Compass Minerals Intl Inc Stock Price, News & Analysis

Compass Minerals (NYSE: CMP) is set to release its second-quarter 2021 financial results on Wednesday, August 4, 2021, after market close. The company's leadership, including President and CEO Kevin Crutchfield and CFO Jamie Standen, will discuss these results in a conference call scheduled for Thursday, August 5, at 10 a.m. ET. Investors can access the conference via the company's website or by phone.

Compass Minerals (NYSE: CMP) has identified a substantial lithium brine resource of approximately 2.4 million metric tons of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) at its Ogden, Utah site. The company is evaluating options to develop this resource to meet the growing demand for domestic lithium. This lithium is derived from the ambient brine of the Great Salt Lake, with plans targeting an annual production capacity of 20,000 to 25,000 metric tons of battery-grade lithium. Compass Minerals emphasizes a commitment to environmental stewardship in this venture.

Compass Minerals (NYSE: CMP) has finalized the sale of its South America specialty plant nutrition business to ICL Group for R$2.16 billion (approximately $432 million). This deal included a cash payment of about $325 million and the assumption of $107 million in net debt by ICL. The transaction strengthens Compass Minerals' balance sheet, allowing for strategic growth opportunities and the primary use of proceeds to pay down debt. The South America chemicals business remains unsold and is under ongoing sale processes.

The board of directors of Compass Minerals (NYSE: CMP) has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.72 per share. This dividend will be paid on June 18, 2021, to shareholders on record as of the close of business on June 10, 2021. Compass Minerals is a leading provider of essential minerals, focusing on delivering solutions for various challenges in consumer, industrial, and agricultural applications, with operations in the U.S., Canada, Brazil, and the U.K.

Compass Minerals (NYSE: CMP) reported strong first-quarter 2021 results, showcasing substantial year-over-year growth in operating earnings and adjusted EBITDA*, primarily due to lower operating costs and high sales volumes of deicing products within its Salt segment.

The company also announced the divestiture of its South America and North America micronutrient businesses, aligning with an asset optimization strategy, with these results categorized as discontinued operations. Key figures include revenue of $426 million, operating earnings of $63.6 million, adjusted EBITDA of $97.3 million, and net earnings of $32.9 million, translating to a net earnings per diluted share of $0.95.

Koch Agronomic Services has completed its acquisition of Compass Minerals' North American micronutrient assets, including trademarks, patents, and specific product platforms such as Wolf Trax^® and Rocket Seeds^®. This acquisition aims to enhance Koch's commitment to improving nutrient efficiency for growers globally. The integration of these products into Koch's existing portfolio is expected to bolster their position as a leader in nutrient efficiency solutions. The transaction aligns with Koch's strategy to innovate and expand its offerings in agricultural solutions.

Compass Minerals (NYSE: CMP) announced it will release its first-quarter 2021 financial results on May 4, 2021, after market close. President and CEO Kevin Crutchfield, along with CFO Jamie Standen, will hold a conference call on May 5 at 10 a.m. ET to discuss the results. Investors can access the call at investors.compassminerals.com or by dialing in. An updated corporate presentation will also be available, providing insights into the company’s performance.

Compass Minerals (NYSE: CMP) recently reported below-average winter weather in its North American market for Q1 2021, resulting in a slightly below-average season overall. The company recorded 100 snow events, 8% below the 10-year average, yet saw a significant rise in highway deicing sales volumes, with approximately 4.6 million tons sold compared to 3.1 million tons in Q1 2020. CEO Kevin Crutchfield noted strong demand and strategic progress, including new asset sales and a collective bargaining agreement, setting a positive course for the year ahead.

Compass Minerals (NYSE: CMP) announced a definitive agreement to sell its North America micronutrient assets to Koch Agronomic Services for approximately $60.25 million. This strategic move aims to optimize its asset portfolio and focus on core operations, including salt production and specialty fertilizers. The sale includes intellectual property and ongoing research for the Wolf Trax, Rocket Seeds, and Hydro Bullet product lines. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2021, enhancing Compass Minerals' balance sheet.