Based on the aggregated intelligence of 180,000-plus investors participating in Motley Fool CAPS, the Fool's free investing community, salt and fertilizer producer Compass Minerals International (CMP 2.03%) has earned a coveted five-star ranking.

With that in mind, let's take a closer look at Compass and see what CAPS investors are saying about the stock right now.

Compass facts

Headquarters (founded)

Overland Park, Kan. (1993)

Market Cap

$2.6 billion

Industry

Diversified metals and mining

Trailing-12-Month Revenue

$1.0 billion

Management

CEO Angelo Brisimitzakis (since 2006)

CFO Rodney Underdown (since 2002)

Return on Capital (average, past 3 years)

16.9%

Cash/Debt

$147.6 million / $484.1 million

Dividend Yield

2.5%

Competitors

Agrium (NYSE: AGU)

PotashCorp (POT)

Sources: S&P Capital IQ and Motley Fool CAPS.

On CAPS, 97% of the 785 of the members who have rated Compass believe the stock will outperform the S&P 500 going forward.

Earlier this week, one of those bulls, TMFDeej, tapped Compass as an income opportunity worth looking into:

Is global warming real? That is the question. If so and we have another warm winter Compass' stock probably won't do much. If not, or then we could be in for a much colder winter, which would be great for Compass' salt business. ... Add a solid Potash business in a world that needs more food and a solid [2.5% dividend yield] and Compass is worth a CAPS play with a watch on it for a real-life investment.

If you want market-topping returns, you need to put together the best portfolio you can. Owning exceptional stocks is a surefire way to secure your financial future. Of course, despite its five-star rating, Compass may not be your top choice.

If that's the case, we've compiled a special free report for investors called "The 3 Dow Stocks Dividend Investors Need," which uncovers a few other juicy income opportunities. The report is 100% free, but it won't be around forever, so click here to access it now.

Want to see how well (or not so well) the stocks in this series are performing? Follow the TrackPoisedTo CAPS account.