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Koppers Holdings Inc. (KOP)
NYSE:KOP

Koppers Holdings (KOP) AI Stock Analysis

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KO

Koppers Holdings

(NYSE:KOP)

65Neutral
Koppers Holdings' stock score of 65.2 reflects strong revenue growth and cash flow generation but is tempered by challenges like declining profitability and high leverage. The stock's low valuation compared to peers suggests potential upside, but technical indicators show bearish sentiment. Strategic plans for growth are promising but must overcome market share loss and operational challenges.
Positive Factors
Profitability
Despite challenges, adjusted EBITDA was a record at $261.6 million versus $256.4 million.
Negative Factors
Financial Performance
KOP reported Q4/24 financial results that were less than both analyst and consensus expectations.
Sales Decline
Consolidated sales in Q4/24 of $477 million decreased by 7.1% compared with $513.2 million in Q4/23.

Koppers Holdings (KOP) vs. S&P 500 (SPY)

Koppers Holdings Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionKoppers Holdings Inc. is a global integrated provider of treated wood products, wood treatment chemicals, and carbon compounds. The company operates through three main segments: Railroad and Utility Products and Services, Performance Chemicals, and Carbon Materials and Chemicals. Koppers serves various industries, including railroad, aluminum, steel, agriculture, and construction, by providing innovative solutions to enhance the durability and sustainability of infrastructure and industrial applications.
How the Company Makes MoneyKoppers Holdings generates revenue through its three primary segments. The Railroad and Utility Products and Services segment supplies treated wood products, such as crossties and utility poles, to the railroad and utility industries. The Performance Chemicals segment offers wood treatment chemicals that protect against decay and extend the lifespan of wood products, targeting the residential and commercial construction sectors. The Carbon Materials and Chemicals segment produces carbon pitch, creosote, and other products derived from coal tar, serving the aluminum, steel, and other industrial markets. Key revenue streams include long-term contracts with railroad operators and utility companies, as well as partnerships with industrial manufacturers. Koppers' earnings are influenced by factors such as demand for infrastructure development, regulatory requirements for treated wood products, and global economic conditions affecting industrial production.

Koppers Holdings Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Koppers Holdings shows robust revenue growth and strong cash flow generation capabilities. However, the company faces challenges with declining profitability margins and high leverage. Improving efficiency and managing debt will be crucial to enhance financial stability.
Income Statement
68
Positive
The company has shown consistent revenue growth over the years, albeit with slight fluctuations. Gross profit margins are strong at 100% due to the nature of the reported data, but net profit margins have shown a decline from previous years, indicating rising costs or operational challenges. EBIT and EBITDA margins have also decreased, suggesting potential efficiency issues or increased operational expenses.
Balance Sheet
60
Neutral
The balance sheet reveals a high debt-to-equity ratio, reflecting substantial leverage that poses financial risks. While the equity ratio has improved, indicating better asset management, the return on equity has declined, showing a lower efficiency in generating returns from shareholders' equity.
Cash Flow
72
Positive
Operating cash flow remains positive and has improved over the years, indicating strong cash generation capabilities. Free cash flow has shown volatility, but recent growth suggests improved capital management. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is favorable, demonstrating efficient cash conversion.
Breakdown
Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
2.09B2.15B1.98B1.68B1.67B
Gross Profit
422.60M366.60M344.60M334.10M360.40M
EBIT
148.20M195.20M137.70M156.50M156.70M
EBITDA
213.00M252.60M196.30M217.80M213.10M
Net Income Common Stockholders
52.40M89.20M63.40M85.20M89.10M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
43.90M66.50M33.30M45.50M38.50M
Total Assets
1.89B1.84B1.71B1.66B1.60B
Total Debt
1.02B930.70M904.50M875.10M878.40M
Net Debt
978.00M864.20M871.20M829.60M839.90M
Total Liabilities
1.40B1.33B1.31B1.25B1.25B
Stockholders Equity
488.70M498.90M399.40M406.60M341.70M
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
42.00M25.60M-3.00M-22.00M57.30M
Operating Cash Flow
119.40M146.10M102.30M103.00M127.10M
Investing Cash Flow
-173.30M-116.00M-114.80M-89.50M5.60M
Financing Cash Flow
35.70M2.60M4.80M-4.00M-128.70M

Koppers Holdings Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price28.38
Price Trends
50DMA
30.34
Negative
100DMA
32.93
Negative
200DMA
35.38
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.38
Positive
RSI
40.60
Neutral
STOCH
58.44
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For KOP, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 28.38 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 29.79, below the 50-day MA of 30.34, and below the 200-day MA of 35.38, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -0.38 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 40.60 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 58.44 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for KOP.

Koppers Holdings Risk Analysis

Koppers Holdings disclosed 38 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Koppers Holdings reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Koppers Holdings Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (47)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
78
Outperform
$7.41B19.0721.49%1.77%47.48%
AWAWI
71
Outperform
$6.09B23.2939.28%0.82%11.62%20.76%
KOKOP
65
Neutral
$605.97M12.0210.61%0.95%-2.88%-41.29%
65
Neutral
$5.79B26.4128.90%5.17%10.39%
LPLPX
64
Neutral
$6.24B15.1426.08%1.15%13.95%138.97%
SWSWK
57
Neutral
$12.79B43.793.22%4.02%-2.63%
47
Neutral
$2.63B-3.97-29.27%3.34%2.54%-29.42%
* Basic Materials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
KOP
Koppers Holdings
28.38
-23.88
-45.69%
AWI
Armstrong World
136.00
15.53
12.89%
LPX
Louisiana-Pacific
89.37
13.86
18.36%
SWK
Stanley Black & Decker
79.40
-6.99
-8.09%
TREX
Trex Company
54.00
-40.84
-43.06%
AXTA
Axalta Coating Systems
33.44
0.26
0.78%

Koppers Holdings Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date: Feb 27, 2025 | % Change Since: -11.81% | Next Earnings Date: May 2, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call presented a mixed picture, with record-high adjusted EBITDA and strong performance in certain segments, balanced by declines in overall sales, challenges in the Railroad Products and Services segment, and workforce reductions. While there are strategic plans for growth and efficiency improvements, challenges such as market share loss and plant closures bring uncertainty.
Highlights
Record Fourth Quarter Adjusted EBITDA
Achieved record fourth quarter adjusted EBITDA of $55.2 million compared with $53.9 million in the prior year quarter, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 11.6% versus 10.5%.
Safety and Responsibility Achievements
Half of Koppers facilities worldwide operated accident-free for the year, and the company was recognized by Newsweek as one of America's most responsible companies for the fifth consecutive year.
Record Full-Year Adjusted EBITDA
Reported full-year 2024 adjusted EBITDA of $261.6 million, representing a ninth consecutive record year in profitability with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 12.5%.
Strong Performance in Utility and Industrial Products
UIP segment achieved record fourth-quarter sales and adjusted EBITDA, with strength from hurricane response and the Brownwood acquisition.
Employee Engagement Improvement
2024 employee engagement survey results were slightly better than 2023, resulting in the highest engagement scores to date.
Lowlights
Decline in Consolidated Sales
Consolidated sales of $477 million in Q4, down from $513 million in the prior year, and full-year sales of $2.09 billion, a 3% decrease from 2023.
Disappointing Performance in Railroad Products and Services
RPS segment experienced an 18% decrease in quarterly sales volumes, contributing to a disappointing fourth quarter.
Closure of Stickney Plant
The company is winding down production at the Stickney, Illinois plant, which will result in additional charges and a potential negative impact on EBITDA.
Market Share Loss in Performance Chemicals
Experienced market share loss in the residential chemical business due to aggressive competitors and customer diversification.
Cost and Workforce Reductions
Q4 saw a 5% reduction of global employee base as part of cost-saving measures, resulting in over $10 million in expected savings for 2025.
Company Guidance
During Koppers Holdings Inc.'s fourth-quarter 2024 earnings call, CEO Leroy Ball discussed several key metrics and guidance for the upcoming year. Despite falling short of financial expectations, the company achieved record fourth-quarter adjusted EBITDA of $55.2 million with a margin of 11.6%, compared to $53.9 million and 10.5% in the prior year. Sales declined to $477 million from $513 million due to various challenges, including market share loss and demand slowdowns. Adjusted earnings per share increased to $0.77 from $0.67, while GAAP EPS was negatively impacted by restructuring charges. For the full year, consolidated sales were $2.09 billion, slightly down from $2.15 billion in 2023, with adjusted EBITDA reaching a record $261.6 million and a margin of 12.5%. The company expects 2025 to show improved earnings driven by top-line growth, efficiency gains, and cost control, forecasting sales of $2.17 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $280 million. Koppers plans to allocate free cash flow towards debt reduction and share repurchases, aiming for a net leverage ratio at or below 3 times by year-end. Additionally, the company plans to unveil its 2030 strategic plan during a virtual investor day in September.
Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.