Koppers Holdings Inc. (KOP) Q3 2025 Earnings Call Transcript
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Nov 07 2025
0mins
Should l Buy KOP?
Source: SeekingAlpha
Sales for Q3 2025 $485 million, down $69 million or 12% from Q3 2024. The decline was driven by lower volumes across all segments: RUPS (-6%), PC (-18%), and CM&C (-16%).
Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025 $70.9 million, down from $77.4 million in Q3 2024. The decrease was due to lower sales volumes, partially offset by cost containment efforts.
Adjusted EPS for Q3 2025 $1.21 per share, down from $1.37 in Q3 2024. The decline was due to lower top-line performance, partially offset by cost containment and reduced interest costs.
SG&A Costs (Year-to-date) Down 14% or over $19 million compared to the prior year, driven by cost control measures.
RUPS Segment Sales for Q3 2025 $233 million, down $15 million or 6% from Q3 2024. The decline was due to lower volumes of Class I crossties and maintenance-of-way business, partially offset by higher commercial crosstie volumes and price increases.
RUPS Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025 $29 million, up from $25 million in Q3 2024. The increase was due to lower SG&A and operating expenses, as well as net sales price increases, despite lower sales volumes.
PC Segment Sales for Q3 2025 $144 million, down $33 million or 18% from Q3 2024. The decline was due to lower volumes, primarily from market share shifts in the U.S.
PC Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025 $26 million, down from $40 million in Q3 2024. The decline was due to lower sales volumes and higher raw material costs, partially offset by lower logistics costs and SG&A expenses.
CM&C Segment Sales for Q3 2025 $108 million, down $22 million or 16% from Q3 2024. The decline was primarily due to the discontinuation of phthalic anhydride production.
CM&C Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025 $16 million, up from $13 million in Q3 2024. The increase was due to lower operating and raw material costs, despite lower sales prices.
Net Debt as of September 30, 2025 $885 million, approximately $45 million lower than June 30, 2025, due to free cash flow deployment toward debt reduction.
Capital Expenditures (Year-to-date) $33.7 million net, with a full-year projection of $52-$55 million, down from $74 million in 2024, reflecting a focus on free cash flow.
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Analyst Views on KOP
Wall Street analysts forecast KOP stock price to rise
1 Analyst Rating
1 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 34.220
Low
55.00
Averages
55.00
High
55.00
Current: 34.220
Low
55.00
Averages
55.00
High
55.00
About KOP
Koppers Holdings Inc. is an integrated global provider of treated wood products, wood preservation chemicals and carbon compounds. It operates through three segments: Railroad and Utility Products and Services (RUPS), Performance Chemicals (PC) and Carbon Materials and Chemicals (CMC). The RUPS segment sells treated and untreated wood products, manufactured products and services to the railroad industry and treated wood products to the utility industry. The PC segment develops, manufactures, and markets wood preservation chemicals and wood treatment technologies and services a diverse range of end-markets including infrastructure, residential and commercial construction and agriculture. The CMC segment is a manufacturer of creosote, carbon pitch, naphthalene, phthalic anhydride and carbon black feedstock. It serves its customers through a comprehensive global manufacturing and distribution network, with manufacturing capabilities in North America, South America, Australasia and Europe.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Koppers Holdings Announces 12.5% Increase in Quarterly Dividend
- Dividend Increase: Koppers Holdings has raised its quarterly dividend for 2026 from $0.08 to $0.09 per share, marking a 12.5% increase that reflects the company's confidence in its future cash flow, likely enhancing investor trust and appeal.
- Annual Dividend Boost: This adjustment raises the annual dividend rate for 2026 to $0.36 per share, indicating robust performance in profitability and cash flow management, which may attract more long-term investors.
- Shareholder Return Strategy: CEO Leroy Ball stated that this dividend increase aligns with the company's capital deployment strategy aimed at returning cash to shareholders while investing for the future, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable growth.
- Future Dividend Outlook: Koppers plans to pay regular quarterly dividends, with future payments subject to Board approval and the company's financial position, ensuring maximization of shareholder interests and highlighting the company's focus on shareholder returns.
See More
KOPPERS HOLDINGS INC RAISES QUARTERLY DIVIDEND BY 12.5% TO $0.09 PER SHARE
- Dividend Announcement: Koppers Holdings Inc. has announced a quarterly dividend of $0.09 per share.
- Dividend Increase: This marks a 12.5% increase in the dividend compared to previous payouts.
See More
Koppers Schedules 2025 Q4 and Full-Year Earnings Call
- Earnings Release Schedule: Koppers Holdings Inc. plans to announce its Q4 and full-year 2025 financial results before the market opens on February 26, 2026, indicating a commitment to transparency and investor communication.
- Conference Call Details: The call is set for 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time, with participants requested to register five minutes early, reflecting the company's professionalism and focus on participant experience in investor relations.
- Audio Replay Service: An audio replay will be available approximately two hours after the call, lasting until May 26, 2026, ensuring that investors who cannot attend live can access critical information, enhancing information accessibility.
- Company Background: Koppers is a global leader in treated wood products and carbon compounds, employing around 1,850 people dedicated to providing safe and sustainable solutions that support global infrastructure, highlighting its significant role in the industry.
See More
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- Executive Transition: Koppers Holdings announced the retirement of CFO Jimmi Sue Smith effective January 5, 2026, with Chief Accounting Officer Bradley Pearce appointed as interim CFO, demonstrating the company's agility in executive succession planning.
- Financial Optimization Achievements: Under Smith's leadership, the company successfully optimized its capital structure and achieved record free cash flow returns over the past two years, returning more dollars to shareholders than at any point in its history, thereby enhancing investor confidence.
- Successor Search: The company is conducting an external search for Smith's permanent successor, a process that may impact its financial strategy and future direction, particularly in capital management and cash flow optimization.
- Stock Price Reaction: Koppers' stock closed up 2.56% at $27.62 on the New York Stock Exchange, reflecting a positive market reaction to the executive change and potentially signaling investor optimism regarding future financial performance.
See More
Koppers Appoints Bradley Pearce as Interim CFO Amid Leadership Transition
- Leadership Transition: Koppers Holdings announced the retirement of CFO Jimmi Sue Smith effective January 5, 2026, with Bradley Pearce appointed as interim CFO to ensure a smooth transition during the search for a permanent successor.
- Financial Management Experience: Pearce, who joined Koppers in 2006 and served as Chief Accounting Officer, oversaw accounting, tax, and external reporting, playing a crucial role in strategic initiatives to maintain financial stability.
- Capital Structure Optimization: Under Smith's leadership, Koppers secured a $400 million senior secured Term Loan B and extended the maturity of its revolving credit facility from 2025 to 2030, enhancing financial flexibility and strengthening the company's capital position.
- Community Contributions: During her tenure, Smith actively engaged with non-profits, setting a positive example for Koppers employees and fostering a culture of social responsibility within the company.
See More
Koppers Holdings to Host Investor Meetings at BofA Conference in Florida
- Investor Meeting Schedule: Koppers Holdings will host investor meetings on December 2, 2025, at the BofA Securities Leveraged Finance Conference in Boca Raton, Florida, with CFO Jimmi Sue Smith and VP of Investor Relations Quynh McGuire attending to enhance investor engagement and transparency.
- Fireside Chat Highlights: The conference will feature a fireside chat with Ms. Smith at 10:50 a.m. Eastern Time, which is expected to attract investor attention and elevate the company's visibility in the capital markets.
- Information Access Channels: Attendees can watch the chat live on Koppers' website, and presentation materials will also be available in the Investor Relations section, ensuring investors have timely access to key information.
- Company Background Overview: Koppers is a leading global provider of treated wood products and carbon compounds, employing approximately 1,850 people dedicated to providing safe and sustainable solutions for global infrastructure, showcasing the company's significant position in the industry.
See More
Koppers Holdings Announces 12.5% Increase in Quarterly Dividend
- Dividend Increase: Koppers Holdings has raised its quarterly dividend for 2026 from $0.08 to $0.09 per share, marking a 12.5% increase that reflects the company's confidence in its future cash flow, likely enhancing investor trust and appeal.
- Annual Dividend Boost: This adjustment raises the annual dividend rate for 2026 to $0.36 per share, indicating robust performance in profitability and cash flow management, which may attract more long-term investors.
- Shareholder Return Strategy: CEO Leroy Ball stated that this dividend increase aligns with the company's capital deployment strategy aimed at returning cash to shareholders while investing for the future, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable growth.
- Future Dividend Outlook: Koppers plans to pay regular quarterly dividends, with future payments subject to Board approval and the company's financial position, ensuring maximization of shareholder interests and highlighting the company's focus on shareholder returns.
See More
KOPPERS HOLDINGS INC RAISES QUARTERLY DIVIDEND BY 12.5% TO $0.09 PER SHARE
- Dividend Announcement: Koppers Holdings Inc. has announced a quarterly dividend of $0.09 per share.
- Dividend Increase: This marks a 12.5% increase in the dividend compared to previous payouts.
See More
Koppers Schedules 2025 Q4 and Full-Year Earnings Call
- Earnings Release Schedule: Koppers Holdings Inc. plans to announce its Q4 and full-year 2025 financial results before the market opens on February 26, 2026, indicating a commitment to transparency and investor communication.
- Conference Call Details: The call is set for 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time, with participants requested to register five minutes early, reflecting the company's professionalism and focus on participant experience in investor relations.
- Audio Replay Service: An audio replay will be available approximately two hours after the call, lasting until May 26, 2026, ensuring that investors who cannot attend live can access critical information, enhancing information accessibility.
- Company Background: Koppers is a global leader in treated wood products and carbon compounds, employing around 1,850 people dedicated to providing safe and sustainable solutions that support global infrastructure, highlighting its significant role in the industry.
See More
Koppers CFO Jimmi Sue Smith to Retire in 2026, Interim CFO Appointed
- Executive Transition: Koppers Holdings announced the retirement of CFO Jimmi Sue Smith effective January 5, 2026, with Chief Accounting Officer Bradley Pearce appointed as interim CFO, demonstrating the company's agility in executive succession planning.
- Financial Optimization Achievements: Under Smith's leadership, the company successfully optimized its capital structure and achieved record free cash flow returns over the past two years, returning more dollars to shareholders than at any point in its history, thereby enhancing investor confidence.
- Successor Search: The company is conducting an external search for Smith's permanent successor, a process that may impact its financial strategy and future direction, particularly in capital management and cash flow optimization.
- Stock Price Reaction: Koppers' stock closed up 2.56% at $27.62 on the New York Stock Exchange, reflecting a positive market reaction to the executive change and potentially signaling investor optimism regarding future financial performance.
See More
Koppers Appoints Bradley Pearce as Interim CFO Amid Leadership Transition
- Leadership Transition: Koppers Holdings announced the retirement of CFO Jimmi Sue Smith effective January 5, 2026, with Bradley Pearce appointed as interim CFO to ensure a smooth transition during the search for a permanent successor.
- Financial Management Experience: Pearce, who joined Koppers in 2006 and served as Chief Accounting Officer, oversaw accounting, tax, and external reporting, playing a crucial role in strategic initiatives to maintain financial stability.
- Capital Structure Optimization: Under Smith's leadership, Koppers secured a $400 million senior secured Term Loan B and extended the maturity of its revolving credit facility from 2025 to 2030, enhancing financial flexibility and strengthening the company's capital position.
- Community Contributions: During her tenure, Smith actively engaged with non-profits, setting a positive example for Koppers employees and fostering a culture of social responsibility within the company.
See More
Koppers Holdings to Host Investor Meetings at BofA Conference in Florida
- Investor Meeting Schedule: Koppers Holdings will host investor meetings on December 2, 2025, at the BofA Securities Leveraged Finance Conference in Boca Raton, Florida, with CFO Jimmi Sue Smith and VP of Investor Relations Quynh McGuire attending to enhance investor engagement and transparency.
- Fireside Chat Highlights: The conference will feature a fireside chat with Ms. Smith at 10:50 a.m. Eastern Time, which is expected to attract investor attention and elevate the company's visibility in the capital markets.
- Information Access Channels: Attendees can watch the chat live on Koppers' website, and presentation materials will also be available in the Investor Relations section, ensuring investors have timely access to key information.
- Company Background Overview: Koppers is a leading global provider of treated wood products and carbon compounds, employing approximately 1,850 people dedicated to providing safe and sustainable solutions for global infrastructure, showcasing the company's significant position in the industry.
See More
