Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.
What: Shares of coal miner Natural Resources Partners LP (NRP -0.61%) dropped 17% today after issuing weaker-than-expected guidance.
So what: Revenue and earnings in 2013 are expected to be within previous guidance, but 2014 is expected to be weak again with revenue of between $305 million and $340 million. Net income per share is expected to be $1.10 to $1.30, which is well below the $1.61 that analysts expected.
The company's quarterly distribution was also lowered 36%, to $0.20 per share.
Now what: The weakness in the thermal and metallurgical coal markets is expected to "continue through at least 2014." That's why management lowered guidance and its distribution. As I've said for years now, this is part of the long-term decline of coal, particularly thermal. I'd stay out of this entire sector and look for more promising energy opportunities.
