To those who have sizable investments in U.S. coal, you have a much stronger stomach than I. Of all the major coal players, only Peabody Energy (BTU +0.00%) has recorded a profit over the previous four quarters, but it too could see 2013 fall into the red if the numbers it reports on January 31st are what analysts expect them to be.
Those hoping for a turnaround in coal prices and production will probably need to wait a bit longer before seeing any major changes. Prices for coal across the U.S. have barely budged since the last quarter, which is devastating for companies like Alpha Natural Resources (NYSE: ANR), where costs to produce coal in the Central Appalachia are still greater than the price it can be sold for. Find out what else could hold coal back in the near future by tuning into the video below.
