Stepan Company Announces $100 Million Pre-Tax Cost Out and Efficiency Plan to Support Global Operations Optimization

Rhea-AI Summary

Stepan Company (NYSE: SCL) announced Project Catalyst, an operational plan to deliver approximately $100 million in pre-tax savings over the next two years through manufacturing consolidation, process improvements and organizational changes. The plan includes closing the Fieldsboro, NJ site and decommissioning select assets in Elwood, IL and Stalybridge, UK, with actions expected to complete by mid-2026.

The company expects restructuring charges of $70–80 million in 2026 (about $52–62 million in Q1 2026) and projects cash impacts of $29–44 million and non-cash impacts of $58–62 million.

Positive

• Projected pre-tax savings of $100 million
• Completion targeted by mid-2026
• Supports targeted strategic investments

Negative

• Restructuring charges of $70–80 million in 2026
• Estimated cash impact of $29–44 million
• Planned closure of Fieldsboro, NJ site

Market Reaction – SCL

-20.20% $53.65

15m delay 24 alerts

-20.20% Since News

$53.65 Last Price

$52.57 $60.79 Day Range

-$307M Valuation Impact

$1.21B Market Cap

1.1x Rel. Volume

Following this news, SCL has declined 20.20%, reflecting a significant negative market reaction. Our momentum scanner has triggered 24 alerts so far, indicating elevated trading interest and price volatility. The stock is currently trading at $53.65. This price movement has removed approximately $307M from the company's valuation.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus (15 min delayed). Upgrade to Silver for real-time data.

Key Figures

Cost savings target: $100 million 2026 restructuring charges: range of $70 to $80 million Q1 2026 charges: range of $52 to $62 million +3 more

6 metrics

Cost savings target $100 million Pre-tax savings targeted over the next two years under Project Catalyst

2026 restructuring charges range of $70 to $80 million Total restructuring charges anticipated in 2026

Q1 2026 charges range of $52 to $62 million Restructuring charges expected to be recognized in Q1 2026

Cash impact range of $29 to $44 million Projected cash impact over the course of Project Catalyst

Non-cash impact range of $58 to $62 million Projected non-cash impact, including asset write-downs and related costs

Project timing mid-2026 Expected completion of site closure and decommissioning actions

Market Reality Check

Price: $67.23 Vol: Volume 189,756 is 4% abov...

normal vol

$67.23 Last Close

Volume Volume 189,756 is 4% above 20-day average of 183,169. normal

Technical Trading above 200-day MA of 51.44, near 52-week high of 68.00.

Peers on Argus

SCL gained 1.42% with peers mixed: ECVT, ODC, KOP slightly positive, while KRO a...

SCL gained 1.42% with peers mixed: ECVT, ODC, KOP slightly positive, while KRO and MATV declined, indicating a company-specific reaction rather than a broad specialty chemicals move.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Feb 03 (Neutral)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Feb 03	Earnings date notice	Neutral	+1.2%	Announced timing for Q4 2025 results release and conference call.
Dec 30	Asset sale closing	Positive	-0.0%	Closed sale of Lake Providence assets as part of footprint optimization.
Dec 03	Asset sale agreement	Positive	+1.0%	Agreed to sell Lake Providence manufacturing assets to streamline footprint.
Nov 14	Philippines asset sale	Positive	+3.5%	Completed sale of Philippine assets while maintaining regional service via tolling.
Oct 29	Dividend increase	Positive	-0.4%	Raised quarterly dividend by $0.01, 58th consecutive yearly increase.

Pattern Detected

Recent footprint optimization and dividend news often saw modest positive reactions, though some strategic moves and the dividend hike showed slight negative divergence.

Recent Company History

Over the past few months, Stepan emphasized portfolio and footprint optimization, including sales of Philippine assets and Lake Providence facilities (Nov 14, 2025 closing; Dec 30, 2025 completion). These actions were framed as focusing on core growth and network efficiency. The company also marked its 58th consecutive annual dividend increase to $0.395 per share. Today’s Project Catalyst plan, with targeted cost savings and site closures, extends this optimization theme while adding explicit restructuring charges and efficiency goals.

Market Pulse Summary

The stock is dropping -20.2% following this news. A negative reaction despite cost-savings goals cou...

Analysis

The stock is dropping -20.2% following this news. A negative reaction despite cost-savings goals could fit past instances where positive strategic moves, such as asset sales or dividend increases, saw mixed price responses. The plan’s $70–$80 million of 2026 restructuring charges and projected cash and non-cash impacts between $29–$44 million and $58–$62 million introduce execution and earnings-risk considerations. Comparisons with earlier footprint optimization efforts may help frame whether the market focused more on near-term disruption than on the targeted $100 million in savings.

Key Terms

restructuring charges, forward-looking statements, Form 10-K, Form 10-Q, +1 more

5 terms

restructuring charges financial

"The Company anticipates recognizing restructuring charges in the range of $70 to $80 million..."

Restructuring charges are costs that a company pays when it changes how it operates, like closing factories or laying off employees. These expenses are often one-time and happen to help the company become more efficient in the long run. They matter because they can affect the company's profits and how investors see its future prospects.

forward-looking statements regulatory

"Certain information in this news release consists of forward-looking statements within the meaning..."

Forward-looking statements are predictions or plans that companies share about what they expect to happen in the future, like estimating sales or profits. They matter because they help investors understand a company's outlook, but since they are based on guesses and assumptions, they can sometimes be wrong.

Form 10-K regulatory

"include, among other factors, the risks... described in Stepan Company's Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K..."

A Form 10-K is a comprehensive report that publicly traded companies are required to file annually with regulators. It provides a detailed overview of a company's financial health, operations, and risks, similar to a detailed health report. Investors use this information to assess the company's performance and make informed decisions about buying or selling its stock.

Form 10-Q regulatory

"include, among other factors, the risks... described in Stepan Company's Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K..."

A Form 10-Q is a detailed report that publicly traded companies are required to file with regulators three times a year, providing an update on their financial health and business activities. It is important for investors because it offers timely insights into a company's performance, helping them make informed decisions about buying or selling stocks. Think of it as a regular check-up report that shows how well a company is doing.

Form 8-K regulatory

"include, among other factors, the risks... described in Stepan Company's Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K..."

A Form 8-K is a report that companies file with the government to share important news quickly, such as changes in leadership, major business deals, or financial updates. It matters because it helps investors stay informed about significant events that could affect the company's value or stock price.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

NORTHBROOK, Ill., Feb. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Stepan Company (NYSE: SCL) today announced Project Catalyst, a comprehensive operational and efficiency plan with the objective to deliver approximately $100 million in pre-tax savings over the next two years. Project Catalyst is a key part of Stepan's commitment to optimizing its global manufacturing footprint, driving shareholder returns and building a foundation for sustainable growth.

Key elements of the plan include:

• Optimizing Stepan's global manufacturing footprint through consolidation of volume into more efficient and modern assets within the network to reduce cost and improve productivity.
• Operational efficiency and cost optimization in manufacturing, procurement of materials and services, and through improved processes, planning and execution.
• Organizational effectiveness with clear accountabilities across businesses and functions, and focused resources to aggressively capture market opportunities advancing the Company's growth strategy.

As part of Project Catalyst, Stepan will close its Fieldsboro, NJ site in response to continued lower demand in commodity surfactants used in the production of laundry detergents. Additionally, select assets at its Elwood (Millsdale), IL and Stalybridge, UK facilities will be decommissioned to optimize network utilization. These actions are expected to be completed by mid-2026. Operations will be consolidated into the Company's existing network, creating a more cost-efficient, streamlined operational structure while maintaining ongoing supply for its customers. The Company continues to evaluate additional footprint optimization initiatives to further strengthen its competitive position.

The Company anticipates recognizing restructuring charges in the range of $70 to $80 million in 2026, of which approximately $52 to $62 million is expected to be recognized in Q1 2026. Over the course of the project, cash and non-cash impacts are projected to be in the range of $29 to $44 million and $58 to $62 million, respectively. The restructuring costs will include asset write-downs, decommissioning costs and other related expenses.

"Project Catalyst is a comprehensive plan designed to further optimize our asset base and create a more productive and agile organization to enable growth. This initiative follows the previously announced sale of the Philippines and Lake Providence sites at the end of 2025. Stepan remains committed to implementing proactive measures to ensure competitiveness and resilience in the current environment," said Luis E. Rojo, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Project Catalyst is designed to partially offset inflationary pressures and other headwinds, while enabling us to maintain the resources and flexibility needed to deliver exceptional service and value to our customers. These anticipated savings will also support targeted and strategic investments to boost growth and strengthen Stepan's competitive edge."

Corporate Profile
Stepan Company is a major manufacturer of specialty and intermediate chemicals used in a broad range of industries. Stepan is a leading merchant producer of surfactants, which are the key ingredients in consumer and industrial cleaning and disinfection products and in agricultural and oilfield solutions. The Company is also a leading supplier of polyurethane polyols used in the expanding thermal insulation market, and CASE (Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants, and Elastomers) industries.

Headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois, Stepan utilizes a network of modern production facilities located in North and South America, Europe and Asia.

The Company's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol SCL. For more information about Stepan Company please visit the Company online at www.stepan.com.

Certain information in this news release consists of forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements include statements about Stepan Company's plans, objectives, strategies, financial performance and outlook, trends, the amount and timing of future cash distributions, prospects or future events and involve known and unknown risks that are difficult to predict. As a result, Stepan Company's actual financial results, performance, achievements or prospects may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as "may," "could," "expect," "intend," "plan," "seek," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "guidance," "predict," "potential," "continue," "likely," "will," "would," "should," "illustrative" and variations of these terms and similar expressions, or the negative of these terms or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Stepan Company and its management based on their knowledge and understanding of the business and industry, are inherently uncertain. These statements are not guarantees of future performance, and stockholders should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

There are a number of risks, uncertainties and other important factors, many of which are beyond Stepan Company's control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this news release. Such risks, uncertainties and other important factors include, among other factors, the risks, uncertainties and factors described in Stepan Company's Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K reports and exhibits to those reports, and include (but are not limited to) risks and uncertainties related to accidents, unplanned production shutdowns or disruptions in manufacturing facilities; reduced demand due to customer product reformulations or new technologies; our inability to successfully develop or introduce new products; compliance with laws; our ability to identify suitable acquisition candidates and successfully complete and integrate acquisitions; global competition; volatility of raw material and energy costs and supply; disruptions in transportation or significant changes in transportation costs; downturns in certain industries and general economic downturns; international business risks, including currency exchange rate fluctuations, changes in global trade policies, including tariffs; legal restrictions and taxes; unfavorable resolution of litigation against us; maintaining and protecting intellectual property rights; our ability to access capital markets; global political, military, security or other instability; costs related to expansion or other capital projects; interruption or breaches of information technology systems; our ability to retain executive management and key personnel; and our debt covenants. In addition to the risks described in the Company's periodic reports, the restructuring actions described herein may involve risks related to the execution of facility closures and asset decommissioning, potential operational disruptions, impacts on employees and local communities, environmental compliance, and the realization of anticipated cost savings and efficiencies.

These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and Stepan Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable laws.

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SOURCE Stepan Company

FAQ

What is Project Catalyst announced by Stepan (SCL) on February 23, 2026?

Project Catalyst is Stepan's operational plan to deliver about $100 million in pre-tax savings over two years. According to the company, it combines manufacturing consolidation, process improvements and organizational changes, including site closures and asset decommissioning to improve efficiency.

Which Stepan (SCL) facilities will be affected and when will closures finish?

Stepan will close its Fieldsboro, NJ site and decommission assets at Elwood, IL and Stalybridge, UK. According to the company, these consolidation actions are expected to be completed by mid-2026, with operations shifted into the existing network.

How much in restructuring charges will Stepan (SCL) record related to Project Catalyst in 2026?

Stepan expects restructuring charges in the range of $70–80 million for 2026. According to the company, approximately $52–62 million of those charges are expected to be recognized in Q1 2026 specifically.

What are the projected cash and non-cash impacts of Stepan's (SCL) restructuring?

Projected cash impacts are estimated at $29–44 million, with non-cash impacts at $58–62 million. According to the company, these amounts cover asset write-downs, decommissioning costs and related restructuring expenses over the project.

How will Project Catalyst affect Stepan's (SCL) strategic priorities and investments?

Project Catalyst aims to create a more cost-efficient, agile organization to support growth and shareholder returns. According to the company, anticipated savings will help offset inflationary pressures and fund targeted strategic investments to strengthen competitiveness.