The selected financial data set forth below for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003 and 2002, were derived from our audited financial statements. The data presented below should be read in conjunction with Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the Financial Statements and Notes thereto incorporated by reference in Item 8 “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
The Trust’s primary sources of income are revenue derived from sales of land, either for cash or a combination of cash and mortgage notes, and revenue derived from the Trust’s land and mineral interests.
2006 Compared to 2005
Total operating revenues and investing revenues in 2006 aggregated $23,022,482, an increase of $7,614,841, or 49.4%, from the $15,407,641 of total operating revenues and investing revenues recorded in 2005. This increase resulted from increases in land sales, easement and sundry income, oil and gas royalty revenue and interest on investments, which more than offset a decline in interest on notes receivable and a slight decline in grazing lease income. Earnings per Sub-share certificate were $5.41 for 2006 compared to $3.92 in 2005. The Trust purchased and retired 36,000 Sub-shares during 2006, leaving 2,122,575 Sub-shares outstanding at December 31, 2006.
Land sales in 2006 were $8,201,447 compared to $3,700,116 in 2005, an increase of 121.7%. A total of 37,121 acres were sold in 2006 at an average price of $221 per acre, compared to 14,606 acres in 2005 at an average price per acre of $253.
Although the Trust is generally not a purchaser of land, in 2006 the Trust purchased an aggregate of 20,078 acres in Upton County which were interspersed with 7,680 acres of other land owned by the Trust. The purchase enabled the Trust to sell the entire 27,758 acres as one ranching unit.
Rentals, royalties and other income (including interest on investments) were $14,821,035 in 2006 compared to $11,707,525 in 2005, an increase of 26.6%.
Oil and gas royalty revenue in 2006 was $8,773,512 compared to $8,264,836 in 2005, an increase of 6.2%. Oil royalty revenue was $5,947,643 and gas royalty revenue was $2,825,869 in 2006. Crude oil production from Trust royalty wells decreased 10.1% in 2006 from 2005 production levels, but this decrease in the volume of crude oil production was more than offset by a 21.7% increase in the average price for crude oil during 2006 compared to 2005. Total gas production increased 1.0% in 2006 compared to 2005, while the average price of gas decreased 1.0% in 2006 compared to 2005. The average prices per royalty barrel of crude oil for 2006 and 2005 were $62.90 and $51.70, respectively.
| Grazing lease income in 2006 was $484,759 compared to $486,156 in 2005. |
Interest revenue (including interest on investments) was $1,911,193 in 2006 compared to $1,749,529 in 2005, an increase of 9.2%. Interest on notes receivable amounted to $1,349,909 in 2006 compared to $1,503,671 in 2005. At year end 2006, notes receivable from land sales were $20,802,132 compared to $19,083,848 at year end 2005. Interest on investments amounted to $561,284 in 2006 and $245,858 in 2005, respectively. Total principal cash payments on notes receivable were $3,116,595 in 2006.
Easement and sundry income revenue in 2006 was $3,651,571 compared to $1,207,004 in 2005. The increase in easement and sundry income revenue was primarily attributable to approximately $1.2 million of seismic income and approximately $1.4 million of oil company damage settlements received in 2006. Easement and sundry income is unpredictable and may vary significantly from period to period.
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Taxes, other than Federal income taxes were $659,305 in 2006 compared to $648,814 in 2005. Oil and gas production taxes were $485,570 in 2006 compared to $462,059 in 2005. Ad valorem taxes were $126,746 in 2006 compared to $141,640 in 2005. The Trust’s basis in real estate sold, which is included in total expenses, was $3,374,023 in 2006 compared to $0 in 2005. All other expenses were $2,110,139 in 2006 compared to $2,586,099 in 2005.
2005 Compared to 2004
The Trust’s total operating revenues and investing revenues in 2005 aggregated $15,407,641, a decrease of $13,732,969, or 47.1%, from the aggregate of $29,140,610 of total operating revenues and investing revenues recorded in 2004. This decrease resulted from a decrease in revenue from the sale of land, discussed below, which was only partially offset by increases in all other sources of revenue. Earnings per Sub-share certificate were $3.92 for 2005 compared to $7.89 in 2004. The Trust purchased and retired 35,700 Sub-shares during 2005, leaving 2,158,575 Sub-shares outstanding at December 31, 2005.
Land sales in 2005 were $3,700,116 compared to $20,277,226 in 2004, a decrease of 81.8%. Land sales in 2004 had been significantly higher than normal, however, primarily as a result of a single sale of approximately 1,429 acres of land suitable for development located in El Paso County for $19,234,300. A total of 14,606 acres were sold in 2005 at an average price of $253 per acre, compared to 12,023 acres in 2004 at an average price per acre of $1,687. The Trust’s remaining holdings of land suitable for development in metropolitan areas are limited.
Although the Trust is generally not a purchaser of land, in 2005 the Trust purchased an aggregate of 5,547 acres in Culberson and Reeves counties which was offered for sale by the State of Texas. The land purchased is adjacent to other land owned by the Trust and was purchased because management believed that it would enhance the value of the Trust’s existing holdings in the area by making them larger and more contiguous. The average purchase price of the land purchased was $56.88 per acre.
Rentals, royalties and other income (including interest on investments) were $11,707,525 in 2005 compared to $8,863,384 in 2004, an increase of 32.1%.
Oil and gas royalty revenue in 2005 was $8,264,836 compared to $6,534,455 in 2004, an increase of 26.5%. Oil royalty revenue was $5,439,240 and gas royalty revenue was $2,825,596 in 2005. Crude oil production from Trust royalty wells decreased 7.5% in 2005 from 2004 production levels, but this decrease in the volume of crude oil production was more than offset by a 36.7% increase in the average price for crude oil during 2005 compared to 2004. Total gas production decreased 10.6% in 2005 compared to 2004, but the decrease in production levels was more than offset by a 41.7% increase in the average price of gas in 2005 compared to 2004. The average prices per royalty barrel of crude oil for 2005 and 2004 were $51.70 and $37.82, respectively.
Grazing lease income in 2005 was $486,156 compared to $244,103 in 2004. Prior to 2004, grazing lease rentals were recorded on the cash method which approximated the accrual method. For 2004, the Trust recorded a one-time charge in the amount of $228,418 to record grazing lease rental on the accrual method. Since the amount was deemed immaterial to the
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financial statements as a whole, the financial statements for prior periods have not been restated. Cash receipts from grazing leases were $490,330 in 2005 compared to $472,521 in 2004.
Interest revenue (including interest on investments) was $1,749,529 in 2005 compared to $1,138,307 in 2004, an increase of 53.7%. Interest on notes receivable amounted to $1,503,671 in 2005 compared to $1,066,395 in 2004. At year end 2005, notes receivable from land sales were $19,083,848 compared to $22,251,684 at year end 2004. Interest on investments amounted to $245,858 in 2005 and $71,912 in 2004, respectively. Total principal cash payments on notes receivable were $4,824,346 in 2005.
Easement and sundry income revenue in 2005 was $1,207,004 compared to $946,519 in 2004.
Taxes, other than Federal income taxes were $648,814 in 2005 compared to $603,301 in 2004. Oil and gas production taxes were $462,059 in 2005 compared to $365,273 in 2004. Ad valorem taxes were $141,640 in 2005 compared to $194,236 in 2004. The Trust’s basis in real estate sold, which is included in total expenses, was $0 in 2005 and $715,712 in 2004. All other expenses were $2,586,099 in 2005 compared to $2,049,162 in 2004.
Liquidity
The Trust’s principal sources of liquidity are its revenues from oil and gas royalties, lease rentals and receipts of interest and principal payments on the notes receivable arising from its sales of land. In the past these sources have generated more than adequate amounts of cash to meet the Trust’s needs and, in the opinion of management, should continue to do so in the foreseeable future.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Trust has not engaged in any off-balance sheet arrangements.
Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations
As of December 31, 2006, the Trust’s known contractual obligations were as follows:
| | Payment Due by Period |
| |
|
Contractual Obligations | | Total | | Less than 1 Year | | 1-3 Years | | 3-5 Years | | More than 5 Years |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Long-term debt obligations | $ | – | $ | – | $ | – | $ | – | $ | – |
Capital lease obligations | | – | | – | | – | | – | | – |
Operating lease obligations | | 132,342 | | 51,786 | | 80,556 | | – | | – |
Purchase obligations | | – | | – | | – | | – | | – |
Other long-term liabilities reflected on the Trust’s balance sheet under GAAP | | – | | – | | – | | – | | – |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
Total | $ | 132,342 | $ | 51,786 | $ | 80,556 | $ | – | $ | – |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
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Effects of Inflation
We do not believe that inflation has had a material impact on our operating results. We cannot assure you, however, that future increases in our costs will not occur or that any such increases that may occur will not adversely affect our results of operations.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. It is our opinion that we fully disclose our significant accounting policies in the Notes to the Financial Statements. Consistent with our disclosure policies, we include the following discussion related to what we believe to be our most critical accounting policies that require our most difficult, subjective or complex judgment.
Valuation of Notes Receivable - Management of the Trust monitors delinquencies to assess the propriety of the carrying value of its notes receivable. At the point in time that notes receivable become delinquent, management reviews the operations information of the debtor and the estimated fair value of the collateral held as security to determine whether an allowance for losses is required. Any required allowance for losses is recorded in the period of determination. At December 31, 2006, and 2005, there were no significant delinquencies and, as such, no allowances for losses have been recorded.
Valuation of Real Estate Acquired Through Foreclosure - The value of real estate acquired through foreclosure is established at the lower of cost or fair value less disposition costs at the date of foreclosure. Cost is considered to be the aggregate of the outstanding principal and interest, past due ad valorem taxes and other fees associated with the foreclosure. Subsequent to the foreclosure date, valuations are periodically performed or obtained by management when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the full carrying amount may not be recoverable. At such time, a valuation allowance is established to reduce the carrying value to the estimated fair value. Valuation of the real estate is based on the estimates of management and is subject to judgment. At December 31, 2006 and 2005, no valuation allowances were recorded.
Gain Recognition on Land Sales - Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America dictate the manner in which the gain or loss on the sale of land is recorded. The Trust has established policies for the sale of land which result in the full accrual method of gain recognition. This policy generally requires that the Trust receive a minimum cash down payment of 25% of the sales price on each sale and that any related notes receivable require regular principal and interest payments, payable over terms from 5 to 15 years.
Item 7A: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
The Trust’s primary market risk exposure relates to changes in interest rates related to its notes receivable. To limit the impact of interest rate changes, the Trust enters into fixed rate notes receivable that approximate the current interest rate for land sales at the time. As a result, the Trust’s only interest rate risk is the opportunity loss should interest rates increase. The
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following table summarizes expected maturities of the Trust’s notes receivable. As the interest rates represent rates which management believes are current rates on similar land sales, the Trust believes the fair values of its notes receivable approximate the carrying amounts.
Year Ending December 31
| Maturity
|
---|
2007 | | | $ | 1,253,608 | |
2008 | | | | 1,331,007 | |
2009 | | | | 1,358,637 | |
2010 | | | | 1,389,744 | |
2011 | | | | 1,535,052 | |
Thereafter | | | | 13,934,084 | |
|
| |
| | | $ | 20,802,132 | |
|
| |
The Trust’s remaining financial instruments consist of cash, temporary cash investments and accounts payable and other liabilities and the carrying amounts of these instruments approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.
Item 8: Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
See the Index to Financial Statements included in Item 15. The Financial Statements listed therein are incorporated herein by reference to pages F-1 through F-18 of this Report on Form 10-K.
Item 9: Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
Not applicable.
Item 9A: Controls and Procedures.
| (a) | Disclosure Controls and Procedures. |
Pursuant to Rule 13a-15, management of the Trust under the supervision and with the participation of Roy Thomas, the Trust’s Chief Executive Officer, and David M. Peterson, the Trust’s Chief Financial Officer, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Trust’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the Trust’s fiscal year covered by this Report on Form 10-K. Based upon that evaluation, Mr. Thomas and Mr. Peterson concluded that the Trust’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to the Trust required to be included in the Trust’s periodic SEC filings.
| (b) | Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. |
Management of the Trust is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Management has assessed the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006 using the criteria set forth by the
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Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) inInternal Control-Integrated Framework. Based on that assessment, management believes that the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2006.
| (c) | Attestation Report of Registered Public Accounting Firm. |
The Trust’s independent registered public accountants have issued an audit report on management’s assessment of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. This audit report appears on page F-1 of this Report.
| (d) | Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting. |
There were no changes in the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of 2006 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B: Other Information.
Not applicable.
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PART III
Item 10: Directors, Executive Officers of the Registrant and Corporate Governance.
(a) Trustees:
Name
| Age
| Position and Offices Held With Registrant
| Period During Which Person Has Served in Office
|
---|
Maurice Meyer III | 71 | Trustee, Chairman of the Trustees and Chairman of Audit Committee | Trustee since February 28, 1991; Chairman of Trustees since May 28, 2003. |
John R. Norris III | 53 | Trustee | Trustee since June 7, 2000. |
|
James K. Norwood | 65 | Trustee and Member of Audit Committee | Trustee since June 14, 2006. |
(b) Executive Officers:
Name
| Age
| Position and Offices Held With Registrant
| Period During Which Person Has Served in Office
|
---|
|
---|
Roy Thomas | 60 | General Agent, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary | General Agent and Secretary of the Trust since January 1, 1995 and Chief Executive Officer since November 12, 2002. Mr. Thomas had previously served as Assistant General Agent from December 1, 1992 through December 31, 1994. |
David M. Peterson | 41 | Assistant General Agent and Chief Financial Officer | Assistant General Agent since January 1, 1997 and Chief Financial Officer since November 12, 2002. |