Compass Minerals names Ashley Ward as chief accounting officer

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. - Compass Minerals (NYSE:CMP), whose stock has surged 78% over the past six months and currently trades near its 52-week high of $20.96, has appointed Ashley Ward as chief accounting officer, according to a company press release issued Monday. Ward previously served as vice president, corporate controller since July 2024. According to InvestingPro analysis, the company shows promising signs with net income expected to grow this year.

In her new role, Ward will lead the company’s accounting functions, oversee technical accounting issues, ensure compliance with accounting policies and principles, and manage external reporting. She will also collaborate with executive leadership on implementing and improving accounting systems that support the company’s strategic goals.

"Ashley has demonstrated consistent leadership, deep technical expertise, and a commitment to operational excellence during her time at Compass Minerals," said Peter Fjellman, chief financial officer.

Ward brings nearly 20 years of accounting experience to the position. Before joining Compass Minerals, she spent 10 years at Crestwood Equity Partners in roles including assistant controller and director of operational accounting and fixed assets. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from Wichita State University and began her career at Flint Hills Resources, a Koch Industries subsidiary.

Compass Minerals describes itself as a provider of essential minerals with operations including salt products for roadway safety and plant nutrition products for agriculture. The company operates 12 production and packaging facilities across the U.S., Canada and the U.K., employing more than 1,800 people. With a market capitalization of $818 million and annual revenue of $1.21 billion, the company currently appears undervalued according to InvestingPro Fair Value metrics. Discover 10+ additional exclusive insights and detailed analysis available in the Pro Research Report, part of InvestingPro’s comprehensive coverage of 1,400+ US stocks.

In other recent news, Compass Minerals International Inc. reported impressive first-quarter 2025 earnings, significantly surpassing analyst expectations. The company achieved an earnings per share of $0.63, far exceeding the forecasted $0.0045, and reported a substantial revenue increase to $495 million, well above the anticipated $413.71 million. Additionally, Compass Minerals announced a private offering of $650 million in senior notes with an 8.000% yield, maturing in 2030. The proceeds from this offering are intended for repaying outstanding amounts under the company’s senior secured credit facility, redeeming $350 million of 6.750% senior notes due in 2027, and other corporate purposes. Concurrently, the company plans to redeem $350 million of the 2027 notes on June 17, 2025. The redemption price is set at 101.125% of the principal amount plus any accrued and unpaid interest. These financial moves are part of Compass Minerals’ strategy to manage its debt portfolio effectively. The company also noted a reduction in its operating loss and total debt, reflecting its strategic focus on optimizing core businesses.

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