value is expensed to operations and the carrying amount of the asset is reduced. The adjusted carrying amount, which represents the new cost basis of the asset, is depreciated over the remaining useful life of the asset or, for MPCs, is expensed as a cost of sales when land is sold.
Judgments and uncertainties An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of an asset is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value. The cash flow estimates used both for determining recoverability and estimating fair value are inherently judgmental and reflect current and projected trends in rental, occupancy, pricing, development
costs, sales pace, capitalization rates, selling costs, and estimated holding periods for the applicable assets. As such, the evaluation of anticipated cash flows is highly subjective and is based in part on assumptions that could differ materially from actual results in future periods. Unfavorable changes in any of the primary assumptions could result in a reduction of anticipated future cash flows and could indicate property impairment. Uncertainties related to the primary assumptions could affect the timing of an impairment. While we believe our assumptions are reasonable, changes in these assumptions may have a material impact on our financial results.
Master Planned Communities Cost of Sales
Methodology When
residential or commercial land is sold, the cost of sales includes actual costs incurred and estimates of future development costs benefiting the property sold. When land is sold, costs are allocated to each sold superpad or lot based upon the relative sales value. For purposes of allocating development costs, estimates of future revenues and development costs are re-evaluated throughout the year, with adjustments being allocated prospectively to the remaining parcels available for sale. For certain parcels of land, including acquired parcels that the Company does not intend to develop or for which development was complete at the date of acquisition, the specific identification method is used to determine the cost of sales.
Judgments and uncertainties MPC cost of sales estimates
are highly judgmental as they are sensitive to cost escalation, sales price escalation, and pace of absorption, which are subject to judgment and affected by expectations about future market or economic conditions. Changes in the assumptions used to estimate future development costs could result in a significant impact on the amounts recorded as cost of sales.
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS AND DEVELOPMENTS
Please refer to Note 1 - Presentation of Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies in the
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information about new accounting pronouncements.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
We are subject to interest rate risk with respect to our variable-rate financings as increases in interest rates would cause our payments under such financings to increase. With respect to fixed-rate financings, increases in interest rates could make it more difficult to refinance such debt when it becomes due. As properties are placed into service and become stabilized, we typically refinance the variable-rate debt with long-term fixed-rate debt.
The Company uses derivative instruments to manage its interest rate risk, primarily through the use of interest
rate swaps, caps, and collars. The Company had $1.8 billion of variable-rate debt outstanding at December 31, 2023, of which $250.7 million was swapped to a fixed rate through the use of interest rate swaps and $422.2 million had interest rate cap contracts in place. Additionally, the interest rate caps and collars are on construction loans and mortgages with undrawn loan commitment of $31.9 million as of December 31, 2023, which will be covered by the interest rate cap and collar contracts upon drawing. Refer to Note 9 - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional detail.
As of December 31, 2023, annual interest costs would increase approximately $10.8 million for every 1.00% increase in floating interest rates. Generally, a significant portion of our interest expense is capitalized due to the level of assets we currently have under development; therefore, the current impact of a change in our interest rate on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income would be less than the total change, but we would incur higher cash payments and the development costs of our assets would be higher, resulting in greater depreciation or cost of sales in later years.
The following table
summarizes principal cash flows on our debt obligations and related weighted-average interest rates by expected maturity dates as of December 31, 2023:
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining a system of internal control over financial reporting designed to provide reasonable assurance that transactions are executed in accordance with management authorization and that such transactions are properly recorded and reported in the financial statements, and that records are maintained so as to permit preparation of the financial
statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.
Management has assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting utilizing the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013 Framework). Management concluded, based on its assessment, that Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2023.
KPMG
LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, as stated in their report which is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of
Howard Hughes Holdings Inc.:
Opinions on the Consolidated Financial Statements and Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. (the Company) as
of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), equity, and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes and financial statement schedule III (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
In
our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023 based on criteria established in Internal
Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
Basis for Opinions
The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and an opinion on the
Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our
audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary
in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company;
(2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Critical Audit Matters
The
critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
Master Planned Communities (MPC) cost of sales estimates
As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, when
developed residential or commercial land is sold, the cost of sales includes actual costs incurred and estimates of future development costs, based on relative sales value, that benefit the property sold. For purposes of allocating development costs, estimates of future revenues and future development costs are re-evaluated throughout the year, with adjustments being allocated prospectively to the remaining parcels available for sale. MPC cost of sales estimates are highly judgmental as they are sensitive to cost escalation and sales price escalation, which are subject to judgment and affected by expectations about future market or economic conditions. The Company recognized MPC cost of sales of $140.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.
We
identified the evaluation of estimated future development costs and revenues that drive the MPC cost of sales estimates as a critical audit matter. Subjective auditor judgment and the involvement of valuation professionals with specialized skills and knowledge were required to evaluate the cost escalation and sales price escalation assumptions.
The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. We evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of certain internal controls related to the process to estimate MPC cost of sales. This included controls related to management’s monitoring and review of the assumptions noted above. We tested the assumptions related to cost escalation and sales price escalation by:
•agreeing the current
year estimates for revenues and costs to actual results, where applicable
•comparing the Company’s historical cost escalation and sales price escalation estimates to actual results to assess the Company’s ability to accurately estimate these amounts
•performing site visits for certain MPC developments to compare the overall status of the developments to what is reflected within the MPC cost of sales estimates.
In addition, we involved valuation specialists with specialized skills and knowledge, who assisted in evaluating the cost escalation and sales price escalation assumptions
by:
•comparing expected price per acre for each property type available for sale to applicable market data
•comparing the cost and sales price escalation rates throughout the duration of the development to available market data.
Impairment of the Seaport Segment
As discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company reviews its long-lived assets for potential impairment indicators whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. During the third quarter of 2023, the
Company recorded a $709.5 million impairment charge related to the Seaport segment. The impairment charges consisted of $672.5 million related to net investment in real estate and $37.0 million related to investments in unconsolidated ventures. These charges represent the amounts by which the carrying value of the assets exceeded the estimated fair value.
We identified the assessment of the fair value of the net investment in real estate and investments in unconsolidated ventures as a critical audit matter. Subjective auditor judgment and specialized skills and knowledge were required to evaluate 1) certain components of future cash flows, specifically, the projected revenue growth rate and projected operating expense ratio, 2) capitalization rates, and 3) discount rates used to determine the fair value of these assets for which there was limited observable market information.
The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. We evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of certain internal controls related to the
Company’s assessment of the fair value of the net investment in real estate and investments in unconsolidated ventures. This included controls related to the future cash flows, capitalization rates, and discount rates. We involved valuation professionals with specialized skills and knowledge, who assisted in evaluating the Company’s:
•projected revenue growth rate by comparing it to rates that were independently developed using publicly available third-party market data for comparable entities
•projected operating expense ratio by comparing it to 1) market data that was independently developed using publicly available third-party market data for comparable entities and 2) historical operating expense
•determination
of capitalization rates by comparing them against capitalization rates that were independently developed using publicly available third-party market data for comparable entities
•determination of discount rates by comparing them against discount rates that were independently developed using publicly available third-party market data for comparable entities.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of
Howard Hughes Holdings Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), equity and cash flows of
Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. (the Company) for the year ended December 31, 2021, and the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a) (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2021, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audit included performing
procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Preferred
stock: $ii0.01/ par value; ii50,000,000/
shares authorized, iinone/ issued
i—
i—
Common
stock: $ii0.01/ par value; ii150,000,000/
shares authorized, i56,495,791 issued, and i50,038,014 outstanding as of December 31, 2023, and i56,226,273
shares issued and i49,801,997 outstanding as of December 31, 2022
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Year Ended December 31,
thousands
2023
2022
2021
Net income (loss)
$
(i551,530)
$
i184,636
$
i48,924
Other
comprehensive income (loss)
Interest rate caps and swaps (a)
(i9,322)
i31,698
i17,960
Pension
adjustment (b)
i259
(i183)
i452
Reclassification
of the Company's share of previously deferred derivative gains to net income (c)
i—
(i6,723)
i—
Share
of investee's other comprehensive income (d)
i—
i—
i5,721
Other
comprehensive income (loss)
(i9,063)
i24,792
i24,133
Comprehensive
income (loss)
(i560,593)
i209,428
i73,057
Comprehensive
(income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
(i243)
(i103)
i7,176
Comprehensive
income (loss) attributable to common stockholders
$
(i560,836)
$
i209,325
$
i80,233
(a)Amounts
are shown net of deferred tax benefit of $i2.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, deferred tax expense of $i9.5 million
for the year ended December 31, 2022, and deferred tax expense of $i5.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2021.
(b)The deferred tax impact was not meaningful for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021.
(c)In
March 2022, the Company completed the sale of its ownership interest in 110 North Wacker and released a net of $i6.7 million from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), representing the Company’s $i8.6 million
share of previously deferred gains associated with the Venture’s derivative instruments net of tax expense of $i1.9 million. See Note 2 - Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures for additional information.
(d)Amount is shown net of deferred tax expense of $i1.6 million
for the year ended December 31, 2021.
(a)In
March 2022, the Company completed the sale of its ownership interest in 110 North Wacker and released a net of $i6.7 million from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), representing the Company’s $i8.6 million
share of previously deferred gains associated with the Venture’s derivative instruments net of tax expense of $i1.9 million. See Note 2 - Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures for additional information.
1. Presentation of Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies
General On July 17, 2023, The Howard
Hughes Corporation (HHC) announced that its Board of Directors authorized the creation of a holding company structure. On August 11, 2023, upon the consummation of the transaction, Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. (HHH or the Company), the new holding company, replaced HHC as the public company trading on the New York Stock Exchange. Existing shares of common stock of HHC were automatically converted, on a ione-for-one basis, into shares of common stock of HHH, with
the same designations, rights, powers, and preferences, and the same qualifications, limitations, and restrictions, as the shares of HHC common stock immediately prior to the reorganization. HHH became the successor issuer to HHC pursuant to Rule 12g-3 (a) under the Exchange Act and replaced HHC as the public company trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "HHH." The holding company reorganization is intended to be a tax-free transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes for the Company stockholders. The Board and the executive officers of HHC now hold their same roles at HHH. The Company believes that the reorganization will promote the growth of its businesses by providing additional flexibility to fund future investment opportunities and to segregate assets and
related liabilities in separate subsidiaries.
References to HHH, the Company, we, us, and our refer to Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, which includes The Howard Hughes Corporation, unless otherwise specifically stated. References to HHC refer to The Howard Hughes Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise specifically stated. Together with its subsidiaries, HHH develops Master Planned Communities
(MPC), invests in other strategic real estate opportunities in the form of entitled and unentitled land and other development rights (Strategic Developments) and owns, manages, and operates real estate assets currently generating revenues (Operating Assets), which may be redeveloped or repositioned from time to time.
Seaport Entertainment On October 5, 2023, HHH announced the intent to form a new division, Seaport Entertainment, that is expected to include the Company’s entertainment-related assets in New York and Las Vegas, including the Seaport in Lower Manhattan and the Las Vegas Aviators Triple-A Minor League Baseball team, as well as the Company’s
ownership stake in Jean-Georges Restaurants and other partnerships and its i80% interest in the air rights above the Fashion Show Mall in Las Vegas.
HHH is establishing Seaport Entertainment with the intention of completing its spinoff as an independent, publicly traded company in 2024, but there can be no assurance regarding the ultimate timing of the spinoff or that the spinoff will ultimately occur. The planned separation of Seaport Entertainment will refine the identity of HHH as a pure-play real estate company focused solely on its portfolio of master
planned communities and allow the new company, Seaport Entertainment, to operate independently as an entertainment-focused enterprise.
i
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of PresentationThe accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries after elimination of intercompany
balances and transactions. The Company also consolidates certain variable interest entities (VIEs) in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 810 Consolidation (ASC 810). The outside equity interests in certain entities controlled by the Company are reflected in the Consolidated Financial Statements as noncontrolling interests.
Certain amounts in the 2022 Consolidated Balance Sheet have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation. Specifically, the Company reclassified Net investment in lease receivable
and Notes receivable, net to Other assets, net within Total assets.
Certain amounts in the 2022 and 2021 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows have been reclassified to conform to the current balance sheet presentation. Specifically, the Company reclassified the Notes receivable, net from the Accounts receivable, net to Other assets, net within cash flows from operating activities.
Certain amounts in the 2021 Consolidated Statement of Operations have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation. Specifically, the Company reclassified Demolition costs and Development-related marketing costs to Other within Total expenses.
Management
has evaluated for disclosure or recognition all material events occurring subsequent to the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements up to the date and time this Annual Report was filed.
Variable Interest EntitiesThe Company has interests in various legal entities that represent a variable interest entity. A VIE is an entity: (a) that has total equity at risk that is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated
financial support from other entities; (b) where the group of equity holders does not have the power to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance, or the obligation to absorb the entity’s expected losses or the right to receive the entity’s expected residual return, or both (i.e., lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest); or (c) where the voting rights of the equity holders are not proportional to their obligations to absorb the expected losses of the entity, their rights to receive the expected residual returns of the entity, or both, and substantially all of the entity’s activities either involve or are conducted on behalf of an investor that has disproportionately few voting rights.
The Company determines if a legal entity
is a VIE by performing a qualitative analysis that requires certain subjective decisions, taking into consideration the design of the entity, the variability that the entity was designed to create and pass along to its interest holders, the rights of the parties and the purpose of the arrangement. Upon the occurrence of certain reconsideration events, the Company reassesses its initial determination as to whether the entity is a VIE.
The Company also performs a qualitative assessment of each VIE to determine if it is the primary beneficiary. The Company is the primary beneficiary and would consolidate the VIE if it has a controlling
financial interest where it has both (a) the power to direct the economically significant activities of the entity and (b) the obligation to absorb losses of, or the right to receive benefits from, the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. This assessment requires certain subjective decisions, taking into consideration the contractual agreements that define the ownership structure, the design of the entity, distribution of profits and losses, risks, responsibilities, indebtedness, voting rights and board representation of the respective parties. Management’s assessment of whether the Company is the primary beneficiary of a VIE is continuously performed.
Upon initial consolidation of a VIE, the Company
records the assets, liabilities, and noncontrolling interests at fair value and recognizes a gain or loss for the difference between (i) the fair value of the consideration paid, the fair value of noncontrolling interests and the reported amount of any previously held interests and (ii) the net amount of the fair value of the assets and liabilities.
If the Company determines it is no longer the primary beneficiary of a VIE, it will deconsolidate the entity and measure the initial cost basis for any retained interests that are recorded upon the deconsolidation at fair value. The Company will recognize a gain or loss for the difference between the fair value and the previous carrying amount of HHH’s investment
in the VIE.
i
Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures The Company’s investments in unconsolidated ventures are accounted for under the equity method to the extent that, based on contractual rights associated with the investments, the Company can exert significant influence over a venture’s operations. Under the equity method, the
Company’s investment in the venture is recorded at cost and is subsequently adjusted to recognize the Company’s allocable share of the earnings or losses of the venture. Dividends and distributions received by the Company are recognized as a reduction in the carrying amount of the investment. Generally, joint venture operating agreements provide that assets, liabilities, funding obligations, profits and losses, and cash flows are shared in accordance with ownership percentages. For certain equity method investments, various provisions in the joint venture operating agreements regarding distributions of cash flow based on capital account balances, allocations of profits and losses, and preferred returns may result in the
Company’s economic interest differing from its stated ownership or if applicable, the Company’s final profit-sharing interest after receipt of any preferred returns based on the venture’s distribution priorities. For these investments, the Company recognizes income or loss based on the joint venture’s distribution priorities, which could fluctuate over time and may be different from its stated ownership or final profit-sharing percentage.
The Company periodically assesses the appropriateness of the carrying amount of its equity method investments, as events or changes in circumstance may indicate that a decrease in value has
occurred which is other‑than‑temporary. In addition to the property‑specific impairment analysis performed on the underlying assets of the investment, the Company also considers the ownership, distribution preferences, limitations and rights to sell and repurchase its ownership interests. If a decrease in value of an investment is deemed to be other‑than‑temporary, the investment is reduced to its estimated fair value, and an impairment-related loss is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a component of Equity in earnings (losses) from investments in unconsolidated ventures.
For investments in ventures where the Company has virtually no influence over operations and the investments do not have a readily determinable fair value, the Company has elected the measurement alternative to carry the securities at cost less impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes
in orderly transactions for the identical or similar investment of the issuer. Equity securities not accounted for under the equity method, or where the measurement alternative has not been elected, are required to be reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) as Net unrealized gains (losses) on instruments measured at fair value through earnings.
i
Use of EstimatesThe preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect
the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. The estimates and assumptions include, but are not limited to, capitalization of development costs, provision for income taxes, recoverable amounts of receivables and deferred tax assets, initial valuations of tangible and intangible assets acquired, and the related useful lives of assets upon which depreciation and amortization is based. Estimates and assumptions have also been made with respect to future revenues and costs, and the fair value of warrants, debt, and options granted. MPC cost of sales estimates are highly judgmental as they are sensitive to cost escalation, sales price escalation, and lot absorption, which are subject to judgment and affected by expectations about future market or economic conditions. Additionally, the future cash flow
estimates and fair values used for impairment analysis are highly judgmental and reflect current and projected trends in rental, occupancy, pricing, development costs, sales pace, capitalization rates, selling costs, and estimated holding periods for the applicable assets. Both MPC cost of sale estimates and estimates used in impairment analysis are affected by expectations about future market or economic conditions. Actual results could differ from these and other estimates.
i
SegmentsSegment information is prepared on the same basis that management
reviews information for operational decision-making purposes. Management evaluates the performance of each of HHH’s real estate assets or investments individually and aggregates such properties into segments based on their economic characteristics and types of revenue streams. The Company operates in ifour business segments: (i) Operating Assets; (ii) MPC; (iii) Seaport and (iv) Strategic Developments.
/
i
Net
Investment in Real Estate
Master Planned Community Assets, Buildings and Equipment and Land Real estate assets are stated at cost less any provisions for impairments and depreciation as applicable. Expenditures for significant improvements to the Company’s assets are capitalized. Tenant improvements relating to the Company’s operating assets are capitalized and depreciated over the shorter of their economic lives or the lease term. Maintenance and repair costs are charged to expense when incurred.
Depreciation The
Company periodically reviews the estimated useful lives of properties. iDepreciation or amortization expense is computed using the straight‑line method based upon the following estimated useful lives:
Asset Type
Years
Balance
Sheet Location
Buildings and improvements
i7 - i40
Buildings and Equipment
Equipment and fixtures
i5
- i20
Buildings and Equipment
Computer hardware and software, and vehicles
i3 - i5
Buildings
and Equipment
Tenant improvements
Related lease term
Buildings and Equipment
Leasing costs
Related lease term
Other assets, net
From time to time, the Company may reassess the development strategies for certain buildings and improvements which results in changes to the Company’s estimate of their remaining useful lives. The
Company did not recognize additional depreciation expense of significance for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021.
Developments Development costs, which primarily include direct costs related to placing the asset in service associated with specific development properties, are capitalized as part of the property being developed. Construction and improvement costs incurred in connection with the development of new properties or the redevelopment of existing properties are capitalized before they are placed into service. Costs include planning, engineering, design, direct material, labor, and subcontract costs. Real estate taxes, utilities, direct legal and professional fees related to the sale of a specific unit, interest, insurance costs, and certain employee costs incurred during construction periods are also capitalized. Capitalization commences when the development activities begin and cease when a project is completed, put on hold, or at the date that
the Company decides not to move forward with a project. Capitalized costs related to a project where HHH has determined not to move forward are expensed if they are not deemed recoverable. Capitalized interest costs are based on qualified expenditures and interest rates in place during the construction period. Demolition costs associated with redevelopments are expensed as incurred unless the demolition was included in the Company’s development plans and imminent as of the acquisition date of an asset. Once the assets are placed into service, they are depreciated in accordance with the Company’s policy. In the event that management no longer has the ability or intent to complete a development, the costs previously
capitalized are evaluated for impairment.
i
Developments consist of the following categories as of December 31:
thousands
2023
2022
Land
and improvements
$
i238,921
$
i339,540
Development
costs
i1,033,524
i785,487
Total
Developments
$
i1,272,445
$
i1,125,027
/
i
Acquisitions
of PropertiesThe Company accounts for the acquisition of real estate properties in accordance with ASC 805 Business Combinations (ASC 805). This methodology requires that assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recorded at their fair values on the date of acquisition for business combinations and at relative fair values for asset acquisitions. Acquisition costs related to the acquisition of a business are expensed as incurred. Costs directly related to asset acquisitions are considered additions to the purchase price and increase the cost basis of such assets.
The fair value of tangible assets of an acquired property (which includes land, buildings and improvements) is determined by valuing the property
as if it were vacant, and the as-if-vacant value is then allocated to land, buildings and improvements based on management’s determination of the fair value of these assets. The as-if-vacant values are derived from several sources which incorporate significant unobservable inputs that are classified as Level 3 inputs in the fair value hierarchy and primarily include a discounted cash flow analysis using discount and capitalization rates based on recent comparable market transactions, where available.
The fair value of acquired intangible assets consisting of in-place, above-market, and below-market leases is recorded based on a variety of considerations, some of which incorporate significant unobservable inputs that are classified as Level 3 inputs in the fair value hierarchy. In-place lease considerations include, but are not necessarily limited to: (1) the value associated with avoiding
the cost of originating the acquired in-place leases (i.e., the market cost to execute a lease, including leasing commissions and tenant improvements); (2) the value associated with lost revenue related to tenant reimbursable operating costs incurred during the assumed lease-up period (i.e., real estate taxes, insurance, and certain other operating expenses); and (3) the value associated with lost rental revenue from existing leases during the assumed lease-up period. Above-market and below-market leases are valued at the present value, using a discount rate that reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired, of the difference between (1) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the in-place lease; and (2) management’s estimate of current market lease rates, measured over the remaining non-cancelable lease term, including any below-market renewal option periods.
i
Impairment
HHH reviews its long-lived assets (including those held by its unconsolidated ventures) for potential impairment indicators whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of an asset is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value. The evaluation of anticipated cash flows is highly subjective and is based in part on assumptions regarding future economic conditions, such as occupancy, rental rates, capital requirements, and sales values that could differ materially from actual results in future periods. If impairment indicators exist and it is expected that undiscounted cash flows generated by the asset are less than its carrying amount, an impairment provision is recorded to write down the carrying amount of the asset to its fair value.
Impairment indicators for HHH’s assets or projects within MPCs are assessed separately and include, but are not limited to, significant decreases in sales pace or average
selling prices, significant increases in expected land development and construction costs or cancellation rates, and projected losses on expected future sales. MPC assets have extended life cycles that may last i20 to i40 years, or longer, and have few long‑term contractual cash flows. Further, MPC assets generally have minimal to no residual values because of
their liquidating characteristics. MPC development periods often occur through several economic cycles. Subjective factors such as the expected timing of property development and sales, optimal development density, and sales strategy impact the timing and amount of expected future cash flows and fair value.
Impairment indicators for Operating Assets are assessed for each property and include, but are not limited to, significant decreases in net operating income, significant decreases in occupancy, ongoing low occupancy, and significant net operating losses.
Impairment indicators for Seaport include, but are not limited to, significant changes in projected completion or stabilization dates, operating revenues or cash flows, development costs, ongoing low occupancy, and market factors.
Impairment
indicators for assets in the Strategic Developments are assessed by project and include, but are not limited to, significant changes in projected completion dates, revenues or cash flows, development costs, market factors, significant decreases in comparable property sale prices, and feasibility.
The cash flow estimates used for determining recoverability and estimating fair value are inherently judgmental and reflect current and projected trends in rental rates, occupancy, pricing, development costs, sales pace, capitalization rates, and estimated holding periods for the applicable assets. Although the estimated fair value of certain assets may be exceeded by the carrying amount, a real estate asset is only considered to be impaired when its carrying amount is not expected to be recovered through estimated future undiscounted cash flows. To the extent an impairment provision is necessary,
the excess of the carrying amount of the asset over its estimated fair value is expensed to operations. In addition, the impairment provision is allocated proportionately to adjust the carrying amount of the asset. The adjusted carrying amount, which represents the new cost basis of the asset, is depreciated over the remaining useful life of the asset or, for MPCs, is expensed as a cost of sales when land is sold. Assets that have been impaired will in the future have lower depreciation and cost of sale expenses. The impairment will have no impact on cash flow.
i
Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash
and cash equivalents consist of highly-liquid investments with maturities at date of purchase of three months or less and include registered money market mutual funds which are invested in United States Treasury bills that are valued at the net asset value of the underlying shares in the funds as of the close of business at the end of each period as well as deposits with major banks throughout the United States. Such deposits are in excess of FDIC limits and are placed with high-quality institutions in order to minimize concentration of counterparty credit risk.
i
Restricted
CashRestricted cash reflects amounts segregated in escrow accounts in the name of the Company, primarily related to escrowed condominium deposits from buyers and other amounts related to legally restricted deposits, escrowed taxes, insurance, and leasing costs.
i
Accounts Receivable, netAccounts receivable includes straight-line rent receivables, tenant receivables, and other receivables. On a quarterly
basis, management reviews straight-line rent receivables and tenant receivables for collectability. As required under ASC 842 Leases, this analysis includes a review of past due accounts and considers factors such as the credit quality of tenants, current economic conditions, and changes in customer payment trends. When full collection of a lease receivable or future lease payment is not probable, a reserve for the receivable balance is charged against rental revenue and future rental revenue is recognized on a cash basis. The Company also records reserves for estimated losses under ASC 450 Contingencies if the estimated losses are probable and can be reasonably estimated.
i
The
following table represents the components of Accounts Receivable, net of amounts considered uncollectible, in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31:
(a)As of December 31, 2023, the total reserve balance for amounts considered uncollectible was
$i15.0 million, comprised of $i12.6 million related to ASC 842 and $i2.4
million related to ASC 450. As of December 31, 2022, the total reserve balance was $i8.9 million, comprised of $i3.4 million related to ASC 842 and
$i5.5 million related to ASC 450.
i
The following table summarizes the impacts of the ASC 842 and ASC 450 reserves
in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31:
thousands
Statements of Operations Location
2023
2022
2021
ASC 842 reserve
Rental
revenue
$
i11,272
$
(i3,715)
$
(i1,562)
ASC
450 reserve
Provision for (recovery of) doubtful accounts
(i2,561)
i1,959
(i459)
Total
(income) expense impact (a)
$
i8,711
$
(i1,756)
$
(i2,021)
(a)Total
expense recognized for the year ended December 31, 2023, is primarily comprised of reserves for two retail tenants in Ward Village and an office tenant with leases in both The Woodlands and Summerlin. The ASC 450 recovery amount for the year ended December 31, 2023, primarily relates to the reclassification of the reserve for the two Ward Village tenants to an ASC 842 reserve as full collection is not considered probable.
/
Municipal Utility District Receivables, netIn Houston, Texas, certain development costs are reimbursable through the creation
of a Municipal Utility District (MUD), also known as Water Control and Improvement Districts, which are separate political subdivisions authorized by Article 16, Section 59 of the Texas Constitution and governed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). MUDs are formed to provide municipal water, wastewater, drainage services, recreational facilities, and roads to those areas where they are currently unavailable through the regular city services. Typically, the developer advances funds for the creation of the facilities, which must be designed, bid, and constructed in accordance with the City of Houston’s and TCEQ requirements.
The MUD Board of Directors authorizes and approves all MUD development contracts, and MUD bond sale proceeds are used to reimburse the developer for its construction
costs, including interest. At the date the expenditures occur, the Company determines the costs it believes will be eligible for reimbursement and recognizes that as MUD receivables. These expenditures are subject to review by the MUD engineers for eligibility in accordance with the development contracts as part of the process for reimbursement. MUD receivables are pledged as security to creditors under the debt facilities relating to Bridgeland.
i
Other
Assets, netThe major components of Other assets, net include security, escrow, and other deposits; Special Improvement District (SID) receivables; in-place leases; intangibles; Tax increment financing (TIF) receivables; prepaid expenses related to the Company’s properties; condominium inventory; and various other assets.
SID receivables are amounts due from SID bonds related to the Company’s Summerlin MPC. Proceeds from SID bonds are held in escrow by a third-party and are used to reimburse the Company for a portion of the development costs incurred in Summerlin.
The
Company’s intangibles include in-place lease assets and above-market lease assets where HHH is the lessor, trademark and trade name intangibles related to MPCs, and other intangibles relating to the Company’s Las Vegas Aviators Triple-A professional baseball team. The Company amortizes finite-lived intangible assets less any residual value, if applicable, on a straight-line basis over the term of the related lease or the estimated useful life of the asset.
TIF receivables are amounts which the Company has submitted for reimbursement from Howard County, Maryland, in conjunction with development costs expended on key roads and
infrastructure work within the Merriweather District of Downtown Columbia specified per the terms of the county’s TIF legislation, Special Obligation Bonds issued in October 2017, and Grant Disbursement Agreement executed in April 2023.
Notes receivable, net includes non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. Subsequent to initial recognition, they are recorded at amortized cost less any provision for impairment as required under ASC 326 - Financial Instruments - Credit Losses.
Condominium inventory includes available for sale units at HHH’s completed condominium towers and is stated at the lower of cost or fair value less selling costs. Condominium inventory includes land acquisition and development
costs, construction costs, and interest and real estate taxes that are capitalized during the development period. HHH evaluates condominium inventory for impairment when potential indicators exist. An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of condominium inventory exceeds the fair value less selling costs, which is based on comparable sales in the normal course of business under existing and anticipated market conditions.
Financial Instruments - Credit Losses The Company is exposed to credit losses through the sale of goods and services to the Company’s customers. Receivables held by the
Company primarily relate to short-term trade receivables and financing receivables, which include MUD receivables, SID bonds, TIF receivables, net investments in lease receivables, and notes receivable. The Company assesses its exposure to credit loss based on historical collection experience and future expectations by portfolio segment. Historical collection experience is evaluated on a quarterly basis by the Company.
The amortized cost basis of financing receivables, consisting primarily of MUD and SID receivables, totaled $i632.8
million as of December 31, 2023, and $i545.4 million as of December 31, 2022. The MUD receivable balance includes accrued interest of $i35.8
million at December 31, 2023, and $i36.4 million at December 31, 2022. The allowance for credit losses for financing receivables was not material as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and there was no material activity related to the allowance for credit losses for the years ended December 31,
2023, 2022, and 2021.
Financing receivables are considered to be past due once they are i30 days contractually past due under the terms of the agreement. The Company currently does not have significant financing receivables that are past due or on nonaccrual status. There have been no significant write-offs or recoveries of amounts previously written-off during the current period for
financing receivables.
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i
Income TaxesThe Company utilizes the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted
tax rates in effect for years in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. Deferred income taxes also reflect the impact of operating loss and tax credit carryforwards.
The Company periodically assesses the realizability of its deferred tax assets. If the Company concludes that it is more likely than not that some of the deferred tax assets will not be realized, the tax asset is reduced by a valuation allowance. The Company considers many factors when assessing the likelihood of future realization of deferred tax assets, including expectations of future taxable income, carryforward periods available to the
Company for tax reporting purposes, various income tax strategies, and other relevant factors. In addition, interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions, if necessary, are recognized in income tax expense.
In the Company’s MPCs, gains with respect to land sales, whether for commercial use or for single-family residences, are reported for tax purposes either on the modified accrual method or on the percentage-of-completion method. Under the percentage-of-completion method, a gain is recognized for tax purposes as costs are incurred in satisfaction of contractual obligations.
iDeferred
Expenses, netDeferred expenses consist principally of leasing costs. Deferred leasing costs are amortized to amortization expense using the straight‑line method over the related lease term. Deferred expenses are shown net of accumulated amortization of $i60.4 million as of December 31, 2023, and $i53.8
million as of December 31, 2022.
i
Marketing and AdvertisingEach of the Company’s segments incur various marketing and advertising costs as part of their development, branding, leasing, or sales initiatives. These costs include special events, broadcasts, direct mail and online digital and social media programs, and they are expensed as incurred.
i
Fair
Value of Financial InstrumentsThe carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, escrows, receivables, accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other assets and liabilities are reasonable estimates of their fair values because of the short maturities of these instruments.
i
Derivative Instruments and Hedging ActivitiesDerivative instruments and hedging activities require management to make judgments on the nature of its derivatives and their effectiveness as hedges. These judgments determine if the changes in fair value
of the derivative instruments are reported as a component of Net Income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations or as a component of Comprehensive Income in the Equity on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. While management believes its judgments are reasonable, a change in a derivative’s effectiveness as a hedge could materially affect expenses, net income, and equity. The Company accounts for the changes in the fair value of an effective hedge in other comprehensive income (loss) and subsequently reclassifies the balance from other comprehensive income (loss) to earnings over the term that the hedged transaction affects earnings. The Company accounts for the changes in the fair value of an ineffective hedge directly in earnings.
Stock-Based
Compensation The Company maintains two equity incentive plans, which include stock options and restricted stock. In 2023, pursuant to the holding company reorganization discussed above, each outstanding share of HHC’s common stock was automatically converted into one share of HHH common stock. HHH assumed all obligations under the equity incentive plans. All stock options and restricted stock outstanding will be settled in HHH stock. The Company applies the provisions of ASC 718 Stock Compensation which requires all share‑based payments to be recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations based on their fair values. The fair value of stock option awards is determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.
Restricted stock awards are valued using the market price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date. For restricted stock awards with market conditions or performance conditions, the award is valued using a Monte Carlo simulation. The Company records compensation cost for stock-based compensation awards over the requisite service period. If the requisite service period is satisfied, compensation cost is not adjusted unless the award contains a performance condition. If an award contains a performance condition, expense is recognized only for those shares that ultimately vest using the per-share fair value measured at the grant date. The Company recognizes forfeitures as they occur. See Note 11 - Stock-Based
Compensation Plans for additional information.
i
Revenue Recognition and Related Matters
Condominium Rights and Unit Sales Revenue from the sale of an individual unit in a condominium project is recognized at a point in time (i.e., the closing) when HHH satisfies the single performance obligation to construct a condominium project and transfer control of a completed unit to a buyer. The transaction price, which
is the amount of consideration the Company receives upon delivery of the completed condominium unit to the buyer, is allocated to this single obligation and is received at closing less any amounts previously paid on deposit.
The Company receives cash payments in the form of escrowed condominium deposits from customers who have contracted to purchase a condominium unit based on billing schedules established in HHH’s condominium purchase agreement contracts. The amounts are recorded in Restricted cash until released from escrow in accordance with the escrow agreement and on approval of HHH’s lender to fund construction costs of
a project. A corresponding condominium contract deposit liability is established at the date of receipt, representing a portion of HHH’s unsatisfied performance obligation at each reporting date.
These deposits, along with the balance of the contract value, are recognized at closing upon satisfaction of HHH’s performance obligation and transfer of title to the buyer. Real estate project costs directly associated with a condominium project, which are HHH’s costs to fulfill contracts with condominium buyers, are capitalized while all other costs are expensed as incurred. Total estimated project costs include direct costs
such as the carrying value of the land, site planning, architectural, construction, and financing costs, as well as indirect cost allocations. The allocations include costs which clearly relate to the specific project, including certain infrastructure and amenity costs which benefit the project as well as others, and are based upon the relative sales value of the units. Furthermore, incremental costs incurred to obtain a contract to sell condominium units are evaluated for capitalization in accordance with ASC 340-40, with incremental costs to fulfill a contract only being capitalized if the costs relate directly to a specifically identified contract, enhance resources to satisfy performance obligations
in the future, and are expected to be recovered.
Master Planned Communities Land Sales Revenues from land sales are recognized at a point in time when the land sale closing process is complete. The transaction price generally has both fixed and variable components, with the fixed price stipulated in the contract and representative of a single performance obligation. See Builder Price Participation (BPP) below for a discussion of the variable component. The fixed transaction price, which is the amount of consideration received in full upon transfer of the land title to the buyer, is allocated to this single obligation and is received at closing of the land sale less any amounts previously paid on deposit.
The
Company receives cash payments in the form of land purchase deposits from homebuilders or other commercial buyers who have contracted to purchase land within the Company’s MPCs, and HHH holds any escrowed deposits in Restricted cash or Cash and cash equivalents based on the terms of the contract. In situations where the Company has completed the closing of a developed land parcel or superpad and consideration is paid in full, but a portion of HHH’s performance obligation relating to the enhancement of the land is still unsatisfied, revenue related to HHH’s obligation is recognized over time. The Company recognizes only
the portion of the improved land sale where the improvements are fully satisfied based on a cost input method. The aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to the unsatisfied obligation is recorded as deferred land sales and is presented in Accounts payable and other liabilities. The Company measures HHH’s unsatisfied obligation based on the costs remaining relative to the total cost at the date of closing.
When residential or commercial land is sold, the cost of sales includes actual costs incurred and estimates of future development costs benefiting the property sold. In accordance with ASC 970-360-30-1, when land is sold, costs are allocated to each sold superpad or lot based upon the relative sales value. For purposes of allocating development costs, estimates of future revenues and development costs are re-evaluated throughout the year, with adjustments being allocated prospectively to the remaining parcels available for sale. For certain parcels of land, including acquired parcels that the Company does not intend to develop
or for which development was complete at the date of acquisition, the specific identification method is used to determine the cost of sales.
Builder Price Participation BPP is the variable component of the transaction price for certain Master Planned Communities land sales. BPP is earned when a developer that acquired land from HHH develops and sells a home to an end user at a price higher than a predetermined breakpoint. The excess over the breakpoint is shared between HHH and the developer at the time of closing on the sale of the home based on a previously agreed-upon percentage. Generally, BPP is constrained, and accordingly, the Company does not recognize an estimate of variable consideration. The
Company’s conclusion is based on the following factors:
–BPP is highly susceptible to factors outside HHH’s influence such as unemployment and interest rates
–the time between the sale of land to a homebuilder and closing on a completed home can take up to three years
–there is significant variability in home pricing from period to period
The Company evaluates contracts with homebuilders with respect to BPP at each reporting period to determine whether a change in facts and circumstances has eliminated
the constraint and will record an estimate of BPP revenue, if applicable.
For Condominium rights and unit sales, Master planned communities land sales, and Builder price participation the Company elected the practical expedient to not adjust promised amount of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component when the expected period between transfer of the promised asset and payment is one year or less.
Rental Revenues Revenue associated with the Company’s operating assets includes minimum rent, percentage rent in lieu of fixed minimum rent, tenant recoveries, and overage rent.
Minimum
rent revenues are recognized on a straight‑line basis over the terms of the related leases when collectability is reasonably assured and the tenant has taken possession of, or controls, the physical use of the leased asset. Percentage rent in lieu of fixed minimum rent is recognized as sales are reported from tenants. Minimum rent revenues also include amortization related to above and below‑market tenant leases on acquired properties.
Recoveries from tenants are stipulated in the leases, are generally computed based upon a formula related to real estate taxes, insurance, and other real estate operating expenses, and are generally recognized as revenues in the period the related costs are incurred.
Overage rent is recognized on an accrual basis once tenant sales exceed contractual thresholds
contained in the lease and is calculated by multiplying the tenant sales in excess of the minimum amount by a percentage defined in the lease.
If the lease provides for tenant improvements, the Company determines whether the tenant improvements are owned by the tenant or by HHH. When HHH is the owner of the tenant improvements, rental revenue begins when the improvements are substantially complete. When the tenant is the owner of the tenant improvements, any tenant allowance funded by the Company is treated as a lease incentive and amortized as an adjustment to rental revenue over the lease term.
Other Land, Rental, and Property Revenues
- Over Time and Point in Time Other land revenues recognized over time include ground maintenance revenue, homeowner association management fee revenue, and revenue from providing exclusive cable and internet services at the Company’s MPCs for the benefit of the tenants and owners of the communities. These revenues are recognized over time, as time elapses. The amount of consideration and the duration are fixed, as stipulated in the related agreements, and represent a single performance obligation.
Other land revenues also include transfer fees on the secondary sales of homes in MPCs, forfeitures of earnest money deposits by buyers of HHH’s condominium units, and other miscellaneous items. These items are recognized at a point in time when the real estate closing process is complete
or HHH has a legal right to the respective fee or deposit.
Other
rental and property revenues related to contracts with customers is generally comprised of baseball-related ticket sales, retail operations, food sales, advertising, and sponsorships. Season ticket sales are recognized over time as games take place. Single tickets and total net sales from retail operations are recognized at a point in time, at the time of sale when payment is received and the customer takes possession of the merchandise. In all cases, the transaction prices are fixed, stipulated in the ticket, contract, or product, and representative in each case of a single performance obligation. Events-related service revenue is recorded at the time the customer receives the benefit of the service.
Baseball-related
and other sponsorships generally cover a season or contractual period of time, and the related revenue is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over time, as time elapses, unless a specific performance obligation exists within the sponsorship contract where point-in-time delivery occurs and recognition at a specific performance or delivery date is more appropriate. Advertising and sponsorship agreements that allow third parties to display their advertising and products at HHH’s venues for a certain amount of time relate to a single performance obligation, consideration terms for these services are fixed in each respective agreement, and HHH generally recognizes the related revenue on a straight-line basis over time, as time elapses.
i
Noncontrolling
Interests As of December 31, 2023, Noncontrolling interests is primarily related to the i12% noncontrolling interest in Teravalis and the noncontrolling interest in the Ward Village Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs). All revenues and expenses related to the HOAs are attributable to noncontrolling interests and do not impact net income attributable to common stockholders. Refer to Note 3 - Acquisitions and Dispositions for additional information on Teravalis.
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i
Recently
Issued Accounting Standards The following is a summary of recently issued and other notable accounting pronouncements which relate to the Company’s business.
ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform The amendments in this Update provide optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform when certain criteria are met. The amendments in this Update apply only to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) or
another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. The expedients and exceptions provided by the amendments do not apply to contract modifications made and hedging relationships entered into or evaluated after December 31, 2022, except for hedging relationships existing as of December 31, 2022, for which an entity has applied certain optional expedients, that are retained through the end of the hedging relationship. The amendments in this Update are effective as of March 12, 2020, through December 31, 2022. On December 21, 2022, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2022-06, Reference
Rate Reform (Topic 848): Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848, which extends the period of time entities can utilize the reference rate reform relief guidance under ASU 2020-04, from December 31, 2022, to December 31, 2024. The guidance in ASU 2020-04 is optional and may be elected over time as reference rate reform activities occur. During the transition, the Company elected to apply the hedge accounting expedients related to probability and the assessments of effectiveness for future LIBOR-indexed cash flows to assume that the index upon which future hedge transactions will be based matches the index on the corresponding derivatives. Application of these expedients preserved the presentation of derivatives consistent with past presentation. As of December 31,
2023, the Company had no remaining contracts or hedging relationships that referenced LIBOR.
In the normal course of business, the
Company enters into partnerships and ventures with an emphasis on investments associated with the development and operation of real estate assets. As of December 31, 2023, the Company does not consolidate the investments below as it does not have a controlling financial interest in these ventures. As such, the Company primarily reports its interests in accordance with the equity method. As of December 31, 2023, these ventures had debt totaling $i273.1
million, with the Company’s proportionate share of this debt totaling $i134.9 million. All of this indebtedness is without recourse to the Company, with the exception of the collateral maintenance obligation for Floreo. See Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies for additional information related to the Company’s collateral maintenance obligation.
i
Investments
in unconsolidated ventures consist of the following:
Ownership Interest (a)
Carrying Value
Share of Earnings/Dividends
December
31,
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
Year Ended December 31,
thousands except percentages
2023
2022
2023
2022
2023
2022
2021
Equity
Method Investments
Operating Assets
110 North Wacker
ii—/
%
i—
%
$
i—
$
i—
$
i—
$
i4,910
$
(i74,309)
The
Metropolitan (b)
ii50.0/
%
ii50.0/
%
i—
i—
i33
i4,556
i582
Stewart
Title of Montgomery County, TX
ii50.0/
%
ii50.0/
%
i3,785
i4,217
i168
i1,294
i1,860
Woodlands
Sarofim
ii20.0/
%
ii20.0/
%
i2,990
i3,029
(i40)
(i13)
i96
TEN.m.flats
(c)
ii50.0/
%
ii50.0/
%
i—
i—
(i225)
i6,878
i974
Master
Planned Communities
The Summit (d)
i50.0
%
i50.0
%
i59,112
i49,368
i24,787
(i30)
i59,407
Floreo
(e)
ii50.0/
%
ii50.0/
%
i55,880
i58,001
(i2,121)
(i1,377)
(i8)
Seaport
The
Lawn Club (d)
i50.0
%
i50.0
%
i1,266
i2,553
(i1,287)
i—
i—
Ssäm
Bar (d)(e)(f)
i50.0
%
i50.0
%
i—
i5,551
(i5,981)
(i783)
(i1,988)
Tin
Building by Jean-Georges (d)(e)(f)
i65.0
%
i65.0
%
i11,658
i6,935
(i43,330)
(i36,182)
i—
Jean-Georges
Restaurants (f)
ii25.0/
%
ii25.0/
%
i14,535
i45,626
(i30,887)
i692
i—
Strategic
Developments
HHMK Development
ii50.0/
%
ii50.0/
%
i10
i10
i—
i—
i—
KR
Holdings
ii50.0/
%
ii50.0/
%
i486
i485
i2
i797
(i221)
West
End Alexandria (d)
i58.3
%
i58.3
%
i56,757
i56,617
i140
i71
i—
i206,479
i232,392
(i58,741)
(i19,187)
(i13,607)
Other
equity investments (g)
i13,779
i13,779
i3,033
i4,638
i3,755
Investments
in unconsolidated ventures
$
i220,258
$
i246,171
$
(i55,708)
$
(i14,549)
$
(i9,852)
(a)Ownership
interests presented reflect the Company’s stated ownership interest or if applicable, the Company’s final profit-sharing interest after receipt of any preferred returns based on the venture’s distribution priorities.
(b)The Metropolitan was in a deficit position of $i10.9 million at December 31,
2023, and $i9.0 million at December 31, 2022. These deficit balances are presented in Accounts payable and other liabilities at December 31, 2023 and 2022.
(c)TEN.m.flats was in a deficit position of $i4.7
million at December 31, 2023, and $i1.8 million at December 31, 2022. The deficit balance is presented in Accounts payable and other liabilities at December 31, 2023 and 2022.
(d)For these equity method investments, various provisions in the venture operating
agreements regarding distributions of cash flow based on capital account balances, allocations of profits and losses, and preferred returns may result in the Company’s economic interest differing from its stated interest or final profit-sharing interest. For these investments, the Company recognizes income or loss based on the venture’s distribution priorities, which could fluctuate over time and may be different from its stated ownership or final profit-sharing interest.
(e)Classified as a VIE; however, the Company is not the primary beneficiary and accounts for its investment in accordance with the equity method. Refer to discussion below for
additional information.
(f)These investments were impaired as part of the Seaport impairment recognized in 2023. Refer to specific investment discussion below and Note 4 - Impairment for additional detail.
(g)Other equity investments represent investments not accounted for under the equity method. The Company elected the measurement alternative as these investments do not have readily determinable fair values. There were no impairments, or upward or downward adjustments to the carrying amounts of these securities either during 2023, or cumulatively. As of December 31, 2023, Other equity investments primarily includes $i10.0 million
of warrants, which represents cash paid by the Company for the option to acquire additional ownership interest in Jean-Georges Restaurants. Refer to discussion below for additional detail.
110 North Wacker The Company formed a partnership with a local developer (the Partnership) during the second quarter of 2017. During the second quarter of 2018, the Partnership executed an agreement with USAA to construct and operate the building at 110 North Wacker through a separate legal entity (the Venture). Construction was completed in the third quarter of 2020.
In
2021, the Company recorded a $i17.7 million impairment of its equity investment in the Venture due to a change in the anticipated holding period as it entered into a plan to sell the Partnership’s interest in the Venture.
In March 2022, the Partnership completed the sale of its ownership interest in the Venture for a gross sales price of $i208.6
million. Upon sale, the Company recognized income of $i5.0 million in Equity in earnings (losses) from unconsolidated ventures in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Based upon the Partnership’s waterfall, $i168.9 million
of the net sales proceeds were allocated to the Company with the remaining $i22.1 million allocated to the local developer.
The Lawn Club In January 2021, the Company formed HHC Lawn Games, LLC with The Lawn Club NYC, LLC (Endorphin Ventures), to construct and operate an immersive indoor and
outdoor restaurant that includes an extensive area of indoor grass, a stylish clubhouse bar, and a wide variety of lawn games. This concept opened in the fourth quarter of 2023. Under the terms of the initial agreement, the Company funded i80% of the cost to construct the restaurant, and Endorphin Ventures contributed the remaining i20%.
In October 2023, the members executed an amended LLC agreement, in which the Company will fund i90% of any remaining capital requirements, and Endorphin Ventures will contribute the remaining i10%.
The
Company recognizes its share of income or loss based on the joint venture distribution priorities, which could fluctuate over time. Upon return of each member’s contributed capital and a preferred return to HHH, distributions and recognition of income or loss will be allocated to the Company based on its final profit-sharing interest. The Company also entered into a lease agreement with HHC Lawn Games, LLC to lease i20,000 square feet of the
Fulton Market Building for this venture.
Ssäm Bar In 2016, the Company formed Pier 17 Restaurant C101, LLC (Ssäm Bar) with MomoPier, LLC (Momofuku) to construct and operate a restaurant and bar at Pier 17 in the Seaport, which opened in 2019. The Company recognizes its share of income or loss based on the joint venture’s distribution priorities, which could fluctuate over time. During the third quarter of 2023, the Ssäm Bar restaurant closed, and the Company and Momofuku are in the process of dissolving the venture. Additionally, the
Company recognized an impairment of $i5.0 million related to this investment during the year ended December 31, 2023. See Note 4 - Impairment for additional detail.
Tin Building by Jean-Georges In 2015, the Company formed Fulton Seafood Market, LLC
(Tin Building by Jean-Georges), with VS-Fulton Seafood Market, LLC (Fulton Partner), to operate a i53,783 square foot culinary marketplace in the historic Tin Building. The Fulton Partner is a wholly owned subsidiary of Jean-Georges Restaurants. The Company purchased a i25%
interest in Jean-George Restaurants in March 2022 as discussed below.
The Company owns i100% of the Tin Building and leased i100% of
the space to the Tin Building by Jean-Georges joint venture. Throughout this report, references to the Tin Building relate to the Company’s i100% owned landlord operations and references to the Tin Building by Jean-Georges refer to the managed business in which the Company has an equity ownership interest. The Company, as landlord, funded i100%
of the development and construction of the Tin Building. Under the terms of the Tin Building by Jean-Georges LLC agreement, the Company contributes the cash necessary to fund pre-opening, opening, and operating costs of Fulton Seafood Market LLC. The Fulton Partner is not required to make any capital contributions. The Tin Building was completed and placed in service during the third quarter of 2022, and the Tin Building by Jean-Georges culinary marketplace began operations in the third quarter of 2022. Based on capital contribution and distribution provisions for the Tin Building by Jean-Georges, the Company currently receives substantially all of the economic interest in the venture. Upon return of the Company’s
contributed capital and a preferred return, distributions and recognition of income or loss will be allocated to the Company based on its final profit-sharing interest.
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Tin Building by Jean-Georges is classified as a VIE as the equity holders, as a group, lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest. The Company is not the primary beneficiary of the VIE as it does not have the power to direct the restaurant-related activities that most significantly impact its economic performance. As the
Company is unable to quantify the maximum amount of additional capital contributions that may be funded in the future associated with this investment, the Company’s maximum exposure to loss is currently equal to the $i11.7 million carrying value of the investment as of December 31, 2023. The Company funded capital contributions of $i48.1 million
for the year ended December 31, 2023, and $i43.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022.
The Company recognized an impairment of $i1.2 million
related to this investment in the year ended December 31, 2023. See Note 4 - Impairment for additional detail.
Jean-Georges Restaurants In March 2022, the Company acquired a i25% interest in JG Restaurant HoldCo LLC (Jean-Georges Restaurants) for $i45.0 million
from JG TopCo LLC (Jean-Georges). Jean-Georges Restaurants currently has over i40 hospitality offerings and a pipeline of new concepts. The Company accounts for its ownership interest in accordance with the equity method and recorded its initial investment at cost, inclusive of legal fees and transaction costs. Under the terms of the agreement, all cash distributions and the recognition of income-producing activities will be pro rata based on stated ownership interest. The Company
recognized an impairment of $i30.8 million related to this investment in the year ended December 31, 2023. See Note 4 - Impairment for additional detail.
Concurrent with the Company’s acquisition of the i25%
interest in Jean-Georges Restaurants, the Company entered into a warrant agreement with Jean-Georges. The Company paid $i10.0 million for the option to acquire up to an additional i20%
interest in Jean-Georges Restaurants at a fixed exercise price per share subject to certain anti-dilution provisions. Should the warrant agreement be exercised by the Company, the $i10.0 million will be credited against the aggregate exercise price of the warrants. Per the agreement, the $i10.0 million
is to be used for working capital of Jean-Georges Restaurants. The warrant became exercisable on March 2, 2022, subject to automatic exercise in the event of dissolution or liquidation, and will expire on March 2, 2026. As of December 31, 2023, this warrant has not been exercised. The Company elected the measurement alternative for this purchase option as the equity security does not have a readily determinable fair value. As such, the investment is measured at cost, less any identified impairment charges.
Creative Culinary Management Company, LLC (CCMC), a wholly owned subsidiary of Jean-Georges Restaurants, provides management services for certain retail
and food and beverage businesses that HHH owns, either wholly or through partnerships with third parties. The Company’s businesses managed by CCMC include The Tin Building by Jean-Georges, The Fulton and Malibu Farm. Pursuant to the various management agreements, CCMC is responsible for employment and supervision of all employees providing services for the food and beverage operations and restaurants as well as the day-to-day operations and accounting for the food and beverage operations.
The Summit In 2015, the Company formed DLV/HHPI Summerlin, LLC (The Summit) with Discovery Land Company (Discovery) to develop a custom home community in Summerlin.
Phase
I The Company contributed land with a carrying value of $i13.4 million and transferred SID bonds related to such land with a carrying value of $i1.3 million
to The Summit at the agreed upon capital contribution value of $i125.4 million, or $i226,000 per acre, and has no further capital obligations. Discovery
is required to fund up to a maximum of $i30.0 million of cash as their capital contribution, of which $i3.8
million has been contributed. The gains on the contributed land are recognized in Equity in earnings (losses) from unconsolidated ventures as The Summit sells lots. The Company has received its preferred return distributions and recognizes its share of income or loss for Phase I based on its final profit-sharing interest.
Phase II In July 2022, the Company contributed an additional i54 acres to The Summit
(Phase II land) with a fair value of $i21.5 million. The Company recognized an incremental equity method investment at the fair value of $i21.5 million and recognized
a gain of $i13.5 million recorded in Equity in earnings (losses) from unconsolidated ventures. This gain is the result of marking the cost basis of the land contributed to its estimated fair value at the time of contribution. The Phase II land is adjacent to the existing Summit development and includes approximately i28
custom home sites. The first lot sales closed in the first quarter of 2023. The Company will receive distributions and recognize its share of income or loss for Phase II based on the joint venture’s distribution priorities in the amended Summit LLC agreement, which could fluctuate over time. Upon receipt of preferred returns to HHH, distributions and recognition of income or loss will be allocated to the company based on its final profit-sharing interest.
Floreo In the fourth quarter of 2021, simultaneous with the Teravalis land acquisition, the Company closed on the acquisition of a i50%
interest in Trillium Development Holding Company, LLC (Floreo), for $i59.0 million and entered into a Limited Liability Company Agreement (LLC Agreement) with JDM Partners and El Dorado Holdings to develop the first village within the new Teravalis MPC on i3,029
acres of land in the greater Phoenix, Arizona area. The first Floreo land sales were contracted as of December 31, 2023, and are expected to close in the first quarter of 2024.
In October 2022, Floreo closed on a $i165.0 million financing, with outstanding borrowings of $i78.3 million as of December 31,
2023. The Company provided a guarantee on this financing in the form of a collateral maintenance obligation and received a guarantee fee of $i5.0 million. The financing and related guarantee provided by the Company triggered a reconsideration event, and as of December 31, 2022, Floreo was classified as a VIE. Due to rights held by other members, the
Company does not have a controlling financial interest in Floreo and is not the primary beneficiary. As of December 31, 2023, the Company’s maximum exposure to loss as a result of this investment is limited to the $i55.9 million aggregate carrying value as the Company has not made any other firm commitments to fund
amounts on behalf of this VIE, and cash collateral that the Company may be obligated to post related to its collateral maintenance obligation. See Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies for additional information related to the Company’s collateral maintenance obligation.
West End Alexandria In the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company entered into an Asset Contribution Agreement with Landmark Land Holdings, LLC (West End Alexandria) to redevelop a i52-acre
site previously known as Landmark Mall. Other equity owners include Foulger-Pratt Development, LLC (Foulger-Pratt) and Seritage SRC Finance (Seritage). The Company conveyed its i33-acre Landmark Mall property with an agreed upon fair value of $i56.0 million
and Seritage conveyed an additional i19 acres of land with an agreed upon fair value of $i30.0 million to West End Alexandria in exchange for equity interest. Additionally, Foulger-Pratt agreed to contribute $i10.0 million
to West End Alexandria. Also in the fourth quarter of 2021, West End Alexandria executed a Purchase and Sale Agreement with the City of Alexandria to sell approximately i11 acres to the City of Alexandria. The city will lease this land to Inova Health Care Services for construction of a new hospital.
Development plans for the remaining i41-acre
property include approximately ifour million square feet of residential, retail, commercial, and entertainment offerings integrated into a cohesive neighborhood with a central plaza and a network of parks and public transportation. Foulger-Pratt manages construction of the development. Demolition began in the second quarter of 2022 and was completed in 2023, with the completion of infrastructure work expected in 2025.
The Company does not have the
ability to control the activities that most impact the economic performance of the venture as Foulger-Pratt is the managing member and manages all development activities. As such, the Company accounts for its ownership interest in accordance with the equity method.
Summarized Financial InformationiThe following tables provide combined summarized financial statement information for the
Company’s unconsolidated ventures. Financial statement information is included for each investment for all periods in which the Company’s ownership interest was accounted for as an equity method investment.
Acquisitions In May 2023, the Company acquired the Grogan’s Mill Village Center and related anchor site, a retail property in The Woodlands, Texas consisting of approximately i8.7 acres for $i5.9
million in an asset acquisition. The property is being held in the Strategic Developments segment.
In March 2022, the Company acquired a i25% interest in Jean-Georges Restaurants for $i45.0 million
and paid $i10.0 million for the option to acquire up to an additional i20% interest in Jean-Georges Restaurants through March 2026. Jean-Georges Restaurants currently
has over i40 hospitality offerings and a pipeline of new concepts. See Note 2 - Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures for additional information.
Teravalis In October 2021, the Company acquired Teravalis, a new large-scale master planned community in the West Valley of Phoenix, Arizona. The Company closed on the all-cash
purchase of approximately i33,810 acres (Teravalis Property) for a purchase price of $i541.0 million. The executed purchase and sale agreement included a repurchase option that allowed the seller, or permitted assignee, to repurchase up to i50%
interest in the Teravalis Property within a set term. In June 2022, the seller’s assignee, JDM Member, exercised a minimum purchase option and purchased a i9.24% interest in the Teravalis Property for $i50.0
million. Additionally, in August 2022, JDM Member purchased an additional i2.78% interest in the Teravalis Property for $i15.0 million, after which the remaining repurchase
option expired.
Following the execution of the minimum purchase option, the Company entered into a Limited Liability Company Agreement (LLC Agreement) with JDM Member to form Douglas Ranch Development Holding Company (Teravalis). The Company and JDM Member then contributed their interests in the Teravalis Property to Teravalis in exchange for an equity interest. At December 31, 2023, the Company holds i88.0%
of the Teravalis interests, and JDM Member holds the remaining i12.0%. Teravalis was determined to be a VIE, and as the Company has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact its economic performance, the Company is considered the primary beneficiary and continues to consolidate Teravalis.
Under the terms
of the LLC agreement, cash distributions and the recognition of income-producing activities will be pro rata based on economic ownership interest. As of December 31, 2023, the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets include $i541.6 million of Master Planned Community assets, $i0.6
million of Accounts Payable and other liabilities, and $i65.0 million of Noncontrolling interest related to Teravalis.
Floreo Simultaneous with the Teravalis land acquisition, the Company closed on the acquisition of a i50%
interest in Trillium Development Holding Company, LLC (Floreo), for $i59.0 million. Floreo owns approximately i3,029 acres of land which will be the first village developed within the Teravalis community in the greater Phoenix, Arizona area. See Note
2 - Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures for additional information.
Dispositions Gains and losses on asset dispositions are recorded to Gain (loss) on sale or disposal of real estate and other assets, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, unless otherwise noted.
Operating Assets Subsequent to period end, in February 2024, the Company completed the sale of Creekside Park Medical Plaza, a i32,689
square-foot medical office building in The Woodlands, Texas, for $i14.0 million.
In December 2023, the Company completed the sale of Memorial Hermann Medical Office, a i20,000
square-foot medical office building in The Woodlands, Texas, for $i9.6 million resulting in a gain of $i3.2 million.
In
July 2023, the Company completed the sale of itwo self-storage facilities with a total of i1,370 storage
units in The Woodlands, Texas, for $i30.5 million resulting in a gain of $i16.1 million.
In
March 2023, the Company completed the sale of itwo land parcels in Honolulu, Hawai‘i, including an i11,929-square-foot building at the Ward Village Retail property, for total
consideration of $i6.3 million, resulting in a gain of $i4.7 million.
In
December 2022, the Company completed the sale of Creekside Village Green, a i74,670-square-foot retail property in The Woodlands, Texas, for $i28.4
million resulting in a gain of $i13.4 million.
In December 2022, the Company completed the sale of Lake Woodlands Crossing, a i60,261-square-foot
retail property in The Woodlands, Texas, for $i22.5 million resulting in a gain of $i12.2 million. The
Company retained the underlying land and simultaneously with the sale executed a i99-year ground lease with the buyer, which is classified as an operating lease.
In June 2022, the Company completed the sale of the Outlet Collection at Riverwalk, a i264,080-square-foot
outlet center located in downtown New Orleans, Louisiana, for $i34.0 million resulting in a gain on sale of $i4.0 million, inclusive
of $i0.5 million in related transaction costs.
In March 2022, the Company completed the sale of its ownership interest in 110 North Wacker for $i208.6
million. See Note 2 - Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures for additional information.
In September 2021, the Company completed the sale of The Woodlands Resort, The Westin at The Woodlands, and Embassy Suites at Hughes Landing for $i252.0 million resulting in a igain
on sale of $i39.1 million, inclusive of approximately $i2.9 million in related transaction costs. Additionally, as part of the sale, the
Company repaid $i132.3 million of debt directly associated with the properties sold.
Strategic Developments In December 2021, the Company completed the sale of Century Park, a i63-acre,
i1,302,597-square-foot campus with i17 office buildings in the West Houston Energy Corridor, for $i25.0
million resulting in a loss on sale of $i7.4 million, inclusive of approximately $i0.4 million in related transaction costs.
In
May 2021, the Company completed the sale of Monarch City, a property that comprised approximately i229 acres of undeveloped land in Collin County, Texas, for $i51.4 million, resulting
in a gain on sale of $i21.3 million, inclusive of approximately $i1.5 million in related transaction costs.
i
4.
Impairment
The Company reviews its long-lived assets for potential impairment indicators whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Impairment or disposal of long‑lived assets in accordance with ASC 360 requires that if impairment indicators exist and expected undiscounted cash flows generated by the asset over an anticipated holding period are less than its carrying amount, an impairment provision should be recorded to write down the carrying amount of the asset to its fair value. The impairment analysis does not consider the timing of future cash flows and whether the asset is expected to earn an above- or below-market rate of return.
The
Company periodically evaluates strategic alternatives with respect to each property and may revise the strategy from time to time, including the intent to hold the asset on a long-term basis or the timing of potential asset dispositions. For example, the Company may decide to sell property that is held for use, and the sale price may be less than the carrying amount. As a result, changes in strategy could result in impairment charges in future periods.
The Company evaluates each investment in an unconsolidated venture discussed in Note 2 - Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures periodically for recoverability and valuation declines that are other-than-temporary. If
the decrease in value of an investment is deemed to be other-than-temporary, the investment is reduced to its estimated fair value.
Seaport In 2023, the Company recorded a $i709.5 million impairment charge related to the Seaport segment. The Company recognized the impairment due to
decreases in estimated future cash flows due to significant uncertainty of future performance as stabilization and profitability are taking longer than expected, pressure on the current cost structure, decreased demand for office space, as well as an increase in the capitalization rate and a decrease in restaurant multiples used to evaluate future cash flows. The Company used a discounted cash flow analysis to determine fair value, with capitalization rates ranging from i5.5% to i6.75%,
discount rates ranging from i8.5% to i13.3%, and restaurant multiples ranging from i8.3
to i11.8.
The assumptions and estimates included in the Company’s impairment analysis require significant judgment about future events, market conditions, and financial performance. Actual results may differ from these assumptions. There can be no assurance that these estimates and assumptions will prove to be an accurate prediction of the future.
Operating Assets In
2021, the Company recorded a $i13.1 million impairment charge for Century Park, a non-core asset acquired as part of the acquisition of The Woodlands Towers at The Waterway. The Century Park asset included both building and land components. The impairment related to the building component, while the land component was not impaired. The Company recognized an impairment due to decreases in estimated future cash flows and as a result of the impact of
a shorter-than-anticipated holding term. The Company used weighted market and income valuation techniques to estimate the fair value of Century Park. Market valuation was based on recent sales of similar commercial properties in and around Houston, Texas. For the income approach, the Company utilized a capitalization rate of i8.75%, probability-weighted scenarios assuming lease-up periods ranging from i24
months to i48 months, and management’s estimate of future lease income and carry costs. In December 2021, the Company completed the sale of Century Park.
In 2021, the Company recorded a $i17.7 million impairment
of its equity investment in 110 North Wacker. The Company recognized the impairment due to a change in the anticipated holding period as the Company entered into a plan to sell its interest in 110 North Wacker. In March 2022, the Company completed the sale of its ownership interest in 110 North Wacker.
For information regarding the asset sales discussed above, see Note 3 - Acquisitions and Dispositions.
i
The
following table summarizes the pre-tax impacts of the items mentioned above on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31:
thousands
Statements of Operations Line Item
2023
2022
2021
Seaport
Buildings
and equipment (a)
Provision for impairment
$
i445,818
$
i—
$
i—
Land
(a)
Provision for impairment
i11,734
i—
i—
Developments
(a)
Provision for impairment
i214,940
i—
i—
Net
investment in real estate
i672,492
i—
i—
Investments
in unconsolidated ventures (b)
Equity in earnings (losses) from unconsolidated ventures
i37,001
i—
i—
Total
Seaport
$
i709,493
$
i—
$
i—
Operating
Assets
Buildings and equipment (c)
Provision for impairment
$
i—
$
i—
$
i13,068
Investments
in unconsolidated ventures (d)
Equity in earnings (losses) from unconsolidated ventures
i—
i—
i17,673
Total
Operating Assets
$
i—
$
i—
$
i30,741
(a)The
above table represents the final balance sheet impacts of the 2023 Seaport impairment. Due to an adjustment to the allocation of the impairment between properties, this differs slightly from what was initially reported in the third quarter of 2023. The adjustment did not have an impact on the total impairment amount.
(b)Impairment charges relate to the Company’s investments in Jean-Georges Restaurants, Ssäm Bar, and Tin Building unconsolidated ventures. See Note 2 - Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures for additional information.
(c)Impairment charges related to Century Park as discussed above.
(d)Impairment charges related to the
Company’s investment in 110 North Wacker as discussed above.
Other Assets, Net iThe
following table summarizes the significant components of Other assets, net as of December 31:
thousands
2023
2022
Security, escrow, and other deposits
$
i81,891
$
i48,578
Special
Improvement District receivable, net
i74,899
i64,091
In-place
leases, net
i35,490
i39,696
Intangibles,
net
i21,894
i25,170
Other
i19,248
i12,555
Prepaid
expenses
i16,984
i18,806
Tenant
incentives and other receivables, net
i10,840
i8,252
Interest
rate derivative assets
i10,318
i30,860
TIF receivable,
net
i6,371
i1,893
Net
investment in lease receivable
i2,883
i2,895
Notes
receivable, net
i1,558
i3,339
Condominium
inventory
i671
i22,452
Other
assets, net
$
i283,047
$
i278,587
Accounts
Payable and Other Liabilities iThe following table summarizes the significant components of Accounts payable and other liabilities as of December 31:
thousands
2023
2022
Condominium
deposit liabilities
$
i478,870
$
i390,253
Construction
payables
i257,227
i260,257
Deferred
income
i118,432
i85,006
Accrued interest
i54,301
i49,156
Accounts
payable and accrued expenses
i49,363
i36,174
Accrued
payroll and other employee liabilities
i33,314
i30,874
Accrued
real estate taxes
i30,096
i37,835
Tenant
and other deposits
i29,976
i26,100
Other
i24,461
i28,856
Accounts
payable and other liabilities
$
i1,076,040
$
i944,511
/
i
6.
Intangibles
i
The following table summarizes the Company’s intangible assets and liabilities:
(a)Primarily associated with the Company’s Las Vegas Aviators
Triple-A professional baseball team
The tenant in-place, above-market, and below-market lease intangible assets resulted from real estate acquisitions. The in‑place value and above-market value of tenant leases are included in Other assets, net and are amortized over periods that approximate the related lease terms. The below‑market tenant leases are included in Accounts payable and other liabilities and are amortized over the remaining non-cancelable terms of the respective leases. See Note 5 - Other Assets and Liabilities for additional information regarding Other assets, net and Accounts payable and other liabilities.
Net amortization and accretion expense for these intangible assets and liabilities was $i7.1
million in 2023, $i7.5 million in 2022, and $i7.5 million in 2021.
i
Future
net amortization and accretion expense is estimated for each of the five succeeding years as shown below:
thousands
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
Net
amortization and accretion expense
$
i7,080
$
i7,242
$
i7,208
$
i6,933
$
i6,881
/
i
7.
Mortgages, Notes, and Loans Payable, Net
Mortgages, Notes, and Loans Payable iAll mortgages, notes, and loans payable of HHH are held by HHC and its subsidiaries.
December
31,
thousands
2023
2022
Fixed-rate debt
Senior unsecured notes
$
i2,050,000
$
i2,050,000
Secured
mortgages payable
i1,485,494
i1,500,841
Special
Improvement District bonds
i65,627
i59,777
Variable-rate
debt (a)
Secured Bridgeland Notes
i475,000
i275,000
Secured
mortgages payable
i1,276,489
i916,570
Unamortized
deferred financing costs (b)
(i49,990)
(i55,005)
Mortgages, notes,
and loans payable, net
$
i5,302,620
$
i4,747,183
(a)The
Company has entered into derivative instruments to manage the variable interest rate exposure. The Company had an interest rate swap and two interest rate caps that expired in the third quarter of 2023. See Note 9 - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities for additional information.
(b)Deferred financing costs are amortized to interest expense over the initial contractual term of the respective financing agreements using the effective interest method (or other methods which approximate the effective interest method).
As of December 31, 2023, land, buildings and equipment, developments, and other collateral with an aggregate net
book value of $i4.7 billion have been pledged as collateral for the Company’s debt obligations. Senior notes totaling $i2.1 billion and $i68.4 million
of Secured mortgages payable are recourse to the Company.
Senior Unsecured Notes During 2020 and 2021, the Company issued $ii2.1/ billion
of aggregate principal of senior unsecured notes. These notes have fixed rates of interest that are payable semi-annually and are interest only until maturity. These debt obligations are redeemable prior to the maturity date subject to a “make-whole” premium which decreases annually until 2026 at which time the redemption make-whole premium is no longer applicable. iThe following table summarizes the Company’s senior unsecured notes by issuance date:
Secured Mortgages PayableThe Company’s outstanding mortgages are collateralized by certain of the Company’s real estate assets. Certain of the Company’s loans contain provisions that grant the lender a security
interest in the operating cash flow of the property that represents the collateral for the loan. Certain mortgage notes may be prepaid subject to a prepayment penalty equal to a yield maintenance premium, defeasance, or a percentage of the loan balance. Construction loans related to the Company’s development properties are generally variable-rate, interest-only, and have maturities of ifive years or less. Debt obligations related to the Company’s operating properties generally require monthly installments of principal
and interest.
i
The following table summarizes the Company’s Secured mortgages payable:
(a)Interest
rates presented are based upon the coupon rates of the Company’s fixed-rate debt obligations.
(b)Interest rates presented are based on the applicable reference interest rates as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, excluding the effects of interest rate derivatives.
/
The Company has entered into derivative instruments to manage its variable interest rate exposure. The weighted-average interest rate of the
Company’s variable-rate mortgages payable, inclusive of interest rate derivatives, was i7.98% as of December 31, 2023, and i5.91% as of December 31, 2022. See Note 9 - Derivative Instruments
and Hedging Activities for additional information.
The Company’s secured mortgages mature over various terms through September 2052. On certain of its debt obligations, the Company has the option to exercise extension options, subject to certain terms, which may include minimum debt service coverage, minimum occupancy levels or condominium sales levels, as applicable, and other performance criteria. In certain cases, due to property performance not meeting identified covenants, the Company may be required to pay down a portion of the loan to exercise the extension option.
During
2023, the Company’s mortgage activity included draws on existing mortgages of $i384.4 million, refinancings of $i161.0 million, and repayments of $i48.4 million.
As of December 31, 2023, the Company’s secured mortgage loans had $i1.0 billion of undrawn lender commitment available to be drawn for property development, subject to certain restrictions.
Special Improvement District Bonds The Summerlin MPC uses SID bonds to finance certain common infrastructure improvements. These bonds are issued by the municipalities and
are secured by the assessments on the land. The majority of proceeds from each bond issued is held in a construction escrow and disbursed to the Company as infrastructure projects are completed, inspected by the municipalities, and approved for reimbursement. Accordingly, the SID bonds have been classified as debt, and the Summerlin MPC pays the debt service on the bonds semi‑annually. As Summerlin sells land, the buyers assume a proportionate share of the bond obligation at closing, and the residential sales contracts provide for the reimbursement of the principal amounts that the Company previously paid with respect to such proportionate share of the bond. These bonds bear interest at fixed rates ranging
from i4.13% to i7.00% with maturities ranging from 2025 to 2053 as of December 31, 2023, and fixed rates ranging from i4.13%
to i6.05% with maturities ranging from 2025 to 2051 as of December 31, 2022. For the year ended December 31, 2023, $i21.3 million
in SID bonds were issued and obligations of $i13.9 million were assumed by buyers.
Secured Bridgeland Notes In September 2021, the Company closed on a $i275.0 million
financing with maturity in 2026. This financing is secured by MUD receivables and land in Bridgeland. The loan required a $i27.5 million fully refundable deposit and has an interest rate of i7.64% at December 31,
2023, and i6.60% at December 31, 2022. Due to the maturity of one of the Company’s interest rate swaps in September 2023, this financing was not covered by an interest rate derivative at December 31, 2023. The interest rate inclusive of interest rate derivatives was i5.28%
at December 31, 2022. In December 2022, the borrowing capacity of this obligation was expanded from $i275.0 million to $i475.0 million. An additional $i200.0 million
was drawn in 2023, bringing outstanding borrowings to $i475.0 million as of December 31, 2023.
Debt Compliance As of December 31, 2023, the Company was in compliance with all property-level debt covenants with the exception of ifive property-level debt instruments.
As a result, the excess net cash flow after debt service from the underlying properties became restricted. While the restricted cash could not be used for general corporate purposes, it could be used to fund operations of the underlying assets and did not have a material impact on the Company’s liquidity or its ability to operate these assets. Additionally, ione property-level debt instrument that was not in compliance as of September 30, 2023,
is in compliance as of December 31, 2023, but requires two consecutive quarters of compliance to remove the cash flow restriction.
Scheduled Maturities iThe following table summarizes the contractual obligations relating to the Company’s mortgages, notes, and loans payable as of December 31, 2023:
thousands
Mortgages,
notes, and loans payable principal payments
2024
$
i214,526
2025
i527,478
2026
i968,964
2027
i298,601
2028
i835,522
Thereafter
i2,507,519
Total
principal payments
i5,352,610
Unamortized deferred financing costs
(i49,990)
Mortgages,
notes, and loans payable
$
i5,302,620
i
8.
Fair Value
ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement, emphasizes that fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined using assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. The standard establishes a hierarchical disclosure framework that prioritizes and ranks the level of market price observability used in measuring assets or liabilities at fair value. Market price observability is impacted by a number of factors, including the type of investment and the characteristics specific to the asset or liability. Assets or liabilities with readily available active quoted prices, or for which fair value can be measured from actively quoted prices, generally will have a higher degree of market price observability and a lesser degree of judgment used in measuring fair value.
i
The
following table presents the fair value measurement hierarchy levels required under ASC 820 for the Company’s assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The Company does not have any liabilities that are measured at a fair value on a recurring basis for the periods presented.
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Total
Quoted Prices
in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Interest
rate derivative assets
$
i10,318
$
i—
$
i10,318
$
i—
$
i30,860
$
i—
$
i30,860
$
i—
/
The
fair values of interest rate derivatives are determined using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed cash payments and the discounted expected variable cash receipts. The variable cash receipts are based on an expectation of future interest rates derived from observable market interest rate curves.
(a)Accounts
receivable, net is shown net of an allowance of $i15.0 million at December 31, 2023, and $i8.9 million at December 31,
2022. Refer to Note 1 - Presentation of Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies for additional information on the allowance.
The carrying amounts of Cash and restricted cash, Accounts receivable, net, and Notes receivable, net approximate fair value
because of the short‑term maturity of these instruments.
The fair value of the Company’s Senior Notes, included in fixed-rate debt in the table above, is based upon the trade price closest to the end of the period presented. The fair value of other fixed-rate debt in the table above was estimated based on a discounted future cash payment model, which includes risk premiums and risk-free rates derived from the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) or U.S. Treasury obligation interest rates as of December 31, 2023. Refer to Note 7 - Mortgages, Notes, and Loans Payable, Net for additional information. The discount rates reflect the
Company’s judgment as to what the approximate current lending rates for loans or groups of loans with similar maturities and credit quality would be if credit markets were operating efficiently and assuming that the debt is outstanding through maturity.
The carrying amounts for the Company’s variable-rate debt approximate fair value given that the interest rates are variable and adjust with current market rates for instruments with similar risks and maturities.
i
The
below table includes a non-financial asset that was measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis resulting in the property being impaired:
Fair Value Measurements Using
thousands
Total
Fair Value Measurement (a)
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
2023
Seaport Net investment in real estate
$
i321,180
$
i—
$
i—
$
i321,180
Seaport
Investments in unconsolidated ventures
i40,225
i—
i—
i40,225
(a)The
fair value was measured as of the impairment date in the third quarter of 2023 using a discounted cash flow analysis to determine fair value, with capitalization rates ranging from i5.5% to i6.75%, discount rates ranging from i8.5%
to i13.3%, and restaurant multiples ranging from i8.3 to i11.8.
Refer to Note 4 - Impairment for additional information.
The
Company is exposed to interest rate risk related to its variable interest rate debt, and it manages this risk by utilizing interest rate derivatives. The Company uses interest rate swaps, collars, and caps to add stability to interest costs by reducing the Company’s exposure to interest rate movements. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company’s fixed‑rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount. Interest rate collars designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty if interest rates rise above an established ceiling
rate and payment of variable amounts to a counterparty if interest rates fall below an established floor rate, in exchange for an upfront premium. No payments or receipts are exchanged on interest rate collar contracts unless interest rates rise above or fall below the established ceiling and floor rates. Interest rate caps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty if interest rates rise above the strike rate on the contract in exchange for an upfront premium. Certain of the Company’s interest rate caps are not currently designated as hedges, and therefore, any gains or losses are recognized in current-period earnings within Interest expense on the Consolidated
Statements of Operations. These derivatives are recorded on a gross basis at fair value on the balance sheet.
Assessments of hedge effectiveness are performed quarterly using regression analysis. The change in the fair value of derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges is recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI) and is subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings within the same income statement line item being hedged. Derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges are classified in the same category in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as the items being hedged. Gains and losses from derivative financial instruments are reported in Cash provided by (used in) operating activities within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
The
Company is exposed to credit risk in the event of non-performance by its derivative counterparties. To mitigate its credit risk, the Company reviews the creditworthiness of counterparties and enters into agreements with those that are considered credit-worthy, such as large financial institutions with favorable credit ratings. There were no derivative counterparty defaults as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.
If the derivative contracts are terminated prior to their maturity, the amounts previously recorded in AOCI are recognized in earnings over the period that the hedged transaction impacts earnings. During the
years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, there were iino/
termination events. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recorded an immaterial reduction in Interest expense related to the amortization of a previously terminated swap.
Amounts reported in AOCI related to derivatives will be reclassified to Interest expense as interest payments are made on the Company’s variable‑rate debt. Over the next 12 months, HHH estimates that $i4.6
million of net gain will be reclassified to Interest expense including amounts related to the amortization of terminated swaps.
The following table summarizes certain terms of the Company’s derivative contracts. The Company reports derivative assets in Other assets, net and derivative liabilities in Accounts payable and other liabilities.
Fair
Value Asset (Liability)
Notional
Fixed Interest
Effective
Maturity
December 31,
December 31,
thousands
Amount
Rate (a)
Date
Date
2023
2022
Derivative
instruments not designated as hedging instruments: (b)
Interest rate cap
i285,000
i2.00%
3/12/2021
9/15/2023
$
i—
$
i5,748
Interest
rate cap
i83,200
i2.00%
3/12/2021
9/15/2023
i—
i1,677
Interest
rate cap
i75,000
i2.50%
10/12/2021
9/29/2025
i2,274
i3,791
Interest
rate cap
i59,500
i2.50%
10/12/2021
9/29/2025
i1,804
i3,007
Interest
rate collar
i53,272
i2.00% - i4.50%
6/1/2023
6/1/2025
i417
i—
Interest
rate collar
i33,260
i2.00% - i4.50%
6/1/2023
6/1/2025
i440
i—
Derivative
instruments designated as hedging instruments:
Interest rate swap
i615,000
i2.98%
9/21/2018
9/18/2023
$
i—
$
i8,262
Interest
rate swap
i200,000
i3.69%
1/3/2023
1/1/2027
i117
i978
Interest
rate cap
i127,000
i5.50%
11/10/2022
11/7/2024
i28
i378
Interest
rate cap
i74,120
i5.00%
12/22/2022
12/21/2025
i223
i655
Interest
rate swap
i40,800
i1.68%
3/1/2022
2/18/2027
i2,496
i3,321
Interest
rate swap
i34,857
i4.89%
11/1/2019
1/1/2032
i2,519
i3,043
Total
fair value derivative assets
$
i10,318
$
i30,860
Total
fair value derivative liabilities
i—
i—
Total
fair value derivatives asset (liability), net
$
i10,318
$
i30,860
(a)These
rates represent the swap rate and cap strike rate on HHH’s interest rate swaps, caps, and collars.
(b)Interest income related to these contracts was $i0.5 million in 2023 and $i13.0 million
in 2022.
/
i
The tables below present the effect of the Company’s derivative financial instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31:
Derivatives
in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI on Derivatives
thousands
2023
2022
2021
Interest rate derivatives
$
i3,809
$
i25,657
$
i5,300
Location
of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Statements of Operations
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Statements of Operations
thousands
2023
2022
2021
Interest expense
$
i13,131
$
(i6,041)
$
(i12,660)
/
Credit-risk-related
Contingent Features The Company has agreements with certain derivative counterparties that contain a provision where if the Company defaults on any of its indebtedness, including default where repayment of the indebtedness has not been accelerated by the lender, then the Company could also be declared in default on its derivative obligations. The Company also has agreements with certain derivative counterparties that contain a provision where the Company could be declared in default on its derivative obligations if
repayment of the underlying indebtedness is accelerated by the lender due to the Company’s default on the indebtedness. iNone of the Company’s derivatives which contain credit-risk-related features were in a net liability position as of December 31, 2023.
Litigation In the normal course of business, from time to time, the Company is involved in legal proceedings relating to the ownership and operations of its properties. In management’s opinion, the liabilities, if any, that may ultimately result from normal course of business legal actions are not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.
Timarron Park On June 14, 2018, the
Company was served with a petition involving approximately i500individuals or entities who claim that their properties, located in the Timarron Park neighborhood of The Woodlands, were damaged by flood waters that resulted from the unprecedented rainfall that occurred throughout Harris County and surrounding areas during Hurricane Harvey in August 2017. The complaint was filed in State Court in Harris County of the State of Texas. In general, the plaintiffs allege negligence in the development of Timarron Park and violations of Texas’ Deceptive
Trade Practices Act and name as defendants The Howard Hughes Corporation, The Woodlands Land Development Company, and itwo unaffiliated parties involved in the planning and engineering of Timarron Park. The plaintiffs are seeking restitution for damages to their property and diminution of their property values. On August 9, 2022, the Court granted the Company’s summary judgment motions and dismissed the plaintiffs’ claims. On September
8, 2022, the plaintiffs filed a motion for a new trial. On October 21, 2022, the Court denied the motion for a new trial. On November 7, 2022, the Plaintiffs filed their notice of appeal. The Company will continue to vigorously defend the matter as it believes that these claims are without merit and that it has substantial legal and factual defenses to the claims and allegations contained in the complaint. Based upon the present status of this matter, the Company does not believe it is probable that a loss will be incurred. Accordingly, the Company has not recorded a charge as a result of this action.
WaieaThe
Company entered into a settlement agreement with the Waiea homeowners association related to certain construction defects at the condominium tower. Pursuant to the settlement agreement, the Company will pay for the repair of the defects. The Company believes that the general contractor is ultimately responsible for the defects and as such the Company should be entitled to recover all the repair costs from the general contractor, other responsible parties, and insurance proceeds; however, the Company can provide no assurances that all or any portion of the costs will be recovered. Total estimated cost related to the remediation
is $i155.4 million, inclusive of $i16.1 million of additional anticipated costs recognized in 2023. As of December 31, 2023, a
total of $i8.7 million remains in Construction payables for the estimated repair costs related to this matter, which is included in Accounts payable and other liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
250 Water Street In 2021, the Company received the necessary approvals for its 250 Water Street development project, which includes a mixed-use development
with affordable and market-rate apartments, community-oriented spaces, and office space. In May 2021, the Company received approval from the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) on its proposed design for the 250 Water Street site. The Company received final approvals in December 2021 through the New York City Uniform Land Use Review Procedure known as ULURP, which allowed the necessary transfer of development rights to the parking lot site. The Company began initial foundation and voluntary site remediation work in the second quarter of 2022 and completed remediation work in December 2023.
The
Company has prevailed in various lawsuits filed in 2021 and 2022 challenging the development approvals in order to prevent construction of this project. In September 2021, the New York State Supreme Court dismissed on procedural grounds a lawsuit challenging the LPC approval. In February 2022, an additional lawsuit was filed in New York State Supreme Court by opponents of the project challenging the land use approvals for 250 Water Street previously granted to the Company under the ULURP, and in August 2022 the Court ruled in the Company’s favor, denying all claims of the petitioners. The same petitioners subsequently filed a request to reargue and renew the case, which the Court rejected in January 2023.
A separate lawsuit was filed in July 2022 again challenging the Landmarks Preservation Commission approval. In January 2023, a Court ruled in favor of the petitioners
vacating the Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) issued by the LPC. The Company immediately appealed this decision to the New York State Supreme Court’s Appellate Division, and on June 6, 2023, an Appellate Division panel of five judges unanimously reversed the lower Court’s decision, reinstating the COA. Subsequently, on June 29, 2023, petitioners filed a motion requesting reargument or, in the alternative, permission to appeal the decision of the Appellate Division to the New York State Court of Appeals. On August 31, 2023, the Appellate denied petitioners’ motion in full. Subsequently, petitioners filed a motion in the Court of Appeals for permission to appeal to that court. The decision on the motion by the Court of Appeals is pending.
Although it is not possible to predict with certainty the outcome of petitioners’ motion, such requests are rarely granted and there is no further judicial recourse after the Court of Appeals. If the pending motion for permission to appeal were to be granted by the Court of Appeals, the Company believes the Appellate Division’s ruling will be upheld based on the substantial legal and factual arguments supporting its decision. The lawsuit is not seeking monetary damages as the petitioners are seeking to enjoin the Company from moving forward with the development of 250 Water Street. Because the Company believes that a potential loss is not probable or estimable, it has not recorded any reserves or contingencies
related to this legal matter.
Letters of Credit and Surety Bonds As of December 31, 2023, the Company had outstanding letters of credit totaling $i3.9 million and surety bonds totaling $i470.4
million. As of December 31, 2022, the Company had outstanding letters of credit totaling $i2.1 million and surety bonds totaling $i346.3
million. These letters of credit and surety bonds were issued primarily in connection with insurance requirements, special real estate assessments, and construction obligations.
Operating LeasesThe Company leases land or buildings at certain properties from third parties, which are recorded in Operating lease right-of-use assets and Operating lease obligations on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 17 - Leases for further discussion. Contractual rental expense, including participation rent, was $i5.3
million for the year ended December 31, 2023, $i5.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, and $i7.2 million for the year ended December 31,
2021. The amortization of above and below‑market ground leases and straight‑line rents included in the contractual rent amount was not significant.
Guarantee Agreements The Company evaluates the likelihood of future performance under the below guarantees and, as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, there were no events requiring financial performance under the following guarantees.
Floreo In October 2022, Floreo, the Company’s i50%
owned joint venture in Teravalis, closed on a $i165 million bond financing with Mizuho Capital Markets, LLC (Mizuho). Outstanding borrowings as of December 31, 2023, were $i78.3 million. A wholly owned subsidiary of the
Company (HHC Member) provided a guarantee for the bond in the form of a collateral maintenance commitment under which it will post refundable cash collateral if the Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio exceeds i50%. A separate wholly owned subsidiary of the Company also provided a backstop guarantee of up to $i50 million
of the cash collateral commitment in the event HHC Member fails to make necessary payments when due. The cash collateral becomes nonrefundable if Floreo defaults on the bond obligation. The Company received a fee of $i5.0 million in exchange for providing this guarantee, which was recognized in Accounts payable and other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2023. This liability amount will be recognized in Other income (loss), net in a manner that
corresponds to the bond repayment by Floreo. The Company’s maximum exposure under this guarantee is equal to the cash collateral that the Company may be obligated to post. As of December 31, 2023, the Company has not posted any cash collateral. Given the existence of other collateral including the undeveloped land owned by Floreo, the entity’s extensive and discretionary development plan, and its eligibility for reimbursement of a significant part of the development costs from the Community Facility District in Arizona, the Company does not expect to have to post collateral.
Tin
Building In conjunction with the execution of the ground lease for the Seaport, the Company executed a completion guarantee for the core and shell construction of the Tin Building. The core and shell construction was completed in the fourth quarter of 2021, and the remainder of construction was completed in the third quarter of 2022. The Company received the necessary approvals from the New York City Economic Development Corporation to relinquish the guarantee in early 2023.
Downtown ColumbiaThe Company’s wholly owned subsidiaries
agreed to complete defined public improvements and to indemnify Howard County, Maryland, for certain matters as part of the Downtown Columbia Redevelopment District TIF bonds. To the extent that increases in taxes do not cover debt service payments on the TIF bonds, the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary is obligated to pay special taxes. Management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2023, any obligations to pay special taxes are not probable.
Ward Village As part of the Company’s development permits with the Hawai‘i Community Development Authority for the condominium towers at Ward Village, the Company entered into a guarantee whereby it is required to reserve i20%
of the residential units for local residents who meet certain maximum income and net worth requirements. This guarantee, which is triggered once the necessary permits are granted and construction commences, was satisfied for Waiea, Anaha, and Ae‘o, with the opening of Ke Kilohana, which is a workforce tower fully earmarked to fulfill this obligation for the first ifour towers. The reserved units for ‘A‘ali‘i tower are included in the ‘A‘ali‘i tower. Units for Kō‘ula, Victoria Place, and The Park Ward Village will be satisfied with the construction of Ulana Ward Village,
which is a second workforce tower fully earmarked to fulfill the remaining reserved housing guarantee in the community. Ulana Ward Village began construction in early 2023.
i
11. Stock-Based Compensation Plans
In
May 2020, the Company’s shareholders approved The Howard Hughes Corporation 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (the 2020 Equity Plan). Pursuant to the 2020 Equity Plan, i1,350,000 shares of the Company’s common stock were reserved for issuance. The 2020 Equity Plan provides for grants of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and other stock-based
awards (collectively, the Awards). Employees, directors, and consultants of the Company are eligible for Awards. The 2020 Equity Incentive Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (Compensation Committee).
Prior to the adoption of the 2020 Equity Plan, equity awards were issued under The Howard Hughes Corporation Amended and Restated 2010 Equity Incentive Plan (the 2010 Equity Plan). The adoption of the 2020 Equity Plan did not impact the administration of Awards issued under the 2010 Equity Plan but following adoption of the 2020 Equity Plan, equity awards will no longer be granted under the 2010 Equity Plan.
As of December 31, 2023,
there were a maximum of i727,758 HHH shares available for future grants under the 2020 Equity Plan.
i
The
following summarizes stock-based compensation expense, net of amounts capitalized to development projects, for the years ended December 31:
thousands
2023
2022
2021
Stock Options (a)
$
i336
$
i250
$
i227
Restricted
Stock (b)
i11,389
i6,860
i7,332
Pre-tax
stock-based compensation expense
$
i11,725
$
i7,110
$
i7,559
Income
tax benefit
$
i1,001
$
i636
$
i882
(a)Amounts
shown are net of immaterial amounts capitalized to development projects.
(b)Amounts shown are net of $i4.6 million capitalized to development projects in 2023, $i4.8
million capitalized to development projects in 2022, and $i2.2 million capitalized to development projects in 2021.
/
Stock Options There were no grants or exercises of
stock options in 2023. iThe following table summarizes stock option activity:
Stock Options
Weighted-average
Exercise Price
Weighted-average Remaining Contractual Term (years)
The
total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $i0.1 million during 2022 and $i2.6 million
during 2021, based on the difference between the market price at the exercise date and the exercise price. Cash received from stock option exercises was $i0.3 million in 2022 and $i4.1 million in 2021. The tax benefit from these
exercises was immaterial.
The fair value of stock option awards is determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:
–Expected life—Based on the average of the time to vesting and full term of an option
–Risk-free interest rates—Based on the U.S. Treasury rate over the expected life of an option
–Expected volatility—Based on the average of implied and historical volatilities as of each of the grant dates
i
The
fair value on the grant date and the significant assumptions used in the Black‑Scholes option‑pricing model are as follows:
2022
2021
Weighted-average grant date fair value
$
i37.70
$
i41.52
Assumptions
Expected
life of options (in years)
i7.5
i7.5
Risk-free
interest rate
i3.4
%
i1.2
%
Expected
volatility
i50.3
%
i36.5
%
Expected
annual dividend per share
i—
i—
/
Generally,
options granted vest over requisite service periods, expire iten years after the grant date and generally do not become exercisable until their restrictions on exercise lapse after the ifive-year
anniversary of the grant date.
The balance of unamortized stock option expense as of December 31, 2023, is $i0.9 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted‑average period of i2.6
years.
Restricted Stock Restricted stock awards issued under the 2020 Equity Plan provide that shares awarded may not be sold or otherwise transferred until restrictions have lapsed as established by the Compensation Committee. In addition to the granting of restricted stock to certain members of management, the Company awards restricted stock to non‑employee directors as part of their annual retainer. The management awards generally vest over a range of three to ifive
years, and non‑employee director awards generally vest in approximately ione year.
i
The
following table summarizes restricted stock activity:
The
grant date fair value of restricted stock is based on the closing price of common stock at grant date. For restricted stock awards that vest based on shareholder returns, the grant date fair value is calculated using a Monte-Carlo approach which simulates the Company’s stock price on the corresponding vesting dates and is reflected at the target level of performance. For restricted stock awards that vest based on net asset value per share, the grant date fair value is calculated using a Monte-Carlo approach which simulates the Company’s net asset value on the vesting date and is reflected at the target level of performance.
The weighted-average grant-date fair value per share of restricted stock granted was $i88.19
during 2022 and $i83.91 during 2021. The fair value of restricted stock that vested was $i9.6
million during 2023, $i8.0 million during 2022, and $i6.9 million
during 2021, based on the HHH market price at the vesting date.
The balance of unamortized restricted stock expense as of December 31, 2023, was $i21.2 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted‑average period of i1.9
years.
Deferred income taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements or tax returns. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates currently in effect. Deferred income taxes also reflect the impact of operating loss and tax credit carryforwards.
i
The
following summarizes income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended December 31:
thousands
2023
2022
2021
Current
$
i108
$
i18,478
$
i4,797
Deferred
(i163,843)
i42,022
i10,356
Total
$
(i163,735)
$
i60,500
$
i15,153
/
i
Reconciliation
of the Income tax expense (benefit) if computed at the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate to the Company’s reported Income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended December 31 is as follows:
thousands except percentages
2023
2022
2021
Income
(loss) before income taxes
$
(i715,265)
$
i245,136
$
i64,077
U.S.
federal statutory tax rate
i21.0
%
i21.0
%
i21.0
%
Tax
computed at the U.S. federal statutory rate
$
(i150,206)
$
i51,479
$
i13,456
Increase
(decrease) in valuation allowance, net
i25,401
i1,065
i2,378
State
income tax expense (benefit), net of federal income tax
(i32,041)
i5,483
(i3,182)
Tax
expense (benefit) from other change in rates, prior period adjustments, and other permanent differences
i2,014
i315
(i181)
Tax
expense on compensation disallowance
i2,604
i2,180
i1,570
Net
(income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
(i51)
(i22)
i1,507
Tax
expense (benefit) on tax credits
(i11,456)
i—
(i395)
Income
tax expense (benefit)
$
(i163,735)
$
i60,500
$
i15,153
Effective
tax rate
i22.9
%
i24.7
%
i23.6
%
/
i
As
of December 31, 2023, the amounts and expiration dates of operating loss carryforwards for tax purposes are as follows:
thousands
Amount
Net operating loss carryforwards - Federal (a)
$
i51,731
Net
operating loss carryforwards - State (b)
i587,852
(a)Federal
net operating loss carryforwards have an indefinite carryforward period.
(b)State net operating loss carryforwards of $i272.1 million have an indefinite carryforward period. The remaining $i315.8 million
of carryforwards have varying carryforward periods through 2043. A valuation allowance has been recorded against the deferred tax benefit related to a majority of the state net operating loss carryforwards.
The following summarizes tax effects of temporary differences and carryforwards included in the net deferred tax liabilities as of December 31:
thousands
2023
2022
Deferred
tax assets:
Operating and Strategic Developments properties and fixed assets
$
i204,228
$
i22,447
Investments
in unconsolidated ventures
i11,577
i6,698
Accrued
expenses
i6,924
i6,282
Prepaid
expenses
i2,020
i1,972
Other
i1,845
i—
Operating
loss and tax carryforwards
i52,433
i65,829
Total
deferred tax assets
i279,027
i103,228
Valuation
allowance
(i62,921)
(i39,478)
Total
net deferred tax assets
$
i216,106
$
i63,750
Deferred
tax liabilities:
Master Planned Communities properties
$
(i208,347)
$
(i214,046)
Deferred
income
(i76,908)
(i86,104)
Accounts
receivable
(i18,686)
(i17,761)
Other
i—
(i175)
Total
deferred tax liabilities
(i303,941)
(i318,086)
Total
net deferred tax liabilities
$
(i87,835)
$
(i254,336)
/
The
deferred tax liability associated with the Company’s MPCs is largely attributable to the difference between the basis and value determined as of the date of the acquisition by its predecessors adjusted for sales that have occurred since that time. The recognition of these deferred tax liabilities is dependent upon the timing and sales price of future land sales and the method of accounting used for income tax purposes. The deferred tax liability related to deferred income represents the difference between the income tax method of accounting and the financial statement method of accounting for prior sales of land in the Company’s MPCs.
Generally, the
Company is currently open to audit under the statute of limitations by the Internal Revenue Service as well as state taxing authorities for the years ended December 31, 2020 through 2023. In the Company’s opinion, it has made adequate tax provisions for years subject to examination. However, the final determination of tax examinations and any related litigation could be different from what was reported on the returns.
The Company applies the generally accepted accounting principle related to accounting for uncertainty in income taxes, which prescribes a recognition threshold that a tax position is required to meet before recognition in the financial statements and
provides guidance on derecognition, measurement, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition issues.
The Company recognizes and reports interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits, if applicable, within the provision for income tax expense. The Company had iiino//
unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, or 2021, and therefore did iiino//t
recognize any interest expense or penalties on unrecognized tax benefits.
i
13. Warrants
In 2017, the Company entered into warrant agreements with its then Chief
Executive Officer, David R. Weinreb, (Weinreb Warrant) and then President, Grant Herlitz, (Herlitz Warrant) to acquire i1,965,409 shares and i87,951
shares of common stock for the purchase price of $i50.0 million and $i2.0 million, respectively. The purchase prices paid by the respective executives for the Weinreb Warrant
and the Herlitz Warrant, which qualify as equity instruments, were credited to Additional paid-in capital. In October 2019, in connection with their respective terminations of employment, the Weinreb Warrant became exercisable at an exercise price of $i124.64 per share, and the Herlitz Warrant became exercisable at an exercise price of i117.01
per share. Both warrants expired in 2023 without being exercised.
(a)In March 2022, the Company completed the sale of its ownership interest in 110 North Wacker and released a net of $i6.7 million
from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), representing the Company’s $i8.6 million share of previously deferred gains associated with the Venture’s derivative instruments net of tax expense of $i1.9 million.
Refer to Note 2 - Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures for additional information.
/
i
The following table summarizes the amounts reclassified out of AOCI for the years ended December 31:
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
(Loss) Components
thousands
Affected
line items in the Statements of Operations
2023
2022
(Gains) losses on cash flow hedges
$
(i16,970)
$
i7,778
Interest
expense
Company's share of previously deferred derivative gains
i—
(i8,636)
Equity
in earnings (losses) from unconsolidated ventures
Income taxes on (gains) losses on cash flow hedges
i3,839
i176
Income
tax expense (benefit)
Total reclassifications of (income) loss for the period
Basic earnings (loss) per share (EPS) is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to common stockholders by the weighted‑average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted EPS is computed after adjusting the numerator and denominator of the basic EPS computation for the effects of all potentially dilutive common shares. The dilutive effect of options and non-vested stock issued under stock‑based compensation plans is computed using the treasury stock method. The dilutive effect of the warrants is computed using the if-converted method.
i
Information
related to the Company’s EPS calculations is summarized for the years ended December 31 as follows:
thousands except per share amounts
2023
2022
2021
Net income (loss)
Net
income (loss)
$
(i551,530)
$
i184,636
$
i48,924
Net
(income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
(i243)
(i103)
i7,176
Net
income (loss) attributable to common stockholders
$
(ii551,773/)
$
ii184,533/
$
ii56,100/
Shares
Weighted-average
common shares outstanding - basic
i49,568
i50,513
i54,596
Restricted
stock and stock options
i—
i45
i53
Weighted-average
common shares outstanding - diluted
i49,568
i50,558
i54,649
Net
income (loss) per common share
Basic income (loss) per share
$
(i11.13)
$
i3.65
$
i1.03
Diluted
income (loss) per share
$
(i11.13)
$
i3.65
$
i1.03
Anti-dilutive
shares excluded from diluted EPS
Restricted stock and stock options
i528
i531
i555
Warrants
i—
i2,053
i2,103
/
Common
Stock Repurchases In October 2021, the Company’s board of directors (Board) authorized a share repurchase program, pursuant to which the Company was authorized to purchase up to $i250.0 million of its common stock through open-market transactions. During the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company repurchased
i1,023,284 shares of its common stock, par value $i0.01 per share, for $i96.6
million, or approximately $i94.42 per share. During the first quarter of 2022, the Company repurchased an additional i1,579,646 shares of its common stock, for
$i153.4 million, or approximately $i97.10 per share, thereby completing all authorized purchases under the October 2021 plan.
In March 2022, the
Board authorized an additional share repurchase program, pursuant to which the Company may, from time to time, purchase up to $i250.0 million of its common stock through open-market transactions. The date and time of such repurchases will depend upon market conditions, and the program may be suspended or discontinued at any time. During 2022, the Company repurchased i2,704,228
shares of its common stock under this program for approximately $i235.0 million at an average price of $i86.90 per share. All purchases were funded with cash on hand.
Revenues from contracts with customers (excluding lease-related revenues) are recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to the Company’s customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. Revenue and cost of sales for condominium units sold are not recognized until the construction is complete, the sale closes, and the title to the property has transferred to the buyer (point in time). Additionally, certain real estate selling costs, such as the costs related to the
Company’s condominium model units, are either expensed immediately or capitalized as property and equipment and depreciated over their estimated useful life.
i
The following presents the Company’s revenues disaggregated by revenue source for the years ended December 31:
Contract
Assets and Liabilities Contract assets are the Company’s right to consideration in exchange for goods or services that have been transferred to a customer, excluding any amounts presented as a receivable. Contract liabilities are the Company’s obligation to transfer goods or services to a customer for which the Company has received consideration.
There were no contract
assets for the periods presented. The contract liabilities primarily relate to escrowed condominium deposits, MPC land sales deposits, and deferred MPC land sales related to unsatisfied land improvements. iThe beginning and ending balances of contract liabilities and significant activity during the periods presented are as follows:
Remaining Unsatisfied Performance Obligations The Company’s remaining unsatisfied performance obligations represent a measure of the total dollar value of work to be performed on contracts executed and in progress. These performance obligations primarily relate to the completion of condominium
construction and transfer of control to a buyer, as well as the completion of contracted MPC land sales and related land improvements. These obligations are associated with contracts that generally are non-cancelable by the customer after i30 days; however, purchasers of condominium units have the right to cancel the contract should the Company elect not to construct
the condominium unit within a certain period of time or materially change the design of the condominium unit. The aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to the Company’s remaining unsatisfied performance obligations as of December 31, 2023, is $i2.8 billion. iThe
Company expects to recognize this amount as revenue over the following periods:
thousands
Less than 1 year
1-2 years
3 years and thereafter
Total remaining unsatisfied performance obligations
$
i924,789
$
i411,598
$
i1,432,456
The
Company’s remaining performance obligations are adjusted to reflect any known project cancellations, revisions to project scope and cost, and deferrals, as appropriate. These amounts exclude estimated amounts of variable consideration which are constrained, such as builder price participation.
i
17. Leases
The
Company has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components and has elected to aggregate these components into a single component for all classes of underlying assets. Certain of the Company’s lease agreements include non-lease components such as fixed common area maintenance charges.
Lessee ArrangementsThe Company determines whether an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in Operating lease right-of-use assets and Operating lease obligations on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Right-of-use assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying
asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of future minimum lease payments over the lease term. As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses an estimate of the incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the lease commencement date in determining the present value of future lease payments. The Operating lease right-of-use asset also includes any lease payments made, less any lease incentives and initial direct costs incurred. The
Company does not have any finance leases.
The Company’s lessee agreements consist of operating leases primarily for ground leases and other real estate. The Company’s leases have remaining lease terms of less than i2 years to approximately i50
years, excluding extension options. The Company considers its strategic plan and the life of associated agreements in determining when options to extend or terminate lease terms are reasonably certain of being exercised. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet; the Company recognizes lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Certain of the Company’s lease agreements include variable lease payments based on a percentage of income generated through subleases, changes in price indices and market rates, and other costs arising from operating, maintenance, and taxes. The
Company’s lease agreements do not contain residual value guarantees or restrictive covenants. The Company leases certain buildings and office space constructed on its ground leases to third parties. The Company’s operating leases primarily relate to the Seaport ground leases.
i
The Company’s leased assets and liabilities are as follows:
thousands
2023
2022
Operating
lease right-of-use assets
$
i44,897
$
i46,926
Operating
lease obligations
$
i51,584
$
i51,321
/
i
The
components of lease cost for the years ended December 31 are as follows:
Future
minimum lease payments as of December 31, 2023, are as follows:
thousands
Operating Leases
2024
$
i5,057
2025
i3,668
2026
i3,368
2027
i3,360
2028
i3,424
Thereafter
i240,646
Total
lease payments
i259,523
Less: imputed interest
(i207,939)
Present
value of lease liabilities
$
i51,584
/
Other information related to the Company’s lessee agreements is as follows:
Supplemental
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Information
Year ended December 31,
thousands
2023
2022
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows on operating leases
$
i4,634
$
i5,718
Other
Information
2023
2022
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years)
Operating leases
i44.1
i43.8
Weighted-average
discount rate
Operating leases
i7.8
%
i7.7
%
Lessor
ArrangementsThe Company receives rental income from the leasing of retail, office, multi-family, and other space under operating leases, as well as certain variable tenant recoveries. Such operating leases are with a variety of tenants and have a remaining average term of approximately ifour years. Lease terms generally vary among tenants and may include early termination options, extension options, and fixed rental rate increases or rental rate increases based on an index. Minimum rent revenues
related to operating leases are as followsi:
Year ended December 31,
thousands
2023
2022
Total
minimum rent payments
$
i236,350
$
i229,302
Total
future minimum rents associated with operating leases are as follows:
thousands
Total Minimum Rent
2024
$
i254,076
2025
i245,775
2026
i227,398
2027
i214,671
2028
i191,548
Thereafter
i822,354
Total
$
i1,955,822
Minimum
rent revenues are recognized on a straight‑line basis over the terms of the related leases when collectability is reasonably assured and the tenant has taken possession of, or controls, the physical use of the leased asset. Percentage rent in lieu of fixed minimum rent is recognized as sales are reported from tenants. Minimum rent revenues reported on the Consolidated Statements of Operations also include amortization related to above and below‑market tenant leases on acquired properties.
The
Company has ifour business segments that offer different products and services. HHH’s ifour segments are managed separately because each requires different operating strategies or management expertise and are reflective of management’s operating philosophies
and methods. Because the Company’s ifour segments, Operating Assets, MPC, Seaport, and Strategic Developments, are managed separately, the Company uses different operating measures to assess operating results and allocate resources among them. The one common operating measure used to assess operating results for the Company’s business segments is earnings
before tax (EBT). EBT, as it relates to each business segment, includes the revenues and expenses of each segment, as shown below. EBT excludes corporate expenses and other items that are not allocable to the segments. The Company presents EBT for each segment because the Company use this measure, among others, internally to assess the core operating performance of the Company’s assets. The Company’s segments or assets within such segments could change in the future as development of certain properties commences or other operational or management changes occur. All operations are within the United States. The
Company’s reportable segments are as follows:
–Operating Assets – consists of developed or acquired retail, office, and multi-family properties along with other real estate investments. These properties are currently generating revenues and may be redeveloped, repositioned, or sold to improve segment performance or to recycle capital.
–MPC – consists of the development and sale of land in large‑scale, long‑term community development projects in and around Las Vegas, Nevada; Houston, Texas; and Phoenix, Arizona.
–Seaport – consists of approximately i472,000
square feet of restaurant, retail, and entertainment properties situated in ithree primary locations in New York City: Pier 17, Historic Area/Uplands, and Tin Building as well as the 250 Water Street development, and equity interest in Jean-Georges Restaurants.
–Strategic Developments – consists of residential condominium and commercial property projects currently under development and all other properties held for development which have no substantial operations.
(a)Total revenues includes hospitality revenues of $i35.6
million for the year ended December 31, 2021. Total operating expenses includes hospitality operating costs of $i30.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. In September 2021, the Company completed the sale of its ithree
hospitality properties. Refer to Note 3 - Acquisitions and Dispositions for additional information.
i
The following represents assets by segment and the reconciliation of total segment assets to Total assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31:
thousands
2023
2022
Operating
Assets
$
i3,577,694
$
i3,448,823
Master
Planned Communities
i3,358,821
i3,272,655
Seaport (a)
i485,898
i1,166,950
Strategic
Developments
i1,638,955
i1,359,180
Total segment assets
i9,061,368
i9,247,608
Corporate
i515,635
i355,855
Total assets
$
i9,577,003
$
i9,603,463
(a)In
2023, the Company recorded a $i709.5 million impairment charge related to the Seaport segment. Refer to Note 4 - Impairment for additional information.
Gross Amounts at Which Carried at Close of Period (d)
Name of Center
thousands
Location
Center Type
Encumbrances (a)
Land
Buildings and Improvements
Land (e)
Buildings and Improvements (e)
Land
Buildings
and Improvements (f)
Total
Accumulated Depreciation (f)
Date of Construction
Date Acquired / Completed
Ward Village
‘A‘ali‘i
Honolulu, HI
Condominium
i—
i—
i714
i—
i1,188
i—
i1,902
i1,902
(i47)
2018
2021
Ae‘o
Honolulu, HI
Condominium
i—
i—
i1,162
i—
i—
i—
i1,162
i1,162
(i146)
2016
2018
Anaha
Honolulu, HI
Condominium
i—
i—
i1,097
i—
i—
i—
i1,097
i1,097
(i167)
2014
2017
Ke
Kilohana
Honolulu, HI
Condominium
i—
i—
i656
i—
i—
i—
i656
i656
(i77)
2016
2019
Kewalo
Basin Harbor
Honolulu, HI
Other
i10,984
i—
i24,116
i—
(i786)
i—
i23,330
i23,330
(i5,960)
2017
2019
Kō‘ula
Honolulu, HI
Condominium
i—
i—
i1,184
i—
i—
i—
i1,184
i1,184
(i43)
2019
2022
The
Park Ward Village
Honolulu, HI
Development
i41,242
i—
i156,957
i—
i—
i—
i156,957
i156,957
(i3,427)
2022
Ulana
Ward Village
Honolulu, HI
Development
i31,527
i—
i115,061
i—
i—
i—
i115,061
i115,061
(i594)
2023
Victoria
Place
Honolulu, HI
Development
i197,017
i—
i373,729
i—
i—
i—
i373,729
i373,729
(i6,210)
2021
Waiea
Honolulu, HI
Condominium
i—
i—
i1,206
i—
i417
i—
i1,623
i1,623
(i253)
2014
2017
Ward
Predevelopment
Honolulu, HI
Development
i37,617
i—
i193,023
i—
i—
i—
i193,023
i193,023
(i7,771)
2013
Ward
Village Retail
Honolulu, HI
Retail
i175,000
i164,548
i138,723
(i105,692)
i289,422
i58,856
i428,145
i487,001
(i132,829)
Various
Total
excluding Corporate and Deferred financing costs
i3,302,610
i2,568,718
i5,160,466
i180,641
i277,115
i2,749,359
i5,437,581
i8,186,940
(i1,028,495)
Corporate
Various
i2,050,000
i885
i1,027
(i885)
i11,513
i—
i12,540
i12,540
(i3,731)
Deferred
financing costs
N/A
(i49,990)
Total
$
i5,302,620
$
i2,569,603
$
i5,161,493
$
i179,756
$
i288,628
$
i2,749,359
$
i5,450,121
$
i8,199,480
$
(i1,032,226)
(a)Refer
to Note 7 - Mortgages, Notes, and Loans Payable, Net for additional information.
(b)Initial cost for projects undergoing development or redevelopment is cost through the end of first complete calendar year subsequent to the asset being placed in service.
(c)For retail and other properties, costs capitalized subsequent to acquisitions is net of cost of disposals or other property write‑downs. For MPCs, costs capitalized subsequent to acquisitions are net of the cost of land sales.
(d)The aggregate cost of land, building, and improvements for federal income tax purposes is approximately $i7.3
billion.
(e)Reductions in Land reflect transfers to Buildings and Improvements for projects which the Company is internally developing.
(f)Depreciation is based upon the useful lives in Note 1 - Presentation of Financial Statements and Significant Accounting Policies.
(g)Columbia MPC land development is complete, and the sale of remaining land or development of additional commercial assets will occur as the market dictates. As such, the remaining Columbia land was transferred to the Strategic Developments segment in the first quarter of 2023.
(h)In 2023, the
Company rebranded Color Burst Park Retail (formerly Merriweather District Area 3 Retail), 10285 Lakefront Medical Office (formerly South Lake Medical Office Building), Merriweather Row (formerly 10 - 70 Columbia Corporate Center), Rouse Building (formerly Columbia Regional Building), Meridian (formerly Summerlin South Office), and Waterway Square Retail (formerly Waterway Garage Retail).
(i)In 2023, the Company reclassed the freestanding Columbia Parking Garages from Columbia Office Properties, 6100 Merriweather, and One Merriweather to Columbia Parking Garages.
(j)The 199 Water Street, 28th Floor line relates to tenant improvement for the Seaport office lease.
(k)Encumbrances
balance either represents or is inclusive of SIDs.
(l)Downtown Summerlin includes the One Summerlin office property, which was placed in service in 2015.
(m)Includes the Las Vegas Aviators.
(n)Subsequent to period end, in February 2024, the Company completed the sale of Creekside Park Medical Plaza, a i32,689
square-foot medical office building in The Woodlands, Texas, for $i14.0 million.
(o)The Woodlands Towers at the Waterway includes 1201 Lake Robbins and 9950 Woodloch Forest.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item
9A. Controls and Procedures
DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our reports to the SEC is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, and principal accounting officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
As
required by SEC rules, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, and principal accounting officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2023, the end of the period covered by this report. Based on the foregoing, our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, and principal accounting officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2023.
INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
There
were no changes to our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Management’s annual report on internal control over financial reporting is provided in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The attestation report of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, KPMG
LLP, regarding the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is also provided in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 9B. Other Information
Pursuant to Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K, there were no directors or officers that had iiadopted/
or iiterminated/ a 10b5-1 plan or other trading arrangement during the fourth quarter of 2023.
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance
The information required by Item 10 is incorporated by reference to the relevant information included in our proxy statement for our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Item
11. Executive Compensation
The information required by Item 11 is incorporated by reference to the relevant information included in our proxy statement for our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The information required by Item 12 is incorporated by reference to the relevant information included in our proxy statement for our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Item
13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information required by Item 13 is incorporated by reference to the relevant information included in our proxy statement for our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The information required by Item 14 is incorporated by reference to the relevant information included in our proxy statement for our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Item
15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedule
(a)Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedule.
The Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedule listed in the Index to this Form 10-K on page 62 are filed as part of this Annual Report. No additional financial statement schedules are presented as the required information is not applicable, not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedule, or because the information required is enclosed in the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto.
Inline
XBRL Instance Document -- the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document
Attached
as Exhibit 101 to this report are the following documents formatted in iXBRL (Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, (iii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Equity for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022,
and 2021, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
