Companies like Peabody Energy (BTU +0.00%) and Alpha Natural Resources (NYSE: ANR) have been stressing the importance of the export market for coal's success lately, but signs of domestic success surfaced today when Alliance Resource Partners (ARLP 2.84%) released record coal sales and production volumes for the third quarter. What makes these results even more exciting is the fact that management sees growth continuing out into 2013 at around 11%-13% over 2012. The vast majority of these estimated sales are already priced and committed.
Sales visibility to 2018 should also provide shareholders with confidence that ARLP will be able to continue its dividend hikes, which have taken place over the past 18 quarters. Year to date, the company has 28.7 million tons of coal scheduled for delivery over the next six years.
The video below provides a bit more color on some of the reasons why Alliance Resource Partners turned in such a positive quarter.
