Biggest changeResults of Operations - Consolidated The following table shows our consolidated results of operations and our results of operations by reportable segment for Land and Resource Management (“LRM”) and Water Service and Operations (“WSO”) for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2024 2023 LRM WSO Consolidated LRM WSO Consolidated Revenues: Oil and gas royalties $ 373,331 $ — $ 373,331 $ 357,394 $ — $ 357,394 Water sales — 150,724 150,724 — 112,203 112,203 Produced water royalties — 104,123 104,123 — 84,260 84,260 Easements and other surface-related income 63,074 10,183 73,257 67,905 3,027 70,932 Land sales 4,388 — 4,388 6,806 — 6,806 Total revenues 440,793 265,030 705,823 432,105 199,490 631,595 Expenses: Salaries and related employee expenses 27,493 26,128 53,621 21,945 21,439 43,384 Water service-related expenses — 46,124 46,124 — 33,566 33,566 General and administrative expenses 25,531 8,952 34,483 39,078 7,372 46,450 Depreciation, depletion and amortization 10,968 14,194 25,162 3,073 11,684 14,757 Ad valorem and other taxes 7,257 38 7,295 7,382 3 7,385 Total operating expenses 71,249 95,436 166,685 71,478 74,064 145,542 Operating income 369,544 169,594 539,138 360,627 125,426 486,053 Other income, net 31,707 7,976 39,683 30,384 1,124 31,508 Income before income taxes 401,251 177,570 578,821 391,011 126,550 517,561 Income tax expense 86,350 38,511 124,861 84,305 27,611 111,916 Net income $ 314,901 $ 139,059 $ 453,960 $ 306,706 $ 98,939 $ 405,645 Year Ended December 31, 2024 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2023 Consolidated Revenues and Net Income: Total revenues increased $74.2 million, or 11.8%, to $705.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to $631.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Biggest changeResults of Operations The following table shows our consolidated results of operations and our results of operations by reportable segment for Land and Resource Management (“LRM”) and Water Service and Operations (“WSO”) for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2025 2024 LRM WSO Consolidated LRM WSO Consolidated Revenues: Oil and gas royalties $ 411,677 $ — $ 411,677 $ 373,331 $ — $ 373,331 Water sales — 169,701 169,701 — 150,724 150,724 Produced water royalties — 124,218 124,218 — 104,123 104,123 Easements and other surface-related income 78,230 13,545 91,775 63,074 10,183 73,257 Land sales 819 — 819 4,388 — 4,388 Total revenues 490,726 307,464 798,190 440,793 265,030 705,823 Expenses: Salaries and related employee expenses 29,184 28,741 57,925 27,493 26,128 53,621 Water service-related expenses — 53,528 53,528 — 46,124 46,124 General and administrative expenses 14,358 9,422 23,780 25,531 8,952 34,483 Depreciation, depletion and amortization 44,555 17,978 62,533 10,968 14,194 25,162 Ad valorem and other taxes 8,218 45 8,263 7,257 38 7,295 Total operating expenses 96,315 109,714 206,029 71,249 95,436 166,685 Operating income 394,411 197,750 592,161 369,544 169,594 539,138 Interest expense (552) (138) (690) — — — Other income, net 14,926 3,932 18,858 31,707 7,976 39,683 Income before income taxes 408,785 201,544 610,329 401,251 177,570 578,821 Income tax expense 86,370 42,583 128,953 86,350 38,511 124,861 Net income $ 322,415 $ 158,961 $ 481,376 $ 314,901 $ 139,059 $ 453,960 Interest income by segment is included in other income, net in the table above. 29 Table of Contents Consolidated Results of Operations Year Ended December 31, 2025 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2024 Total revenues were $798.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to $705.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2024.
Easements and other surface-related income is dependent on development decisions made by companies that operate in the areas where we own land and is, therefore, unpredictable and may vary significantly from period to period. See “Permian Basin Activity” above for additional discussion of development activity in the Permian Basin during the year ended December 31, 2024. Land sales .
Easements and other surface-related income is dependent on development decisions made by companies that operate in the areas where we own land and is, therefore, unpredictable and may vary significantly from period to period. See “Permian Basin Activity” above for additional discussion of development activity in the Permian Basin during the year ended December 31, 2025. Land sales .
Although our revenues are directly and indirectly impacted by changes in oil and natural gas prices, we believe our royalty interests (which require no capital expenditures or operating expense burden from us for well development), strong balance sheet, and liquidity position will help us navigate through potential commodity price volatility.
Although our revenues are directly and indirectly impacted by oil and natural gas prices, we believe our royalty interests (which require no capital expenditures or operating expense burden from us for well development), strong balance sheet, and liquidity position will help us navigate through potential commodity price volatility.
Our oil and gas royalty revenue, and, in turn, our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 have been impacted by lower average commodity prices compared to 2023. However, our oil and gas royalty revenues increased for the year ended December 31, 2024 due to increased royalty production.
Our oil and gas royalty revenue, and, in turn, our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2025 have been impacted by lower average commodity prices compared to 2024. However, our oil and gas royalty revenues increased for the year ended December 31, 2025 due to increased royalty production.
Our primary liquidity and capital requirements are for capital expenditures related to our Water Services and Operations segment (the extent and timing of which are under our control), working capital and general corporate needs. We continuously review our liquidity and capital resources.
Our primary liquidity and capital requirements are for acquisitions, capital expenditures related to our Water Services and Operations segment (the extent and timing of which are under our control), working capital, and general corporate needs. We continuously review our levels of liquidity and capital resources.
The pension curtailment and settlement gain is related to a buyout by a third party of defined benefit obligations under our pension plan and the subsequent freezing of our pension plan, both of which occurred in the fourth quarter of 2024.
The pension curtailment and settlement gain are related to a buyout by a third party of defined benefit obligations under our pension plan and the subsequent freezing of our pension plan, both of which occurred in the fourth quarter of 2024.
This section generally discusses the results of our operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. For a discussion of the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, refer to Part II, Item 7.
This section generally discusses the results of our operations for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. For a discussion of the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, refer to Part II, Item 7.
For all non-GAAP measurements, neither the SEC nor any other regulatory body has passed judgment on these non-GAAP measurements. 27 Table of Contents EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measurement of earnings before interest expense, taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization.
For all non-GAAP measurements, neither the SEC nor any other regulatory body has passed judgment on these non-GAAP measurements. EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measurement of earnings before interest expense, taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization.
“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.
“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024.
US weekly horizontal rig counts per Baker Hughes United States Rotary Rig Count for horizontal rigs. Statistics for similar data are also available from other sources. The comparability between these other sources and the sources used by the Company may differ.
U.S. weekly horizontal rig counts per Baker Hughes United States Rotary Rig Count for horizontal rigs. Statistics for similar data are also available from other sources. The comparability between these other sources and the sources used by the Company may differ.
Research and development expenses related to development of a new energy-efficient method of produced water desalination and treatment were $2.5 million and $1.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. For further discussion of this new treatment method, see “Liquidity and Capital Resources — Development of New Solutions for Produced Water and Capital Expenditures” above.
Research and development expenses related to development of a new energy-efficient method of produced water desalination and treatment were $2.8 million and $2.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. For further discussion of this new treatment method, see “Liquidity and Capital Resources — Development of New Solutions for Produced Water and Capital Expenditures” above.
As we evaluate our current capital structure, capital allocation priorities, business fundamentals, and investment opportunities, we have set a target cash and cash equivalents balance of approximately $700 million. Above this target, we will seek to deploy the majority of our free cash flow towards dividends and share repurchases.
As we evaluate our current capital structure, capital allocation priorities, business fundamentals, and investment opportunities, we have set a target cash and cash equivalents balance of approximately $700 million. Above this target, we will seek to deploy the majority of our free cash flow towards returning capital to our stockholders in the form of special dividends and/or share repurchases.
As of December 31, 2024, we had cash and cash equivalents of $369.8 million that we expect to utilize, along with cash flow from operations, to provide capital to 22 Table of Contents support our business, to pay dividends subject to the discretion of our Board, to repurchase shares of our Common Stock subject to market conditions, for potential acquisitions and for general corporate purposes.
As of December 31, 2025, we had cash and cash equivalents of $144.8 million that we expect to utilize, along with cash flow from operations, to provide capital to support our business, to pay regular dividends, subject to the discretion of our Board, to, subject to market conditions, repurchase shares of our Common Stock, for potential acquisitions and for general corporate purposes.
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 and estimates. Accrual of Oil and Gas Royalties The Company accrues oil and gas royalties.
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 and estimates. 34 Table of Contents Accrual of Oil and Gas Royalties We accrue oil and gas royalties.
We believe that cash from operations, together with our cash and cash equivalents balances, will be sufficient to meet ongoing capital expenditures, working capital requirements and other cash needs for at least the next 12 months.
We believe that cash from operations and our cash and cash equivalents balance together with our Credit Facility, will be sufficient to meet ongoing capital expenditures, working capital requirements and other cash needs and allow for opportunistic transactions for at least the next 12 months.
The increase in easements and other surface-related income primarily related to an increase in temporary permits for sourced water lines for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to 2023. Net income .
The increase in easements and other surface-related income primarily related to an increase in temporary permits for sourced water lines for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to 2024. Salaries and related employee expenses.
Land sales were $4.4 million and $6.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2024, we sold 439 acres of land for an aggregate sales price of $4.4 million.
Land sales were $0.8 million and $4.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2025, we sold 17 acres of land for an aggregate sales price of $0.8 million.
Bbl represents one barrel of 42 U.S. gallons of oil. Mmbtu represents one million British thermal units, a measurement used for natural gas. DUCs represent drilled but uncompleted wells. DUC classification is based on well data and date stamps provided by Enverus.
“Bbl” represents one barrel of 42 U.S. gallons of crude oil, condensate or NGLs. “Mmbtu” represents one million British thermal units, a measurement used for natural gas. “DUCs” represent drilled but uncompleted wells. DUC classification is based on well data and date stamps provided by Enverus.
While average oil prices for the year ended December 31, 2024 were generally flat compared to the same period in 2023, Henry Hub and Waha Hub natural gas prices for the year ended December 31, 2024 declined compared to the same period last year.
While average oil prices for the year ended December 31, 2025 were lower compared to the same period in 2024, Henry Hub and Waha Hub natural gas prices for the year ended December 31, 2025 increased compared to the same period last year.
We eliminate any inter-segment revenues and expenses, if any, upon consolidation. We evaluate the performance of our operating segments separately to monitor the different factors affecting financial results. The reportable segments presented are consistent with our reportable segments discussed in Note 15, “Business Segment Reporting” in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included under Part II, Item 8.
We evaluate the performance of our operating segments separately to monitor the different factors affecting financial results. The reportable segments presented are consistent with our reportable segments discussed in Note 16, “Business Segment Reporting” in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included under Part II, Item 8.
Market Conditions Average oil prices for the year ended December 31, 2024 were relatively flat compared to average oil prices during the same period last year. Oil prices continue to be impacted by certain actions by OPEC+, geopolitics, and evolving global supply and demand trends, among other factors.
Market Conditions Average West Texas Intermediate (“WTI”) oil prices for the year ended December 31, 2025 were down approximately 15% compared to average WTI oil prices during the same period last year. Oil prices continue to be impacted by certain actions by OPEC+, geopolitics, and evolving global supply and demand trends, among other factors.
The growth in water sales was principally due to an increase of 31.0% in water sales volumes for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. Produced water royalties. Produced water royalties are royalties received from the transfer or disposal of produced water on our land.
The growth in water sales was principally due to increases of 8.8% in water sales pricing and 3.4% in volumes for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. Produced water royalties. Produced water royalties are royalties received from the transfer or disposal of produced water on our land.
Produced water royalties are contractual and not paid as a matter of right. We do not operate any saltwater disposal wells. Produced water royalties were $104.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to $84.3 million in 2023. This increase was principally due to increased produced water volumes for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to 2023.
Produced water royalties are contractual and not paid as a matter of right. We do not operate any saltwater disposal wells. Produced water royalties were $124.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to $104.1 million in 2024.
The increase in cash flows provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the same period of 2023 was primarily driven by an increase in operating income and changes in working capital requirements.
The increase in cash flows provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the same period of 2024 was primarily driven by an increase in operating income, principally related to increased oil and gas production volumes and water sales volumes, and changes in working capital requirements during 2025 as compared to 2024.
The metrics below show selected benchmark oil and natural gas prices and approximate activity levels in the Permian Basin for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023: Years Ended December 31, 2024 2023 Oil and Gas Pricing Metrics: (1) WTI Cushing average price per bbl $ 76.63 $ 77.58 Henry Hub average price per mmbtu $ 2.19 $ 2.53 Waha Hub natural gas average price per mmbtu $ 0.14 $ 1.68 Activity Metrics specific to the Permian Basin: (1)(2) Average monthly horizontal permits 654 499 Average monthly horizontal wells drilled 504 422 Average weekly horizontal rig count 296 323 DUCs as of December 31 for each applicable year 4,536 4,656 Total Average US weekly horizontal rig count (2) 536 620 (1) Commonly used definitions in the oil and gas industry provided in the table above are defined as follows: WTI Cushing represents West Texas Intermediate.
The metrics below show selected benchmark oil and natural gas prices and approximate activity levels in the Permian Basin for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024: Years Ended December 31, 2025 2024 Oil and Gas Pricing Metrics: (1) WTI Cushing average price per Bbl $ 65.39 $ 76.63 Henry Hub average price per mmbtu $ 3.52 $ 2.19 Waha Hub natural gas average price per mmbtu $ 0.69 $ 0.14 Activity Metrics specific to the Permian Basin: (1)(2) Average monthly horizontal permits 581 654 Average monthly horizontal wells drilled 457 504 Average weekly horizontal rig count 257 296 DUCs as of December 31 for each applicable year 3,946 4,536 Total Average U.S. weekly horizontal rig count (2) 498 536 (1) Commonly used definitions in the oil and gas industry: “WTI Cushing” represents West Texas Intermediate.
Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, net cash used in investing activities was $471.7 million and $60.3 million, respectively. Our cash flows used in investing activities are primarily related to acquisitions and capital expenditures related to our water services and operations segment.
Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities For the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, net cash used in investing activities was $595.8 million and $471.7 million, respectively. Our cash flows used in investing activities are primarily related to royalty acquisitions, investments and purchases of fixed assets primarily related to our Water Services and Operations segment.
Additionally, revenues derived from water sales and produced water royalties for the year ended December 31, 2024 were also positively impacted by our active management of our surface and royalty interests in recent years. 25 Table of Contents Year Ended December 31, 2024 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2023 Land and Resource Management Land and Resource Management segment revenues increased $8.7 million, or 2.0%, to $440.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to 2023.
Additionally, revenues derived from water sales and produced water royalties for the year ended December 31, 2025 were also positively impacted by our active management of our surface and royalty interests in recent years. Year Ended December 31, 2025 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2024 Land and Resource Management Oil and gas royalties .
E&P companies generally have continued to deploy capital at a measured pace as drilling and development activities across the Permian Basin have remained strong overall. Although average rig counts during the year ended December 31, 2024 were lower compared to the same period last year, increased drilling and completion efficiencies have allowed operators to maintain robust levels of well development.
E&P companies broadly have continued to deploy capital towards drilling and development activities in the Permian Basin at a measured pace. Although average rig counts during the year ended December 31, 2025 were lower compared to the same period last year, increased drilling and completion efficiencies have allowed operators, in aggregate, to grow production.
Our cash flows used in financing activities principally consist of activities that return capital to our stockholders such as payments of dividends and repurchases of our Common Stock. During the year ended December 31, 2024, we paid total dividends of $347.3 million, consisting of cumulative regular cash dividends of $5.11 per share and a special dividend of $10.00 per share.
Our cash flows used in financing activities principally consist of activities that return capital to our stockholders such as payments of dividends and repurchases of our Common Stock, and activity related to our Credit Facility. During the year ended December 31, 2025, we paid total dividends of $147.8 million, consisting of cumulative regular cash dividends of $2.13 per share.
If market conditions were to change and our revenues were to decline significantly or operating costs were to increase significantly, our cash flows and liquidity could be reduced. Should this occur, we could seek alternative sources of funding. We had no debt, credit facilities, or any off-balance sheet arrangements as of December 31, 2024.
If market conditions were to change and our revenues were to decline significantly or operating costs were to increase significantly, our cash flows and liquidity could be reduced. Should this occur, we could draw on our Credit Facility or seek alternative sources of funding.
Return of Capital to Shareholders During the year ended December 31, 2024, we paid total dividends to our stockholders of $347.3 million, consisting of cumulative regular cash dividends of $5.11 per share and a special dividend of $10.00 per share.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, we paid total dividends of $347.3 million consisting of cumulative regular cash dividends of $1.70 per share and a special dividend of $3.33 per share.
In compliance with the requirements of the SEC, our non-GAAP measurements are reconciled to net income, the most directly comparable GAAP performance measure.
These measurements are not to be considered more relevant or accurate than the measurements presented in accordance with GAAP. In compliance with the requirements of the SEC, our non-GAAP measurements are reconciled to net income, the most directly comparable GAAP performance measure.
Exploration and production (“E&P”) companies active in the Permian have generally increased their drilling and development activity in 2024 compared to recent prior year activity levels. Per the U.S. Energy Information Administration (“EIA”), Permian production averaged approximately 6.3 million barrels per day during 2024, which represents the highest annual production ever.
Exploration and production (“E&P”) companies active in the Permian generally decreased their drilling and development activity in 2025 compared to recent prior year activity levels in response to lower oil prices. Despite relatively lower activity, Permian production, per the U.S. Energy Information Administration (“EIA”), averaged approximately 6.5 million barrels of oil per day during 2025.
An accrual is necessary due to the time lag between the removal of crude oil and natural gas products from the respective mineral reserve locations and generation of the actual payment by operators.
An accrual is necessary due to the time lag between the removal of crude oil and gas products from the respective mineral reserve locations and generation of the actual payment by operators. The oil and gas royalty accrual is based upon historical production volumes, estimates of the timing of future payments and recent market prices for oil and gas.
We have excluded the pension curtailment and settlement gain from the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA as such gain is a non-recurring item and is not related to our core business. The purpose of presenting Adjusted EBITDA is to highlight earnings without non-cash activity such as share-based compensation and other non-recurring or unusual items, if applicable.
We have excluded the pension curtailment and settlement gain from the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA as such gain is a non-recurring item and is not related to our core business.
Our acquisitions may include land, royalty interests and other similar tangible and intangible assets. For further information regarding acquisitions during the year ended December 31, 2024, see “Acquisition Activity” above.
Our acquisitions may include royalty interests, land and other similar tangible and intangible assets. 28 Table of Contents For further information regarding acquisitions and investment activity during the year ended December 31, 2025, see “Acquisition and Investment Activity” above. Purchases of fixed assets for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 were $59.5 million and $29.7 million, respectively.
Easements and other surface-related income . Easements and other surface-related income was $10.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, an increase of $7.2 million compared to $3.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.
(2) MBbl/d = 1 thousand barrels of water per day. Easements and other surface-related income . Easements and other surface-related income was $13.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, an increase of $3.4 million compared to $10.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2024.
Accordingly, these decisions made by others affect not only our share of production volumes and produced water disposal volumes, but also directly impact our surface-related income and water sales. Liquidity and Capital Resources Overview Our principal sources of liquidity are cash and cash flows generated from our operations.
Accordingly, these decisions made by others affect, both directly and indirectly, our oil and gas royalties, produced water royalties, water sales, and other surface-related income. 26 Table of Contents Liquidity and Capital Resources Overview Our principal sources of liquidity are cash and cash flows generated from operations and our Credit Facility.
The table below provides financial and operational data by royalty stream for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023: Years Ended December 31, 2024 2023 (2) Our share of production volumes (1) : Oil (MBbls) 4,118 3,701 Natural gas (MMcf) 17,074 14,528 NGL (MBbls) 2,841 2,453 Equivalents (MBoe) 9,804 8,575 Equivalents per day (MBoe/d) 26.8 23.5 Oil and gas royalties (in thousands): Oil royalties $ 298,074 $ 273,304 Natural gas royalties 18,512 29,915 NGL royalties 56,745 45,510 Total oil and gas royalties $ 373,331 $ 348,729 Realized prices: Oil ($/Bbl) $ 75.80 $ 77.33 Natural gas ($/Mcf) $ 1.17 $ 2.23 NGL ($/Bbl) $ 21.60 $ 20.05 Equivalents ($/Boe) $ 39.87 $ 42.58 (1) Commonly used definitions in the oil and gas industry not previously defined: MBbls represents one thousand barrels of crude oil, condensate or NGLs.
The average realized prices decreased to $34.18 per Boe for the year ended December 31, 2025 from $39.87 per Boe for 2024, a decrease of 14.3%. 30 Table of Contents The table below provides financial and operational data by oil and gas royalty stream for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024: Years Ended December 31, 2025 2024 Our share of production volumes (1) : Oil (MBbls) 4,936 4,118 Natural gas (MMcf) 23,359 17,074 NGL (MBbls) 3,784 2,841 Equivalents (MBoe) 12,613 9,804 Equivalents per day (MBoe/d) 34.6 26.8 Oil and gas royalties (in thousands): Oil royalties $ 304,930 $ 298,074 Natural gas royalties 37,432 18,512 NGL royalties 69,315 56,745 Total oil and gas royalties $ 411,677 $ 373,331 Realized prices: Oil ($/Bbl) $ 64.69 $ 75.80 Natural gas ($/Mcf) $ 1.73 $ 1.17 NGL ($/Bbl) $ 19.81 $ 21.60 Equivalents ($/Boe) $ 34.18 $ 39.87 (1) Commonly used definitions in the oil and gas industry: “Bbl” represents one barrel of 42 U.S. gallons of crude oil, condensate or NGLs.
Capital expenditures for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were $29.7 million and $15.0 million, respectively. 23 Table of Contents Cash Flows Used in Financing Activities For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, net cash used in financing activities was $378.1 million and $144.6 million, respectively.
Cash Flows Used in Financing Activities For the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, net cash used in financing activities was $176.0 million and $378.1 million, respectively.
Certain types of water service-related expenses, including, but not limited to, treatment, transfer, water purchases, repairs and maintenance, equipment rental, and fuel costs vary from period to period as our customers’ needs and requirements change. Right of way and other expenses also vary from period to period depending on the location of customer delivery.
Water service-related expenses increased $7.4 million to $53.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to 2024. Certain types of water service-related expenses, including, but not limited to, treatment, transfer, water purchases, repairs and maintenance, equipment rental, and fuel costs vary from period to period as our customers’ needs and requirements change.
The purpose of presenting EBITDA is to highlight earnings without finance, taxes, and depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, and its use is limited to specialized analysis. We calculate Adjusted EBITDA as EBITDA plus employee share-based compensation and less pension curtailment and settlement gain.
The purpose of presenting EBITDA is to highlight earnings without finance, taxes, and depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, and its use is limited to specialized analysis. The purpose of presenting Adjusted EBITDA is to highlight earnings without non-cash activity such as share-based compensation and other non-recurring or unusual items, if applicable.
The oil and gas royalty accrual is based upon historical production volumes, estimates of the timing of future payments and recent market prices for oil and gas. 28 Table of Contents Recent Accounting Pronouncements For further information regarding recently issued accounting pronouncements, see Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included under Part II, Item 8.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements For further information regarding recently issued accounting pronouncements, see Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included under Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
Excluding the impact of the $8.7 million recovery on 2023 revenue, oil and gas royalties for the year ended December 31, 2024 increased $24.6 million due to increased production volumes over 2023. Our share of production volumes increased to 26.8 thousand Boe per day for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to 23.5 thousand Boe per day for 2023.
Oil and gas royalty revenue was $411.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to $373.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, an increase of 10.3%. Our share of production volumes increased to 34.6 thousand Boe per day for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to 26.8 thousand Boe per day for 2024.
Easements and other surface-related income includes revenue related to the use and crossing of our land for oil and gas 26 Table of Contents exploration and production, renewable energy, and agricultural operations.
Easements and other surface-related income was $78.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, an increase of 24.0% compared to $63.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. Easements and other surface-related income includes revenue related to the use and crossing of our land for oil and gas exploration and production, renewable energy, and agricultural operations.
Our cash flow provided by operating activities is primarily from oil, gas and produced water royalties, water and land sales, easements, and other surface-related income. Cash flow used in operations generally consists of operating expenses associated with our revenue streams, general and administrative expenses and income taxes.
Cash flow used in operations generally consists of operating expenses associated with our revenue streams, general and administrative expenses and income taxes.
The decrease in easements and other surface-related income was principally related to a decrease of $5.1 million in wellbore easements for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to 2023.
The increase in easements and other surface-related income was principally related to increases of $10.0 million in pipeline easements, $3.8 million in wellbore easements and $2.5 million in lease bonuses on acquired royalty interests for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the same period of 2024.
The EIA currently estimates that Permian oil production for December 2024 was approximately 6.5 million barrels per day. 21 Table of Contents Due to our ownership concentration in the Permian Basin, our revenues are directly impacted by oil and gas pricing and drilling activity in the Permian Basin.
Due to our ownership concentration in the Permian Basin, our revenues are directly impacted by oil and gas pricing and drilling activity in the Permian Basin.
The following table presents a reconciliation of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow to net income for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2024 2023 Net income $ 453,960 $ 405,645 Add: Income tax expense 124,861 111,916 Depreciation, depletion and amortization 25,162 14,757 EBITDA 603,983 532,318 Add (deduct): Employee share-based compensation 11,364 9,124 Pension curtailment and settlement gain (4,616) — Adjusted EBITDA 610,731 541,442 Deduct: Current income tax expense (120,257) (110,517) Capital expenditures (29,423) (15,431) Free Cash Flow $ 461,051 $ 415,494 Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements The Company has not engaged in any off-balance sheet arrangements.
The following table presents a reconciliation of net income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2025 2024 Net income $ 481,376 $ 453,960 Add: Interest expense 690 — Income tax expense 128,953 124,861 Depreciation, depletion and amortization 62,533 25,162 EBITDA 673,552 603,983 Add (deduct): Employee share-based compensation 13,817 11,364 Pension curtailment and settlement gain — (4,616) Adjusted EBITDA $ 687,369 $ 610,731 The following table presents a reconciliation of net income to free cash flow for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2025 2024 Net income $ 481,376 $ 453,960 Add (deduct): Income tax expense 128,953 124,861 Depreciation, depletion and amortization 62,533 25,162 Employee share-based compensation 13,817 11,364 Pension curtailment and settlement gain — (4,616) Current income tax expense (122,398) (120,257) Purchase of fixed assets (59,531) (29,696) (Increase) decrease in accounts payable related to purchases of fixed assets (6,417) 273 Free cash flow $ 498,333 $ 461,051 Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements We have not entered into off-balance sheet arrangements that require us to provide funding, guarantees or any other form of financial support.
The increase is principally due to additional depletion expense associated with royalty interests acquired in August 2024 and October 2024, as well as additional amortization expense associated with intangible assets acquired in August 2023 and August 2024. Other income, net. Other income, net was $39.7 million and $31.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
The increase was principally due to depletion expense associated with royalty interests acquired during the second half of both 2025 and 2024. Other income, net. Other income, net was $14.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to $31.7 million for the same period of 2024.
The decrease in general and administrative expenses during the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the same period of 2023 was principally related to a reduction in legal and professional fees associated with stockholder matters that occurred during 2023. Depreciation, depletion and amortization .
The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in legal and professional fees of $11.9 million over the same period of 2024. Depreciation, depletion and amortization. Depreciation, depletion and amortization was $44.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to $11.0 million for the same period of 2024.
Over the last few years, we have been working with a leading industrial technology and manufacturing firm to develop an energy-efficient desalination and treatment process and associated equipment that can recycle produced water into fresh water with quality standards appropriate for surface discharge and beneficial reuse.
Development of New Solutions for Produced Water and Capital Expenditures In 2024, we announced our progress towards developing a patented energy-efficient desalination and treatment process and associated equipment that can recycle produced water into fresh water with quality standards appropriate for surface discharge and beneficial reuse.
See Part I, Item 1, “Business — Recent Developments” for further discussion of our acquisition activity during 2024. Development of New Solutions for Produced Water and Capital Expenditures In May 2024, we announced our progress towards developing new solutions for produced water in the Permian Basin.
See Part I, Item 1. “Business — Recent Developments” for further discussion of our acquisition and investment activity during 2025.
The increase in water service-related expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024 was principally related to a 34.3% increase in water sales over 2023, primarily as a result of increased water volumes.
Right of way and other expenses also vary from period to period depending on the location of customer delivery. The increase in water service-related expenses for the year ended December 31, 2025 was principally related to increased water sales volumes compared to the same period of 2024.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, we sold 18,061 acres of land for an aggregate sales price of approximately $6.8 million. Net income. Net income for the Land and Resource Management segment increased to $314.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to $306.7 million for 2023.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, we sold 439 acres of land for an aggregate sales price of approximately $4.4 million. Salaries and related employee expenses.
We calculate free cash flow as Adjusted EBITDA less current income tax expense and capital expenditures. The purpose of presenting free cash flow is to provide an additional measure of operating performance. We have presented EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow because we believe that these metrics are useful supplements to net income in analyzing the Company's operating performance.
To calculate free cash flow, net income is adjusted by adding back income tax expense, depreciation, depletion and amortization and employee share-based compensation, less the cash outflows of current income tax expenses, purchases of fixed assets and pension curtailment and settlement gain. 33 Table of Contents We have presented EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow because we believe that these metrics are useful supplements to net income in analyzing our operating performance, ability to fund future acquisitions, ability to return capital to our stockholders and explaining how our Named Executive Officers (as defined below) are compensated.
Easements and other surface-related income. Easements and other surface-related income was $63.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, a decrease of 7.1% compared to $67.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Other income, net was $3.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to $8.0 million for the same period of 2024. Lower cash balances and investment yields during the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the same period of 2024 resulted in a decrease in interest income.
Depreciation, depletion and amortization was $25.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to $14.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Depreciation, depletion and amortization. Depreciation, depletion and amortization was $18.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to $14.2 million for the comparable period of 2024. The increase was principally due to depreciation expense related to new water service-related assets placed in service. Other income, net.
Additionally, during the year ended December 31, 2024, we invested approximately $21.7 million to maintain and/or enhance our water sourcing assets. Cash Flows from Operating Activities For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, net cash provided by operating activities was $490.7 million and $418.3 million, respectively.
Cash Flows from Operating Activities For the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, net cash provided by operating activities was $545.9 million and $490.7 million, respectively. Our cash flow provided by operating activities is primarily from oil, gas and produced water royalties, water and land sales, easements, and other surface-related income.
Additionally, during the year ended December 31, 2024, we recorded a curtailment and settlement gain of $4.6 million related to the Company’s pension plan. See further discussion at Note 8, “Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits” in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included under Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” Total income tax expense.
Additionally, during the year ended December 31, 2024, we recorded a curtailment and settlement gain of $1.3 million related to our pension plan. Income tax expense. Income tax expense was $42.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to $38.5 million for the same period of 2024.
Salaries and related employee expenses were $53.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to $43.4 million for 2023.
Total operating expenses were $206.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to $166.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. Net income was $481.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to $454.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2024.
Acquisition Activity We completed the following asset acquisitions and business combination during 2024: • Acquired mineral interests across 7,490 NRA located primarily in the Midland Basin in Martin, Midland and other counties in Texas and New Mexico for cash consideration of $275.2 million, net of post-closing adjustments. • Acquired mineral interests across 4,106 NRA located in Culberson County, Texas for a purchase price of $120.3 million, net of post-closing adjustments. • Acquired 4,120 surface acres in Martin County, Texas along with other surface-related tangible and intangible assets in a business combination for total consideration of $45.0 million.
Acquisition and Investment Activity We completed the following asset acquisitions and investment during 2025: • In March 2025, we acquired 177 NRA located primarily in the Midland Basin for an aggregate purchase price of $3.5 million, net of post-closing adjustments, in an all-cash transaction. • In May 2025, we acquired 787 acres of land in Reeves County, Texas for an aggregate purchase price, inclusive of closing costs, of $4.5 million in an all-cash transaction. • In September 2025, we acquired 8,147 acres of land in Martin, County Texas for an aggregate purchase price, inclusive of closing costs, of $31.4 million in an all-cash transaction. • In November 2025, we acquired 17,306 NRA located primarily in the Midland Basin in Martin, Howard, Midland, and other counties for an aggregate purchase price of $450.7 million, net of post-closing adjustments, in an all-cash transaction. • In December 2025, we made a minority investment of $50.0 million in Bolt pursuant to a strategic agreement to develop and enable large scale data center campuses and supporting infrastructure across our land.
Segment operating income increased $8.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to 2023. The increase was principally due to a $15.9 million increase in oil and gas royalty revenue and a $13.5 million decrease in general and administrative expenses, partially offset by increased depletion expense and salaries and related employee expenses.
The increase in salaries and related employee expenses was principally related to market compensation adjustments that take effect annually at the start of a given year. 31 Table of Contents General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses were $14.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to $25.5 million for the same period of 2024.
In addition, we repurchased $29.2 million of our Common Stock (including share repurchases not settled at the end of the period).
In addition, we repurchased $8.4 million of our Common Stock during the year ended December 31, 2025.