Increased Operational and Transportation Costs due to Higher Oil Prices: The ongoing Middle East conflict is driving oil prices higher, which will directly increase Compass Minerals' costs for energy-intensive extraction and processing, as well as the significant transportation costs associated with bulk mineral products.

Weakening Global Demand amid Downgraded Growth Forecasts: The IMF's anticipated downgrade of global growth forecasts, fueled by the Middle East conflict, suggests a potential contraction in industrial activity and overall economic uncertainty, which could reduce demand for Compass Minerals' industrial and agricultural mineral products.

Impact of US Economic Health on Demand for Materials: A robust US economy, evidenced by strong job growth (178,000 jobs added in March) and low unemployment (4.3%), could provide some stability or increased demand for certain construction-related materials or industrial products within the US market, potentially offsetting some global slowdowns.