While the mining equipment made by this company is better suited for softer materials like coal than for diamonds, I couldn't resist a nod to the "Fab Four." After all, even a girl with kaleidoscope eyes could see that demand for mining equipment is scorching hot in this global commodities boom.
Wisconsin's Bucyrus International
Sales from the surface mining segment rose 41.3% year-over-year and offering up a nice dose of operating leverage. On a consolidated basis, the operating margin was 16%, which compares favorably with the 12.6% margin reported this week by competitor Terex
Fools who follow my coverage of this sector know I keep a close eye on backlogs. Among the mining equipment manufacturers -- especially Bucyrus, Terex, Caterpillar
In an environment for equities that is truly brutal, the persistently positive earnings from mining equipment manufacturers feel like an oasis in a world of earnings angst. Choosing a favorite among would be tough, but it's clear Bucyrus is smiling at tangerine trees and marmalade skies.
Further Foolishness:
- Bucyrus' first quarter was as huge as their dragline excavators.
- Caterpillar is simply smoking.
- Joy Global was pretty happy last quarter as well.