Compass Minerals International 2025 Q4 Earnings Net Loss Narrows 85.5% to $7.2M as Revenue Rises 9%

Compass Minerals International (CMP) reported Q4 2025 earnings, beating revenue estimates with a 9% year-over-year increase to $227.5M. The company narrowed its net loss by 85.5% to $7.2M, but 2026 guidance for sales and EBITDA reflects a strategic focus on core segments despite lower volume projections.

Revenue

Revenue was driven by a 12% year-over-year increase in the Salt segment to $181.6M, with highway deicing sales up 20%. The Plant Nutrition segment remained flat at $41.8M, while Corporate & Other revenue contributed $4.1M.

Earnings/Net Income

Compass Minerals narrowed losses to $0.17 per share in 2025 Q4 from a $1.17 loss in 2024 Q4 (85.5% improvement). Net loss reduced to -$7.2M, down 85.1% from -$48.3M. The EPS improvement reflects effective cost optimization and operational efficiency, though the company still reported a loss.

Post-Earnings Price Action Review

The strategy of buying Compass Minerals shares post-revenue growth underperformed significantly over three years, with a -55.16% return compared to the benchmark’s 74.51%. The strategy’s CAGR of -23.65% highlights substantial losses, though it avoided further drawdowns.

CEO Commentary

Edward C. Dowling Jr. emphasized the back-to-basics strategy, aligning highway deicing production with market conditions and reducing inventory by 33%. The CEO highlighted improved cash generation and debt reduction as priorities for long-term value creation.

Guidance

For 2026, Compass Minerals forecasts total adjusted EBITDA of $200–$240M, with Salt segment EBITDA at $225–$255M and Plant Nutrition at $31–$36M. Sales volumes are expected to decline 8% due to inventory alignment, with capital expenditures estimated at $90–$110M.

Additional News

Recent non-earnings updates include a class action lawsuit over 2024 financial reporting, board changes to streamline operations, and a $0.15 dividend declaration for Q1 2026. The company also reduced net debt by 14% in fiscal 2025, reflecting ongoing capital discipline.