compass announces qrtly results. sop $626/ton

http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=148615&p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=1781972

“Strong and steady demand for Compass Minerals’ specialty fertilizer products has helped offset some of the short-term softness in the company’s salt business caused by the mild winter weather,” said Fran Malecha, Compass Minerals’ new president and CEO, who joined the company in mid-January. “I attribute this company’s strength and resilience to its great people and valuable assets. Those are the fundamentals for success in any business. I’m impressed by Compass Minerals’ potential and excited to be a part of its bright future.”

SPECIALTY FERTILIZER SEGMENT

Specialty fertilizer sales were $56.6 million, a 6 percent increase from the $53.6 million reported in the fourth quarter of 2011. This year-over-year growth was driven by a 6 percent improvement in sales volume partially offset by a 1 percent decline in average selling price.

Because of the poor 2011 solar-evaporation season at the Great Salt Lake, the company supplemented its solar-pond-based feedstock with purchased potassium-based mineral feedstock throughout 2012. These sourced minerals continued to elevate per-unit production costs in the fourth quarter and pressured operating earnings.

Average SOP Sales Price: $626/ton


Hang in there RWD holders. IMO LD is going to be a highly profitable operation (NPV $400-500m). Evaporation trial results should be out in the next week or two. Capital raising, road construction and infill drilling not far off. People are going to look back in 1-2 years and think 'why the hell did I not load up on RWD when it was 60c'. A low risk multiple bagger from here.