It Wasn’t All Bad for Arch Coal Inc (ACI) in 2012

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This will be something investors across the industry should continue to watch closely. You’ll likely see exports being highlighted when Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. (NYSE:ANR) reports on Valentine’s Day. The company has more export capacity than any U.S. peer at 25 million-30 million tons. Exports drove 44% of the company’s revenue in 2011 and are likely to continue to bolster the company’s results in 2012.

This past year wasn’t kind to the coal industry, and Arch Coal really took its share of lumps. However, underneath all that soot is a bit of a silver lining with exports saving the day. The miners that have the best strategic positions will be the ones that will dig up the best results as natural gas continues to take over as the fuel of choice for power producers.

The article It Wasn’t All Bad for Arch Coal in 2012 originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Matt DiLallo.

Fool contributor Matt DiLallo has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

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