e10vq
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
Form 10-Q
(Mark One)
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QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2008
OR
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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: 1-12474
Torch Energy Royalty Trust
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
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Delaware
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74-6411424 |
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
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(I.R.S. Employer |
Incorporation or Organization)
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Identification Number) |
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Rodney Square North |
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1100 North Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware
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19890 |
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
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(Zip Code) |
302/636-6016
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year,
if changed since last report)
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
o No þ
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 Regulation S-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 o No o
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 and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
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Large accelerated filer o |
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Accelerated filer o |
Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |
Smaller reporting company þ |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the
Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
As of March 31, 2008, 8.6 million Units of Beneficial Interest were outstanding.
TORCH ENERGY ROYALTY TRUST
PART 1 FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item I. Financial Statements
This document includes forward looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the
Securities Act of 1993, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All
statements other than statements of historical facts included in this document, including without
limitation, statements under Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations regarding the financial position, reserve quantities and net present values of reserves
of the Torch Energy Royalty Trust (Trust) and statements that include the words believes,
expects, anticipates, intends, estimates, projects, target, goal, plans,
objectives, should or similar expressions or variations are forward-looking statements. Torch
Energy Advisors Incorporated (Torch) and the Trust can give no assurances that the assumptions
upon which these statements are based will prove to be correct. Factors which could cause such
forward looking statements not to be correct include, among others, the cautionary statements set
forth in the Trusts Annual Report on Form 10-K with the Securities Exchange Commission for the
most recent fiscal year, cautionary statements contained in this report, the volatility of oil and
gas prices, future production costs, future oil and gas production quantities, operating hazards,
and environmental conditions.
Introduction
The financial statements included herein have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations
of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Trust was formed effective October 1, 1993,
pursuant to a trust agreement (Trust Agreement) among Wilmington Trust Company, not in its
individual capacity but solely as trustee of the Trust (Trustee), Torch Royalty Company (TRC)
and Velasco Gas Company, Ltd. (Velasco) as owners of certain oil and gas properties (Underlying
Properties) and Torch Energy Advisors Incorporated (Torch) as grantor. TRC and Velasco created
net profits interests (Net Profits Interests) and conveyed such interests to Torch. The Trust
was formed under the Delaware statutory trust act (formerly known as the Delaware business trust
act). TRC and Velasco created net profits interests (Net Profits Interests) which burden certain
oil and gas properties (Underlying Properties) and Torch conveyed the Net Profits Interests to
the Trust in exchange for an aggregate of 8,600,000 units of beneficial interest (Units). Such
Units were sold to the public through various underwriters in November 1993. The current working
interest owners of the Underlying Properties are Torch Royalty Company, Torch E&P Company, Samson
Lone Star Limited Partnership and Constellation Energy Partners LLC (Working Interest Owners).
2
TORCH ENERGY ROYALTY TRUST
Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the annual financial statements
have been omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Trustee believes that the
disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. These financial
statements should be read in conjunction with the December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 and
financial statements and notes thereto included in the Trusts applicable annual report on Form
10-K. All adjustments necessary to present fairly the assets, liabilities and trust corpus of the
Trust as of March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the distributable income and changes in trust
corpus for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 have been included. All such
adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The distributable income for such interim periods is
not necessarily indicative of the distributable income for the full year.
Torch currently provides certain accounting and other services for the Trust pursuant to an
agreement with the Trust entered into on March 26, 2009. The Trust has no officers, directors or
employees. The Trust has no officers, directors or employees. The Trust and Trustee rely solely on
receiving accurate information, reports and other representations from Torch and other service
providers to the Trust. In executing and submitting this report on behalf of the Trust and with
respect to Bruce L. Bisson in executing the certifications relating to this report, the Trustee and
Bruce L. Bisson have relied upon the accuracy of such reports, information and representations.
As previously disclosed by Trust in its Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the SEC) on May 7, 2009, the Trust received a letter from the NYSE
Regulation, Inc. (the NYSE) on May 1, 2009 informing the Trust that, as a result of its
failure to timely file its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,
2008 (the 2008 Annual Report) with the SEC, the Trust was subject to certain procedures as
specified in Section 802.01E, SEC Annual Report Timely Filing Criteria, of the NYSEs Listed
Company Manual (Section 802.01E) and further, regardless of the procedures specified in
Section 802.01E, the NYSE could commence delisting procedures at any time during any period
that is available to complete the filing of the 2008 Annual Report, if circumstances warrant.
As the Trust had been unable to obtain complete and accurate information regarding reserve
information and the financial statements of the Trust required to be included in the 2008 Annual
Report, the Trust remained unable to timely file its 2008 Annual Report. Therefore, the Trust
requested an extension for continued listing and trading on the NYSE notwithstanding its failure to
file its 2008 Annual Report.
3
TORCH ENERGY ROYALTY TRUST
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND TRUST CORPUS
(In thousands)
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March 31, |
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2008 |
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December 31, 2007 |
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(Unaudited) |
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ASSETS
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Cash |
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$ |
1,033 |
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$ |
55 |
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Net profits
interests in oil
and gas properties
(Net of accumulated
amortization of
$164,409 and
$163,961 at March
31, 2008 and
December 31, 2007,
respectively) |
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16,191 |
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16,639 |
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$ |
17,224 |
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$ |
16,694 |
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LIABILITIES AND TRUST CORPUS
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Trust expense payable |
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$ |
795 |
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$ |
245 |
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Trust corpus |
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16,429 |
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16,449 |
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$ |
17,224 |
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$ |
16,694 |
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See notes to financial statements
4
TORCH ENERGY ROYALTY TRUST
STATEMENTS OF DISTRIBUTABLE INCOME
(In thousands, except per Unit amounts)
(Unaudited)
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Three Months Ended |
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March 31, |
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2008 |
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2007 |
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Net profits income |
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$ |
1,484 |
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$ |
1,082 |
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General and administrative expenses |
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798 |
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257 |
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Distributable income |
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$ |
686 |
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$ |
825 |
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Distributable income per Unit
(8,600 Units) |
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$ |
.08 |
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$ |
.10 |
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Distributions per Unit |
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$ |
.03 |
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$ |
.10 |
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See notes to financial statements
5
TORCH ENERGY ROYALTY TRUST
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN TRUST CORPUS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
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Three Months Ended |
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March 31, |
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2008 |
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2007 |
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Trust corpus, beginning of period |
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$ |
16,449 |
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$ |
18,164 |
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Amortization of Net Profits Interests |
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(448 |
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(490 |
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Distributable income |
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686 |
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825 |
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Distributions to Unitholders |
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(258 |
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(851 |
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Trust corpus, end of period |
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$ |
16,429 |
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$ |
17,648 |
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See notes to financial statements
6
TORCH ENERGY ROYALTY TRUST
Notes to Financial Statements
1. Nature of Operations
The Trust was formed effective October 1, 1993, pursuant to a trust agreement (Trust Agreement)
among Wilmington Trust Company, not in its individual capacity but solely as trustee of the Trust
(Trustee), Torch Royalty Company (TRC) and Velasco Gas Company, Ltd. (Velasco) as owners of
certain oil and gas properties (Underlying Properties) and Torch Energy Advisors Incorporated
(Torch) as grantor. The Trust was formed under the Delaware statutory trust act (formerly known
as the Delaware business trust act). TRC and Velasco created net profits interests (Net Profits
Interests) and conveyed such interests to Torch. TRC and Velasco created net profits interests
(Net Profits Interests) which burden certain oil and gas properties (Underlying Properties) and
Torch conveyed the Net Profits Interests to the Trust in exchange for an aggregate of 8,600,000
units of beneficial interest (Units). Such Units were sold to the public through various
underwriters in November 1993. The current working interest owners of the Underlying Properties
are Torch Royalty Company, Torch E&P Company, Samson Lone Star Limited Partnership and
Constellation Energy Partners LLC (Working Interest Owners).
The sole purpose of the Trust is to hold the Net Profits Interests, to receive payments from the
Working Interest Owners, and to make payments to Unitholders. The Trust does not conduct any
business activity and has no officers, directors or employees. The Trust and Trustee rely on third
party service providers to perform administrative services for the Trust. Torch provided
accounting, bookkeeping, informational and other services to the Trust related to the Net Profits
Interests pursuant to the Administrative Services Agreement effective October 1, 1993 and an oral
arrangement after termination of the Administrative Services Agreement on January 29, 2008 through
April 1, 2008. From November 7, 2008 through December 23, 2008, Torch provided certain accounting
services in connection with the Trusts preparation of its Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 2007 pursuant to an agreement between the Trust and Torch dated November 7, 2008. To
facilitate the winding down of the Trust, Torch currently provides certain accounting and other
services for the Trust pursuant to an agreement with the Trust entered into on March 26, 2009. The
initial term of such agreement expires March 31, 2010 or as sooner terminated by written notice
from either party within 5 business days notice.
In connection with the formation of the Trust, TRC and Velasco contracted to sell the oil and gas
production from the Underlying Properties to Torch Energy Marketing Inc. (TEMI), a subsidiary of
Torch, under a purchase contract (Purchase Contract) which expired upon termination of the Trust
on January 29, 2008. See footnote 5, Related Party Transactions: Marketing Arrangements,
for oil and gas pricing information pertaining to the Underlying Properties. The Working Interest
Owners receive payments reflecting the proceeds of oil and gas sold and aggregate these payments,
deduct applicable costs and make payments to the Trustee each quarter for the amounts due to the
Trust. Prior to the termination of the Trust, Unitholders received quarterly cash distributions
relating to oil and gas produced and sold from the Underlying Properties. Following the
termination of the Trust, the Trustee established a non-interest bearing segregated cash reserve
account (Cash Reserve) for certain actual, contingent and uncertain liabilities of the Trust.
See footnote 4, Distributions and Income Computations,
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TORCH ENERGY ROYALTY TRUST
Notes to Financial Statements
for additional information
concerning the Cash Reserve. Because no additional properties will be contributed to the Trust, the
assets of the Trust deplete over time and a portion of each cash distribution made by the Trust is
analogous to a return of capital.
The Underlying Properties constitute working interests in the Chalkley Field in Louisiana
(Chalkley Field), the Robinsons Bend Field in the Black Warrior Basin in Alabama (Robinsons
Bend Field), fields that produce from the Cotton Valley formations in Texas (Cotton Valley
Fields) and fields that produce from the Austin Chalk formation in Texas (Austin Chalk Fields).
The Underlying Properties represent interests in all productive formations from 100 feet below the
deepest productive formation in each field to the surface when the Trust was formed. The Trust
therefore has no interest in deeper productive formations.
Separate conveyances (Conveyances) were used to transfer the Net Profits Interests in each state.
Net proceeds (Net Proceeds), generally defined as gross revenues received from the sale of
production attributable to the Underlying Properties during any period less property, production,
severance and similar taxes, and development, operating, and certain other costs (excluding
operating and development costs from the Robinsons Bend Field prior to January 1, 2003), are
calculated separately for each Conveyance. If, during any period, costs and expenses deducted in
calculating Net Proceeds exceed gross proceeds under a Conveyance, neither the Trust nor
Unitholders are liable to pay such excess directly, but the Trust will receive no payments for
distribution to Unitholders with respect to such Conveyance until future gross proceeds exceed
future costs and expenses plus the cumulative excess of such costs and expenses not previously
recouped by TRC and Velasco plus interest thereon. The complete definitions of Net Proceeds are
set forth in the Conveyances.
The Trust received the affirmative vote of the Unitholders of more than 66 2/3% of the outstanding
Units to terminate the Trust at the meeting of Unitholders held on January 29, 2008. Upon
termination of the Trust, among other things, the Trustee is required to sell the Net Profits
Interests. Specifically, pursuant to Section 9.03(e) of the Trust Agreement if the property of the
Trust Estate (as defined in the Trust Agreement) has not been sold prior to the end of one calendar
year following the termination date, the Trustee must cause such assets to be sold at public
auction. As the Trust was terminated by a vote of the Unitholders on January 29, 2008 (the
Termination Date), the Trustee anticipates it will continue to consult with the Trusts and
Trustees financial and legal advisors in preparing the sales process and obtaining the necessary
information required for disclosure regarding the Units to carry out the sale requirement under
Section 9.03(e). No assurances can be given that the Trustee will be able to sell the Net Profits
Interests, or the price that will be distributed to Unitholders following such a sale. Such
distributions could be below the market value of the Units. The Trust can give no assurances of
the effect of the results of the affirmative vote to terminate the Trust by the Unitholders on the
continued listing of the Units on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) or any other national
quotation system.
8
TORCH ENERGY ROYALTY TRUST
Notes to Financial Statements
As previously disclosed by the Trust in certain of its filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC), the Trust and certain working interest owners (TRC, Torch E&P Company and
Constellation) of the Underlying Properties were involved in an arbitration proceeding relating to
the proper calculation of the quarterly Net Profits Interests payments owed to the Trust following
the termination of the Trust. The working interest owners contended that the pricing mechanism
contained in the terminated Purchase Contract (including the sharing price and minimum price
mechanism) should continue to be utilized to calculate the quarterly Net Profits Interests
payments. In the arbitration proceeding, the Trustee, contended that the sharing price mechanism of
the Purchase Contract (which determined the calculation of the Net Profits Interests prior to the
termination of the Oil and Gas Purchase Contract) did not survive the termination of the Purchase
Contract or the termination of the Trust. On April 11, 2008, Trust Venture Company, LLC (Trust
Venture), which owns the majority of Units in the Trust, submitted an unopposed request to
intervene in the arbitration and became a party to the arbitration. Trust Venture agreed with the
Trustee, and took the position in the arbitration, that the sharing price mechanism of the Purchase
Contract did not survive the termination of the Purchase Contract or the termination of the Trust.
The hearing on the merits in the arbitration commenced on June 16, 2008 and was completed on June
20, 2008. On July 18, 2008, JAMS, through a panel of three arbitrators (Arbitrators), released an
award notice to all parties (the Award Notice). In the Award Notice, the Arbitrators found that
the Conveyances are not ambiguous and the pricing mechanism of the Purchase Contract is
incorporated by reference into the Conveyances notwithstanding termination of the Purchase
Contract. The Arbitrators therefore concluded that the pricing mechanism (including the sharing
price and minimum price mechanism) continues to burden the Net Profits Interests and will do so for
the life of the Conveyances. The Arbitrators also denied each partys request for fees and costs;
each party was required to bear its own fees and costs related to the arbitration. The Trust and
Trustee incurred expenses as a result of the arbitration and expect to continue to incur expenses,
including but not limited to legal fees, as a result of the winding down of the Trust. See
also Part II, Item 1. Legal Proceedings for subsequent event information concerning the
arbitration and Award Notice.
9
TORCH ENERGY ROYALTY TRUST
Notes to Financial Statements
On October 15, 2009, the Trust issued a press release (the Press
Release) disclosing the receipt of notice from the NYSE, received on October 9, 2009, of the
NYSEs grant of such an extension, providing the
Trust until December 31, 2009 to complete and file its 2008 Annual Report with the SEC. However,
the NYSE stated in its extension grant that such extension is subject to reassessment on an ongoing
basis and the NYSE would closely monitor the Trusts progress in completing and filing the 2008
Annual Report. Failure of the Trust to make progress in its efforts to complete and file its SEC
reports or failing to meet the minimum listing criteria could result in a suspension of the Trusts
listing and trading privileges.
2. Basis of Accounting and Significant Accounting Policies
The financial statements of the Trust are prepared on a modified cash basis and are not intended to
present the financial position and results of operations in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). Preparation of
the Trusts financial statements on such basis includes the following:
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Revenues are recognized in the period in which amounts are received by the Trust. Therefore, revenues recognized during
the three-month periods ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 are derived from oil and gas production sold during the three-month
periods ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. General and administrative expenses are recognized on an accrual
basis. |
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Amortization of the Net Profits Interests is calculated on a unit-of-production basis and charged directly to trust corpus. |
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Distributions to Unitholders are recorded when declared by the Trustee. |
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An impairment loss is recognized when the net carrying value of the Net Profits Interests exceeds its fair market value. No
impairment loss was recognized during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2008 and 2007. |
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The financial statements of the Trust differ from financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP because net profits
income is not accrued in the period of production and amortization of the Net Profits Interests is not charged against
operating results. |
3. Federal Income Taxes and Texas State Margin Tax
Tax counsel has advised the Trust and Trustee that, under current tax law, the Trust is classified
as a grantor trust for Federal income tax purposes and not an association taxable as a business
entity.
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TORCH ENERGY ROYALTY TRUST
Notes to Financial Statements
However, the opinion of tax counsel is not binding on the Internal Revenue Service. As a
grantor trust, the Trust is not subject to Federal income tax.
Because the Trust is treated as a grantor trust for Federal income tax purposes and a Unitholder is
treated as directly owning an interest in the Net Profits Interests, each Unitholder is taxed
directly on
such Unitholders pro rata share of income attributable to the Net Profits Interests consistent
with the Unitholders method of accounting and without regard to the taxable year or accounting
method employed by the Trust. Amounts payable with respect to the Net Profits Interests are paid
to the Trust on the quarterly record date established for quarterly distributions in respect to
each calendar quarter during the term of the Trust, and the income and deductions from such
payments are allocated to the Unitholders of record on such date.
In May 2006, the State of Texas passed legislation to implement a new margin tax at a rate of 1% to
be imposed generally on federal gross revenues (up to 70%), as apportioned to Texas less certain
costs and deductions, as specifically set forth in the new legislation. The effective date of the
new legislation is January 1, 2008, but the tax generally will be imposed on revenues generated in
2007 and thereafter (earlier for certain fiscal year taxpayers). Entities subject to tax generally
include trusts unless otherwise exempt, and most other types of entities having limited liability
protection. Trusts that meet certain statutory requirements are generally exempt from the margin
tax as passive entities.
Since the Trust is exempt from the margin tax at the Trust level as a passive entity, each
Unitholder that is a taxable entity would generally include its share of the Trusts revenue in its
margin tax computation. This revenue would be sourced to Texas under Texas Comptroller guidance
that provides such income is sourced according to the principal place of business of the Trust,
which is Texas.
4. Distributions and Income Computations
Each quarter the amount of cash available for distribution to Unitholders (the Quarterly
Distribution Amount) is equal to the excess, if any, of the cash received by the Trust, on the
last day of the second month following the previous calendar quarter (or the next business day
thereafter) ending prior to the dissolution of the Trust, from the Net Profits Interests then held
by the Trust plus, with certain exceptions, any other cash receipts of the Trust during such
quarter, subject to adjustments for changes made by the Trustee during such quarter in the Cash
Reserve established for the payment of actual, contingent and uncertain liabilities of the Trust.
Based on the payment procedures relating to the Net Profits Interest, cash received by the Trust on
the last day of the second month of a particular quarter from the Net Profits Interests generally
represents proceeds from the sale of oil and gas produced from the Underlying Properties during the
preceding calendar quarter. The Quarterly Distribution Amount for each quarter is payable to
Unitholders of record on the last day of the second month of the calendar quarter unless such day
is not a business day, in which case the record date is the next business day thereafter. The
Trust distributes the Quarterly Distribution Amount within approximately 10 days after the record
date to each person who was a Unitholder of record on the associated record date.
On March 10, 2008, the Trust paid a 3.0 cents per Unit cash distribution to Unitholders of Record
on February 29, 2008. This cash distribution was attributable to the fourth quarter 2007 production
from the Underlying Properties. This cash distribution was reduced by $1.0 million for monies
allocated to the
11
TORCH ENERGY ROYALTY TRUST
Notes to Financial Statements
Cash Reserve. The Trust made no additional cash distributions to Unitholders
during the year ended December 31, 2008.
During the three months ended March 31, 2008, the Trust received cash payments totaling $1.5
million from the Working Interest Owners for net profits income pertaining to production from the
Underlying Properties during the three months ended December 31, 2007. Of these cash receipts,
$1.2 million was allocated into the Cash Reserve. As of March 31, 2008 the Cash Reserve was $1.0
million.
On May 22, 2009, the Trust announced a cash distribution of 35.0 cents per Unit, payable on June
10, 2009 to Unitholders of record on June 1, 2009. A significant amount of this cash distribution
was attributable to the release of a portion of the Cash Reserve, totaling $2.4 million or 27 cents
per Unit. Also included in this cash distribution were Net Proceeds pertaining to Underlying
Property production during the quarter ended March 31, 2009 totaling $0.6 million, or 8 cents per
Unit.
5. Related Party Transactions
TRC and Velasco contracted to sell the oil and gas production from the Underlying Properties to
Torch Energy Marketing, Inc. (TEMI), a subsidiary of Torch, under a purchase contract (Purchase
Contract). Upon termination of the Trust, the Purchase Contract expired and the Working Interest
Owners calculate the Net Proceeds owed to the Trust utilizing the same pricing mechanisms
(including the sharing price and minimum price commitment mechanisms) as the expired Purchase
Contract. The continuation of the sharing price and minimum price terms and conditions of the
Purchase Contract terms was the subject of an arbitration and the Trust has assumed the
applicability of such terms for purpose of this report. See Item 1. Business, Item 1A. Risk
Factors and Item 3. Legal Proceedings of the Form 10-K for
12
TORCH ENERGY ROYALTY TRUST
Notes to Financial Statements
the year ended December 31, 2008 filed
with the SEC on November 25, 2009 regarding developments concerning the termination of the Trust
and arbitration with respect to certain terms and conditions of the Purchase Contract continuing
after the termination of the Trust.
Marketing Arrangements and Price Sharing
In connection with the formation of the Trust, TRC, Velasco and TEMI entered into the Purchase
Contract which expired upon termination of the Trust. Pursuant to the Purchase Contract, TEMI was
obligated to purchase all net production attributable to the Underlying Properties for an index
price for oil
and gas (Index Price), less certain gathering, treating and transportation charges, which were
calculated monthly. The Index Price equals 97% of the average spot market prices of oil and gas
(Average Market Prices) at the four locations where TEMI sold production.
The Purchase Contract also provided that TEMI pay a minimum price (Minimum Price) for gas
production. The Minimum Price was adjusted annually for inflation and was $1.87, $1.83 and $1.80
per MMBtu for 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. When TEMI paid a purchase price based on the
Minimum Price it received price credits (Price Credits), equal to the difference between the
Index Price and the Minimum Price, that it was entitled to deduct in determining the purchase price
when the Index Price for gas exceeded the Minimum Price. In addition, if the Index Price for gas
exceeded the sharing price, which was adjusted annually for inflation (Sharing Price), TEMI was
entitled to deduct 50% of such excess (Price Differential) in determining the purchase price.
As a result of such sharing price arrangement, net proceeds attributable to the underlying properties
during the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 were deducted by $1.7 million and
$1.7 million, respectively.
The Sharing Price was $2.30, $2.26 and $2.22 per MMBtu in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. TEMI
had an annual option to discontinue the Minimum Price commitment. However, if TEMI discontinued the
Minimum Price commitment, it would no longer be entitled to deduct the Price Differential in
calculating the purchase price and would have forfeited all accrued Price Credits. TEMI had no
outstanding Price Credits on the Termination Date and had not exercised its option to discontinue
the Minimum Price Commitment prior to the Purchase Contracts expiration date.
After the Trusts termination, the Working Interest Owners utilized the same pricing mechanisms
(including the Sharing Price and Minimum Price commitment mechanisms) as the expired Purchase
Contract in calculating Net Proceeds due to the Trust. The Working Interest Owners also have the
same annual option to discontinue the Minimum Price commitment. As of March 31, 2008, the Working
Interest Owners had no outstanding Price Credits and had not exercised its right to discontinue the
Minimum Price commitment.
Gas production is purchased at the wellhead. Therefore, Net Proceeds do not include any amounts
received in connection with extracting natural gas liquids from such production at gas processing
or treating facilities.
Gross revenues (before deductions for applicable gathering, treating and transportation charges)
included in the Net Proceeds calculations attributable to the Underlying Properties for the three
months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 were $4.0 million and $4.2 million, respectively.
13
TORCH ENERGY ROYALTY TRUST
Notes to Financial Statements
Gathering, Treating and Transportation Arrangements
The Purchase Contract, which expired upon the Trusts termination, entitled TEMI to deduct certain
gas gathering, treating and transportation fees in calculating the purchase price for gas in the
Robinsons Bend, Austin Chalk and Cotton Valley Fields. The amounts that were deducted in
calculating the purchase price for such gas were set forth in the Purchase Contract and were not
affected by the actual costs incurred by TEMI to gather, treat and transport gas. For the
Robinsons Bend Field, TEMI deducted a gathering, treating and transportation fee of $0.260 per
MMBtu adjusted for inflation ($0.314, $0.308 and $0.303 per MMBtu for 2008, 2007, and 2006,
respectively), plus fuel usage equal to 5% of revenues. Additionally, a gathering fee of $0.05 per
MMBtu was deducted in calculating the purchase
price for production from 73 of the 426 wells in the Robinsons Bend Field. TEMI deduct $0.38 per
MMBtu plus 17% of revenues in calculating the purchase price for production from the Austin Chalk
Fields as a fee to gather, treat and transport gas production. TEMI deducted from the purchase
price for gas for production attributable to certain wells in the Cotton Valley Fields a
transportation fee of $0.045 per MMBtu. Upon the Trusts termination, the Working Interest Owners
became entitled to deduct the same gas gathering, treating and transportation fees that had
previously been deducted by TEMI pursuant to the Purchase Contract in calculating Net Proceeds due
to the Trust.
During the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, such fees deducted from the Net Proceeds
calculations, attributable to production during the three months ended December 31, 2007 and 2006,
in the Robinsons Bend, Austin Chalk and Cotton Valley Fields, totaled $0.3 million and $0.4
million, respectively. No amounts for gathering, treating or transportation are deducted in
calculating the purchase price from the Chalkley Field.
Administrative Services Agreement
The sole purpose of the Trust is to hold the Net Profits Interests, to receive payments from TRC
and Velasco, and to make payments to Unitholders. The Trust does not conduct any business activity
and has no officers, directors or employees. The Trust and Trustee rely on third party service
providers to perform administrative services for the Trust.
Torch provided accounting, bookkeeping, informational and other services to the Trust related to
the Net Profits Interests pursuant to the Administrative Services Agreement effective October 1,
1993 and an oral arrangement after termination of the Administrative Services Agreement on
January 29, 2008 through April 1, 2008. On November 7, 2008, an agreement was entered into between
the Trust and Torch that engaged Torch to provide certain accounting services in connection with
the Trusts preparation and filing of the Trusts Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.
To facilitate the winding down of the Trust, Torch and the Trust entered into a services agreement
on March 26, 2009. Pursuant to the services agreement, Torch currently provides certain accounting
and
14
TORCH ENERGY ROYALTY TRUST
Notes to Financial Statements
other services for the Trust. The initial term of such agreement expires March 31, 2010 or as
sooner terminated by written notice from either party within 5 business days notice.
Services fees paid by the Trust to Torch during each of the three-month periods ended March 31,
2008 and 2007 were $0.1 million.
Operator Overhead Fees
A subsidiary of Torch operates certain oil and gas interests burdened by the Net Profits Interests.
The Underlying Properties are charged, on the same basis as other third parties, for all customary
expenses and costs reimbursements associated with these activities. Operator overhead fees
deducted from the Net Proceeds computations for the Chalkley, Cotton Valley and Austin Chalk Fields
totaled $51,000 and $47,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
Compensation of the Trustee and Transfer Agent
The Trust Agreement provides that the Trustee be compensated for its administrative services, out
of the Trust assets, in an annual amount of $80,000, plus an hourly charge for services in excess
of a combined total of 250 hours annually at its standard rate. In accordance with provisions in
the Trust Agreement, the Trustee may increase its compensation for its administrative services as a
result of unusual or extraordinary services rendered by the Trustee.
Additionally, the Trustee receives a transfer agency fee of $5.00 annually per account (minimum of
$15,000 annually), subject to change each December, beginning December 1994, based upon the change
in the Producers Price Index as published by the Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics,
plus $1.00 for each certificate issued.
Total administrative and transfer agent fees charged by the Trustee during the three months ended
March 31, 2008 and 2007 were $48,000 and $25,000, respectively.
6. Trust Expense Payable
The Trust expense payable was $0.8 million as of March 31, 2008. Such liability represents general
and administrative expense accruals mainly pertaining to the Trusts legal fees, accounting and
audit fees, Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 compliance services and administrative services fees.
15
TORCH ENERGY ROYALTY TRUST
Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
Results of Operations
Because a modified cash basis of accounting is utilized by the Trust, Net Proceeds attributable to
the Underlying Properties for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 is derived from actual
oil and gas produced during the three months ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Oil
and gas sales attributable to the Underlying Properties for such periods are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
|
Bbls |
|
Mcf |
|
Bbls |
|
Mcf |
|
|
of Oil |
|
of Gas |
|
of Oil |
|
of Gas |
Chalkley Field |
|
|
1,032 |
|
|
|
225,479 |
|
|
|
1,028 |
|
|
|
259,886 |
|
Robinsons Bend Field |
|
|
|
|
|
|
403,060 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
435,075 |
|
Cotton Valley Fields |
|
|
629 |
|
|
|
149,763 |
|
|
|
202 |
|
|
|
163,658 |
|
Austin Chalk Fields |
|
|
2,834 |
|
|
|
24,633 |
|
|
|
3,889 |
|
|
|
51,704 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,495 |
|
|
|
802,935 |
|
|
|
5,119 |
|
|
|
910,323 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2007
For the three months ended March 31, 2008, net profits income was $1.5 million, up 36% from net
profits income of $1.1 million for the same period in 2007. Such increase is mainly attributable
to a decrease in costs and expenses deducted from Net Proceeds payable to the Trust during the
three months ended March 31, 2008 combined with higher oil and gas prices paid to the Trust in 2008
as compared to 2007.
The Trust received no payments with respect to the Robinsons Bend Field during the three months
ended March 31, 2008 and 2007. In calculating the Robinsons Bend Field Net Proceeds pertaining to
production during the three months ended December 31, 2007, gross revenues exceeded costs and
expenses by approximately $106,000. However, the Trust will receive no payments with respect to
the Robinsons Bend Field until future proceeds exceed the sum of future costs and expenses and the
cumulative excess of such costs and expenses, including interest (Robinsons Bend Deficit). The
Trust does not anticipate that the Net Proceeds attributable to the Robinsons Bend Field, if any,
will be significant in the future. As of March 31, 2008 (pertaining to production through December
31, 2007), the Robinsons Bend Cumulative Deficit was approximately $225,000.
16
TORCH ENERGY ROYALTY TRUST
Gas production attributable to the Underlying Properties in the Chalkley, Cotton Valley and Austin
Chalk Fields was 399,875 Mcf and 475,248 Mcf during the three months ended December 31, 2007 and
2006, respectively. Gas production attributable to the Underlying Properties in the Robinsons Bend
Field was 403,060 Mcf and 435,075 Mcf during the three months ended December 31, 2007 and 2006,
respectively. Oil production attributable to the Underlying Properties for the three months ended
December 31, 2007 and 2006 was 4,495 Bbls and 5,119 Bbls, respectively. Gas and oil production
decreased during 2008 as a result of normal production declines
During the three months ended March 31, 2008, the average price used to calculate Net Proceeds for
gas, before gathering, treating and transportation deductions, was $4.45 per MMBtu as compared to
$4.18 per MMBtu for the three months ended March 31, 2007. During the three months ended March 31,
2008, the average price used to calculate Net Proceeds for oil was $80.14 per Bbl as compared to
$52.16 per Bbl for the three months ended March 31, 2007.
Prior to the Trusts termination on January 29, 2008, TEMI deducted the Price Differential and was
committed to pay a Minimum Price for gas. When TEMI paid a purchase price for gas based on the
Minimum Price, TEMI received Price Credits which it was entitled to deduct in determining the
purchase price when the Index Price for gas exceeded the Minimum Price. TEMI had not exercised its
right to discontinue the Minimum Price commitment and had no outstanding Price Credits on the
Termination Date. Additionally, if the Index Price for gas exceeded $2.10 per MMBtu, adjusted
annually for inflation ($2.30 per MMBtu, $2.26 per MMBtu and $2.22 per MMBtu for 2008, 2007 and
2006 production, respectively), TEMI deducted 50% of such excess in calculating the Net Proceeds
payable to the Trust.
Upon the Trusts termination, the Working Interest Owners used the same pricing mechanisms
(including the Sharing Price and Minimum Price commitment mechanisms) in calculating Net Proceeds
due to the Trust. The Working Interest Owners also have the same annual option to discontinue the
Minimum Price commitment. As of March 31, 2008, the Working Interest Owners had no outstanding
Price Credits and had not exercised their right to discontinue the Minimum Price commitment. No
Price Credits were deducted in calculating the purchase price related to net profits income during
the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007. The deduction of the Price Differential in
connection with the Sharing Price mechanism reduced Net Proceeds paid to the Trust during each of
the three-month periods ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 by $1.7 million.
During the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, the Trust received no payments with respect
to the Infill Wells since costs and expenses exceeded gross
17
TORCH ENERGY ROYALTY TRUST
revenues generated from the Infill
Wells. Such Infill Wells are located in the Cotton Valley Fields and are operated by Samson Lone
Star Limited Partnership.
Lease operating expenses and capital expenditures attributable to the Underlying Properties in the
Chalkley, Cotton Valley and Austin Chalk Fields deducted in calculating Net Proceeds due to the
Trust during the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 totaled $0.4 million and $0.9 million,
respectively. With respect to the Robinsons Bend Field, lease operating expenses and capital
expenditures of $1.3 million and $1.5 million were deducted in calculating the Net Proceeds payable
to the Trust from the Robinsons Bend Field for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007,
respectively.
General and administrative expenses amounted to $0.8 million and $0.3 million, respectively, for
the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007. The increase in general and administrative
expenses in 2008 as compared to 2007 is primarily due to legal fees incurred by the Trust during
2008 in connection with the arbitration proceeding between the Trust and certain working interest
owners of the Underlying Properties relating to the proper calculation of the of the quarterly Net
Profits Interests payments owed to the Trust following the termination of the Trust. During each
of the three month periods ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, general and administrative expenses
include costs pertaining to the administrative services provided by Torch and the Trustee, legal
fees, accounting and audit fees, reserve report preparation fees, and Unitholder report printing
fees.
Pursuant to Section 3.07 of the Trust Agreement, the Trustee established a Cash Reserve following
the Trusts termination in 2008 for the payment of actual, contingent and uncertain liabilities
associated with the liquidation and winding down of the Trust and the Trusts arbitration. During
the three months ended March 31, 2008, the Trust received cash payments totaling $1.5 million from
the Working Interest Owners of the Underlying Properties mainly pertaining to net profits income
attributable to production from the Underlying Properties during the three months ended December
31, 2007. Of these cash receipts, $1.2 million was allocated into the Cash Reserve. The Cash
Reserve as of March 31, 2008 was $1.0 million.
The foregoing resulted in distributable income of $0.7 million, or $0.08 per Unit, for the three
months ended March 31, 2008, as compared to $0.8 million, or $0.10 per Unit, for the same period in
2007. Cash distributions of $0.3 million, or $0.03 per Unit, were made during the three months
ended March 31, 2008 as compared to $0.9 million, or $0.10 per Unit, for the same period in 2007.
18
TORCH ENERGY ROYALTY TRUST
Net profits income received by the Trust during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2008
and 2007, derived from production sold during the three months ended December 31, 2007 and 2006,
respectively, was computed as shown in the following table (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
March 31, 2007 |
|
|
|
Chalkley, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chalkley, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cotton Valley |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cotton Valley |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and Austin |
|
|
Robinsons |
|
|
|
|
|
|
and Austin |
|
|
Robinsons |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chalk Fields |
|
|
Bend Field |
|
|
Total |
|
|
Chalk Fields |
|
|
Bend Field |
|
|
Total |
|
Oil and gas revenues |
|
$ |
2,147 |
|
|
$ |
1,581 |
|
|
$ |
3,728 |
|
|
$ |
2,236 |
|
|
$ |
1,604 |
|
|
$ |
3,840 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Direct operating expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lease operating expenses
and property tax |
|
|
429 |
|
|
|
1,332 |
|
|
|
1,761 |
|
|
|
671 |
|
|
|
1,478 |
|
|
|
2,149 |
|
Severance tax |
|
|
152 |
|
|
|
139 |
|
|
|
291 |
|
|
|
210 |
|
|
|
144 |
|
|
|
354 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
581 |
|
|
|
1,471 |
|
|
|
2,052 |
|
|
|
881 |
|
|
|
1,622 |
|
|
|
2,503 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net proceeds before capital
expenditures |
|
|
1,566 |
|
|
|
110 |
|
|
|
1,676 |
|
|
|
1,355 |
|
|
|
(18 |
) |
|
|
1,337 |
|
Capital expenditures |
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
216 |
|
|
|
32 |
|
|
|
248 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net proceeds |
|
|
1,562 |
|
|
|
106 |
|
|
|
1,668 |
|
|
|
1,139 |
|
|
|
(50 |
) |
|
|
1,089 |
|
Net profits percentage |
|
|
95 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
95 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net profits income |
|
$ |
1,484 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
1,484 |
|
|
$ |
1,082 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
1,082 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19
TORCH ENERGY ROYALTY TRUST
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
The Trust is exposed to market risk, including adverse changes in commodity prices. The Trusts
assets constitute Net Profits Interests in the Underlying Properties. As a result, the Trusts
operating results can be significantly affected by fluctuations in commodity prices caused by
changing market forces and the price received for production from the Underlying Properties.
All production from the Underlying Properties during the period from the inception of the Trust to
the Trusts termination on January 29, 2008 was sold pursuant to a Purchase Contract between TRC,
Velasco, and TEMI. The Purchase Contract expired upon the Trusts termination. Pursuant to the
Purchase Contract, TEMI was obligated to purchase all net production attributable to the Underlying
Properties for an Index Price, less certain other charges, which were calculated monthly. The
Index Price calculation was based on market prices of oil and gas and therefore was subject to
commodity price risk. The Purchase Contract also provided a Minimum Price paid by TEMI for gas.
The Minimum Price was adjusted annually for inflation and was $1.87, $1.83 and $1.80 per MMBtu for
2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. When TEMI paid a purchase price based on the Minimum Price, it
received Price Credits equal to the difference between the Index Price and the Minimum Price that
TEMI was entitled to deduct when the Index Price exceeded the Minimum Price. Additionally, if the
Index Price exceeded the Sharing Price, TEMI was entitled to deduct such excess, the Price
Differential. The Sharing Price was $2.30, $2.26 and $2.22 per MMBtu in 2008, 2007 and 2006,
respectively. TEMI had the annual option to discontinue the Minimum Price commitment. However, if
TEMI discontinued the Minimum Price commitment, it would no longer be entitled to deduct the Price
Differential and would forfeit all accrued Price Credits. TEMI did not exercise its right to
discontinue the Minimum Price commitment and had no outstanding Price Credits on the Termination
Date.
Upon the Trusts termination, the Working Interest Owners calculated Net Proceeds owed to the Trust
utilizing the same pricing mechanisms (including the Sharing Price and Minimum Price commitment
mechanisms) as the terminated Purchase Contract. The Working Interest Owners also have the same
annual option to discontinue the Minimum Price commitment. However, if the Working Interest Owners
discontinue the Minimum Price commitment, they will no longer be entitled to deduct the Price
Differential and will forfeit all accrued Price Credits. The Working Interest Owners have not
exercised their option to discontinue the Minimum Price commitment and have no outstanding Price
Credits as of March 31, 2008.
20
TORCH ENERGY ROYALTY TRUST
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.
The Trustee carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the
Trusts disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 as of
the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the Trustee concluded
that the Trusts disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting the Trustee to
material information relating to the Trust required to be included in the Trusts periodic filings
with the SEC. In their evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures, the Trustee and Trust has
relied, to the extent considered reasonable, on information provided by Watkins Meegan LLC.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting.
There has not been any change in the Trusts internal control over financial reporting during the
three months ended March 31, 2008 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to
materially affect, the Trusts internal control over financial reporting. The Trust and Trustee
rely on third party service providers to perform administrative services for the Trust. Torch
provided accounting, bookkeeping, informational and other services to the Trust related to the Net
Profits Interests pursuant to the Administrative Services Agreement effective October 1, 1993 and
an oral arrangement after termination of the Administrative Services Agreement on January 29, 2008
through April 1, 2008. To facilitate the winding down of the Trust, Torch and the Trust entered
into a services agreement on March 26, 2009. Pursuant to the services agreement, Torch provides
certain accounting and other services for the Trust. The initial term of such agreement expires
March 31, 2010 or as sooner terminated by written notice from either party within 5 business days
notice.
21
TORCH ENERGY ROYALTY TRUST
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings
On October 16, 2008, Trust Venture Company, LLC and Wilmington Trust Company, solely in its
capacity as Trustee for the Torch Energy Royalty Trust, (together, Plaintiffs) filed a petition
against Torch Royalty Company, Torch E&P Company, and Constellation Energy Partners LLC
(collectively, Defendants) in the District Court of Harris County, Texas. The petition sought to
vacate the arbitration award issued by the JAMS Panel in Defendants favor on July 18, 2008 in the
arbitration captioned Torch Royalty Co., et al. v. Wilmington Trust Co., et al., JAMS Reference No.
13100017310. See Item 1. Business General of the annual report of Trust for the year ended
December 31, 2008 filed with the SEC on November 25, 2009 for a description of the arbitration.
Defendants filed a motion to dismiss the Plaintiffs petition and to confirm the arbitration award.
On or about December 10, 2008, the Court entered an Order dismissing the petition and granting the
Defendants motion to confirm the arbitration award.
On December 22, 2008, the Trustee received a demand letter from Trust Venture Company, LLC with
respect to certain enumerated costs including administrative costs and costs for water gathering,
treating and disposal that are deducted by the working interest owners of the Underlying
Properties from the Net Profit Interests before remitting the Net Proceeds to the Trustee and the
Trust. Trust Venture Company, LLC has concluded that the Trust has been overcharged (and continues
to be overcharged) by the working interest owners of certain of the Underlying Properties and that
these overcharges have damaged the Trust (and as a result, all of the Trusts Unitholders). In
addition, Trust Venture Company, LLC asserts that the working interest owners have failed to
provide the required accountings as set forth in the Conveyances and that the Trust may request the
court to require the working interest owners to provide such an accounting. Trust Venture Company,
LLC requested that the Trustee either institute legal action against the working interest owners,
or authorize Trust Venture Company, LLC to commence a derivative action against the current working
interest owner of the Alabama property in accordance with, inter alia, Section 3816 of the Delaware
Statutory Trust Act, codified at 12 Del. C. 3816(a), to recover all overcharges related to
administrative costs, water gathering, treating and disposal costs and all overcharges reflected in
the accounting. The Trustee responded on December 22, 2008 to Trust Venture Company, LLC with a
request for additional information which it has now received. The Trustee carefully considered
Trust Venture Company, LLCs demand letter, and concluded, in the reasoned exercise of its business
judgment, that it is in the best interest of the Trust and all Unitholders to authorize Trust
Venture Company, LLC
22
TORCH ENERGY ROYALTY TRUST
to commence a derivative action and provided its authorization as of December
30, 2008.
As disclosed by the Trust in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007
(2007 Annual Report), Trust Venture intended to commence a derivative action against
Constellation Energy Partners LLC, the working interest owners of certain oil and gas fields
located in Alabama, in accordance with, inter alia, Section 3816 of the Delaware Statutory Trust
Act, codified at 12 Del. C. 3816(a), to (i) recover any overcharges to the Trust by Constellation
Energy Partners LLC related to administrative costs, water gathering, treating and disposal costs
and severance taxes and (ii) require Constellation Energy Partners LLC to provide an accounting of
its revenues and expenses as required under the Net Overriding Royalty Conveyance filed of record
in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. On December 30, 2008, Trust Venture filed and subsequently served a
derivative lawsuit against Constellation Energy Partners LLC in Alabama state court alleging such
overcharges, challenging the calculation of the Net Profits Interests under the conveyances that
were used to transfer the net profits interests in each state, and demanding an accounting of
Constellation Energy Partners LLCs revenues and expenses. In response to the derivative lawsuit,
on February 9, 2009, Constellation Energy Partners LLC filed in Alabama state court a motion to
dismiss such lawsuit without prejudice in favor of arbitration in Texas on various grounds,
including Trust Ventures alleged lack of standing and Trust Ventures alleged failure to comply
with certain contractual agreements. The Alabama state court denied Constellation Energy Partners
LLCs motion to dismiss on February 25, 2009, and so the Alabama derivative action is proceeding
against Constellation Energy Partners LLC.
On February 12, 2009, the Trustee received a certified copy of a demand for arbitration dated
February 9, 2009 by Constellation Energy Partners LLC before JAMS in Texas (the Demand Notice)
seeking a declaratory judgment that Constellation Energy Partners LLC (i) correctly calculated and
paid the Net Profits Interests payments due to the Trust, (ii) correctly charged the Trust for
certain well accounting services and severance taxes, and (iii) has complied with its contractual
reporting requirements due to the Trust. In the Demand Notice, Constellation Energy Partners LLC
claimed that, because the Trust authorized Trust Venture to file the derivative lawsuit, there
exists a judicable conflict between Constellation Energy Partners LLC and the Trust that is subject
to resolution by arbitration.
On February 12, 2009, Trust Venture filed an emergency motion in Alabama state court to stay the
arbitration demanded by Constellation Energy Partners LLC until such time as the court issues a
judgment as to the enforceability of the arbitration agreement made by and between the Trust and
Constellation Energy Partners LLC. The court denied that motion on February 25, 2009. On March 9,
2009, the Trustee filed its own motion in the same Alabama state court seeking to intervene in the
derivative action for
23
TORCH ENERGY ROYALTY TRUST
the limited purpose of moving for a stay of the Texas arbitration until
resolution of the derivative action. The Alabama state court heard oral argument on the Trustees
motion on March 25, 2009, and on April 1, 2009, the Alabama state court denied the Trustees
motion to stay the Texas arbitration and further denied Constellation Energy Partners LLCs motion
to stay the Alabama state court derivative action. Subsequently, the Trustee filed a motion to
dismiss or stay the Texas arbitration with JAMS and the arbitration panel heard oral argument on
April 10, 2009 and on April 13, 2009 granted the Trustees motion to stay the Texas arbitration
proceedings pending the outcome of the Alabama derivative action. The arbitration panel
subsequently entered an Order of Dismissal with respect to the Texas arbitration dated July 27,
2009. There can be no assurance as to the outcome or result of the Alabama derivative litigation or
that Constellation Energy Partners LLC will not challenge the Order of Dismissal entered by the
arbitration panel on July 27, 2009 or file other arbitration claims. On August 21, 2009, the
Alabama state court added the Trust as a nominal plaintiff in the Alabama derivative action that is
proceeding against Constellation Energy Partners LLC.
ITEM 1A. Risk Factors
The Trust believes there have been no material changes to risk factors previously disclosed in our
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, filed with the SEC on
November 25, 2009 (the 2008 Form 10-K). You should carefully consider such risk factors as
presented in the 2008 Form 10-K and other information set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q, including our financial statements and the related notes.
ITEM 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
None.
ITEM 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities
None.
ITEM 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Unitholders
The Trust received the affirmative vote of the Unitholders of more than 66 2/3%
of the outstanding Units to terminate the Trust at a meeting of Unitholders held on January 29,
2008. Upon termination of the Trust, among other things, the Trustee
is required to sell the Net Profits Interests. Specifically, pursuant to Section 9.03(e) of the Trust Agreement
if the property of the Trust Estate (as defined in the Trust Agreement) has not been sold prior to the end
of one calendar year following the termination date, the Trustee must cause such assets to be sold at public auction. As the Trust was
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TORCH ENERGY ROYALTY TRUST
terminated by a vote of the Unitholders on January 29, 2008, the Trustee
anticipates it will continue to consult with the Trusts and Trustees financial and legal advisors
in preparing the sales process and obtaining the necessary information required for disclosure
regarding the units to carry out the sale requirement under Section 9.03(e).
No assurances can be given that the Trustee will be able to sell the Net Profits Interests, or the
price that will be distributed to Unitholders following such a sale. Such distributions could be
below the market value of the Units.
The Trust can give no assurances of the effect of the results of the affirmative vote to terminate
the Trust by the Unitholders on the continued listing of the units on the New York Stock Exchange
(NYSE) or any other national quotation system.
ITEM 5. Other Information
None
ITEM 6. Exhibits
4. Instruments of defining the rights of security holders, including indentures.
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4.1 |
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Form of Torch Energy Royalty Trust Agreement. * |
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4.2 |
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Form of Louisiana Trust Agreement. * |
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4.3 |
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Specimen Trust Unit Certificate. * |
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4.4 |
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Designation of Ancillary Trustee. * |
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31.1 |
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Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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32.1 |
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Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section
906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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* |
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Incorporated by reference from Registration Statements on Form S-1 of Torch Energy Advisors
Incorporated (Registration No. 33-68688) dated November 16, 1993. |
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TORCH ENERGY ROYALTY TRUST
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.
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TORCH ENERGY ROYALTY TRUST
By: Wilmington Trust Company,
not in its individual capacity but solely as
Trustee for the Trust
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By: |
/s/ Bruce L. Bisson
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Bruce L. Bisson |
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Vice President |
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Date: November 25, 2009
(The Trust has no employees, directors or executive officers.)
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