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Natural Resource Partners NRP Form 10-Q filing Q3 FY2022

Filed
Nov 3, 2022, 3:05 PM EDT
Fiscal quarter
Q3 FY2022
Calendar quarter
Q3 2022
Accession
0001437749-22-025730

ITEM 1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

View SEC source
(In thousands, except unit data)September 30, 2022December 31, 2021
(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts receivable, net
Other current assets, net
Total current assets
Land
Mineral rights, net
Intangible assets, net
Equity in unconsolidated investment
Long-term contract receivable, net
Other long-term assets, net
Total assets
LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL
Current liabilities
Accounts payable
Accrued liabilities
Accrued interest
Current portion of deferred revenue
Current portion of long-term debt, net
Total current liabilities
Deferred revenue
Long-term debt, net
Other non-current liabilities
Total liabilities
Commitments and contingencies (see Note 12)
Class A Convertible Preferred Units (250,000 and 269,321 units issued and outstanding at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively, at $1,000 par value per unit; liquidation preference of $1,850 per unit at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021)$164,587$183,908
Partners’ capital
Common unitholders’ interest (12,505,996 and 12,351,306 units issued and outstanding at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively)
General partner’s interest
Warrant holders’ interest
Accumulated other comprehensive income
Total partners’ capital
Total liabilities and partners' capital

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

NATURAL RESOURCE PARTNERS L.P.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Unaudited

View SEC source
(In thousands, except per unit data)For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2022For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2021For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021
Revenues and other income
Royalty and other mineral rights
Transportation and processing services
Equity in earnings of Sisecam Wyoming
Gain on asset sales and disposals
Total revenues and other income
Operating expenses
Operating and maintenance expenses
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
General and administrative expenses
Asset impairments
Total operating expenses
Income from operations
Other expenses, net
Interest expense, net$()$()$()$()
Loss on extinguishment of debt()()
Total other expenses, net$()$()$()$()
Net income
Less: income attributable to preferred unitholders()()()()
Net income attributable to common unitholders and the general partner
Net income attributable to common unitholders
Net income attributable to the general partner
Net income per common unit (see Note 4)
Basic
Diluted
Net income
Comprehensive income (loss) from unconsolidated investment and other()
Comprehensive income

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

NATURAL RESOURCE PARTNERS L.P.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PARTNERS’ CAPITAL

Unaudited

View SEC source
(In thousands)Common UnitholdersUnitsCommon UnitholdersAmountsGeneralPartnerWarrantHoldersAccumulated · Other · ComprehensiveIncomeTotal · Partners'Capital
Balance at December 31, 202112,351$203,062$1,787$47,964$3,211$256,024
Net income (1)62,6211,278
Distributions to common unitholders and the general partner(5,559)(113)()
Distributions to preferred unitholders(7,603)(155)()
Issuance of unit-based awards155
Unit-based awards amortization and vesting, net(1,754)()
Capital contribution112
Comprehensive income from unconsolidated investment and other2,545
Balance at March 31, 202212,506$250,767$2,909$47,964$5,756$307,396
Net income (1)65,4841,336
Distributions to common unitholders and the general partner(9,379)(191)()
Distributions to preferred unitholders(7,350)(150)()
Unit-based awards amortization and vesting1,231
Comprehensive loss from unconsolidated investment and other(4,013)()
Balance at June 30, 202212,506$300,753$3,904$47,964$1,743$354,364
Net income (1)73,0641,491
Distributions to common unitholders and the general partner(9,380)(191)()
Distributions to preferred unitholders(7,350)(150)()
Unit-based awards amortization and vesting1,245
Comprehensive income from unconsolidated investment and other289
Balance at September 30, 202212,506$358,332$5,054$47,964$2,032

(1) Net income includes $7.5 million of income attributable to preferred unitholders that accumulated during the period, of which $7.4 million is allocated to the common unitholders and $0.2 million is allocated to the general partner.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

NATURAL RESOURCE PARTNERS L.P.

(In thousands)Common UnitholdersUnitsCommon UnitholdersAmountsGeneralPartnerWarrantHoldersAccumulated · Other · ComprehensiveIncomeTotal · Partners'Capital
Balance at December 31, 202012,261$136,927$459$66,816$322$204,524
Net income (1)8,2131688,381
Distributions to common unitholders and the general partner(5,517)(113)(5,630)
Distributions to preferred unitholders(7,461)(152)(7,613)
Issuance of unit-based awards90
Unit-based awards amortization and vesting, net215215
Capital contribution3232
Comprehensive income from unconsolidated investment and other732732
Balance at March 31, 202112,351$132,377$394$66,816$1,054$200,641
Net income (2)15,07430815,382
Distributions to common unitholders and the general partner(5,559)(113)(5,672)
Distributions to preferred unitholders(7,571)(155)(7,726)
Unit-based awards amortization and vesting515515
Comprehensive income from unconsolidated investment and other2,5332,533
Balance at June 30, 202112,351$134,836$434$66,816$3,587$205,673
Net income (3)28,90958929,498
Distributions to common unitholders and the general partner(5,558)(113)(5,671)
Distributions to preferred unitholders(7,687)(156)(7,843)
Unit-based awards amortization and vesting959959
Comprehensive income from unconsolidated investment and other4,2044,204
Balance at September 30, 202112,351$151,459$754$66,816$7,791$226,820
(1)Net income includes $7.7 million of income attributable to preferred unitholders that accumulated during the period, of which $7.6 million is allocated to the common unitholders and $0.2 million is allocated to the general partner.
(2)Net income includes $7.8 million of income attributable to preferred unitholders that accumulated during the period, of which $7.7 million is allocated to the common unitholders and $0.2 million is allocated to the general partner.
(3)Net income includes $8.0 million of income attributable to preferred unitholders that accumulated during the period, of which $7.8 million is allocated to the common unitholders and $0.2 million is allocated to the general partner.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

NATURAL RESOURCE PARTNERS L.P.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income$205,274$53,261
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization16,56515,145
Distributions from unconsolidated investment34,0553,920
Equity earnings from unconsolidated investment(44,036)(11,246)
Gain on asset sales and disposals(699)(243)
Loss on extinguishment of debt6,532
Asset impairments8744,116
Bad debt expense6411,715
Unit-based compensation expense4,2162,837
Amortization of debt issuance costs and other1,8871,899
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable(10,118)(12,332)
Accounts payable22389
Accrued liabilities(4,831)(839)
Accrued interest3,0146,971
Deferred revenue(17,094)(2,121)
Other items, net1,4473,471
Net cash provided by operating activities$197,950$66,643
Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from asset sales and disposals$699$249
Return of long-term contract receivable1,1381,622
Capital expenditures(59)
Net cash provided by investing activities$1,778$1,871
Cash flows from financing activities
Debt repayments$(197,665)$(19,061)
Distributions to common unitholders and the general partner(24,813)(16,973)
Distributions to preferred unitholders(22,500)(11,591)
Acquisition of non-controlling interest in BRP(1,000)
Redemption of preferred units paid-in-kind(19,579)
Other items, net(9,754)(690)
Net cash used in financing activities$(274,311)$(49,315)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents$(74,583)$19,199
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period135,52099,790
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$60,937$118,989
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest$18,501$20,829
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Preferred unit distributions paid-in-kind11,591

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

NATURAL RESOURCE PARTNERS L.P.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1. Basis of Presentation

Nature of Business

Natural Resource Partners L.P. (the "Partnership") engages principally in the business of owning, managing and leasing a diversified portfolio of mineral properties in the United States, including interests in coal and other natural resources and owns a non-controlling 49% interest in Sisecam Wyoming LLC ("Sisecam Wyoming"), a trona ore mining and soda ash production business. The Partnership is organized into two operating segments further described in Note 5. Segment Information. As used in these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the terms "NRP," "we," "us" and "our" refer to Natural Resource Partners L.P. and its subsidiaries, unless otherwise stated or indicated by context.

Principles of Consolidation and Reporting

The accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements of the Partnership have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("GAAP") for interim financial information and with Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2021 and notes thereto included in the Partnership's Annual Report on Form 10-K, which was filed with the SEC on March 15, 2022.

2. Revenues from Contracts with Customers

The following table presents the Partnership's Mineral Rights segment revenues by major source:

(In thousands)For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2022For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2021For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021
Coal royalty revenues$52,381$32,432$170,775$66,095
Production lease minimum revenues1,8853,2353,54210,241
Minimum lease straight-line revenues4,7784,80814,23515,773
Carbon neutral initiative revenues (1)8,6008,600
Property tax revenues1,3601,4664,5274,522
Wheelage revenues2,9771,96411,0735,589
Coal overriding royalty revenues1,3677572,3073,592
Lease amendment revenues7591,5192,4503,159
Aggregates royalty revenues8844292,6911,339
Oil and gas royalty revenues6,1701,15410,8903,420
Other revenues218120705692
Royalty and other mineral rights revenues$81,379$47,884$231,795$114,422
Transportation and processing services revenues (2)5,9692,17115,3776,545
Total Mineral Rights segment revenues$87,348$50,055$247,172$120,967

(1) Included within carbon neutral initiative revenues are payments that are recognized at a point in time upon satisfaction of NRP's performance obligation.

(2) Transportation and processing services revenues from contracts with customers as defined under ASC 606 was $4.9 million and $1.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and $12.9 million and $3.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The remaining transportation and processing services revenues of $1.1 million and $0.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and $2.5 million and $2.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, related to other NRP-owned infrastructure leased to and operated by third-party operators accounted for under other guidance. See Note 14. Financing Transaction for more information.

The following table details the Partnership's Mineral Rights segment receivables and liabilities resulting from contracts with customers:

(In thousands)September 30, 2022December 31, 2021
Receivables
Accounts receivable, net$30,991$22,277
Other current assets, net (1)874769
Other long-term assets, net (2)75250
Contract liabilities
Current portion of deferred revenue$8,886$11,817
Deferred revenue35,88250,045

(1) Other current assets, net includes short-term notes receivables from contracts with customers.

(2) Other long-term assets, net includes long-term lease amendment fee receivables from contracts with customers.

6

NATURAL RESOURCE PARTNERS L.P.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED

(Unaudited)

The following table shows the activity related to the Partnership's Mineral Rights segment deferred revenue:

(In thousands)For the Nine Months EndedSeptember 30, 2022For the Nine Months EndedSeptember 30, 2021
Balance at beginning of period (current and non-current)$61,862$61,554
Increase due to minimums and lease amendment fees11,3096,411
Recognition of previously deferred revenue(28,403)(8,532)
Balance at end of period (current and non-current)$44,768$59,433

The Partnership's non-cancelable annual minimum payments due under the lease terms of its coal and aggregates royalty leases are as follows as of September 30, 2022 (in thousands):

Lease Term (1)Weighted Average Remaining YearsAnnual Minimum Payments
0 - 5 years2.4$22,229
5 - 10 years3.87,517
10+ years12.827,221
Total7.5$56,967

(1) Lease term does not include renewal periods.

3. Common and Preferred Unit Distributions

The Partnership makes cash distributions to common and preferred unitholders on a quarterly basis, subject to approval by the Board of Directors of GP Natural Resource Partners LLC (the "Board of Directors"). NRP recognizes both common unit and preferred unit distributions on the date the distribution is declared.

Distributions made on the common units and the general partner's general partner ("GP") interest are made on a pro-rata basis in accordance with their relative percentage interests in the Partnership. The general partner is entitled to receive 2% of such distributions.

Income available to common unitholders and the general partner is reduced by preferred unit distributions that accumulated during the period. NRP reduced net income available to common unitholders and the general partner by $7.5 million and $8.0 million during the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and $22.5 million and $23.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, as a result of accumulated preferred unit distributions earned during the period.

The following table shows the cash distributions declared and paid to common and preferred unitholders during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively:

Month PaidPeriod Covered by DistributionCash Distributions · Common Units · Total Distribution (1)(In thousands)Paid-in-kind Distributions · Preferred Units · Total Distribution(In units)
2022
February 2022October 1 - December 31, 2021$⁠5,672
May 2022January 1 - March 31, 20229,570
August 2022April 1 - June 30, 20229,571
2021
February 2021October 1 - December 31, 2020$⁠5,630$⁠3,806
May 2021January 1 - March 31, 20215,6723,864
August 2021April 1 - June 30, 20215,6713,921

(1) Totals include the amount paid to NRP's general partner in accordance with the general partner's 2% general partner interest.

7

NATURAL RESOURCE PARTNERS L.P.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED

(Unaudited)

4. Net Income Per Common Unit

Basic net income per common unit is computed by dividing net income, after considering income attributable to preferred unitholders and the general partner’s general partner interest, by the weighted average number of common units outstanding. Diluted net income per common unit includes the effect of NRP's preferred units, warrants, and unvested unit-based awards if the inclusion of these items is dilutive.

The dilutive effect of the preferred units is calculated using the if-converted method. Under the if-converted method, the preferred units are assumed to be converted at the beginning of the period, and the resulting common units are included in the denominator of the diluted net income per unit calculation for the period being presented. Distributions declared in the period and undeclared distributions on the preferred units that accumulated during the period are added back to the numerator for purposes of the if-converted calculation. The calculation of diluted net income per common unit for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 includes the assumed conversion of the preferred units.

The dilutive effect of the warrants is calculated using the treasury stock method, which assumes that the proceeds from the exercise of these instruments are used to purchase common units at the average market price for the period. The calculation of diluted net income per common unit for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 includes the net settlement of warrants to purchase 0.75 million common units at a strike price of $22.81 and the net settlement of warrants to purchase 2.25 million common units with a strike price of $34.00 whereas the calculation of diluted net income per common unit for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 does not include the net settlement of warrants to purchase 1.75 million common units at a strike price of $22.81 or the net settlement of warrants to purchase 2.25 million common units with a strike price of $34.00 because the impact would have been anti-dilutive.

The following tables reconcile the numerator and denominator of the basic and diluted net income per common unit computations and calculates basic and diluted net income per common unit:

(In thousands, except per unit data)For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2022For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2021For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021
Allocation of net income
Net income$74,555$29,498$205,274$53,261
Less: income attributable to preferred unitholders(7,500)(7,961)(22,500)(23,530)
Net income attributable to common unitholders and the general partner$67,055$21,537$182,774$29,731
Less: net income attributable to the general partner(1,341)(431)(3,655)(595)
Net income attributable to common unitholders$65,714$21,106$179,119$29,136
Basic net income per common unit
Weighted average common units—basic12,50612,35112,47612,332
Basic net income per common unit$5.25$1.71$14.36$2.36
Diluted net income per common unit
Weighted average common units—basic12,50612,35112,47612,332
Plus: dilutive effect of preferred units6,21013,8356,21013,835
Plus: dilutive effect of warrants807759
Plus: dilutive effect of unvested unit-based awards195188204144
Weighted average common units—diluted19,71826,37419,64926,311
Net income$74,555$29,498$205,274$53,261
Less: income attributable to preferred unitholders
Diluted net income attributable to common unitholders and the general partner$74,555$29,498$205,274$53,261
Less: diluted net income attributable to the general partner(1,491)(589)(4,105)(1,065)
Diluted net income attributable to common unitholders$73,064$28,909$201,169$52,196
Diluted net income per common unit$3.71$1.10$10.24$1.98

8

NATURAL RESOURCE PARTNERS L.P.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED

(Unaudited)

5. Segment Information

The Partnership's segments are strategic business units that offer distinct products and services to different customers in different geographies within the U.S. and that are managed accordingly. NRP has the following two operating segments:

Mineral Rights—consists of mineral interests and other subsurface rights across the United States. NRP's ownership provides critical inputs for the manufacturing of steel, electricity and basic building materials, as well as opportunities for carbon sequestration and renewable energy. The Partnership is working to strategically redefine its business as a key player in the transitional energy economy in the years to come.

Soda Ash—consists of the Partnership's 49% non-controlling equity interest in Sisecam Wyoming, a trona ore mining operation and soda ash refinery in the Green River Basin of Wyoming. Sisecam Wyoming mines trona and processes it into soda ash that is sold both domestically and internationally to the glass and chemicals industries.

Direct segment costs and certain other costs incurred at the corporate level that are identifiable and that benefit the Partnership's segments are allocated to the operating segments accordingly. These allocated costs generally include salaries and benefits, insurance, property taxes, legal, royalty, information technology and shared facilities services and are included in operating and maintenance expenses on the Partnership's Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Corporate and Financing includes functional corporate departments that do not earn revenues. Costs incurred by these departments include interest and financing, corporate headquarters and overhead, centralized treasury, legal and accounting and other corporate-level activity not specifically allocated to a segment and are included in general and administrative expenses on the Partnership's Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

The following table summarizes certain financial information for each of the Partnership's business segments:

(In thousands)For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2022Operating SegmentsMineral RightsOperating SegmentsSoda AshCorporate and FinancingTotal
Revenues$87,348$14,556$101,904
Gain on asset sales and disposals354354
Operating and maintenance expenses7,867317,898
Depreciation, depletion and amortization6,8506,850
General and administrative expenses4,5184,518
Asset impairments812812
Other expenses, net7,6257,625
Net income (loss)72,17314,525(12,143)74,555
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2021
Revenues$50,055$6,672$56,727
Gain on asset sales and disposals6868
Operating and maintenance expenses8,278768,354
Depreciation, depletion and amortization5,1825,182
General and administrative expenses4,0524,052
Asset impairments5757
Other expenses, net9,6529,652
Net income (loss)36,6066,596(13,704)29,498
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022
Revenues$247,172$44,036$291,208
Gain on asset sales and disposals699699
Operating and maintenance expenses25,88410525,989
Depreciation, depletion and amortization16,56516,565
General and administrative expenses14,03714,037
Asset impairments874874
Other expenses, net29,16829,168
Net income (loss)204,54843,931(43,205)205,274
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021
Revenues$120,967$11,246$132,213
Gain on asset sales and disposals243243
Operating and maintenance expenses18,94513119,076
Depreciation, depletion and amortization15,14515,145
General and administrative expenses11,55011,550
Asset impairments4,1164,116
Other expenses, net2429,28429,308
Net income (loss)82,98011,115(40,834)53,261

9

NATURAL RESOURCE PARTNERS L.P.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED

(Unaudited)

6. Equity Investment

The Partnership accounts for its 49% investment in Sisecam Wyoming using the equity method of accounting. Activity related to this investment is as follows:

(In thousands)For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2022For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2021For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021
Balance at beginning of period$280,300$266,433$276,004$262,514
Income allocation to NRP’s equity interests15,7327,98947,60115,060
Amortization of basis difference(1,176)(1,317)(3,565)(3,814)
Other comprehensive income (loss)2894,204(1,179)7,469
Distribution(10,339)(34,055)(3,920)
Balance at end of period$284,806$277,309$284,806$277,309

The following table represents summarized financial information for Sisecam Wyoming as derived from their respective unaudited financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021:

(In thousands)For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2022For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2021For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021
Net sales$190,450$135,648$542,955$384,129
Gross profit$39,67923,530119,72350,317
Net income$32,10516,30497,14430,734

7. Mineral Rights, Net

The Partnership’s mineral rights consist of the following:

(In thousands)September 30, 2022Carrying ValueSeptember 30, 2022Accumulated DepletionSeptember 30, 2022Net Book ValueDecember 31, 2021Carrying ValueDecember 31, 2021Accumulated DepletionDecember 31, 2021Net Book Value
Coal properties$666,604$(265,031)$401,573$670,650$(253,503)$417,147
Aggregates properties8,674(3,310)5,3648,747(2,975)5,772
Oil and gas royalty properties12,354(9,479)2,87512,354(9,115)3,239
Other13,151(1,612)11,53913,151(1,612)11,539
Total mineral rights, net$700,783$(279,432)$421,351$704,902$(267,205)$437,697

Depletion expense related to the Partnership’s mineral rights is included in depreciation, depletion and amortization on its Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and totaled $6.4 million and $4.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and $15.5 million and $13.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 the Partnership recorded $0.8 million and $0.9 million of asset impairments, respectively. During the three months ended September 30, 2021, the Partnership did not have any material asset impairments and during the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Partnership recorded $4.1 million of expense primarily due to a lease termination that resulted in the full impairment of a coal property. The Partnership has developed procedures to evaluate its long-lived assets for possible impairment periodically or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate an asset's net book value may not be recoverable. Potential events or circumstances include, but are not limited to, specific events such as a reduction in economically recoverable reserves or production ceasing on a property for an extended period. This analysis is based on historic, current and future performance and considers both quantitative and qualitative information. While the Partnership's impairment evaluation as of September 30, 2022 incorporated an estimated impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic, there is significant uncertainty as to the severity and duration of this disruption. If the impact is worse than current estimates, an additional impairment charge may be recognized in future periods.

10

NATURAL RESOURCE PARTNERS L.P.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED

(Unaudited)

8. Debt, Net

The Partnership's debt consists of the following:

(In thousands)September 30, 2022December 31, 2021
NRP LP debt:
9.125% senior notes, with semi-annual interest payments in June and December, due June 2025, issued at par ("2025 Senior Notes")$121,396$300,000
Opco debt:
Revolving credit facility
Senior Notes
5.55% with semi-annual interest payments in June and December, with annual principal payments in June, due June 2023$2,366$4,730
4.73% with semi-annual interest payments in June and December, with annual principal payments in December, due December 202312,00812,008
5.82% with semi-annual interest payments in March and September, with annual principal payments in March, due March 202425,36838,053
8.92% with semi-annual interest payments in March and September, with annual principal payments in March, due March 20248,02312,035
5.03% with semi-annual interest payments in June and December, with annual principal payments in December, due December 202657,10457,104
5.18% with semi-annual interest payments in June and December, with annual principal payments in December, due December 202614,55414,554
Total Opco Senior Notes$119,423$138,484
Total debt at face value$240,819$438,484
Net unamortized debt issuance costs(2,096)(4,939)
Total debt, net$238,723$433,545
Less: current portion of long-term debt(89,989)(39,102)
Total long-term debt, net$148,734$394,443

NRP LP Debt

2025 Senior Notes

In October 2022, NRP redeemed the outstanding $121.4 million 2025 Senior Notes at a redemption price of 102.281% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, utilizing cash on hand and $70 million in borrowings under its recently extended credit facility. The $51.4 million of 2025 Senior Notes redeemed using cash on hand is classified as current portion of long-term debt, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2022. As of the date of this report, there are no 2025 Senior Notes outstanding. The following describes the terms of the 2025 Senior Notes prior to their redemption.

The 2025 Senior Notes were issued under an Indenture dated as of *April 29, 2019 (*the "2025 Indenture"), bear interest at 9.125% per year and mature on June 30, 2025. Interest is payable semi-annually on June 30 and December 30. NRP has the option to redeem the 2025 Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at any time on or after October 30, 2021, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) of 104.563% for the 12-month period beginning October 30, 2021, 102.281% for the 12-month period beginning October 30, 2022, and thereafter at 100.000%, together, in each case, with any accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption. Furthermore, before October 30, 2021, NRP may on any one or more occasions redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2025 Senior Notes with the net proceeds of certain public or private equity offerings at a redemption price of 109.125% of the principal amount of 2025 Senior Notes, plus any accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption, if at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2025 Senior Notes issued under the 2025 Indenture remains outstanding immediately after such redemption and the redemption occurs within 180 days of the closing date of such equity offering. In the event of a change of control, as defined in the 2025 Indenture, the holders of the 2025 Senior Notes may require us to purchase their 2025 Senior Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the 2025 Senior Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. The 2025 Senior Notes were issued at par. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, NRP retired $60.5 million and $178.6 million, respectively of its 2025 Senior Notes. These notes were purchased on the open market at a weighted average price of 102.750% and 102.436% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, a discount to the redemption price at the time of 104.563%. Included in loss on extinguishment of debt on the Partnership's Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 are $1.7 million and $4.4 million, respectively, of call premium and fees and the write off of $0.6 million and $2.0 million, respectively, of debt issuance costs.

The 2025 Senior Notes are the senior unsecured obligations of NRP. The 2025 Senior Notes rank equal in right of payment to all existing and future senior unsecured debt of NRP and senior in right of payment to any of NRP's subordinated debt. The 2025 Senior Notes are effectively subordinated in right of payment to all future secured debt of NRP to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness and are structurally subordinated in right of payment to all existing and future debt and other liabilities of our subsidiaries, including the Opco Credit Facility and each series of Opco’s existing senior notes. "Opco" refers to NRP (Operating) LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of NRP, and its subsidiaries. None of NRP's subsidiaries guarantee the 2025 Senior Notes. As of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, NRP was in compliance with the terms of the Indenture relating to their 2025 Senior Notes.

11

NATURAL RESOURCE PARTNERS L.P.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED

(Unaudited)

Opco Debt

All of Opco’s debt is guaranteed by its wholly owned subsidiaries and is secured by certain of the assets of Opco and its wholly owned subsidiaries, other than BRP LLC and NRP Trona LLC. As of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, Opco was in compliance with the terms of the financial covenants contained in its debt agreements.

Opco Credit Facility

In August 2022, the Partnership entered into the Fifth Amendment (the "Fifth Amendment) to the Opco Credit Facility (the "Opco Credit Facility"). The Fifth Amendment extended the term of the Opco Credit Facility until August 2027. Lender commitments under the Opco Credit Facility increased to $130.0 million. The Opco Credit Facility contains financial covenants requiring Opco to maintain:

  • A leverage ratio of consolidated indebtedness to EBITDDA (in each case as defined in the Opco Credit Facility) not to exceed 3.0x; provided, and

  • an interest coverage ratio of consolidated EBITDDA to the sum of consolidated interest expense and consolidated lease expense (in each case as defined in the Opco Credit Facility) of not less than 3.5 to 1.0.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, the Partnership did not have any borrowings outstanding under the Opco Credit Facility and had $130.0 million and $100.0 million in available borrowing capacity at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, As mentioned above, in October 2022, NRP borrowed $70 million under the credit facility to redeem the outstanding 2025 Senior Notes.

The Opco Credit Facility is collateralized and secured by liens on certain of Opco’s assets with carrying values of $331.2 million and $345.0 million classified as mineral rights, net and other long-term assets, net on the Partnership’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.

Opco Senior Notes

Opco has issued several series of private placement senior notes (the "Opco Senior Notes") with various interest rates and principal due dates. As of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Opco Senior Notes had cumulative principal balances of $119.4 million and $138.5 million, respectively. Opco made mandatory principal payments of $19.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021.

The 8.92% Opco Senior Notes also provides that in the event that Opco’s leverage ratio of consolidated indebtedness to consolidated EBITDDA (as defined in the Note Purchase Agreements) exceeds 3.75 to 1.00 at the end of any fiscal quarter, then in addition to all other interest accruing on these notes, additional interest in the amount of 2.00% per annum shall accrue on the notes for the two succeeding quarters and for as long thereafter as the leverage ratio remains above 3.75 to 1.00. Opco has not exceeded the 3.75 to 1.00 ratio at the end of any fiscal quarter through September 30, 2022.

9. Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities

The Partnership’s financial assets and liabilities consist of cash and cash equivalents, a contract receivable and debt. The carrying amounts reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets for cash and cash equivalents approximate fair value due to their short-term nature. The Partnership uses available market data and valuation methodologies to estimate the fair value of its debt and contract receivable.

The following table shows the carrying value and estimated fair value of the Partnership's debt and contract receivable:

(In thousands)Fair ValueHierarchy LevelSeptember 30, 2022 · CarryingValueSeptember 30, 2022 · EstimatedFair ValueDecember 31, 2021 · CarryingValueDecember 31, 2021 · EstimatedFair Value
Debt:
NRP 2025 Senior Notes1$120,199$124,165$296,236$300,000
Opco Senior Notes (1)3118,524122,146137,309138,484
Opco Credit Facility3
Assets:
Contract receivable, net (current and long-term) (2)3$31,948$25,144$33,612$26,010

(1) The fair value of the Opco Senior Notes are estimated by management using quotations obtained for the NRP 2025 Senior Notes on the closing trading prices near period end, which were at 102% and 100% of par value at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. All 2025 Senior Notes were redeemed in October 2022.

(2) The fair value of the Partnership's contract receivable is determined based on the present value of future cash flow projections related to the underlying asset at a discount rate of 15% at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021.

NRP has embedded derivatives in the preferred units related to certain conversion options, redemption features and the change of control provision that are accounted for separately from the preferred units as assets and liabilities at fair value on the Partnership's Consolidated Balance Sheets. Level 3 valuation of the embedded derivatives are based on numerous factors including the likelihood of the event occurring. The embedded derivatives are revalued quarterly and changes in their fair value would be recorded in other expenses, net on the Partnership's Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. The embedded derivatives had zero value as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021.

12

NATURAL RESOURCE PARTNERS L.P.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED

(Unaudited)

10. Related Party Transactions

Affiliates of our General Partner

The Partnership’s general partner does not receive any management fee or other compensation for its management of NRP. However, in accordance with the partnership agreement, the general partner and its affiliates are reimbursed for services provided to the Partnership and for expenses incurred on the Partnership’s behalf. Employees of Quintana Minerals Corporation ("QMC") and Western Pocahontas Properties Limited Partnership ("WPPLP"), affiliates of the Partnership, provide their services to manage the Partnership's business. QMC and WPPLP charge the Partnership the portion of their employee salary and benefits costs related to their employee services provided to NRP. These QMC and WPPLP employee management service costs are presented as operating and maintenance expenses and general and administrative expenses on the Partnership's Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. NRP also reimburses overhead costs incurred by its affiliates, including Quintana Infrastructure Development ("QID"), to manage the Partnership's business. These overhead costs include certain rent, information technology, administration of employee benefits and other corporate services incurred by or on behalf of the Partnership’s general partner and its affiliates and are presented as operating and maintenance expenses and general and administrative expenses on the Partnership's Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Direct general and administrative expenses charged to the Partnership by QMC, WPPLP and QID are included on the Partnership's Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income as follows:

(In thousands)For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2022For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2021For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021
Operating and maintenance expenses$1,687$1,661$5,044$4,913
General and administrative expenses1,1951,1853,6603,486

The Partnership had accounts payable on its Consolidated Balance Sheets of $0.4 million to QMC at both September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 and $1.0 million and $0.9 million to WPPLP at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.

During the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, the Partnership recognized $2.2 million and $0.9 million, respectively, in operating and maintenance expenses on its Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income related to an overriding royalty agreement with WPPLP. These amounts were $6.5 million and $2.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Corbin J. Robertson, Jr. owns 85% of the general partner of Great Northern Properties Limited Partnership ("GNP"), a privately held company primarily engaged in owning and managing mineral properties and surface leases. As of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 the Partnership had $0.0 million and $0.1 million, respectively, of accounts receivable from GNP included in accounts receivable, net on its Consolidated Balance Sheets related to amounts collected for surface leases that belong to NRP.

11. Major Customers

Revenues from customers that exceeded 10 percent of total revenues for any of the periods presented below are as follows:

(In thousands)For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2022RevenuesFor the Three Months Ended September 30, 2022PercentFor the Three Months Ended September 30, 2021RevenuesFor the Three Months Ended September 30, 2021PercentFor the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022RevenuesFor the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022PercentFor the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021RevenuesFor the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021Percent
Foresight Energy Resources LLC ("Foresight") (1) (2)$19,33419%$8,55215%$47,08116%$25,68619%
Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Inc. (1)$21,00021%$12,85423%$81,63828%$29,74823%

(1) Revenues from Foresight and Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Inc. are included within the Partnership's Mineral Rights segment.

(2) Revenues from Foresight in 2021 were fixed as a result of the lease amendment the Partnership entered into with Foresight pursuant to which Foresight agreed to pay NRP fixed cash payments to satisfy all obligations arising out of the existing various coal mining leases and transportation infrastructure fee agreements between the Partnership and Foresight. Revenues from Foresight in 2022 represent traditional royalty and minimum payments.

12. Commitments and Contingencies

NRP is involved, from time to time, in various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. While the ultimate results of these proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, Partnership management believes these ordinary course matters will not have a material effect on the Partnership’s financial position, liquidity or operations.

13

NATURAL RESOURCE PARTNERS L.P.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED

(Unaudited)

13. Unit-Based Compensation

The Partnership's unit-based awards granted in 2022 and 2021 were valued using the closing price of NRP's common units as of the grant date. The grant date fair value of these awards granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 were $7.9 million and $3.8 million, respectively. Total unit-based compensation expense associated with these awards was $1.4 million and $1.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and $4.2 million and $2.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and is included in general and administrative expenses and operating and maintenance expenses on the Partnership's Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. The unamortized cost associated with unvested outstanding awards as of September 30, 2022 is $7.6 million, which is to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.0 years. The unamortized cost associated with unvested outstanding awards as of December 31, 2021 was $3.3 million.

A summary of the unit activity in the outstanding grants during 2022 is as follows:

(In thousands)Common UnitsWeighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Common Unit
Outstanding at January 1, 2022411$23.00
Granted208$38.29
Fully vested and issued(233)$26.74
Outstanding at September 30, 2022386$28.96

14. Financing Transaction

The Partnership owns rail loadout and associated infrastructure at the Sugar Camp mine in the Illinois Basin operated by a subsidiary of Foresight. The infrastructure at the Sugar Camp mine is leased to a subsidiary of Foresight and is accounted for as a financing transaction (the "Sugar Camp lease"). The Sugar Camp lease expires in 2032 with renewal options for up to 80 additional years. Minimum payments are $5.0 million per year through the end of the lease term. The Partnership is also entitled to variable payments in the form of throughput fees determined based on the amount of coal transported and processed utilizing the Partnership's assets. In the event the Sugar Camp lease is renewed beyond 2032, payments become a fixed $10 thousand per year for the remainder of the renewed term.

15. Credit Losses

The Partnership is exposed to credit losses through collection of its short-term trade receivables resulting from contracts with customers and a long-term receivable resulting from a financing transaction with a customer. The Partnership records an allowance for current expected credit losses on these receivables based on the loss-rate method. NRP assessed the likelihood of collection of its receivables utilizing historical loss rates, current market conditions that included the estimated impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic, industry and macroeconomic factors, reasonable and supportable forecasts and facts or circumstances of individual customers and properties. Examples of these facts or circumstances include, but are not limited to, contract disputes or renegotiations with the customer and evaluation of short and long-term economic viability of the contracted property. For its long-term contract receivable, management reverts to the historical loss experience immediately after the reasonable and supportable forecast period ends.

As of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, NRP had the following current expected credit loss (“CECL”) allowance related to its receivables and long-term contract receivable:

(In thousands)September 30, 2022GrossSeptember 30, 2022CECL AllowanceSeptember 30, 2022NetDecember 31, 2021GrossDecember 31, 2021CECL AllowanceDecember 31, 2021Net
Receivables$39,692$(4,018)$35,674$28,869$(3,312)$25,557
Long-term contract receivable30,631(1,061)29,57032,497(1,126)31,371
Total$70,323$(5,079)$65,244$61,366$(4,438)$56,928

NRP recorded $0.0 million and $0.5 million in operating and maintenance expenses on its Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income related to the change in the CECL allowance during the three months ended September 2022 and 2021, respectively, and $0.6 million and $(0.2) million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

NRP has procedures in place to monitor its ongoing credit exposure through timely review of counterparty balances against contract terms and due dates, account and financing receivable reconciliation, bankruptcy monitoring, lessee audits and dispute resolution. The Partnership may employ legal counsel or collection specialists to pursue recovery of defaulted receivables.

14

NATURAL RESOURCE PARTNERS L.P.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED

(Unaudited)

16. Subsequent Events

The following represents material events that have occurred subsequent to September 30, 2022 through the time of the Partnership’s filing of its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q with the SEC:

Common Unit and Preferred Unit Distributions

In November 2022, the Board of Directors declared a distribution of $0.75 per common unit with respect to the third quarter of 2022. The Board of Directors also declared a distribution on NRP's preferred units with respect to the third quarter of 2022 totaling $7.5 million in cash.

Redemption of 2025 Senior Notes

In October 2022, NRP redeemed the outstanding $121.4 million 2025 Senior Notes at a redemption price of 102.281% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, utilizing cash on hand and $70 million in borrowings under its recently extended credit facility. The fourth quarter 2022 Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income will include a $3.9 million loss on extinguishment of debt associated with the redemption.

15

FILINGSOURCEITEMBOUNDARYBEGIN Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations FILINGSOURCEITEMBOUNDARYENDITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following review of operations for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-Q and with the Consolidated Financial Statements, Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis included in the Natural Resource Partners L.P. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021.

As used herein, unless the context otherwise requires: "we," "our," "us" and the "Partnership" refer to Natural Resource Partners L.P. and, where the context requires, our subsidiaries. References to "NRP" and "Natural Resource Partners" refer to Natural Resource Partners L.P. only, and not to NRP (Operating) LLC or any of Natural Resource Partners L.P.’s subsidiaries. References to "Opco" refer to NRP (Operating) LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of NRP, and its subsidiaries. NRP Finance Corporation ("NRP Finance") is a wholly owned subsidiary of NRP and a co-issuer with NRP on the 9.125% senior notes due 2025 (the "2025 Senior Notes").

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure that we define as net income (loss) less equity earnings from unconsolidated investment; plus total distributions from unconsolidated investment, interest expense, net, debt modification expense, loss on extinguishment of debt, depreciation, depletion and amortization and asset impairments. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income or loss, net income or loss attributable to partners, operating income, cash flows from operating activities or any other measure of financial performance presented in accordance with GAAP as measures of operating performance, liquidity or ability to service debt obligations. There are significant limitations to using Adjusted EBITDA as a measure of performance, including the inability to analyze the effect of certain recurring items that materially affect our net income, the lack of comparability of results of operations of different companies and the different methods of calculating Adjusted EBITDA reported by different companies. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA presented below is not calculated or presented on the same basis as Consolidated EBITDA as defined in our partnership agreement or Consolidated EBITDDA as defined in Opco's debt agreements. For a description of Opco's debt agreements, see Note 8. Debt, Net in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included herein as well as in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Note 11. Debt, Net" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021. Adjusted EBITDA is a supplemental performance measure used by our management and by external users of our financial statements, such as investors, commercial banks, research analysts and others to assess the financial performance of our assets without regard to financing methods, capital structure or historical cost basis.

Distributable Cash Flow

Distributable cash flow ("DCF") represents net cash provided by (used in) operating activities of continuing operations plus distributions from unconsolidated investment in excess of cumulative earnings, proceeds from asset sales and disposals, including sales of discontinued operations, and return of long-term contract receivables; less maintenance capital expenditures. DCF is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to cash flows from operating, investing or financing activities. DCF may not be calculated the same for us as for other companies. In addition, DCF presented below is not calculated or presented on the same basis as distributable cash flow as defined in our partnership agreement, which is used as a metric to determine whether we are able to increase quarterly distributions to our common unitholders. DCF is a supplemental liquidity measure used by our management and by external users of our financial statements, such as investors, commercial banks, research analysts and others to asses our ability to make cash distributions and repay debt.

Free Cash Flow

Free cash flow ("FCF") represents net cash provided by (used in) operating activities of continuing operations plus distributions from unconsolidated investment in excess of cumulative earnings and return of long-term contract receivables; less maintenance and expansion capital expenditures and cash flow used in acquisition costs classified as investing or financing activities. FCF is calculated before mandatory debt repayments. FCF is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to cash flows from operating, investing or financing activities. FCF may not be calculated the same for us as for other companies. FCF is a supplemental liquidity measure used by our management and by external users of our financial statements, such as investors, commercial banks, research analysts and others to assess our ability to make cash distributions and repay debt.

Introduction

The following discussion and analysis presents management's view of our business, financial condition and overall performance. Our discussion and analysis consists of the following subjects:

  • Executive Overview
  • Results of Operations
  • Liquidity and Capital Resources
  • Off-Balance Sheet Transactions
  • Related Party Transactions
  • Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates
  • Recent Accounting Standards

Executive Overview

We are a diversified natural resource company engaged principally in the business of owning, managing and leasing a diversified portfolio of mineral properties in the United States, including interests in coal and other natural resources and own a non-controlling 49% interest in Sisecam Wyoming, a trona ore mining and soda ash production business. Our common units trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "NRP." Our business is organized into two operating segments:

Mineral Rights—consists of approximately 13 million acres of mineral interests and other subsurface rights across the United States. If combined in a single tract, our ownership would cover roughly 20,000 square miles. Our ownership provides critical inputs for the manufacturing of steel, electricity and basic building materials, as well as opportunities for carbon sequestration and renewable energy. We are working to strategically redefine our business as a key player in the transitional energy economy in the years to come.

Soda Ash—consists of our 49% non-controlling equity interest in Sisecam Wyoming, a trona ore mining and soda ash production business located in the Green River Basin of Wyoming. Sisecam Wyoming mines the trona and processes it into soda ash that is sold both domestically and internationally into the glass and chemicals industries.

Corporate and Financing includes functional corporate departments that do not earn revenues. Costs incurred by these departments include interest and financing, corporate headquarters and overhead, centralized treasury, legal and accounting and other corporate-level activity not specifically allocated to a segment.

Our financial results by segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 are as follows:

(In thousands)Operating SegmentsMineral RightsOperating SegmentsSoda AshCorporate and FinancingTotal
Revenues and other income$247,871$44,036$291,907
Net income (loss)$204,548$43,931$(43,205)$205,274
Adjusted EBITDA (1)$221,987$33,950$(14,037)$241,900
Cash flow provided by (used in) continuing operations
Operating activities$194,475$33,934$(30,459)$197,950
Investing activities$1,837$(59)$1,778
Financing activities$(614)$(273,697)$(274,311)
Distributable cash flow (1)$196,312$33,934$(30,518)$199,728
Free cash flow (1)$195,613$33,934$(30,518)$199,029

(1) See "—Results of Operations" below for reconciliations to the most comparable GAAP financial measures.

Current Results/Market Commentary

Business Outlook and Quarterly Distributions

We generated $199.0 million of free cash flow during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and ended the quarter with $190.9 million of liquidity consisting of $60.9 million of cash and cash equivalents and $130.0 million of borrowing capacity under our Opco Credit Facility. During the third quarter of 2022 we refinanced, upsized, and extended our Opco Credit Facility to $130 million due 2027. Also during the third quarter, we permanently retired an additional $60.5 million of 2025 Senior Notes, bringing our total 2025 Senior Note repurchases through the third quarter of 2022 to $178.6 million. These notes were purchased on the open market at a weighted average price of 102.436%, a discount to the redemption price at the time of 104.563%. In October 2022, we redeemed the outstanding $121.4 million 2025 Senior Notes at a redemption price of 102.281% using cash on hand and $70 million in borrowings under our Opco Credit Facility. These debt repurchases and the redemption of our outstanding 2025 Senior Notes will save approximately $27.4 million annually in interest costs. As of September 30, 2022 our leverage ratio was 0.8x.

In November 2022, the Board of Directors declared a cash distribution of $0.75 per common unit of NRP with respect to the third quarter of 2022. The Board of Directors also declared a $7.5 million cash distribution on the preferred units with respect to the third quarter. Future distributions on our common and preferred units will be determined on a quarterly basis by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors considers numerous factors each quarter in determining cash distributions, including profitability, cash flow, debt service obligations, market conditions and outlook, estimated unitholder income tax liability and the level of cash reserves that the Board determines is necessary for future operating and capital needs.

Mineral Rights Business Segment

Metallurgical and thermal coal prices remain supported by ongoing tightness in the supply-demand balance for coal. Many operators are limited in their ability to increase production due to ongoing labor shortages, global supply chain interruptions, and access to capital. Thermal coal prices are further supported by the European Union's ban on Russian coal due to the war in Ukraine, as well as increased natural gas prices and demand for electricity. While metallurgical markets are seeing weakened demand for steel, and thermal markets continue to face ongoing environmental and political pressures, supply constraints should provide continued support for metallurgical and thermal coal prices for the foreseeable future. Our lessees sold 24.2 million tons of coal from our properties in the first nine months of 2022, and we derived approximately 75% of our coal royalty revenues and approximately 45% of our coal royalty sales volumes from metallurgical coal during the same period.

We continue to identify alternative revenue sources across our large portfolio of land and mineral assets. We own the rights to sequester carbon dioxide ("CO2") on approximately 3.5 million acres of pore space in the southern United States. As announced previously, in the first quarter of 2022 we executed our first subsurface CO2 sequestration lease on 75,000 acres of underground pore space we own in southwest Alabama with the potential to store over 300 million metric tons of CO2. In October of 2022, we announced our second subsurface CO2 transaction with the execution of a lease for approximately 65,000 acres of pore space we control near southeast Texas with estimated storage capacity of at least 500 million metric tons of CO2. In total, we have approximately 140,000 acres of pore space under lease for carbon sequestration with estimated CO2 storage capacity of 800 million metric tons. While the timing and likelihood of additional cash flows being realized from these activities is uncertain, we believe our large ownership footprint throughout the United States will provide additional opportunities to create value in this regard and position us as a key beneficiary of the transitional energy economy with minimal capital investment.

Soda Ash Business Segment

Revenues and other income in the first nine months of 2022 were higher by $32.8 million compared to the prior year period primarily as a result of increased international sales prices. Free cash flow in the first nine months of 2022 increased $30.1 million as compared to the prior year period due to Sisecam Wyoming reinstating its regular quarterly cash distributions beginning in the fourth quarter of 2021.

Supply interruptions in China and input cost inflation which significantly increased the global marginal cost of soda ash production led to historically high soda ash prices in the third quarter of 2022. Though soda ash demand weakened in many parts of the world during the third quarter due to slowing global economic growth and lower construction activity in China, Sisecam Wyoming remained sold-out as it took advantage of its low-cost position to profitably export soda ash. Consequently, Sisecam Wyoming delivered strong financial results in the third quarter of 2022.

Results of Operations

Third Quarter of 2022 and 2021 Compared

Revenues and Other Income

The following table includes our revenues and other income by operating segment:

Operating Segment (In thousands)For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2022For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2021IncreasePercentageChange
Mineral Rights$87,702$50,123$37,57975%
Soda Ash14,5566,6727,884118%
Total$102,258$56,795$45,46380%

The changes in revenues and other income are discussed for each of the operating segments below:

Mineral Rights

The following table presents coal sales volumes, coal royalty revenue per ton and coal royalty revenues by major coal producing region, the significant categories of other revenues and other income:

(In thousands, except per ton data)For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2022Increase(Decrease)PercentageChange
Coal sales volumes (tons)
Appalachia
Northern440184%
Central3,50330410%
Southern498(144)(22
Total Appalachia4,4411784%
Illinois Basin3,49080130%
Northern Powder River Basin835(212)(20
Gulf Coast1881751346%
Total coal sales volumes8,95494212%
Coal royalty revenue per ton
Appalachia
Northern$6.74$⁠(0.44)(6
Central9.043.3057%
Southern9.78(1.83)(16
Illinois Basin2.570.2410%
Northern Powder River Basin4.560.8523%
Gulf Coast0.590.059%
Combined average coal royalty revenue per ton5.850.9820%
Coal royalty revenues
Appalachia
Northern$2,965$⁠(66)(2
Central31,68013,32373%
Southern4,872(2,580)(35
Total Appalachia39,51710,67737%
Illinois Basin8,9672,70643%
Northern Powder River Basin3,805(76)(2
Gulf Coast1111041486%
Unadjusted coal royalty revenues52,40013,41134%
Coal royalty adjustment for minimum leases(19)6,538)100%
Total coal royalty revenues$52,381$⁠19,94962%
Other revenues
Production lease minimum revenues$1,885$⁠(1,350)(42
Minimum lease straight-line revenues4,778(30)(1
Carbon neutral initiative revenues8,6008,600100%
Wheelage revenues2,9771,01352%
Property tax revenues1,360(106)(7
Coal overriding royalty revenues1,36761081%
Lease amendment revenues759(760)(50
Aggregates royalty revenues884455106%
Oil and gas royalty revenues6,1705,016435%
Other revenues2189882%
Total other revenues$28,998$⁠13,54688%
Royalty and other mineral rights$81,379$⁠33,49570%
Transportation and processing services revenues5,9693,798175%
Gain on asset sales and disposals354286421%
Total Mineral Rights segment revenues and other income$87,702$⁠37,57975%

Coal Royalty Revenues

Approximately 65% of coal royalty revenues and approximately 40% of coal royalty sales volumes were derived from metallurgical coal during the three months ended September 30, 2022. Total coal royalty revenues increased $19.9 million as compared to the prior year quarter. The discussion by region is as follows:

  • Appalachia: Coal royalty revenues increased $10.7 million primarily due to increased coal sales prices and volumes in Central Appalachia during the three months ended September 30, 2022, as compared to the prior year quarter.

  • Illinois Basin: Coal royalty revenues increased $2.7 million primarily due to increased sales volumes and prices during the three months ended September 30, 2022 as compared to the prior year quarter. Revenues recognized from Foresight in 2021 were fixed as a result of the lease amendment the Partnership entered into with Foresight pursuant to which Foresight agreed to pay NRP fixed cash payments to satisfy all obligations arising out of the existing various coal mining leases and transportation infrastructure fee agreements between the Partnership and Foresight. Revenues from Foresight in 2022 represent traditional royalty and minimum payments.

  • Northern Powder River Basin: Coal royalty revenues decreased $0.1 million primarily due to decreased sales volumes as our lessee mined less on our property during the third quarter of 2022 as compared to the prior year quarter in accordance with its mine plan.

Other Revenues

Total other revenues increased $13.5 million during the three months September 30, 2022 as compared to the prior year quarter primarily due to an $8.6 million increase in carbon neutral initiatives and a $5.0 million increase in oil and gas royalty revenues. The increase in carbon neutral initiatives is due to the recognition of revenue related to carbon neutral transactions including subsurface CO2 storage and geothermal. The increase in oil and gas royalty revenues is primarily related to new wells and increased natural gas prices as compared to the prior year period.

Transportation and Processing Services Revenues

Transportation and processing services revenues increased $3.8 million during the three months ended September 30, 2022 as compared to the prior year period primarily due to the lease amendment with Foresight whereas transportation and processing revenues were based on the recognition of a fixed amount in 2021. Revenues from Foresight in 2022 represent traditional royalty and minimum payments and were greater than the fixed revenue from 2021.

Soda Ash

Revenues and other income related to our Soda Ash segment increased $7.9 million compared to the prior year quarter primarily as a result of increased international sales prices.

Operating and Other Expenses

The following table presents the significant categories of our consolidated operating and other expenses:

(In thousands)For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2022Increase(Decrease)PercentageChange
Operating expenses
Operating and maintenance expenses$7,898$⁠(456)(5
Depreciation, depletion and amortization6,8501,66832%
General and administrative expenses4,51846612%
Asset impairments8127551325%
Total operating expenses$20,078$⁠2,43314%
Other expenses, net
Interest expense, net$5,141$⁠(4,511)(47
Loss on extinguishment of debt2,4842,484100%
Total other expenses, net$7,625$⁠(2,027)(21

Total operating expenses increased $2.4 million primarily due to increased depreciation, depletion and amortization expense as a result of higher Illinois Basin coal royalty sales volumes during the three months ended September 30, 2022, as compared to the prior year period.

Total other expenses, net decreased $2.0 million primarily due to a $4.5 million decrease in interest expense, net as a result of less debt outstanding as compared to the prior year period, partially offset by a $2.5 million loss on early extinguishment of debt related to the premiums and fees incurred and write-off of debt issuance costs associated with the retirement of the 2025 Senior Notes during the three months ended September 30, 2022.

Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP Financial Measure)

The following table reconciles net income (loss) (the most comparable GAAP financial measure) to Adjusted EBITDA by business segment:

For the Three Months Ended (In thousands)September 30, 2022Operating SegmentsMineral RightsOperating SegmentsSoda AshCorporate and FinancingTotal
Net income (loss)$72,173$14,525$(12,143)$74,555
Less: equity earnings from unconsolidated investment(14,556)(14,556)
Add: total distributions from unconsolidated investment10,33910,339
Add: interest expense, net5,1415,141
Add: loss on extinguishment of debt2,4842,484
Add: depreciation, depletion and amortization6,8506,850
Add: asset impairments812812
Adjusted EBITDA$79,835$10,308$(4,518)$85,625
September 30, 2021
Net income (loss)$36,606$6,596$(13,704)$29,498
Less: equity earnings from unconsolidated investment(6,672)(6,672)
Add: total distributions from unconsolidated investment
Add: interest expense, net9,6529,652
Add: loss on extinguishment of debt
Add: depreciation, depletion and amortization5,1825,182
Add: asset impairments5757
Adjusted EBITDA$41,845$(76)$(4,052)$37,717

Adjusted EBITDA increased $47.9 million primarily due to a $38.0 million increase in Adjusted EBITDA within our Mineral Rights segment as a result of higher revenues and other income as discussed above, in addition to a $10.4 million increase in Adjusted EBITDA within our Soda Ash segment due to Sisecam Wyoming reinstating its regular quarterly cash distributions beginning in the fourth quarter of 2021 as discussed above.

Distributable Cash Flow ("DCF") and Free Cash Flow ("FCF") (Non-GAAP Financial Measures)

The following table presents the three major categories of the statement of cash flows by business segment:

For the Three Months Ended (In thousands)September 30, 2022Operating SegmentsMineral RightsOperating SegmentsSoda AshCorporate and FinancingTotal
Cash flow provided by (used in) continuing operations
Operating activities$75,948$10,309$(3,761)$82,496
Investing activities928(59)869
Financing activities(81,784)(81,784)
September 30, 2021
Cash flow provided by (used in) continuing operations
Operating activities$33,968$(36)$(3,873)$30,059
Investing activities614614
Financing activities(9,592)(9,592)

The following table reconciles net cash provided by (used in) operating activities of continuing operations (the most comparable GAAP financial measure) by business segment to DCF and FCF:

For the Three Months Ended (In thousands)September 30, 2022Operating SegmentsMineral RightsOperating SegmentsSoda AshCorporate and FinancingTotal
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities of continuing operations$75,948$10,309$(3,761)$82,496
Add: proceeds from asset sales and disposals353353
Add: return of long-term contract receivable575575
Less: maintenance capital expenditures(59)(59)
Distributable cash flow$76,876$10,309$(3,820)$83,365
Less: proceeds from asset sales and disposals(353)(353)
Free cash flow$76,523$10,309$(3,820)$83,012
September 30, 2021
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities of continuing operations$33,968$(36)$(3,873)$30,059
Add: proceeds from asset sales and disposals7474
Add: return of long-term contract receivable540540
Distributable cash flow$34,582$(36)$(3,873)$30,673
Less: proceeds from asset sales and disposals(74)(74)
Free cash flow$34,508$(36)$(3,873)$30,599

DCF and FCF increased $52.7 million and $52.4 million, respectively, primarily due to the following:

  • Mineral Rights Segment

  • DCF and FCF increased $42.3 million and $42.0 million, respectively, primarily due to the segment's increase in revenues and other income as discussed above.

  • Soda Ash Segment

  • DCF and FCF increased $10.3 million as a result of Sisecam Wyoming reinstating its regular quarterly cash distributions beginning in the fourth quarter of 2021 as discussed above.

Results of Operations

First Nine Months of 2022 and 2021 Compared

Revenues and Other Income

The following table includes our revenues and other income by operating segment:

Operating Segment (In thousands)For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021IncreasePercentageChange
Mineral Rights$247,871$121,210$126,661104%
Soda Ash44,03611,24632,790292%
Total$291,907$132,456$159,451120%

The changes in revenues and other income are discussed for each of the operating segments below:

Mineral Rights

The following table presents coal sales volumes, coal royalty revenue per ton and coal royalty revenues by major coal producing region, the significant categories of other revenues and other income:

(In thousands, except per ton data)For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022Increase(Decrease)PercentageChange
Coal sales volumes (tons)
Appalachia
Northern1,26031333%
Central10,2381,41416%
Southern1,17111311%
Total Appalachia12,6691,84017%
Illinois Basin8,3954085%
Northern Powder River Basin2,77248121%
Gulf Coast3243112392%
Total coal sales volumes24,1603,04014%
Coal royalty revenue per ton
Appalachia
Northern$9.48$⁠3.9170%
Central10.855.94121%
Southern14.284.4645%
Illinois Basin2.300.178%
Northern Powder River Basin4.240.6518%
Gulf Coast0.580.047%
Combined average coal royalty revenue per ton7.083.0977%
Coal royalty revenues
Appalachia
Northern$11,946$⁠6,674127%
Central111,12167,813157%
Southern16,7256,33561%
Total Appalachia139,79280,822137%
Illinois Basin19,3312,28713%
Northern Powder River Basin11,7513,52943%
Gulf Coast1871802571%
Unadjusted coal royalty revenues171,06186,818103%
Coal royalty adjustment for minimum leases(286)17,862)98%
Total coal royalty revenues$170,775$⁠104,680158%
Other revenues
Production lease minimum revenues$3,542$⁠(6,699)(65
Minimum lease straight-line revenues14,235(1,538)(10
Carbon neutral initiative revenues8,6008,600100%
Wheelage revenues11,0735,48498%
Property tax revenues4,52750%
Coal overriding royalty revenues2,307(1,285)(36
Lease amendment revenues2,450(709)(22
Aggregates royalty revenues2,6911,352101%
Oil and gas royalty revenues10,8907,470218%
Other revenues705132%
Total other revenues$61,020$⁠12,69326%
Royalty and other mineral rights$231,795$⁠117,373103%
Transportation and processing services revenues15,3778,832135%
Gain on asset sales and disposals699456188%
Total Mineral Rights segment revenues and other income$247,871$⁠126,661104%

Coal Royalty Revenues

Total coal royalty revenues increased $104.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022, as compared to the prior year period. The discussion by region is as follows:

  • Appalachia: Coal royalty revenues increased $80.8 million primarily due to increased coal sales prices and volumes during the nine months ended September 30, 2022, as compared to the prior year period.

  • Illinois Basin: Coal royalty revenues increased $2.3 million primarily due to higher sales volumes and increased sales prices during the nine months ended September 30, 2022, as compared to the prior year period. Revenues recognized from Foresight in 2021 were fixed as a result of the lease amendment the Partnership entered into with Foresight pursuant to which Foresight agreed to pay NRP fixed cash payments to satisfy all obligations arising out of the existing various coal mining leases and transportation infrastructure fee agreements between the Partnership and Foresight. Revenues from Foresight in 2022 represent traditional royalty and minimum payments.

  • Northern Powder River Basin: Coal royalty revenues increased $3.5 million primarily due to increased sales volumes as our lessee mined more on our property during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 as compared to the prior year period in accordance with its mine plan.

Other Revenues

Other revenues increased $12.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 as compared to the prior year period primarily due to the following:

  • An $8.6 million increase in carbon neutral initiatives due to the recognition of revenue related to carbon neutral transactions including subsurface CO2 storage and geothermal.

  • A $7.5 million increase in oil and gas royalty revenues primarily due to new wells and increased natural gas prices.

  • A $5.5 million increase in wheelage revenues as a result of higher production in 2022 from the properties that pay us a wheelage fee as compared to the prior year period.

These increases were partially offset by a $6.7 million decrease in production lease minimum revenues primarily as a result of breakage revenues recognized in the first nine months of 2021.

Transportation and Processing Services Revenues

Transportation and processing services revenues increased $8.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 as compared to the prior year period primarily due to the lease amendment with Foresight whereas transportation and processing revenues were based on the recognition of a fixed amount in 2021. Revenues from Foresight in 2022 represent traditional royalty and minimum payments and were greater than the fixed revenue from 2021.

Soda Ash

Revenues and other income related to our Soda Ash segment increased $32.8 million primarily as a result of increased international sales prices.

Operating and Other Expenses

The following table presents the significant categories of our consolidated operating and other expenses:

(In thousands)For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022Increase(Decrease)PercentageChange
Operating expenses
Operating and maintenance expenses$25,989$⁠6,91336%
Depreciation, depletion and amortization16,5651,4209%
General and administrative expenses14,0372,48722%
Asset impairments874(3,242)(79
Total operating expenses$57,465$⁠7,57815%
Other expenses, net
Interest expense, net$22,636$⁠(6,672)(23
Loss on extinguishment of debt6,5326,532100%
Total other expenses, net$29,168$⁠(140)(0

Total operating expenses increased $7.6 million primarily due to a $6.9 million increase in operating and maintenance expenses as compared to the prior year period primarily as a result of higher costs related to an overriding royalty agreement with WPPLP, partially offset by a decrease in bad debt expense. The coal royalty expense we pay to WPPLP is fully offset by the coal royalty revenue we receive from this property. Total operating expenses also increased as a result of a $2.5 million increase in general and administrative expenses primarily due to increased long-term incentive expense incurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2022. These increases were partially offset by a $3.2 million decrease in asset impairments as compared to the prior year period. Asset impairments in 2021 primarily related to a lease termination that resulted in the full impairment of a coal property.

Total other expenses, net was essentially flat year-over-year. The $6.7 million decrease in interest expense, net resulting from less debt outstanding was partially offset by a $6.5 million loss on early extinguishment of debt related to the premiums and fees incurred and write-off of debt issuance costs associated with the retirement of the 2025 Senior Notes during the nine months ended September 30, 2022.

Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP Financial Measure)

The following table reconciles net income (loss) (the most comparable GAAP financial measure) to Adjusted EBITDA by business segment:

For the Nine Months Ended (In thousands)September 30, 2022Operating SegmentsMineral RightsOperating SegmentsSoda AshCorporate and FinancingTotal
Net income (loss)$204,548$43,931$(43,205)$205,274
Less: equity earnings from unconsolidated investment(44,036)(44,036)
Add: total distributions from unconsolidated investment34,05534,055
Add: interest expense, net22,63622,636
Add: loss on extinguishment of debt6,5326,532
Add: depreciation, depletion and amortization16,56516,565
Add: asset impairments874874
Adjusted EBITDA$221,987$33,950$(14,037)$241,900
September 30, 2021
Net income (loss)$82,980$11,115$(40,834)$53,261
Less: equity earnings from unconsolidated investment(11,246)(11,246)
Add: total distributions from unconsolidated investment3,9203,920
Add: interest expense, net2429,28429,308
Add: depreciation, depletion and amortization15,14515,145
Add: asset impairments4,1164,116
Adjusted EBITDA$102,265$3,789$(11,550)$94,504

Adjusted EBITDA increased $147.4 million primarily due to a $119.7 million increase in Adjusted EBITDA within our Mineral Rights segment as a result of higher revenues and other income as discussed above, in addition to a $30.2 million increase in Adjusted EBITDA within our Soda Ash segment as a result of higher distributions received from Sisecam Wyoming in the first nine months of 2022 as compared to the prior year period as discussed above.

Distributable Cash Flow ("DCF") and Free Cash Flow ("FCF") (Non-GAAP Financial Measures)

The following table presents the three major categories of the statement of cash flows by business segment:

For the Nine Months Ended (In thousands)September 30, 2022Operating SegmentsMineral RightsOperating SegmentsSoda AshCorporate and FinancingTotal
Cash flow provided by (used in) continuing operations
Operating activities$194,475$33,934$(30,459)$197,950
Investing activities1,837(59)1,778
Financing activities(614)(273,697)(274,311)
September 30, 2021
Cash flow provided by (used in) continuing operations
Operating activities$91,958$3,817$(29,132)$66,643
Investing activities1,8711,871
Financing activities(1,132)(48,183)(49,315)

The following table reconciles net cash provided by (used in) operating activities of continuing operations (the most comparable GAAP financial measure) by business segment to DCF and FCF:

For the Nine Months Ended (In thousands)September 30, 2022Operating SegmentsMineral RightsOperating SegmentsSoda AshCorporate and FinancingTotal
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities of continuing operations$194,475$33,934$(30,459)$197,950
Add: proceeds from asset sales and disposals699699
Add: return of long-term contract receivable1,1381,138
Less: maintenance capital expenditures(59)(59)
Distributable cash flow$196,312$33,934$(30,518)$199,728
Less: proceeds from asset sales and disposals(699)(699)
Free cash flow$195,613$33,934$(30,518)$199,029
September 30, 2021
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities of continuing operations$91,958$3,817$(29,132)$66,643
Add: proceeds from asset sales and disposals249249
Add: return of long-term contract receivable1,6221,622
Distributable cash flow$93,829$3,817$(29,132)$68,514
Less: proceeds from asset sales and disposals(249)(249)
Less: acquisition costs(1,000)(1,000)
Free cash flow$92,580$3,817$(29,132)$67,265

DCF and FCF increased $131.2 million and $131.8 million, respectively, primarily due to the following:

  • Mineral Rights Segment

  • DCF and FCF increased $102.5 million and $103.0 million, respectively, primarily due to the segment's increase in revenues and other income as discussed above.

  • Soda Ash Segment

  • DCF and FCF increased $30.1 million as a result of higher cash distributions received from Sisecam Wyoming in the first nine months of 2022 as compared to the prior year period as discussed above.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Current Liquidity

As of September 30, 2022, we had total liquidity of $190.9 million, consisting of $60.9 million of cash and cash equivalents and $130.0 million of borrowing capacity under our Opco Credit Facility. We have debt service obligations, including approximately $20 million of principal repayments on Opco’s senior notes throughout the remainder of 2022. As discussed previously, through the date of this report, we have permanently retired all of our 9.125% Senior Notes due 2025 and have $70 million drawn on our Opco Credit Facility. We believe our liquidity position provides us with the flexibility to continue paying down debt and manage our business.

Cash Flows

Cash flows provided by operating activities increased $131.3 million, from $66.6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2021 to $198.0 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2022, primarily related to increased revenues and other income within our Mineral Rights segment and $30.1 million of higher cash distributions received from Sisecam Wyoming in the first nine months of 2022 as compared to the prior year period.

Cash flows used in financing activities increased $225.0 million, from $49.3 million used in the nine months ended September 30, 2021 to $274.3 million used in the nine months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to the following:

$178.6 million of cash used to retire a portion of our 2025 Senior Notes during the nine months ended September 30, 2022;
$19.6 million of cash used to redeem the preferred units paid-in-kind during the first quarter of 2022;
$10.9 million of increased cash used for preferred unit distributions as a result of paying all of our preferred unit distributions in cash in 2022 as compared to half in kind during the nine months ended September 30, 2021;
$9.1 million of increased cash used for other items, net which primarily related to the premiums paid related to the repayment of the 2025 Senior Notes during the nine months ended September 30, 2022; and
$7.8 million of increased cash used for distributions to common unitholders and the general partner as a result of increasing our common unit distribution to $0.75/unit beginning in the second quarter of 2022.

Capital Resources and Obligations

Debt, Net

We had the following debt outstanding as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021:

(In thousands)September 30, 2022December 31, 2021
Current portion of long-term debt, net$89,989$39,102
Long-term debt, net148,734394,443
Total debt, net$238,723$433,545

We have been and continue to be in compliance with the terms of the financial covenants contained in our debt agreements. For additional information regarding our debt and the agreements governing our debt, including the covenants contained therein, see Note 8. Debt, Net to the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Off-Balance Sheet Transactions

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements with unconsolidated entities or related parties and accordingly, there are no off-balance sheet risks to our liquidity and capital resources from unconsolidated entities.

Related Party Transactions

The information required set forth under Note 10. Related Party Transactions to the Consolidated Financial Statements is incorporated herein by reference.

Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying notes. There have been no significant changes to our critical accounting estimates from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021.

Recent Accounting Standards

We do not believe that any other recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting standards, if currently adopted, would have a material effect on our financial statements.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

As a smaller reporting company, we are not required to include this disclosure in our Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2022.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

NRP carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. This evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of NRP management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the general partner of the general partner of NRP. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures are effective in providing reasonable assurance that (a) the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and (b) such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in the Partnerships Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no material changes in the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting during the first nine months of 2022 that materially affected, or were reasonably likely to materially affect, the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

From time to time, we are involved in various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. While the ultimate results of these proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, we believe these ordinary course matters will not have a material effect on our financial position, liquidity or operations.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

During the period covered by this report, there were no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in Natural Resource Partners L.P.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

Exhibit NumberDescription
3.1Fifth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Natural Resource Partners L.P., dated as of March 2, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 6, 2017).
3.2Fifth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of NRP (GP) LP, dated as of December 16, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 16, 2011).
3.3Fifth Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of GP Natural Resource Partners LLC, dated as of October 31, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 31, 2013).
3.4Certificate of Limited Partnership of Natural Resource Partners L.P. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed April 19, 2002, File No. 333-86582).
31.1*Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley.
31.2*Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley.
32.1**Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350.
32.2**Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350.
10.1Master Assignment Agreement and Fifth Amendment to Third Amended Credit Agreement, dated as of August 9, 2022 by and among NRP (Operating) LLC, the Lenders party thereto, the Exiting Lenders, and Zions Bancorporation, N.A. dba Amegy Bank, as administrative agent for the Lenders, as Swingline Lender, and as an Issuing Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 11, 2022).
10.2New Lender Agreement, dated as of September 1, 2022 by and among NRP (Operating) LLC, the Borrower, Zions Bancorporation, N.A. dba Amegy Bank, in its capacity as administrative agent under the Fifth Amendment to Third Amended Credit Agreement and Prosperity Bank, the New Lender (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 8, 2022).
101.INS*Inline XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH*Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL*Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF*Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB*Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document
101.PRE*Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
104*Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL with applicable taxonomy extension information contained in Exhibits 101)
*Filed herewith
**Furnished herewith

SIGNATURES

29