Part of the recent surge in margin loans may be entirely rational.

ECONOMIST: Marginal differences

And, despite the surge in coal prices, Massey's operating margin fell a third, to 13%, that year.

FORBES: Companies, People, Ideas

Buoyed by a surge in exports, SQM (as it is commonly known) enjoyed a net margin of more than 14% in 1996 -- its closest U.S. competitor, Trans-Resources, Inc.

FORBES: Patricio Contesse's white gold