Historically, tumultuous times offer some of the best opportunities to buy stocks, and the market's recent mess surely qualifies. And though coal miner Walter Energy (NYSE: WLT) has largely recovered from the recession, many investors expect even better times ahead.

In our Motley Fool CAPS community, about 94% of the 1,406 investors rating the company are bullish. There's no shortage of reasons why Walter Energy will thrive, three of which I've highlighted below.

But here at the Motley Fool, we're all for looking at both the good and bad sides of an investment. Once you're done with this article, you can read the case against the stock, weigh in with your own comments below or rate Walter Energy yourself in CAPS.

1. Growing met coal volumes
Walter has seen signs of recovery in both domestic and international steel industries, spurring higher volumes in the first quarter, and giving investors reason to be bullish about the future. U.S. Steel (NYSE: X) also says it sees an industry recovery developing, while Russia's Mechel (NYSE: MTL) expects significant growth from its operations this year. Growth in coal export volumes reached other areas of the steel supply chain as well, as rail operator CSX's (NYSE: CSX) second-quarter earnings increased.     

2. Tapping rising coal prices
Demand for coal because of hot weather, and the increased federal scrutiny following the Massey Energy (NYSE: MEE) mine disaster in April, have led to higher steam coal prices at home. Mining giant Rio Tinto (NYSE: RTP) recently said that it expects world metallurgical coal prices to remain similarly high on strong global demand. Walter Energy's pricing for the year is still open on much of its remaining coking coal volume, in order to take advantage of expected stronger pricing in coming quarters.

3. Strong financials
Following Arch Coal's (NYSE: ACI) quarterly dividend increase of 11%, Walter Energy recently bumped its dividend 25% higher. The company has generated strong free cash flow over the past 12 months, and the minimal debt on its balance sheet gives it the ability to repurchase shares as well. With an outlook for improving earnings and increasing cash flows, many investors like the stock's potential going forward.

To see details of what CAPS members are saying now about Walter Energy, just click on over to Motley Fool CAPS and have a look -- or add your own thoughts in the comments box below.