Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, the company generated $31 million of net income, $45 million of operating cash flow, and $46 million of free cash flow. For the full year 2025, net income was $136 million, operating cash flow was $166 million, and free cash flow was $169 million [10] - The Mineral Rights segment reported a decrease in net income, operating cash flow, and free cash flow by $13 million in Q4 and $41 million for the full year compared to the prior year [11] - The Soda Ash segment's net income decreased by $3 million in Q4 and $15 million for the full year compared to the prior year periods [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Mineral Rights segment accounted for approximately 70% of coal royalty revenues and 45% of coal royalty sales volumes in Q4 2025, with a similar mix for the full year [11] - The Soda Ash segment faced challenges due to lower international sales prices and weak demand, leading to a decrease in operating and free cash flow by $11 million in Q4 and $31 million for the full year compared to the prior year [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Metallurgical and thermal coal prices are at cyclically low levels, while soda ash prices are at generational lows, with no immediate catalysts expected to improve this outlook [4][5] - The company noted that the global soda ash market is experiencing a downturn that may last several years, with international prices below production costs for most producers [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on managing the partnership under the assumption that demand for North American thermal coal is in long-term decline, while also investing in safety and operational integrity [5][6] - The company plans to retire all outstanding debt and increase unitholder distributions, although the recent $39 million investment in Sisecam Wyoming may delay this timeline [9] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed concerns about the prolonged downturn in the soda ash market, indicating that the extent and duration of the downturn have exceeded expectations [5][6] - The company remains disciplined in its capital allocation decisions, prioritizing intrinsic value maximization while navigating a challenging market environment [7] Other Important Information - The company retired $109 million of debt in 2025, finishing the year with $33 million of debt and no other financial obligations [9] - A special distribution of $0.12 per common unit was announced to help cover unitholder tax liabilities associated with owning NRP's common units in 2025 [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Is the joint venture now debt-free following the capital contribution? - The joint venture has over $50 million of debt remaining after the contribution [16] Question: Are there plans to continue making contributions to pay down the remaining debt? - Currently, there are no plans to make further contributions, but it remains a possibility if market conditions worsen [18] Question: Will distributions be substantially increased in the May quarter? - No, the timing for potential distribution increases is likely pushed back to November due to the ongoing bear market and the recent capital contribution [27][29] Question: Why did the company not bid at the recent mineral rights auction? - The company typically does not find attractive opportunities at auctions and is focused on de-leveraging before returning capital to unitholders [32]