What's My Revenue Statement Really Telling Me?
Owning a mineral interest can be rewarding—but understanding what drives your royalty payments isn’t always straightforward. At SOGC, we want to provide clarity where we can. While we can’t predict when and how much your next check will be, we can help you better understand the factors that influence what you receive.
Will I Receive a Check This Month?
That depends. Our accounting system automatically issues a payment when your account balance reaches $100 or more, that payment cycle. If your royalties don’t meet that threshold, the balance rolls forward to the next month. Still unsure? Here are some simple examples to help you estimate if you may receive a payment:
- If you received $125 or more for last month’s production you will likely receive another payment next month, subject to production, pricing and other factors.
- If you average $25 per month it may take about four months before a payment is issued.
- Every December we issue checks regardless of the $100 minimum to clear out all remaining balances.
- Payment Dates payments are issued by the 25th of each month. Please allow 1-2 weeks if you receive a paper check. Please allow 2-4 business days if you receive Direct Deposit. You will receive a revenue statement notification from the Portal when payment is issued.
- Please allow 1-2 weeks if you receive a paper check. Please allow 2-4 business days if you receive Direct Deposit.
Production Isn’t Always Steady — And That’s Normal
New wells often produce the most oil and gas in the early months. Over time, production naturally declines — even if nothing is wrong. This means your royalty amounts may start strong, then level off. That’s a typical pattern for most oil and gas wells.
Other variables can cause temporary dips:
- Well repairs or maintenance
- Pipeline interruptions
- Seasonal slowdowns in production
If your payment seems lower one month, it doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a problem — it may just be the result of one of these normal fluctuations. You can often spot these trends by reviewing your monthly revenue statements and noting changes in gross production over time.
Back to top...Oil Prices Go Up and Down — So Do Royalties
Royalty payments are tied to commodity prices — mainly oil and natural gas.
- When oil prices rise, your royalty may increase (although so might your cost at the gas pump!).
- When prices fall, your royalty check may be smaller, even if production volume stays the same.
Like any market-based commodity, your mineral interest follows the ups and downs of the energy markets.
Back to top...Your Revenue Statement: A Snapshot of All This
Your revenue statement reflects:
- What product was produced - (Oil, Gas, Plant Products)
- How much was sold - (Volume in BBL / MCF / Gallons)
- What prices were received - (Gross Value)
- Any deductions - (Marketing, Severance Tax, Transportation, Processing Fees, etc...)
-
Your share of the proceeds - (Royalty Interest)
- "Decimal Interest" will match the Decimal Interest on your Division Orders.
The statement is the result of many moving parts — and the best way to track how your interest is performing.
Back to top...Unclaimed Property — "Lost Money"
Unclaimed Property are funds sent to the state for dormant accounts, uncashed checks and similar, as mandated by your state.
- A great way to avoid your money being sent to the state is to return all Division Orders, fix any property Title issues, and promptly respond to our Mailings.
- If you think you may be an heir to a deceased mineral owner, whose dormant funds may have been sent to the state, please review the link below.
- After visiting your respective state's Unclaimed Property website, contact us using the Portal Helpdesk with information obtained there.
- You may review our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section of the Portal for information to transfer ownership.
The National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators has a website and tools to help you find and reclaim money sent to the state(s) you have resided in. It's a great place to begin searching for "lost money".
Back to top...Take Control: Use the Portal
Want to stay informed? The Owner Relations Portal gives you secure, 24/7 access to your:
- File Browser to find past payments, JIBs, and tax documents
- Support Helpdesk to ask questions
- Account Alerts for payments, changes to your account and responses to your questions
-
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) to answer most common questions such as:
- How do I transfer ownership?
- How do I use the Portal?
- What is a Division Order?
- ...and much more!
If you’re not signed up yet, it only takes a minute. Join the Portal Here
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