TORCH ENERGY ROYALTY TRUST
10-Q, 2000-05-15
CRUDE PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS
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<PAGE>

                                 UNITED STATES
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             Washington, DC  20549

                                   Form 10-Q


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

                 For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2000
                                                --------------

                                 OR

( )  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)

          Delaware                                             74-6411424
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of                           (I.R.S. Employer
 incorporation or organization)                           Identification Number)

1100 North Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware                       19890
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices)                              (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code     302/651-8584
                                                       ------------
                                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    X           No
                                    --------          _______
<PAGE>

                          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 values of
the Torch Energy Royalty Trust ("Trust") 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 Trust's Annual
Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities Exchange Commission, the
volatility of oil and gas prices, future production costs, operating hazards and
environmental conditions.

INTRODUCTION
- ------------

The financial statements included herein have been prepared by Torch, pursuant
to an administrative services agreement between Torch and the Trust, pursuant to
the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Wilmington
Trust Company serves as the trustee ("Trustee") of the Trust pursuant to the
trust agreement dated October 1, 1993. Certain information and footnote
disclosures normally included in the annual financial statements have been
omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although Torch 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, 1999
financial statements and notes thereto included in the Trust's latest annual
report on Form 10-K. In the opinion of Torch, all adjustments necessary to
present fairly the assets, liabilities and trust corpus of the Trust as of March
31, 2000 and December 31, 1999, the distributable income and changes in trust
corpus for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2000 and 1999 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.

                                       2
<PAGE>

                          TORCH ENERGY ROYALTY TRUST

              STATEMENTS OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND TRUST CORPUS
                                (In thousands)

                                    ASSETS


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 March 31, 2000               December 31, 1999
                                                          -------------------------      --------------------------
                                                                   (Unaudited)

<S>                                                          <C>                            <C>
Cash.................................................         $          5                   $           2
Net profits interests in oil and gas properties
(Net of accumulated amortization of $133,252 and
$131,459 at March 31, 2000 and December 31, 1999,
respectively)........................................               47,348                          49,141
                                                          -------------------------      -------------------------
                                                               $    47,353                   $      49,143
                                                          =========================      ==========================
</TABLE>

                                 LIABILITIES AND TRUST CORPUS


<TABLE>
<S>                                                      <C>                         <C>
Trust expense payable................................          $       161                   $         161
Trust corpus.........................................               47,192                          48,982
                                                          -------------------------      -------------------------
                                                               $    47,353                   $      49,143
                                                          =========================      ==========================
</TABLE>


                       See notes to financial statements.

                                       3
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                          TORCH ENERGY ROYALTY TRUST

                      STATEMENTS OF DISTRIBUTABLE INCOME
                    (In thousands, except per Unit amounts)

                                  (Unaudited)


                                                Three Months Ended March 31,
                                         ---------------------------------------
                                                   2000              1999
                                                  ------            ------

 Net profits income..................             $2,819            $2,470

 Interest income.....................                  1                 3
                                                  ------            ------
                                                   2,820             2,473
                                                  ------            ------
 General and
 administrative expenses.............                160               179
                                                  ------            ------
 Distributable income................             $2,660            $2,294
                                                  ======            ======
 Distributable income
   per Unit (8,600,000 Units)........             $  .31            $  .27
                                                  ======            ======
  Distributions per Unit.............             $  .31            $  .27
                                                  ======            ======


                      See notes to financial statements.


                                       4
<PAGE>

                          TORCH ENERGY ROYALTY TRUST

                     STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN TRUST CORPUS
                                (In thousands)


                                  (Unaudited)


                                              Three Months Ended March 31,
                                             -----------------------------
                                                 2000             1999
                                             -------------   -------------


Trust corpus, beginning of period......         $48,982         $56,860

Amortization of Net Profits Interests..          (1,793)         (2,134)

Distributable income...................           2,660           2,294

Distributions to Unitholders...........          (2,657)         (2,322)
                                                -------         -------

Trust corpus, end of period............         $47,192         $54,698
                                                =======         =======


                      See notes to financial statements.

                                       5
<PAGE>

                          TORCH ENERGY ROYALTY TRUST

1.  Trust Organization and Nature of Operations

The Torch Energy Royalty Trust ("Trust") was formed effective October 1, 1993
under the Delaware Business Trust Act pursuant to a trust agreement ("Trust
Agreement") among Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee ("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.  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 beginning November 1993.  Pursuant to an
administrative services agreement with the Trust, Torch provides accounting,
bookkeeping, informational and other services related to the Net Profits
Interests.

The Underlying Properties constitute working interests in the Chalkley Field in
Louisiana ("Chalkley Field"), the Robinson's Bend Field in the Black Warrior
Basin in Alabama ("Robinson's 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").  Sales of coal seam
and tight sands gas attributable to the Net Profits Interests between November
23, 1993 and January 1, 2003 result in the unitholders ("Unitholders") receiving
quarterly allocations of tax credits under Section 29 of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 ("Section 29 Credits"). The Section 29 Credits available for 1999
and 1998 production from qualifying coal seam properties were approximately
$1.07 and $1.06, respectively, for each MMBtu of gas produced and sold during
the years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998.  This rate is adjusted annually for
inflation.  The Section 29 Credit available for production from qualifying tight
sands properties is approximately $0.52 for each MMBtu of gas produced and sold
and such amount is not adjusted for inflation.

The only assets of the Trust, other than cash and temporary investments being
held for the payment of expenses and liabilities and for distribution to
Unitholders, are the Net Profits Interests.  The Net Profits Interests (other
than the Net Profits Interest covering the Robinson's Bend Field) entitle the
Trust to receive 95% of the net proceeds ("Net Proceeds") attributable to oil
and gas produced and sold from wells (other than infill wells) on the Underlying
Properties.  Net Proceeds are 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.  In calculating Net Proceeds from the
Robinson's Bend Field, operating and development costs incurred prior to January
1, 2003 are not deducted.  In addition, the amounts paid to the Trust from the
Robinson's

                                       6
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                          TORCH ENERGY ROYALTY TRUST

Bend Field during any calendar quarter are subject to a volume limitation
("Volume Limitation") equal to the gross proceeds from the sale of 912.5 MMcf of
gas, less property, production, severance and related taxes. Production for the
three-month periods ended March 31, 2000 and 1999 from the Underlying Properties
in the Robinson's Bend Field was approximately 35% (315 MMcf) and 28% (254
MMcf), respectively, below the Volume Limitation. If average gas prices
following 2002 do not substantially exceed prices received in December 1999, the
Trust anticipates that it will not receive net profits payments attributable to
the Robinson's Bend Field after 2002.

The Net Profits Interests also entitle the Trust to 20% of the Net Proceeds
(defined below) of wells drilled on the Underlying Properties since the Trust's
establishment into formations in which the Trust has an interest, other than
wells drilled to replace damaged or destroyed wells ("Infill Wells").  Infill
Well Net Proceeds represent the aggregate gross revenues received from Infill
Wells less the aggregate amount of the following Infill Well costs:  i)
property, production, severance and similar taxes; ii) development costs; iii)
operating costs; and iv) interest on the recovered portion, if any, of the
foregoing costs computed at a rate of interest announced publicly by Citibank,
N.A. in New York as its base rate.

2.  Basis of Accounting

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 ("GAAP").  Preparation
of the Trust's financial statements on such basis includes the following:

- -    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, 2000 and 1999 are derived from oil and gas production sold during
     the three-month periods ended December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively.
     General and administrative expenses are recognized on an accrual basis.

- -    Amortization of the Net Profits Interests is calculated on a unit-of-
     production basis and charged directly to trust corpus.

- -    Distributions to Unitholders are recorded when declared by the Trustee.

- -    An impairment loss is recognized when the net carrying value of the Net
     Profits Interests exceeds the sum of the estimated undiscounted future cash
     flows attributable to the Trust's oil and gas reserves plus the estimated
     future tax credits under Section 29 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
     ("Section 29

                                       7
<PAGE>

                          TORCH ENERGY ROYALTY TRUST

     Credit") for Federal income tax purposes. The impairment loss is equal to
     the difference between the carrying value of the Net Profits Interest and
     the fair value of the Net Profits Interest.

     In computing the estimated undiscounted future cash flows attributable to
     the Net Profits Interest, estimated future oil and gas prices, as
     determined by Torch management, are applied to estimated future production
     of oil and gas reserves over the economic lives of the reserves. If the
     aforementioned undiscounted future cash flows and Section 29 Credits are
     less than the carrying value of the Net Profits Interest, an impairment
     provision is recognized.  The fair value of the Net Profits Interest is
     computed by discounting the aforementioned cash flows and Section 29
     Credits by 10%.  Additionally, it is assumed for these computations that
     TEMI continues its Minimum Price commitment (see Note 5), pursuant to the
     Purchase Contract, until the Trust dissolves.  Based on the aforementioned
     impairment procedures, no impairment loss was recognized during the first
     quarter of 2000 and 1999.

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

Tax counsel has advised the Trustee that, under current tax law, the Trust is
classified as a grantor trust for Federal income tax purposes.  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 Unitholder's pro rata share
of income attributable to the Net Profits Interests consistent with the
Unitholder's 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, deductions and income tax credits
relating to Section 29 Credits resulting from such payments are allocated to the
Unitholders of record on such date.

                                       8
<PAGE>

                          TORCH ENERGY ROYALTY TRUST

4.  Distributions and Income Computations

Distributions are determined for each quarter and are based on the amount of
cash available for distribution to Unitholders.  Such amount (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 during such quarter in any cash reserves
established for the payment of contingent or future obligations of the Trust.
Based on the payment procedures relating to the Net Profits Interests, 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 Quarterly Distribution Amount is
distributed within approximately ten days after the record date to each person
who was a Unitholder of record on the associated record date.

5.  Related Party Transactions

Marketing Arrangements

TRC and Velasco, as owners of the Underlying Properties subject to and burdened
by the Net Profits Interests, contracted to sell the oil and gas production from
such properties to Torch Energy Marketing, Inc. ("TEMI"), a subsidiary of Torch,
under a purchase contract ("Purchase Contract").  Under the Purchase Contract,
TEMI is 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 are 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 sells production,
which,  prior  to September 1, 2000, is adjusted to reflect the terms of a hedge
contract ("Hedge Contract") to which TEMI is a party.  Under the Hedge Contract,
TEMI receives prices specified in the Hedge Contract ("Specified Prices") for
quantities of oil and gas specified therein ("Specified Quantities").  While the
Index Price calculation reflects the terms of the Hedge Contract, the Trust's
net profits income is not impacted by payments or receipts made by or received
by TEMI in connection with its participation in the Hedge Contract.  In
calculating the Index Price for gas (which represents approximately 97% of the

                                       9
<PAGE>

                          TORCH ENERGY ROYALTY TRUST

estimated reserves as of January 1, 2000, on an Mcfe basis), the Specified
Prices receive weightings of approximately 10% and less.  The Average Market
Prices receive the balance of the weighting.  The Specified Prices for gas
increase each year from $1.85 per MMBtu in 1998 to $1.89 per MMBtu in 2000 and
are adjusted to reflect the difference between the settlement prices for oil and
gas in the futures markets and the Average Market Prices.

The Purchase Contract also provides that the minimum price paid by TEMI for gas
production is $1.70 per MMBtu ("Minimum Price").  When TEMI pays a purchase
price based on the Minimum Price, it receives price credits ("Price Credits")
equal to the difference between the Index Price and the Minimum Price that it is
entitled to deduct in determining the purchase price when the Index Price for
gas exceeds the Minimum Price.  The deduction of Price Credits in calculating
the purchase price of gas reduced distributions received by the Unitholders
during the three months ended March 31, 1999 by $97,000.  No Price Credits were
deducted in calculating the purchase price related to distributions received by
Unitholders during the three months ended March 31, 2000.  As of March 31, 2000,
TEMI had no accumulated Price Credits.  In addition, if the Index Price for gas
exceeds $2.10 per MMBtu, TEMI is entitled to deduct 50% of such excess ("Price
Differential") in calculating the purchase price.  The deduction of the Price
Differential in calculating the purchase price of gas resulted in distributions
received by Unitholders during the three months ended March 31, 2000 being
reduced by $263,000. Distributions received by Unitholders during the three
months ended March 31, 1999 were not impacted by the Price Differential.

Beginning January 1, 2002, TEMI has an annual option to discontinue the Minimum
Price commitment.  However, if TEMI discontinues the Minimum Price commitment,
it will no longer be entitled to deduct the Price Differential in calculating
the purchase price and will forfeit all accrued Price Credits.  TEMI has
purchased put option contracts granting TEMI the right to sell estimated gas
production in excess of the Specified Quantities at a price intended to limit
TEMI's losses in the event the Index Price falls below the Minimum Price.

Gross revenues (before deductions for applicable gathering, treating and
transportation charges) from TEMI included in net profits income for the three
months ended March 31, 2000 and 1999 were $3,801,000 and $3,589,000,
respectively.

Gathering, Treating and Transportation Arrangements

The Purchase Contract entitles TEMI to deduct certain gas gathering, treating
and transportation costs in calculating the purchase price for gas in the
Robinson's Bend, Austin Chalk and Cotton Valley Fields.  The amounts that may be
deducted in

                                       10
<PAGE>

                          TORCH ENERGY ROYALTY TRUST

calculating the purchase price for such gas are set forth in the Purchase
Contract and are not affected by the actual costs incurred by TEMI to gather,
treat and transport gas. In the Robinson's Bend Field, TEMI is entitled to
deduct a gathering, treating and transportation fee of $0.26 per MMBtu adjusted
for inflation ($0.281 per MMBtu and $0.274 per MMBtu for 1999 and 1998
production, respectively), plus fuel usage equal to 5% of revenues, payable to
Bahia Gas Gathering, Ltd. ("Bahia"), an affiliate of Torch, pursuant to a gas
gathering agreement. Additionally, a fee of $0.05 per MMBtu, representing a
gathering fee payable to a non-affiliate of TEMI, is deducted in calculating the
purchase price for production from 68 of 394 wells in the Robinson's Bend Field.
TEMI also deducts $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 deducts from the purchase price for gas
in the Cotton Valley Fields a transportation fee of $0.045 per MMBtu for
production attributable to certain wells. Such transportation fee is paid to a
third party. During the three months ended March 31, 2000 and 1999, gathering,
treating and transportation fees deducted by TEMI in calculating the purchase
price for production during the three months ended December 31, 1999 and 1998 in
the Robinson's Bend, Austin Chalk and Cotton Valley Fields, totaled $321,000 and
$344,000, respectively. No amounts for gathering, treating or transportation are
deducted in calculating the purchase price from the Chalkley Field.

                                       11
<PAGE>

                          TORCH ENERGY ROYALTY TRUST

Administrative Services Agreement

Pursuant to the Trust Agreement, Torch and the Trust entered into an
administrative services agreement effective October 1, 1993.  The Trust is
obligated, throughout the term of the Trust, to pay to Torch each quarter an
administrative services fee for accounting, bookkeeping, informational and other
services relating to the Net Profits Interests. The administrative services fee
is $87,500 per calendar quarter commencing October 1, 1993.  The amount of the
administrative services fee is adjusted annually based upon the change in the
Producer's Price Index as published by the Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor
Statistics.  Administrative services during the three months ended March 31,
2000 and 1999 were $95,000 and $94,000, 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
$41,000, plus an hourly charge for services in excess of a combined total of 250
hours annually at its standard rate.  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 Producer's
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 during the three months ended March 31, 2000 and 1999 were $14,000 per
period.  The Trustee is also entitled to reimbursement for out-of-pocket
expenses.

                                       12
<PAGE>

                          TORCH ENERGY ROYALTY TRUST

ITEM 2.  DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
         -------------------------------------------------------------
         OPERATIONS
         -----------

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2000 COMPARED TO THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1999
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Because a modified cash basis of accounting is utilized by the Trust, net
profits income of the Trust for the three months ended March 31, 2000 and 1999
is derived from actual oil and gas produced during the three months ended
December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively.  Oil and gas sales attributable to the
working interests burdened by the Underlying Properties for such periods are as
follows:

                                     Three Months Ended March 31,
                           -----------------------------------------
                                  2000                1999
                           ------------------   --------------------
                            Bbls        Mcf      Bbls        Mcf
                           of Oil     of Gas    of Oil      of Gas
                           ------   ---------   ------    --------
Chalkley Field              4,549     580,186    5,692     681,010
Robinson's Bend Field         ---     629,060      ---     693,417
Cotton Valley Fields          991     296,194    1,150     325,842
Austin Chalk Fields         5,199      47,882    6,937      71,177
                            -----   ---------   ------   ---------
                           10,739   1,553,322   13,779   1,771,446
                           ======   =========   ======   =========

For the three months ended March 31, 2000, net profits income was $2,819,000, up
14% from net profits income of $2,470,000 for the same period in 1999. Such
increase is due to significant increases in the average price paid for oil and
gas production attributable to the Underlying Properties during 2000 as compared
to 1999.

Gas production attributable to the distributions received by Unitholders during
the three months ended March 31, 2000 was 1,553,322 Mcf, or 12% lower than gas
production of 1,771,446 Mcf for the same period in 1999. Oil production
attributable to distributions received by Unitholders during the quarter ended
March 31, 2000 was 10,739 Bbls as compared to 13,779 Bbls for the same period in
1999. Such decreases in production are mainly due to normal production declines.

The average price used to calculate Net Proceeds for gas during the three months
ended March 31, 2000 was $2.25 per MMBtu for gas and $19.38 per Bbl for oil as
compared to $1.87 per MMBtu for gas and $9.45 per Bbl for oil during the same
period in 1999.  When TEMI pays a purchase price for gas based on the Minimum
Price of $1.70 per MMBtu, TEMI receives Price Credits which it is entitled to
deduct in determining the purchase price when the Index Price for gas exceeds
the Minimum Price.  Net Price Credits in the amount of $97,000 were deducted in
calculating the

                                       13
<PAGE>

                          TORCH ENERGY ROYALTY TRUST

purchase price related to distributions received by Unitholders during the three
months ended March 31, 1999. No Price Credits were deducted in calculating the
purchase price related to distributions received by Unitholders during the
quarter ended March 31, 2000. As of March 31, 2000, TEMI had no accumulated
Price Credits. Additionally, if the Index Price for gas exceeds $2.10 per MMBtu,
TEMI is entitled to deduct 50% of such excess in calculating the purchase price.
The deduction of the Price Differential in calculating the purchase price had
the effect of reducing distributions received by Unitholders during the three
months ended March 31, 2000 by $263,000. Distributions received by Unitholders
during the quarter ended March 31, 1999 were not impacted by the Price
Differential.

General and administrative expenses amounted to $160,000 for the three months
ended March 31, 2000 as compared to $179,000 during the three months ended March
31, 1999.  These expenses primarily relate to administrative services provided
by Torch and the Trustee.

The foregoing resulted in distributable income of $2,660,000, or $.31 per Unit,
for the three months ended March 31, 2000, as compared to $2,294,000, or $.27
per Unit, for the same period in 1999.  Cash distributions of $2,657,000, or
$0.31 per Unit, were made during the quarter ended March 31, 2000 as compared to
$2,322,000, or $0.27 per Unit, for the same period in 1999.  The Section 29
Credits relating to these distributions, generated from production during the
three months ended December 31, 1999 and 1998, were approximately $0.08 and
$0.09 per Unit for each period, respectively.

                                       14
<PAGE>

                          TORCH ENERGY ROYALTY TRUST


Net profits income (in thousands) received by the Trust during the three month
periods ended March 31, 2000 and 1999, derived from production sold during the
three months ended December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively, was computed as
shown in the following table:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2000                  THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1999
                                   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      CHALKLEY,                                       CHALKLEY,
                                    COTTON VALLEY                                   COTTON VALLEY
                                     AND AUSTIN        ROBINSON'S                    AND AUSTIN         ROBINSON'S
                                    CHALK FIELDS       BEND FIELD        TOTAL      CHALK FIELDS        BEND FIELD     TOTAL
                                   -------------       ----------       -------    -------------        ----------    -------

<S>                                <C>                 <C>              <C>        <C>                  <C>           <C>
Oil and gas revenues................   $  2,290        $  1,190                     $  2,164             $  1,081
                                       --------        --------                     --------             --------
Direct operating expenses:
 Lease operating expenses and
  property tax......................        374             ---                          493                  ---
 Severance tax......................         75              83                           87                   31
                                       --------        --------                     --------             --------
                                            449              83                          580                    31
                                       --------        --------                     --------             ---------
Net proceeds before capital
 expenditures.......................      1,841           1,107                        1,584                 1,050
Capital expenditures................        (19)            ---                           35                   ---
                                       --------        --------                     --------             ---------

Net proceeds........................      1,860           1,107                        1,549                 1,050
Net profits percentage..............         95%             95%                          95%                   95%
                                       --------        --------                     --------             ---------
Net profits income..................   $  1,767        $  1,052         $ 2,819     $  1,472             $     998     $ 2,470
                                       ========        ========         =======     ========             =========     =======
</TABLE>

In calculating amounts paid to the Trust, lease operating expenses in the
Robinson's Bend Field are not deducted until after 2002.  When these amounts are
deducted, the amounts paid to the Trust attributable to the Robinson's Bend
Field will be reduced substantially.  If gas prices after 2002 are not
substantially greater than gas prices in December 1999, the Trust's current
reserve reports indicate that the Trust will not receive any payments
attributable to the Robinson's Bend Field after 2002.

An impairment loss is recognized when the net carrying value of the Net Profits
Interests exceeds the sum of the estimated undiscounted future cash flows
attributable to the Trust's oil and gas reserves plus the estimated future
Section 29 Credits.  The impairment loss is equal to the difference between the
carrying value of the Net Profits Interest and the fair value of the Net Profits
Interest.

In computing the estimated undiscounted future cash flows, estimated future oil
and gas prices, as determined by Torch management, are applied to estimated
future production of oil and gas reserves over the economic lives of the
reserves.  If the aforementioned undiscounted future cash flows and Section 29
Credits are less than the carrying value of the Net Profits Interest, an
impairment provision is recognized. The fair value of the Net Profits Interest
is computed by discounting the aforementioned cash flows and Section 29 Credits
by 10%.  Additionally, it is assumed for these

                                       15
<PAGE>

                          TORCH ENERGY ROYALTY TRUST

computations that TEMI continues its Minimum Price commitment, pursuant to the
Purchase Contract, until the Trust dissolves. Based on the aforementioned
impairment procedures, no impairment loss was recognized during the first
quarter of 2000 or 1999.

Based on Torch management's pricing assumptions and production estimates by
independent reserve engineers at December 31, 1999, the present value of the
estimated pre-tax future net cash flow, discounted at 10%, for the proved
reserves attributable to the Net Profits Interest will be less than $25 million
in 2003.  Pursuant to the Trust Agreement, it was assumed for impairment
calculation purposes that the Trust would then dissolve and the remaining assets
of the Trust would be sold and the proceeds therefrom would be distributed to
the Unitholders.

ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
- -------------------------------------------------------------------

The Trust is exposed to market risk, including adverse changes in commodity
prices. The Trust's assets constitute Net Profits Interests in the Underlying
Properties.  As a result, the Trust's 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 is sold pursuant to a Purchase
Contract between TRC and Velasco, as the owners of the Underlying Properties,
and TEMI.  Pursuant to the Purchase Contract, TEMI is obligated to purchase all
net production attributable to the Underlying Properties for an Index Price,
less certain other charges. Substantially all of the Index Price is calculated
based on market prices of oil and gas and therefore is subject to commodity
price risk.  The Purchase Contract expires upon termination of the Trust and
provides a Minimum Price of $1.70 per MMBtu paid by TEMI for gas until December
31, 2001.  When TEMI pays a purchase price based on the Minimum Price it
receives Price Credits equal to the difference between the Index Price and the
Minimum Price that it is entitled to deduct when the Index Price exceeds the
Minimum Price.  Additionally, if the Index Price exceeds $2.10 per MMBtu, TEMI
is entitled to deduct 50% of such excess, the Price Differential.  Beginning
January 1, 2002, TEMI has an annual option to discontinue the Minimum Price
commitment.  However, if TEMI discontinues the Minimum Price commitment, it will
no longer be entitled to deduct the Price Differential and will forfeit all
accrued Price Credits.

                                       16
<PAGE>

                          TORCH ENERGY ROYALTY TRUST


                         PART II.    OTHER INFORMATION


ITEM 1.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
- -------   -----------------

          None.

ITEM 2.   CHANGES IN SECURITIES
- -------   ---------------------

          None.

ITEM 3.   DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
- -------   -------------------------------

          None.

ITEM 4.   SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF UNITHOLDERS
- -------   ----------------------------------------------

          None.

ITEM 5.   OTHER INFORMATION
- -------   -----------------

          None.

ITEM 6.   EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
- -------   --------------------------------

          Exhibit 27 - Financial Data Schedule.

                                       17
<PAGE>

                          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.

                                  TORCH ENERGY ROYALTY TRUST

                                  By:  Wilmington Trust Company,
                                       Trustee


                                  By: /s/ Bruce L. Bisson
                                     ________________________
                                  Bruce L. Bisson
                                  Vice President


Date:  May 3, 2000
     (The Trust has no employees, directors or executive officers.)

                                       18

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>

<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000

<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-2000
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-2000
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-2000
<CASH>                                               5
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                     0
<PP&E>                                          47,348
<DEPRECIATION>                                       0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  47,353
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                              161
<BONDS>                                              0
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                             0
<OTHER-SE>                                      47,192
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    47,353
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                 2,820
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                        0
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                   160
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  2,660
<INCOME-TAX>                                         0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                  0
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     2,660
<EPS-BASIC>                                        .31
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .31


</TABLE>


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