Compass Minerals International Misses on the Top and Bottom Lines

Compass Minerals International (NYSE: CMP  ) reported earnings on Feb. 6. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended Dec. 31 (Q4), Compass Minerals International missed slightly on revenues and missed estimates on earnings per share.

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue dropped and GAAP earnings per share dropped significantly.

Gross margins increased, operating margins shrank, net margins contracted.

Revenue details
Compass Minerals International recorded revenue of $267.1 million. The six analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ predicted net sales of $271.4 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 13% lower than the prior-year quarter's $306.1 million.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

EPS details
EPS came in at $1.02. The eight earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ predicted $1.05 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.90 for Q4 were 31% lower than the prior-year quarter's $1.31 per share.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

Margin details
For the quarter, gross margin was 26.1%, 90 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 15.8%, 60 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 11.3%, 300 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $313.6 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $1.43.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $1.09 billion. The average EPS estimate is $4.58.

Investor sentiment
The stock has a four-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 760 members out of 787 rating the stock outperform, and 27 members rating it underperform. Among 183 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 175 give Compass Minerals International a green thumbs-up, and eight give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Compass Minerals International is hold, with an average price target of $77.43.

Is Compass Minerals International the right metals stock for you? Find out the best way to profit from inflation and gold with a little-known company we profile in, "The Tiny Gold Stock Digging Up Massive Profits." Click here for instant access to this free report.

• Add Compass Minerals International to My Watchlist.