#USA #financial results #Pittsburgh #Koppers Holdings #Q1 2026

Koppers Holdings Reports First Quarter 2026 Results

Pittsburgh, May 8, 2026 – Koppers Holdings Inc. (NYSE: KOP), a global leader in treated wood products and carbon compounds, has published its financial results for the first quarter of 2026, revealing significant progress despite ongoing challenges in the industry.

Financial Overview

In Q1 2026, Koppers achieved net sales of $455.3 million, a slight decline from the $456.5 million reported in the same quarter of the previous year. However, the company was able to report net income of $7.1 million, a remarkable turnaround from a loss of $13.9 million a year earlier.

Diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) rose to $0.35, compared to a loss of ($0.68) in the previous year, highlighting a robust recovery. Adjusted EPS was reported at $0.57, down from $0.71, influenced by various market pressures.
The adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $49.3 million, down from $55.5 million in Q1 2025 due to declining profitability in carbon materials and chemicals, which faced intense competitive pressures and rising raw material costs.

Sales Performance by Segment

Koppers' performance varied across its market segments:

• - Railroad and Utility Products and Services sales decreased to $220.0 million, down 6.4% compared to the previous year, affected by maintenance-related activities and the sale of the railroad services business.
• - Performance Chemicals saw growth, with sales increasing to $142.1 million, reflecting a 17.5% increase driven by higher volumes in the Americas and improved pricing.
• - Carbon Materials and Chemicals decreased to $93.2 million, with significant declines in volumes and prices impacting profitability.

Operational Highlights

CEO Leroy Ball expressed optimism regarding the company's trajectory, stating, "Our consolidated first quarter results met expectations, and our cash generation has gained tremendous momentum." This optimism is particularly attributed to market share gains in Performance Chemicals, counteracting significant declines within the Carbon Materials segment due to escalating oil prices and competitive challenges stemming from geopolitical conflicts.

Ball added, "Our initiatives to transform our Catalyst operations are showing promise, and I remain grateful to our global team for their efforts.”

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, Koppers has revised its forecasts based on the unpredictable economic landscape. The updated 2026 net sales forecast is projected between $1.9 billion to $2.0 billion, with adjusted EBITDA expected to be between $240 million and $260 million. The company anticipates an effective tax rate of 28% and adjusted EPS of $3.80 to $4.60.

"While we expect headwinds from continued oil price volatility to affect profitability this year, the demand in our Performance Chemicals and Railroad Utilities markets is promising," Ball stated. He underscored the company's commitment to making strategic decisions to navigate this challenging environment.

Conclusion

The dedicated team at Koppers continues to strive for operational efficiency and market leadership in its sectors. As the company adapts to shifting market dynamics, stakeholders are reminded of its commitment to sustainability and long-term growth potential. Koppers remains focused on 'Protecting What Matters, Preserving The Future' through responsible practices and innovation.

For further insights into Koppers Holdings’ quarterly results and strategic initiatives, stakeholders can access the conference call details available on the company's Investor Relations website.