NORTH EUROPEAN OIL ROYALTY TRUST

Previous wording

The Trust is a passive fixed investment trust which holds overriding royalty rights, receives income under those rights from certain operating companies, pays its expenses and distributes the remaining net funds to its unit owners. As mandated by the Trust Agreement, distributions of income are made on a quarterly basis. These distributions, as determined by the Trustees, constitute substantially all of the funds available after provision is made for anticipated present and future Trust expenses.

Current wording

The Trust is a passive fixed investment trust which holds overriding royalty rights, receives income under those rights from certain operating companies, pays its expenses and distributes the remaining net funds to its unit owners. As mandated by the Trust Agreement, distributions of income are made on a quarterly basis. These distributions, as determined by the Trustees, constitute substantially all the funds available after provision is made for anticipated Trust expenses.

Previous wording

The properties of the Trust, which the Trust and Trustees hold pursuant to the Trust Agreement on behalf of the unit owners, are overriding royalty rights on sales of gas, sulfur and oil under a concession or leases in the Federal Republic of Germany. The actual concession or leases are held either by Mobil Erdgas-Erdol GmbH ("Mobil Erdgas"), a German operating subsidiary of the ExxonMobil Corporation ("ExxonMobil"), or by Oldenburgische Erdolgesellschaft ("OEG"). The Oldenburg concession is the primary area from which the natural gas, sulfur and oil are extracted and currently provides 100% of all the royalties received by the Trust. The Oldenburg concession, approximately 1,386,000 acres, covers virtually the entire former Grand Duchy of Oldenburg and is located in the German federal state of Lower Saxony. None of the leases are active.

Current wording

The properties of the Trust, which the Trust and Trustees hold pursuant to the Trust Agreement on behalf of the unit owners, are overriding royalty rights on sales of gas, sulfur and oil under a concession and leases in the Federal Republic of Germany. The actual concession (the "Oldenburg concession") and leases are held either by Mobil Erdgas-Erdol GmbH ("Mobil Erdgas"), a German operating subsidiary of the ExxonMobil Corporation ("ExxonMobil"), or by Oldenburgische Erdolgesellschaft ("OEG"). As a result of direct and indirect ownership, ExxonMobil owns two-thirds of OEG and the Royal Dutch/Shell Group of Companies owns one-third of OEG. BEB Erdgas und Erdol GmbH ("BEB"), a joint venture in which ExxonMobil and the Royal Dutch/Shell Group each own 50%, administers the concession held by OEG. The Oldenburg concession is the primary area from which the natural gas, sulfur and oil are extracted and currently provides 100% of all the royalties received by the Trust. The Oldenburg concession, at approximately 1,386,000 acres, is in the German federal state of Lower Saxony. None of the leases are active or productive.

Previous wording

Mobil Erdgas and BEB Erdgas und Erdol GmbH ("BEB") formed a company, ExxonMobil Production Deutschland GmbH ("EMPG"), to carry out all exploration, drilling and production activities. All sales activities are still handled by the operating companies, either Mobil Erdgas or BEB.

Current wording

In 2002, Mobil Erdgas and BEB formed a company, ExxonMobil Production Deutschland GmbH ("EMPG"), to carry out all exploration, drilling and production activities. All sales activities are still handled by the operating companies, either Mobil Erdgas or BEB.

Previous wording

The operating companies pay monthly royalties to the Trust based on their sales of natural gas, sulfur and oil. Of these three products, natural gas provided approximately 96.31% of the cumulative royalty income received in fiscal 2024. The amount of royalties paid to the Trust is primarily based on four factors: the amount of gas sold, the price of that gas, the area from which the gas is sold, and the exchange rate.

Current wording

The operating companies pay monthly royalties to the Trust based on their sales of natural gas, sulfur and oil. Of these three products, natural gas provided approximately 82% of the cumulative royalty income received in fiscal 2025. The amount of royalties paid to the Trust is primarily based on four factors: the amount of gas sold, the price of that gas, the area from which the gas is sold and the exchange rate.

Previous wording

The amended agreements also established a procedure to address the inherent delay in the availability of data regarding gas prices and gas sales. As their first step on or about the 20th of the months of January, April, July and October, the operating companies determine the amount of royalties that were owed to the Trust based on applicable sales during the relevant periods. The relevant period for gas sales volumes is the immediately preceding calendar quarter. The relevant period for average GBIP begins two months earlier. This amount is paid out to the Trust in three scheduled monthly installments as royalty payments (payable on or about the 15th of each month) during its next fiscal quarter. At the same time, the operating companies review the actual amount of royalties that were paid to the Trust for the current quarter and calculate the difference between the amounts paid to the Trust and the amounts owed to the Trust. Any underpayments owed by the operating companies are paid immediately and any overpayments would be deducted from the royalty payments during the following fiscal quarter.

Current wording

On or about the 20th of the months of January, April, July and October of each year, the operating companies determine the amount of royalties that were payable to the Trust based on applicable sales during the relevant period. This amount is paid out to the Trust in three monthly installments as royalty payments (payable on or about the 15th of each month) during its upcoming fiscal quarter. In addition, the operating companies review the actual amount of royalties that were paid to the Trust for that period and calculate the difference between the amounts paid and the amounts payable. Any additional amounts payable by the operating companies would be paid immediately and any overpayment would be deducted from the scheduled monthly royalty payments for the following fiscal quarter. In September of each year, the operating companies make the final determination of any necessary underpayment or overpayment of royalties for the prior calendar year. The Trust's independent accountants based in Germany review the royalty calculations on a biennial basis. The next examination for both calendar 2023 and 2024 will begin in October 2025.

Previous wording

There are two types of natural gas found within the Oldenburg concession, sweet gas and sour gas. Sweet gas has little or no contaminants and needs very minor treatment before it can be sold. Sour gas, in comparison, must be processed at the Grossenkneten desulfurization plant which commenced operations in 1972. The desulfurization process removes hydrogen sulfide and other contaminants before the clean gas can be sold. The hydrogen sulfide in gaseous form is converted to sulfur in a solid form and sold separately. Following the retirement of one of the two remaining units during the summer of 2023, the raw gas input is approximately 200 million cubic feet per day. In the opinion of the Trust's German consultant, the single unit will be sufficient to handle sour gas production through-put from the concession and operating expenses in the future may be reduced by this measure. Since sour gas accounts for 71% of overall gas sales and 97% of western gas sales, any future shutdown of Grossenkneten could significantly impact royalty income. The Trust cannot predict when, and to what extent, any future shutdown may occur.

Current wording

There are two types of natural gas found within the Oldenburg concession, sweet gas and sour gas. Sweet gas has little or no contaminants and needs very minor treatment before it can be sold. Sour gas, in comparison, must be processed at the Grossenkneten desulfurization plant before it can be sold. The desulfurization process removes hydrogen sulfide and other contaminants. The hydrogen sulfide in gaseous form is converted to sulfur in a solid form and sold separately. With full operation of the plant, raw gas input capacity stands at approximately 200 million cubic feet utilizing the single remaining processing unit. It is expected that the single unit will be sufficient to handle sour gas production through-put from the concession. It is also expected that operating expenses in the future will be somewhat reduced by using a single processing unit. Since sour gas accounts for 71% of overall gas sales and 97% of western gas sales, any future shutdown could significantly impact royalty income. The Trust has insufficient data to predict whether, when and to what extent any future shutdown may occur.

Previous wording

Under one set of rights covering the western part of the Oldenburg concession (approximately 662,000 acres), the Trust receives a royalty payment of 4% on gross receipts from sales by Mobil Erdgas of gas well gas, oil well gas, crude oil and condensate (the "Mobil Agreement"). Under the Mobil Agreement, there is no deduction of costs prior to the calculation of royalties from gas well gas and oil well gas, which together accounted for approximately 99.5% of the cumulative royalty income received under this agreement in fiscal 2024. Historically, the Trust has received significantly greater royalty payments under the Mobil Agreement, as compared to the OEG Agreement described below, due to the higher royalty rate specified by that agreement.

Current wording

Under one set of rights covering the western part of the Oldenburg concession (approximately 662,000 acres), the Trust receives a royalty payment of 4% on gross receipts from sales by Mobil Erdgas of gas well gas, oil well gas, crude oil and condensate (the "Mobil Agreement"). Under the Mobil Agreement, there is no deduction of costs prior to the calculation of royalties from gas well gas and oil well gas, which together accounted for 96% of the cumulative royalty income received under this agreement in fiscal 2025. Historically, the Trust has received significantly greater royalty payments under the Mobil Agreement, as compared to the OEG Agreement described below, due to the higher royalty rate specified by that agreement.

Previous wording

The Trust is also entitled under the Mobil Sulfur Agreement to receive a 2% royalty on gross receipts of sales of sulfur obtained as a by-product of sour gas produced from the western part of Oldenburg. The payment of the sulfur royalty is conditioned upon sales of sulfur by Mobil Erdgas at a selling price above an agreed upon base price. This base price is adjusted annually by an inflation index. In the first nine months of fiscal 2024, the Trust received $68,205 in sulfur royalties under the Mobil Sulfur Agreement from a combination of previous quarters and corrections uncovered during the royalty examination process. In the first nine months of fiscal 2023, the Trust received $34,586 in sulfur royalties under the Mobil Sulfur Agreement.

Current wording

The Trust is also entitled under the Mobil Sulfur Agreement to receive a 2% royalty on gross receipts of sales of sulfur obtained as a by-product of sour gas produced from the western part of Oldenburg. The payment of the sulfur royalty is conditioned upon sales of sulfur by Mobil Erdgas at a selling price above an agreed upon base price. This base price is adjusted annually by an inflation index. In the first fiscal quarter of 2025, the Trust received $70,202 in sulfur royalties from a combination of sulfur royalties payable for the third and fourth quarters of calendar 2024. In the first quarter of fiscal 2024, the Trust received $68,205 in sulfur royalties under this agreement.

Previous wording

The Mobil and OEG Agreements, as amended in 2016, established a new base for the determination of gas prices upon which the Trust's royalties are calculated. This change reflects a shift to the prices calculated for the German Border Import gas Price ("GBIP"). The average GBIP used under the Mobil and OEG Royalty Agreements is increased by 1% and 3%, respectively, for the royalty calculations. This change reduces the scope and cost of the accounting examination, eliminates ongoing disputes with OEG and Mobil regarding sales to related parties, and reduces prior year adjustments to the normally scheduled year-end reconciliation. The pricing basis has eliminated certain costs (transportation and plant gas storage), that were previously deducted prior to the royalty calculation under the OEG Agreement.

Current wording

In 2016, the Mobil and OEG Agreements were amended, establishing a new base for the determination of gas prices upon which the Trust's royalties are calculated. This change reflects a shift to the prices calculated for the German Border Import gas Price ("GBIP"). The average GBIP used under the Mobil and OEG Royalty Agreements has been and will continue to be increased by 1% and 3%, respectively, for the royalty calculations. This change was intended to reduce the scope and cost of the accounting examination, eliminate ongoing disputes with OEG and Mobil regarding sales to related parties, and reduce prior year adjustments to the normally scheduled year-end reconciliation. The pricing basis has eliminated certain costs (transportation and plant gas storage), that were previously deductible prior to the royalty calculation under the OEG Agreement.

Previous wording

For unit owners, changes in the currency exchange rate between the U.S. Dollar and the Euro have an immediate impact. This impact occurs at the time the royalties, which are paid to the Trust in Euros, are converted into U.S. Dollars at the applicable exchange rate and promptly transferred from Germany to the Trust's bank account in the United States. In relation to the U.S. Dollar, a stronger Euro would yield more U.S. Dollars and a weaker Euro would yield fewer U.S. Dollars.

Current wording

For unit owners, changes in the currency exchange rate between the U.S. Dollar and the Euro have an immediate impact. This impact occurs at the time the royalties, which are paid to the Trust in Euros, are converted into U.S. Dollars at the applicable exchange rate and promptly transferred from Germany to the Trust's bank account in the United States. In relation to the U.S. Dollar, a stronger Euro would yield more U.S. Dollars and a weaker Euro would yield less U.S. Dollars.

Previous wording

The Trust's consultant in Germany provides general information to the Trust on the German and European economies and energy markets as well as monitoring the continuing impact of the war in Ukraine and ongoing efforts by the European governments to respond to the economic impacts of the war. This information provides a context in which to evaluate the actions of the operating companies. The Trust's consultant receives reports from EMPG with respect to current and planned drilling and exploration efforts. EMPG has not scheduled any new gas well drilling through 2024. EMPG and the operating companies continue to limit the information flow to that which is required by German law, and the Trust is not able to confirm the accuracy of any of the information supplied by EMPG or the operating companies.

Current wording

The Trust's consultant in Germany provides general information to the Trust on the German and European economies and energy markets as well as monitoring the continuing impact of the war in Ukraine and ongoing efforts by the European governments to respond to the economic impacts of the war. This information provides a context in which to evaluate the actions of the operating companies. The Trust's consultant receives reports from EMPG with respect to current and planned drilling and exploration efforts. EMPG has not drilled any new wells since 2014 and has not scheduled any new gas well drilling through 2025. EMPG and the operating companies continue to limit the information flow to that which is required by German law, and the Trust is not able to confirm the accuracy of any of the information supplied by EMPG or the operating companies.

Previous wording

Results: First Nine Months of Fiscal 2024 Versus First Nine Months of Fiscal 2023

Current wording

Results: First Quarter of Fiscal 2025 versus First Quarter of Fiscal 2024

Previous wording

Total royalty income received during the third quarter of fiscal 2024 was derived from sales of gas, sulfur, and oil from the Trust's overriding royalty areas in Germany during the second calendar quarter of 2024. A distribution of 21 cents per unit was paid on August 28, 2024 to owners of record as of August 16, 2024. Comparisons of total royalty income and net income for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 and 2023 are shown below.

Current wording

Total royalty income received during the first quarter of fiscal 2025 was derived from sales of gas, sulfur and oil from the Trust's overriding royalty areas in Germany during the fourth calendar quarter of 2024. The distribution of $0.04 per unit was paid on February 26, 2025 to owners of record as of February 14, 2025. Comparisons of total royalty income and net income for the first quarter of fiscal 2025 and 2024 are shown below.

Previous wording

The following table is intended to illustrate trends based on actual gas sales in each fiscal quarter. Gas royalties shown in the table below are determined based on the actual physical gas sales that occurred during the second calendar quarter of 2024 and the average German Border Import gas Price for the period of February 2024 through April 2024.

Current wording

The table below is intended to illustrate trends based on actual gas sales in each quarter. Gas royalties shown in the table below are determined based on the actual physical gas sales that occurred during the fourth calendar quarters of 2024 and 2023 and the average German Border Import gas Price for the periods of August through October 2024 and 2023. No adjustments for prior periods are reflected in the gas royalties.

Previous wording

Excluding the effects of differences in prices and average exchange rates, the combination of royalty rates on gas sold from western Oldenburg results in an effective royalty rate approximately seven times higher than the royalty rate on gas sold from eastern Oldenburg. This is of particular significance to the Trust since gas sold from western Oldenburg provides the bulk of royalties paid to the Trust. For the calendar quarter ended June 30, 2024, gas sales from western Oldenburg accounted for only 29.4% of all gas sales from the Oldenburg concession. However, royalties on these gas sales provided approximately 78.2%, or $1,871,081 out of $2,392,527, of all royalties attributable to gas.

Current wording

Excluding the effects of differences in prices and average exchange rates, the combination of royalty rates on gas sold from western Oldenburg results in an effective royalty rate approximately seven times higher than the royalty rate on gas sold from eastern Oldenburg. This is of particular significance to the Trust since gas sold from western Oldenburg provides the bulk of royalties paid to the Trust. For the first quarter of fiscal 2025, gas sales from western Oldenburg accounted for only 30.3% of all gas sales from the Oldenburg concession. However, due to the absence of any royalty payments under the OEG Agreement, gas royalties paid under the Mobil Agreement accounted for 100% of all gas royalties.

Previous wording

The current Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Trust Corpus of the Trust at July 31, 2024, compared to that at fiscal year-end (October 31, 2023), shows an increase in assets due to higher royalty receipts during the third quarter of fiscal 2024.

Current wording

The current Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Trust Corpus of the Trust at January 31, 2025, compared to that at fiscal year-end (October 31, 2024), shows an increase in assets due to higher royalty receipts during the first quarter of fiscal 2025.