Koppers

Koppers makes products that help wood last for railroads and utilities. They also create chemicals used to make metal and tires. These items are essential for building and maintaining important infrastructure.

What Koppers Makes

• Railroad Products: Wooden crossties and switch ties used to build and maintain train tracks; includes bridge engineering and repair services.
• Utility Poles: Pressure-treated wooden poles for power and telephone lines; serves as the second-largest supplier in the United States.
• Wood Preservation Chemicals: Copper-based preservatives used to protect lumber for decks and fences from rot and insect damage.
• Carbon Compounds: Materials like creosote and carbon pitch used in the railroad, aluminum, and steel industries.

Strategic Shifts

• Ceased phthalic anhydride production at the Stickney facility during the second quarter of 2025 to lower emissions.
• Reduced the number of global coal tar distillation facilities to three by December 31, 2025, following a restructuring plan.
• Managed environmental liabilities through an indemnity agreement with Beazer East, Inc. related to products sold before 1988.

The Koppers Edge

Koppers uses a system where it makes the chemicals needed to treat its own wood products. This vertical integration provides a reliable supply of materials for its railroad and utility customers.

Tracking the Numbers

• Revenue hit $432.7 million in Q4 2025, down 9.3% from the same period in 2024.
• Operating income reached $120.5 million in Q4 2025, up 1,782.8% year-over-year.
• Net income hit $29.7 million in Q4 2025, up 391.2% from a loss of $10.2 million in Q4 2024.
• International products accounted for 29% of total net sales for the year ended December 31, 2025.
• Total outstanding debt was $928.3 million as of December 31, 2025.

The Bottom Line

Koppers has transformed from a chemical manufacturer into an integrated provider of treated wood and infrastructure materials. Its focus on essential industrial supplies and internal chemical production supports its role in maintaining global transportation and energy networks.