UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form10-Q

[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2022

OR

[    ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission File Number:1-10476

Hugoton Royalty Trust

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Texas                    Texas                             58-6379215

(State or other jurisdiction of    

of incorporation or organization)

  

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

Southwest Bank

Trustee

P.O. Box 962020, Fort Worth, Texas

76162-2020
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)

c/o The Corporate Trustee:

Simmons Bank

2911 Turtle Creek Blvd, Suite 850

Dallas, Texas 75219

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(855)588-7839

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

NONE

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if change since last report)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

 

        Title of each classTrading symbolName of each exchange on which registered
Units of Beneficial InterestHGTXUOTCQB

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  ☑  No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of RegulationS-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes  ☐  No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, anon-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule12b-2 of the Exchange Act (check one):Act:

 

Large accelerated filer

    Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

☐  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

    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 Rule12b-2)Act).  Yes  ☐  No  ☑

Indicate the number of units of beneficial interest outstanding, as of the latest practicable date:

Outstanding as of NovemberMay 1, 20172022

40,000,000


HUGOTON ROYALTY TRUST

FORM10-Q FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017MARCH 31, 2022

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  
   Page 
 

Glossary of Terms

   3 

PART I.

 

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  

  Item 1.

 

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

   4 
 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   5 
 

Condensed Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Trust Corpus
at September 30, 2017March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2016

6

Condensed Statements of Distributable Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 20162021

   7 
 

Condensed Statements of Changes in Trust Corpus Distributable Income
for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2022 and 20162021

   8 
 

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements of Changes in Trust Corpus
for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 and 2021

   9 
    Item 2. 

Trustee’s Discussion and AnalysisNotes to Condensed Financial Statements

   1410 

  Item 3.2.

 Trustee’s Discussion and Analysis15

  Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

19
    Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

19
PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

    Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

   20 

  Item 1A.4.

 

Risk FactorsControls and Procedures

   20 
    Item 6.

PART II.

 OTHER INFORMATION

  Item 1.

ExhibitsLegal Proceedings

   20

  Item 1A.

Risk Factors21

  Item 6.

Exhibits21 
 

Signatures

   2122 


HUGOTON ROYALTY TRUST

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

The following are definitions of significant terms used in this Form10-Q:

 

Bbl

 

Barrel (of oil)

Mcf

 

Thousand cubic feet (of natural gas)

MMBtu

 

One million British Thermal Units, a common energy measurement

net proceeds

 

Gross proceeds received by XTO Energy from sale of production from the underlying properties, less applicable costs, as defined in the net profits interest conveyancesconveyances.

net profits income

 

Net proceeds multiplied by the net profits percentage of 80%, which is paid to the Trust by XTO Energy. “Net profits income” is referred to as “royalty income” for income tax purposes.

net profits interest

 

An interest in an oil and gas property measured by net profits from the sale of production, rather than a specific portion of production. The following defined net profits interests were conveyed to the Trust from the underlying properties:

 

80% net profits interests - interests that entitle the Trust to receive 80% of the net proceeds from the underlying properties.

underlying properties

 

XTO Energy’s interest in certain oil and gas properties from which the net profits interests were conveyed. The underlying properties include working interests in predominantlygas-producing properties located in Kansas, Oklahoma and Wyoming.

working interest

 

An operating interest in an oil and gas property that provides the owner a specified share of production that is subject to all production expense and development costscosts.

HUGOTON ROYALTY TRUST

PART I- FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

Item 1.Financial Statements.

The condensed financial statements included herein are presented, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Unless specified otherwise, all amounts included herein are presented in U.S. dollars. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Trustee believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. These condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Trust’s latest Annual Report on Form10-K. In the opinion of the Trustee, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statement of the assets, liabilities and trust corpus of the Hugoton Royalty Trust at September 30, 2017March 31, 2022 and the distributable income and changes in trust corpus for the three- and nine-monththree-month periods ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2022 and 20162021 have been included. Distributable income for such interim periods is not necessarily indicative of the distributable income for the full year. The condensed financial statements as of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2022, and for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2022 and 20162021 have been subjected to a review by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm, whose report is included herein.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Unitholders of Hugoton Royalty Trust and Simmons Bank, as Trustee

Southwest Bank, TrusteeResults of Review of Interim Financial Statements

We have reviewed the accompanying condensed statement of assets, liabilities and trust corpus of Hugoton Royalty Trust (the “Trust”) as of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2022, and the related condensed statements of distributable income and changes in trust corpus for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2022 and 2016. These2021, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the “interim financial statements”). Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying interim financial statements arefor them to be in conformity with the responsibilitymodified cash basis of the Trustee.accounting described in Note 1.

We conducted our reviewhave previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States)., the statement of assets, liabilities and trust corpus as of December 31, 2021, and the related statements of distributable income and changes in trust corpus for the year then ended (not presented herein), and in our report dated March 30, 2022, which included a paragraph describing the modified cash basis of accounting and a paragraph regarding substantial doubt about the Trust’s ability to continue as a going concern, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed statement of assets, liabilities and trust corpus as of December 31, 2021, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the statement of assets, liabilities and trust corpus from which it has been derived.

Substantial Doubt About the Trust’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern

The accompanying interim financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Trust will continue as a going concern. Note 2 of the Trust’s audited financial statements as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and for the years then ended, includes a statement that substantial doubt exists about the Trust’s ability to continue as a going concern. Note 2 of the Trust’s audited financial statements also discloses the events and conditions, management’s evaluation of the events and conditions, and management’s plans regarding these matters, including the fact that accumulated excess costs have resulted in insufficient net proceeds available to the Trust and the depletion of the expense reserve available to the Trust for the payment of its obligations. Our report on those financial statements includes a paragraph referring to the matters in Note 2 of those financial statements. As indicated in Note 1 of the accompanying interim financial statements, as of March 31, 2022, and for the three-months then ended, the events and conditions impacting the Trust have not changed, and as a result, the Trust has stated that substantial doubt exists about the Trust’s ability to continue as a going concern. The accompanying interim financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

Basis for Review Results

These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Trustee. 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 review in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States),PCAOB, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Basis of Accounting

As described in Note 1, these interim financial statements were prepared on the modified cash basis of accounting, which is a comprehensive basis of accounting other than accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.accounting principles.

Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying condensed interim financial statements for them to be in conformity with the basis of accounting described in Note 1.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Dallas, Texas

May 13, 2022

We previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the statement of assets, liabilities and trust corpus as of December 31, 2016, and the related statements of distributable income and changes in trust corpus for the year then ended (not presented herein), and in our report dated March 10, 2017, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed statement of assets, liabilities and trust corpus as of December 31, 2016 is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the statement of assets, liabilities and trust corpus from which it has been derived.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Dallas, TX

November 6, 2017

HUGOTON ROYALTY TRUST

 

Condensed Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Trust Corpus(Unaudited)

 

  March 31,
2022
 December 31,
2021
 
  September 30,
2017
   December 31,
2016
 

ASSETS

       

Cash and short-term investments

  $1,150,720   $1,257,800 

Net profits interests in oil and gas properties—net (Note 1)

   18,582,882    26,885,503 

Cash and short-term investments (a)

  $660,000  $660,000 

Net profits interests in oil and gas properties - net (Note 1)

   -   - 
  

 

  

 

 
  

 

   

 

   $660,000  $660,000 
  $19,733,602   $28,143,303   

 

  

 

 
  

 

   

 

 

LIABILITIES AND TRUST CORPUS

       

Distribution payable to unitholders

  $150,720   $257,800   $-  $- 

Expense reserve(a)

   1,000,000    1,000,000 

Performance guarantee deposit (a)

   660,000  660,000 

Accounts payable to Simmons Bank (b)

   1,037,848  1,217,857 

Trust corpus (40,000,000 units of beneficial interest authorized and outstanding)

   18,582,882    26,885,503    (1,037,848)   (1,217,857
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 
  $19,733,602   $28,143,303 
  

 

   

 

   $        660,000  $        660,000 
  

 

  

 

 

 

(a)

Performance guarantee deposit paid by XTO Energy equal to 10% of the purchase price per Section 3.02 of the purchase and sale agreement. In the event of a termination of the purchase and sale agreement (other than due to the failure of XTO Energy to perform any of its material obligations thereunder or a material breach of any representation by XTO Energy), the performance guarantee deposit, together with interest, must be returned to XTO Energy.

(b)

The expense reserve allowsused to pay administrative expenses in the absence of current month distributions was depleted in October 2020. As a result, Simmons Bank, the Trustee, has paid expenses for the Trust, subject to pay its obligations should itrights to be unableindemnified and reimbursed pursuant to pay them outthe terms of the net profits income. AsTrust indenture. The right to indemnification would include proceeds received from a sale of September 30, 2017, the reserve currently established by the Trustee is fully funded at $1,000,000.Trust’s assets, if any.

The accompanying notes to condensed financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

HUGOTON ROYALTY TRUST

 

Condensed Statements of Distributable Income(Unaudited)

 

  Three Months Ended
March 31
 
  Three Months Ended
September 30
   Nine Months Ended
September 30
   2022   2021 
  2017   2016   2017   2016 

Net profits income

  $688,252   $1,253,498   $4,236,724   $1,516,605   $347,410   $- 

Interest income

   2,091    289    4,616    544    -    - 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total income

   690,343    1,253,787    4,241,340    1,517,149    347,410    - 

Administration expense

   193,023    187,892    707,060    725,229    167,401    260,936 

Cash reserves withheld (used) for Trust expenses

   —      273,975    —      —      -    - 

Change in accounts payable to Simmons Bank (increase)/decrease

   180,009    (260,936
  

 

   

 

 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Distributable income

  $497,320   $791,920   $3,534,280   $791,920   $-   $- 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Distributable income per unit (40,000,000 units)

  $0.012433   $0.019798   $0.088357   $0.019798   $        0.000000   $        0.000000 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

The accompanying notes to condensed financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

HUGOTON ROYALTY TRUST

 

Condensed Statements of Changes in Trust Corpus(Unaudited)

 

   Three Months Ended
September 30
  Nine Months Ended
September 30
 
   2017  2016  2017  2016 

Trust corpus, beginning of period

  $20,063,091  $28,801,000  $26,885,503  $86,900,231 

Amortization of net profits interests

   (1,480,209  (1,142,565  (8,302,621  (1,935,269

Impairment of net profits interest (Note 1)

   —     —     —     (57,306,527

Distributable income

   497,320   791,920   3,534,280   791,920 

Distributions declared

   (497,320  (791,920  (3,534,280  (791,920
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Trust corpus, end of period

  $18,582,882  $27,658,435  $18,582,882  $27,658,435 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   Three Months Ended March 31 
   2022  2021 

Trust corpus, beginning of period

  $(1,217,857 $(282,369

Change in accounts payable to Simmons Bank (increase)/decrease

   180,009   (260,936
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Trust corpus, end of period

  $        (1,037,848)  $        (543,305) 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

The accompanying notes to condensed financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

HUGOTON ROYALTY TRUST

 

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements(Unaudited)

 

1.

Basis of Accounting

The financial statements of Hugoton Royalty Trust (the “Trust”) are prepared on the following basis and are not intended to present financial position and results of operations in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”):

 

 

Net profits income recorded for a month is the amount computed and paid by XTO Energy Inc. (“XTO Energy”), the owner of the underlying properties, to SouthwestSimmons Bank, as trustee (“Trustee”(the “Trustee”) for the Trust. XTO Energy is a wholly owned subsidiary of Exxon Mobil Corporation. Net profits income consists of net proceeds received by XTO Energy from the underlying properties in the prior month, multiplied by a net profits percentage of 80%.

Costs deducted in the calculation of net proceeds for the 80% net profits interests generally include applicable taxes, transportation, marketing and legal costs, production expense, development costs, operating charges and other costs.

 

 

Costs deducted in the calculation of net proceeds for the 80% net profits interests generally include applicable taxes, transportation, marketing and legal costs, production expense, development costs, operating charges and other costs.

 

Net profits income is computed separately for each of the three conveyances under which the net profits interests were conveyed to the Trust. If monthly costs exceed revenues for any conveyance, such excess costs must be recovered, with accrued interest, from future net proceeds of that conveyance and cannot reduce net proceeds from the other conveyances.

 

 

Interest income and distribution payable to unitholders include interest earned on the previous month’s investment.

 

 

Trust expenses are recorded based on liabilities paid and cash reserves established by the Trustee for liabilities and contingencies.

 

 

Distributions to unitholders are recorded when declared by the Trustee.

The Trust’s financial statements differ from those prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP because revenues are recognized when received rather than accrued in the month of production, expenses are recognized when paid rather than when incurred and certain cash reserves may be established by the Trustee for contingencies which would not be recorded under U.S. GAAP. This comprehensive basis of accounting other than U.S. GAAP corresponds to the accounting permitted for royalty trusts by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, as specified by Staff Accounting Bulletin Topic 12:E, Financial Statements of Royalty Trusts.

Most accounting pronouncements apply to entities whose financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, directing such entities to accrue or defer revenues and expenses in a period other than when such revenues were received or expenses were paid. Because the Trust’s financial statements are prepared on the modified cash basis, as described above, most accounting pronouncements are not applicable to the Trust’s financial statements.

Impairment of Net Profits Interest

The Trustee reviews the Trust’s net profits interests (“NPI”) in oil and gas properties for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the NPI may not be recoverable. In general, the Trustee does not view temporarily low prices as an indication of impairment. The markets for crude oil and natural gas have a history of significant price volatility and though prices will occasionally drop significantly, industry prices over the long term will continue to be driven by market supply and demand. If events and circumstances indicated that the carrying value may not be recoverable, the Trustee would use the estimated undiscounted future net cash flows from the NPI to evaluate the recoverability of the Trust assets. If the undiscounted future net cash flows from the NPI are less than the NPI carrying value, the Trust would recognize an impairment loss for the difference between the NPI carrying value and the estimated fair value of the NPI. The determination as to whether the NPI is impaired requires a significant amount of judgment by the Trustee and is based on the best information available to the Trustee at the time of the evaluation.

In light of lower long term prices used to develop projections of future cash flows, continued excess costs on two conveyances and zero distributions to unitholders for the quarter ended June 30, 2016, the Trustee concluded in the second quarter of 2016 that the events or circumstances indicated the carrying value may not be recoverable and an assessment of the forecasted net cash flows was performed for the NPI. The fair value of the NPI was developed using estimates for future oil and gas production attributable to the Trust, future crude oil and natural gas commodity prices published by third-party industry experts (adjusted for basis differentials), estimated taxes, development and operating expenses, and a risk-adjusted discount rate. The result of the assessment indicated that the estimated undiscounted future net cash flows from the NPI were below the carrying value of the NPI. The NPI was written down to its fair value of $28.8 million, resulting in a $57.3 million impairment charged directly to trust corpus, which did not affect distributable income.

There was no impairment of the NPI during the quarter ended September 30, 2017.

Net profits interests in oil and gas properties

The initial carrying value of the net profits interests of $247,066,951 represents XTO Energy’s historical net book value for the interests on December 1, 1998, the date of the transfer to the Trust. During the second quarter 2016, the carrying value of the NPInet profits interests was written down to its fair value of $28,801,000, resulting in an impairment of $57,306,527 charged directly to Trusttrust corpus. During the third quarter 2019, the carrying value of the net profits interests was written down to its fair value of zero, resulting in an impairment of $15,681,533 charged directly to trust corpus. Amortization of the net profits interests is calculated on aunit-of-production basis using proved reserves and is charged directly to Trusttrust corpus. Accumulated amortization was $171,177,542$174,078,891 as of September 30, 20172019, when the net profits interests was written down to its fair value of zero.

Liquidity and $162,874,921Going Concern

The accompanying condensed financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Trust will continue as a going concern. Financial statements prepared on a going concern basis assume the realization of assets and the settlement of liabilities in the normal course of business. Accumulated excess costs for the Kansas, Oklahoma and Wyoming conveyances have resulted in insufficient net proceeds to the Trust and a reduction in the Trust’s expense reserve to zero. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Trust’s ability to continue as a going concern as the Trust does not have sufficient cash to meet its obligations during the one year period after the date the financial statements are issued. Factors attributable to the cash shortage are primarily the previously disclosed development costs to drill four horizontal wells in Major County, Oklahoma, lower oil and gas prices during 2019 and 2020, and excess cost positions on the Kansas, Oklahoma and Wyoming conveyances which have resulted in no unitholder distributions since March 2018. In March 2022, following recovery of excess costs, including accrued interest under the Wyoming conveyance, the Trust received a payment of $347,000 under such conveyance which was used to pay the Trust’s current monthly expenses and partially repay amounts advanced by Simmons Bank to the Trust for payment of Trust expenses; however, following the application of such payment, Simmons Bank had $1,038,000 in unreimbursed expenses advanced as of March 31, 2022, to which it is entitled to reimbursement. In addition, on May 18, 2021, the arbitration panel issued its second interim final award over the amount of XTO Energy’s settlement in the Chieftain class action lawsuit that can be charged to the Trust as a production cost which XTO Energy has estimated to be approximately $14.6 million net to the Trust. This adjustment would further increase excess costs on the Oklahoma conveyance. The Trustee has prepared a preliminary budget estimating the administrative expenses for the year ending December 31, 2016.2022 and the five months ending May 31, 2023 which assumes no cash inflow from either net profits income or from other sources, other than the payment received in March 2022 and an additional payment received in April 2022 of $182,000. The Trustee has sought financing to pay the Trust obligations during the one year period after the date the financial statements are issued, especially now that the expense reserve was depleted in October 2020; however, to date such financing has not become available.

On July 9, 2020, the Trustee notified XTO Energy of the Trustee’s claim to indemnification to the Trust Estate for all liabilities, expenses, claims, damages or losses incurred by the Trustee in connection with the administration of the Trust. The Trustee stated it anticipates seeking reimbursement from XTO Energy upon depletion of the Trust’s cash reserve. XTO Energy has responded that any indemnity claim to XTO Energy is premature before the Trust Estate is exhausted.

The Trustee is reviewing the Trust’s alternatives to continuing as a going concern, which may include a sale of the Trust’s assets and/or termination of the Trust. The Trustee engaged a third party to market the Trust’s assets, and following an extensive marketing period for the assets, on July 2, 2021, the Trustee entered into a purchase and sale agreement for the Trust’s assets with the highest bidder, XTO Energy, for a cash purchase price of $6,600,000 (subject to adjustment as set forth in the purchase and sale agreement). Although the

Trustee and XTO Energy have entered into the purchase and sale agreement, there is no assurance that a sale can be completed under the terms of the indenture, or if a sale is completed under the indenture, that there will be any funds available for distribution to unitholders. Any material sale of assets and/or termination of the Trust requires unitholder approval by at least 80% of all outstanding units. The Trustee held a Special Meeting of unitholders on December 10, 2021 for the purpose of approving the sale of assets. The sale was not approved by unitholders. The purchase and sale agreement with XTO Energy remains in effect. Simmons Bank, as Trustee, has paid expenses for the Trust, subject to its rights to be indemnified and reimbursed pursuant to the terms of the Trust indenture. However, there is nothing in the Trust indenture that requires Simmons Bank to pay the expenses for the Trust. Any funds that Simmons Bank, as Trustee, utilizes to pay expenses of the Trust must be repaid in full (including from proceeds received from a sale of the Trust’s assets, if any, or proceeds under any of the conveyances) before distributions to unitholders could be made. There can be no assurances that a sale of the Trust’s assets, if any, or proceeds under any of the conveyances will produce net proceeds sufficient to allow distributions to the unitholders and if such proceeds are available, there is no assurance when any distribution will be made. To the extent proceeds are received by the Trust, the Trustee intends to establish a $1,000,000 reserve following reimbursement of amounts advanced by Simmons Bank prior to any distributions to unitholders. The Trust’s condensed financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of these uncertainties.

 

2.Development Costs

The following summarizes actual development costs, budgeted development costs deducted in the calculation of net profits income, and the cumulative actual costs compared to the amount deducted for the underlying properties:

   Three Months Ended
September 30
   Nine Months Ended
September 30
 
   2017   2016   2017   2016 

Cumulative actual costs under (over) the amount deducted—beginning of period

  $(83,055  $438,751   $56,243   $239,528 

Actual costs

   (434,911   (502,300   (1,774,209   (1,228,077

Budgeted costs deducted

   760,000    150,000    1,960,000    1,075,000 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cumulative actual costs under (over) the amount deducted—end of period

  $242,034   $86,451   $242,034   $86,451 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The monthly deduction is based on the current level of development expenditures, budgeted future development costs and the cumulative actual costs under (over) previous deductions. XTO Energy has advised the Trustee that 2017 budgeted development costs for the underlying properties are between $2 million and $4 million. The 2017 budget year generally coincides with the Trust distribution months from April 2017 through March 2018. XTO Energy has advised the Trustee that due to increasednon-operated development activity on properties underlying the Oklahoma net profits interests, it increased the monthly development cost deduction from $200,000 to $280,000 beginning with the August 2017 distribution. Changes in oil or natural gas prices could impact future development plans on the underlying properties. XTO Energy has advised the Trustee that this monthly deduction will continue to be evaluated and revised as necessary.

3.Income Taxes

For federal income tax purposes, the Trust constitutes a fixed investment trust that is taxed as a grantor trust. A grantor trust is not subject to tax at the trust level. Accordingly, no provision for income taxes has been made in the financial statements. The unitholders are considered to own the Trust’s income and principal as though no trust were in existence. The income of the Trust is deemed to have been received or accrued by each unitholder at the time such income is received or accrued by the Trust and not when distributed by the Trust. Impairments recorded for book purposes will not result in a loss for tax purposes for the unitholders until the loss is recognized.

All revenues from the Trust are from sources within Kansas, Oklahoma or Wyoming. Because it distributes all of its net income to unitholders, the Trust has not been taxed at the trust level in Kansas or Oklahoma. While the Trust has not owed tax, the Trustee is generally required to file anKansas and Oklahoma income tax returnreturns reflecting the income and deductions of the Trust attributable to properties located in theeach state, along with a schedule that includes information regarding distributions to unitholders. TheHowever, the Trust doesdid not expect to file a Kansas income tax return for the 20172021 tax year because it expects to havethe Trust had no revenues, income or deductions in 20172021 attributable to properties located in Kansas. The Trust did not file a Kansas income tax return with Kansas for the 20162020 and 20152019 tax years for the same reason.

Wyoming does not impose a state income tax.

The Trust may be required to bear a portion of the settlement costs arising from the Chieftain royalty class action settlement. For information on contingencies, including the Chieftain class action, see Note 3 to Condensed Financial Statements. The Panel has determined the Trust is responsible for a portion of the costs. However, the arbitration matter is stayed. Pending finalization of all claims included in the arbitration, XTO Energy would have the right to deduct the costs in its calculation of the net profits income payable to the Trust from the applicable net profits interests. Thus, for unitholders, the portion of legal settlement costs for which the Trust is determined to be responsible will be reflected through a reduction in net profits income received from the Trust and thus in a reduction in the gross royalty income reported by and taxable to the unitholders. In the event that the Trustee objects to such claimed reductions, the Trustee may also incur legal fees in representing the Trust’s interests. For unitholders, such costs would be reflected through an increase in the Trust’s administrative expenses, which would be deductible by unitholders in determining the net royalty income from the Trust.

If a sale of the assets of the Trust is consummated, each unitholder generally will realize gain or loss equal to the difference between such unitholder’s amount realized on such sale and such unitholder’s adjusted basis in the assets of the Trust. Gain or loss realized by a unitholder who is not a dealer with respect to such assets and who has a holding period for the assets of more than one year generally will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss except to the extent of any depletion recapture amount, which will be treated as ordinary income.

Each unitholder should consult his or hertheir own tax advisor regarding income tax requirements, if any, applicable to such person’s ownership of Trust units.

Unitholders should consult the Trust’s latest annual report on Form10-K for a more detailed discussion of federal and state tax matters.

4.3.

Contingencies

In December 2010, a royalty class action lawsuit was filed againstLitigation

Royalty Class Action and Arbitration

As previously disclosed, XTO Energy styledChieftain Royalty Company v. XTO Energy Inc. in Coal County District Court, Oklahoma. XTO Energy removed the case to federal court in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The plaintiffs allege that XTO Energy wrongfully deducted fees from royalty payments on Oklahoma wells, failed to make diligent efforts to secure the best terms available for the sale of gas and its constituents, and demand an accounting to determine whether they have been fully and fairly paid gas royalty interests. The case was certified as a class action in April 2012; however, on appeal in June 2012, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the certification of the class and remanded the case back to the trial court for further proceedings. XTO Energy has informedadvised the Trustee that it has reached a tentative settlement forwith the matter and continues to negotiateplaintiffs in the Chieftain class action royalty case. On July 27, 2018 the final settlement agreement. The Trustee has requestedplan of allocation was approved by the settlement amount fromcourt. Based on the final plan of allocation, XTO Energy and has been informedadvised the Trustee that at this time,it believes approximately $24.3 million in additional production costs should be allocated to the amountTrust. On May 2, 2018, the Trustee submitted a demand for arbitration seeking a declaratory judgment that the Chieftain settlement is not a production cost and that XTO Energy believesis prohibited from charging the settlement as a production cost under the conveyance or otherwise reducing the Trust’s payments now or in the future as a result of the Chieftain litigation. The Trust and XTO Energy conducted the interim hearing on the claims related to the Chieftain settlement on October 12-13, 2020. In the arbitration, the Trustee contended that the approximately $24.3 million allocation related to the Chieftain settlement was not a production cost and, therefore, there should not be a related adjustment to the Trust’s share of net proceeds. However, XTO Energy contended that the approximately $24.3 million was a production cost and should reduce the Trust’s share of net proceeds.

On January 20, 2021, the arbitration panel issued its Corrected Interim Final Award (i) “reject[ing] the Trust’s contention that XTO has no right under the Conveyance to charge the Trust with amounts XTO paid under section 1.18(a)(i) as royalty obligations to settle the Chieftain litigation” and (ii) stating “[t]he next phase will determine how much of the Chieftain settlement can be so charged, if any of it can be, in the exercise of the right found by the Panel.” Following briefing by both parties, on May 18, 2021, the Panel issued its second interim final award over the amount of XTO Energy’s settlement in the Chieftain class action lawsuit that can be charged to the Trust as a production cost. The Panel in its decision has ruled that out of the $80 million settlement, the “Trust is obligated to pay its share under the Conveyance of the $48 million that was received by the plaintiffs in the Chieftain lawsuit by virtue of the settlement of that litigation. The Trust is not been determined.obligated by the Conveyance to pay any share of the $32 million received by the lawyers for the plaintiffs in the Chieftain lawsuit by virtue of the settlement.” XTO Energy has advisedand the Trustee are in the process of determining the portion of the $48 million that the settlement willis allocable to Trust properties to be allocated to all of XTO Energy’s Oklahoma wells, the majority of which are not properties in which the Trust ownscharged as an underlying net profits interest.

The Trustee has informed XTO Energy that it intends to review any claimed reductions in paymentexcess cost to the Trust, based onbut estimate it to be approximately $14.6 million net to the facts and circumstancesTrust.

The Oklahoma conveyance is already currently subject to excess costs that will need to be recovered prior to any distribution to unitholders. Therefore, the reduction in the Trust’s share of such settlement. In lightnet proceeds from the portion of a 2014 arbitration decision in which a three panel tribunal decided that the settlement inFankhouser v. XTO Energy, Inc., including a new royalty calculation for future royalty payments, could notamount the Panel has ruled may be charged toagainst the Trust, to the extent that the claims inChieftain are similar to those inFankhouser the Trustee would likely object to such claimed reductions. Should there be a disagreement as to whether the Trust should bear its share of a settlement or judgment, the matter will be resolved by binding arbitration through the American Arbitration Association under the terms of the Indenture creating the Trust. XTO Energy has informed the Trustee that, although the amount of any reduction in net proceeds is not presently determinable, in its management’s opinion, the amount is not currently expected to be material to the Trust’s financial position or liquidity though it could be material to the Trust’s annual distributable income. Additionally, XTO Energy has advised the Trustee that any reductionsOklahoma conveyance would result in additional excess costs exceeding revenuesunder the Oklahoma conveyance that would

likely result in no distributions under the Oklahoma conveyance while these additional excess costs are recovered. This award completes the portion of the arbitration related to the Chieftain settlement.

Other Trustee claims related to disputed amounts on the properties underlying the net profits interestscomputation of the case, as applicable,Trust’s net proceeds for several monthly distributions, depending on2014 through 2016 were bifurcated from the sizeinitial arbitration and will be heard at a later date, which is still to be determined should the arbitration proceed. Pursuant to the purchase and sale agreement entered into between the Trustee and XTO Energy, the parties have agreed to stay the arbitration from the date of execution of the settlement, if any,purchase and sale agreement to the net proceeds being paid at that time, which would result inearlier of the net profits interest being limited until such time thattermination of the revenues exceedpurchase and sale agreement or closing date of the costs for those net profit interests.sale of assets. The Panel has stayed proceedings.

Other Lawsuits and Governmental Proceedings

Certain of the underlying properties are involved in various other lawsuits and governmental proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. XTO Energy has advised the Trustee that, based on the information available at this stage of the various proceedings, it does not believe that the ultimate resolution of these claims will have a material effect on the financial position or liquidity of the Trust, but may have an effect on annual distributable income.

Other

Several states have enacted legislation requiring state income tax withholding from payments made to nonresident recipients of oil and gas proceeds. After consultation with its tax counsel, the Trustee believes that it is not required to withhold on payments made to the unitholders. However, regulations are subject to change by the various states, which could change this conclusion. Should amounts be withheld on payments made to the Trust or the unitholders, distributions to the unitholders would be reduced by the required amount, subject to the filing of a claim for refund by the Trust or unitholders for such amount.

5.4.

Excess Costs

If monthly costs exceed revenues for any of the three conveyances (one for each of the states of Kansas, Oklahoma and Wyoming), such excess costs must be recovered, with accrued interest, from future net proceeds of that conveyance and cannot reduce net proceeds from other conveyances.

The following summarizes excess costs activity, cumulative excess costs balance and accrued interest to be recovered by conveyance:conveyance as calculated by XTO Energy:

 

   Underlying 
   KS   WY   Total 

Cumulative excess costs remaining at 12/31/16

  $1,049,601   $1,158,205   $2,207,806 

Net excess costs (recovery) for the quarter ended 3/31/17

   (76,669   (686,923   (763,592

Net excess costs (recovery) for the quarter ended 6/30/17

   10,426    44,584    55,010 

Net excess costs (recovery) for the quarter ended 9/30/17

   (125,539   (403,898   (529,437
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cumulative excess costs remaining at 9/30/17

   857,819    111,968    969,787 

Accrued interest at 9/30/17

   102,255    72,387    174,642 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total remaining to be recovered at 9/30/17

  $960,074   $184,355   $1,144,429 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   Underlying

 

 
   KS  OK  WY  Total 
  

 

 

 

Cumulative excess costs remaining at 12/31/21

      $2,965,031  $12,013,867   $ 1,238,589  $16,217,487     

Net excess costs (recovery) for the quarter ended 3/31/22

   (372,634  (8,110,921  (1,238,589  (9,722,144)   
  

 

 

 

Cumulative excess costs remaining at 3/31/22

   2,592,397   3,902,946   -   6,495,343     

Accrued interest at 3/31/22

   468,577   2,477,023   -   2,945,600     
  

 

 

 

Total remaining to be recovered at 3/31/22

      $3,060,974  $6,379,969   $      -          $9,440,943     
  

 

 

 
   NPI

 

 
   KS  OK  WY  Total 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cumulative excess costs remaining at 12/31/21

      $2,372,024  $9,611,095   $   990,871  $12,973,990     

Net excess costs (recovery) for the quarter ended 3/31/22

   (298,107  (6,488,737  (990,871  (7,777,715)   
  

 

 

 

Cumulative excess costs remaining at 3/31/22

   2,073,917   3,122,358   -   5,196,275     

Accrued interest at 3/31/22

   374,862   1,981,618   -   2,356,480     
  

 

 

 

Total remaining to be recovered at 3/31/22

      $2,448,779  $5,103,976   $      -          $7,552,755     
  

 

 

 

   NPI 
   KS   WY   Total 

Cumulative excess costs remaining at 12/31/16

  $839,681   $926,564   $1,766,245 

Net excess costs (recovery) for the quarter ended 3/31/17

   (61,335   (549,538   (610,873

Net excess costs (recovery) for the quarter ended 6/30/17

   8,341    35,667    44,008 

Net excess costs (recovery) for the quarter ended 9/30/17

   (100,431   (323,118   (423,549
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cumulative excess costs remaining at 9/30/17

   686,256    89,575    775,831 

Accrued interest at 9/30/17

   81,803    57,909    139,712 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total remaining to be recovered at 9/30/17

  $768,059   $147,484   $915,543 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Improved gas prices in relation to costs resulted inFor the partial recoveryquarter ended March 31, 2022, net recoveries of excess costs were $372,634 ($298,107 net to the Trust) on properties underlying the Kansas net profits interests.

For the quarter ended March 31, 2022, net recoveries of excess costs were $8,110,921 ($6,488,737 net to the Trust) on properties underlying the Oklahoma net profits interests.

For the quarter ended March 31, 2022, net recoveries of excess costs were $1,238,589 ($990,871 net to the Trust) and recoveries of accrued interest were $302,557 ($242,046 net to the Trust) on properties underlying the Wyoming net profits interests for the quarter ended September 30, 2017.interests.

Underlying cumulative excess costs for the Kansas and WyomingOklahoma conveyances remaining as of September 30, 2017March 31, 2022 totaled $1.1$9.4 million ($7.6 million net to the Trust), including accrued interest of $0.2 million.

6.Operated Overhead

$2.9 million ($2.4 million net to the Trust). This balance does not include the portion of the Chieftain settlement the Panel determined could be charged as a production cost. XTO Energy advisedhas estimated the amount to be approximately $14.6 million (net to the Trust).

5. Administration Expense

Administrative expenses are incurred so that the Trustee that the August 2016 distribution included aone-time reimbursementmay meet its reporting obligations to the Trust of approximately $450,000 related to operated overhead corrections forunitholders and regulatory entities and otherwise manage the period of January 2014 through May 2016. This reimbursement affected the net profits income under the Oklahoma conveyance.

XTO Energy advised the Trustee that the May 2016 distribution included aone-time reimbursement to the Trust of approximately $788,000 related to operated overhead corrections for the period of January 2014 through February 2016. The reimbursement affected the net profits income under the Kansas, Oklahoma and Wyoming conveyances by approximately $186,000, $320,000 and $282,000 respectively.

7.Taxes, Transportation and Other Deductions

XTO Energy advised the Trustee that net profits income for August 2016 included a deduction of approximately $500,000 in additional gathering fees for the period of December 2015 through May 2016 related to a renegotiated gas purchase contract that included production from properties underlying the Oklahoma conveyance. The current contract term is December 1, 2015 until November 30, 2017.

8.Subsequent Event

Effective October 19, 2017, Simmons First National Corporation (“SFNC”) completed its acquisition of First Texas BHC, Inc., the parent company of Southwest Bank, the Trusteeadministrative functions of the Trust. SFNC is the parent of Simmons Bank. SFNC has announced that it intendsThese obligations include, but are not limited to, operate Southwest Bank as a separate bank subsidiary for an interim period, after which it intends to merge it into Simmons Bank. The Trustee does not anticipate any material impactall expenses, taxes, compensation to the Trustee for managing the Trust, as a result of the acquisition.fees to consultants, accountants, attorneys, transfer agents, other professional and expert persons, expenses for clerical and other administrative assistance, and fees and expenses for all other services.

Item 2.   Trustee’s Discussion and Analysis

Item 2.Trustee’s Discussion and Analysis.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Trustee’s discussion and analysis contained in the Trust’s 20162021 Annual Report on Form10-K, as well as the condensed financial statements and notes thereto included in this Quarterly Report on Form10-Q. The Trust’s Annual Report on Form10-K, quarterly reports on Form10-Q, current reports on Form8-K and all amendments to those

reports are available on the Trust’s web site atwww.hgt-hugoton.com.

Distributable Income

Quarter

For the quarter ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2022, net profits income was $688,252,$347,410 as compared to $1,253,498$0 for thirdfirst quarter 2016. This 45% decrease in net profits income is2021 primarily the result of lowerdue to increased oil and gas and oil production ($0.7 million), net excess costs activity ($0.6 million), increased production expense ($0.6 million), higher overhead ($0.5 million) and increased development costs ($0.5 million), partially offset by higher gas and oil prices ($2.18.3 million) and, decreased taxes, transportation and other costs ($0.2 million), offset by net excess costs activity ($6.4 million), increased development costs ($0.7 million), decreased oil and gas production ($0.7 million), increased production expenses ($0.2 million), and increased overhead ($0.2 million). See “Net Profits Income” below.

After adding interest income of $2,091 and$0, deducting administration expense of $193,023,$167,401, and paying down $180,009 of the outstanding payable to Simmons Bank, distributable income for the quarter ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2022 was $497,320,$0 or $0.012433$0.000000 per unit of beneficial interest. Administration expense for the quarter increased $5,131 as compared todecreased $93,535 from the prior year quarter, primarily related to the timing of receipt and payment of Trust expenses and terms of professional services.quarter. Changes in interest income are attributable to fluctuations in net profits income, cash reserve and interest rates. For thirdthe first quarter 2016,2021, distributable income was $791,920,$0 or $0.019798$0.000000 per unit.

Distributions to unitholders for the quarter ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2022 were:

 

Record Date

  Payment Date  Distribution
per Unit
 

July 31, 2017

  August 14, 2017  $0.002573 

August 31, 2017

  September 15, 2017   0.006092 

September 29, 2017

  October 16, 2017   0.003768 
    

 

 

 
      $0.012433 
    

 

 

 

Nine Months

For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, net profits income was $4,236,724 compared with $1,516,605 for the same 2016 period. This 179% increase in net profits income is primarily the result of higher gas and oil prices ($10.6 million), partially offset by decreased gas and oil production ($2.5 million), net excess costs activity ($2.2 million), increased taxes, transportation and other costs ($1.3 million), higher overhead ($1.0 million), increased development costs ($0.7 million) and higher production expense ($0.2 million). See “Net Profits Income” below.

After adding interest income of $4,616 and deducting administration expense of $707,060, distributable income for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $3,534,280, or $0.088357 per unit of beneficial interest. Administration expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 decreased $18,169 as compared to the same 2016 period, primarily related to the timing of receipt and payment of Trust expenses and terms of professional services. Changes in interest income are attributable to fluctuations in net profits income and interest rates. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, distributable income was $791,920, or $0.019798 per unit.

     Record Date     

     Payment Date     Distribution
        per Unit        

January 31, 2022

February 14, 2022$        0.000000 

February 28, 2022

March 14, 2022        0.000000 

March 31, 2022

April 14, 2022        0.000000 

$        0.000000 

Net Profits Income

Net profits income is recorded when received by the Trust, which is the month following receipt by XTO Energy, and generally two months after oil and gas production. Net profits income is generally affected by three major factors:

 

 -

oil and gas sales volumes,

 

 -

oil and gas sales prices, and

 

 -

costs deducted in the calculation of net profits income.

The following is a summary of the calculation of net profits income received by the Trust:

 

  Three Months Ended
September 30
(a)
 Increase
(Decrease)
   Nine Months Ended
September 30
(a)
 Increase
(Decrease)
   Three Months
Ended March 31 (a)
   Increase
(Decrease)
 
  2017   2016   2017   2016   2022   2021 

Sales Volumes

                

Gas (Mcf)(b)

                

Underlying properties

   3,557,852    3,806,576  (7%)    10,497,894    11,263,950  (7%)    2,465,974    2,569,606    (4%) 

Average per day

   38,672    41,376  (7%)    38,454    41,109  (6%)    26,804    27,930    (4%) 

Net profits interests

   229,435    574,688  (60%)    1,286,934    706,835  82%    50,056    -     N/A 

Oil (Bbls)(b)

                

Underlying properties

   40,990    44,718  (8%)    119,291    139,353  (14%)    50,849    53,598    (5%) 

Average per day

   446    486  (8%)    437    509  (14%)    553    583    (5%) 

Net profits interests

   4,000    9,883  (60%)    21,221    12,205  74%    84    -     N/A 

Average Sales Prices

                

Gas (per Mcf)

   $2.81    $2.12  33%    $2.94    $1.88  56%    $    6.71    $   3.32    102% 

Oil (per Bbl)

   $43.96    $42.94  2%    $46.29    $36.02  29%    $  75.12    $ 43.05    74% 

Revenues

                

Gas sales

  $10,006,965   $8,078,025  24%   $30,827,132   $21,199,655  45%   $16,534,354   $8,534,383    94% 

Oil sales

   1,801,955    1,920,303  (6%)    5,521,410    5,019,621  10%    3,819,896    2,307,360    66% 
  

 

   

 

    

 

   

 

    

 

   

 

   

Total Revenues

   11,808,920    9,998,328  18%    36,348,542 ��  26,219,276  39%    20,354,250    10,841,743    88% 
  

 

   

 

    

 

   

 

    

 

   

 

   

Costs

                

Taxes, transportation and other

   2,079,613    2,333,558  (11%)    6,269,314    4,644,267  35%    2,432,070    2,739,267    (11%) 

Production expense

   4,618,468    3,908,973  18%    12,934,692    12,626,547  2%    3,410,391    3,107,300    10% 

Development costs(c)

   760,000    150,000  407%    1,960,000    1,075,000  82% 

Overhead(d)

   2,961,087    2,302,504  29%    8,650,612    7,466,646  16% 

Excess costs(e)

   529,437    (263,579 N/A    1,238,019    (1,488,940 N/A 

Development costs

   887,320    15,396     N/A 

Overhead

   3,165,505    2,952,611    7% 

Excess costs (c)

   10,024,701    2,029,978    394% 
  

 

   

 

    

 

   

 

    

 

   

 

   

Total Costs

   10,948,605    8,431,456  30%    31,052,637    24,323,520  28%    19,919,987    10,844,552    84% 
  

 

   

 

    

 

   

 

    

 

   

 

   

Other Proceeds

   -    2,809    (100%) 
  

 

   

 

   

Net Proceeds

   860,315    1,566,872  (45%)    5,295,905    1,895,756  179%    434,263    -     N/A 

Net Profits Percentage

   80%    80%     80%    80%     80%    80%   
  

 

   

 

   
  

 

   

 

    

 

   

 

  

Net Profits Income

  $688,252   $1,253,498  (45%)   $4,236,724   $1,516,605  179%   $347,410   $-     N/A 
  

 

   

 

    

 

   

 

    

 

   

 

   

 

(a)

Because of thetwo-month interval between time of production and receipt of net profits income by the Trust, (1) gas and oil sales for the quarter ended September 30 generally represent production for the period May through July and (2) gas and oil sales for the nine months ended September 30March 31 generally represent production for the period November through July.January.

(b)

Gas and oil sales volumes are allocated to the net profits interests by dividing Trust net cash inflows by average sales prices. As gas and oil prices change, the Trust’s allocated production volumes are impacted as the quantity of production necessary to cover expenses changes inversely with price. As such, the underlying property production volume changes may not correlate with the Trust’s allocated production volumes in any given period. Therefore, comparative discussion of gas and oil sales volumes is based on the underlying properties.

(c)

See Note 24 to Condensed Financial Statements.

(d)See Note 6 to Condensed Financial Statements.

(e)See Note 5 to Condensed Financial Statements.

The following are explanations of significant variances on the underlying properties from thirdfirst quarter 20162021 to thirdfirst quarter 2017 and from the first nine months of 2016 to the comparable period in 2017:2022:

Sales Volumes

Gas

Gas sales volumes decreased 7% for both the third quarter and4% for the nine-month period primarily because of natural production decline.

Oil

Oil sales volumes decreased 8% for thirdfirst quarter and 14% for the nine-month period primarily because of natural production decline and the timing of cash receipts.

Oil

Oil sales volumes decreased 5% for the first quarter primarily because of natural production decline.

The estimated rate of natural production decline on the underlying oil and gas properties is approximately 6% to 8% a year.

Sales Prices

Gas

The thirdfirst quarter 20172022 average gas price was $2.81$6.71 per Mcf, a 33% increaseup 102% from the thirdfirst quarter 20162021 average gas price of $2.12$3.32 per Mcf. For the nine-month period, the average gas price increased 56% to $2.94 per Mcf in 2017 from $1.88 per Mcf in 2016. The thirdfirst quarter 20172022 gas price is primarily related to production from MayNovember 2021 through July 2017,January 2022, when the average NYMEX price was $3.15$5.22 per MMBtu.

Oil

The thirdfirst quarter 20172022 average oil price was $43.96$75.12 per Bbl, a 2% increaseup 74% from the thirdfirst quarter 20162021 average oil price of $42.94$43.05 per Bbl. For the nine-month period, the average oil price increased 29% to $46.29 per Bbl in 2017 from $36.02 per Bbl in 2016. The thirdfirst quarter 20172022 oil price is primarily related to production from MayNovember 2021 through July 2017,January 2022, when the average NYMEX price was $46.81$77.42 per Bbl.

Costs

Taxes, Transportation and Other

Taxes, transportation and other costs decreased 11% for the thirdfirst quarter primarily because of decreased gas deductions related to additional gathering fees included in third quarter 2016,receipt of Oklahoma production tax refunds, partially offset by increased production taxes relateddue to higher gas revenues. For further information on additional gathering fees included in third quarter 2016, see Note 7 to Condensed Financial Statements. Taxes, transportation and other costs increased 35% for the nine-month period primarily because of increased production taxes related to higher gas and oil revenues, increased gas deductions related to higher gathering fees and increased property taxes.

Production Expense

Production expense increased 18%10% for the thirdfirst quarter primarily because of increased repairs and maintenance, salt water disposal, environmental costs,chemical, and other field goods and services. Production expense increased 2% for the nine-month period primarily because of increased salt water disposal and environmental costs, partially offset by decreased labor and other field goodsplug and services.

abandonment costs.

Development Costs

Development costs deducted are basedincreased $871,924 from the first quarter 2021, primarily because of drilling costs on a non-operated well. Changes in oil or natural gas prices could impact future development plans on the current level of development expenditures, budgeted future development costs and the cumulative actual costs under (over) previous deductions. These development costsunderlying properties.

Overhead

Overhead increased 407%7% for the third quarter and 82% for the nine-month period. The monthly development cost deduction will be reevaluatedfirst quarter. Overhead is charged by XTO Energy and revisedother operators for administrative expenses incurred to support operations of the underlying properties. Overhead fluctuates based on changes in the active well count and drilling activity on the underlying properties, as necessary. For further informationwell as an annual cost level adjustment based on development costs, see Note 2 to Condensed Financial Statements.an industry index.

Overhead

Overhead increased 29% for the third quarter and 16% for the nine-month period primarily because ofone-time reimbursements related to operated overhead corrections in 2016. For further information on overhead corrections, see Note 6 to Condensed Financial Statements.

Excess Costs

If monthly costs exceed revenues for any conveyance, these excess costs must be recovered, with accrued interest, from future net proceeds of that conveyance and cannot reduce net profits income from another conveyance. Underlying cumulative excess costs for the Kansas and WyomingOklahoma conveyances remaining as of September 30, 2017March 31, 2022 totaled $1.1$9.4 million ($7.6 million net to Trust), including accrued interest of $0.2 million. Cumulative excess costs for$2.9 million ($2.4 million net to Trust). This balance does not include the NPI remainingportion of the Chieftain settlement the Panel determined could be charged as of September 30, 2017 totaled $0.9a production cost. XTO Energy has estimated the amount to be approximately $14.6 million including accrued interest of $0.1 million.(net to the Trust). For further information on excess costs, including the excess cost balance and accrued interest by conveyance, see Note 54 to Condensed Financial Statements.

ImpairmentOther Proceeds

The calculation of Net Profits Interest

In light of lower long term prices used to develop projections of future cash flows, continued excess costs on two conveyances and zero distributions to unitholdersnet profits income for the quarter ended June 30, 2016, the Trustee concluded in the second quarter of 2016 that the events or circumstances indicated the carrying value may not be recoverable and an assessment of the forecastedMarch 31, 2021 included $2,809 ($2,247 net cash flows was performed for the NPI. The fair value of the NPI was developed using estimates for future oil and gas production attributable to the Trust, future crude oil and natural gas commodity prices published by third-party industry experts (adjusted for basis differentials), estimated taxes, development and operating expenses, and a risk-adjusted discount rate. The result of the assessment indicated that the estimated undiscounted future net cash flowsTrust) from the NPI were below the carrying value of the NPI. The NPI was written down to its fair value of $28.8 million, resulting in a $57.3 million impairment charged directly to trust corpus, which did not affect distributable income. There was no impairment of the NPI during the quarter ended September 30, 2017.

Marketing

XTO Energy has advised the Trustee that, effective April 1, 2017, Cross Timbers Energy Services, Inc. (“CTES”), a wholly owned marketing subsidiary of XTO Energy, has assigned all gas sales contracts for production from the underlying propertiesdue to XTO Energy. XTO Energy will directly market and sell the gas to third parties. XTO Energy has advised the Trustee that there are no changes to the terms of the contracts related to the assignment and no impactinterest received on Trust distributions.past due payments.

For further information regarding natural gas sales from the underlying properties to affiliates of XTO Energy, see Significant Properties, under Item 2, Properties and Note 7 to the Financial Statements under Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of the Trust’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Contingencies

For information on contingencies, see Note 43 to Condensed Financial Statements.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this report relating to future plans, predictions, events or conditions are forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical factCertain information included in this Form10-Q, including, without limitation,quarterly report and other materials filed, or to be filed, by the Trust with the Securities and Exchange Commission (as well as information included in oral statements regardingor other written statements made or to be made by XTO Energy or the net profits interests,Trustee) contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, relating to the Trust, operations of the underlying properties and the oil and gas industry. Such forward-looking statements may concern, among other things, potential asset sales or termination of the Trust, future unitholder votes, continued funding of Trust expenses by Simmons Bank, excess costs, reserve-to-production ratios, future production, development activities annual and monthlyassociated operating expenses, future development plans by area, increased density drilling, maintenance projects, development, production, regulatory and other costs, and expenses, monthly development cost deductions, oil and gas prices and differentials to NYMEX prices, supply levels,expectations for future drilling, workoverdemand, government policy and restimulation plans, the outcome of litigation andits impact on Trust proceeds, distributions to unitholders,oil and industrygas prices and market conditions, arefuture demand, pricing differentials, proved reserves, future net cash flows, production levels, expense reserve budgets, availability of financing, arbitration, litigation, political and regulatory matters, such as tax and environmental policy, climate policy, trade barriers, sanctions, war, and competition. Such forward-looking statements are based on XTO Energy’s and the Trustee’s current plans, expectations, assumptions, projections and estimates and are identified by words such as “may,” “intends,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “should,” “could,” “would,” and similar words that convey the uncertainty of future events. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are subjectdifficult to risks and uncertainties which arepredict, including those detailed in Part I, Item 1A of the Trust’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016,2021, which is incorporated by this reference as though fully set forth herein. Therefore, actual financial and operational results may differ

materially from expectations, estimates or assumptions expressed in, implied in, or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. XTO Energy and the Trustee assume no duty to update these statements as of any future date.

Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

There have beenNot applicable. Upon qualifying as a smaller reporting company, this information is no material changes in the Trust’s market risks from the information disclosed in Part II, longer required.

Item 7A of the Trust’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.4.   Controls and Procedures

Item 4.Controls and Procedures.

As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Trustee carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Trust’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rules13a-15 and15d-15. Based upon that evaluation, the Trustee concluded that the Trust’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by the Trust in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the Trust in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is accumulated and communicated to the Trustee to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In its evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures, the Trustee has relied, to the extent considered reasonable, on information provided by XTO Energy. There has not been any change in the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II—II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.   Legal Proceedings

Item 1.Legal Proceedings.

ReferRoyalty Class Action and Arbitration

As previously disclosed, XTO Energy advised the Trustee that it reached a settlement with the plaintiffs in the Chieftain class action royalty case. On July 27, 2018, the final plan of allocation was approved by the court. Based on the final plan of allocation, XTO Energy advised the Trustee that it believes approximately $24.3 million in additional production costs should be allocated to Note 4the Trust. On May 2, 2018, the Trustee submitted a demand for arbitration seeking a declaratory judgment that the Chieftain settlement is not a production cost and that XTO Energy is prohibited from charging the settlement as a production cost under the conveyance or otherwise reducing the Trust’s payments now or in the future as a result of this Quarterly Reportthe Chieftain litigation. The Trust and XTO Energy conducted the interim hearing on Formthe claims related to the Chieftain settlement on October 10-Q12-13, 2020. In the arbitration, the Trustee contended that the approximately $24.3 million allocation related to the Chieftain settlement was not a production cost and, therefore, there should not be a related adjustment to the Trust’s share of net proceeds. However, XTO Energy contended that the approximately $24.3 million was a production cost and should reduce the Trust’s share of net proceeds.

On January 20, 2021, the arbitration panel issued its Corrected Interim Final Award (i) “reject[ing] the Trust’s contention that XTO has no right under the Conveyance to charge the Trust with amounts XTO paid under section 1.18(a)(i) as royalty obligations to settle the Chieftain litigation” and (ii) stating “[t]he next phase will determine how much of the Chieftain settlement can be so charged, if any of it can be, in the exercise of the right found by the Panel.” Following briefing by both parties, on May 18, 2021, the Panel issued its second interim final award over the amount of XTO Energy’s settlement in the Chieftain class action lawsuit that can be charged to the Trust as a production cost. The Panel in its decision has ruled that out of the $80 million settlement, the “Trust is obligated to pay its share under the

Conveyance of the $48 million that was received by the plaintiffs in the Chieftain lawsuit by virtue of the settlement of that litigation. The Trust is not obligated by the Conveyance to pay any share of the $32 million received by the lawyers for informationthe plaintiffs in the Chieftain lawsuit by virtue of the settlement.” XTO Energy and the Trustee are in the process of determining the portion of the $48 million that is allocable to Trust properties to be charged as an excess cost to the Trust, but estimate it to be approximately $14.6 million net to the Trust.

The Oklahoma conveyance is already currently subject to excess costs that will need to be recovered prior to any distribution to unitholders. Therefore, the reduction in the Trust’s share of net proceeds from the portion of the settlement amount the Panel has ruled may be charged against the Oklahoma conveyance would result in additional excess costs under the Oklahoma conveyance that would likely result in no distributions under the Oklahoma conveyance while these additional excess costs are recovered. This award completes the portion of the arbitration related to the Chieftain settlement.

Other Trustee claims related to disputed amounts on legalthe computation of the Trust’s net proceeds for 2014 through 2016 were bifurcated from the initial arbitration and will be heard at a later date, which is still to be determined should the arbitration proceed. Pursuant to the purchase and sale agreement entered into between the Trustee and XTO Energy, the parties have agreed to stay the arbitration from the date of execution of the purchase and sale agreement to the earlier of the termination of the purchase and sale agreement or closing date of the sale of assets. The Panel has stayed proceedings.

Other Lawsuits and Governmental Proceedings

Item 1A.Risk Factors.

Certain of the underlying properties are involved in various other lawsuits and governmental proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. XTO Energy has advised the Trustee that, based on the information available at this stage of the various proceedings, it does not believe that the ultimate resolution of these claims will have a material effect on the financial position or liquidity of the Trust, but may have an effect on annual distributable income.

Item 1A.   Risk Factors

There have been no material changes in the risk factors disclosed under Part I, Item 1A of the Trust’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.2021.

Item 6.   Exhibits

Item 6.Exhibits.

 

(31)  

Rule13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)Certification

(32)  

Section 1350 Certification

(99)  

Items 1A,,7 and7A to the Annual Report on Form10-K for Hugoton Royalty Trust filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 10, 201730, 2022 (incorporated herein by reference)

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements 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.

 

  

HUGOTON ROYALTY TRUST

By SOUTHWESTSIMMONS BANK, TRUSTEE

  

By

 

/s/ LEE ANN ANDERSON

S/ NANCY WILLIS
   Lee Ann AndersonNancy Willis
   Senior

Vice President

  

EXXON MOBIL CORPORATION

Date: November 6, 2017May 13, 2022

  

By

 

/s/S/ DAVID LEVY

   David Levy
   Vice President—President - Upstream Business Services

 

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