San Juan Basin Royalty Trust Reports No Cash Distribution Due to Costs

San Juan Basin Royalty Trust Faces Production Challenges

The San Juan Basin Royalty Trust, traded under the ticker symbol SJT, has recently announced that there will be no cash distribution to the unit holders for this month. The decision comes in light of exceeding production costs for September, which have significantly impacted the trust's ability to distribute income. The trustee, Argent Trust Company, cited low natural gas prices combined with high operational costs as the primary reasons for this decision.

Overview of Financial Performance

Last month, Hilcorp San Juan L.P. reported total revenues amounting to $2,853,533 from the trust's interests. Of this revenue, $2,651,297 was generated from gas sales, while oil sales contributed $202,236. However, Hilcorp also reported production costs of approximately $5,566,414 for the same month, breaking down into lease operational expenses, severance taxes, and capital costs.

The trust's financial strain is primarily attributed to high lease operating expenses and capital expenditures related to Hilcorp's 2024 project plans. Due to these costs exceeding revenue, the trust will not distribute cash until there are enough proceeds to cover all liabilities and restore its cash reserves.

Expenditure Breakdown and Administrative Costs

In a challenging financial landscape, the trust has also incurred administrative expenses totaling $59,870 this past month. These adjustments in expenses can usually vary based on the timing of payouts and receipts. Furthermore, the trust applied $4,301 of interest income towards management expenses, resulting in the use of cash reserves to cover any shortfalls.

Production Volumes and Price Evaluation

According to reports from Hilcorp, gas production volumes for September 2024 fell to 1,869,291 Mcf, down slightly from the previous month. This reduction in volume influenced the average price per Mcf, which dropped to $1.42, a significant decrease compared to $1.79 the prior month. Prices have fluctuated drastically due to market conditions, affecting overall revenue.

The Role of Cash Reserves

The ongoing strategy for the trust includes maintaining cash reserves for covering operational liabilities. Even in times of revenue shortfall, the trustee has increased the reserves, which stood at $1.8 million earlier this year. Current cash reserves are being scrutinized, with the goal of maintaining them at approximately $2.0 million before any distributions are considered.

Future Expectations for the Trust

The trustee remains engaged with Hilcorp to ensure thorough oversight of accounting practices and the accurate reporting of sales revenues and production expenses. A comprehensive audit is in progress to ensure compliance with existing trust agreements. Ongoing discussions are expected to help clarify fee structures and pricing methods affecting revenue streams.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the reason for no cash distribution this month?

The San Juan Basin Royalty Trust will not declare cash distributions due to high production costs exceeding revenues amid low gas prices.

What are the reported production costs for September?

Production costs for September 2024 amounted to approximately $5,566,414, primarily due to leasing and capital costs associated with ongoing projects.

How has production volume changed recently?

In September 2024, gas volumes totaled 1,869,291 Mcf, slightly decreased compared to 1,922,538 Mcf produced in August 2024.

What measures are being taken on cash reserves?

The trustee aims to increase cash reserves to $2.0 million to cover operational costs and liabilities before considering any distributions.

How does Hilcorp's performance impact the trust's finances?

Hilcorp's revenues and costs directly affect the trust's ability to distribute cash, as high operational expenses can lead to revenue shortfalls, halting distributions to unit holders.

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