Compass Minerals Inc. reported a strong fourth quarter for both its Specialty Fertilizer and Salt segments. Fertilizer operating earnings were $19.7 million on sales of $61.4 million, up from the year-ago $10.7 million and $56.6 million. Volumes were up and prices remained level with year-ago figures.
Fertilizer earnings for the year were up slightly at $58.7 million on sales of $198.6 million from the prior year’s $58.4 million and $226.2 million, respectively. Volumes were off while prices were up.
Company-wide fourth quarter net earnings were $58.4 million ($1.73 per diluted share) on sales of $387.4 million, up from the year–ago $30.1 million ($0.90 per share) on sales of $267.1 million.
Full year earnings were $130.8 million ($3.88 per share) on sales of $1.13 billion up from 2012’s $88.9 million ($2.65 per share) and $941.9 million.