UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

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FORM 10-K

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(Mark One)

OR

Commission file No.: 1-737

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TEXAS PACIFIC LAND TRUST

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

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Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (214) 969-5530

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

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

None

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Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☑ No ☐

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No ☑

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☑ No ☐

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

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ☑

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,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check One)

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.    ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☑

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common equity, as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter (June 30, 2017) was approximately $2,279,209,327.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

None.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I

Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements regarding management’s expectations, hopes, intentions or strategies regarding the future. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding the Trust’s future operations and prospects, the markets for real estate in the areas in which the Trust owns real estate, applicable zoning regulations, the markets for oil and gas, production limits on prorated oil and gas wells authorized by the Railroad Commission of Texas, expected competition, management’s intent, beliefs or current expectations with respect to the Trust’s future financial performance and other matters. All forward-looking statements in this Report are based on information available to us as of the date this Report is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and we assume no responsibility to update any such forward-looking statements, except as required by law. All forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause our actual results, performance, prospects or opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to, the factors discussed in Item 1A “Risk Factors” and Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

Item 1. Business.

General

Texas Pacific Land Trust (which, together with its subsidiary as the context requires, may be referred to as “Texas Pacific”, the “Trust”, “our”, “we” or “us”) is one of the largest landowners in the State of Texas with approximately 890,000 acres of land in West Texas. We currently operate solely in the State of Texas and were organized under a Declaration of Trust, dated February 1, 1888, to receive and hold title to extensive tracts of land in the State of Texas, previously the property of the Texas and Pacific Railway Company, and to issue transferable Certificates of Proprietary Interest pro rata to the holders of certain debt securities of the Texas and Pacific Railway Company. Our Trustees are empowered under the Declaration of Trust to manage the lands with all the powers of an absolute owner.

Business Segments

We operate our business in two segments: Land and Resource Management and Water Service and Operations. Our segments provide management with a comprehensive financial view of our key businesses. The segments enable the alignment of strategies and objectives of the Trust and provide a framework for timely and rational allocation of resources within businesses. See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Note 9, “Business Segment Reporting” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Land and Resource Management

Our Land and Resource Management segment encompasses the business of managing the approximately 890,000 acres of land and related resources in West Texas owned by the Trust. The revenue streams of this segment principally consist of royalties from oil and gas, revenues from easements and leases and land sales.

We are not an oil and gas producer. Rather, our oil and gas revenue is derived from our retained perpetual non-participating oil and gas royalty interests. Thus, in addition to being subject to fluctuations in response to the market prices for oil and gas, our oil and gas royalty revenues are also subject to decisions made by the owners and operators of the oil and gas wells to which our royalty interests relate as to investments in and production from those wells.

Historically, our income from oil and gas royalties has been limited by the level of production authorized for prorated wells each year by the regulations of the Railroad Commission of the State of Texas. The monthly percentage of allowable production has averaged 100% in recent years, but, because of the limited capacity of older wells and other operating problems, the percentage permitted by the Railroad Commission may not be produced by all operators.

Our revenue from easements is generated from easement contracts covering activities such as oil and gas pipelines and subsurface wellbore easements. The majority of our easements have a ten-year term. We also enter into agreements with operators and mid-stream companies to lease land from us, primarily for facilities and roads. Additionally, we enter into grazing leases with local ranchers in areas where our lands are located. In recent years, we have been successful at keeping over 97% of our land subject to grazing leases.

We are a passive seller of land and do not actively solicit sales of land. Land sale activity in the last two years has been minimal. The demand for, and sale price of, particular tracts of land is influenced by many factors beyond our control, including general economic conditions, the rate of development in nearby areas and the suitability of the particular tract for the ranching uses prevalent in western Texas. 

While we are generally not a purchaser of land, parcels are purchased from time to time at the discretion of management.

Operations

Revenues from the Land and Resource Management segment for the last three years were as follows (amounts presented in millions):

On September 14, 2017, we settled the previously disclosed arbitration case with Chevron U.S.A., Inc. involving claims for underpayment of royalties. The Trust received $7.7 million as part of the settlement, including royalties that will be paid to the Trust on additional wells under several community leases. The settlement is included in oil and gas royalties in the table above.

Competition

Our Land and Resource Management segment does not have competitors, as such, in that it sells, leases and generally manages land owned by the Trust and, to that extent, any owner of property located in areas comparable to the Trust is a potential competitor.

Water Service and Operations

Our Water Service and Operations segment primarily consists of revenues from royalties on sales of water, direct sales of water and to a lesser extent, easements and sundry income.

In prior years, we entered into agreements with energy companies and oilfield service businesses to allow such companies to explore for water, drill water wells, construct water-related infrastructure and purchase water sourced from land that we own. Energy businesses use water for their oil and gas projects while non-energy businesses (i.e., water management service companies) operate water facilities to produce and sell water to energy businesses. We collect revenue from royalties and water sales under these legacy agreements.

Drilling and completion activity in the Permian Basin continues to rise as operators increase their focus on development of leaseholds throughout the basin. Longer well laterals combined with large water load frac design, due to high proppant load and carrying limits, continue to drive the need for increased water demand for fracturing activities. In response to that anticipated demand, the Trust announced the formation of Texas Pacific Water Resources LLC (“TPWR”) in June 2017.

TPWR, a single member LLC and wholly owned subsidiary of the Trust, focuses on providing a full-service water offering to operators in the Permian Basin. These services include brackish water sourcing, produced-water gathering/treatment/recycling, infrastructure development/construction, disposal, water tracking, analytics and well testing services. TPWR is committed to sustainable water development with significant focus on the large-scale implementation of recycled water operations.

Operations 

Revenues from our Water Service and Operations segment for the last three years were as follows (amounts presented in millions):

As of December 31, 2017, TPWR continues to build out its brackish water production and distribution system. Our first sales from internally developed projects were made during the fourth quarter of 2017. While these projects are currently functional, construction is ongoing to add additional capacity throughout 2018.

TPWR also began performing produced water treatment services for a large independent operator in the fourth quarter of 2017. This service is performed using a TPWR constructed mobile water treatment system capable of treating up to 40,000 bbls/day. We anticipate adding additional treatment systems throughout the course of 2018.

During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Trust invested approximately $12.7 million in TPWR projects to develop brackish water sourcing and re-use assets.

Competition

While there is competition in the water service business in West Texas, we believe our position as a significant landowner of approximately 890,000 acres in West Texas gives us a unique advantage over our competitors who must negotiate with existing landowners to source water and then for the right of way to deliver the water to the end user.

Major Customers

During 2017, we received $27.5 million, or approximately 17% of our total revenues (prior to deferrals), which included $10.7 million of oil and gas royalty revenue, $5.8 million of easements and sundry income (prior to deferrals), and $10.7 million of water sales and royalties, from Anadarko E&P Onshore, LLC and $15.4 million, or approximately 10% of our total revenues (prior to deferrals), which included $15.1 million of oil and gas royalty revenue, from Chevron U.S.A., Inc.

Seasonality

The business of Texas Pacific is not seasonal in nature, as that term is generally understood, although due to the nature of our operations, our revenue may vary widely from year to year and quarter to quarter.

Regulations

We are subject to various federal, state and local laws. Management believes that our operations comply in all material respects with applicable laws and regulations and that the existence and enforcement of such laws and regulations have no more restrictive effect on our method of operations than on other companies similar to the Trust.

We cannot determine the extent to which new legislation, new regulations or changes in existing laws or regulations may affect our future operations.

Environmental Considerations

Compliance with Federal, State and local provisions that have been enacted or adopted regulating the discharge of materials into the environment, or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment, have had no material effect upon the capital expenditures, earnings and competitive position of Texas Pacific. To date, Texas Pacific has not been called upon to expend any funds for these purposes.

Employees

As of January 31, 2018, Texas Pacific had 32 full-time employees.

Available Information

The Trust makes available, free of charge, on or through its website copies of its Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). We maintain our website at www.TPLTrust.com. The information contained on our website is not part of this Report.

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

An investment in our securities involves a degree of risk. The risks described below are not the only ones facing us. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also have a material adverse effect on us. If any of the following risks actually occur, our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or business could be harmed. In that case, the market price of our securities could decline and you could lose part or all of your investment.

Global economic conditions may materially and adversely affect our business.

Our business and results of operations are affected by international, national and regional economic conditions. A recurrence of recessionary conditions in the United States and elsewhere may lead to reduced industrial production which, in turn, may lead to lower demand and lower prices for oil and gas, which may adversely affect our results of operations.

We face the risks of doing business in a new and rapidly evolving market and may not be able to successfully address such risks and achieve acceptable levels of success or profits.

We have encountered and may continue to encounter the challenges, uncertainties and difficulties frequently experienced in new and rapidly evolving markets with respect to the business of TPWR, including:

The Trust’s oil and gas royalty revenue is dependent upon the market prices of oil and gas which fluctuate.

The oil and gas royalties which the Trust receives are dependent upon the market prices for oil and gas. The market prices for oil and gas are subject to national and international economic and political conditions and, in the past, have been subject to significant price fluctuations. Price fluctuations for oil and gas have been particularly volatile in recent years. Although the Trust’s oil and gas royalties benefited from the substantial increases in the market prices for oil and gas in past years, when lower market prices for oil and gas occur, they will have an adverse effect on our oil and gas royalty revenues.

The Trust is not an oil and gas producer. Its revenues from oil and gas royalties are subject to the actions of others.

The Trust is not an oil and gas producer. Its oil and gas income is derived from perpetual non-participating oil and gas royalty interests which it has retained. As oil and gas wells age, the costs of production may increase and their capacity may decline absent additional investment. However, the owners and operators of the oil and gas wells make all decisions as to investments in, and production from, those wells and the Trust’s royalties will be dependent upon decisions made by those operators, among other factors. The Railroad Commission of the State of Texas sets authorized production levels for pro-rated wells by regulation. The monthly percentage of allowable production has averaged 100% in recent years. However, in the past, the Trust’s income from oil and gas royalties has been limited by the production levels authorized by the Railroad Commission and we cannot assure you that they may not be so limited in the future.

Our revenues from the sale of land are subject to substantial fluctuation. We are a passive seller of land and land sales are subject to many factors that are beyond our control.

Land sales vary widely from year to year and quarter to quarter. The total dollar amount, the average price per acre, and the number of acres sold in any one year or quarter should not be assumed to be indicative of future land sales. The Trust is a passive seller of land and does not actively solicit sales of land. The demand for, and the sale price of, any particular tract of the Trust’s land is influenced by many factors, including the national and local economies, rate of oil and gas well development by operators, the rate of residential and commercial development in nearby areas, livestock carrying capacity and the condition of the local agricultural industry, which itself is influenced by range conditions and prices for livestock and agricultural products. Approximately 97% of the Trust’s land is classified as ranch land and intermingled with parcels owned by third parties to form ranching units. The Trust’s ability to sell ranch land is, therefore, largely dependent on the actions of adjoining landowners.

The impact of government regulation on TPWR could adversely affect our business.

The business of TPWR is subject to applicable state and federal laws and regulations, including laws and regulations on environmental and safety matters. These laws and regulations may increase the costs and timing of planning, designing, drilling, installing, operating and abandoning water wells and treatment facilities. TPWR’s business could be affected by problems, slowdowns or other stoppages to operations of providing water treatment critical to the success of TPWR.

The Trust’s remaining holdings of land in metropolitan areas are limited.

The sale price of land suitable for development in metropolitan areas is generally substantially higher than the price of land in rural or ranching areas. The Trust’s remaining holdings of land suitable for development in metropolitan areas are limited.

The loss of key members of our management team, or difficulty attracting and retaining experienced technical personnel, could reduce our competitiveness and prospects for future success.

The successful implementation of our strategies and handling of other issues integral to our future success will depend, in part, on our experienced management team, including with respect to the business of TPWR. The loss of key members of our management team could have an adverse effect on our business. If we cannot retain our experienced personnel or attract additional experienced personnel, our ability to compete could be harmed.

If the liability of holders of Certificates of Proprietary Interest and Sub-shares were to be found to be governed by the laws of Texas, holders of Certificates of Proprietary Interest and Sub-shares might be held to have personal liability for claims against the Trust, to the extent such claims exceeded the assets of the Trust.

The Declaration of Trust, which established the Trust, was executed and delivered in New York. Under the laws of the State of New York, the holders of Certificates of Proprietary Interest and Sub-shares are not subject to any personal liability for the acts or obligations of the Trust. The assets of the Trust are located in Texas. Under the laws of the State of Texas, the holders of Certificates of Proprietary Interest and Sub-shares may be held personally liable with respect to claims against the Trust, but only after the assets of the Trust first have been exhausted. Thus, if a court were to hold that the liability of holders of Certificates of Proprietary Interest and Sub-shares for obligations is governed by the laws of Texas, rather than New York, it is possible that holders of Certificates of Proprietary Interest and Sub-shares might be held to have personal liability for claims against the Trust to the extent such claims exceeded all of the Trust’s assets.

The Trustees are not subject to annual election and, as a result, the ability of the holders of Certificates of Proprietary Interest and Sub-shares to influence the policies of the Trust may be limited.

Directors of a corporation are generally subject to election at each annual meeting of stockholders or, in the case of staggered boards, at regular intervals. Under the Declaration of Trust, however, the Trust is not required to hold annual meetings of holders of Certificates of Proprietary Interest and Sub-shares to elect Trustees and Trustees generally hold office until their death, resignation or disqualification. As a result, the ability of holders of Certificates of Proprietary Interest and Sub-shares to effect changes in the Board of Trustees, and the policies of the Trust, is significantly more limited than that of the stockholders of a corporation.

Our results of operations for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of our results of operations for a full year.

Sales of land fluctuate from quarter to quarter. Revenues from oil and gas royalties may also fluctuate from quarter to quarter based upon market prices for oil and gas and production decisions made by the operators. Water sales and royalties may also fluctuate from quarter to quarter. As a result, the results of our operations for any particular quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for a full year.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.

Not Applicable.

Item 2. Properties.

As of December 31, 2017, Texas Pacific owned the surface estate in approximately 887,698 acres of land, comprised of numerous separate tracts, located in 18 counties in the western part of Texas. There were no material liens or encumbrances on the Trust’s title to the surface estate in those tracts.

The Trust also owns a 1/128^th nonparticipating perpetual oil and gas royalty interest under 85,414 acres of land and a 1/16^th nonparticipating perpetual oil and gas royalty interest under 373,777 acres of land in the western part of Texas. Generally speaking, if the Trust sells the surface estate in real property with respect to which it holds a perpetual oil and gas royalty interest, that oil and gas royalty interest is excluded from the sale and retained by the Trust.

At December 31, 2017, grazing leases were in effect on over 97% or approximately 862,800 acres of the Trust’s land. The Trust regularly enters into grazing leases with many different local ranchers which grant the ranch owner lessees the right to graze livestock on the Trust’s properties. These leases are generally in a standard form common in the locality. Grazing leases are generally entered into for terms ranging from three to five years. The Trust generally retains the right to cancel a grazing lease upon a 30-day notice in the event of a sale of the land. No individual grazing lease is material to the Trust.

Approximately 11.02 acres of land were sold in 2017.

The Trust leases office space in Dallas, Texas for its corporate headquarters and office space in Midland, Texas for its TPWR office space.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

Texas Pacific is not involved in any material pending legal proceedings.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not Applicable.

PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Security Holder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

Market Information

The Sub-shares in the Trust’s Certificates of Proprietary Interest are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “TPL”. The range of reported sale prices for Sub-shares on the NYSE for each quarterly period during the past two fiscal years was as follows:

Certificates of Proprietary Interest and Sub-shares are interchangeable in the ratio of one Certificate for 3,000 Sub-shares or 3,000 Sub-shares for one Certificate of Proprietary Interest. Texas Pacific has paid a cash dividend each year for the preceding 61 years. The cash dividend was $0.35 per Sub-share in 2017 and $0.31 per Sub-share in 2016 and was paid during the first quarter of each year. Texas Pacific is not a party to any agreement that would limit its ability to pay dividends in the future, although any future dividends are subject to the discretion of the Board of Trustees and will depend upon the Trust’s earnings, capital requirements and financial position, applicable requirements of law, general economic conditions and other factors considered relevant by the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees declared a special dividend of $1.00 per Sub-share for sub-shareholders of record at the close of business on March 9, 2017. This special dividend was paid on March 26, 2017.

At their February 2018 meeting, the Trustees declared a cash dividend of $1.05 per Sub-share, payable March 16, 2018 to sub-shareholders of record at the close of business on March 9, 2018. This is the 15^th consecutive year that the declared dividend has increased. Additionally, the Trustees declared a special dividend of $3.00 per Sub-share, payable March 16, 2018 to sub-shareholders of record at the close of business on March 9, 2018.

The approximate numbers of holders of Certificates of Proprietary Interest and Sub-shares, respectively, as of January 31, 2018, were as follows:

The Trust has not incorporated equity-related compensation elements in its compensation programs. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Trust did not sell any equity securities.

Issuer Purchases of Sub-share Certificates

During the fourth quarter of 2017, the Trust repurchased Sub-share Certificates as follows:

Item 6. Selected Financial Data.

The following data should be read in conjunction with Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto incorporated by reference in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The selected financial data presented below has been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements (in thousands, except share and per share amounts):

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

The following discussion and analysis should be read together with the factors discussed in Item 1A “Risk Factors” and with the Consolidated Financial Statements, including the Notes thereto, and the other financial information appearing elsewhere in this Report. Period-to-period comparisons of financial data are not necessarily indicative, and therefore should not be relied upon as indicators, of the Trust’s future performance. Words or phrases such as “does not believe” and “believes,” or similar expressions, when used in this Form 10-K or other filings with the SEC, are intended to identify “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Overview 

The Trust was organized in 1888 and holds title to extensive tracts of land in numerous counties in West Texas which were previously the property of the Texas and Pacific Railway Company. We continue to manage those lands for the benefit of the holders of Certificates of Proprietary Interest in the Trust (and/or Sub-shares in the Certificates of Proprietary Interest).

Our revenues are derived primarily from oil, gas and water royalties, sales of water and land, easements and leases of the land. Due to the nature of our operations, our revenue is subject to substantial fluctuations from quarter to quarter and year to year. We are a passive seller of land and do not actively solicit sales of land. In addition, the demand for, and sale price of, particular tracts of land is influenced by many factors beyond our control, including general economic conditions, the rate of development in nearby areas and the suitability of the particular tract for the ranching uses prevalent in western Texas.

We are not an oil and gas producer. Rather, our oil and gas revenue is derived from our retained perpetual non-participating oil and gas royalty interests. Thus, in addition to being subject to fluctuations in response to the market prices for oil and gas, our oil and gas royalty revenues are also subject to decisions made by the owners and operators of the oil and gas wells to which our royalty interests relate as to investments in and production from those wells. We monitor production reports by the oil and gas companies to assure that we are being paid the appropriate royalties. We review conditions in the agricultural industry in the areas in which our lands are located and seek to keep as much of our lands as possible under lease to local ranchers. In recent years, we have been successful at keeping over 97% of our land subject to grazing leases.

Our revenue from easements is generated from easement contracts covering activities such as oil and gas pipelines and subsurface wellbore easements. The majority of our easements have a ten-year term. We also enter into agreements with operators and mid-stream companies to lease land from us, primarily for facilities and roads.

In prior years, we entered into agreements with energy companies and oilfield service businesses to allow such companies to explore for water, drill water wells, construct water-related infrastructure and purchase water sourced from land that we own. Energy businesses use water for their oil and gas projects while non-energy businesses (i.e. water management service companies) operate water facilities to produce and sell water to energy businesses. We collect revenue from royalties and water sales under these legacy agreements.

Demand for water solutions is expected to grow as drilling and completion activity in the Permian Basin continues to rise. In response to that anticipated demand, the Trust announced the formation of TPWR in June 2017. For more information about TPWR, see Item 1. “Business” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. TPWR, a single member LLC and wholly owned subsidiary of the Trust, focuses on providing full-service water offerings to operators in the Permian Basin. These services include brackish water sourcing, produced-water gathering/treatment/recycling, infrastructure development/construction, disposal, water tracking, analytics and well testing services. TPWR is committed to sustainable water development with significant focus on the large-scale implementation of recycled water operations.

Results of Operations 

We operate our business in two segments: Land and Resource Management and Water Service and Operations. We eliminate any inter-segment revenues and expenses upon consolidation.

We analyze financial results for each of our reportable segments. The reportable segments presented are consistent with our reportable segments discussed in Note 9, “Business Segment Reporting” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. We monitor our reporting segments based upon revenue and net income calculated in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).    

Year Ended December 31, 2017 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2016

Revenues. Revenues increased $72.4 million, or 120.9% to $132.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to $59.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. Net income increased $39.2 million, or 105.1% to $76.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to $37.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016.

The following is an analysis of our operating results for the comparable periods by reportable segment (in thousands):

Land and Resource Management

Land and Resource Management segment revenues increased $49.2 million, or 95.1%, to $101.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 as compared with revenues of $51.8 million for the comparable period of 2016.

Oil and gas royalties. Oil and gas royalty revenue was $61.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to $30.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. Oil royalty revenue was $38.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to $22.0 million for the comparable period of 2016. This increase in oil royalty revenue is principally due to the combined effect of a 43.8% increase in crude oil production, subject to the Trust’s royalty interest, and a 22.6% increase in the average price per royalty barrel of crude oil during the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016. Gas royalty revenue was $14.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, an increase of 85.3% over the year ended December 31, 2016 when gas royalty revenue was $8.0 million. This increase in gas royalty revenue resulted from a volume increase of 59.8% for the year ended December 31, 2017 as compared to the same period of 2016, and a 16.0% increase in the average price received. Additionally, oil and gas royalties for the year ended December 31, 2017 included $7.7 million related to an arbitration settlement with Chevron U.S.A., Inc. See Part I, Item 1. Business for additional information. No such settlements were received for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Easements and sundry income. Easements and sundry income was $39.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, an increase of 112.6% compared to $18.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. This increase resulted primarily from increases in pipeline easement income, temporary permit income, material sales of caliche and, to a lesser extent, sundry lease rental income. Pipeline easement income increased 140.7% to $41.5 million (before deferral of term easements) for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the year ended December 31, 2016. During the year ended December 31, 2017, $26.0 million of easement income was deferred compared to $7.8 million for the same period of 2016. Material sales increased 481.1% to $7.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the same period of 2016. Easements and sundry income is unpredictable and may vary significantly from period to period. Effective January 1, 2018, upon the Trust’s adoption of the new revenue recognition accounting standard, we will no longer defer revenue on our term easements. See more discussion in Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Recent Accounting Pronouncements” for further discussion and analysis of impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Land sales and other income. Land sales and other income includes revenue generated from land sales and grazing leases. For the year ended December 31, 2017, we sold approximately 11.02 acres of land for total consideration of $0.2 million, or approximately $20,000 per acre. For the year ended December 31, 2016, land sales generated $2.9 million of income for selling approximately 774.6 acres at an average price of $3,803 per acre. Grazing lease income was approximately $0.5 million for both years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.

Net income. Net income for the Land and Resource Management segment was $57.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to $32.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. As discussed above, revenues for the Land and Resource Management segment increased $49.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the same period of 2016. Expenses for the Land and Resource Management segment were $10.5 million and $4.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The increase in expenses was principally related to increased salary expense and legal and professional fees. See further discussion of these expenses below under “Other Financial Data — Consolidated.”

Water Service and Operations

Water Service and Operations segment revenues increased $23.2 million, or 285.2%, to $31.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 as compared with revenues of $8.1 million for the comparable period of 2016.

Water sales and royalties. Water sales and royalty revenues for the year ended December 31, 2017 of $25.5 million were more than three times the amount of revenue for the comparable period of 2016. This increase is due primarily to the Trust’s decision to develop water well fields on its own land along with an increase in the royalties received from existing agreements.

Easements and sundry income. Easements and sundry income for the Water Service and Operations segment includes pipeline easement royalties, commercial lease royalties and income from temporary permits. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the combined revenue from these revenue streams was $5.8 million. There was no such revenue for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Net income. Net income for the Water Service and Operations segment was $18.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to $5.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. As discussed above, revenues for the Water Service and Operations segment increased $23.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the same period of 2016. Expenses for the Water Service and Operations segment were $2.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 while depreciation was the only expense for the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase in expenses during 2017 is directly related to the formation of TPWR.

Other Financial Data — Consolidated

Taxes, other than income taxes. Taxes, other than income taxes, were $3.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to $1.8 million for the comparable period of 2016. Oil and gas production taxes were $2.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to $1.6 million for the same period of 2016. The increase in oil and gas production taxes was directly related to the increase in oil production and gas volume for the year ended December 31, 2017 over the year ended December 31, 2016 as discussed above. Additionally, payroll taxes increased approximately $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the same period of 2016 due to an increase in the number of employees during 2017.

Salaries and related employee benefits. Salaries and related employee benefits were $3.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to $1.2 million for the comparable period of 2016. The increase in salaries and related employee benefits is directly related to the increase in the number of employees from eight employees as of December 31, 2016 to 26 as of December 31, 2017.

General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses increased $0.8 million to $1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 from $1.0 million for the same period of 2016. Approximately $0.4 million of the increase is related to an increase in insurance expenses which are partially attributable to the increase in the number of employees during 2017. Travel expenses, office rent and other general expenses increased as a result of the opening of an additional office in Midland, Texas for our TPWR operations.

Water service-related expenses. Water service-related expenses of $0.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, include expenses for equipment rental, propane and fuel and other equipment-related expenses associated with TPWR. The Trust did not incur water service-related expenses during 2016.

Legal and professional expenses. Legal and professional fees increased $2.7 million to $3.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 from $0.8 million for the comparable period of 2016. The increase is principally related to legal and consulting fees related to the formation of TPWR as well as consulting fees related to a strategic review of the Trust.

Year Ended December 31, 2016 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2015

Revenues. Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2016 aggregated $59.9 million, a decrease of $19.5 million, or 24.6%, from the $79.4 million recorded in the same period of 2015. This decrease resulted primarily from decreases in land sales and, to a lesser extent, easements and sundry income. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in oil and gas royalties.

The following is an analysis of our operating results for the comparable periods by reportable segment (in thousands):

Land and Resource Management

Land and Resource Management segment revenues decreased $22.8 million, or 30.6%, to $51.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared with revenues of $74.6 million for the comparable period of 2015.

Oil and gas royalties. Oil and gas royalty revenue for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $30.0 million compared to $24.9 million for the same period of 2015, an increase of 20.7%. Oil royalty revenue was $22.0 million and gas royalty revenue was $8.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. Crude oil production, subject to the Trust’s royalty interest, increased 48.3% for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the same period of 2015. This increase in production was offset by a 20.3% decrease in the average price per royalty barrel of crude oil received during the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the same period of 2015. Total gas production subject to the Trust’s royalty interest increased 36.8%, and the average price of gas received decreased by 6.1% for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the comparable period of 2015.

Easements and sundry income. Easements and sundry income for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $18.3 million compared to $26.6 million for the same period of 2015, a decrease of 31.1%. This decrease resulted primarily from a decrease in the amount of pipeline easement income to $9.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to $18.2 million for the same period of 2015. During 2016, the Trust changed its historical policy of allowing perpetual easements in favor of term easements. Term easements require that revenue from the easements be recognized over the term of the agreement, which is generally 10 years. As a result, $7.8 million of easement income received for the year ended December 31, 2016 was deferred and therefore not reflected in the statements of income and total comprehensive income in the current year. The decrease in pipeline easement income was partially offset by an increase in sundry lease rental income and sundry income. Easements and sundry income is unpredictable and may vary significantly from period to period.

Land sales and other income. Land sales and other income for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $3.4 million compared to $23.1 million for the same period of 2015 a decrease of $19.7 million, or 85.1%. A total of approximately 774.6 acres were sold during the year ended December 31, 2016 at an average price of $3,803 per acre, compared to 20,941 acres during the year ended December 31, 2015 at an average price per acre of $1,080.

Net income. Net income for the Land and Resource Management segment was $32.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to $46.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2015 included $22.6 million of revenue generated by land sales (pre-tax) while net income for the year ended December 31, 2016 only included land sales (pre-tax) of $2.9 million. This decrease was partially offset by increased oil and gas royalties for the year ended December 31, 2016 over the same period of 2015.

Water Service and Operations

Water sales and royalties. Water sales and royalty revenues for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 were $8.1 million and $4.8 million, respectively. The increase of $3.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 over the comparable period of 2015 is generally attributable to an increase in royalties received from existing agreements with operators.

Net income. Net income for the Water Service and Operations segment was $5.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to $3.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. This increase is directly related to the increase in water royalty revenues during the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the same period of 2015.

Other Financial Data — Consolidated

Taxes, other than income taxes. Taxes, other than income taxes, were $1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to $1.5 million for the same period in 2015. Oil and gas production taxes were $1.6 million and $1.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, an increase of $0.3 million.

All other expenses. All other expenses were $3.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to $2.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. This increase resulted primarily from expenses related to the data conversion portion of a project that began in the third quarter of 2015 to enhance the information systems of the Trust and, to a lesser extent, increases in legal and professional fees and salaries and related employee benefits expense.

Cash Flow Analysis

Year Ended December 31, 2017 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2016

Cash flows provided by operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were $93.8 million and $41.0 million, respectively. This increase in operating cash flows is principally due to increases in oil and gas royalties collected, easements and sundry payments received and water sales and royalties collected during the year ended December 31, 2017 over the year ended December 31, 2016.

Cash flows used in investing activities were $18.7 million compared to $1.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The increased use of investing cash flows is due to our investment of $17.7 million in water service-related assets during 2017.

Cash flows used in financing activities were $44.9 million compared to $35.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Trust paid a special dividend of $1.00 per Sub-share to each sub-shareholder of record at the close of business on March 9, 2017 totaling $7.9 million on March 16, 2017. No special dividends were paid for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Year Ended December 31, 2016 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2015

Cash flows provided by operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 were $41.0 million and $49.6 million, respectively. This decrease in operating cash flows is principally due to the decrease in land sales from $22.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2015 to $2.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. This effect was partially offset by increased water royalties and increased oil and gas royalties collected during the year ended December 31, 2016 over the same period of 2015.

Cash flows used in investing activities were nominal for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Cash flows used in financing activities were $35.6 million compared to $31.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Trust repurchased 190,750 Sub-shares for a cost of $33.1 million and 204,335 Sub-shares for a cost of $28.8 million, respectively.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Trust’s principal sources of liquidity are its revenues from oil, gas and water royalties, easements and sundry income, and water and land sales.

Our primary liquidity and capital requirements are for capital expenditures related to our water service and operations segment, working capital and general corporate needs. As of December 31, 2017, we had a cash and cash equivalents balance of $79.6 million that we expect to utilize, along with cash flow from operations, to provide capital to support the growth of our business, particularly the growth of TPWR, to repurchase additional Sub-share Certificates subject to market conditions, and for general corporate purposes. We believe that cash from operations, together with our cash and cash equivalents balances, will be enough to meet ongoing capital expenditures, working capital requirements and other cash needs for the foreseeable future.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Trust has not engaged in any off-balance sheet arrangements.

Contractual Obligations

As of December 31, 2017, the Trust’s known contractual obligations were as follows (in thousands):

Effects of Inflation

We do not believe that inflation has had a material impact on our operating results. We cannot assure you, however, that future increases in our costs will not occur or that any such increases that may occur will not adversely affect our results of operations.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. It is our opinion that we fully disclose our significant accounting policies in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Consistent with our disclosure policies, we include the following discussion related to what we believe to be our most critical accounting policies that require our most difficult, subjective or complex judgment.

Valuation of Real Estate Acquired Through Foreclosure

The value of real estate acquired through foreclosure is established at the lower of cost or fair value less disposition costs at the date of foreclosure. Cost is considered to be the aggregate of the outstanding principal and interest, past due ad valorem taxes and other fees associated with the foreclosure. Subsequent to the foreclosure date, valuations are periodically performed or obtained by management when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the full carrying amount may not be recoverable. At such time, a valuation allowance is established to reduce the carrying value to the estimated fair value. Valuation of the real estate is based on the estimates of management and is subject to judgment. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, no valuation allowances were recorded.

Gain Recognition on Land Sales

Any gain or loss on the sale of land is calculated in accordance with GAAP. The Trust has established policies for the sale of land which result in the full accrual method of gain recognition. This policy generally requires that the Trust receive a minimum cash down payment of 25% of the sales price on each sale and that any related notes receivable require regular principal and interest payments, payable over terms from 5 to 15 years.

New Accounting Pronouncements

For further information regarding recently issued accounting pronouncements, see Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

The Trust’s financial instruments consist of cash, accounts payable and other liabilities and the carrying amounts of these instruments approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

The information required by this Item 8 is included in our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

Not applicable.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.

(a)       Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

Pursuant to Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act, management of the Trust under the supervision and with the participation of Tyler Glover, the Trust’s Chief Executive Officer, and Robert J. Packer, the Trust’s Chief Financial Officer, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Trust’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the Trust’s fiscal year covered by this Report on Form 10-K. Based upon that evaluation, Mr. Glover and Mr. Packer concluded that the Trust’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to the Trust required to be included in the Trust’s periodic SEC filings.

(b)       Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.

Management of the Trust is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Management has assessed the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 using the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Based on that assessment, management believes that the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2017.

(c)       Attestation Report of Registered Public Accounting Firm.

The Trust’s independent registered public accountants have issued an audit report on the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. This audit report appears on page F-1 of this Report.

(d)       Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting.

There were no changes in the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of 2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B. Other Information.

Not applicable.

PART III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

(a)       Trustees:

We believe Mr. Meyer’s qualifications to serve as a Trustee include the wealth of knowledge and understanding concerning the Trust which he has gained in his 27 years of service as a Trustee. In addition, prior to his retirement, he spent his entire career in the securities industry which enables him to bring particularized expertise to provide guidance and assistance to management in administering the Trust’s repurchases of Sub-shares prescribed by the terms of the Declaration of Trust.

We believe Mr. Norris’ qualifications to serve as a Trustee include his legal expertise and extensive background as a practicing attorney in Dallas, Texas which allows him to provide counsel and insight to his fellow Trustees and management with respect to the various legal issues which the Trust faces. In addition to his 17 years of experience as a Trustee, Mr. Norris advised the Trust on legal matters for many years prior to his election as a Trustee.

We believe Mr. Barry’s qualifications to serve as a Trustee include his legal expertise and knowledge gained over a 43 year career at Kelley Drye & Warren LLP, including representing the Trust for many years prior to his election as a Trustee, as well as his experience in commercial real estate including in Texas.

(b)       Executive Officers:

The Trustees hold office until their death, resignation or disqualification. In November 2016, the Trustees appointed Tyler Glover and Robert J. Packer as Co-General Agents of the Trust. The General Agent, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary and the General Agent and Chief Financial Officer hold office until their death, resignation, discharge or retirement. No Trustee or executive officer was selected to be an officer pursuant to any arrangement or understanding between him and any other person or persons other than the Trustees acting solely in their capacity as such.

(c)        Certain Significant Employees. Robert A. Crain, age 39, joined the Trust in June 2017 as the Executive Vice President of TPWR, the Trust’s wholly-owned subsidiary formed in June 2017, to lead the operations of TPWR. Prior to joining the Trust, Mr. Crain was Water Resources Manager with EOG Resources where he led the development of EOG’s water resource programs across multiple divisions including the Eagle Ford and Permian basins.

(d)        Family Relations. There are no family relationships among any of the Trustees and executive officers of the Trust.

(e)        Business Experience.

(f)       Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings. During the past 10 years, no Trustee or executive officer has been involved in any event reportable under this caption.

(g)       Promoters and Control Persons. Not applicable.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Trustees, the Trust’s executive officers and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of its Sub-share Certificates to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the Commission and to furnish the Trust with copies of all such reports they file. Based on the Trust’s review of the copies of such forms received by it, or written representations from certain reporting persons, the Trust believes that none of its Trustees, executive officers or persons who beneficially own more than 10% of the Sub-share Certificates failed to comply with Section 16(a) reporting requirements in 2017.

Code of Ethics

The Trust has adopted a Code of Conduct and Ethics applicable to its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and certain other employees. A copy of the Code of Ethics has been made available on the Trust’s corporate website. We maintain our website at www.TPLTrust.com. The information contained on our website is not part of this Report. We intend to disclose any amendment to, or waiver of, a provision of our Code of Conduct by filing a Current Report on Form 8-K with the SEC.

Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee; Changes in Procedures Regarding Nomination of Trustees

There have been no material changes to the procedures by which security holders may recommend nominees to the Trust’s Board of Trustees. The Trust has a standing Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee. The current members of the Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee are Messrs. Meyer, Norris and Barry. The Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee has adopted a formal written charter (the “Nominating, Compensation and Governance Charter”). The Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee is responsible for identifying and evaluating potential trustees in the event that a vacancy arises, determining compensation of the Trustees and the executive officers, and overseeing corporate governance matters. The Nominating, Compensation and Governance Charter is available on the Trust’s Internet website at www.TPLTrust.com.

Audit Committee

The Trust has a standing Audit Committee of its Board of Trustees. The current members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Meyer and Barry. The Audit Committee has adopted a formal written charter (the “Audit Charter”). The Audit Committee is responsible for ensuring that the Trust has adequate internal controls and is required to meet with the Trust’s auditors to review these internal controls and to discuss other financial reporting matters. The Audit Committee is also responsible for the appointment, pre-approval of work, compensation and oversight of the auditors. The Audit Charter is available on the Trust’s Internet website at www.TPLTrust.com.

Audit Committee Financial Expert

The Board of Trustees has determined that no current member of the Board of Trustees serving on the Trust’s Audit Committee would meet the requirements of the definition of “audit committee financial expert” set forth in the applicable rules of the SEC. The terms of the Trust, which was established in 1888, and governing law would require an amendment of the Trust in order to add new Trustees who would satisfy the requirements of the definition. Any amendment of the Trust to do so would necessarily involve judicial proceedings and an expensive time-consuming process with no assurance that an individual meeting the requirements of the definition, who would be willing to serve as Trustee given the modest compensation offered ($2,000 per annum, $4,000 per annum for the Chairman), could be located. The Audit Committee consists of two independent Trustees, each of whom has been determined by the Board of Trustees to be qualified, in their judgment, to monitor the performance of management, the Trust’s internal accounting operations and the independent auditors and to be qualified to monitor the disclosures of the Trust. In addition, the Audit Committee has the ability to retain its own independent accountants, attorneys and other advisors, whenever it deems appropriate, to advise it. As a result, the Board of Trustees believes that the time and expense involved in an amendment of the Trust, with no assurance that an individual meeting the requirements of the definition of “audit committee financial expert” could be persuaded to become a member of the Board of Trustees, would not be in the best interests of the Trust at this time.

Item 11. Executive Compensation.

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

The Trust’s compensation program is designed to reward the performance of the Named Executive Officers (as defined below) in achieving the Trust’s primary goals of protecting and maintaining the assets of the Trust. The compensation program consists principally of a salary and an annual cash bonus. Base salaries provide our Named Executive Officers with a steady income stream that is not contingent on the Trust’s performance, while the addition of a cash bonus allows the Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee flexibility to recognize and reward the Named Executive Officers’ contributions to the Trust’s performance in a given year. Salaries are reviewed annually and salary increases and the amounts of cash bonuses are determined by the Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee of the Trustees based upon an evaluation of the Named Executive Officer’s performance against the goals and objectives of the Trust. Differences in salary for the Named Executive Officers may reflect the differing responsibilities of their respective positions, the differing levels of experience of the individuals and internal pay equity considerations. The Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee does not have a specific list of factors to which it assigns various weights and against which it measures the Named Executive Officers’ performance in making its compensation decisions. The Committee’s decisions are based on their overall impression of the Named Executive Officers’ individual performances.

The Trust has not incorporated equity-related or other long-term compensation elements in its compensation programs. The Declaration of Trust pursuant to which the Trust was created empowers the Trustees to manage the lands with all the powers of an absolute owner. At their discretion, the Trustees may pay dividends to the certificate holders or repurchase and cancel outstanding certificates. In view of that general directive to the Trustees, the issuance of equity to executive officers has not been made a part of the Trust’s compensation program.

As part of its compensation program the Trust maintains both a qualified defined benefit pension plan and a qualified defined contribution plan which are both available to employees generally, as well as to the Named Executive Officers. These plans are designed to assist employees in planning adequately for their retirement.

The Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee has the sole authority to determine the compensation of the General Agent, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary and the General Agent and Chief Financial Officer of the Trust.

Summary Compensation Table

The following table sets forth information concerning compensation for services in all capacities awarded to, earned by, or paid to, the Trust’s Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer, who are its only executive officers (collectively, the “Named Executive Officers”):

Pay Ratio Disclosure

For purposes of calculating the 2017 ratio of the median annual total compensation of all employees to the total annual compensation of the Chief Executive Officer, the Trust included in its calculation of compensation base salary and annual bonus amounts.  The Trust used December 31, 2017 as its measurement date.  Base salary amounts were annualized for any employee who had less than a full year of service during 2017. Total compensation for Mr. Glover, the Trust’s Chief Executive Officer, was determined to be $681,250 and was approximately 7 times the median annual compensation of all Trust employees, excluding the Chief Executive Officer, of $102,500.  For purposes of this calculation, the Trust had 25 employees, excluding the Chief Executive Officer.

Employment Agreements

The Trust is not a party to any employment agreements with any of its Named Executive Officers. There is no compensation plan or arrangement with respect to any individual named in the Summary Compensation Table that results, or will result, from the resignation, retirement or any other termination of such individual’s employment or from a change in control of Texas Pacific or from a change in the individual’s responsibilities following a change in control of Texas Pacific.

Pension Benefits

The Restated Texas Pacific Land Trust Revised Employees’ Pension Plan is a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan qualified under Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code in which our employees, excluding the Trustees, participate. The remuneration covered by the Plan is Salary. The Plan provides a normal retirement benefit beginning at age 65 equal to 1.5% of a participant’s average Salary for the last five years prior to retirement for each year of Credited Service under the Plan. Credited Service is earned from the participant’s date of membership in the Plan, which is generally not the participant’s date of hire by the Trust. For information concerning the valuation method and material assumptions used in quantifying the present value of the Named Executive Officers’ current accrued benefits, see Note 5, “Employee Benefit Plans” of the Notes to Financial Statements incorporated by reference in Item 8 of this Report.

As of December 31, 2017, the annual accrued normal retirement benefits are estimated to be $10,509 and $12,451 for Mr. Glover and Mr. Packer, respectively.

The Plan provides for early retirement after 20 years of service with the Trust. Early retirement benefits are calculated in the same manner as the normal retirement benefit, but are reduced by 1/15 for each of the first five years and 1/30 for each of the next five years that benefits commence prior to normal retirement. If benefits commence more than 10 years prior to normal retirement, the early retirement benefit payable at age 55 is reduced actuarially for the period prior to age 55. Mr. Glover and Mr. Packer are not currently eligible for early retirement benefits.

Trustee Compensation Table

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

Each of the Trustees is a member of the Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee of the Trustees. None of the Trustees is, or has been in the past, an officer or employee of the Trust. None of the Trustees had any relationship requiring disclosure by the Trust pursuant to Item 404 of Regulation S-K. There are no interlocking relationships requiring disclosure by the Trust pursuant to Item 407(e)(4)(iii) of Regulation S-K.

Compensation Committee Report

The Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this Item 11 and, based on such review and discussion, recommended that it be included in this Report.

Maurice Meyer III

John R. Norris III

David E. Barry

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Security Holder Matters.

The Trust does not maintain any compensation plans (or individual compensation arrangements) under which equity securities of the Trust are authorized for issuance.

(a)       Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners. The following table sets forth information as to all persons known to the Trust to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the Trust’s voting securities (Certificates of Proprietary Interest and Sub-share Certificates) as of February 14, 2018. The Certificates of Proprietary Interest and Sub-share Certificates are freely interchangeable in the ratio of one Certificate of Proprietary Interest for 3,000 Sub-shares or 3,000 Sub-shares for one Certificate of Proprietary Interest, and are deemed to constitute a single class.

(b)       Security Ownership of Management: The following table sets forth information as to equity securities (Certificates of Proprietary Interest and Sub-share Certificates) beneficially owned directly or indirectly by all Trustees and Named Executive Officers, naming them, and by all Trustees and executive officers of the registrant, as a group:

_______________________

*Indicates ownership of less than 1% of the class.

(c)       Changes in Control. Texas Pacific has no knowledge of any arrangement that may result in any change of control of the Trust.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

(a)       Transactions with Related Persons. There are no significant reportable transactions or currently proposed transactions between Texas Pacific and any Trustee or executive officer of Texas Pacific or any 5% security holder of Texas Pacific or any member of the immediate family of any of the foregoing persons.

(b)       Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons. Transactions with Trustees, executive officers or 5% or greater stockholders, or immediate family members of the foregoing, which might require disclosure pursuant to paragraph (a), above, would be subject to review, approval or ratification by the Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committee of the Trustees. That Committee is composed of all of the Trustees. The Committee’s charter empowers it to review any transactions, including loans, which may confer any benefit upon any Trustee, executive officer or affiliated entity to confirm compliance with the Trust’s Code of Conduct and Ethics and applicable law. The Committee has not adopted specific standards for evaluating such transactions beyond that mentioned above, because it is the sense of the Trustees that the activities and procedures of the Committee should remain flexible so that it may appropriately respond to changing circumstances.

(c)       Transactions with Promoters. Not applicable.

(d)       Independence. Each Trustee is an “independent director” within the meaning of the applicable rules of the New York Stock Exchange. Each member of the Audit and the Nominating, Compensation and Governance Committees of the Trustees is “independent” within the meaning of the applicable committee independence standards of the New York Stock Exchange.

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

All professional services rendered by Lane Gorman Trubitt, LLC (“Lane Gorman Trubitt”) during 2017 and 2016 were furnished at customary rates. A summary of the fees which Lane Gorman Trubitt billed the Trust for services provided in 2017 and 2016 is set forth below:

Audit Fees. Lane Gorman Trubitt billed the Trust approximately $112,600 in 2017 and $100,850 in 2016 in connection with its audits of the consolidated financial statements and internal controls over financial reporting of the Trust in 2017 and 2016.

Audit-Related Fees. Lane Gorman Trubitt did not bill the Trust any amount for audit-related services in either 2017 or 2016 not included in “Audit Fees”, above.

Tax Fees. Lane Gorman Trubitt did not bill the Trust for any tax fees in 2017 or 2016.

All Other Fees. Lane Gorman Trubitt did not bill the Trust any other fees in either 2017 or 2016.

The Audit Committee has established a policy requiring approval by it of all fees for audit and non-audit services to be provided by the Trust’s independent registered public accountants, prior to commencement of such services. Consideration and approval of fees generally occurs at the Committee’s regularly scheduled meetings or, to the extent that such fees may relate to other matters to be considered at special meetings, at those special meetings.

None of the fees described above under the captions “Audit-Related Fees,” “Tax Fees” and “All Other Fees” were approved by the Committee pursuant to the “de minimis” exception set forth in Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i)(C) under SEC Regulation S-X.

PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

(a)   Financial Statements.

See “Index to Financial Statements.”

(b)   Exhibits.               

*Filed or furnished herewith.

(c)   Not applicable.

Item 16. Form 10-K Summary.

Not applicable.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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, on the 28^th day of February, 2018.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on the 28^th day of February, 2018.

Item 15(a). Financial Statements.

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

All schedules have been omitted because the required information is contained in the consolidated financial statements or related notes, or is not applicable or immaterial.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Trustees and Certificate Holders

Texas Pacific Land Trust

Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Texas Pacific Land Trust (the “Trust”) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of income and total comprehensive income, net proceeds from all sources, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). We also have audited the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Trust as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, the Trust maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.

Basis for Opinion

The Trust’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Trust’s financial statements and an opinion on the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Trust in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audits of the financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

Members of AICPA and The Leading Edge Alliance

2626 Howell Street  l  Suite 700  l  Dallas, TX   75204  l  Main 214.871.7500  l   Fax 214.871.0011  l  www.lgt-cpa.com

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A trust’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A trust’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Trust; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Trust are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Trust; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Trust’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

We have served as the Trust’s auditor since 2005.

Dallas, Texas

February 28, 2018

TEXAS PACIFIC LAND TRUST
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except acres, share and per share amounts)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

TEXAS PACIFIC LAND TRUST

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(in thousands, except shares and per share amounts)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

TEXAS PACIFIC LAND TRUST

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF NET PROCEEDS FROM ALL SOURCES

 (in thousands, except share and per share amounts) 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

TEXAS PACIFIC LAND TRUST

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 (in thousands)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

TEXAS PACIFIC LAND TRUST

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS