1 ================================================================================ SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 --------------------- FORM 10-K (Mark One) [X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 OR [ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from to Commission file number 1-8033 PERMIAN BASIN ROYALTY TRUST (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in the Permian Basin Royalty Trust Indenture) TEXAS 75-6280532 (State or Other Jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Incorporation or Organization) Identification No.) NATIONSBANK OF TEXAS, N.A. TRUST DEPARTMENT P.O. BOX 1317 FORT WORTH, TEXAS 76101 (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code) (817) 390-6905 (Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code) Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: TITLE OF EACH CLASS NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE ON WHICH REGISTERED ------------------- ----------------------------------------- UNITS OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: NONE (Title of Class) 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. Yes X No ____ Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [X] At March 18, 1998, there were 46,608,796 Units of Beneficial Interest of the Trust outstanding with an aggregate market value on that date of $215,565,682. DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE "Units of Beneficial Interest" at page 1; "Trustee's Discussion and Analysis for the Three-Year Period Ended December 31, 1997" at pages 6 through 9; "Results of the 4th Quarters of 1997 and 1996" at page 10; and "Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Trust Corpus," "Statements of Distributable Income," "Statements of Changes in Trust Corpus," "Notes to Financial Statements" and "Independent Auditors' Report" at page 11 et seq., in registrant's Annual Report to security holders for fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 are incorporated herein by reference for Item 5 (Market for Units of the Trust and Related Security Holder Matters), Item 7 (Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation) and Item 8 (Financial Statements and Supplementary Data) of Part II of this Report. ================================================================================ 2 FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION Certain information included in this report contains, and other materials filed or to be filed by the Trust with the Securities and Exchange Commission (as well as information included in oral statements or other written statements made or to be made by the Trust) may contain or include, forward looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Such forward looking statements may be or may concern, among other things, capital expenditures, drilling activity, development activities, production efforts and volumes, hydrocarbon prices and the results thereof, and regulatory matters. Such forward looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as "estimate," "expect," "anticipate," "goal," "should," "assume," "believe," or other words that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes. PART I ITEM 1. BUSINESS The Permian Basin Royalty Trust (the "Trust") is an express trust created under the laws of the state of Texas by the "Permian Basin Royalty Trust Indenture" (the "Trust Indenture") entered into on November 3, 1980, between Southland Royalty Company ("Southland Royalty") and The First National Bank of Fort Worth, as Trustee. NationsBank of Texas, N.A. (formerly known as NCNB Texas National Bank), a banking association organized under the laws of the United States, as the successor of The First National Bank of Fort Worth, is now the Trustee of the Trust. The principal office of the Trust (sometimes referred to herein as the "Registrant") is located at 500 West Seventh Street, Fort Worth, Texas (telephone number 817/390-6905). On October 23, 1980, the stockholders of Southland Royalty approved and authorized that company's conveyance of net overriding royalty interests (equivalent to net profits interests) to the Trust for the benefit of the stockholders of Southland Royalty of record at the close of business on the date of the conveyance consisting of a 75% net overriding royalty interest carved out of that company's fee mineral interests in the Waddell Ranch properties in Crane County, Texas and a 95% net overriding royalty interest carved out of that company's major producing royalty properties in Texas. The conveyance of these interests (the "Royalties") was made on November 3, 1980, effective as to production from and after November 1, 1980 at 7:00 a.m. The function of the Trustee is to collect the income attributable to the Royalties, to pay all expenses and charges of the Trust, and then distribute the remaining available income to the Unit holders. The Trust is not empowered to carry on any business activity and has no employees, all administrative functions being performed by the Trustee. The Royalties were carved out of and now burden those properties and interests as are more particularly described under "Item 2. PROPERTIES" herein. The Royalties constitute the principal asset of the Trust and the beneficial interests in the Royalties are divided into that number of Units of Beneficial Interest (the "Units") of the Trust equal to the number of shares of the common stock of Southland Royalty outstanding as of the close of business on November 3, 1980. Each stockholder of Southland Royalty of record at the close of business on November 3, 1980, received one Unit for each share of the common stock of Southland Royalty then held. In 1985, Southland Royalty became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Burlington Northern Inc. ("BNI"). In 1988, BNI transferred its natural resource operations to Burlington Resources Inc. ("BRI") as a result of which Southland Royalty became a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of BRI. As a result of these transactions, El Paso Natural Gas Company ("El Paso") also became an indirect subsidiary of BRI. In March 1992, El Paso completed an initial public offering of 5,750,000 newly issued shares of El Paso common stock, thereby decreasing BRI's ownership of El Paso to approximately eighty-five percent (85%). On June 30, 1992, BRI distributed all of the shares of El Paso common stock owned by BRI to BRI's stockholders of record as of June 15, 1992. See "Pricing Information" under "Item 2. PROPERTIES" herein. 1 3 Effective January 1, 1996, Southland Royalty, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Meridian Oil Inc. ("MOI") was merged with and into MOI, by which action the separate corporate existence of Southland Royalty ceased and MOI survived and succeeded to the ownership of all of the assets, has the rights, powers and privileges and assumed all of the liabilities and obligations of Southland Royalty. In 1996, MOI changed its name to Burlington Resources Oil & Gas Company ("BROG"). The term "net proceeds" as used in the above conveyance means the excess of "gross proceeds" received by BROG during a particular period over "production costs" for such period. "Gross proceeds" means the amount received by BROG (or any subsequent owner of the interests from which the Royalties were carved) from the sale of the production attributable to the properties and interests from which the Royalties were carved, subject to certain adjustments. "Production costs" means, generally, costs incurred on an accrual basis in operating the properties and interests out of which the Royalties were carved, including both capital and non-capital costs; for example, development drilling, production and processing costs, applicable taxes, and operating charges. If production costs exceed gross proceeds in any month, the excess is recovered out of future gross proceeds prior to the making of further payment to the Trust, but the Trust is not liable for any production costs or liabilities attributable to these properties and interests or the minerals produced therefrom. If at any time the Trust receives more than the amount due from the Royalties, it shall not be obligated to return such overpayment, but the amounts payable to it for any subsequent period shall be reduced by such amount, plus interest, at a rate specified in the conveyance. To the extent it has the legal right to do so, BROG is responsible for marketing the production from such properties and interests, either under existing sales contracts or under future arrangements at the best prices and on the best terms it shall deem reasonably obtainable in the circumstances. BROG also has the obligation to maintain books and records sufficient to determine the amounts payable to the Trustee. BROG, however, can sell its interests in the properties from which the Royalties were carved. Proceeds from production in the first month are generally received by BROG in the second month, the net proceeds attributable to the Royalties are paid by BROG to the Trustee in the third month and distribution by the Trustee to the Unit holders is made in the fourth month. The identity of Unit holders entitled to a distribution will generally be determined as of the last business day of each calendar month (the "monthly record date"). The amount of each monthly distribution will generally be determined and announced ten days before the monthly record date. Unit holders of record as of the monthly record date will be entitled to receive the calculated monthly distribution amount for each month on or before ten business days after the monthly record date. The aggregate monthly distribution amount is the excess of (i) net revenues from the Trust properties, plus any decrease in cash reserves previously established for contingent liabilities and any other cash receipts of the Trust over (ii) the expenses and payments of liabilities of the Trust plus any net increase in cash reserves for contingent liabilities. Cash held by the Trustee as a reserve for liabilities or contingencies (which reserves may be established by the Trustee in its discretion) or pending distribution is placed, at the Trustee's discretion, in obligations issued by (or unconditionally guaranteed by) the United States or any agency thereof, repurchase agreements secured by obligations issued by the United States or any agency thereof, or certificates of deposit of banks having a capital surplus and undivided profits in excess of $50,000,000, subject, in each case, to certain other qualifying conditions. The income to the Trust attributable to the Royalties is not subject in material respects to seasonal factors nor in any manner related to or dependent upon patents, licenses, franchises or concessions. The Trust conducts no research activities. The Trust has no employees since all administrative functions are performed by the Trustee. BROG has advised the Trustee that it believes that comparable revenues could be obtained in the event of a change in purchasers of production. 2 4 ITEM 2. PROPERTIES The net overriding royalties conveyed to the Trust include: (1) a 75% net overriding royalty carved out of Southland Royalty's fee mineral interests in the Waddell Ranch in Crane County, Texas (the "Waddell Ranch properties"); and (2) a 95% net overriding royalty carved out of Southland Royalty's major producing royalty interests in Texas (the "Texas Royalty properties"). The net overriding royalty for the Texas Royalty properties is subject to the provisions of the lease agreements under which such royalties were created. References below to "net" wells and acres are to the interests of Southland Royalty (from which the Royalties were carved) in the "gross" wells and acres. The following information in Item 2 is based upon data and information furnished to the Trustee by Southland Royalty or BROG. PRODUCING ACREAGE, WELLS AND DRILLING Waddell Ranch Properties. The Waddell Ranch properties consist of 78,175 gross (34,205 net) producing acres. A majority of the proved reserves are attributable to six fields: Dune, Sand Hills (Judkins), Sand Hills (McKnight), Sand Hills (Tubb), University-Waddell (Devonian) and Waddell. At December 31, 1997, the Waddell Ranch properties contained 834 gross (344 net) productive oil wells, 160 gross (67 net) productive gas wells and 347 gross (137 net) injection wells. BROG is operator of record of the Waddell Ranch properties. All field, technical and accounting operations have been contracted by an agreement between the working interest owners and Coastal Management Corporation ("CMC") but remain under the direction of BROG. The Waddell Ranch properties are mature producing properties, and all of the major oil fields are currently being waterflooded. Proved reserves and estimated future net revenues attributable to the properties are included in the reserve reports summarized below. BROG does not own the full working interest in any of the tracts constituting the Waddell Ranch properties and, therefore, implementation of any development programs will require approvals of other working interest holders as well as BROG. In addition, implementation of any development programs will be dependent upon oil and gas prices currently being received and anticipated to be received in the future. During 1997 there were 23 gross (9.25 net) wells drilled on the Waddell Ranch properties. At December 31, 1997 there were 19 gross (7.875 net) wells in progress on the Waddell Ranch properties. During 1996 there were 22 gross (8.375 net) oil wells drilled on the Waddell Ranch properties. At December 31, 1996 there were no wells in progress on the Waddell Ranch properties. During 1995 there were 32 gross (14.075 net) oil wells drilled on the Waddell Ranch properties. At December 31, 1995 there were 3 gross (.8 net) wells in progress on the Waddell Ranch properties. During 1994 there were 22 gross (9.875 net) wells drilled on the Waddell Ranch properties. At December 31, 1994 there were no wells in progress on the Waddell Ranch properties. BROG has advised the Trustee that the total amount of capital expenditures for 1997 with regard to the Waddell Ranch properties totalled $11,789,849. Capital expenditures include the cost of the 1997 drilling program and remedial and maintenance activities. BROG has advised the Trustee that the capital expenditures budget for 1998 totals approximately $17,639,000, of which approximately $9,736,000 is attributable to the 1998 drilling program, $4,561,000 to workovers and recompletions, $2,320,000 to facility upgrades and replacements and $1,022,000 to a seismic project. Accordingly, there is an estimated 50% increase in capital expenditures for 1998 as compared with the 1997 capital expenditures. Texas Royalty Properties. The Texas Royalty properties consist of royalty interests in mature producing oil fields, such as Yates, Wasson, Sand Hills, East Texas, Kelly-Snyder, Panhandle Regular, N. Cowden, Todd, Keystone, Kermit, McElroy, Howard-Glasscock, Seminole and others. The Texas Royalty properties contain approximately 303,000 gross (approximately 51,000 net) producing acres. Detailed information concerning the number of wells on royalty properties is not generally available to the owners of royalty interests. Consequently, an accurate count of the number of wells located on the Texas Royalty properties cannot readily be obtained. 3 5 Approximately $1.3 million in ad valorem taxes related to 1991 through 1994 for the Texas Royalty properties that Southland Royalty did not previously charge to gross proceeds attributable to the Trust was charged to the Trust over 12 months beginning March 1995. Such amount was charged by deducting $87,000 per month from gross proceeds attributable to the Texas Royalty properties in calculating royalty income from such properties. To the extent charges were made to gross proceeds, the amount of funds available for distribution to Unit holders was reduced. As of November 1996, the Trustee was advised that this original charge of $1.3 million and all subsequent adjustments to that charge had been paid. In the fourth quarter of 1996, BROG notified the Trustee that, pursuant to an ongoing divestiture program, BROG intended to sell its interests in the Texas Royalty properties that are subject to the Net Overriding Royalty Conveyance to the Trust dated effective November 1, 1980 ("Conveyance"). A Purchase and Sale Agreement was executed between BROG and Riverhill Energy Corporation ("Riverhill Energy"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Riverhill Capital Corporation ("Riverhill Capital") and an affiliate of CMC. CMC currently conducts all field, technical and accounting operations on behalf of BROG with regard to the Waddell Ranch properties. Riverhill Capital is a privately owned Texas corporation with offices in Bryan and Midland, Texas. The Trustee was advised by BROG that the transaction closed on February 14, 1997. The Trustee has been further informed by BROG that, as required by the Conveyance, Riverhill Energy has succeeded to all of the requirements upon and the responsibilities of BROG under the Conveyance with regard to the Texas Royalty properties. BROG and Riverhill Energy have further advised the Trustee that all accounting operations pertaining to the Texas Royalty properties are being performed by CMC under the direction of Riverhill Energy. BROG had indicated to the Trustee that BROG will work together with CMC and Riverhill Energy in an effort to assure that various administrative functions and reporting requirements assumed by Riverhill Energy are met. The Trustee has been advised that independent auditors representing Riverhill Energy and CMC will be Arthur Andersen LLP. The Trustee has been advised that the shareholders of Riverhill Capital have executed a term sheet with Schlumberger Technology Corporation ("STC"), whereby, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, all of the shares of Riverhill Capital will be purchased by and sold to STC. As stated above, Riverhill Energy and CMC are wholly owned subsidiaries of Riverhill Capital. The Trustee has been further advised that, as part of this contemplated transaction, ownership of Riverhill Energy's interests in the Texas Royalty properties referenced above will remain in Riverhill Energy which will be owned by the current shareholders of Riverhill Capital. In the event the sale to and purchase by STC is consummated, it is anticipated that CMC will continue to perform its field, technical and accounting operations on behalf of BROG with regard to the Waddell Ranch properties and all accounting operations pertaining to the Texas Royalty properties which will remain under the direction of Riverhill Energy. The Trustee has been advised by Riverhill Energy that it will assure that the various administrative functions and reporting requirements are met. 4 6 OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION The Trust recognizes production during the month in which the related distribution is received. Production of oil and gas attributable to the Royalties and the properties from which the Royalties were carved and the related average sales prices attributable to the properties from which the Royalties were carved for the three years ended December 31, 1997, excluding portions attributable to the adjustments discussed below, were as follows: WADDELL TEXAS RANCH ROYALTY PROPERTIES PROPERTIES TOTAL --------------------------------- --------------------------- --------------------------------- 1997 1996 1995 1997 1996 1995 1997 1996 1995 --------- --------- --------- ------- ------- ------- --------- --------- --------- ROYALTIES: Production Oil (barrels)........... 426,127 418,991 262,221 391,665 352,833 330,922 817,792 771,824 593,143 Gas (Mcf)............... 1,875,965 1,915,649 1,289,005 840,790 724,732 616,294 2,716,755 2,640,381 1,905,299 PROPERTIES FROM WHICH THE ROYALTIES WERE CARVED: Production Oil (barrels)........... 1,387,056 1,338,340 1,229,822 438,963 450,397 440,649 1,826,019 1,788,737 1,670,471 Gas (Mcf)............... 6,409,242 6,376,201 6,744,271 945,920 932,205 827,343 7,355,162 7,308,406 7,571,614 Average Price Oil/barrel.............. $19.54 $19.97 $16.84 $19.20 $18.32 $15.71 $19.46 $19.55 $16.55 Gas/Mcf................. $ 2.67 $ 2.20 $ 1.59 $ 2.45 $ 2.04 $ 1.55 $ 2.64 $ 2.18 $ 1.58 PRICING INFORMATION Reference is made to "Regulation" for information as to federal regulation of prices of natural gas. The following paragraphs provide information regarding sales of oil and gas from the Waddell Ranch properties. As a royalty owner, Southland Royalty is not furnished detailed information regarding sales of oil and gas from the Texas Royalty properties. Oil. The Trustee has been advised by BROG that for the period August 1, 1993 through June 30, 1998, the oil from the Waddell Ranch properties is being sold under a competitive bid to independent third parties. Gas. The gas produced from the Waddell Ranch properties is processed through a natural gas processing plant and sold at the tailgate of the plant. Plant products are marketed by Burlington Resources Hydrocarbons Inc., an indirect subsidiary of BRI. The processor of the gas (Warren Petroleum Company, L.P.) receives 15% of the liquids and residue gas as a fee for gathering, compression, treating and processing the gas. OIL AND GAS RESERVES The following are definitions adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and the Financial Accounting Standards Board which are applicable to terms used within this Item: "Proved reserves" are those estimated quantities of crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids, which, upon analysis of geological and engineering data, appear with reasonable certainty to be recoverable in the future from known oil and gas reservoirs under existing economic and operating conditions. "Proved developed reserves" are those proved reserves which can be expected to be recovered through existing wells with existing equipment and operating methods. "Proved undeveloped reserves" are those proved reserves which are expected to be recovered from new wells on undrilled acreage, or from existing wells where a relatively major expenditure is required. "Estimated future net revenues" are computed by applying current prices of oil and gas (with consideration of price changes only to the extent provided by contractual arrangements and allowed by federal regulation) to estimated future production of proved oil and gas reserves as of the date of the latest balance sheet presented, less estimated future expenditures (based on current costs) to be incurred in developing and producing the proved reserves, and assuming continuation of existing economic 5 7 conditions. "Estimated future net revenues" are sometimes referred to herein as "estimated future net cash flows". "Present value of estimated future net revenues" is computed using the estimated future net revenues and a discount factor of 10%. The independent petroleum engineers' reports as to the proved oil and gas reserves attributable to the Royalties conveyed to the Trust were obtained from Cawley, Gillespie & Associates, Inc. The following table presents a reconciliation of proved reserve quantities from December 31, 1994 through December 31, 1997 (in thousands): WADDELL RANCH TEXAS ROYALTY PROPERTIES PROPERTIES TOTAL --------------- -------------- --------------- OIL GAS OIL GAS OIL GAS (Bbls) (Mcf) (Bbls) (Mcf) (Bbls) (Mcf) ------ ------ ------ ----- ------ ------ December 31, 1994........................................... 6,037 25,080 4,703 4,825 10,740 29,905 Extensions, discoveries and other additions................. 49 28 -0- -0- 49 28 Revisions of previous estimates............................. 128 1,024 205 664 333 1,688 Production.................................................. (262) (1,289) (331) (616) (593) (1,905) ------ ------ ----- ----- ------ ------ December 31, 1995........................................... 5,952 24,843 4,577 4,873 10,529 29,716 Extensions, discoveries and other additions................. 24 24 -0- -0- 24 24 Revisions of previous estimates............................. 1,746 11,560 448 642 2,194 12,202 Production.................................................. (419) (1,916) (353) (725) (772) (2,641) ------ ------ ----- ----- ------ ------ December 31, 1996........................................... 7,303 34,511 4,672 4,790 11,975 39,301 Extensions, discoveries and other additions................. 48 52 -0- -0- 48 52 Revisions of previous estimates............................. (1,902) (8,512) 161 680 (1,741) (7,832) Production.................................................. (426) (1,876) (392) (841) (818) (2,717) December 31, 1997........................................... 5,023 24,175 4,441 4,629 9,464 28,804 ====== ====== ===== ===== ====== ====== Estimated quantities of proved developed reserves of crude oil and natural gas as of December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 were as follows (in thousands): CRUDE OIL NATURAL GAS (Bbls) (Mcf) --------- ----------- 1997........................................................ 8,116 23,054 1996........................................................ 10,154 32,008 1995........................................................ 9,061 23,467 The Financial Accounting Standards Board requires supplemental disclosures for oil and gas producers based on a standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows relating to proved oil and gas reserve quantities. Under this disclosure, future cash inflows are computed by applying year-end prices of oil and gas relating to the enterprise's proved reserves to the year-end quantities of those reserves. Future price changes are only considered to the extent provided by contractual arrangements in existence at year-end. The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows is achieved by using a discount rate of 10% a year to reflect the timing of future cash flows relating to proved oil and gas reserves. 6 8 Estimates of proved oil and gas reserves are by their very nature imprecise. Estimates of future net revenue attributable to proved reserves are sensitive to the unpredictable prices of oil and gas and other variables. The 1997, 1996 and 1995 change in the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows related to future royalty income from proved reserves discounted at 10% is as follows (in thousands): WADDELL RANCH PROPERTIES TEXAS ROYALTY PROPERTIES TOTAL ----------------------------- --------------------------- ------------------------------ 1997 1996 1995 1997 1996 1995 1997 1996 1995 -------- -------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------- -------- -------- January 1........................ $150,170 $ 74,070 $64,730 $52,457 $36,324 $33,660 $202,627 $110,394 $ 98,390 Extensions, discoveries and other additions...................... 619 447 457 -0- -0- -0- 619 447 457 Accretion of discount............ 15,017 7,407 6,473 5,246 3,632 3,366 20,263 11,039 9,839 Revisions of prior year estimates, changes in price and other.......................... (89,235) 80,524 8,548 (7,540) 20,153 5,175 (96,775) 100,677 13,723 Royalty income................... (13,392) (12,278) (6,138) (9,207) (7,652) (5,877) (22,599) (19,930) (12,015) -------- -------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------- -------- -------- December 31...................... $ 63,179 $150,170 $74,070 $40,956 $52,457 $36,324 $104,135 $202,627 $110,394 ======== ======== ======= ======= ======= ======= ======== ======== ======== Oil and gas prices of $15.79 and $16.75 per barrel and $2.28 and $3.14 per Mcf were used to determine the estimated future net revenues from the Waddell Ranch properties and the Texas Royalty properties at December 31, 1997. The downward revision of the estimated oil reserves and the related decrease in the discounted future net cash flow for the Waddell Ranch properties was primarily due to the decrease in oil prices from 1996 to 1997. The downward revision in the estimated gas reserves for the Waddell Ranch properties was primarily due to the decrease in gas prices from 1996 to 1997. Oil and gas prices of $23.88 and $22.32 per barrel and $4.00 and $2.64 per Mcf were used to determine the estimated future net revenues from the Waddell Ranch properties and the Texas Royalty properties at December 31, 1996. The extension, discoveries and other additions for the Waddell Ranch properties are reserves added as a result of remedial activity in the Waddell Ellenberger Field. The upward revision of the estimated oil and gas reserves and the related increase in the discounted future net cash flow for the Waddell Ranch properties was due to the increase in oil and gas prices from 1995 to 1996, as well as production response from drilling and remedial activity. The largest increase in oil reserves due to drilling and remedial activity occurred in the Waddell Field. The revisions in the oil and gas reserves and related discounted cash flow for the Texas Royalty properties are mainly due to the increase in oil and gas prices at December 31, 1996. Oil and gas prices of $18.02 and $16.19 per barrel and $1.94 and $1.75 per Mcf were used to determine the estimated future net revenues from the Waddell Ranch properties and the Texas Royalty properties at December 31, 1995. The extension, discoveries and other additions for the Waddell Ranch properties are proved undeveloped reserves related to field extension development for the Waddell Field. The upward revisions of both reserves and discounted future net cash flows for the Waddell Ranch properties are due to the increases in oil prices as well as production response from drilling and remedial activities on the Dune Field, Sand Hills (Judkins) Field, Sand Hills (Tubb) Field and the Waddell Field. The upward revisions of reserves and discounted future net cash flows for the Texas Royalty properties are due to the increase in oil prices at December 31, 1995. 7 9 The following presents estimated future net revenue and the present value of estimated future net revenue, for each of the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 (in thousands except amounts per Unit): 1997 1996 1995 --------------------- --------------------- --------------------- ESTIMATED ESTIMATED ESTIMATED FUTURE PRESENT FUTURE PRESENT FUTURE PRESENT NET VALUE NET VALUE NET VALUE REVENUE AT 10% REVENUE AT 10% REVENUE AT 10% --------- -------- --------- -------- --------- -------- Total Proved Waddell Ranch properties................. $126,924 $ 63,179 $294,653 $150,170 $147,068 $ 74,070 Texas Royalty properties................. 85,254 40,956 111,181 52,457 78,586 36,324 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Total.............................. $212,178 $104,135 $405,834 $202,627 $225,654 $110,394 ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== Total Proved Per Unit...................... $ 4.55 $ 2.23 $ 8.71 $ 4.35 $ 4.84 $ 2.37 ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== Proved Developed Waddell Ranch properties................. $ 94,493 $ 55,150 $226,174 $124,395 $110,611 $ 60,600 Texas Royalty properties................. 85,254 40,956 111,181 52,457 78,586 36,324 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Total.............................. $179,747 $ 96,106 $337,355 $176,852 $189,197 $ 96,924 ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== Reserve quantities and revenues shown in the preceding tables for the Royalties were estimated from projections of reserves and revenue attributable to the combined Southland Royalty and Trust interests in the Waddell Ranch properties and Texas Royalty properties. Reserve quantities attributable to the Royalties were estimated by allocating to the Royalties a portion of the total estimated net reserve quantities of the interests, based upon gross revenue less production taxes. Because the reserve quantities attributable to the Royalties are estimated using an allocation of the reserves, any changes in prices or costs will result in changes in the estimated reserve quantities allocated to the Royalties. Therefore, the reserve quantities estimated will vary if different future price and cost assumptions occur. Proved reserve quantities are estimates based on information available at the time of preparation and such estimates are subject to change as additional information becomes available. The reserves actually recovered and the timing of production of those reserves may be substantially different from the original estimate. Moreover, the present values shown above should not be considered as the market values of such oil and gas reserves or the costs that would be incurred to acquire equivalent reserves. A market value determination would include many additional factors. REGULATION Many aspects of the production, pricing and marketing of crude oil and natural gas are regulated by federal and state agencies. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") is primarily responsible for federal regulation of natural gas. Natural Gas Regulation The interstate transportation and sale for resale of natural gas is subject to federal governmental regulation, including regulation of tariffs charged and various other matters, by FERC. The Natural Gas Wellhead Decontrol Act of 1989 terminated federal price controls on wellhead sales of domestic natural gas on January 1, 1993. In 1992, FERC issued Orders Nos. 636 and 636-A, which generally opened access to interstate gas pipelines by requiring such pipelines to "unbundle" their transportation services and allow shippers to choose and pay for only the services they require, regardless of whether the shipper purchases gas from such pipelines or from other suppliers. These orders also require upstream pipelines to permit downstream pipelines to assign upstream capacity to their shippers and place analogous, unbundled access requirements on the downstream pipelines. Although these orders should generally have the effect of facilitating the transportation of gas produced from the properties from which the Royalties were carved, as well as to facilitate the direct access to end-user markets, the impact of these orders on marketing production from the properties from which the Royalties were carved cannot be predicted at this time. 8 10 While natural gas prices are currently unregulated, Congress historically has been active in the area of natural gas regulation. It is impossible to predict whether new legislation to regulate natural gas might be proposed, what proposals, if any, might actually be enacted by Congress or the various state legislatures, and what effect, if any, such proposals might have on the operations of the properties from which the Royalties were carved. State Regulation The various states regulate the production and sale of oil and natural gas, including imposing requirements for obtaining drilling permits, the method of developing new fields, the spacing and operation of wells and the prevention of waste of oil and gas resources. The rates of production may be regulated and the maximum daily production allowables from both oil and gas wells may be established on a market demand or conservation basis, or both. Other Regulation The petroleum industry is also subject to compliance with various other federal, state and local regulations and laws, including, but not limited to, environmental protection, occupational safety, resource conservation and equal employment opportunity. The Trustee does not believe that compliance with these laws by the operating parties will have any material adverse effect on the Unit holders. 9 11 ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS The Trustee has been notified of the settlement of a class action lawsuit pending in the 270th District Court of Harris County, Texas (the "Court") Cause No. 92-026182 styled Caroline Altheide and Langdon Harrison v. Meridian Oil Inc., Meridian Oil Holding Inc., Meridian Oil Trading Inc., Meridian Oil Production Inc., Southland Royalty Company, El Paso Production Company, Meridian Oil Hydrocarbons Inc., Meridian Oil Gathering Inc., Meridian Oil Services Inc. and Edward Parker filed in June 1992 ("Class Action"). The defendants in this lawsuit are collectively referred to herein as "Meridian." The members of the class ("Class Members") involved in the Class Action that was certified by the Court are all persons or entities who (i) at any time between December 1, 1986 and July 1, 1996 received payments directly from Meridian, (ii) the payments from Meridian were attributable to interests in natural gas that was sold at the wellhead to Meridian Oil Trading Inc., and (iii) the interests were either royalty interests, overriding royalty interests or interests of a similar nature that burdened the working interests of Meridian, or working interests in properties operated by Meridian, or royalty interests, overriding royalty interests or interests of a similar nature that burdened working interests in properties operated by Meridian. Meridian, the San Juan Basin Royalty Trust, the Burlington Resources Coal Seam Royalty Trust and the Commissioner of Public Lands of the New Mexico State Lands Office are not Class Members. In summary, the claims asserted in the Class Action ("Class Claims") are those asserted in Plaintiffs' Second Amended Original Petition filed in the Class Action which are based upon the manner in which Meridian calculated payments to its royalty owners and its joint working interest owners in natural gas-producing properties. It is alleged that those payments were based on wellhead prices that were set by a marketing affiliate, rather than upon the net prices that Meridian received for the gas and liquid components in arm's-length sales to non-affiliated purchasers. More specifically, such claims are based on Meridian's conduct in basing its payments to Class Members, for natural gas sold at the wellhead to Meridian Oil Trading Inc., on wellhead prices that resulted from one or more of the following: (i) Meridian's use of allegedly depressed prices for gas set by Meridian Oil Trading Inc.; (ii) Meridian's use of allegedly inflated cost factors for transportation services set by Meridian Oil Trading Inc.; (iii) Meridian's use of allegedly depressed net prices for liquids set by Meridian Oil Hydrocarbons Inc.; and (iv) Meridian's use of allegedly inflated rates for coal seam gathering and treating services set by Meridian Oil Gathering Inc. It was alleged that Meridian's conduct violated applicable legal principles. Meridian denied that its conduct had been unlawful or otherwise wrongful. The Court has not ruled on the merits of the Class Claims or on Meridian's defenses to such claims. The settlement reached by the parties in the Class Action provides for the payment of up to $42 million together with interest thereon beginning on July 17, 1996 until the date the settlement checks are initially mailed to the Class Members participating in the settlement. Such settlement amount is subject to reduction for certain adjustments such as (i) fees, costs and expenses awarded by the Court to the Class Counsel (Susman Godfrey L.L.P. and Dick Watt), (ii) extra compensation awarded by the Court to the named Plaintiffs (Caroline D. Altheide and Langdon D. Harrison), and (iii) the expense incurred in giving notice and administering the proposed settlement ("Net Settlement Fund"). Concurrently with Meridian's payment of the Net Settlement Fund to Class Members who did not timely and validly elect to be excluded from the Class ("Settlement Class Members"), Meridian is obligated under the settlement to advise its then current recipients of royalty payments that Meridian intends (i) to commence calculating royalty payments based upon the net prices received by Meridian from non-affiliated third parties for natural gas and the liquids extracted therefrom, and (ii) in calculating royalty payments on gas produced from coal seam gas wells using the Val Verde Gathering System, to commence using a deduction for gathering and treating the gas produced from such wells that does not exceed 75% of the fee charged by Meridian Oil Gathering Inc. for similar 10 12 services to the five largest (by volume) non-affiliated third-party shippers. Meridian is not obligated to calculate royalty payments in such method in the future but, if it changes such method of calculation, it is obligated to provide notice of such change in method of calculation to the then-current recipients of royalty payments. Of the Net Settlement Fund, (i) 48% thereof will be distributed among Class Members whose interests bear on "conventional" gas-producing properties (specifically, gas not gathered on the Val Verde Gathering System) that are located in Meridian's Farmington operating division (which is roughly coextensive with the San Juan Basin of New Mexico and Colorado), (ii) 42% thereof will be distributed among the Class Members whose interests bear on the coal seam gas producing properties located in Meridian's Farmington operating division (specifically, gas gathered on the Val Verde Gathering System), and (iii) 10% thereof will be distributed among those Class Members whose interests bear on gas-producing properties located in areas other than Meridian's Farmington operating division. The Trust would fall into the last of these three classifications. It is estimated that the Trust's share of the Net Settlement Fund will be between $560,000 and $850,000, the exact amount of which cannot be determined at this time. Upon final judicial approval of the settlement, the settlement provides that a judgment be entered in the Class Action dismissing the Class Action with prejudice to its refiling. As a result of the settlement, Settlement Class Members release and discharge the Released Parties, and each of them, from and with respect to the Class Claims and such Class Members will not be able to pursue the Class Claims against the Released Parties. "Released Parties" as used herein means, severally and collectively, the Defendants and Meridian Oil Inc. and all Affiliates of Burlington Resources Inc. since December 1, 1986, collectively, and all past and present agents, employees, officers, directors, shareholders, representatives, attorneys, predecessors, successors, assigns and affiliates of each of the Defendants and of Meridian Oil Inc. and all Affiliates of Burlington Resources Inc. since December 1, 1986, collectively. "Released Parties" also includes all other persons or entities who are liable or become liable for the conduct of any person or entity that is identified in the preceding sentence. "Affiliates" as used herein means Burlington Resources Inc.'s direct and indirect subsidiaries. It was determined by the Trustee that the Trust is part of the Class that was certified by the Court in the Class Action and that it was in the best interest of the Trust to elect to remain as part of the Class and share in the Net Settlement Fund. The Trustee believes that the Class Claims, if true, had little, if any, detrimental effect on the Trust and the Trust is being adequately compensated as a result of this settlement. A judgment has been signed by the Court approving the settlement. However, a Notice of Appeal was filed by San Juan 1990-A, L.P., K&W Gas Partners, L.P., MAP 1992-A Partners, L.P. and The Board of Trustees of Leland Stanford Junior University, Non-Profit Corporation (Stanford University) ("Objectors") on February 7, 1997. Class Counsel has notified the Trustee that on July 24, 1997 the Court of Appeals issued its judgment dismissing such appeal on procedural grounds and that in early September 1997 the Court of Appeals denied a motion for rehearing filed in such proceeding. The Trustee has been further advised that a petition for review has been filed with the Texas Supreme Court by the Objectors and is currently pending. One of the conditions set forth in the settlement agreement for the distribution of settlement proceeds related to the Class Action is that there will be no distribution of the settlement proceeds unless and until such judgment is no longer subject to further appeal and, if there is an appeal, not unless and until such judgment is affirmed or such appeal is dismissed and the time for any further proceedings in the appellate court of last resort has expired. As a result of such appeal, no distribution of settlement proceeds has been made to the Trust and the Trustee does not know if or when the Trust will receive proceeds of such settlement. ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS No matters were submitted to a vote of Unit holders, through the solicitation of proxies or otherwise, during the fourth quarter ended December 31, 1997. 11 13 PART II ITEM 5. MARKET FOR UNITS OF THE TRUST AND RELATED SECURITY HOLDER MATTERS The information under "Units of Beneficial Interest" at page 1 of the Trust's Annual Report to security holders for the year ended December 31, 1997, is herein incorporated by reference. ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Royalty income................................ $22,598,873 $19,930,354 $12,014,623 $16,646,903 $19,407,568 Distributable income.......................... 22,190,115 19,488,574 11,632,463 16,174,570 18,759,882 Distributable income per Unit................. 0.476092 0.418131 0.249574 0.347027 0.402496 Distributions per Unit........................ 0.476092 0.418131 0.249574 0.347027 0.402496 Total assets, December 31..................... 5,220,786 5,913,931 5,252,922 6,002,283 6,284,735 ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION The "Trustee's Discussion and Analysis for the Three Year Period Ended December 31, 1997" and "Results of the 4th Quarters of 1997 and 1996" at pages 6 through 10 of the Trust's Annual Report to security holders for the year ended December 31, 1997 is herein incorporated by reference. Year 2000 Issue Many existing computer programs use only two digits to identify a year in the date field. These programs were designed and developed without considering the impact of the upcoming change in the century. If not corrected, many computer applications could fail or create erroneous results by or at the Year 2000. The Year 2000 issue affects virtually all companies and organizations. If a company or organization does not successfully address its Year 2000 issues, it may face material adverse consequences. The Trust is reliant on the performance of BROG and third party vendors for the receipt of Royalty income, payment of expenses and disbursement of distributable income. The Trustee can provide no assurance as to whether BROG and third party vendors will successfully address the Year 2000 issue. Failing to successfully address the Year 2000 issue by BROG and third party vendors could have a material adverse impact on the Trust and its Unit holders. ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK Not Applicable. ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA The Financial Statements of the Trust and the notes thereto at page 11 et seq. of the Trust's Annual Report to security holders for the year ended December 31, 1997, are herein incorporated by reference. ITEM 9.CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE There have been no changes in accountants and no disagreements with accountants on any matter of accounting principles or practices or financial statement disclosures during the twenty-four months ended December 31, 1997. 12 14 PART III ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT The Trust has no directors or executive officers. The Trustee is a corporate trustee which may be removed, with or without cause, at a meeting of the Unit holders, by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of all the Units then outstanding. ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION During the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, the Trustee received total remuneration as follows: NAME OF INDIVIDUAL CAPACITIES OR NUMBER OF IN WHICH CASH PERSONS IN GROUP SERVED COMPENSATION YEAR ------------------ ---------- ------------ ---- NationsBank of Texas, N.A............................ Trustee $60,575(1) 1995 $65,338(1) 1996 $44,735(1) 1997 - --------------- (1) Under the Trust Indenture, the Trustee is entitled to an administrative fee for its administrative services, preparation of quarterly and annual statements with attention to tax and legal matters of: (i) 1/20 of 1% of the first $100 million of annual gross revenue of the Trust and 1/30 of 1% in excess of $100 million and (ii) Trustee's standard hourly rate in excess of 300 hours annually. The administrative fee is subject to reduction by a credit for funds provision. ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT (a) Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners. The following table sets forth as of December 31, 1997, information with respect to each person known to own beneficially more than 5% of the outstanding Units of the Trust: AMOUNT AND NATURE OF PERCENT NAME AND ADDRESS BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP(1) OF CLASS ---------------- ----------------------- -------- Burlington Resources Oil & Gas Company(1) 27,577,741 Units 59.17% 5051 Westheimer Suite 1400 Houston, Texas 77056-2124 - --------------- (1) This information was provided to the Securities and Exchange Commission and to the Trust in a Form 4 dated January 6, 1994, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by Southland Royalty, a wholly-owned subsidiary of BRI, and in Amendment 5 to Schedule 13D and Schedule 13E-3 dated December 28, 1993, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by Southland Royalty and BRI. Such Units were reported to be owned directly by Southland Royalty, now BROG. The Form 4 filed by Southland Royalty and the Schedule 13D and Schedule 13E-3 filed by Southland Royalty and BRI with the Securities and Exchange Commission may be reviewed for more detailed information concerning the matters summarized herein. 13 15 (b) Security Ownership of Management. The Trustee owns beneficially no securities of the Trust. In various fiduciary capacities, NationsBank of Texas, N.A. owned as of March 2, 1998, an aggregate of 316,893 Units with no right to vote 106,000 of these Units, shared right to vote 27,946 of these Units and sole right to vote 182,947 of these Units. Such Bank disclaims any beneficial interests in these Units. The number of Units reflected in this paragraph includes Units held by all branches of NationsBank of Texas, N.A. (c) Change In Control. The Trustee knows of no arrangements which may subsequently result in a change in control of the Trust. ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS The Trust has no directors or executive officers. See Item 11 for the remuneration received by the Trustee during the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 and Item 12(b) for information concerning Units owned by NationsBank of Texas, N.A. in various fiduciary capacities. 14 16 PART IV ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K The following documents are filed as a part of this Report: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Included in Part II of this Report by reference to the Annual Report of the Trust for the year ended December 31, 1997: Independent Auditors' Report Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Trust Corpus Statements of Distributable Income Statements of Changes in Trust Corpus Notes to Financial Statements FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES Financial statement schedules are omitted because of the absence of conditions under which they are required or because the required information is given in the financial statements or notes thereto. EXHIBITS EXHIBIT NUMBER DESCRIPTION ------- ----------- (4)(a) -- Permian Basin Royalty Trust Indenture dated November 3, 1980, between Southland Royalty Company and The First National Bank of Fort Worth (now NationsBank of Texas, N.A.), as Trustee, heretofore filed as Exhibit (4)(a) to the Trust's Annual Report on Form 10-K to the Securities and Exchange Commission for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1980, is incorporated herein by reference.* (b) -- Net Overriding Royalty Conveyance (Permian Basin Royalty Trust) from Southland Royalty Company to The First National Bank of Fort Worth (now NationsBank of Texas, N.A.), as Trustee, dated November 3, 1980 (without Schedules), heretofore filed as Exhibit (4)(b) to the Trust's Annual Report on Form 10-K to the Securities and Exchange Commission for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1980, is incorporated herein by reference.* (c) -- Net Overriding Royalty Conveyance (Permian Basin Royalty Trust -- Waddell Ranch) from Southland Royalty Company to The First National Bank of Fort Worth (now NationsBank of Texas, N.A.), as Trustee, dated November 3, 1980 (without Schedules), heretofore filed as Exhibit (4)(c) to the Trust's Annual Report on Form 10-K to the Securities and Exchange Commission for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1980, is incorporated herein by reference.* (13) -- Registrant's Annual Report to security holders for fiscal year ended December 31, 1997.** (23) -- Consent of Cawley, Gillespie & Associates, Inc., reservoir engineer.** (27) -- Financial Data Schedule.** - --------------- * A copy of this Exhibit is available to any Unit holder, at the actual cost of reproduction, upon written request to the Trustee, NationsBank of Texas, N.A., P.O. Box 1317, Fort Worth, Texas 76101. ** Filed herewith. REPORTS ON FORM 8-K During the last quarter of the Trust's fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, there were no reports on Form 8-K filed by the Trust. 15 17 SIGNATURE 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. NATIONSBANK OF TEXAS, N.A. TRUSTEE OF THE PERMIAN BASIN ROYALTY TRUST By /s/ ERIC F. HYDEN ----------------------------------- (Eric F. Hyden) Vice President Date: March 30, 1998 (The Trust has no directors or executive officers.) 16 18 INDEX TO EXHIBITS SEQUENTIALLY EXHIBIT NUMBERED NUMBER EXHIBIT PAGE ------- ------- ------------ (4)(a) -- Permian Basin Royalty Trust Indenture dated November 3, 1980, between Southland Royalty Company and The First National Bank of Fort Worth (now NationsBank of Texas, N.A.), as Trustee, heretofore filed as Exhibit (4)(a) to the Trust's Annual Report on Form 10-K to the Securities and Exchange Commission for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1980, is incorporated herein by reference.* (b) -- Net Overriding Royalty Conveyance (Permian Basin Royalty Trust) from Southland Royalty Company to The First National Bank of Fort Worth (now NationsBank of Texas, N.A.), as Trustee, dated November 3, 1980 (without Schedules), heretofore filed as Exhibit (4)(b) to the Trust's Annual Report on Form 10-K to the Securities and Exchange Commission for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1980, is incorporated herein by reference.* (c) -- Net Overriding Royalty Conveyance (Permian Basin Royalty Trust -- Waddell Ranch) from Southland Royalty Company to The First National Bank of Fort Worth (now NationsBank of Texas, N.A.), as Trustee, dated November 3, 1980 (without Schedules), heretofore filed as Exhibit (4)(c) to the Trust's Annual Report on Form 10-K to the Securities and Exchange Commission for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1980, is incorporated herein by reference.* (13) -- Registrant's Annual Report to security holders for fiscal year ended December 31, 1997.** (23) -- Consent of Cawley, Gillespie & Associates, Inc., reservoir engineer.** (27) -- Financial Data Schedule.** - --------------- * A copy of this Exhibit is available to any Unit holder, at the actual cost of reproduction, upon written request to the Trustee, NationsBank of Texas, N.A., P.O. Box 1317, Fort Worth, Texas 76101. ** Filed herewith.