Peabody Looking To Stoke Up Profits

Oh what a fun earnings season we are having. One day you see positive news from transportation, the next day you see iffy news from a basic metals or materials company, and then the next day you see a bank report a shrinking loan book.

What, then, to make of the earnings of coal giant Peabody Energy (NYSE:BTU)? There is no question that Peabody had a solid quarter and management was relatively positive on near-term guidance. Moreover, near-term trends are looking good in the coal market. But does this mean the economy is getting better, or are their unique factors at work in the coal business?

For the full piece, please go to:
http://stocks.investopedia.com/stock-analysis/2010/Peabody-Looking-To-Stoke-Up-Profits-BTU-VALE-RTP-BHP-ANR0722.aspx