Based on record profits and record prices, it is no big surprise coal stocks performed so well in 2005.

Arch Coal was the frontrunner in this year’s return stakes with 145%. The coal giant began the year at what can now be perceived as a “dismal” $US33.19 before reaching the lofty heights of $US81.34 last week.

Not far behind was other coal giant Peabody Energy with a 123% one-year return. The company also began 2005 low at $US37.74 before climbing to $US86.90 during October.

Peabody has been keeping itself busy this year with interests in clean coal energy and purchase of new reserves and operations.

Next best was Walter Industries with a 78% one-year return. Coal forms only part of Walter’s interests, with the diversified company also involved in home building, water infrastructure, flow control and water transmission products, financing and natural gas.

Walter peaked at $US52.40 last month and is currently trading around the $US50 mark.

The county’s largest underground coal producer - Consol Energy – recorded a respectable year with a great 65% one-year return. The company’s shares peaked during October just under $US80 and are currently trading around $US63.

Massey Energy made a 29% one-year return. The company is now trading at $US42 after peaking at $US57 in September.