Natural Resource Partners' Q3 Earnings Fall Y/Y on Weak Coal, Soda Ash

Core Viewpoint - Natural Resource Partners L.P. (NRP) reported a decline in net income and revenues for Q3 2025, reflecting challenges in the coal and soda ash markets, while maintaining a focus on deleveraging and free cash flow generation [2][12][14]. Financial Performance - NRP's net income for Q3 2025 was $30.9 million, down 20% from $38.6 million a year earlier [2] - Total revenues fell 17% to $49.9 million from $60.3 million in the prior-year quarter [2] - Basic earnings per common unit decreased to $2.31 from $2.55 [2] - Operating cash flow was $41.1 million compared to $54.1 million in Q3 2024 [2] - Free cash flow decreased 24% year over year to $41.8 million from $54.8 million [2] Segment Performance - Mineral Rights Segment: Net income rose slightly to $40.9 million from $40.6 million, but operating and free cash flows decreased due to lower metallurgical coal sales prices and volumes [3] - Coal Royalty Revenues: Dropped approximately 9% to $34.2 million, with average royalty revenue per ton declining to $4.51 from $5.24, attributed to weak global steel demand and low natural gas prices [4] - Soda Ash Segment: Net income fell by $10.5 million due to lower international sales prices, with no distributions received from the joint venture Sisecam Wyoming LLC in Q3 [5][6] Management Commentary - Management highlighted the ongoing depressed market conditions for coal, soda ash, and carbon-neutral ventures, yet emphasized the generation of substantial free cash flow [8] - The global soda ash market is described as oversupplied, with prices at or below production costs for many operators [6] - The company is focused on maintaining a conservative capital management approach and has made significant progress in deleveraging [11] Guidance & Outlook - NRP anticipates continued weakness in coal and soda ash markets through 2026 but expects to remain free cash flow positive [14] - The long-term goal is to achieve a "fortress balance sheet" with no permanent debt and at least $30 million in cash reserves [15] Other Developments - NRP maintained its quarterly cash distribution of 75 cents per common unit, payable on November 25, 2025 [16] - The company is diversifying by leasing acreage for lithium production in the Smackover formation, indicating a shift beyond its traditional coal and soda ash businesses [17]