UNITED STATES
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, 2018
 
 
 
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: 1-737

Texas Pacific Land Trust
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

NOT APPLICABLE
75-0279735
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
1700 Pacific Avenue, Suite 2770, Dallas, Texas 75201
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
 
(214) 969-5530
(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
Sub-shares in Certificates of Proprietary Interest
(par value $.03-1/3 per share)
New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes þ 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 ¨ No þ
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 þ 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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes þ 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. þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting 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. (Check One)
 
Large accelerated filer þ
Accelerated filer ¨
 
 
Non-accelerated filer ¨
Smaller reporting company ¨
 
 
Emerging growth company ¨ 
 
 
 
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 is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No þ
 
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common equity, as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter (June 30, 2018) was approximately $5,387,300,000. As of January 31, 2019, there were 7,760,414 Sub-share Certificates outstanding.
 
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:
 
None.
 
 
 
 
 
 





TEXAS PACIFIC LAND TRUST
TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 




PART I
 
Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements regarding management’s expectations, hopes, intentions or strategies regarding the future. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding the Trust’s future operations and prospects, the markets for real estate in the areas in which the Trust owns real estate, applicable zoning regulations, the markets for oil and gas, production limits on prorated oil and gas wells authorized by the Railroad Commission of Texas, expected competition, management’s intent, beliefs or current expectations with respect to the Trust’s future financial performance and other matters. All forward-looking statements in this Report are based on information available to us as of the date this Report is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and we assume no responsibility to update any such forward-looking statements, except as required by law. All forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause our actual results, performance, prospects or opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to, the factors discussed in Item 1A “Risk Factors” and Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
 
Item 1. Business.
 
General
 
Texas Pacific Land Trust (which, together with its subsidiaries as the context requires, may be referred to as “Texas Pacific”, the “Trust”, “our”, “we” or “us”) is one of the largest landowners in the State of Texas with approximately 900,000 acres of land in West Texas. Texas Pacific was organized under a Declaration of Trust, dated February 1, 1888, to receive and hold title to extensive tracts of land in the State of Texas, previously the property of the Texas and Pacific Railway Company, and to issue transferable Certificates of Proprietary Interest pro rata to the holders of certain debt securities of the Texas and Pacific Railway Company. Our Trustees are empowered under the Declaration of Trust to manage the lands with all the powers of an absolute owner.
 
Business Segments
 
We operate our business in two segments: Land and Resource Management and Water Service and Operations. Our segments provide management with a comprehensive financial view of our key businesses. The segments enable the alignment of strategies and objectives of the Trust and provide a framework for timely and rational allocation of resources within businesses. See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Note 10, “Business Segment Reporting” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
Land and Resource Management
 
Our Land and Resource Management segment encompasses the business of managing the approximately 900,000 acres of land and related resources in West Texas owned by the Trust. The revenue streams of this segment principally consist of royalties from oil and gas, revenues from easements and leases and land sales.
 
We are not an oil and gas producer. Rather, our oil and gas revenue is derived from our oil and gas royalty interests. Thus, in addition to being subject to fluctuations in response to the market prices for oil and gas, our oil and gas royalty revenues are also subject to decisions made by the owners and operators of the oil and gas wells to which our royalty interests relate as to investments in and production from those wells.
 
Our revenue from easements is generated from easement contracts covering activities such as oil and gas pipelines and subsurface wellbore easements. The majority of our easements have a ten-year term. We also enter into agreements with operators and mid-stream companies to lease land from us, primarily for facilities and roads.
 
We do not actively solicit sales of land. The demand for, and sale price of, particular tracts of land is influenced by many factors beyond our control, including general economic conditions, the rate of development in nearby areas and the suitability of the particular tract for the ranching uses prevalent in western Texas. 


1



Operations
 
Revenues from the Land and Resource Management segment for the last three years were as follows (amounts presented in millions): 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
Segment
Revenue
 
% of Total
Consolidated
Revenue
 
Segment
Revenue
 
% of Total
Consolidated
Revenue
 
Segment
Revenue
 
% of Total
Consolidated
Revenue
Oil and gas royalties (1)
$
123.8

 
41
%
 
$
58.4

 
38
%
 
$
28.4

 
43
%
Easements and sundry income
63.9

 
21
%
 
64.2

 
42
%
 
26.2

 
40
%
Sale of oil and gas royalty interests
18.9

 
6
%
 

 
%
 

 
%
Land sales and other income
4.9

 
2
%
 
0.7

 
%
 
3.4

 
5
%
Total Revenue - Land and Resource Management segment
$
211.5

 
70
%
 
$
123.3

 
80
%
 
$
58.0

 
88
%
 
 
(1)
On September 14, 2017, we settled the previously disclosed arbitration case with Chevron U.S.A., Inc. involving claims for underpayment of royalties. The Trust received $7.7 million as part of the settlement, including royalties that will be paid to the Trust on additional wells under several community leases. The settlement is included in oil and gas royalties for the year ended December 31, 2017.

For the year ended December 31, 2018, we sold approximately 171.5 acres for an aggregate sales price of approximately $4.4 million, an average price of approximately $25,464. Additionally, we sold nonparticipating perpetual oil and gas royalty interests in approximately 812 net royalty acres (1/8th interest) for approximately $18.9 million, an average price of approximately $23,234 per net royalty acre for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Competition
 
Our Land and Resource Management segment does not have competitors, as such, in that it sells, leases and generally manages land owned by the Trust and, to that extent, any owner of property located in areas comparable to the Trust is a potential competitor.
 
Water Service and Operations
 
Our Water Service and Operations segment primarily consists of revenues from direct sales of water and to a lesser extent, easements and sundry income and royalties on sales of water.
 
In prior years, we entered into agreements with energy companies and oilfield service businesses to allow such companies to explore for water, drill water wells, construct water-related infrastructure and purchase water sourced from land that we own. Energy businesses use water for their oil and gas projects while non-energy businesses (i.e., water management service companies) operate water facilities to produce and sell water to energy businesses. We continue to collect revenue from royalties and water sales under these legacy agreements.

Drilling and completion activity in the Permian Basin continues to rise as operators increase their focus on development of leaseholds throughout the basin. Longer well laterals combined with large water load frac design, due to high proppant load and carrying limits, continue to drive the need for increased water demand for fracturing activities. In response to that anticipated demand, the Trust announced the formation of Texas Pacific Water Resources LLC (“TPWR”) in June 2017.
 
TPWR, a single member LLC and wholly owned subsidiary of the Trust, focuses on providing a full-service water offering to operators in the Permian Basin. These services include, but are not limited to, brackish water sourcing, produced-water gathering/treatment/recycling, infrastructure development/construction, disposal, water tracking, analytics and well testing services. TPWR is committed to sustainable water development with significant focus on the large-scale implementation of recycled water operations.

2



 
Operations 
 
Revenues from our Water Service and Operations segment for the last three years were as follows (amounts presented in millions):
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
Segment
Revenue
 
% of Total
Consolidated
Revenue
 
Segment
Revenue
 
% of Total
Consolidated
Revenue
 
Segment
Revenue
 
% of Total
Consolidated
Revenue
Water sales and royalties
$
63.9

 
21
%
 
$
25.5

 
16
%
 
$
8.1

 
12
%
Easements and sundry income
24.8

 
9
%
 
5.8

 
4
%
 

 

Total Revenue – Water Service and Operations segment
$
88.7

 
30
%
 
$
31.3

 
20
%
 
$
8.1

 
12
%
 
As of December 31, 2018, TPWR continues to build out its brackish water production and distribution system. Our first sales from internally developed projects were made during the fourth quarter of 2017.
 
As of December 31, 2018, TPWR continues to build out its water production, storage and delivery infrastructure system in the Permian Basin. TPWR has entered into multiple sourcing contracts with oil and gas operators throughout the basin, the terms of which provide justification for continued investment.
 
During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Trust invested approximately $35.2 million in TPWR projects to develop brackish water sourcing and re-use assets.
 
Competition
 
While there is competition in the water service business in West Texas, we believe our position as a significant landowner of approximately 900,000 acres in West Texas gives us a unique advantage over our competitors who must negotiate with existing landowners to source water and then for the right of way to deliver the water to the end user.
 
Major Customers
 
During 2018, we received $46.0 million, or approximately 15% of our total revenues (prior to deferrals), which included $22.9 million of oil and gas royalty revenue, $11.9 million of easements and sundry income (prior to deferrals), and $11.1 million of water sales and royalties, from Anadarko E&P Onshore, LLC and $49.4 million, or approximately 16% of our total revenues (prior to deferrals), which included $27.1 million of oil and gas royalty revenue and $18.9 million of revenue from sales of oil and gas royalty interests, from Chevron U.S.A., Inc.

Seasonality
 
The business of Texas Pacific is not seasonal in nature, as that term is generally understood, although due to the nature of our operations, our revenue may vary widely from year to year and quarter to quarter.
 
Regulations
 
We are subject to various federal, state and local laws. Management believes that our operations comply in all material respects with applicable laws and regulations and that the existence and enforcement of such laws and regulations have no more restrictive effect on our method of operations than on other companies similar to the Trust.
 
We cannot determine the extent to which new legislation, new regulations or changes in existing laws or regulations may affect our future operations.
 

3



Environmental Considerations
 
Compliance with Federal, State and local provisions that have been enacted or adopted regulating the discharge of materials into the environment, or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment, have had no material effect upon the capital expenditures, earnings and competitive position of Texas Pacific. To date, Texas Pacific has not been called upon to expend any funds for these purposes.
 
Employees
 
As of January 31, 2019, Texas Pacific had 71 full-time employees.
 
Available Information
 
The Trust makes available, free of charge, on or through its website copies of its Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). We maintain our website at www.TPLTrust.com. The information contained on our website is not part of this Report.
 

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

An investment in our securities involves a degree of risk. The risks described below are not the only ones facing us. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also have a material adverse effect on us. If any of the following risks actually occur, our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or business could be harmed. In that case, the market price of our securities could decline and you could lose part or all of your investment.
 
Global economic conditions may materially and adversely affect our business.
 
Our business and results of operations are affected by international, national and regional economic conditions. A recurrence of recessionary conditions in the United States and elsewhere may lead to reduced industrial production which, in turn, may lead to lower demand and lower prices for oil and gas, which may adversely affect our results of operations.
 
We face the risks of doing business in a new and rapidly evolving market and may not be able to successfully address such risks and achieve acceptable levels of success or profits.
 
We have encountered and may continue to encounter the challenges, uncertainties and difficulties frequently experienced in new and rapidly evolving markets with respect to the business of TPWR, including:
 
limited operating experience;
start-up costs for a new line of business;
lack of sufficient customers or loss of significant customers for the new line of business; and
difficulties in managing potentially rapid growth.

The Trust’s oil and gas royalty revenue is dependent upon the market prices of oil and gas which fluctuate.
 
The oil and gas royalties which the Trust receives are dependent upon the market prices for oil and gas. The market prices for oil and gas are subject to national and international economic and political conditions and, in the past, have been subject to significant price fluctuations. Price fluctuations for oil and gas have been particularly volatile in recent years. When lower market prices for oil and gas occur, they will have an adverse effect on our oil and gas royalty revenues.


4



The Trust is not an oil and gas producer. Its revenues from oil and gas royalties are subject to the actions of others.
 
The Trust is not an oil and gas producer. Its oil and gas income is derived primarily from perpetual non-participating oil and gas royalty interests which it has retained. As oil and gas wells age, the costs of production may increase and their capacity may decline absent additional investment. However, the owners and operators of the oil and gas wells make all decisions as to investments in, and production from, those wells and the Trust’s royalties are dependent upon decisions made by those operators, among other factors. The Railroad Commission of the State of Texas sets authorized production levels for pro-rated wells by regulation. In the past, the Trust’s income from oil and gas royalties has been limited by the production levels authorized by the Railroad Commission and we cannot assure you that they may not be so limited in the future.
 
Our revenues from the sale of land are subject to substantial fluctuation. Land sales are subject to many factors that are beyond our control.
 
Land sales vary widely from year to year and quarter to quarter. The total dollar amount, the average price per acre, and the number of acres sold in any one year or quarter should not be assumed to be indicative of future land sales. The Trust does not actively solicit sales of land. The demand for, and the sale price of, any particular tract of the Trust’s land is influenced by many factors, including the national and local economies, rate of oil and gas well development by operators, the rate of residential and commercial development in nearby areas, livestock carrying capacity and the condition of the local agricultural industry, which itself is influenced by range conditions and prices for livestock and agricultural products. The Trust’s ability to sell ranch land is, therefore, largely dependent on the actions of adjoining landowners.
 
The impact of government regulation on TPWR could adversely affect our business.
 
The business of TPWR is subject to applicable state and federal laws and regulations, including laws and regulations on environmental and safety matters. These laws and regulations may increase the costs and timing of planning, designing, drilling, installing, operating and abandoning water wells and treatment facilities. TPWR’s business could be affected by problems, slowdowns or other stoppages to operations of providing water treatment critical to the success of TPWR.
 
The loss of key members of our management team, or difficulty attracting and retaining experienced technical personnel, could reduce our competitiveness and prospects for future success.
 
The successful implementation of our strategies and handling of other issues integral to our future success will depend, in part, on our experienced management team, including with respect to the business of TPWR. The loss of key members of our management team could have an adverse effect on our business. If we cannot retain our experienced personnel or attract additional experienced personnel, our ability to compete could be harmed.
 
If the liability of holders of Certificates of Proprietary Interest and Sub-shares were to be found to be governed by the laws of Texas, holders of Certificates of Proprietary Interest and Sub-shares might be held to have personal liability for claims against the Trust, to the extent such claims exceeded the assets of the Trust.
 
The Declaration of Trust, which established the Trust, was executed and delivered in New York. Under the laws of the State of New York, the holders of Certificates of Proprietary Interest and Sub-shares are not subject to any personal liability for the acts or obligations of the Trust. The assets of the Trust are located in Texas. Under the laws of the State of Texas, the holders of Certificates of Proprietary Interest and Sub-shares may be held personally liable with respect to claims against the Trust, but only after the assets of the Trust first have been exhausted. Thus, if a court were to hold that the liability of holders of Certificates of Proprietary Interest and Sub-shares for obligations is governed by the laws of Texas, rather than New York, it is possible that holders of Certificates of Proprietary Interest and Sub-shares might be held to have personal liability for claims against the Trust to the extent such claims exceeded all of the Trust’s assets.
 
The Trustees are not subject to annual election and, as a result, the ability of the holders of Certificates of Proprietary Interest and Sub-shares to influence the policies of the Trust may be limited.
 
Directors of a corporation are generally subject to election at each annual meeting of stockholders or, in the case of staggered boards, at regular intervals. Under the Declaration of Trust, however, the Trust is not required to hold annual meetings of holders of Certificates of Proprietary Interest and Sub-shares to elect Trustees and Trustees generally hold office until their death, resignation or disqualification. As a result, the ability of holders of Certificates of Proprietary Interest and Sub-shares to effect changes in the Board of Trustees, and the policies of the Trust, is significantly more limited than that of the stockholders of a corporation.

5



 
Our results of operations for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of our results of operations for a full year.
 
Revenues from oil and gas royalties may fluctuate from quarter to quarter based upon market prices for oil and gas and production decisions made by the operators. Our other revenue streams, which include, but are not limited to, water sales and royalties, easements and sundry income and sales of land, may also fluctuate from quarter to quarter. As a result, the results of our operations for any particular quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for a full year.


Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
 
Not Applicable.


Item 2. Properties.
 
As of December 31, 2018, Texas Pacific owned the surface estate in approximately 902,177 acres of land, comprised of numerous separate tracts, located in 19 counties in the western part of Texas. There were no material liens or encumbrances on the Trust’s title to the surface estate in those tracts.
 
As of December 31, 2018, the Trust also owns a 1/128th nonparticipating perpetual oil and gas royalty interest under 84,934 acres of land and a 1/16th nonparticipating perpetual oil and gas royalty interest under 370,737 acres of land in the western part of Texas. Generally speaking, if the Trust sells the surface estate in real property with respect to which it holds an oil and gas royalty interest, that oil and gas royalty interest is excluded from the sale and retained by the Trust. In addition, the Trust acquired oil and gas royalty interests in approximately 1,826 net royalty acres during 2018.
 
Approximately 171.5 acres of land were sold in 2018.
 
The Trust leases office space in Dallas, Texas for its corporate headquarters and office space in Midland, Texas for its TPWR office space.
 

Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
 
Texas Pacific is not involved in any material pending legal proceedings.
 
  
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
 
Not Applicable.

6



PART II
 

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Security Holder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
 
Market Information
 
The Sub-shares in the Trust’s Certificates of Proprietary Interest are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “TPL”. The range of reported sale prices for Sub-shares on the NYSE for each quarterly period during the past two fiscal years was as follows:
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
High
 
Low
 
High
 
Low
1st Quarter
$
569.99

 
$
446.01

 
$
336.83

 
$
259.00

2nd Quarter
$
739.89

 
$
496.15

 
$
315.00

 
$
275.65

3rd Quarter
$
874.00

 
$
692.06

 
$
414.79

 
$
286.79

4th Quarter
$
877.97

 
$
409.00

 
$
458.00

 
$
377.96

 
Certificates of Proprietary Interest and Sub-shares are interchangeable in the ratio of one Certificate for 3,000 Sub-shares or 3,000 Sub-shares for one Certificate of Proprietary Interest. Texas Pacific has paid a cash dividend each year for the preceding 62 years. The cash dividend was $1.05 per Sub-share in 2018 and $0.35 per Sub-share in 2017 and was paid during the first quarter of each year. Texas Pacific is not a party to any agreement that would limit its ability to pay dividends in the future, although any future dividends are subject to the discretion of the Board of Trustees and will depend upon the Trust’s earnings, capital requirements and financial position, applicable requirements of law, general economic conditions and other factors considered relevant by the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees declared special dividends of $3.00 per Sub-share in 2018 and $1.00 per Sub-share in 2017.
 
At their February 2019 meeting, the Trustees declared a cash dividend of $1.75 per Sub-share, payable March 15, 2019 to sub-shareholders of record at the close of business on March 8, 2019. This is the 16th consecutive year that the declared dividend has increased. Additionally, the Trustees declared a special dividend of $4.25 per Sub-share, payable March 15, 2019 to sub-shareholders of record at the close of business on March 8, 2019.
 
The approximate numbers of holders of Certificates of Proprietary Interest and Sub-shares, respectively, as of January 31, 2019, were as follows:
 
Certificates of Proprietary Interest

Sub-shares in Certificates of Proprietary Interest
247

TOTAL
247

 
The Trust has not incorporated equity-related compensation elements in its compensation programs. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Trust did not issue or sell any equity securities.


7



Issuer Purchases of Sub-share Certificates
 
During the fourth quarter of 2018, the Trust repurchased Sub-share Certificates as follows:
Period
 
Total Number
of Sub-shares
Purchased
 
Average
Price Paid
per
Sub-share
 
Total
Number of Sub-
shares Purchased
as Part of
Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
 
Maximum
Number (or
Approximate Dollar
Value) of Sub-
shares that May Yet
Be Purchased Under
the Plans or
Programs
October 1, through October 31, 2018
 
7,437

 
$
794.34

 

 

November 1, through November 30, 2018
 
7,368

 
625.41

 

 

December 1, through December 31, 2018
 
4,612

 
516.07

 

 

Total(1)
 
19,417

 
$
664.14

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
The Trust purchased and retired 19,417 Sub-shares in the open market.


Item 6. Selected Financial Data.
 
The following data should be read in conjunction with Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto incorporated by reference in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The selected financial data presented below has been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements (in thousands, except shares and per share amounts):
 
Years Ended December 31, (1)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Income
$
300,220

 
$
154,634

 
$
66,109

 
$
78,090

 
$
53,661

Income before income taxes
$
261,750

 
$
145,061

 
$
62,896

 
$
75,283

 
$
51,432

Net income
$
209,736

 
$
97,231

 
$
42,275

 
$
50,039

 
$
34,765

Net income per Sub-share
$
26.93

 
$
12.38

 
$
5.29

 
$
6.10

 
$
4.14

Dividends per Sub-share (2)
$
4.05

 
$
1.35

 
$
0.31

 
$
0.29

 
$
0.27

Average number of Sub-shares outstanding
7,787,407

 
7,854,705

 
7,989,030

 
8,197,632

 
8,397,314

 
As of December 31, (1)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Total assets, exclusive of property with no assigned value
$
285,075

 
$
120,035

 
$
59,403

 
$
50,436

 
$
33,102

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
We adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, “Revenue Recognition (Topic 606): Revenue from Contracts with Customers” on January 1, 2018 using the full retrospective method which required us to restate previously reported results as though the standard had always been in effect. Upon adoption of ASU 2014-09, we no longer defer revenue on our term easements.

(2)
Dividends per Sub-share include special dividends of $3.00 and $1.00 per Sub-share for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.


8



Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
 
The following discussion and analysis should be read together with the factors discussed in Item 1A “Risk Factors” and with the Consolidated Financial Statements, including the Notes thereto, and the other financial information appearing elsewhere in this Report. Period-to-period comparisons of financial data are not necessarily indicative, and therefore should not be relied upon as indicators, of the Trust’s future performance. Words or phrases such as “does not believe” and “believes,” or similar expressions, when used in this Form 10-K or other filings with the SEC, are intended to identify “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
 
Overview 
 
The Trust was organized in 1888 and holds title to extensive tracts of land in numerous counties in West Texas which were previously the property of the Texas and Pacific Railway Company. We continue to manage those lands for the benefit of the holders of Certificates of Proprietary Interest in the Trust (and/or Sub-shares in the Certificates of Proprietary Interest).
 
Our revenues are derived primarily from oil, gas and water-related royalties, sales of water and land, easements and leases of the land. Due to the nature of our operations, our revenue is subject to substantial fluctuations from quarter to quarter and year to year. We do not actively solicit sales of land. In addition, the demand for, and sale price of, particular tracts of land is influenced by many factors beyond our control, including general economic conditions, the rate of development in nearby areas and the suitability of the particular tract for the ranching uses prevalent in western Texas.
 
We are not an oil and gas producer. Rather, our oil and gas revenue is derived from our oil and gas royalty interests. Thus, in addition to being subject to fluctuations in response to the market prices for oil and gas, our oil and gas royalty revenues are also subject to decisions made by the owners and operators of the oil and gas wells to which our royalty interests relate as to investments in and production from those wells. We monitor production reports by the oil and gas companies to assure that we are being paid the appropriate royalties. We review conditions in the agricultural industry in the areas in which our lands are located and seek to keep as much of our lands as possible under lease to local ranchers.
 
Our revenue from easements is generated from easement contracts covering activities such as oil and gas pipelines and subsurface wellbore easements. The majority of our easements have a ten-year term. We also enter into agreements with operators and mid-stream companies to lease land from us, primarily for facilities and roads.
 
In prior years, we entered into agreements with energy companies and oilfield service businesses to allow such companies to explore for water, drill water wells, construct water-related infrastructure and purchase water sourced from land that we own. Energy businesses use water for their oil and gas projects while non-energy businesses (i.e., water management service companies) operate water facilities to produce and sell water to energy businesses. We continue to collect revenue from royalties and water sales under these legacy agreements.
 
Demand for water solutions is expected to grow as drilling and completion activity in the Permian Basin continues to increase. In response to that demand, the Trust formed TPWR in June 2017. TPWR, a single member LLC and wholly owned subsidiary of the Trust, focuses on providing full-service water offerings to operators in the Permian Basin. These services include, but are not limited to, brackish water sourcing, produced-water gathering/treatment/recycling, infrastructure development/construction, disposal, water tracking, analytics and well testing services. TPWR is committed to sustainable water development with significant focus on the large-scale implementation of recycled water operations.

Results of Operations 
 
We operate our business in two segments: Land and Resource Management and Water Service and Operations. We eliminate any inter-segment revenues and expenses upon consolidation.
 
We analyze financial results for each of our reportable segments. The reportable segments presented are consistent with our reportable segments discussed in Note 10, “Business Segment Reporting” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We monitor our reporting segments based upon revenue and net income calculated in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).    
 

9



Year Ended December 31, 2018 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2017
 
Revenues. Revenues increased $145.6 million, or 94.1% to $300.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to $154.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. Net income increased $112.5 million, or 115.7% to $209.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to $97.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2017.
 
The following is an analysis of our operating results for the comparable periods by reportable segment (in thousands):
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Land and resource management
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil and gas royalties
$
123,834

 
41
%
 
$
58,418

 
38
%
Easements and sundry income
63,908

 
21
%
 
64,199

 
42
%
Sale of oil and gas royalty interests
18,875

 
6
%
 

 
%
Land sales and other income
4,859

 
2
%
 
723

 
%
 
211,476

 
70
%
 
123,340

 
80
%
Water service and operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Water sales and royalties
63,913

 
21
%
 
25,536

 
16
%
Easements and sundry income
24,831

 
9
%
 
5,758

 
4
%
 
88,744

 
30
%
 
31,294

 
20
%
Total consolidated revenues
$
300,220

 
100
%
 
$
154,634

 
100
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Land and resource management
$
159,611

 
76
%
 
$
78,468

 
81
%
Water service and operations
50,125

 
24
%
 
18,763

 
19
%
Total consolidated net income
$
209,736

 
100
%
 
$
97,231

 
100
%

Land and Resource Management
 
Land and Resource Management segment revenues increased $88.1 million, or 71.5%, to $211.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 as compared with revenues of $123.3 million for the comparable period of 2017.
 
Oil and gas royalties. Oil and gas royalty revenue was $123.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to $58.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, an increase of 112.0%. Oil royalty revenue was $94.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to $36.9 million for the comparable period of 2017. This increase in oil royalty revenue is principally due to the combined effect of a 110.0% increase in crude oil production subject to the Trust’s royalty interest, and a 21.6% increase in the average price per royalty barrel of crude oil received during the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to the same period in 2017. Gas royalty revenue was $29.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, an increase of 111.4% over the year ended December 31, 2017 when gas royalty revenue was $13.8 million. This increase in gas royalty revenue resulted from a volume increase of 178.5% for the year ended December 31, 2018 as compared to the same period of 2017, partially offset by a 24.2% decrease in the average price received. Additionally, oil and gas royalties for the year ended December 31, 2017 included $7.7 million related to the settlement of an arbitration with Chevron U.S.A., Inc. (the “Chevron Settlement”) in September 2017. See Part I, Item 1. Business in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information. No such settlement was received for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Easements and sundry income. Easements and sundry income was $63.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, a slight decrease compared to $64.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. Easements and sundry income includes pipeline easement income, seismic and temporary permit income, lease rental income and income from material sales. Easements and sundry income is unpredictable and may vary significantly from period to period. The slight decrease in easements and sundry income is principally related to a decrease in material sales, partially offset by an increase in pipeline easement income. Material sales decreased 22.3% to $5.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to the same period of 2017. Pipeline easement income increased 3.7% to $43.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to the year ended December 31, 2017. Effective January 1, 2018, upon the Trust’s adoption of the new revenue recognition

10



accounting standard, we no longer defer revenue on our term easements. See Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Recent Accounting Pronouncements” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion and analysis of impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Sale of oil and gas royalty interests. Revenue from the sale of oil and gas royalty interests was $18.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The Trust sold nonparticipating perpetual royalty interests in approximately 812 net royalty acres for an average price of approximately $23,234 per net royalty acre.
Land sales and other income. Land sales and other income includes revenue generated from land sales and grazing leases. For the year ended December 31, 2018, we sold approximately 171.5 acres of land for total consideration of $4.4 million, or approximately $25,464 per acre. For the year ended December 31, 2017, land sales generated $0.2 million of income for selling approximately 11.0 acres at an average price of $20,000 per acre. Grazing lease income was approximately $0.5 million for both years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.
 
Net income. Net income for the Land and Resource Management segment was $159.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to $78.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. As discussed above, revenues for the Land and Resource Management segment increased $88.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to the same period of 2017. Expenses for the Land and Resource Management segment were $51.9 million and $44.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The increase in expenses was principally related to increased salary expense and general and administrative expenses. See further discussion of these expenses below under “Other Financial Data — Consolidated.”
 
Water Service and Operations
 
Water Service and Operations segment revenues increased $57.4 million, or 183.6%, to $88.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 as compared with revenues of $31.3 million for the comparable period of 2017.
 
Water sales and royalties. Water sales and royalty revenues for the year ended December 31, 2018 of $63.9 million were more than double the amount of revenue for the comparable period of 2017. This increase is due primarily to the Trust commencing the development of brackish water sourcing, partially offset by a decrease in the royalties received from existing legacy agreements.
 
Easements and sundry income. Easements and sundry income for the Water Service and Operations segment includes pipeline easement royalties, commercial lease royalties and income from temporary permits. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the combined revenue from these revenue streams was $24.8 million as compared to $5.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017.
 
Net income. Net income for the Water Service and Operations segment was $50.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to $18.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. As discussed above, revenues for the Water Service and Operations segment increased $57.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to the same period of 2017. Expenses for the Water Service and Operations segment were $38.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 as compared to $12.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase in expenses during 2018 is directly related to the formation and commencement of operations of TPWR during the second quarter of 2017 and operating expenses related to the brackish water sourcing and water re-use projects placed in service in 2018 and late 2017. See further discussion of these water service-related operating expenses below under “Other Financial Data — Consolidated.”
  
Other Financial Data Consolidated
    
Salaries and related employee expenses. Salaries and related employee expenses were $18.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to $3.8 million for the comparable period of 2018. The increase in salaries and related employee expenses is directly related to the increase in the number of employees from 26 employees as of December 31, 2017 to 64 as of December 31, 2018 as well as an increase in contract labor expenses over the same time period.

Water service-related expenses. Water service-related expenses of $11.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, include expenses for equipment rental, propane and fuel and other equipment-related expenses associated with brackish water sourcing and water re-use projects placed in service in 2018 and late 2017. The Trust incurred only minimal water service-related expenses during the year ended December 31, 2017.


11



General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses increased $3.2 million to $4.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 from $1.5 million for the same period of 2017. The increase in general and administrative expenses is primarily due to additional liability insurance and equipment costs as a result of the formation and commencement of operations of TPWR during the second quarter of 2017.
 
Legal and professional expenses. Legal and professional fees decreased $1.0 to $2.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 from $3.5 million for the comparable period of 2017. Legal and professional fees for the year ended December 31, 2017 included consulting fees related to a strategic review of the Trust.

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization was $2.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to $0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase in depreciation and amortization is principally related to the Trust’s investment in water service-related assets during 2017 and 2018.
 
Year Ended December 31, 2017 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2016
 
Revenues. Revenues increased $88.5 million, or 133.9% to $154.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to $66.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. Net income increased $55.0 million, or 130.0% to $97.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to $42.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2016.
 
The following is an analysis of our operating results for the comparable periods by reportable segment (in thousands):
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Land and resource management
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil and gas royalties
$
58,418

 
38
%
 
$
28,385

 
43
%
Easements and sundry income
64,199

 
42
%
 
26,156

 
40
%
Land sales and other income
723

 
%
 
3,443

 
5
%
 
123,340

 
80
%
 
57,984

 
88
%
Water service and operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Water sales and royalties
25,536

 
16
%
 
8,125

 
12
%
Easements and sundry income
5,758

 
4
%
 

 
%
 
31,294

 
20
%
 
8,125

 
12
%
Total consolidated revenues
$
154,634

 
100
%
 
$
66,109

 
100
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Land and resource management
$
78,468

 
81
%
 
$
37,049

 
88
%
Water service and operations
18,763

 
19
%
 
5,226

 
12
%
Total consolidated net income
$
97,231

 
100
%
 
$
42,275

 
100
%

Land and Resource Management
 
Land and Resource Management segment revenues increased $65.4 million, or 112.7%, to $123.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 as compared with revenues of $58.0 million for the comparable period of 2016.
 
Oil and gas royalties. Oil and gas royalty revenue was $58.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to $28.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. Oil royalty revenue was $36.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to $21.0 million for the comparable period of 2016. This increase in oil royalty revenue is principally due to the combined effect of a 43.8% increase in crude oil production, subject to the Trust’s royalty interest, and a 22.6% increase in the average price per royalty barrel of crude oil received during the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016. Gas royalty revenue was $13.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, an increase of 86.7% over the year ended December 31, 2016 when gas royalty revenue was $7.4 million. This increase in gas royalty revenue resulted from a volume increase of 59.8% for the year ended December 31, 2017 as compared to the same period of 2016, and a 16.0% increase in the average price received. Additionally, oil and gas royalties for the year ended December 31, 2017 included $7.7 million related to the Chevron Settlement in September 2017. No such settlement was received for the year ended December 31, 2016.

12




Easements and sundry income. Easements and sundry income was $64.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, an increase of 145.4% compared to $26.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. This increase resulted primarily from increases in pipeline easement income, temporary permit income, material sales of caliche and, to a lesser extent, sundry lease rental income. Pipeline easement income increased 140.7% to $41.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the year ended December 31, 2016. Material sales increased 481.1% to $7.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the same period of 2016. Easements and sundry income is unpredictable and may vary significantly from period to period.
 
Land sales and other income. Land sales and other income includes revenue generated from land sales and grazing leases. For the year ended December 31, 2017, we sold approximately 11.0 acres of land for total consideration of $0.2 million, or approximately $20,000 per acre. For the year ended December 31, 2016, land sales generated $2.9 million of income for selling approximately 774.6 acres at an average price of $3,803 per acre. Grazing lease income was approximately $0.5 million for both years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.
 
Net income. Net income for the Land and Resource Management segment was $78.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to $37.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. As discussed above, revenues for the Land and Resource Management segment increased $65.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the same period of 2016. Expenses for the Land and Resource Management segment were $44.9 million and $20.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The increase in expenses was principally related to increased salary expense and legal and professional fees. See further discussion of these expenses below under “Other Financial Data — Consolidated.”
 
Water Service and Operations
 
Water Service and Operations segment revenues increased $23.2 million, or 285.2%, to $31.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 as compared with revenues of $8.1 million for the comparable period of 2016.
 
Water sales and royalties. Water sales and royalty revenues for the year ended December 31, 2017 of $25.5 million were more than three times the amount of revenue for the comparable period of 2016. This increase is due primarily to the Trust’s decision to develop water well fields on its own land along with an increase in the royalties received from existing agreements.
 
Easements and sundry income. Easements and sundry income for the Water Service and Operations segment includes pipeline easement royalties, commercial lease royalties and income from temporary permits. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the combined revenue from these revenue streams was $5.8 million. There was no such revenue for the year ended December 31, 2016.
 
Net income. Net income for the Water Service and Operations segment was $18.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to $5.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. As discussed above, revenues for the Water Service and Operations segment increased $23.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the same period of 2016. Expenses for the Water Service and Operations segment were $12.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 while depreciation and income taxes were the only expenses for the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase in expenses during 2017 is directly related to the formation of TPWR.

Other Financial Data Consolidated
 
Salaries and related employee expenses. Salaries and related employee expenses were $3.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to $1.4 million for the comparable period of 2016. The increase in salaries and related employee expenses is directly related to the increase in the number of employees from eight employees as of December 31, 2016 to 26 as of December 31, 2017.
 
Water service-related expenses. Water service-related expenses of $0.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, include expenses for equipment rental, propane and fuel and other equipment-related expenses associated with TPWR. The Trust did not incur water service-related expenses during 2016.

General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses increased $0.6 million to $1.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 from $0.9 million for the same period of 2016. Travel expenses, office rent and other general expenses increased as a result of the opening of an additional office in Midland, Texas for our TPWR operations.
 

13



Legal and professional expenses. Legal and professional fees increased $2.7 million to $3.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 from $0.8 million for the comparable period of 2016. The increase is principally related to legal and consulting fees related to the formation of TPWR as well as consulting fees related to a strategic review of the Trust.
 
Cash Flow Analysis
 
Year Ended December 31, 2018 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2017
 
Cash flows provided by operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $191.6 million and $93.8 million, respectively. This increase in operating cash flows is principally due to increases in oil and gas royalties collected, easements and sundry payments received and water sales and royalties collected during the year ended December 31, 2018 over the year ended December 31, 2017.
 
Cash flows used in investing activities were $81.5 million compared to $18.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The increased use of investing cash flows is principally due to our investment of $44.7 million in water service-related assets during 2018, an increase of $27.0 million over our investment during 2017. Additionally, for the year ended December 31, 2018 we acquired $24.3 million of royalty interests and $9.4 million of land acquisitions. There were no such acquisitions of royalty interests and land for the year ended December 31, 2017.
 
Cash flows used in financing activities were $70.0 million compared to $44.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Trust paid total dividends of $4.05 per Sub-share totaling $31.7 million. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Trust paid total dividends of $1.35 per Sub-share totaling $10.7 million.
 
Year Ended December 31, 2017 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2016
 
Cash flows provided by operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were $93.8 million and $41.0 million, respectively. This increase in operating cash flows is principally due to increases in oil and gas royalties collected, easements and sundry payments received and water sales and royalties collected during the year ended December 31, 2017 over the year ended December 31, 2016.
 
Cash flows used in investing activities were $18.7 million compared to $1.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The increased use of investing cash flows is due to our investment of $17.7 million in water service-related assets during 2017.
 
Cash flows used in financing activities were $44.9 million compared to $35.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Trust paid total dividends of $1.35 per Sub-share totaling $10.7 million. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Trust paid total dividends of $0.31 per Sub-share totaling $2.5 million.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
The Trust’s principal sources of liquidity are its revenues from oil, gas and water royalties, easements and sundry income, and water and land sales.
 
Our primary liquidity and capital requirements are for capital expenditures related to our water service and operations segment, working capital and general corporate needs. As of December 31, 2018, we had a cash and cash equivalents balance of $119.6 million that we expect to utilize, along with cash flow from operations, to provide capital to support the growth of our business, particularly the growth of TPWR, to repurchase additional Sub-share Certificates subject to market conditions, and for general corporate purposes. We believe that cash from operations, together with our cash and cash equivalents balances, will be enough to meet ongoing capital expenditures, working capital requirements and other cash needs for the foreseeable future.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
The Trust has not engaged in any off-balance sheet arrangements.


14



Contractual Obligations
 
As of December 31, 2018, the Trust’s known contractual obligations were as follows (in thousands):  
 
 
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 (1)
 
3,456

 
402

 
1,210

 
1,143

 
701

Purchase obligations (2)
 
81,516

 
81,516

 

 

 

Other long-term liabilities reflected on the Trust’s balance sheet under GAAP
 

 

 

 

 

Total
 
$
84,972

 
$
81,918

 
$
1,210

 
$
1,143

 
$
701

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Includes office leases for our corporate office which expires in 2025 and for our office in Midland, Texas which expires in 2022.

(2)
Includes purchase contracts to acquire approximately 18,000 acres of land in West Texas. The purchases will be funded from the proceeds related to our sale of approximately 14,000 acres for an aggregate price of $100.0 million in January 2019. See Note 11, “Subsequent Event” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for further information regarding the sale in January 2019.

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 GAAP 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 Consolidated 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.
 
Accrual of Oil and Gas Royalties
 
The Trust accrues oil and gas royalties. An accrual is necessary due to the time lag between the production of oil and gas and generation of the actual payment by operators. The oil and gas royalty accrual is based upon historical payments, estimates of the timing of future payments and recent market prices for oil and gas.
 
Gain Recognition on Land Sales
 
Any gain or loss on the sale of land is calculated in accordance with GAAP. 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.

New Accounting Pronouncements
 
For further information regarding recently issued accounting pronouncements, see Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
 
 

15



Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

 
The Trust’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents (consisting of U.S. Treasury Bills), 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.
 
The information required by this Item 8 is included in our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in this Annual 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 under the Exchange Act, management of the Trust under the supervision and with the participation of Tyler Glover, the Trust’s Chief Executive Officer, and Robert J. Packer, 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. Glover and Mr. Packer 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 Exchange Act. Management has assessed the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018 using the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Based on that assessment, management believes that the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2018.
 
(c)
Attestation Report of Registered Public Accounting Firm.
 
The Trust’s independent registered public accountants have issued an audit report on 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 2018 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.

16



PART III
 
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
 
(a)
Trustees:
Name
 
Age
 
Position and Offices Held with
Registrant
 
Period During Which Person Has
Served in Office
Maurice Meyer III
 
83
 
Trustee, Chairman of the Trustees, Chairman of Audit Committee and Member of Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee
 
Trustee since February 28, 1991; Chairman of Trustees since May 28, 2003; resigned February 25, 2019.
John R. Norris III
 
65
 
Trustee and Member of Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee
 
Trustee since June 7, 2000.
David E. Barry
 
73
 
Trustee, Member of Audit Committee and Member of Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee
 
Trustee since January 12, 2017.
 
We believe Mr. Meyer’s qualifications to serve as a Trustee include the wealth of knowledge and understanding concerning the Trust which he has gained in his 28 years of service as a Trustee. In addition, prior to his retirement, he spent his entire career in the securities industry which enables him to bring particularized expertise to provide guidance and assistance to management in administering the Trust’s repurchases of Sub-shares prescribed by the terms of the Declaration of Trust. Mr. Meyer resigned as a Trustee and Chairman of the Board of Trustees effective February 25, 2019.
 
We believe Mr. Norris’ qualifications to serve as a Trustee include his legal expertise and extensive background as a practicing attorney in Dallas, Texas which allows him to provide counsel and insight to his fellow Trustees and management with respect to the various legal issues which the Trust faces. In addition to his 18 years of experience as a Trustee, Mr. Norris advised and represented the Trust on legal matters for more than 17 years prior to his election as a Trustee.
 
We believe Mr. Barry’s qualifications to serve as a Trustee include his legal expertise and knowledge gained over a 49 year career at Kelley Drye & Warren LLP, including representing the Trust for many years prior to his election as a Trustee, as well as his experience in commercial real estate including in Texas.
 
(b)
Executive Officers:
Name
 
Age
 
Position and Offices Held with
Registrant
 
Period During Which Person Has
Served in Office
Tyler Glover
 
34
 
General Agent, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary
 
General Agent, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary as of November 5, 2016. Assistant General Agent from December 1, 2014 through November 5, 2016. Mr. Glover had previously served as Field Agent from September 2011 through December 1, 2014.
Robert J. Packer
 
49
 
General Agent and Chief Financial Officer
 
General Agent as of November 5, 2016. Chief Financial Officer as of December 1, 2014. Mr. Packer had previously served as Accounting Supervisor from March 21, 2011 through December 1, 2014.

The Trustees hold office until their death, resignation or disqualification. In November 2016, the Trustees appointed Tyler Glover and Robert J. Packer as Co-General Agents of the Trust. The General Agent, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary and the General Agent and Chief Financial Officer hold office until their death, resignation, discharge or retirement. No Trustee or executive officer was selected to be an officer pursuant to any arrangement or understanding between him and any other person or persons other than the Trustees acting solely in their capacity as such.
 
(c)
Certain Significant Employees: Robert A. Crain, age 40, joined the Trust in June 2017 as the Executive Vice President of TPWR, the Trust’s wholly-owned subsidiary formed in June 2017, to lead the operations of TPWR. Prior to joining the Trust, Mr. Crain was Water Resources Manager with EOG Resources where he led the development of EOG’s water resource programs across multiple divisions including the Eagle Ford and Permian basins.

17



 
(d)
Family Relations: There are no family relationships among any of the Trustees and executive officers of the Trust.
 
(e)
Business Experience:
Name of Trustee or
Executive Officer
 
Principal Occupation or Employment
During the Past Five Years
Maurice Meyer III (Trustee through February 25, 2019)
 
Former Vice Chairman of Henderson Brothers; personal investments
John R. Norris III
 
Attorney; Norris & Weber, PLLC, Dallas, Texas
David E. Barry
 
President, Sidra Real Estate, Inc., formerly known as Donerail, Inc., since 2012; President, Tarka Resources, Inc. since 2012; retired Partner, Kelley Drye & Warren LLP, New York, New York
Tyler Glover
 
General Agent, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary as of November 5, 2016; Assistant General Agent of the Trust from December 1, 2014 through November 5, 2016; Field Agent for the Trust from September 2011 through December 1, 2014.
Robert J. Packer
 
General Agent as of November 5, 2016; Chief Financial Officer of the Trust as of December 1, 2014; Accounting Supervisor of Texas Pacific Land Trust from March 2011 through December 1, 2014.
 
(f)
Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings: During the past 10 years, no Trustee or executive officer has been involved in any event reportable under this caption.
 
(g)
Promoters and Control Persons: Not applicable.
 
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
 
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Trustees, the Trust’s executive officers and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of its Sub-share Certificates to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the Commission and to furnish the Trust with copies of all such reports they file. Based on the Trust’s review of the copies of such forms received by it, or written representations from certain reporting persons, the Trust believes that none of its Trustees, executive officers or persons who beneficially own more than 10% of the Sub-share Certificates failed to comply with Section 16(a) reporting requirements in 2018.

Code of Ethics
 
The Trust has adopted a Code of Conduct and Ethics applicable to its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and certain other employees. A copy of the Code of Ethics has been made available on the Trust’s corporate website. We maintain our website at www.TPLTrust.com. The information contained on our website is not part of this Report. We intend to disclose any amendment to, or waiver of, a provision of our Code of Conduct by filing a Current Report on Form 8-K with the SEC.
 
Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee; Changes in Procedures Regarding Nomination of Trustees
 
There have been no material changes to the procedures by which security holders may recommend nominees to the Trust’s Board of Trustees. The Trust has a standing Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee. The current members of the Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee are Messrs. Norris and Barry. The Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee has adopted a formal written charter (the “Nominating, Compensation and Governance Charter”). The Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee is responsible for identifying and evaluating potential trustees in the event that a vacancy arises, determining compensation of the Trustees and the executive officers, and overseeing corporate governance matters. The Nominating, Compensation and Governance Charter is available on the Trust’s Internet website at www.TPLTrust.com.

18



 
Audit Committee
 
The Trust has a standing Audit Committee of its Board of Trustees. The current members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Barry and Norris. The Audit Committee has adopted a formal written charter (the “Audit Charter”). The Audit Committee is responsible for ensuring that the Trust has adequate internal controls and is required to meet with the Trust’s auditors to review these internal controls and to discuss other financial reporting matters. The Audit Committee is also responsible for the appointment, pre-approval of work, compensation and oversight of the auditors. The Audit Charter is available on the Trust’s Internet website at www.TPLTrust.com.
 
Audit Committee Financial Expert
 
The Board of Trustees has determined that no current member of the Board of Trustees serving on the Trust’s Audit Committee would meet the requirements of the definition of “audit committee financial expert” set forth in the applicable rules of the SEC. The terms of the Trust, which was established in 1888, and governing law would require an amendment of the Trust in order to add new Trustees who would satisfy the requirements of the definition. The Audit Committee consists of two independent Trustees, each of whom has been determined by the Board of Trustees to be qualified, in their judgment, to monitor the performance of management, the Trust’s internal accounting operations and the independent auditors and to be qualified to monitor the disclosures of the Trust. In addition, the Audit Committee has the ability to retain its own independent accountants, attorneys and other advisors, whenever it deems appropriate, to advise it. As a result, the Board of Trustees believes that the time and expense involved in an amendment of the Trust, with no assurance that an individual meeting the requirements of the definition of “audit committee financial expert” could be persuaded to become a member of the Board of Trustees, would not be in the best interests of the Trust at this time.


Item 11. Executive Compensation.
 
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
 
The Trust’s compensation program is designed to reward the performance of the Named Executive Officers (as defined below) in achieving the Trust’s primary goals of protecting and maintaining the assets of the Trust. The compensation program consists principally of a salary and an annual cash bonus. Base salaries provide our Named Executive Officers with a steady income stream that is not contingent on the Trust’s performance, while the addition of a cash bonus allows the Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee flexibility to recognize and reward the Named Executive Officers’ contributions to the Trust’s performance in a given year. Salaries are reviewed annually and salary increases and the amounts of cash bonuses are determined by the Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee of the Trustees based upon an evaluation of the Named Executive Officer’s performance against the goals and objectives of the Trust. Differences in salary for the Named Executive Officers may reflect the differing responsibilities of their respective positions, the differing levels of experience of the individuals and internal pay equity considerations. The Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee does not have a specific list of factors to which it assigns various weights and against which it measures the Named Executive Officers’ performance in making its compensation decisions. The Committee’s decisions are based on their overall impression of the Named Executive Officers’ individual performances.
 
The Trust has not incorporated equity-related or other long-term compensation elements in its compensation programs. The Declaration of Trust pursuant to which the Trust was created empowers the Trustees to manage the lands with all the powers of an absolute owner. At their discretion, the Trustees may pay dividends to the certificate holders or repurchase and cancel outstanding certificates. In view of that general directive to the Trustees, the issuance of equity to executive officers has not been made a part of the Trust’s compensation program.
 
As part of its compensation program the Trust maintains both a qualified defined benefit pension plan and a qualified defined contribution plan which are both available to employees generally, as well as to the Named Executive Officers. These plans are designed to assist employees in planning adequately for their retirement.
 
The Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee has the sole authority to determine the compensation of the General Agent, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary and the General Agent and Chief Financial Officer of the Trust.

19



 
Summary Compensation Table
 
The following table sets forth information concerning compensation for services in all capacities awarded to, earned by, or paid to, the Trust’s Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer, who are its only executive officers (collectively, the “Named Executive Officers”): 
Name and Position
 
Year
 
Salary
 
Bonus
 
Change in
Actuarial Present
Value of
Accumulated
Benefits (1)
 
All Other
Compensation (2)(3)
 
Total
Tyler Glover
 
2018
 
$
480,167

 
$
1,800,000

 
$
13,358

 
$
18,500

 
$
2,312,025

General Agent, Chief Executive Officer
 
2017
 
$
381,250

 
$
300,000

 
$
24,810

 
$
18,000

 
$
724,060

and Secretary (as of Nov. 5, 2016)
 
2016
 
$
152,889

 
$
30,000

 
$
9,259

 
$
9,173

 
$
201,321

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Robert J. Packer
 
2018
 
$
480,167

 
$
1,800,000

 
$
30,611

 
$
18,500

 
$
2,329,278

General Agent and Chief Financial Officer
 
2017
 
$
381,250

 
$
300,000

 
$
42,639

 
$
29,000

 
$
752,889

(as of Nov. 5, 2016)
 
2016
 
$
165,556

 
$
30,000

 
$
19,563

 
$
9,933

 
$
225,052

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Represents the aggregate change in the actuarial present value of the Named Executive Officer’s accumulated benefit under all defined benefit and actuarial pension plans (including supplemental plans) from the pension plan measurement date used for financial statement reporting purposes with respect to the Trust’s audited consolidated financial statements for the prior completed fiscal year to the pension plan measurement date used for financial statement reporting purposes with respect to the Trust’s audited consolidated financial statements for the covered fiscal year.

(2)
Represents contributions by the Trust to the account of the Named Executive Officer under the Trust’s defined contribution retirement plan.

(3)
The aggregate value of the perquisites and other personal benefits, if any, received by the Named Executive Officer for all years presented have not been reflected in the table because the amount was below the SEC’s $10,000 threshold for disclosure except for Mr. Packer, whose perquisites consisted of $11,000 in automobile allowance for 2017.

Pay Ratio Disclosure
 
For purposes of calculating the 2018 ratio of the median annual total compensation of all employees to the total annual compensation of the Chief Executive Officer, the Trust included base salary and annual bonus amounts in its calculation of annual total compensation.  The Trust used December 31, 2018 as its measurement date.  Base salary amounts were annualized for any employee who had less than a full year of service during 2018. Total compensation for Mr. Glover, the Trust’s Chief Executive Officer, was determined to be $2,280,167 and was approximately 20 times the median annual compensation of all Trust employees, excluding the Chief Executive Officer, of $113,500.  For purposes of this calculation, the Trust had 63 employees, excluding the Chief Executive Officer.
 
Employment Agreements
 
The Trust is not a party to any employment agreements with any of its Named Executive Officers. There is no compensation plan or arrangement with respect to any individual named in the Summary Compensation Table that results, or will result, from the resignation, retirement or any other termination of such individual’s employment or from a change in control of Texas Pacific or from a change in the individual’s responsibilities following a change in control of Texas Pacific.
 

20



Pension Benefits
Name
 
Plan Name
 
Number of Years
Credited Service
 
Actuarial
Present Value of
Accumulated Benefit
 
Payments During
Last Fiscal Year
Tyler Glover
 
Restated Texas Pacific Land Trust Revised Employees’ Pension Plan
 
6.0

 
$
59,830

 
$

Robert J. Packer
 
Restated Texas Pacific Land Trust Revised Employees’ Pension Plan
 
6.5

 
$
124,000

 
$

 
The Restated Texas Pacific Land Trust Revised Employees’ Pension Plan is a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan qualified under Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code in which our employees, excluding the Trustees, participate. The remuneration covered by the Plan is Salary. The Plan provides a normal retirement benefit beginning at age 65 equal to 1.5% of a participant’s average Salary for the last five years prior to retirement for each year of Credited Service under the Plan. Credited Service is earned from the participant’s date of membership in the Plan, which is generally not the participant’s date of hire by the Trust. For information concerning the valuation method and material assumptions used in quantifying the present value of the Named Executive Officers’ current accrued benefits, see Note 6, “Employee Benefit Plans” of the Notes to Financial Statements incorporated by reference in Item 8 of this Report.

As of December 31, 2018, the annual accrued normal retirement benefits are estimated to be $16,061 and $18,208 for Mr. Glover and Mr. Packer, respectively.
 
The Plan provides for early retirement after 20 years of service with the Trust. Early retirement benefits are calculated in the same manner as the normal retirement benefit, but are reduced by 1/15 for each of the first five years and 1/30 for each of the next five years that benefits commence prior to normal retirement. If benefits commence more than 10 years prior to normal retirement, the early retirement benefit payable at age 55 is reduced actuarially for the period prior to age 55. Mr. Glover and Mr. Packer are not currently eligible for early retirement benefits.
 
Trustee Compensation Table 

The following table sets forth information concerning compensation paid to the Trustees for 2018:
Name
 
Fees Earned or Paid in Cash
 
Total
Maurice Meyer III
 
$
104,000

 
$
104,000

John R. Norris III
 
$
104,000

 
$
104,000

David E. Barry
 
$
104,000

 
$
104,000

 
During 2018, the Trustees determined that an increase in the compensation paid to the Trustees would be appropriate, effective January 1, 2018. The new annual amount of compensation payable to each Trustee, including the Chairman, is $104,000, which, after inflation, yields approximately the same value as the $2,000 amount set forth in the Declaration of Trust in 1888, when no income taxes were in effect. Trustees do not receive additional compensation for service on a committee or for attendance at meetings.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
 
Each of the Trustees is a member of the Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee of the Trustees. None of the Trustees is, or has been in the past, an officer or employee of the Trust. None of the Trustees had any relationship requiring disclosure by the Trust pursuant to Item 404 of Regulation S-K. There are no interlocking relationships requiring disclosure by the Trust pursuant to Item 407(e)(4)(iii) of Regulation S-K.
 
Compensation Committee Report
 
The Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this Item 11 and, based on such review and discussion, recommended that it be included in this Report.
John R. Norris III
David E. Barry 

21



 

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Security Holder Matters.
 
The Trust does not maintain any compensation plans (or individual compensation arrangements) under which equity securities of the Trust are authorized for issuance.
 
(a)   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners: The following table sets forth information as to all persons known to the Trust to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the Trust’s voting securities (Certificates of Proprietary Interest and Sub-share Certificates) as of February 14, 2019. The Certificates of Proprietary Interest and Sub-share Certificates are freely interchangeable in the ratio of one Certificate of Proprietary Interest for 3,000 Sub-shares or 3,000 Sub-shares for one Certificate of Proprietary Interest, and are deemed to constitute a single class.
Name and Address
 
Number of
Securities
Beneficially Owned
 
Type of Securities
 
Percent of Class
Horizon Kinetics LLC (1)
470 Park Avenue South, 4th Floor South,
New York, New York 10016
 
1,837,051
 
Sub-share Certificates
 
23.7%
 
(1)
The information set forth is based on a joint filing on Schedule 13D/A No.3 made on July 23, 2018 by Horizon Kinetics LLC (“Horizon”), Kinetics Asset Management, LLC (“Kinetics”), Horizon Asset Management LLC (“HAM”) and Kinetics Advisors, LLC (“Advisors”). According to the filing, Horizon has shared voting power and shared dispositive power with respect to 1,837,051 of the Sub-share Certificates, Kinetics has sole voting power and sole dispositive power with respect to 715,093 of the Sub-share Certificates, HAM has sole voting power and dispositive power with respect to 1,079,087 of the Sub-share Certificates, and Advisors has sole voting power and dispositive power with respect to 42,871 of the Sub-share Certificates. The filing indicates that Horizon is a holding company and Kinetics, HAM and Advisors are investment advisers and that the Sub-share Certificates were acquired for investment purposes.

(b)   Security Ownership of Management: The following table sets forth information as to equity securities (Certificates of Proprietary Interest and Sub-share Certificates) beneficially owned directly or indirectly as of February 14, 2019 by all Trustees and Named Executive Officers, naming them, and by all Trustees and executive officers of the registrant, as a group:
Title and Class (1)
 
Name of
Beneficial Owner
 
Amount and Nature of Ownership
on February 14, 2019
 
 
Percent
of Class
Sub-share Certificates
 
Maurice Meyer III
 
60,546

(2) 
 
*
Sub-share Certificates
 
John R. Norris III
 
1,000

 
 
*
Sub-share Certificates
 
David E. Barry
 
300

 
 
*
Sub-share Certificates
 
Tyler Glover
 
100

 
 
*
Sub-share Certificates
 
Robert J. Packer
 
200

 
 
*
Sub-share Certificates
 
All Trustees and Officers as a Group
 
62,146

 
 
*
 
*
Indicates ownership of less than 1% of the class.
 
(1)
The Certificates of Proprietary Interest and Sub-share Certificates are freely interchangeable in the ratio of one Certificate of Proprietary Interest for 3,000 Sub-shares or 3,000 Sub-shares for one Certificate of Proprietary Interest, and are deemed to constitute a single class. On February 14, 2019, no Trustee or executive officer was the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of any Certificates of Proprietary Interest.

(2)
Does not include 11,500 Sub-shares owned by the wife of Mr. Meyer with respect to which Mr. Meyer disclaims any beneficial ownership.

(c) Changes in Control: Texas Pacific has no knowledge of any arrangement that may result in any change of control of the Trust.

22





Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
 
(a)
Transactions with Related Persons:    There are no significant reportable transactions or currently proposed transactions between Texas Pacific and any Trustee or executive officer of Texas Pacific or any 5% security holder of Texas Pacific or any member of the immediate family of any of the foregoing persons.
 
(b)
Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons:    Transactions with Trustees, executive officers or 5% or greater stockholders, or immediate family members of the foregoing, which might require disclosure pursuant to paragraph (a), above, would be subject to review, approval or ratification by the Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee of the Trustees. That Committee is composed of all of the Trustees. The Committee’s charter empowers it to review any transactions, including loans, which may confer any benefit upon any Trustee, executive officer or affiliated entity to confirm compliance with the Trust’s Code of Conduct and Ethics and applicable law. The Committee has not adopted specific standards for evaluating such transactions beyond that mentioned above, because it is the sense of the Trustees that the activities and procedures of the Committee should remain flexible so that it may appropriately respond to changing circumstances.
 
(c)
Transactions with Promoters: Not applicable.
 
(d)
Independence: Each Trustee is an “independent director” within the meaning of the applicable rules of the New York Stock Exchange. Each member of the Audit and the Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committees of the Trustees is “independent” within the meaning of the applicable committee independence standards of the New York Stock Exchange.
 

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
 
All professional services rendered by Lane Gorman Trubitt, LLC (“Lane Gorman Trubitt”) during 2018 and 2017 were furnished at customary rates. A summary of the fees which Lane Gorman Trubitt billed the Trust for services provided in 2018 and 2017 is set forth below:
 
Audit Fees. Lane Gorman Trubitt billed the Trust approximately $174,250 in 2018 and $112,600 in 2017 in connection with its audits of the consolidated financial statements and internal controls over financial reporting of the Trust in 2018 and 2017.
 
Audit-Related Fees. Lane Gorman Trubitt did not bill the Trust any amount for audit-related services in either 2018 or 2017 not included in “Audit Fees”, above.
 
Tax Fees. Lane Gorman Trubitt did not bill the Trust for any tax fees in 2018 or 2017.
 
All Other Fees. Lane Gorman Trubitt did not bill the Trust any other fees in either 2018 or 2017.
 
The Audit Committee has established a policy requiring approval by it of all fees for audit and non-audit services to be provided by the Trust’s independent registered public accountants, prior to commencement of such services. Consideration and approval of fees generally occurs at the Committee’s regularly scheduled meetings or, to the extent that such fees may relate to other matters to be considered at special meetings, at those special meetings.
 
None of the fees described above under the captions “Audit-Related Fees,” “Tax Fees” and “All Other Fees” were approved by the Committee pursuant to the “de minimis” exception set forth in Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i)(C) under SEC Regulation S-X.

23



PART IV
 

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
 
(a)   Financial Statements.
 
See “Index to Financial Statements.”
 
(b)   Exhibits.               

EXHIBIT INDEX
 
Exhibit
Number
 
Description
 
 
 
2.1*
 
 
 
 
3.1
 
 
 
 
21.1*
 
 
 
 
31.1*
 
 
 
 
31.2*
 
 
 
 
32.1*
 
 
 
 
32.2*
 
 
 
 
101*
 
The following materials from the Trust’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income and Total Comprehensive Income; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Net Proceeds from All Sources and (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
 
 
*
Filed or furnished herewith.
 
(c)   Not applicable.
 
 
 

Item 16. Form 10-K Summary.
 
Not applicable.

24



SIGNATURES
 
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, on the 28th day of February, 2019.
 
 
 
TEXAS PACIFIC LAND TRUST
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ Tyler Glover
 
 
 
Tyler Glover
General Agent, Chief Executive Officer and
Secretary
 
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 indicated on the 28th day of February, 2019.
 
 
Signature
 
Title(s)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Tyler Glover
 
General Agent, Chief Executive Officer
 
Tyler Glover
 
and Secretary (Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Robert J. Packer
 
General Agent and Chief Financial Officer
 
Robert J. Packer
 
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal
 
 
 
Accounting Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ John R. Norris III
 
Co-Chairman of the Trustees
 
John R. Norris III
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ David E. Barry
 
Co-Chairman of the Trustees
 
David E. Barry
 
 

25



Item 15(a). Financial Statements.
 
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
 
 
Consolidated Financial Statements
Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
All schedules have been omitted because the required information is contained in the consolidated financial statements or related notes, or is not applicable or immaterial.

26



lgtlogo.gif

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
To the Trustees and Certificate Holders
Texas Pacific Land Trust
 
Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Texas Pacific Land Trust (the “Trust”) as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the related consolidated statements of income and total comprehensive income, net proceeds from all sources, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2018, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). We also have audited the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”).
 
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Trust as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2018, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, the Trust maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.
 
Basis for Opinion
 
The Trust’s management is responsible for these 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 Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Trust’s financial statements and an opinion on the Trust’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 Trust 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 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 financial statements 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 audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the 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.
 
  





lgtfooter.gif

F- 1




Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
A trust’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 trust’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 Trust; (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 Trust are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Trust; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Trust’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.
 
image03.jpg
 
We have served as the Trust’s auditor since 2005.
 
Dallas, Texas
February 28, 2019

F- 2




TEXAS PACIFIC LAND TRUST
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except shares and per share amounts)
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
119,647

 
$
79,580

Accrued receivables
48,750

 
17,773

Other assets
7,683

 
849

Prepaid income taxes
9,398

 
1,202

Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $3,012 and $463 in 2018 and 2017, respectively
64,802

 
19,516

Real estate acquired
10,492

 
1,115

Royalty interests acquired
24,303

 

Real estate and royalty interests assigned through the 1888 Declaration of Trust, no value assigned:
 
 
 
Land (surface rights)

 

1/16th nonparticipating perpetual royalty interest

 

1/128th nonparticipating perpetual royalty interest

 

Total assets
$
285,075

 
$
120,035

 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
$
10,505

 
$
5,608

Income taxes payable
1,607

 
851

Deferred taxes payable
14,903

 
114

Unearned revenue
13,369

 
8,364

Total liabilities
40,384

 
14,937

Commitments and contingencies

 

 
 
 
 
Capital:
 
 
 
Certificates of Proprietary Interest, par value $100 each; none outstanding

 

Sub-share Certificates in Certificates of Proprietary Interest, par value $0.03 1/3 each; outstanding 7,762,414 and 7,821,599 Sub-shares in 2018 and 2017, respectively

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(1,078
)
 
(804
)
Net proceeds from all sources
245,769

 
105,902

Total capital
244,691

 
105,098

Total liabilities and capital
$
285,075

 
$
120,035

 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F- 3




TEXAS PACIFIC LAND TRUST
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands, except shares and per share amounts)
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
Oil and gas royalties
$
123,834

 
$
58,418

 
$
28,385

Easements and sundry income
88,739

 
69,957

 
26,156

Water sales and royalties
63,913

 
25,536

 
8,125

Sale of oil and gas royalty interests
18,875

 

 

Land sales
4,367

 
220

 
2,945

Other operating income
492

 
503

 
498

 
300,220

 
154,634

 
66,109

Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries and related employee expenses
18,433

 
3,774

 
1,446

Water service-related expenses
11,168

 
491

 

General and administrative expenses
4,704

 
1,523

 
931

Legal and professional fees
2,498

 
3,523

 
778

Depreciation and amortization
2,583

 
376

 
43

 
39,386

 
9,687

 
3,198

Operating income
260,834

 
144,947

 
62,911

Other income (expense)
916

 
114

 
(15
)
Income before income taxes
261,750

 
145,061

 
62,896

Income taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
Current
37,200

 
46,864

 
22,041

Deferred
14,814

 
966

 
(1,420
)
 
52,014

 
47,830

 
20,621

Net income
$
209,736

 
$
97,231

 
$
42,275

 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of net actuarial costs and prior service costs, net of income taxes of $14, $38, and $49, respectively
50

 
70

 
91

Net actuarial (loss) gain on pension plan net of income taxes of ($38), $46, and $107, respectively
(144
)
 
86

 
198

Total other comprehensive gain (loss)
(94
)
 
156

 
289

Total comprehensive income
$
209,642

 
$
97,387

 
$
42,564

 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income per Sub-share Certificate - basic and diluted
$
26.93

 
$
12.38

 
$
5.29

 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average number of Sub-share Certificates outstanding
7,787,407

 
7,854,705

 
7,989,030

 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F- 4




TEXAS PACIFIC LAND TRUST
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF NET PROCEEDS FROM ALL SOURCES
 (in thousands, except shares and per share amounts) 
 
 
Sub-share
Certificates of
Proprietary
Interest
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Net Proceeds
From All
Sources
 
Total
Capital
Balances at December 31, 2015
8,118,064

 
$
(1,249
)
 
$
46,936

 
$
45,687

Net income

 

 
42,275

 
42,275

Periodic pension costs, net of income taxes of $156

 
289

 

 
289

Repurchase and retirement of Sub-share Certificates in Certificates of Proprietary Interest
(190,750
)
 

 
(33,085
)
 
(33,085
)
Dividends paid — $0.31 per Sub-share Certificate

 

 
(2,507
)
 
(2,507
)
Balances at December 31, 2016
7,927,314

 
(960
)
 
53,619

 
52,659

Net income

 

 
97,231

 
97,231

Periodic pension costs, net of income taxes of $84

 
156

 

 
156

Repurchase and retirement of Sub-share Certificates in Certificates of Proprietary Interest
(105,715
)
 

 
(34,267
)
 
(34,267
)
Regular dividends paid — $0.35 per Sub-share Certificate

 

 
(2,769
)
 
(2,769
)
Special dividends paid — $1.00 per Sub-share Certificate

 

 
(7,912
)
 
(7,912
)
Balances at December 31, 2017
7,821,599

 
(804
)
 
105,902

 
105,098

Net income

 

 
209,736

 
209,736

Periodic pension costs, net of income taxes of ($24)

 
(274
)
 
180

 
(94
)
Repurchase and retirement of Sub-share Certificates in Certificates of Proprietary Interest
(59,185
)
 

 
(38,397
)
 
(38,397
)
Regular dividends paid — $1.05 per Sub-share Certificate

 

 
(8,206
)
 
(8,206
)
Special dividends paid — $3.00 per Sub-share Certificate

 

 
(23,446
)
 
(23,446
)
Balances at December 31, 2018
7,762,414

 
$
(1,078
)
 
$
245,769

 
$
244,691

 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F- 5




TEXAS PACIFIC LAND TRUST
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 (in thousands)
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
209,736

 
$
97,231

 
$
42,275

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred taxes
14,789

 
1,100

 
(1,264
)
Depreciation and amortization
2,583

 
376

 
43

(Gain) loss on disposal of fixed assets
(2
)
 
(4
)
 
8

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued receivables and other assets
(37,824
)
 
(12,022
)
 
(2,721
)
Income taxes payable
756

 
(986
)
 
1,316

Prepaid income taxes
(8,196
)
 
(1,202
)
 

Unearned revenue
5,024

 
4,399

 
1,389

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
4,783

 
4,938

 
(89
)
Cash provided by operating activities
191,649

 
93,830

 
40,957

 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets
25

 
27

 
18

Acquisition of real estate
(9,377
)
 

 

Acquisition of royalty interests
(24,303
)
 

 

Purchase of fixed assets
(47,878
)
 
(18,747
)
 
(977
)
Cash used in investing activities
(81,533
)
 
(18,720
)
 
(959
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Purchase of Sub-share Certificates in Certificates of Proprietary Interest
(38,397
)
 
(34,267
)
 
(33,085
)
Dividends paid
(31,652
)
 
(10,681
)
 
(2,507
)
Cash used in financing activities
(70,049
)
 
(44,948
)
 
(35,592
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
40,067

 
30,162

 
4,406

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
79,580

 
49,418

 
45,012

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
119,647

 
$
79,580

 
$
49,418

 
 
 
 
 
 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
 
 
 
 
 
Income taxes paid
$
45,876

 
$
49,002

 
$
20,725

 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
 
 

F- 6



TEXAS PACIFIC LAND TRUST
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.
Organization and Description of Business Segments
 
Texas Pacific Land Trust (which, together with its subsidiaries as the context requires, may be referred to as “Texas Pacific”, the “Trust”, “our”, “we” or “us”) is one of the largest landowners in the State of Texas with approximately 900,000 acres of land in West Texas. Texas Pacific was organized under a Declaration of Trust, dated February 1, 1888, to receive and hold title to extensive tracts of land in the State of Texas, previously the property of the Texas and Pacific Railway Company, and to issue transferable Certificates of Proprietary Interest pro rata to the original holders of certain debt securities of the Texas and Pacific Railway Company.
 
The Trust announced the formation of Texas Pacific Water Resources LLC (“TPWR”) in June 2017. TPWR, a single member LLC and wholly owned subsidiary of the Trust, focuses on providing a full-service water offering to operators in the Permian Basin. These services include, but are not limited to, brackish water sourcing, produced-water gathering/treatment/recycling, infrastructure development/construction, disposal, water tracking, analytics and well testing services.
 
The Trust is organized to manage land, including royalty interests, for the benefit of its owners. The Trust’s income is derived primarily from oil, gas and water royalties, sales of water and land, easements and leases of the land.
 
We operate our business in two segments: Land and Resource Management and Water Service and Operations. Our segments provide management with a comprehensive financial view of our key businesses. The segments enable the alignment of strategies and objectives of the Trust and provide a framework for timely and rational allocation of resources within businesses. See Note 10, “Business Segment Reporting” for further information regarding our segments.
  
2.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation
 
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and include our consolidated accounts and the accounts of our wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
Use of Estimates
 
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
Revenue Recognition

Oil and Gas Royalties
 
Oil and gas royalties are received in connection with royalty interests owned by the Trust. Oil and gas royalties are reported net of production taxes and are recognized as revenue when crude oil and gas products are removed from the respective mineral reserve locations. Oil and gas royalty payments are generally received one to three months after the crude oil and gas products are removed. An accrual is included in accrued receivables for amounts not received during the month removed based on historical trends.
 
The oil and gas royalties which the Trust receives are dependent upon the market prices for oil and gas. The market prices for oil and gas are subject to national and international economic and political conditions and, in the past, have been subject to significant price fluctuations.

The Trust has analyzed public reports of drilling activities by the oil companies operating where the Trust has an oil and gas royalty interest in an effort to identify unpaid royalties associated with royalty interests owned by the Trust. Rights to certain

F- 7



oil and gas royalties believed by the Trust to be due and payable may be subject to dispute with the oil company involved as a result of disagreements with respect to drilling and related engineering information. Disputed oil and gas royalties are recorded when these contingencies are resolved.
 
Easements and Sundry Income
 
Easement contracts represent contracts which permit companies to install pipe lines, pole lines and other equipment on land owned by the Trust. Easement income is recognized upon the execution of the easement agreement as at that point in time, the Trust has satisfied its performance obligation and the customer has legal control. When the Trust receives a signed contract and payment, the Trust makes available the respective parcel of land to the grantee. Though a small number of payments received are for perpetual easements, the vast majority are for terms of ten years.
 
Sundry income includes lease income related to leasing arrangements to companies in a wide array of industries, including: agricultural, oil and gas, construction, wind power and other industries. Lease income is recognized when earned. These leases generally require fixed annual payments or royalties and lease terms generally range from month-to-month arrangements to ten years. Lease cancellations are allowed. Advance lease payments are deferred and amortized over the appropriate accounting period. Lease payments not received are included in accrued receivables. Additionally, sundry income includes permit income and material sales. Revenue from these sources is recognized when earned.
 
Water Sales and Royalties
 
Water revenues encompass direct sales of water to operators and other customers and royalties received pursuant to legacy agreements with operators. The earnings cycle for both revenue streams is complete upon delivery of water. Water revenues are recognized as earned.
 
Land Sales
 
Income is recognized on land sales during the periods in which such sales are closed and sufficient amounts of cash down payments are received using the full accrual method of gain recognition. For income tax purposes, land sales are recognized on the installment method. The sales price of land sales are reflected as income and the cost of the respective parcels of land are reflected as expenses as these parcels of land are not primarily held as income-producing “operating” properties.

Sales of Oil and Gas Royalty Interests

Income is recognized on sales of oil and gas royalty interests when earned.
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
The Trust considers investments in bank deposits, money market funds and highly-liquid cash investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
 
Accrued Receivables
 
Accrued receivables consist primarily of amounts due under oil and gas royalty leases, water sales or royalty agreements, and sundry leases. Accrued receivables are reflected at their net realizable value based on historical royalty and lease receipt information and other factors anticipated to affect valuation. A valuation allowance is recorded if amounts expected to be received are considered impaired. No allowance was considered necessary at December 31, 2018 and 2017.
 
Property, Plant and Equipment
 
Property, plant and equipment is carried at cost. Maintenance and repair costs are expensed as incurred. The Trust capitalizes the cost of software developed by a third party for the Trust’s internal use. Costs associated with our development of water well fields and re-use facilities are capitalized. We account for depreciation of property, plant and equipment on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Depreciable lives by category are as follows:
Fencing, water wells and water well fields (in years)
10
 
to
 
15
Software developed for internal use (in years)
 
 
5
 
 
Office furniture, equipment and vehicles (in years)
5
 
to
 
7

F- 8




Real Estate Acquired
 
While the Trust is generally not a purchaser of land, parcels are purchased from time to time. Newly acquired real estate is recorded at cost. Real estate acquired through foreclosure is recorded at the aggregate of the outstanding principal balance, accrued interest, past due ad valorem taxes, and other fees incurred relating to the foreclosure.
 
Real estate acquired is carried at the lower of cost or market. Valuations are periodically performed or obtained by management whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Impairments, if any, are recorded by a charge to net income and a valuation allowance if the carrying value of the property exceeds its estimated fair value. Minimal real estate improvements are made to land.

Royalty Interests Acquired

Royalty interests acquired are carried at the lower of cost or market. Valuations are periodically performed or obtained by management whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Impairments, if any, are recorded by a charge to net income and a valuation allowance if the carrying value of the royalty interest exceeds its estimated fair value. Depletion is recorded on a units of production basis. There was no significant depletion activity for the year ended December 31, 2018. There was no depletion expense for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, as the Trust had no depletable royalty interests during those periods.
 
Real Estate and Royalty Interests Assigned Through the 1888 Declaration of Trust
 
The fair market value of the Trust’s land and royalty interests that were assigned through the 1888 Declaration of Trust, (the “Assigned”) land and royalty interests, was not determined in 1888 when the Trust was formed; therefore, no value is assigned in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets to the Assigned land and royalty interests, Certificates of Proprietary Interest, and Sub-share Certificates in Certificates of Proprietary Interest. Consequently, in the consolidated statements of income and total comprehensive income, no allowance is made for depletion and no cost is deducted from the proceeds of sales of the Assigned land and royalty interests. Even though the 1888 value of real properties cannot be precisely determined, it has been concluded that the effect of this matter can no longer be significant to the Trust’s financial position or results of operations. For Federal income tax purposes, however, deductions are made for depletion, computed on the statutory percentage basis of income received from royalties. Minimal real estate improvements are made to land.
 
Income Taxes
 
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
 
When tax returns are filed, it is highly certain that some positions taken would be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities, while others are subject to uncertainty about the merits of the position taken or the amount of the position that would be ultimately sustained. The benefit of a tax position is recognized in the financial statements in the period during which, based on all available evidence, management believes it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of appeals or litigation processes, if any. Tax positions taken are not offset or aggregated with other positions. Tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority. The portion of the benefits associated with tax positions taken that exceeds the amount measured as described above is reflected as a liability for unrecognized tax benefits in the accompanying balance sheet along with any associated interest and penalties that would be payable to the taxing authorities upon examination. The liability for unrecognized tax benefits is zero at December 31, 2018 and 2017.
 
Concentrations of Credit Risk
 
We invest our cash and cash equivalents among two major financial institutions and U.S. Treasury bills (with maturities less than three months) in an attempt to minimize exposure to any one of these entities. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, we had cash and cash equivalents deposited in our financial institutions in excess of federally-insured levels. We regularly monitor the financial condition of these financial institutions and believe that we are not exposed to any significant credit risk in cash and cash equivalents.

F- 9




Net Income per Sub-share Certificate
 
Net income per Sub-share Certificate is based on the weighted average number of Sub-share Certificates in Certificates of Proprietary Interest and equivalent Sub-share Certificates of Proprietary Interest outstanding during each period.  
 
Purchases and Retirements of Sub-share Certificates
 
The costs of Sub-share Certificates purchased and retired are charged to net proceeds from all sources.
 
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net income and other gains and losses affecting capital that, under GAAP, are excluded from net income.
 
Significant Customers
 
Two customers represented, in the aggregate, 31.3%, 26.5% and 23.7% of the Trust’s total revenues (prior to any revenue deferral) for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Reclassifications

Certain financial information on the consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 have been revised to conform to the current year presentation. These revisions affected the classification of certain expense items from one expense line item to another expense line item. Total expenses were not affected by these reclassifications.
 
Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance

Revenue Recognition
 
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, “Revenue Recognition (Topic 606): Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” The ASU provides a five-step revenue recognition model in which an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The ASU allows for a practical expedient for companies to exclude sales or similar taxes collected from customers from the transaction price. Additionally, the ASU requires disclosures sufficient to enable users to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers, including qualitative and quantitative disclosures about contracts with customers, significant judgments and changes in judgments, and assets recognized from the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract.
 
The most significant impact of the new standard relates to our accounting for easement agreements and to a lesser extent oil and gas royalties. Specifically, we recognize revenue for term easements upon execution of these agreements, and as a result, we no longer defer revenue on our term easements. Historically, oil and gas royalties have been adjusted for production taxes paid by operators with a charge to taxes, other than income taxes and a corresponding increase to revenue. We elected the practical expedient allowed by the ASU and exclude production taxes from revenue. Revenue recognition related to our land sales and other sundry income will remain substantially unchanged. Adoption of the standard resulted in (i) the acceleration of easement and sundry income as unearned revenue decreased, (ii) a reduction in oil and gas royalty revenue with a corresponding reduction in taxes, other than income taxes, and (iii) an increase in deferred income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.

We adopted the new standard on January 1, 2018 applying the full retrospective method with optional practical expedients. Adoption of the standard using the full retrospective method required us to restate certain previously reported results as though the new standard had always been in effect.

Adoption of the standard related to revenue recognition impacted our previously reported results as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts): 

F- 10



 
As reported
 
New Revenue
Standard
Adjustment
 
As Adjusted
Consolidated Statements of Income:
 
 
 
 
 
For the year ended December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue
$
132,329

 
$
22,305

 
$
154,634

Taxes, other than income taxes
3,161

 
(2,896
)
 
265

Income taxes - deferred
(3,365
)
 
4,331

 
966

Net income
76,361

 
20,870

 
97,231

Net income per Sub-share Certificate
9.72

 
2.66

 
12.38

 
 
 
 
 
 
For the year ended December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue
$
59,911

 
$
6,198

 
$
66,109

Taxes, other than income taxes
1,779

 
(1,612
)
 
167

Income taxes - deferred
(4,194
)
 
2,774

 
(1,420
)
Net income
37,240

 
5,035

 
42,275

Net income per Sub-share Certificate
4.66

 
0.63

 
5.29

 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets:
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued receivables
$
18,205

 
$
(432
)
 
$
17,773

Deferred tax asset (liability)
6,992

 
(7,106
)
 
(114
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Capital:
 
 
 
 
 
Unearned revenue
$
41,375

 
$
(33,011
)
 
$
8,364

Other taxes payable
433

 
(433
)
 

Net proceeds from all sources
79,997

 
25,905

 
105,902

 
Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost
 
In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, “Compensation – Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost.” This ASU requires employers to disaggregate the service cost component from the other components of net benefit cost in the income statement, provides explicit guidance on the presentation of the service cost component and the other components of net benefit cost in the income statement and allows only the service cost component of net benefit cost to be eligible for capitalization. The service cost component is recorded within salaries and related employee benefits expense, and the other components of net benefit costs will be recorded in other income.

We adopted the new standard on January 1, 2018 applying the retrospective method. Adoption of the standard using the retrospective method required us to restate certain previously reported results as though the new standard had always been in effect.

Effects on Operating Income and Other Income from Adoption of New Accounting Standards

Adoption of the standards related to revenue recognition and presentation of net periodic pension cost impacted our previously reported results for operating income and other income as follows (in thousands):
 

F- 11



 
As reported in prior year
 
Retrospective adjustment
 
As reported in current year
For the year ended December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income
$
119,776

 
$
25,171

 
$
144,947

Other income (expense)
84

 
30

 
114

 
 
 
 
 
 
For the year ended December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income
$
55,058

 
$
7,853

 
$
62,911

Other income (expense)
29

 
(44
)
 
(15
)
 
Reclassification of Certain Tax Effect from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, “Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Topic 220).” This ASU allows for stranded tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive income resulting from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("Tax Reform Act") to be reclassified as retained earnings. This standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Trust adopted this standard effective October 1, 2018 and for the year ended December 31, 2018 recorded a cumulative adjustment of approximately $0.2 million related to stranded tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive income to “net proceeds from all sources.”

Impact of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on Certain Income Tax Effects

In March 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-05, “Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118.” The amendments in this update provide guidance on when to record and disclose provisional amounts for certain income tax effects of the Tax Reform Act. The amendments also require any provisional amounts or subsequent adjustments to be included in net income from continuing operations. Additionally, this ASU discusses required disclosures that an entity must make with regard to the Tax Reform Act. This ASU was effective immediately as new information became available to adjust provisional amounts that were previously recorded. The Trust has adopted this standard and will continue to evaluate indicators that may give rise to a change in our tax provision as a result of the Tax Reform Act.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842).” This ASU requires lessees to recognize a right of use asset and lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases, with the exception of short-term leases. The new guidance will also require significant disclosures about the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows from leases. In January 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-01, “Land Easement Practical Expedient for Transition to Topic 842” that clarifies the application of the new lease guidance to land easements. The ASU allows an optional transition practical expedient, which if elected, would not require an entity to reassess the accounting treatment on existing or expired land easements not previously accounted for as leases under the current lease guidance. Any new or modified land easements would be evaluated under the new lease guidance upon adoption of the new lease standard. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-10, “Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases” and ASU No. 2018-11, “Leases (Topic 842) — Targeted Improvements” to set forth certain additional practical expedients for lessors and to provide entities with an option to adopt the new lease standard with a cumulative effect at the adoption date without restating prior periods. The new lease standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years, which for the Trust is the first quarter of 2019. The Trust will adopt the new lease standard on January 1, 2019 with a cumulative effect at the adoption date. The Trust will recognize a right of use asset and lease liability for our operating lease commitments on the consolidated balance sheet. The Trust is currently evaluating the impact that ASU 2016-02 will have on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14, “Compensation — Retirement Benefits — Defined Benefit Plans — General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework — Changes to Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans.” The ASU eliminates requirements for certain disclosures and requires additional disclosures under defined benefit pension plans and other post-retirement plans. The ASU is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. The Trust is currently evaluating the impact that ASU 2018-14 will have on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.


F- 12



In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, “Intangibles — Goodwill and Other — Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract.” The ASU requires a customer in a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract to follow existing internal-use software guidance to determine which implementation costs to capitalize as an asset. The ASU is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted, and may be applied retrospectively or as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The Trust is currently evaluating the impact that ASU 2018-15 will have on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
   
3.
Property, Plant and Equipment
 
Property, plant and equipment, net consisted of the following at December 31, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands):
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Property, plant and equipment, at cost:
 
 
 
Water service-related assets (1)
$
62,919

 
$
18,193

Furniture, fixtures and equipment
4,297

 
1,786

Other
598

 

Total property, plant and equipment, at cost
67,814

 
19,979

Less: accumulated depreciation
(3,012
)
 
(463
)
Property, plant and equipment, net
$
64,802

 
$
19,516

                                    
 
(1)
Water service-related assets include water wells and water well fields related to water sourcing and water re-use.

Depreciation expense was $2.6 million and $0.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Depreciation expense was minimal for the year ended December 31, 2016.

4.
Real Estate Activity

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Trust owned the following land and real estate (in thousands, except number of acres):
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
Number of Acres
 
Net Book Value
 
Number of Acres
 
Net Book Value
Land (surface rights)
 
877,462

 
$

 
877,633

 
$

Real estate acquired
 
24,715

 
10,492

 
10,065

 
1,115

Total real estate situated in 19 counties in Texas
 
902,177

 
$
10,492

 
887,698

 
$
1,115

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

No valuation allowance was necessary at December 31, 2018 and 2017.

Land Sales

The Assigned land held by the Trust was recorded with no value at the time of acquisition. See Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” for further information regarding the Assigned land. Real estate acquired includes land parcels which have either been acquired through foreclosure or purchased from a third party seller.

For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Trust sold approximately 171.5 acres of the Trust’s Assigned land in Texas for an aggregate sales price of approximately $4.4 million, an average of approximately $25,464 per acre.


F- 13



For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Trust sold approximately 11.0 acres of the Trust’s Assigned land in Texas for an aggregate sales price of approximately $0.2 million, an average of approximately $20,000 per acre.

For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Trust sold approximately 774.6 acres of the Trust’s Assigned land in Texas for an aggregate sales price of approximately $2.9 million, an average of approximately $3,803 per acre.

Land Acquisitions

For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Trust acquired approximately 14,650 acres of land in Texas for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $9.4 million, an average of approximately $640 per acre.

There were no land acquisitions for the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.
 
5.
Royalty Interests

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Trust owned the following oil and gas royalty interests (in thousands, except number of interests):
 
 
Net Book Value
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
1/16th nonparticipating perpetual royalty interests (1)
 
$

 
$

1/128th nonparticipating perpetual royalty interests (2)
 

 

Royalty interests acquired
 
24,303

 

Total royalty interests
 
$
24,303

 
$

 
 
 
 
 

(1)
Nonparticipating perpetual royalty interests in 370,737 and 373,777 gross royalty acres as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

(2)
Nonparticipating perpetual royalty interests in 84,934 and 85,414 gross royalty acres as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

No valuation allowance was necessary at December 31, 2018 and 2017.

Real Estate and Royalty Interests Assigned Through the 1888 Declaration of Trust
 
The fair market value of the Trust’s Assigned royalty interests was not determined in 1888 when the Trust was formed, and accordingly, these Assigned royalty interests were recorded with no value. See Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” for further information regarding the Assigned royalty interests. The Assigned royalty interests include 1/16th and 1/128th royalty interests.

Royalty Interests Transactions

For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Trust sold nonparticipating perpetual oil and gas royalty interests in approximately 812 net royalty acres (1/8th interest) for approximately $18.9 million, an average price of approximately $23,234 per net royalty acre. In conjunction with this sale, the Trust acquired oil and gas royalty interests in approximately 1,480 net royalty acres for an aggregate purchase price of $20.6 million, an average of approximately $13,949 per net royalty acre.

Additionally, for the year ended December 31, 2018, the Trust acquired oil and gas royalty interests in approximately 346 net royalty acres for an aggregate purchase price of $3.7 million, an average price of approximately $10,555 per net royalty acre.

There were no oil and gas royalty interest transactions for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.


F- 14



6.
Employee Benefit Plans
 
The Trust has a defined contribution plan available to all regular employees having one or more years of continuous service. Contributions are at the discretion of the Trustees of the Trust. The Trust contributed approximately $0.1 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
 
The Trust has a noncontributory pension plan (Plan) available to all regular employees having one or more years of continuous service. The Plan provides for normal retirement at age 65. Contributions to the Plan reflect benefits attributed to employees’ services to date, as well as services expected in the future.
 
The following table sets forth the Plan’s changes in benefit obligation, changes in fair value of plan assets, and funded status as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 using a measurement date of December 31 (in thousands): 
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Change in projected benefits obligation:
 
 
 
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year
$
5,032

 
$
4,833

Service cost
157

 
147

Interest cost
183

 
201

Actuarial (gain) loss
(369
)
 
82

Benefits paid
(258
)
 
(231
)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year
$
4,745

 
$
5,032

 
 
 
 
Change in plan assets:
 
 
 
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
$
5,356

 
$
4,937

Actual return on plan assets
(185
)
 
552

Contributions by employer
400

 
98

Benefits paid
(258
)
 
(231
)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
5,313

 
5,356

Funded (unfunded) status at end of year
$
568

 
$
324

 
Amounts recognized in the balance sheets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 consist of (in thousands): 
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Assets
$
568

 
$
324

Liabilities

 

 
$
568

 
$
324


Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consist of the following as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands): 
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Net actuarial loss
$
(1,365
)
 
$
(1,246
)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), before taxes
(1,365
)
 
(1,246
)
Income tax benefit
287

 
442

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), after taxes
$
(1,078
)
 
$
(804
)
 

F- 15



Net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 include the following components (in thousands):
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost
$
157

 
$
147

 
$
153

Interest cost
183

 
201

 
215

Expected return on plan assets
(367
)
 
(339
)
 
(311
)
Amortization of net loss
64

 
108

 
140

Net periodic benefit cost
$
37

 
$
117

 
$
197

 
Service cost, a component of net periodic benefit cost, is reflected in our consolidated statements of income within salaries and related employee expenses. The other components of net periodic benefit cost are included in other income (expense) on the consolidated statements of income.

Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands): 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Net actuarial (gain) loss
$
183

 
$
(132
)
 
$
(305
)
Recognized actuarial loss
(64
)
 
(108
)
 
(140
)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income, before taxes
$
119

 
$
(240
)
 
$
(445
)
Total recognized in net benefit cost and other comprehensive income, before taxes
$
156

 
$
(123
)
 
$
(248
)
 
The Trust reclassified $0.1 million (net of income tax expense of less than $0.1 million) out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for net periodic benefit cost to other income (expense) for each of the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The estimated net actuarial loss for the Plan that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to other income (expense) over the next fiscal year is less than $0.1 million.

The following table summarizes the Plan assets in excess of projected benefit obligation and accumulated benefit obligation at December 31, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands): 
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Plan assets in excess of projected benefit obligation:
 
 
 
Projected benefit obligation
$
4,745

 
$
5,032

Fair value of plan assets
$
5,313

 
$
5,356

Plan assets in excess of accumulated benefit obligation:
 
 
 
Accumulated benefit obligation
$
4,173

 
$
4,510

Fair value of plan assets
$
5,313

 
$
5,356

 

F- 16



The following are weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and costs at December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations as of December 31:
 
 
 
 
 
Discount rate
4.25
%
 
3.75
%
 
4.25
%
Rate of compensation increase
7.29
%
 
7.29
%
 
7.29
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit costs for the years ended December 31:
 
 
 
 
 
Discount rate
3.75
%
 
4.25
%
 
4.50
%
Expected return on plan assets
7.00
%
 
7.00
%
 
7.00
%
Rate of compensation increase
7.29
%
 
7.29
%
 
7.29
%
 
The expected return on Plan assets assumption of 7.0% was selected by the Trust based on historical real rates of return for the current asset mix and an assumption with respect to future inflation. The rate was determined based on a long-term allocation of about two-thirds fixed income and one-third equity securities; historical real rates of return of about 2.5% and 8.5% for fixed income and equity securities, respectively; and assuming a long-term inflation rate of 2.5%.
 
The Plan has a formal investment policy statement. The Plan’s investment objective is balanced income, with a moderate risk tolerance. This objective emphasizes current income through a 30% to 80% allocation to fixed income securities, complemented by a secondary consideration for capital appreciation through an equity allocation in the range of 20% to 60%. Diversification is achieved through investment in mutual funds and bonds. The asset allocation is reviewed annually with respect to the target allocations and rebalancing adjustments and/or target allocation changes are made as appropriate. The Trust’s current funding policy is to maintain the Plan’s fully funded status on an ERISA minimum funding basis.
 
Fair Value Measurements
 
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
 
The fair value accounting standards establish a fair value hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are those that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from independent sources. Unobservable inputs reflect our assumptions about the inputs market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The fair value hierarchy is categorized into three levels based on the inputs used in measuring fair value, as follows:

Level 1 – Inputs are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access. Since inputs are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market, Level 1 inputs require the least judgment.
 
Level 2 – Inputs are based on quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, or are observable either directly or indirectly. Inputs are obtained from various sources including financial institutions and brokers.
 
Level 3 – Inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. The degree of judgment exercised by us in determining fair value is greatest for fair value measurements categorized in Level 3.
 

F- 17



The fair values of plan assets by major asset category at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, are as follows (in thousands):  
 
Total
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
As of December 31, 2018:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents — money markets
$
407

 
$
407

 
$

 
$

Equities
813

 
813

 

 

Equity funds
2,448

 
2,448

 

 

Fixed income funds
1,645

 
1,645

 

 

Total
$
5,313

 
$
5,313

 
$

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2017:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents — money markets
$
165

 
$
165

 
$

 
$

Equities
670

 
670

 

 

Equity funds
2,468

 
2,468

 

 

Fixed income funds
2,053

 
2,053

 

 

Total
$
5,356

 
$
5,356

 
$

 
$

 
Management intends to fund the minimum ERISA amount for 2018. The Trust may make some discretionary contributions to the Plan, the amounts of which have not yet been determined.
 
The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid for the following ten-year period (in thousands):
 
Year ending December 31,
Amount
2019
$
238

2020
254

2021
250

2022
247

2023
242

2024 to 2028
1,203


7.
Income Taxes

The income tax provision charged to operations for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 was as follows (in thousands): 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Current:
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Federal
$
35,593

 
$
46,013

 
$
21,665

State and local
1,607

 
851

 
376

 
37,200

 
46,864

 
22,041

Deferred expense (benefit)
14,814

 
966

 
(1,420
)
 
$
52,014

 
$
47,830

 
$
20,621

 

F- 18



The Trust is taxed as if it were a corporation. Total income tax expense differed from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. Federal income tax rate of 21% for the year ended December 31, 2018 and 35% for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 to income before Federal income taxes as a result of the following (in thousands): 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Computed tax expense at the statutory rate
$
54,968

 
$
50,771

 
$
22,014

Reduction in income taxes resulting from:
 
 
 
 
 
Statutory depletion
(4,185
)
 
(3,378
)
 
(1,609
)
State taxes
1,243

 
530

 
231

Effect of change in statutory tax rate (1)

 
(103
)
 

Other, net
(12
)
 
10

 
(15
)
 
$
52,014

 
$
47,830

 
$
20,621

 
 
(1)
The effect of the change in statutory income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018 which was anticipated as of December 31, 2017.

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows (in thousands): 
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Deferred revenue
$
2,878

 
$
1,796

Total deferred tax assets
2,878

 
1,796

 
 
 
 
Basis differences in property, plant and equipment
10,723

 
1,691

Deferred gains on 1031 exchanges
6,791

 

Basis differences in real estate acquired through foreclosure
142

 
142

Basis difference in pension plan liability
119

 
68

Deferred installment revenue on land sales for tax purposes
6

 
9

Total deferred tax liability
17,781

 
1,910

Net deferred tax liability
$
(14,903
)
 
$
(114
)
 
 
 
 

The Trust files a U. S. Federal income tax return. With few exceptions, the Trust is no longer subject to U. S. Federal income tax examination by tax authorities for years before 2015.

8.
Lease Commitments

The Trust is a lessee under operating leases in connection with its administrative offices located in Dallas and Midland, Texas. The lease agreements require monthly rent payments and expire in March 2025 and August 2022, respectively. Future minimum lease payments were as follows at December 31, 2018 (in thousands):


F- 19



Year ending December 31,
 
Amount
2019
 
$
402

2020
 
597

2021
 
613

2022
 
597

2023
 
546

Thereafter
 
701

 
 
$
3,456

 
Rent expense for these lease agreements amounted to approximately $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 and $0.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
 
9.
Capital
 
Certificates of Proprietary Interest (“Certificates”) and Sub-share Certificates in Certificates of Proprietary Interest (“Sub-shares”) are exchangeable in the ratio of one Certificate to 3,000 Sub-shares. No Certificates were exchanged for Sub-shares in 2018 and 2017.
 
The number of Certificates authorized for issuance at a given date is the number then outstanding plus one/three-thousandth of the number of Sub-shares then outstanding. The number of Sub-shares authorized for issuance at a given date is the number then outstanding plus three thousand times the number of Certificates then outstanding.
 
The Declaration of Trust was executed and delivered in New York. In the opinion of counsel for the Trust, under the laws of the State of New York, the Certificate and Sub-share Certificate holders are not subject to any personal liability for the acts or obligations of the Trust.
 
The assets of the Trust are located in Texas. In the opinion of Texas counsel, under the laws of the State of Texas, the Certificate and Sub-share Certificate holders may be held personally liable with respect to claims against the Trust, but only after the assets of the Trust first have been exhausted.

Dividends

On March 16, 2018, we paid $31.7 million in dividends representing a cash dividend of $1.05 per Sub-share and a special dividend of $3.00 per Sub-share for sub-shareholders of record at the close of business on March 9, 2018.

On March 16, 2017, we paid $10.7 million in dividends representing a cash dividend of $0.35 per Sub-share and a special dividend of $1.00 per Sub-share for sub-shareholders of record at the close of business on March 9, 2017.

Repurchases of Sub-shares

During the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, we purchased and retired 59,185, 105,715 and 190,750 Sub-shares, respectively.

10.
Business Segment Reporting
 
In its operation of the business, management, including our chief operating decision makers, reviews certain financial information, including segmented internal profit and loss statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. During the periods presented, we reported our financial performance based on the following segments: Land and Resource Management and Water Service and Operations. Our segments provide management with a comprehensive financial view of our key businesses. The segments enable the alignment of strategies and objectives of the Trust and provide a framework for timely and rational allocation of resources within businesses. We eliminate any inter-segment revenues and expenses upon consolidation.
 

F- 20



The Land and Resource Management segment encompasses the business of managing approximately 900,000 acres of land and related resources in West Texas owned by the Trust. The revenue streams of this segment consist of royalties from oil and gas, land sales, and revenues from easements and leases.
 
The Water Service and Operations segment encompasses the business of providing a full-service water offering to operators in the Permian Basin as well as managing agreements with energy companies and oilfield service businesses to allow such companies to explore for water, drill water wells, construct water-related infrastructure and purchase water sourced from land that we own. The revenue streams of this segment consist of revenues from direct sales of water and to a lesser extent, easements and sundry income and royalties on sales of water.

Segment financial results were as follows (in thousands):
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
Land and resource management
$
211,476

 
$
123,340

 
$
57,984

Water service and operations
88,744

 
31,294

 
8,125

Total consolidated revenues
$
300,220

 
$
154,634

 
$
66,109

 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income:
 
 
 
 
 
Land and resource management
$
159,611

 
$
78,468

 
$
37,049

Water service and operations
50,125

 
18,763

 
5,226

Total consolidated net income
$
209,736

 
$
97,231

 
$
42,275

 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital Expenditures:
 
 
 
 
 
Land and resource management
$
2,790

 
$
920

 
$
478

Water service and operations
45,088

 
17,827

 
499

Total capital expenditures
$
47,878

 
$
18,747

 
$
977

 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization:
 
 
 
 
 
Land and resource management
$
506

 
$
136

 
$
24

Water service and operations
2,077

 
240

 
19

Total depreciation and amortization
$
2,583

 
$
376

 
$
43

 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Total Assets:
 
 
 
Land and resource management
$
198,922

 
$
97,549

Water service and operations
86,153

 
22,486

Total consolidated assets
$
285,075

 
$
120,035

Property, plant and equipment, net:
 
 
 
Land and resource management
$
3,720

 
$
1,449

Water service and operations
61,082

 
18,067

Total consolidated property, plant and equipment, net
$
64,802

 
$
19,516

 
11.
Subsequent Events
 
The Trust evaluated events that occurred after the balance sheet date through the date these financial statements were issued, and the following events that met recognition or disclosure criteria were identified:
 

F- 21



Land Transactions

On January 7, 2019, the Trust sold approximately 14,000 surface acres of land in Loving and Reeves Counties, Texas for an aggregate price of $100.0 million (the “Sale”). The Sale excludes any mineral or royalty interest in the lands to be conveyed and the Trust reserved certain usage, disposal and water rights in approximately 1,280 acres of the lands conveyed.

On February 22, 2019, the Trust used approximately $46.9 million of the sales proceeds to acquire approximately 11,700 acres of land in Reeves and Culberson Counties, Texas. The remaining $53.1 million of sales proceeds will be used to acquire other like kind properties.

Dividends Declared

At their February 2019 meeting, the Trustees declared a cash dividend of $1.75 per Sub-share, payable March 15, 2019 to sub-shareholders of record at the close of business on March 8, 2019. Additionally, the Trustees declared a special dividend of $4.25 per Sub-share, payable March 15, 2019 to sub-shareholders of record at the close of business on March 8, 2019.

Trustees

Maurice Meyer III resigned as a Trustee and Chairman of the Board of Trustees effective February 25, 2019, in light of certain health issues. The Trustees named Messrs. Norris and Barry as Co-Chairmen upon Mr. Meyer’s resignation.
  
12.
Oil and Gas Producing Activities (Unaudited)
 
The Trust’s share of oil and gas produced, all of which is from royalty interests, was as follows for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively: oil (in barrels) – 1,719,588, 818,854 and 569,585, and gas (in thousands of cubic feet) – 11,626,278, 4,174,691 and 2,612,965. Reserves related to the Trust’s royalty interests are not presented because the information is unavailable.

There are a number of oil and gas wells that have been drilled but are not yet completed (“DUC”) where the Trust has a royalty interest. Currently, the Trust has identified 309 DUC wells affected by our royalty interest. The process of identifying these wells is ongoing and we anticipate updates going forward to be affected by a number of factors including, but not limited to, ongoing changes/updates to our identification process, changes/updates by Drilling Info (our main source of information in identifying these wells) in their identification process, the eventual completion of these DUC wells, and additional wells drilled but not completed by companies operating where we have a royalty interest.
 
13.
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
 
The following tables present unaudited financial data of the Trust for each quarter of 2018 and 2017 (in thousands, except per share amounts):  
 
Quarters ended
 
December 31, 2018
 
September 30, 2018
 
June 30,
2018
 
March 31, 2018
Income
$
93,201

 
$
73,168

 
$
73,844

 
$
60,007

Income before income taxes
$
78,279

 
$
63,195

 
$
65,665

 
$
54,611

Net income
$
62,680

 
$
50,762

 
$
52,503

 
$
43,791

Net income per Sub-share Certificate
$
8.06

 
$
6.52

 
$
6.73

 
$
5.60

 

F- 22



 
Quarters ended
 
December 31, 2017
 
September 30, 2017
 
June 30,
2017
 
March 31, 2017
Income
$
39,957

 
$
51,977

 
$
32,293

 
$
30,407

Income before income taxes
$
36,455

 
$
49,324

 
$
30,385

 
$
28,897

Net income
$
24,620

 
$
33,002

 
$
20,350

 
$
19,259

Net income per Sub-share Certificate
$
3.14

 
$
4.20

 
$
2.58

 
$
2.43




*****

F- 23