AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- SANDRIDGE PERMIAN TRUST (NYSE: PER) today announced a quarterly distribution for the three-month period ended December 31, 2012 (which primarily relates to production attributable to the Trust’s interests from September 1, 2012 through November 30, 2012) of $31.7 million, or $0.603032 per unit. The Trust makes distributions on a quarterly basis approximately 60 days after the end of each quarter. The distribution is expected to occur on or before March 1, 2013 to holders of record as of the close of business on February 14, 2013.

During the three-month production period ended November 30, 2012, total sales volumes decreased 7% from the previous three-month period. The lower volume was primarily due to bringing fewer wells on production versus the previous period. This was mainly driven by a reduction in rig count: four to five drilling rigs were utilized in the previous period versus an average of three rigs in this period. In addition, the number of development wells awaiting completion increased by 9.3 wells from the previous period. It is anticipated that this inventory will return to its previous levels in the upcoming distribution periods. The lower production was partly offset by higher realized prices. The realized oil price, including the impact of hedges and natural gas liquids, was 2% higher compared to the previous period. The realized gas price increased 15% over the previous period. Overall, the period’s results generated a 3% lower distribution per unit than the target.

The Trust owns royalty interests created from interests held by SandRidge Energy, Inc. (“SandRidge”) and its subsidiaries in oil and natural gas properties in the Central Basin Platform of the Permian Basin in Andrews County, Texas and is entitled to receive proceeds from the sale of production attributable to the royalty interests. As described in the Trust’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), the amount of the quarterly distributions is expected to fluctuate from quarter to quarter, depending on the proceeds received by the Trust as a result of actual production volumes, oil and natural gas prices and the amount and timing of the Trust’s administrative expenses, among other factors. Although there is no assurance of any minimum distribution in any quarterly period, during the subordination period (as described in the Trust’s filings), holders of Common Units will be entitled to receive an amount up to the “Subordination Threshold” (which varies from quarter to quarter) prior to any distribution being made for that quarter in respect of the Subordinated Units, all of which are held by SandRidge. If the amount available for distribution in any quarterly period is sufficient to distribute an amount equal to the Subordination Threshold to the holders of all units (including the Subordinated Units), any additional balance is distributed to holders of all units pro rata, up to the amount of the Incentive Threshold for the quarter. Trust units are entitled to receive 50% of any cash available for distribution in excess of the Incentive Threshold for the quarter. The announced distribution exceeded the Subordination Threshold, but not the Incentive Threshold, for the quarter.

Volumes, price and distributable income available to unitholders for the period were (dollars in thousands, except per unit):

In addition to wells that were producing at the effective date of the assignment of the royalty interests to the Trust, SandRidge, pursuant to a development agreement with the Trust, is obligated to drill, or cause to be drilled, the equivalent of 888 development wells, determined by reference to SandRidge’s net revenue interest in a well, in an area of mutual interest on or before March 31, 2016.

During the three-month production period ended November 30, 2012, three drilling rigs were utilized to drill development wells for the Trust. Currently, three rigs are drilling Trust development wells, and the present plan is to continue the three rig program through 2013. To date, equivalent development wells producing, or drilled and perforated for completion, during production periods upon which distributions are based are as follows:

*Equivalent development wells that are not producing at the ‘As of’ date but have been drilled and perforated for completion.

Pursuant to IRC Section 1446, withholding tax on income effectively connected to a United States trade or business allocated to foreign partners should be made at the highest marginal rate. Under Section 1441, withholding tax on fixed, determinable, annual, periodic income from United States sources allocated to foreign partners should be made at 30% of gross income unless the rate is reduced by treaty. This is intended to be a qualified notice by SandRidge Permian Trust to nominees and brokers as provided for under Treasury Regulation Section 1.1446-4(b), and while specific relief is not specified for Section 1441 income, this disclosure is intended to suffice. Nominees and brokers should withhold at the highest marginal rate, currently 39.6% for individuals, on the distribution made to foreign partners.

This press release contains statements that are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements contained in this press release, other than statements of historical facts, are “forward-looking statements” for purposes of these provisions. These forward-looking statements include the amount and date of any anticipated distribution to unit holders. The anticipated distribution is based, in part, on the amount of cash received or expected to be received by the Trust from SandRidge with respect to the relevant period. Any differences in actual cash receipts by the Trust could affect this distributable amount. Other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include expenses of the Trust and reserves for anticipated future expenses. Statements made in this press release are qualified by the cautionary statements made in this press release. Neither SandRidge nor the Trustee intends, and neither assumes any obligation, to update any of the statements included in this press release. An investment in Common Units issued by SandRidge Permian Trust is subject to the risks described in the Trust’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, and all of its other filings with the SEC. The Trust’s quarterly and other filed reports are or will be available over the Internet at the SEC’s web site at http://www.sec.gov.

SandRidge Permian Trust
The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee
Sarah Newell, 1-512-236-6531

Source: SandRidge Permian Trust