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PERMIAN BASIN ROYALTY TRUST ANNOUNCES JANUARY CASH DISTRIBUTION, EXCESS COST POSITION ON WADDELL RANCH PROPERTIES AND PETITION FILED BY SOFTVEST

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DALLAS, Jan. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Argent Trust Company, as Trustee of the Permian Basin Royalty ...

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AI Summary

Permian Basin Royalty Trust announced a cash distribution of $0.040056 per unit for February 2026, up from the previous month, primarily due to better oil and gas prices. However, proceeds from Waddell Ranch remain absent due to excess costs, impacting future distributions. SoftVest's ongoing legal action over Trust modifications could introduce uncertainty.

Sentiment Rationale

An increase in distributions is typically positive for unit holders and can lead to stock price appreciation. Investors may view this increase as stability and confidence in PBT's operational performance, despite ongoing issues with Waddell Ranch.

Trading Thesis

PBT could see moderate price appreciation in the near term due to improved cash distributions amid favorable oil prices, despite ongoing litigation risks.

Market-Moving

  • Increased cash distribution may attract new investments in PBT.
  • Legal petition by SoftVest could lead to operational and governance changes.
  • Market conditions impacting oil and gas pricing will affect future distributions.
  • Waddell Ranch's ongoing cost issues may dampen distribution stability.

Key Facts

  • PBT declared a cash distribution of $0.040056 per unit for February 2026.
  • Distribution increased due to higher oil volumes and natural gas prices.
  • No proceeds from Waddell Ranch properties were included in this month's distribution.
  • SoftVest filed a petition seeking modification of the Trust's Indenture requirements.
  • Texas Royalties contributed significantly to this month's distribution despite mixed production results.

Companies Mentioned

  • Blackbeard Operating LLC (N/A): Increased contributions to distribution from Blackbeard may continue if oil prices remain favorable.
  • SoftVest, L.P. (N/A): Legal petition could affect Trust governance and management of future distributions.

Corporate Developments

This news falls under 'Corporate Developments' as it relates to PBT's cash distribution adjustments and legal modifications. The ongoing shifts in revenue structure and potential legal changes impact the Trust's financial outlook and investor sentiment.

Permian Basin Royalty Trust (PBT) Declares January Cash Distribution and Addresses Waddell Ranch Properties

Argent Trust Company, acting as the Trustee of the Permian Basin Royalty Trust (NYSE: PBT), has announced a cash distribution of $0.040056 per unit, which is scheduled to be paid on February 13, 2026, to unit holders of record as of January 30, 2026. This distribution, however, does not include contributions from the Waddell Ranch properties due to production costs exceeding gross proceeds for December, resulting in an excess cost position that carries over.

Distribution Overview

The announced distribution marks an increase from the previous month, primarily driven by the second settlement payment received from Blackbeard Operating LLC. This, combined with higher oil volumes from Texas Royalty Properties and increased natural gas prices, offset lower natural gas and oil pricing for the reporting month.

Status of Waddell Ranch Properties

Information related to net profits interest (NPI) from the Waddell Ranch properties is received after the monthly distribution announcement date. Accordingly, any NPI proceeds received by the record date will be reflected in the subsequent month's distribution. The Trustee noted that no proceeds were reported in December 2025 that could be included in January’s distribution. Future proceeds must recover all excess costs, including interest, before any distributions are possible.

Performance of Texas Royalty Properties

Production figures for the Texas Royalty Properties in December included 17,309 barrels of oil and 8,378 Mcf of gas. The Trust's allocated share amounted to 15,285 barrels of oil and 7,401 Mcf of gas, generating a revenue of $1,095,523. After deducting taxes and expenses of $132,454, the resulting Net Profit for December stood at $963,069. Given the Trust's NPI of 95%, this translates to a net contribution of $914,915 for the cash distribution.

  • Current Month's Production:
    • Oil: 17,309 bbls
    • Gas: 8,378 Mcf
  • Allocated Production:
    • Oil: 15,285 bbls
    • Gas: 7,401 Mcf
  • Average Prices:
    • Oil: $59.18 per bbl
    • Gas: $8.49 per Mcf

Financial Outlook and Future Distributions

General and administrative expenses, net of interest earned, totaled $172,927, leading to an overall distribution of $1,866,989 divided among 46,608,796 outstanding units. The ongoing global market conditions continue to influence domestic oil and gas pricing, making it challenging to forecast the impacts on future distributions.

Legal Developments

On December 26, 2025, SoftVest, L.P., a unit holder in the PBT Trust, filed a petition for modification seeking judicial changes to the Trust's Indenture. The petition aims to eliminate the requirement for a 75% approval for certain amendments and proposes that amendments can be made with a simple majority of unit holders present at meetings. A preliminary hearing is set for January 28, 2026, to address this motion.

Investor Resources

The 2024 Annual Report, including the December 31, 2024, Reserve Summary, has been submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Interested investors can access Permian's cash distribution history, financial reports, and additional filings at Permian's official website. Printed reports can be requested free of charge.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this report regarding future expectations and events are forward-looking and may involve risks that could affect actual results. These include factors outlined in the Trust's Annual Report and other SEC filings. The Trustee will provide updates as necessary based on changing conditions and information received.

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