SABINE ROYALTY TRUST ANNOUNCES MONTHLY CASH DISTRIBUTION FOR JANUARY 2024

Rhea-AI Summary

Argent Trust Company, as Trustee of the Sabine Royalty Trust (NYSE: SBR), declared a cash distribution of $0.437160 per unit, reflecting primarily the oil production for October 2023 and the gas production for September 2023. The distribution is less than the previous month's due to a decrease in both oil and gas production, and a decrease in the price of natural gas. The decrease in production is partially attributable to the production from previously disclosed fourteen new wells located in Martin County, Texas. This month's production volumes are approximately 58,697 barrels of oil and 1,015,516 Mcf of gas, with preliminary prices of approximately $86.27 per barrel of oil and $2.30 per Mcf of gas.

Financial Analyst

The recent announcement by Argent Trust Company regarding Sabine Royalty Trust's cash distribution provides critical information for stakeholders and investors. The distribution amount of $0.437160 per unit, which is a direct result of the underlying commodity production and pricing, is a vital indicator of the Trust's performance. The disclosed production volumes and commodity prices, specifically the decrease in both oil and gas production and the drop in natural gas prices, can be seen as a reflection of operational challenges and market conditions.

Investors should note the volatility in commodity prices, which is inherent to the energy sector and how it can affect revenue streams. The decrease in production could signal operational issues or natural depletion, while the decrease in gas prices may point to broader market trends. The offsetting increase in oil prices, however, suggests a nuanced market with differing supply and demand dynamics for oil and gas. This complexity underlines the importance of diversification within the energy portfolios of royalty trusts.

Long-term implications for stakeholders include the need to monitor the Trust's ability to maintain or increase production levels, manage operational costs and navigate fluctuating commodity prices. The provided data on production and pricing also enables investors to benchmark Sabine's performance against industry peers and market expectations.

Market Research Analyst

From a market research perspective, the changes in production and pricing reported by Sabine Royalty Trust offer insights into broader energy market trends. The decline in production volumes, particularly in natural gas, could indicate a shift in the Trust's operational focus or reflect broader industry trends such as increased regulatory scrutiny or supply chain constraints. Furthermore, the pricing dynamics, with an increase in oil prices against a backdrop of decreasing natural gas prices, suggest a potential shift in energy consumption patterns or a response to geopolitical events impacting global energy supply.

Given the Trust's reliance on commodity prices, stakeholders should consider the potential impact of energy transition and climate policies on the long-term viability of hydrocarbon-focused investments. The energy sector is increasingly influenced by sustainability concerns and the transition towards renewable energy sources could reshape demand and pricing structures for fossil fuels over time.

Energy Sector Analyst

Analyzing the specifics of Sabine Royalty Trust's distribution and production figures, it's evident that the Trust is experiencing a decline in production which could be a concern for future revenue stability. The mention of new wells in Martin County, Texas, introduces a factor of growth potential; however, the full impact of these wells on production will need to be assessed over the coming months. The production figures, which include oil production for October and gas production for September, are indicative of the Trust's short-term operational output and are critical for forecasting future distributions.

It is also important to consider the timing of cash receipts which can affect the reported sales volumes and pricing, leading to potential fluctuations in monthly distributions. This underscores the importance of understanding the Trust's revenue recognition policies and the inherent risks associated with the timing of income. Stakeholders should closely monitor the Trust's ability to manage these risks and maintain consistent distributions amidst the volatility of the energy market.

DALLAS, Jan. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Argent Trust Company, as Trustee of the Sabine Royalty Trust (NYSE: SBR), today declared a cash distribution to the holders of its units of beneficial interest of $0.437160 per unit, payable on January 30, 2024, to unit holders of record on January 16, 2024. Sabine's cash distribution history, current and prior year financial reports and tax information booklets, a link to filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission and more can be found on its website, which has recently been updated with a new look, at http://www.sbr-sabine.com/. Additionally, printed reports can be requested and are mailed free of charge.

This distribution reflects primarily the oil production for October 2023 and the gas production for September 2023, which is considered current production. Preliminary production volumes are approximately 58,697 barrels of oil and 1,015,516 Mcf of gas. Preliminary prices are approximately $86.27 per barrel of oil and $2.30 per Mcf of gas.

This month's distribution is less than the previous month's primarily due to a decrease in both oil and gas production, along with a decrease in the price of natural gas. The decrease in production for the month is partially attributable to that fact that production includes production from September and October from the previously disclosed fourteen new wells located in Martin County, Texas, compared to last month's distribution which included production from May, 2022 through August, 2023 for the new wells. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in the price of oil.

The table below compares this month's production and prices to the previous month's:

		Net to Trust Sales
		Volumes (a)						Average Price (a)
		Oil (bbls)			Gas (Mcf)			Oil (per bbl)		Gas (per Mcf)
Current Month		58,697			1,015,516			$86.27		$2.30
Prior Month		189,898			1,378,406			$81.73		$2.60

(a) Sales volumes are recorded in the month the Trust receives and identifies the related royalty income. Because of this, sales volumes and pricing may fluctuate from month to month based on the timing of cash receipts.

Revenues are only distributed after they are received, verified, and posted. Most energy companies normally issue payment of royalties on or about the 25^th of every month, and depending on mail delivery, a varying amount of royalties are not received until after the revenue posting on the last business day of the month. The revenues received after that date will be posted within 30 days of receipt.

Due to the timing of the end of the month of December, approximately $370,424 of revenue received will be posted in the following month of January, in addition to normal cash receipts received during January. Since the close of business in December and prior to this press release, $1,732,176 in revenue has been received. At the beginning of the fourth quarter, Sabine Royalty Trust engaged a new revenue processor.

Approximately $223,000 for 2023 Ad Valorem taxes was deducted from this month's distribution as compared to $744,000 this time last year. These payments are normal expenditures at this time of year.

The 2022 Annual Report with Form 10-K and the January 1, 2023 Reserve Summary are available on the Sabine website at http://www.sbr-sabine.com/. 

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SOURCE Sabine Royalty Trust

What is the cash distribution declared by Argent Trust Company for Sabine Royalty Trust (NYSE: SBR)?

Argent Trust Company declared a cash distribution of $0.437160 per unit, reflecting primarily the oil production for October 2023 and the gas production for September 2023.

Why is this month's distribution less than the previous month's?

This month's distribution is less than the previous month's due to a decrease in both oil and gas production, along with a decrease in the price of natural gas.

What are the production volumes and prices for this month's distribution?

This month's production volumes are approximately 58,697 barrels of oil and 1,015,516 Mcf of gas, with preliminary prices of approximately $86.27 per barrel of oil and $2.30 per Mcf of gas.