Industrial Minerals


Compass posts lower Q4 earnings

09 February 2010

by IM prices reporter

Milder winter weather reduces salt demand for North American producer

Keywords: Compass Minerals, potash, SOP, potassium sulphate, fertiliser

Compass Minerals has reported lower Q4 2009 earnings due to reduced demand for sulphate of potash (SOP), specialty fertilisers and seasonal de-icing products.

 

Net earnings for the three months ended 31 December, 2009 dropped 22% to $62.5m., compared to $80.1m. in the prior-year quarter.

 

Q4 2009 sales dropped 20% to $312.2m., down from $388.3m. in Q4 2008, as the effects of significantly milder weather in the company's primary de-icing markets and continued weak demand for potash...