Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated 52 million, with net income at 0.45 per unit to 48 million of operating cash flow and 22 million and 15 million, an increase of 2 million due to increased incentive compensation [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global metallurgical coal prices have reached historically high levels due to strong demand and muted supply response [9] - Thermal coal markets are benefiting from increased electric power generation and restricted growth in thermal coal supplies, with prices expected to remain elevated [10][11] - Soda ash prices have increased by more than 50% in Q1 2022 compared to the previous year, with export prices more than doubling [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to leverage improved financial performance to accelerate deleveraging and return additional cash to common unitholders [8][15] - There is a focus on identifying opportunities in the transitional energy economy, including CO2 sequestration projects [14] - The company remains committed to solidifying its capital structure and paying down debt [15][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the strong performance in recent quarters continuing for the foreseeable future, despite risks from COVID-19 lockdowns in China and the war in Ukraine [15] - The supply-demand balance for metallurgical coal is expected to remain tight, supporting prices [9] - The company is continuously evaluating the best use of cash flow, including debt paydown and increasing distributions [32] Other Important Information - The company generated $152 million of free cash flow over the last 12 months, with a rising cash flow cushion after paying debt amortizations and distributions [15] - The company redeemed all outstanding paid-in-kind preferred units at par during Q1 2022 [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on outstanding 12% preferreds - Management is focused on reducing debt balances before addressing the preferreds, which have a redemption premium that makes immediate redemption economically disincentive [26][28] Question: Impact of thermal coal pricing on new arrangements - The fixed payment plan has transitioned to a conventional royalty arrangement, and while current contracts may not reflect recent price increases, management believes pricing will catch up over time [34][42]
NPR(NRP) - 2022 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript