NRP
Natural Resource Partners L.P.
NYSE · Energy · Coal · US
$113.66
+0.23%Next report
Analyst consensus
- Next report date
- Nov 4, 2026
- EPS estimate
- -$0.02
- Revenue estimate
- $34.0M
Latest reported
- Last report date
- Aug 5, 2026
- EPS actual
- $1.85
- EPS estimate
- $0.30
- Revenue actual
- $48.1M
- Revenue estimate
- $37.7M
Track record
Trailing twelve quarters
- EPS beats (12Q)
- 4
- EPS misses (12Q)
- 0
- EPS in line (12Q)
- 0
- Avg surprise (4Q)
- +8823.2%
- Revenue beats (12Q)
- 2
Earnings call summaryRead the full call →
Q2 FY2026 · Aug 5, 2026
AI summary of management’s prepared remarks and analyst Q&A · For informational purposes only, not investment advice
Management highlights
-
Overall Financial Performance
- NRP generated $42 million of free cash flow in Q2 2026, and $163 million of free cash flow over the trailing 12 months, excluding the $39 million invested in the Sodash business in Q1 2026
- The company has fully paid off its bank revolver, with only $14 million of total debt outstanding as of the call
- A Q2 2026 distribution of 75 cents per common unit was announced, to be paid later in the month, matching the Q1 2026 distribution level
-
Coal Market Update
- Both metallurgical and thermal coal markets have stabilized after prior declines, with modest improvement off recent lows; no near-term catalyst is expected to push prices sharply higher
- The mineral rights segment has consistently generated stable cash flow across all coal market cycles, and remains the company's most dependable cash generator
- High oil prices increase associated natural gas production, which puts downward pressure on North American thermal coal prices, while lower oil prices support thermal coal pricing; growing renewables competitiveness creates a long-term headwind for thermal coal demand
-
Soda Ash Market Update
- The global soda ash market remains oversupplied, with no quick fix for the current imbalance; international prices have found a floor, but this floor is below most producers' cost of production, so the downturn is expected to continue
- Domestic soda ash prices currently hold an unusually large premium to international prices, because annual domestic contract pricing has not yet adjusted to the drop in international spot prices; this premium is expected to narrow as 2027 delivery contracts are negotiated in 2026, leading to lower domestic prices ahead
- Approximately 4% of global soda ash capacity has been announced for extended closure, an early sign that market excess is beginning to correct, as supply and demand will eventually rebalance over time
Guidance
- Barring unforeseen adverse events, management intends to raise the company's distribution significantly starting in November 2026
- Distributions from the Sister James, Wyoming soda ash operation are not expected to resume until soda ash demand rebounds or there is sufficient permanent supply reduction in the depressed market
- Management does not attempt to predict short-term commodity price movements, and expects the current soda ash downturn to continue for some time before market correction occurs
Segment performance
- Mineral Rights Segment: Generated $36 million of net income, and $45 million of operating and free cash flow in Q2 2026. Compared to Q2 2025, net income decreased by $3 million, and operating/free cash flow each decreased by $1 million. In Q2 2026, metallurgical coal accounted for approximately 70% of total coal royalty revenue and 45% of coal royalty sales volume. This segment contributed 144% of consolidated Q2 2026 net income and 107% of consolidated operating/free cash flow.
- Soda Ash Segment: Q2 2026 net income decreased by $7 million year-over-year, and operating/free cash flow each decreased by $5 million year-over-year. No distribution was received from the Sister James, Wyoming operation in Q2 2026, compared to a $5 million distribution in Q2 2025. This segment had a net negative impact on consolidated results relative to the prior year period.
- Corporate and Financing: Q2 2026 net income improved by $2 million year-over-year, and operating/free cash flow each improved by $1 million year-over-year, driven by lower interest costs from reduced outstanding debt. This segment offset net declines from the other two segments to deliver positive consolidated improvement.
Risks & headwinds
- Geopolitical conflict, global shipping disruptions, and ongoing tariff disputes create market uncertainty, with unknown resolution outcomes that could impact performance
- Thermal coal faces sustained long-term headwinds from the increasing competitiveness of renewable energy
- The global soda ash market is currently oversupplied, with prices at unprofitable levels for most producers; domestic soda ash prices are expected to decline as contract renewals close the gap with depressed international spot prices
- All forward-looking statements are subject to material risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from management's current expectations, as detailed in the company's SEC filings
Analyst Q&A
There were no analyst or investor questions submitted during the Q&A portion of the call. After an open waiting period for questions, the call moved directly to closing remarks from management.
Reported results against consensus at the time of each report · Surprise is computed from the estimate on record · Data as of Nov 4, 2026