I have not pulled the trigger on any coal stocks other than buying a small position in BTU which was recommended by the Adens. I did do some research on IBD and the higher ranked coal companies going from high to low are as follows:

LLEN ranked 99

ANR ranked 98

Met coal is the same as coking coal and is used to refine iron ore and in the production of steel. It is not as abundant as thermal coal and thus demands a much higher price. Seems like high demand for this in China, India and Korea.

Thermal coal is use for electricity and will have great demand as such from the emerging countries (e.g., Asia).

Given that BTU recently made an offer on a smaller coal company that was rebuffed, this may be an area ripe for mergers/acquisitions.

Anyone else have ideas for companies? e may want to check further into LLEN.