Alex Roepers, founder of Atlantic Investment Management, spoke favorably about long-term prospects for Joy Global (JOY) at yesterday's Value Investing Congress. Although the mining company recently cut its 2012 forecast based on slowing commodity demand in the U.S. and China, Roepers argues that in the broader global arena, coal remains a solid growth market. Right now, the stock is dirt cheap -- down 25% this year -- and the company is rumored to be a GE (GE 0.68%) takeover target. It's not a far reach to consider Joy Global a solid opportunity.
In terms of competition, though, Joy Global is up against big boy Caterpillar (CAT 1.59%), the market share leader in an industry in which size matters. Caterpillar's quality products, extensive service network, and unparalleled brand strength combine to give it solid competitive advantages. Whether you hold shares of Caterpillar or are considering the competition, investors in this sector would be wise to read up on Caterpillar's strengths and weaknesses in our premium research report on the company. To access your copy of the report, simply click here now.
