Based on the aggregated intelligence of 125,000-plus investors participating in Motley Fool CAPS, the Fool's free investing community, salt and fertilizer producer Compass Minerals International (NYSE:CMP) has earned a respected four-star ranking.

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

Compass Minerals facts 

Headquarters (founded)

Overland Park, Kan. (1993)

Market Cap

$1.92 billion

Industry

 Diversified Metals and Mining

TTM Revenue

$1.17 billion

Management

President/CEO Angelo Brisimitzakis (since 2006)

CFO Rodney Underdown (since 2002)

Return on Capital (average, last three years)

19.7%

Dividend Yield

2.4%

Competitors

Intrepid Potash (NYSE:IPI)

Mosaic (NYSE:MOS)

CAPS members bullish on CMP also bullish on:

PotashCorp (NYSE:POT)

Vale (NYSE:RIO)

CAPS members bearish on CMP also bearish on:

Citigroup (NYSE:C)

Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS)

Sources: Capital IQ, a division of Standard & Poor's, and Motley Fool CAPS. TTM = trailing 12 months.

Over on CAPS, fully 505 of the 524 members who have rated Compass Minerals -- some 96% -- believe the stock will outperform the S&P 500 going forward. These bulls include NollierCapMgmt and jawilde.

Last month, NollierCapMgmt noted that Compass "is the low cost provider in its sector. Its major [line of business] is de-icing salt. It is also a producer of [sulfate of potash]. This company has proven to be a hidden gem in the market. ... My fair value est. is $70."

In a more recent pitch from last week, jawilde expands on that line of thinking:

Great mid-cap company with a decent dividend. Deals in basic commodities; deicer salt and [sulfate of potash]. Wide business moat with limited competition. Has been able to raise prices as needed. Stock price up 40% over the past year versus the S&P's ~ 35% drop. Do not see any reason why this "hidden gem" will not continue growing for quite some time.

What do you think about Compass Minerals, or any other stock for that matter? Make your voice heard on Motley Fool CAPS today. More than 125,000 investors are waiting to hear what you have to say. CAPS is 100% free, so simply click here to get started.