Like an oasis in the desert, a number of key earnings reports should help keep the market interested until the next season kicks off in January. Some of the bigger names that report next week include Best Buy Co. Inc. (NYSE: BBY), Oracle Corporation (NASDAQ: ORCL), Research In Motion Limited (NASDAQ: RIMM)? and FedEx Corporation (NYSE: FDX).

One name you should take a closer look at is Joy Global Inc. (NASDAQ: JOYG). Along with Bucyrus International, Inc. (NASDAQ: BUCY), Joy Global controls about 80% of the world’s mining equipment market. JOYG reports earnings Wednesday, Dec, 15, before the open. Analysts expect a slight decrease in earnings per shares from a year ago, which follows the results from recent quarters. 

The case for mining equipment is based on the frenetic rise in global demand for natural resources. The strong gains in gold and silver prices certainly underscore this demand, which should translate into robust revenue for equipment makers.

JOYG has an enviable earnings track record, having beaten the consensus analyst estimate for nine straight quarters. The stock has done well after these reports, gaining an average of 5% in the week following the past three releases.

JOYG has been a steady performer for the past three months. Since a late-August low, the shares have gained nearly 50% thanks to the tandem support of the 10-day and 20-day moving averages. 

Sentiment shouldn’t get in the way of this trade. Options activity and short interest show little, but just half the covering analysts rate the shares a “buy.” That seems low for a stock that’s up 50% in three months. Therefore, upgrades are a distinct possibility.

With commodity demand and prices on the rise, JOYG should be a major beneficiary. While earnings should give the shares a boost, we’re looking for more upside down the road. Take advantage of the trend by playing the JOYG Jan 80 Calls, which are currently trading for less than $4.