Core Viewpoint - Koppers Holdings Inc. plans to release its financial results for Q3 2025 on November 7, 2025, and will discuss its outlook during a conference call later that day [1]. Financial Results Announcement - The financial results will be available before the market opens on November 7, 2025 [1]. - A conference call to discuss the results is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time on the same day [1]. Access Information - Interested parties can access the live audio broadcast toll-free by dialing 833-366-1128 in the U.S. and Canada, or 412-902-6774 for international calls, using Conference ID number 10196739 [2]. - Participants are encouraged to join the call at least five minutes early for registration [2]. Replay Information - An audio replay of the call will be available approximately two hours after its completion, accessible through various toll-free numbers and using replay access code 1342424 [3]. - The replay will be available until February 7, 2026 [3]. Company Overview - Koppers is an integrated global provider of treated wood products, wood preservation technologies, and carbon compounds, employing around 2,000 people [4]. - The company focuses on creating and preserving essential infrastructure elements, including railroad crossties and utility poles, while innovating to meet future needs [4].

Summary of China Basic Materials Monitor - October 2025 Industry Overview - The report focuses on the **China Basic Materials** industry, particularly construction materials, steel, coal, cement, aluminum, copper, and lithium sectors. Key Points Construction and Demand Trends - End-user orderbooks showed a month-over-month (MoM) increase as of mid-October, aligning with seasonal trends. However, infrastructure construction is deteriorating faster than anticipated, with weakened project start rates. The impact of central government special funding remains unclear based on feedback from construction dealers and producers of cement and construction steel [1][2][3] - Current Chinese demand for cement and construction steel is reported to be **11-18% lower year-over-year (YoY)**, while demand for copper and aluminum is **5-6% lower YoY**. Flat steel demand has increased by **2% YoY** [2][3] Supply Side Dynamics - There have been no significant cuts in steel production, while corrections in excess production and safety inspections in coal continue. Domestic disruptions in copper scrap have deepened [2] - Recent weeks have seen improvements in margins/pricing for coal, cement, aluminum, copper, and lithium, while steel prices have softened [2] Producer Feedback and Order Trends - A proprietary survey indicates that **61%** of respondents in downstream sectors and **26%** in basic materials reported an MoM increase in orderbooks for October. Conversely, **26%** of respondents indicated a lower MoM trend [3] Price and Margin Analysis - Margin improvements have been noted across several materials, including coal, cement, aluminum, copper, and lithium, while steel margins have softened [2] Market Sentiment - The overall sentiment in the basic materials sector reflects a cautious outlook due to the declining trends in construction and infrastructure projects, despite some positive signals in specific sectors like auto/EV and battery production [1][2] Additional Insights - The report highlights the importance of monitoring the impact of government funding on infrastructure projects, as its effects are yet to be fully realized [1] - The data suggests a potential shift in investment focus towards sectors showing resilience, such as auto/EV and battery production, while traditional construction materials may face ongoing challenges [1][2] This summary encapsulates the critical insights from the October 2025 report on the China Basic Materials industry, emphasizing the current demand trends, supply dynamics, and market sentiment.

Core Insights - Albany International Corp. is relocating its corporate headquarters from Rochester, New Hampshire to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, marking a significant milestone for the company [1] Company Overview - Albany International Corp. is recognized as a global leader in advanced materials science, focusing on innovative processing and automation capabilities [1] - The company designs, produces, and delivers products and services primarily for the paper and aerospace industries [1]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The conference call focused on the **Greater China Materials** industry, highlighting a **liquidity-driven bull market** supported by **supply disruptions** that are positively impacting commodity prices. The preference is for **gold, copper, and aluminum equities** in this environment [1][4][10]. Core Insights and Arguments - **Commodity Price Forecasts**: - **Aluminum**: Morgan Stanley forecasts $2,659 per ton for 2H2025, which is 6% higher than consensus. For CY2026, the forecast is $2,750, 8% above consensus [10]. - **Copper**: Expected price of $10,047 per ton for 2H2025, 5% above consensus, and $10,650 for CY2026, 9% above consensus [10]. - **Gold**: Projected at $3,719 per ounce for 2H2025, 9% above consensus, and $4,400 for CY2026, 34% above consensus [10]. - **Steel Demand Drivers**: - The **China Steel Demand Drivers** for 2025 include: - **Machinery**: 30% - **Infrastructure**: 17% - **Residential Property**: 14% - **Auto**: 9% [17][19]. - **Copper Consumption Index**: The **China Copper Consumption Index** indicates a significant reliance on sectors such as **Power (47%)**, **White Goods (15%)**, and **Auto (10%)** [21][22]. - **Aluminum Demand Breakdown**: The **China aluminum demand** is driven by: - **Property**: 22% - **Passenger Vehicles**: 20% - **Grid Investment**: 11% [27]. Additional Important Insights - **Infrastructure Spending**: - Infrastructure spending has partially offset the slowdown in new property starts, with a **5.4% YoY increase** in infrastructure spending for the first eight months of 2025 [35][55]. - **Weekly Shipments**: - Weekly cement and rebar shipments in China are being monitored, indicating trends in demand and supply dynamics [55][56]. - **Market Sentiment**: - The overall sentiment in the materials sector remains **attractive**, with Morgan Stanley's research indicating potential conflicts of interest due to business relationships with covered companies [4][5]. - **Analyst Team**: The call featured insights from a team of equity analysts at Morgan Stanley, emphasizing the importance of their research in investment decision-making [3]. This summary encapsulates the key points discussed in the conference call, providing a comprehensive overview of the Greater China Materials industry and its current market dynamics.

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - **Industry Focus**: Traditional Materials in the Asia Pacific region, specifically gold, copper, aluminum, steel, and coal [1][7]. Core Insights and Arguments Gold - **Price and Volume Growth**: Strong prices and above-peer volume growth are expected for Chinese gold miners, with projected double-digit volume growth from 2024 to 2027, while global production is anticipated to be flat or declining. This is expected to lead to strong earnings growth for Chinese gold miners [2]. Copper - **Super Cycle Factors**: A combination of supply disruptions, loose liquidity, and a weak dollar is expected to widen the global copper supply deficit in 2026. The macroeconomic environment is supportive, with abundant liquidity in the US and China, US rate cuts, and a weakening dollar, leading to a bullish outlook for copper equities [3]. Aluminum - **Sustainable Margin Expansion**: The expansion of bauxite supply from Guinea and other countries is leading to an oversupply of alumina globally. China's aluminum capacity is capped at 45 million tons, resulting in higher margins for aluminum smelters, estimated at around Rmb4,000 per ton year-to-date, which is expected to be sustainable. New supply additions for 2025-26 are estimated at 1.6 million tons and 1.0 million tons, respectively, which is less than the demand growth [4]. Steel - **Production Cuts and Export Strength**: Current steel margins are in the Rmb150-200 per ton range. There is resistance from steel mills and local governments regarding production cuts, which are part of anti-involution measures. Actual cuts are expected to be lower than the previously anticipated 30 million tons, primarily occurring during the winter slow season. Steel exports remain strong as mills adapt to new markets and product types [5]. Coal - **Support for Thermal Coal Prices**: The National Energy Administration's overproduction inspections are expected to reduce coal production in the second half of 2025 to approximately 2.25 billion tons, down 7% quarter-on-quarter and 9% year-on-year. This reduction, combined with the traditional peak consumption season in winter, is expected to support high thermal coal prices [6]. Additional Important Insights - **Price Target Adjustments**: Various companies within the materials sector have had their price targets adjusted based on updated commodity price forecasts. For example, CMOC's price target has been raised to Rmb18.60 from Rmb12.1, reflecting a 6% increase in EPS forecasts for 2025-27 [20]. - **Market Capitalization and Liquidity**: The report includes detailed market capitalization and liquidity data for various companies, indicating a healthy trading environment for the sector [12][14]. - **Long-term Commodity Price Forecasts**: The report provides updated long-term forecasts for commodity prices, indicating expected increases in prices for gold, copper, and aluminum, among others [17][18]. Conclusion - The overall outlook for the traditional materials sector in Asia Pacific is positive, with specific bullish sentiments for gold, copper, and aluminum driven by macroeconomic factors and supply-demand dynamics. The steel and coal sectors face challenges but also show resilience through export strength and seasonal demand.

Group 1 - U.S. stock futures are higher, with Dow futures gaining approximately 100 points [1] - Quantum Computing Inc. raised $750 million from institutional investors in a market-priced private placement, leading to a sharp decline in its shares by 11.7% to $21.70 in pre-market trading [1] Group 2 - Rich Sparkle Holdings Ltd experienced a significant drop of 15% to $22.10 in pre-market trading after a 10% decline on Friday [3] - Nordic American Tankers Ltd fell 7.8% to $3.07 in pre-market trading [3] - Smurfit WestRock PLC shares decreased by 5.8% to $39.54 in pre-market trading [3] - Mesoblast Ltd shares declined 5.2% to $17.45 in pre-market trading, despite an 8% gain on Friday following the announcement of Ryoncil receiving a J-Code from Medicare & Medicaid Services [3] - Invesco Mortgage Capital Inc saw a decline of 4.4% to $7.42 in pre-market trading [3] - Inventiva ADR shares fell 4.2% to $6.26 in pre-market trading after the appointment of Andrew Obenshain as CEO [3] - International Paper Co dropped 4.2% to $45.21 in pre-market trading ahead of its third-quarter earnings release on October 30 [3] - Lufax Holding Ltd – ADR fell 3.7% to $3.85 in pre-market trading after an 8% decline on Friday [3] - Larimar Therapeutics Inc shares decreased by 3.3% to $4.71 in pre-market trading after a 14% jump on Friday [3]

Core Insights - Grigeo Group AB's subsidiary Grigeo Hygiene UAB has acquired 100% of Huchtemeier Papier GmbH, marking its entry into the German market [1] - Huchtemeier Papier GmbH specializes in supplying hygiene paper, napkins, and paper raw materials to various customers, including wholesalers and specialized retailers [1] - In 2024, Huchtemeier Papier GmbH reported sales of €92 million and an EBITDA of €2.6 million [1] Financial Details - The acquisition was financed through the funds of Grigeo Hygiene UAB [1] - Huchtemeier Papier GmbH's sales performance indicates a strong market presence with significant revenue generation [1]

Core Insights - Cascades Inc. will release its third quarter 2025 financial results on November 6, 2025, before market open, followed by a conference call at 9:00 AM ET to discuss the results [1]. Company Overview - Founded in 1964, Cascades Inc. specializes in sustainable, innovative, and value-added packaging, hygiene, and recovery solutions [1]. - The company employs approximately 9,600 individuals across 66 operating facilities, including 17 Recovery and Recycling facilities in North America [1]. - Cascades is committed to participative management, extensive experience in recycling, and continuous research and development to provide innovative products [1].

Summary of China Basic Materials Monitor - September 2025 Industry Overview - The report focuses on the **China Basic Materials** industry, highlighting the current demand and supply dynamics affecting pricing and margins in various sectors including construction, automotive, and metals [1][2]. Key Points Demand Trends - **End-user orderbooks** have shown a month-over-month (MoM) increase as of mid-September, consistent with seasonal patterns observed in previous years [1]. - **Aggregated demand** is driven by positive growth in sectors such as **automotive**, **battery production**, and **metal fabrication**, alongside mild seasonal increases in **construction** [1]. - Traditional sectors like **white goods**, **property**, and **machinery** are experiencing weaker demand [1]. Supply Disruptions - Ongoing **supply disruptions** are noted, particularly in: - **Lithium Lepidolite** production - A correction in excess **coal** production - Tightness in domestic **copper scrap** supply [1]. - The Chinese government has reaffirmed its policy on supply management (anti-involution) as a long-term strategy, which is expected to support overall commodity pricing and margins [1]. Pricing and Margin Outlook - Current demand for **cement** and **construction steel** is reported to be 1-6% lower year-over-year (YoY), while **copper** and **aluminium** demand is down 5-7% YoY. In contrast, **flat steel** demand has increased by 3% YoY [1]. - Recent weeks have seen improvements in margins/pricing for **aluminium** and **copper**, while **steel**, **coal**, and **lithium** prices have softened, with **cement** prices remaining stable [1]. Producer Feedback - A proprietary survey indicates that **52%** of respondents in downstream sectors reported an improvement in orderbook trends for August, while **32%** of basic materials producers noted similar improvements [2]. - Conversely, **9%** of downstream respondents and **16%** of basic materials producers indicated a decline in orderbook trends [2]. Additional Insights - The report includes detailed snapshots of downstream demand across various sectors, including infrastructure, property, traditional manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, and exports [7]. - Specific commodity analyses cover **steel**, **coal**, **cement**, **aluminium**, **copper**, and **lithium**, providing insights into their respective demand and pricing trends [7]. Conclusion - The China Basic Materials industry is currently experiencing a complex interplay of steady demand growth in certain sectors and ongoing supply disruptions, which collectively influence pricing and margin expectations. The outlook remains cautiously optimistic, supported by government policies aimed at stabilizing supply and pricing dynamics [1][2].

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview Basic Materials - China - **Copper and Gold Prices**: LME copper price increased by 1.1% WoW to US$9,822/t, while the China price rose by 0.6% WoW to RMB79,450/t, driven by expectations of a rate cut [1][33]. - **Aluminum Prices**: LME aluminum price decreased by 0.3% WoW to US$2,618/t, with the China price slightly increasing by 0.1% WoW to RMB20,730/t [1][44]. - **Gold Prices**: COMEX gold spot price rose by 1% WoW to US$3,407/oz [1][52]. - **Lithium Prices**: Average price of domestic battery-grade lithium carbonate fell by 5.1% WoW to RMB79.7k/t, while lithium hydroxide decreased by 0.8% WoW to RMB76.9k/t [1][56]. Steel Industry - **Steel Prices and Margins**: Rebar price decreased by 0.1% WoW to RMB3,266/t, while HRC price increased by 0.3% WoW to RMB3,466/t. Iron ore price rose by 3% WoW due to expectations of a lower Fed rate [2][64]. - **Cash Margins**: Spot rebar cash margin shrank by RMB55/t WoW to -RMB34/t, and HRC cash margin decreased by RMB28/t WoW to -RMB125/t [2][75]. - **Inventory and Consumption**: Finished steel products inventory increased by 1.9% WoW to 14.7 million tons, and apparent consumption rose by 0.6% WoW to 8.6 million tons [2][85]. Cement Industry - **Cement Prices**: Average national cement price increased by 0.35% WoW to RMB327/t, with a notable increase in Ningxia by RMB30/t [3][88]. - **Demand and Inventory**: Nationwide shipment ratio decreased by 0.6ppt WoW to 41.6%, while inventory ratio was at 60.5%, down 1.1ppt WoW [3][21]. Glass and Paper Industries - **Glass Prices**: National average float glass price decreased by 1.34% WoW to RMB1,189/t due to weak demand [3][99]. - **Paper Prices**: Paper price increased by 0.7% WoW to RMB3,481/t, supported by price hikes from paper mills [3][100]. Solar Materials - **Polysilicon Prices**: N-type polysilicon and granular silicon prices increased by RMB1/kg WoW to RMB51/kg and RMB47/kg, respectively [3][110]. - **Solar Glass Prices**: Prices for coated solar glass remained stable at RMB18.8/sqm and RMB11.0/sqm [3][122]. Additional Insights - **Inventory Trends**: Lithium carbonate inventory at smelters decreased by 11% to 52kt, while downstream inventory increased by 13% to 46kt, leading to a total sample lithium carbonate inventory increase of 3.6% MoM to 142kt [1][60]. - **Market Dynamics**: The steel industry is facing pressure from rising iron ore prices, while the cement market shows signs of recovery despite regional demand declines due to environmental inspections [2][88]. This summary encapsulates the key points from the conference call, highlighting the performance and trends across various sectors within the basic materials industry in China.