Both articles analyse the relative strengths and weaknesses of companies across set time-frames. The first of them deals with how much companies have returned to investors over the last decade of the so-called ‘super-cycle’. Note BHP Billiton led by returning almost $30 billion to shareholders, followed by Ango American at $20 billion. The second reviews the top 10 companies over 3 years, focussing on cash generated and re-invested, as well as out-standing debt.
Smoke, mirrors and reality among major diversified miners
http://www.mineweb.com/mineweb/view/mineweb/en/page67?oid=99488&sn=Detail&pid=92730
Just how strong are the world’s biggest miners?
http://www.mineweb.com/mineweb/view/mineweb/en/page67?oid=99341&sn=Detail&pid=92730