KeyBanc Upgrades Compass Minerals International (CMP) to Buy; Shares Point North

KeyBanc upgraded Compass Minerals International (NYSE: CMP) from Neutral to Buy.

KeyBanc analyst said, "We are upgrading CMP on the expectation that earnings will improve substantially in 2013 over 2012, driven by better deicing salt demand, the completion of the first phase of the SOP expansion project, and improved unit operating costs across the Company. CMP's asset base and core market dynamics allow it to generate solid returns coupled with total annual operating margins typically above 20%. Recent weather patterns did negatively impact both the deicing and specialty fertilizer businesses, and an underlying assumption for our forward outlook is normal weather."

"Our EPS estimate for 2012 is now $4.00 (previously $4.35) and our 2013 EPS estimate is $5.85 (unchanged)."

For an analyst ratings summary and ratings history on Compass Minerals International click here. For more ratings news on Compass Minerals International click here.

Shares of Compass Minerals International closed at $75.46 yesterday.

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