On Thursday, Aug. 31, mining equipment specialist Joy Global (NASDAQ:JOYG) released Q3 2006 earnings for the period ended July 29.

  • If the results look too good to be true, try backing out an unexpected tax reversal of $111 million, or $0.90 per diluted share, from reported earnings. That puts the earnings at $0.63 per diluted share -- more realistic, but still impressive.
  • Margins did not need the tax boost in order to look good; the rose nicely across the board.
  • More proof of solid results comes from strong cash flows.

(Figures in millions, except per-share data)

Income Statement Highlights

Avg. Est.

Q3 2006

Q3 2005

Change

Sales

$613

$599

$513

16.7%

Net Profit

--

$189

$31

512.6%

EPS

$0.58

$1.53

$0.25

512%

Diluted Shares

123

123

(0.4%)



Get back to basics with a look at the income statement.

Margin Checkup

Q3 2006

Q3 2005

Change*

Gross Margin

31.55%

28.31%

3.24

Operating Margin

18.32%

14.09%

4.23

Net Margin

31.50%

6.00%

25.5

*Expressed in percentage points.

Margins are the earnings engine. See how they work.

Balance Sheet Highlights

Assets

Q3 2006

Q3 2005

Change

Cash + ST Invest.

$102

$70

46.2%

Accounts Rec.

$418

$314

33%

Inventory

$623

$539

15.6%


Liabilities

Q3 2006

Q3 2005

Change

Accounts Payable

$340

$311

9.5%

Long-Term Debt

$77

$27

183.5%



Learn the ways of the balance sheet.

Cash Flow Highlights

Q3 2006

Q3 2005

Change

Cash from Ops.

$51

$8

538.3%

Capital Expenditures

$8

$10

(17.4%)

Free Cash Flow

$43

($2)

N/A



Find out why Fools always follow the money.

Related Companies:

  • Caterpillar (NYSE:CAT)
  • Metso (NYSE:MX)
  • Bucyrus International (NASDAQ:BUCY)
  • Terex (NYSE:TEX)
  • Mitsui (NASDAQ:MITSY)
  • CONSOL Energy (NYSE:CNX)

Related Foolishness:

Fool by Numbers is designed to give you the raw earnings information in a timely fashion, putting all the numbers you need in one easy-to-read place. But at The Motley Fool, we believe numbers tell only part of the story, so check Fool.com for more of our in-depth discussion of what the numbers mean. Or sign up for a 30-day free trial of any of our newsletters byclicking here.

At the time of publication, Fool contributor Anders Bylund had no position in any company mentioned. Fool rules are here .