Stepan Company (NYSE: SCL) unveils $100M Project Catalyst after 2025 results
Stepan Company reported solid full-year 2025 growth with signs of near-term pressure. Net sales rose to $2.33 billion, up 7%, while reported net income declined to $46.9 million, down 7%, as higher interest expense, a less favorable tax rate and a $6.2 million goodwill impairment weighed on results.
Adjusted net income fell 17% to $41.7 million, but adjusted EBITDA increased 6% to $198.9 million, showing better underlying cash earnings. Surfactants grew revenue yet saw lower earnings, while Polymers and Specialty Products delivered higher operating income. Free cash flow of $25.4 million in the fourth quarter helped cut net debt and reduce the net debt ratio to 28%.
The company launched Project Catalyst, targeting about $100 million in pre-tax savings over the next two years through a portfolio and footprint reset, including closing its Fieldsboro, New Jersey site and decommissioning assets at Millsdale, Illinois and Stalybridge, UK. Stepan also declared a quarterly dividend of $0.395 per share, payable March 13, 2026, extending its 58-year streak of dividend increases.
Positive
- Project Catalyst targets ~$100 million pre-tax savings over the next two years through site closures and asset optimization, which management expects will support adjusted EBITDA growth and positive free cash flow in 2026.
- Adjusted EBITDA grew 6% to $198.9 million in 2025 despite raw material inflation and Pasadena start-up costs, indicating improving underlying cash earnings and operational resilience.
Negative
- Adjusted net income declined 17% to $41.7 million, with fourth-quarter adjusted net income turning slightly negative, reflecting higher interest expense, a less favorable effective tax rate and softer Surfactant earnings.
- A $6.2 million goodwill impairment on the Mexican reporting unit and a higher effective tax rate of 21.7% versus 16.7% the prior year reduced reported profitability.
Insights
Underlying cash earnings improved and a large cost-savings program signals a strategic reset.
Stepan delivered modest top-line growth in 2025, with net sales up 7% to $2.33 billion. Reported earnings fell as interest expense rose and a $6.2 million goodwill impairment hit the Mexican unit. However, EBITDA rose to $208.0 million and adjusted EBITDA to $198.9 million, up 11% and 6%, indicating stronger operating cash performance.
Segment data show mixed dynamics. Surfactants grew revenue but saw adjusted EBITDA down 3% for the year amid challenging commodity Laundry & Cleaning markets and higher oleochemical costs. Polymers held full-year net sales roughly flat while increasing operating income and adjusted EBITDA, helped by an 11% fourth-quarter volume lift and strong Rigid and Phthalic Anhydride demand. Specialty Products generated double-digit sales and profit growth for the year despite quarterly margin noise.
The announcement of Project Catalyst, expected to deliver roughly $100 million in pre-tax savings over the next two years, is a major strategic step. Planned actions include closing the Fieldsboro, New Jersey site and decommissioning assets at Millsdale, Illinois and Stalybridge, UK, alongside further portfolio and organizational optimization. Execution, one-time restructuring costs and potential operational disruptions are key variables, but management explicitly ties these moves to delivering adjusted EBITDA growth and positive free cash flow in 2026.
8-K Event Classification
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§ 230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§ 240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Item 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition
On February 23, 2026, Stepan Company (“Stepan”) issued a press release providing its financial results for the quarter and the year ended December 31, 2025. A copy of the press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
Item 8.01. Other Events
On February 23, 2026, Stepan issued a press release announcing that its Board of Directors had declared a quarterly cash dividend on its common stock of $0.395 per share. The dividend will be paid on March 13, 2026, to common stockholders of record as of March 2, 2026. A copy of the press release is attached as Exhibit 99.2 hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits
(d) Exhibits
Exhibit Number: 99.1
Description: Press Release of Stepan Company dated February 23, 2026
Exhibit Number: 99.2
Description: Press Release of Stepan Company dated February 23, 2026
Exhibit Number: 104
Description: Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
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STEPAN COMPANY |
Date: February 23, 2026 |
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By: |
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/s/ Shawn Lisle |
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Shawn Lisle |
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Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary |
Exhibit 99.1
Stepan Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Results
Northbrook, Illinois, February 23, 2026 -- Stepan Company (NYSE: SCL) today reported:
Fourth Quarter 2025 Highlights
Full Year 2025 Highlights
“2025 was a transformational year for Stepan as we divested two plant sites and completed preliminary work that has positioned us to further optimize our footprint and asset base in 2026. Despite many challenges in 2025, we delivered growth in several of our core businesses, advanced several strategic initiatives and have an operational plan in place to accelerate profitable growth moving forward. Full year adjusted EBITDA grew 6% versus prior year despite a significant increase in oleochemical raw material costs and start-up expenses at our Pasadena site. Volume grew 1%, organic volume grew 2% and net sales were up 7% driven by pricing actions and favorable product and customer mix. We delivered $25.4 million of free cash flow and increased our dividend for the 58th consecutive year, while reducing our Net Debt by $31.7 million and our Leverage Ratio to 2.5," said Luis E. Rojo, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Fourth quarter adjusted EBITDA was down 3% primarily due to a challenging North American Surfactant environment. We continue to recover margins in Surfactants despite an unprecedented run-up in raw material costs.
1
Polymer volume was up 11% as our Rigid, Specialty Polyols and Phthalic Anhydride businesses all delivered volume growth. I want to personally thank all of our Stepan colleagues around the world for their hard work and resilience during the year."
Financial Summary
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Three Months Ended |
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Twelve Months Ended |
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($ in thousands, except per share data) |
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2025 |
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2024 |
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% |
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2025 |
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2024 |
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% |
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||||||
Net Sales |
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$ |
553,886 |
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$ |
525,609 |
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5 |
% |
|
$ |
2,332,114 |
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$ |
2,180,274 |
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7 |
% |
Operating Income |
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$ |
10,502 |
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$ |
7,695 |
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36 |
% |
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$ |
78,549 |
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$ |
70,480 |
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11 |
% |
Net Income |
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$ |
5,004 |
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$ |
3,350 |
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49 |
% |
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$ |
46,895 |
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$ |
50,370 |
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(7 |
)% |
Earnings per Diluted Share |
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$ |
0.22 |
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$ |
0.15 |
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47 |
% |
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$ |
2.05 |
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$ |
2.20 |
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(7 |
)% |
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Adjusted Net Income * |
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$ |
(531 |
) |
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$ |
2,757 |
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(119 |
)% |
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$ |
41,680 |
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$ |
50,470 |
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(17 |
)% |
Adjusted Earnings per |
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$ |
(0.02 |
) |
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$ |
0.12 |
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(117 |
)% |
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$ |
1.82 |
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$ |
2.20 |
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(17 |
)% |
* See Table II for reconciliations of non-GAAP adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per diluted share. |
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Percentage Change in Net Sales
Net sales in the fourth quarter of 2025 increased 5% year-over-year. This increase reflects higher selling prices, that were mainly attributable to the pass-through of higher raw material costs and more favorable product mix, and the favorable impact of foreign currency translation. A 3% decline in sales volume partially offset the above.
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Three Months Ended |
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Twelve Months Ended |
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Volume |
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(3 |
)% |
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1 |
% |
Selling Price & Mix |
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5 |
% |
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6 |
% |
Foreign Translation |
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3 |
% |
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(— |
)% |
Total |
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5 |
% |
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7 |
% |
Segment Results
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Three Months Ended |
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Twelve Months Ended |
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($ in thousands) |
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2025 |
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2024 |
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% |
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2025 |
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2024 |
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% |
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Net Sales |
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Surfactants |
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$ |
401,832 |
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$ |
378,776 |
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6 |
% |
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$ |
1,665,983 |
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$ |
1,532,115 |
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9 |
% |
Polymers |
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$ |
131,682 |
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$ |
129,844 |
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1 |
% |
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$ |
584,477 |
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$ |
584,905 |
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(0 |
)% |
Specialty Products |
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$ |
20,372 |
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$ |
16,989 |
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20 |
% |
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$ |
81,654 |
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$ |
63,254 |
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29 |
% |
Total Net Sales |
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$ |
553,886 |
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$ |
525,609 |
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5 |
% |
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$ |
2,332,114 |
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$ |
2,180,274 |
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7 |
% |
2
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Three Months Ended |
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Twelve Months Ended |
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($ in thousands, all amounts pre-tax) |
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2025 |
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2024 |
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% |
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2025 |
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2024 |
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% |
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Operating Income |
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Surfactants |
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$ |
9,343 |
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$ |
16,173 |
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(42 |
)% |
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$ |
67,358 |
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$ |
85,618 |
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(21 |
)% |
Polymers |
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$ |
3,984 |
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$ |
3,396 |
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17 |
% |
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$ |
43,265 |
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$ |
40,623 |
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7 |
% |
Specialty Products |
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$ |
5,240 |
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$ |
5,594 |
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(6 |
)% |
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$ |
25,640 |
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$ |
20,908 |
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23 |
% |
Total Segment |
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$ |
18,567 |
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$ |
25,163 |
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(26 |
)% |
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$ |
136,263 |
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$ |
147,149 |
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(7 |
)% |
Corporate Expenses |
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$ |
(8,065 |
) |
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$ |
(17,468 |
) |
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(54 |
)% |
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$ |
(57,714 |
) |
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$ |
(76,669 |
) |
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(25 |
)% |
Consolidated |
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$ |
10,502 |
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$ |
7,695 |
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36 |
% |
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$ |
78,549 |
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$ |
70,480 |
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11 |
% |
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Three Months Ended |
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Year Ended |
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($ in millions) |
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2025 |
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2024 |
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% |
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2025 |
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2024 |
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% |
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EBITDA |
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$ |
43.3 |
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$ |
35.8 |
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21 |
% |
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$ |
208.0 |
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$ |
186.9 |
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11 |
% |
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Adjusted EBITDA |
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Surfactants |
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$ |
32.1 |
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$ |
34.7 |
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(7 |
)% |
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$ |
153.0 |
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$ |
157.6 |
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(3 |
)% |
Polymers |
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$ |
12.4 |
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$ |
11.4 |
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9 |
% |
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$ |
76.4 |
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$ |
73.0 |
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5 |
% |
Specialty Products |
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$ |
6.7 |
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$ |
7.1 |
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|
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(6 |
)% |
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$ |
31.5 |
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$ |
26.9 |
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17 |
% |
Unallocated Corporate |
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$ |
(17.4 |
) |
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$ |
(18.2 |
) |
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(4 |
)% |
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$ |
(62.0 |
) |
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$ |
(70.5 |
) |
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(12 |
)% |
Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA |
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$ |
33.8 |
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$ |
35.0 |
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(3 |
)% |
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$ |
198.9 |
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$ |
187.0 |
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6 |
% |
Consolidated adjusted EBITDA(2) decreased $1.2 million, or 3%, in the quarter. This decrease was primarily due to a 7% decline in Surfactant sales volume, driven by lower demand in the global commodity Laundry & Cleaning end markets. Polymer sales volume growth of 11% and lower corporate expenses partially offset the above.
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3
Income Taxes
The Company's effective tax rate was 21.7% in 2025 versus 16.7% in 2024. This increase was primarily attributable to the non-recurrence of favorable deferred tax adjustments recognized in 2024.
Outlook
“As we look forward to 2026, we remain focused on delivering superior shareholder returns with a balanced approach between top line growth and productivity cost out efforts. Today we announced Project Catalyst, which is a comprehensive plan designed to further optimize our asset base and create a more productive and agile organization to enable growth. Project Catalyst is expected to deliver approximately $100 million in pre-tax savings over the next two years. As part of Project Catalyst, Stepan will close its Fieldsboro, NJ site and decommission select assets at its Millsdale, IL and Stalybridge, UK facilities. Additionally, we are analyzing other opportunities to optimize our asset base, organization structure and operating model. We will announce future interventions once approved plans are in place," said Luis E. Rojo, President and Chief Executive Officer. "With these actions, we believe we are positioned to deliver full year Adjusted EBITDA growth and positive free cash flow in 2026, despite the ongoing market and tariff uncertainties."
Notes
(1) Adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share are non-GAAP measures which exclude deferred compensation income/expense, certain environmental remediation-related costs as well as other significant and infrequent/non-recurring items. See Table II for reconciliations of non-GAAP adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per diluted share.
(2) EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP measures. See Table VI for calculations and GAAP reconciliations of EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA.
(3) Free cash flow is a non-GAAP measure and reflects cash generated from operations minus capital expenditures. Cash generated from operations was $60.0 million during the fourth quarter of 2025 and capital expenditures were $34.6 million.
Conference Call
Stepan Company will host a conference call to discuss its third quarter results at 9:00 a.m. ET (8:00 a.m. CT) on February 23, 2026. The call can be accessed by phone and webcast. To access the call by phone, please click on this Registration Link, complete the form and you will be provided with dial in details and a PIN. To avoid delays, we encourage participants to dial into the conference call ten minutes ahead of the scheduled start time. The webcast can be accessed through the Investors/Conference Calls page at www.stepan.com. A webcast replay of the conference call will be available at the same location shortly after the call.
4
Supporting Slides
Slides supporting this press release will be made available at www.stepan.com through the Investors/Presentations page at approximately the same time as this press release is issued.
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 compounds 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
More information about Stepan’s sustainability program can be found on the Sustainability page at www.stepan.com
Contact: Ruben Velasquez 847-446-7500
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
5
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.
* * * * *
Tables follow
6
Table I
STEPAN COMPANY
For the Three and Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2025 and 2024
(Unaudited – in 000's, except per share data)
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Three Months Ended |
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Twelve Months Ended |
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2025 |
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2024 |
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2025 |
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2024 |
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Net Sales |
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$ |
553,886 |
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$ |
525,609 |
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$ |
2,332,114 |
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$ |
2,180,274 |
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Cost of Sales |
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|
502,369 |
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|
468,913 |
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|
2,062,226 |
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|
|
1,908,060 |
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Gross Profit |
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51,517 |
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|
56,696 |
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|
269,888 |
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|
272,214 |
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Operating Expenses: |
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Selling |
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10,703 |
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11,018 |
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48,767 |
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|
45,628 |
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Administrative |
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23,710 |
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24,764 |
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|
|
90,789 |
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|
98,277 |
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Research, Development and Technical Services |
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15,703 |
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13,793 |
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59,278 |
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|
55,674 |
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Deferred Compensation Expense |
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549 |
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(574 |
) |
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|
2,155 |
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|
|
2,155 |
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|
50,665 |
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|
|
49,001 |
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|
200,989 |
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201,734 |
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Goodwill Impairment |
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6,245 |
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- |
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6,245 |
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- |
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Gain on sale of assets |
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(15,895 |
) |
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- |
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(15,895 |
) |
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|
||||
Operating Income |
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|
10,502 |
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|
|
7,695 |
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78,549 |
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70,480 |
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||||
Other Income (Expense): |
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||||
Interest, Net |
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(5,689 |
) |
|
|
(4,829 |
) |
|
|
(22,115 |
) |
|
|
(14,182 |
) |
Other, Net |
|
|
126 |
|
|
|
(410 |
) |
|
|
3,470 |
|
|
|
4,141 |
|
|
|
|
(5,563 |
) |
|
|
(5,239 |
) |
|
|
(18,645 |
) |
|
|
(10,041 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Income Before Provision for Income Taxes |
|
|
4,939 |
|
|
|
2,456 |
|
|
|
59,904 |
|
|
|
60,439 |
|
Provision for Income Taxes |
|
|
(65 |
) |
|
|
(894 |
) |
|
|
13,009 |
|
|
|
10,069 |
|
Net Income |
|
|
5,004 |
|
|
|
3,350 |
|
|
|
46,895 |
|
|
|
50,370 |
|
Net Income Per Common Share |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Basic |
|
$ |
0.22 |
|
|
$ |
0.15 |
|
|
$ |
2.05 |
|
|
$ |
2.21 |
|
Diluted |
|
$ |
0.22 |
|
|
$ |
0.15 |
|
|
$ |
2.05 |
|
|
$ |
2.20 |
|
Shares Used to Compute Net Income Per |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Basic |
|
|
22,878 |
|
|
|
22,841 |
|
|
|
22,872 |
|
|
|
22,832 |
|
Diluted |
|
|
22,891 |
|
|
|
22,912 |
|
|
|
22,890 |
|
|
|
22,931 |
|
7
Table II
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Net Income and Earnings per Diluted Share*
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
Twelve Months Ended |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
($ in thousands, except per share amounts) |
|
2025 |
|
|
EPS |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
EPS |
|
|
2025 |
|
|
EPS |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
EPS |
|
||||||||
Net Income Reported |
|
$ |
5,004 |
|
|
$ |
0.22 |
|
|
$ |
3,350 |
|
|
$ |
0.15 |
|
|
$ |
46,895 |
|
|
$ |
2.05 |
|
|
$ |
50,370 |
|
|
$ |
2.20 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Deferred Compensation (Income) |
|
$ |
76 |
|
|
$ |
0.01 |
|
|
$ |
(762 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.03 |
) |
|
$ |
(473 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.02 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,805 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.08 |
) |
Environmental Remediation |
|
$ |
65 |
|
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
|
$ |
169 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
934 |
|
|
$ |
0.04 |
|
|
$ |
1,905 |
|
|
$ |
0.08 |
|
Goodwill Impairment |
|
$ |
6,245 |
|
|
$ |
0.27 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
6,245 |
|
|
$ |
0.27 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
Gain on Sale of Assets |
|
$ |
(11,921 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.52 |
) |
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
(11,921 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.52 |
) |
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
Adjusted Net Income |
|
$ |
(531 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.02 |
) |
|
$ |
2,757 |
|
|
$ |
0.12 |
|
|
$ |
41,680 |
|
|
$ |
1.82 |
|
|
$ |
50,470 |
|
|
$ |
2.20 |
|
* All amounts in this table are presented after-tax
The Company believes that certain non-GAAP measures, in conjunction with comparable GAAP measures, are useful for evaluating the Company’s operating performance and financial condition. The Company uses this non-GAAP information as an indicator of business performance and evaluates management’s effectiveness with specific reference to these indicators. Management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful supplemental information because they exclude non-operational items that affect comparability between years. These measures should be considered in addition to, not as substitutes for or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP and may differ from similarly titled measures presented by other companies. The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 contains additional information regarding the use of non-GAAP financial measures.
Summary of Fourth Quarter 2025 Adjusted Net Income Items
Adjusted net income excludes non-operational deferred compensation income/expense, certain environmental remediation costs and other significant and infrequent or non-recurring items.
8
Table III
Reconciliation of Pre-Tax to After-Tax Adjustments
Management uses the non-GAAP adjusted net income metric to evaluate the Company's operating performance. Management excludes the items listed in the table below because they are non-operational items. The cumulative tax effect was calculated using the statutory tax rates for the jurisdictions in which the transactions occurred.
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
Twelve Months Ended |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
($ in thousands, except per share amounts) |
|
2025 |
|
|
EPS |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
EPS |
|
|
2025 |
|
|
EPS |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
EPS |
|
||||||||
Pre-Tax Adjustments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Deferred Compensation (Income) |
|
$ |
101 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(1,016 |
) |
|
|
|
|
$ |
(631 |
) |
|
|
|
|
$ |
(2,406 |
) |
|
|
|
||||
Environmental Remediation Expense |
|
$ |
87 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
225 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,245 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,540 |
|
|
|
|
||||
Goodwill Impairment |
|
$ |
6,245 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
6,245 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
|
|
||||
Gain on Sale of Assets |
|
$ |
(15,895 |
) |
|
|
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(15,895 |
) |
|
|
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
|
|
||||
Total Pre-Tax Adjustments |
|
$ |
(9,462 |
) |
|
|
|
|
$ |
(791 |
) |
|
|
|
|
$ |
(9,036 |
) |
|
|
|
|
$ |
134 |
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Cumulative Tax Effect on Adjustments |
|
$ |
3,927 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
198 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
3,821 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(34 |
) |
|
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
After-Tax Adjustments |
|
$ |
(5,535 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.24 |
) |
|
$ |
(593 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.03 |
) |
|
$ |
(5,215 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.23 |
) |
|
$ |
100 |
|
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
9
Table IV
Deferred Compensation Plans
The full effect of the deferred compensation plans on quarterly pre-tax income was $0.1 million of expense versus $1.1 million of income in the prior year. The quarter-end market prices of Company stock and the impact of deferred compensation on specific income statement line items is summarized below:
|
|
2025 |
|
|
2024 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
12/31 |
|
|
9/30 |
|
|
6/30 |
|
|
3/31 |
|
|
12/31 |
|
|
9/30 |
|
|
6/30 |
|
|
3/31 |
|
||||||||
Stepan Company |
|
$ |
47.36 |
|
|
$ |
47.70 |
|
|
$ |
54.58 |
|
|
$ |
55.04 |
|
|
$ |
64.70 |
|
|
$ |
77.25 |
|
|
$ |
83.96 |
|
|
$ |
90.04 |
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
Twelve Months Ended |
|
||||||||||
($ in thousands) |
|
2025 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2025 |
|
|
2024 |
|
||||
Deferred Compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Operating Income (Expense) |
|
$ |
(549 |
) |
|
$ |
574 |
|
|
$ |
(2,155 |
) |
|
$ |
(2,155 |
) |
Other, net – Mutual Fund Gain (Loss) |
|
|
448 |
|
|
|
442 |
|
|
|
2,786 |
|
|
|
4,561 |
|
Total Pre-Tax |
|
$ |
(101 |
) |
|
$ |
1,016 |
|
|
$ |
631 |
|
|
$ |
2,406 |
|
Total After-Tax |
|
$ |
(76 |
) |
|
$ |
762 |
|
|
$ |
473 |
|
|
$ |
1,805 |
|
Effects of Foreign Currency Translation
The Company’s foreign subsidiaries transact business and report financial results in their respective local currencies. These results are translated into U.S. dollars at average foreign exchange rates appropriate for the reporting period. The table below presents the impact that foreign currency translation had on select income statement line items.
($ in millions) |
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
Change |
|
|
Change |
|
|
Twelve Months Ended |
|
|
Change |
|
|
Change |
|
||||||||||||||
|
|
2025 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2025 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Net Sales |
|
$ |
553.9 |
|
|
$ |
525.6 |
|
|
$ |
28.3 |
|
|
$ |
16.1 |
|
|
$ |
2,332.1 |
|
|
$ |
2,180.3 |
|
|
$ |
151.8 |
|
|
$ |
4.6 |
|
Gross Profit |
|
|
51.5 |
|
|
|
56.7 |
|
|
$ |
(5.2 |
) |
|
|
1.5 |
|
|
|
269.9 |
|
|
|
272.2 |
|
|
$ |
(2.3 |
) |
|
|
(0.4 |
) |
Operating Income |
|
|
10.5 |
|
|
|
7.7 |
|
|
$ |
2.8 |
|
|
|
0.7 |
|
|
|
78.5 |
|
|
|
70.5 |
|
|
$ |
8.0 |
|
|
|
(0.8 |
) |
Pretax Income |
|
|
4.9 |
|
|
|
2.5 |
|
|
$ |
2.4 |
|
|
|
0.5 |
|
|
|
59.9 |
|
|
|
60.4 |
|
|
$ |
(0.5 |
) |
|
|
(1.1 |
) |
Corporate Expenses
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
Twelve Months Ended |
|
||||||||||||||||||
($ in thousands) |
|
2025 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
% |
|
|
2025 |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
% |
|
||||||
Total Corporate Expenses |
|
$ |
8,065 |
|
|
$ |
17,468 |
|
|
|
(54 |
)% |
|
$ |
57,714 |
|
|
$ |
76,669 |
|
|
|
(25 |
)% |
Less: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
Deferred Compensation Expense |
|
$ |
549 |
|
|
$ |
(574 |
) |
|
|
(196 |
)% |
|
$ |
2,155 |
|
|
$ |
2,155 |
|
|
|
(— |
)% |
Environmental Remediation |
|
$ |
87 |
|
|
$ |
225 |
|
|
|
(61 |
)% |
|
$ |
1,245 |
|
|
$ |
2,540 |
|
|
|
(51 |
)% |
Goodwill Impairment |
|
$ |
6,245 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
NM |
|
|
$ |
6,245 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
NM |
|
||
Gain on Sale of Assets |
|
$ |
(15,895 |
) |
|
$ |
- |
|
|
NM |
|
|
$ |
(15,895 |
) |
|
$ |
- |
|
|
NM |
|
||
Adjusted Corporate Expenses |
|
$ |
17,079 |
|
|
$ |
17,817 |
|
|
|
(4 |
)% |
|
$ |
63,964 |
|
|
$ |
71,974 |
|
|
|
(11 |
)% |
Adjusted Corporate expenses decreased $0.7 million, or 4% for the quarter. This decrease was primarily due to the non-recurrence of CEO transition expenses in the fourth quarter of 2024.
10
Table V
Stepan Company
Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024
|
|
December 31, 2025 |
|
|
December 31, 2024 |
|
||
ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Current Assets |
|
$ |
858,959 |
|
|
$ |
810,429 |
|
Property, Plant & Equipment, Net |
|
|
1,219,627 |
|
|
|
1,198,454 |
|
Other Assets |
|
|
279,116 |
|
|
|
295,765 |
|
Total Assets |
|
$ |
2,357,702 |
|
|
$ |
2,304,648 |
|
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Current Liabilities |
|
$ |
666,494 |
|
|
$ |
669,034 |
|
Deferred Income Taxes |
|
|
11,450 |
|
|
|
9,612 |
|
Long-term Debt |
|
|
340,975 |
|
|
|
332,632 |
|
Other Non-current Liabilities |
|
|
94,773 |
|
|
|
123,436 |
|
Total Stepan Company Stockholders’ Equity |
|
|
1,244,010 |
|
|
|
1,169,934 |
|
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity |
|
$ |
2,357,702 |
|
|
$ |
2,304,648 |
|
Selected Balance Sheet Information
The Company’s total debt decreased by $28.8 million and cash increased by $14.2 million versus September 30, 2025. The Company’s net debt level decreased $43.0 million versus September 30, 2025 and the net debt ratio was 28% versus 30% in the prior quarter (Net Debt and Net Debt Ratio are non-GAAP measures, reconciliations of which are shown in the table below). Management uses the non-GAAP net debt metric to show a more complete picture of the Company's overall liquidity, financial flexibility and leverage level.
($ in millions) |
December 31, |
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
June 30, |
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|||||
Net Debt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total Debt |
$ |
626.7 |
|
|
$ |
655.5 |
|
|
$ |
658.0 |
|
|
$ |
659.3 |
|
|
$ |
625.4 |
|
Cash |
|
132.7 |
|
|
|
118.5 |
|
|
|
88.9 |
|
|
|
107.5 |
|
|
|
99.7 |
|
Net Debt |
$ |
494.0 |
|
|
$ |
537.0 |
|
|
$ |
569.1 |
|
|
$ |
551.8 |
|
|
$ |
525.7 |
|
Equity |
|
1,244.0 |
|
|
|
1,246.8 |
|
|
|
1,241.7 |
|
|
|
1,200.5 |
|
|
|
1,169.9 |
|
Net Debt + Equity |
$ |
1,738.0 |
|
|
$ |
1,783.8 |
|
|
$ |
1,810.8 |
|
|
$ |
1,752.3 |
|
|
$ |
1,695.6 |
|
Net Debt / (Net Debt + Equity) |
|
28 |
% |
|
|
30 |
% |
|
|
31 |
% |
|
|
31 |
% |
|
|
31 |
% |
The major working capital components were:
($ in millions) |
December 31, |
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
June 30, |
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|||||
Net Receivables |
$ |
388.0 |
|
|
$ |
436.1 |
|
|
$ |
442.2 |
|
|
$ |
436.5 |
|
|
$ |
388.0 |
|
Inventories |
|
298.8 |
|
|
|
324.3 |
|
|
|
329.5 |
|
|
|
309.3 |
|
|
|
288.7 |
|
Accounts Payable |
|
(261.7 |
) |
|
|
(289.4 |
) |
|
|
(281.8 |
) |
|
|
(298.1 |
) |
|
|
(258.8 |
) |
|
$ |
425.1 |
|
|
$ |
471.0 |
|
|
$ |
489.9 |
|
|
$ |
447.7 |
|
|
$ |
417.9 |
|
11
Table VI
Reconciliations of Non-GAAP EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA
Management uses the non-GAAP EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA metrics to evaluate the Company's operating performance. Management excludes the items listed in the table below because they are non-operational items. Refer to the Income Statement on Table I for a bridge between Operating Income and Net Income.
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
($ in millions) |
|
Surfactants |
|
|
Polymers |
|
|
Specialty |
|
|
Unallocated |
|
|
Consolidated |
|
|||||
Operating Income |
|
$ |
9.4 |
|
|
$ |
4.0 |
|
|
$ |
5.2 |
|
|
$ |
(8.1 |
) |
|
$ |
10.5 |
|
Depreciation and Amortization |
|
|
22.7 |
|
|
|
8.4 |
|
|
|
1.5 |
|
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
|
32.7 |
|
Other, Net Income |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
|
0.1 |
|
EBITDA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
43.3 |
|
||||
Deferred Compensation |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
|
0.1 |
|
Environmental Remediation |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
|
0.1 |
|
Goodwill Impairment |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
6.2 |
|
|
|
6.2 |
|
Gain on Sale of Assets |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(15.9 |
) |
|
|
(15.9 |
) |
Adjusted EBITDA |
|
$ |
32.1 |
|
|
$ |
12.4 |
|
|
$ |
6.7 |
|
|
$ |
(17.4 |
) |
|
$ |
33.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
($ in millions) |
|
Surfactants |
|
|
Polymers |
|
|
Specialty |
|
|
Unallocated |
|
|
Consolidated |
|
|||||
Operating Income |
|
$ |
16.2 |
|
|
$ |
3.4 |
|
|
$ |
5.6 |
|
|
$ |
(17.5 |
) |
|
$ |
7.7 |
|
Depreciation and Amortization |
|
|
18.5 |
|
|
|
8.0 |
|
|
|
1.5 |
|
|
|
0.5 |
|
|
|
28.5 |
|
Other, Net Income |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(0.4 |
) |
|
|
(0.4 |
) |
EBITDA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
35.8 |
|
||||
Deferred Compensation |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(1.0 |
) |
|
|
(1.0 |
) |
Environmental Remediation |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
0.2 |
|
Adjusted EBITDA |
|
$ |
34.7 |
|
|
$ |
11.4 |
|
|
$ |
7.1 |
|
|
$ |
(18.2 |
) |
|
$ |
35.0 |
|
12
|
|
Twelve Months Ended |
|
|||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
($ in millions) |
|
Surfactants |
|
|
Polymers |
|
|
Specialty |
|
|
Unallocated |
|
|
Consolidated |
|
|||||
Operating Income |
|
$ |
67.4 |
|
|
$ |
43.3 |
|
|
$ |
25.6 |
|
|
$ |
(57.8 |
) |
|
$ |
78.5 |
|
Depreciation and Amortization |
|
|
85.6 |
|
|
|
33.1 |
|
|
|
5.9 |
|
|
|
1.4 |
|
|
|
126.0 |
|
Other, Net Income |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
3.5 |
|
|
|
3.5 |
|
EBITDA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
208.0 |
|
||||
Deferred Compensation |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(0.6 |
) |
|
|
(0.6 |
) |
Environmental Remediation |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
1.2 |
|
|
|
1.2 |
|
Goodwill Impairment |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
6.2 |
|
|
|
6.2 |
|
Gain on Sale of Assets |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(15.9 |
) |
|
|
(15.9 |
) |
Adjusted EBITDA |
|
$ |
153.0 |
|
|
$ |
76.4 |
|
|
$ |
31.5 |
|
|
$ |
(62.0 |
) |
|
$ |
198.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
Twelve Months Ended |
|
|||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
($ in millions) |
|
Surfactants |
|
|
Polymers |
|
|
Specialty |
|
|
Unallocated |
|
|
Consolidated |
|
|||||
Operating Income |
|
$ |
85.6 |
|
|
$ |
40.6 |
|
|
$ |
20.9 |
|
|
$ |
(76.6 |
) |
|
$ |
70.5 |
|
Depreciation and Amortization |
|
|
72.0 |
|
|
|
32.4 |
|
|
|
6.0 |
|
|
|
1.9 |
|
|
|
112.3 |
|
Other, Net Income |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
4.1 |
|
|
|
4.1 |
|
EBITDA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
186.9 |
|
||||
Deferred Compensation |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(2.4 |
) |
|
|
(2.4 |
) |
Environmental Remediation |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
2.5 |
|
|
|
2.5 |
|
Adjusted EBITDA |
|
$ |
157.6 |
|
|
$ |
73.0 |
|
|
$ |
26.9 |
|
|
$ |
(70.5 |
) |
|
$ |
187.0 |
|
13
Exhibit 99.2
Stepan Declares Quarterly Dividend
Northbrook, Illinois, February 23, 2026 – Stepan Company (NYSE: SCL) today reported:
The Board of Directors of Stepan Company has declared a quarterly cash dividend on the Company's common stock of $0.395 per share. The dividend is payable on March 13, 2026, to common stockholders of record on March 2, 2026. The Company increased its quarterly cash dividend in the fourth quarter of 2025 by $0.010 per share, marking the 58th consecutive year that the Company has increased its cash dividend to stockholders.
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.
More information about Stepan’s sustainability program can be found on the Sustainability page at www.stepan.com.
Contact: Ruben D. Velasquez 847-446-7500
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, 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.
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.