Minerals Technologies reported fourth-quarter adjusted earnings of $1.27 per share, falling $0.01 short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.28. This represents a 15% decline from earnings of $1.50 per share in the same quarter a year prior. The slight miss was driven by softer volumes in its Specialty Minerals segment, where shipment growth slowed to mid-single digits as demand in key end markets remained tepid. Investors will be watching guidance for sequential revenue trends and any cost-control measures the company may implement to restore year-over-year profitability.