Better Buy: Alliance Resource Partners L.P. vs. Foresight Energy L.P.

There are some broad similarities between thermal coal miners Foresight Energy LP (NYSE: FELP) and Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. (NASDAQ: ARLP). But the differences couldn't be more stark, which is why most, if not all, investors should choose Alliance if they are looking to venture into the still-troubled coal sector.

Coal is has been losing the battle against cheap (and cleaner burning) natural gas for years. At the same time, alternative energy sources like solar and wind have been gaining prominence. It is too late for coal to gain back the share it has lost in the U.S. electric grid. The future, meanwhile, looks equally troubling; the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) expects coal to continue to lose share over the next 20 years.

Image source: Getty Images.

Source: Fool.com