Cabot Corporation reported lower quarterly earnings, as weaker demand in its Reinforcement Materials segment and softer volumes in Performance Chemicals weighed on results. However, the company ended fiscal 2025 with solid cash flow and continued shareholder returns.

For the fourth quarter ended 30 September, Cabot posted net income of USD 43 million, or USD 0.79 per share, compared with USD 137 million, or USD 2.43 per share, in the same period a year earlier.

Full-year diluted earnings per share were USD 6.02, while adjusted earnings per share rose 3 percent year-on-year to USD 7.25.

“I am very pleased with another strong year of Adjusted EPS growth where we achieved USD 7.25, up 3 percent year over year, in a year with a challenging macroeconomic backdrop,” said Sean Keohane, Cabot’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “This performance was driven by higher EBIT in our Performance Chemicals segment, which increased 18 percent year over year, partially offset by EBIT in our Reinforcement Materials segment, which declined 5 percent.”

Cabot’s revenue for the quarter fell to USD 899 million from USD 1.0 billion a year earlier, while full-year sales declined to USD 3.7 billion from USD 4.0 billion.

The Boston-based speciality chemicals manufacturer said fourth-quarter cash flow from operations totalled USD 219 million, enabling USD 64 million in shareholder returns through dividends and share buybacks. For the full fiscal year, Cabot generated USD 665 million in operating cash flow, funding USD 274 million in capital investments, USD 96 million in dividend payments and USD 168 million in share repurchases.

Keohane said the company’s balance sheet remained strong, with a net debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 1.2 times, providing flexibility to invest in growth while continuing to return capital to shareholders.

The company’s Reinforcement Materials segment reported a USD 4 million decline in EBIT from the prior-year quarter, reflecting lower volumes in the Americas and Asia Pacific, partly offset by cost efficiencies. Global volumes fell 5 percent, including a 7 percent drop in the Americas, where lower tyre production by customers was attributed to increased Asian tyre imports.

Performance Chemicals EBIT decreased USD 2 million year-over-year, mainly due to a 5 percent drop in volumes led by weaker demand in Europe, particularly from construction-related applications.

Cabot ended the quarter with  percent 258 million in cash and spent percent 64 million on capital expenditures. The company recorded a 55 percent effective tax rate in the fourth quarter and an operating tax rate of 27 percent for fiscal 2025.

Looking ahead, Keohane cautioned that market conditions remain challenging, particularly in the Reinforcement Materials sector. “We do not yet see signs of improvement in the external environment, particularly as it relates to regional demand trends in Reinforcement Materials due to the impact of elevated Asian tire imports into western regions,” he said.

The company anticipates improvement in Performance Chemicals, led by growth in battery materials and infrastructure-related applications, while maintaining strong cash flow to support investment and shareholder returns.

“While market conditions remain challenging, we continue to execute on our foundation of commercial and operational excellence, and we remain focused on managing costs, strengthening operations, and positioning the company for long-term growth,” Keohane said.

In fiscal 2025, Cabot also announced an agreement to acquire Bridgestone Corporation’s reinforcing carbons plant in Mexico and released its 2024 Sustainability Report, noting it had achieved 11 of its 15 sustainability goals ahead of schedule and established new 2030 targets.

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Nokian Tyres has earned a leadership-tier A- score from CDP for its climate change mitigation efforts for the sixth consecutive year. CDP, a global environmental disclosure non-profit, assesses thousands of companies on their transparency, risk management and tangible actions towards decarbonisation.

An A- rating places Nokian Tyres among the highest performers, reflecting robust ambition, target-setting and operational execution. A prime example of this commitment is the company’s pioneering tyre factory in Romania, which operates as the world’s first full-scale zero-CO₂-emissions production facility. It runs entirely on renewable energy, including wind, hydro, biomass and solar power, and even generates manufacturing steam without fossil fuels.

Supporting these operational milestones, Nokian Tyres has set a long-term goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Furthermore, the company’s near-term emission reduction targets have received validation from the Science Based Targets initiative for aligning with the 1.5°C warming limit, underscoring a strategy grounded in contemporary climate science.

Teppo Huovila, Vice President – Quality and Sustainability, Nokian Tyres, said, “Achieving a leadership-level score for the sixth year in a row shows that climate action is deeply embedded in how Nokian Tyres develops its operations and products. We want to deliver solutions that make a real difference, both for the environment and for the drivers who choose our tyres. Our actions for reducing emissions and improving sustainability translate into safer, more efficient and environmentally responsible mobility.”

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Hoosier Racing Tire has appointed a new authorised distributor, Hoosier Tire Western Pennsylvania, to support competitors throughout Western Pennsylvania and Northeastern Ohio. It will cover diverse racing disciplines from asphalt ovals to rally.

The operation is owned and managed by Ryan Hall, whose family business, Big Daddy’s Speed Center, brings over twenty years of racing parts expertise to the role. Meanwhile, Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic continues to provide service to customers across Eastern Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware and Virginia.

Paul Menting, Vice President – Sales, Hoosier Racing Tire, said, “We’re pleased to welcome Ryan Hall and the Hoosier Tire Western Pennsylvania team as the newest members of our distributor network. Ryan’s long history in the sport, his commitment to local racers, and the reputation Big Daddy’s Speed Center has earned over many years makes this a natural fit for Hoosier.”

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Michelin has expanded its mountain bike tyre portfolio with the introduction of the Wild Enduro and E-Wild Performance Line ranges. The products are now available across North America, following their development for enthusiasts seeking a balance of grip and durability.

The Wild Enduro Performance Line uses a double ply 33 TPI casing to manage rebound and ride feel. To improve reliability across terrains, Michelin has integrated a bead-to-bead shield for sidewall protection and Pinch Protection technology to reduce flats and tears.

The range utilises bi-compound technology, combining Magi-X and Gum-X compounds to manage rolling efficiency and cornering grip. The tyres are available for 29-inch and 27.5-inch wheels in Mixed-Soft (MS), Mixed-Hard (MH) and Rear-specific options.

Brandon Chapel, bicycle brand manager at Michelin North America, said, “Michelin’s history with cycling for more than 130 years is defined by innovations that continuously shape the future of the sport. The new Performance Line tires apply Michelin's expertise from our global racing DNA and relationships with professional teams to create well-balanced tires that meet the demands of everyday riding.”

Designed for the requirements of E-Mountain Bikes, the E-Wild Performance Line adapts technologies from Michelin's Racing Line for daily use.

Key features of the E-Wild range include:

• Gum-X and Magi-X compounds: Used to balance grip and tyre longevity.
• Protection: Anti-pinch and anti-puncture layers to ensure casing durability.
• Reinforcements: Low-pressure reinforcements that allow riders to adjust air pressure for traction.

The E-Wild Performance Line is available in 29-inch and 27.5-inch sizes for both front and rear applications.

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Apollo Tyres Ltd has launched the new Apollo Aspire 5 summer tyre designed for performance sedans and SUVs, including electric vehicles. The next-generation model succeeds the Aspire 4G+ and is offered in 24 sizes to fit rims from 17 to 21 inches. Engineered to provide a premium driving experience at a competitive price, the tyre incorporates several key technological advances.

At its core is Apollo’s Dynamic Contour Technology, which utilises an advanced tread design and specialised compound. This includes integrated ‘diamond ridges’ that absorb road shocks to improve comfort and control. Building upon its predecessor, an evolved Synchronised Tread Pitch system effectively reduces vibrations and road noise, with some sizes achieving a top-tier noise rating.

Performance and durability are enhanced through a structure that ensures even pressure distribution during demanding manoeuvres, promoting stable handling and uniform wear. A novel low-hysteresis carbon black compound reduces heat generation and rolling resistance, contributing to both extended tread life and better fuel efficiency, the latter reflected in a favourable rolling resistance rating for select variants. Furthermore, the tyre promises strong all-weather capability, with an excellent wet grip rating available on certain sizes for confident braking.

The Aspire 5’s development was validated through rigorous global testing. The results indicate that its overall refinement and comfort meet or surpass the standards set by leading premium European tyre brands.

Daniele Lorenzetti, Chief Technology Officer, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “With the Aspire 5, our R&D teams focused on enhancing refinement and comfort without compromising dynamic performance. Every element of the tyre has been developed to meet the expectations of premium and executive car owners seeking both comfort and control, resulting in a tyre that combines quietness and composure with responsive handling and efficiency.”

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