Koppers has first-quarter profit

Koppers Holdings swung to a profit in the first quarter on higher demand for its wood preservatives in North America and savings generated by ongoing restructuring of its carbon chemicals business. Net income was $4.4 million, or 20 cents per share, compared with a net loss of $1.3 million, or 6 cents per share in the first quarter last year. Adjusted net income was $14.8 million, or 68 cents per share, beating Wall Street analysts’ average estimate of 36 cents per share. Pre-tax adjustments totaling $14.2 million included debt refinancing and restructuring costs. Sales of $346.6 million were flat compared with a year ago but also beat analysts’ average estimate of $327 million. The Downtown-based chemicals company said it expects full-year sales to remain flat at approximately $1.4 billion.

U.S. probes brake complaints on Nissan Murano SUVs

The U.S. government’s highway safety agency is investigating complaints that the brakes can malfunction on some Nissan SUVs. The probe covers about 110,000 Muranos from the 2009 model year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says in documents posted Friday that 58 drivers FOR UP-TO-THE-MINUTE STOCK LISTINGS, VISIT POST-GAZETTE.COM/BUSINESSNEWS complained about the problem. One reported a crash with three injuries. The complaints allege that the brake pedal loses pressure, causing increased stopping distances. Nissan said it is reviewing data and cooperating in the investigation. Drivers who experience braking problems should take their Murano to a dealer, the company said in a statement.