UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

(MARK ONE)

xQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31,JUNE 30, 2011

 

¨TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROMTO

1-4462

Commission File Number

 

 

STEPAN COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware 36-1823834

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

Edens and Winnetka Road, Northfield, Illinois 60093

(Address of principal executive offices)

Registrant’s telephone number (847) 446-7500

Registrant’s telephone number (847) 446-7500

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ¨x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer ¨  Accelerated filer x
Non-accelerated filer ¨  Smaller reporting company ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act)    Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

Class

 

Outstanding at April 29,July 26, 2011

Common Stock, $1 par value 10,167,62910,163,317 Shares

 

 

 


Part I  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1 - Financial Statements

STEPAN COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

Unaudited

 

(In thousands, except per share amounts)  Three Months Ended
March 31
   Three Months Ended
June 30
 Six Months Ended
June 30
 
  2011 2010   2011 2010 2011 2010 

Net Sales

  $422,598   $337,030    $476,989   $366,504   $899,587   $703,534  

Cost of Sales

   360,812    273,478     407,404    303,026    768,216    576,504  
                    

Gross Profit

   61,786    63,552     69,585    63,478    131,371    127,030  

Operating Expenses:

        

Marketing

   10,830    10,951     12,171    9,391    23,001    20,342  

Administrative

   10,874    9,063     12,680    14,273    23,554    23,336  

Research, development and technical services

   10,231    9,883     10,656    10,042    20,887    19,925  
                    
   31,935    29,897     35,507    33,706    67,442    63,603  
                    

Operating Income

   29,851    33,655     34,078    29,772    63,929    63,427  

Other Income (Expense):

        

Interest, net

   (2,063  (1,256   (2,194  (1,510  (4,257  (2,766

Loss from equity in joint ventures

   (965  (571   (805  (764  (1,770  (1,335

Other, net (Note 13)

   312    (222

Other, net (Note 14)

   253    (1,111  565    (1,333
                    
   (2,716  (2,049   (2,746  (3,385  (5,462  (5,434
                    

Income Before Provision for Income Taxes

   27,135    31,606     31,332    26,387    58,467    57,993  

Provision for Income Taxes

   8,319    10,925     10,326    9,318    18,645    20,243  
                    

Net Income

   18,816    20,681     21,006    17,069    39,822    37,750  
                    

Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests (Note 2)

   (55  (21

Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests (Note 3)

   (139  (23  (194  (44
                    

Net Income Attributable to Stepan Company

  $18,761   $20,660    $20,867   $17,046   $39,628   $37,706  
                    

Net Income Per Common Share Attributable to Stepan Company (Note 9):

   

Net Income Per Common Share Attributable to Stepan Company (Note 10):

     

Basic

  $1.80   $2.03    $2.00   $1.66   $3.80   $3.69  
                    

Diluted

  $1.68   $1.88    $1.87   $1.53   $3.55   $3.41  
                    

Shares Used to Compute Net Income Per Common Share Attributable to Stepan Company (Note 9):

   

Shares Used to Compute Net Income Per Common Share Attributable to Stepan Company (Note 10):

     

Basic

   10,323    10,099     10,345    10,160    10,335    10,130  
                    

Diluted

   11,169    10,984     11,178    11,118    11,175    11,052  
                    

Dividends Declared Per Common Share

  $0.26   $0.24    $0.26   $0.24   $0.52   $0.48  
                    

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

2


STEPAN COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

Unaudited

 

(In thousands)  March 31,
2011
 December 31,
2010
   June 30, 2011 December 31, 2010 

Assets

      

Current Assets:

      

Cash and cash equivalents

  $52,743   $111,198    $25,599   $111,198  

Receivables, net

   267,804    199,245     294,547    199,245  

Inventories (Note 6)

   119,239    96,552  

Inventories (Note 7)

   159,490    96,552  

Deferred income taxes

   8,545    8,170     8,386    8,170  

Other current assets

   13,754    12,661     16,570    12,661  
              

Total current assets

   462,085    427,826     504,592    427,826  
              

Property, Plant and Equipment:

      

Cost

   1,083,539    1,055,553     1,098,279    1,055,553  

Accumulated depreciation

   (716,749  (701,968   (729,513  (701,968
              

Property, plant and equipment, net

   366,790    353,585     368,766    353,585  
              

Goodwill, net

   6,745    6,717  

Other intangible assets, net

   4,942    5,257  

Long-term investments (Note 3)

   11,437    11,904  

Goodwill, net (Note 2)

   7,289    6,717  

Other intangible assets, net (Note 2)

   12,636    5,257  

Long-term investments (Note 4)

   11,518    11,904  

Other non-current assets

   6,119    6,142     6,124    6,142  
              

Total assets

  $858,118   $811,431    $910,925   $811,431  
              

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

      

Current Liabilities:

      

Current maturities of long-term debt (Note 12)

  $36,584   $31,609  

Current maturities of long-term debt (Note 13)

  $35,809   $31,609  

Accounts payable

   153,519    115,248     174,577    115,248  

Accrued liabilities

   49,896    58,770     52,148    58,770  
              

Total current liabilities

   239,999    205,627     262,534    205,627  
              

Deferred income taxes

   7,002    5,154     9,986    5,154  
              

Long-term debt, less current maturities (Note 12)

   149,102    159,963  

Long-term debt, less current maturities (Note 13)

   154,956    159,963  
              

Other non-current liabilities

   84,500    87,616     82,462    87,616  
              

Commitments and Contingencies(Note 7)

   

Commitments and Contingencies(Note 8)

   

Stockholders’ Equity:

      

5-1/2% convertible preferred stock, cumulative, voting, without par value; authorized 2,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 520,089 shares in 2011 and 2010

   13,002    13,002     13,002    13,002  

Common stock, $1 par value; authorized 30,000,000 shares; Issued 11,585,727 shares in 2011 and 11,511,829 shares in 2010

   11,586    11,512  

Common stock, $1 par value; authorized 30,000,000 shares; issued 11,595,329 shares in 2011 and 11,511,829 shares in 2010

   11,595    11,512  

Additional paid-in capital

   86,762    83,852     88,238    83,852  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

   (18,899  (25,599   (14,127  (25,599

Retained earnings

   321,772    305,830     339,820    305,830  

Treasury stock, at cost, 1,423,192 shares in 2011 and 1,406,081 shares in 2010

   (40,357  (39,106

Treasury stock, at cost, 1,438,754 shares in 2011 and 1,406,081 shares in 2010

   (41,357  (39,106
              

Total Stepan Company stockholders’ equity

   373,866    349,491     397,171    349,491  
              

Noncontrolling interests (Note 2)

   3,649    3,580  

Noncontrolling interests (Note 3)

   3,816    3,580  
              

Total stockholders’ equity

   377,515    353,071     400,987    353,071  
              

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  $858,118   $811,431    $910,925   $811,431  
              

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

3


STEPAN COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Unaudited

 

(In thousands)  Three Months Ended
March 31
   Six Months Ended June 30 
  2011 2010   2011 2010 

Cash Flows From Operating Activities

      

Net income

  $18,816   $20,681    $39,822   $37,750  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

      

Depreciation and amortization

   11,094    9,577     23,007    19,288  

Deferred compensation

   (380  (1,801   (709  929  

Realized and unrealized gain on long-term investments

   (473  (334

Realized and unrealized loss (gain) on long-term investments

   (438  367  

Stock-based compensation

   849    872     1,777    1,806  

Deferred income taxes

   1,654    1,948     4,846    3,823  

Other non-cash items

   (25  544     1,083    1,627  

Changes in assets and liabilities:

      

Receivables, net

   (63,910  (38,353   (83,875  (61,722

Inventories

   (21,027  (11,237   (55,088  (13,745

Other current assets

   (983  (583   (3,586  (935

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   31,044    16,611     55,151    27,793  

Pension liabilities

   (408  (90   (895  (488

Environmental and legal liabilities

   (197  (339   (412  (847

Deferred revenues

   (463  (295   (890  (596

Excess tax benefit from stock options and awards

   (1,036  (513   (1,113  (2,076
              

Net Cash Used In Operating Activities

   (25,445  (3,312

Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Operating Activities

   (21,320  12,974  
              

Cash Flows From Investing Activities

      

Expenditures for property, plant and equipment

   (22,478  (12,980   (40,400  (28,007

Business acquisition

   (13,562  —    

Sale of mutual funds

   1,487    701     1,613    737  

Other, net

   (1,704  (595   (2,136  (1,639
              

Net Cash Used In Investing Activities

   (22,695  (12,874   (54,485  (28,909
              

Cash Flows From Financing Activities

      

Revolving debt and bank overdrafts, net

   4,004    —       9,738    3,124  

Term loan

   —      40,000  

Build-to-suit obligation buyout

   (12,206  —       (12,206  —    

Other debt borrowings

   —      440  

Other debt repayments

   (385  (997   (2,291  (2,532

Dividends paid

   (2,819  (2,571   (5,638  (5,170

Company stock repurchased

   —      (3,750   (1,000  (3,750

Stock option exercises

   624    116     889    3,109  

Excess tax benefit from stock options and awards

   1,036    513     1,113    2,076  

Other, net

   (1,293  (1,068   (1,265  (1,273
              

Net Cash Used in Financing Activities

   (11,039  (7,757
       

Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Financing Activities

   (10,660  36,024  
       

Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash

   724    852     866    (765
              

Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents

   (58,455  (23,091

Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents

   (85,599  19,324  

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period

   111,198    98,518     111,198    98,518  
              

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period

  $52,743   $75,427    $25,599   $117,842  
       
       

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

      

Cash payments of income taxes, net of refunds

  $2,418   $3,102    $9,832   $13,930  
              

Cash payments of interest

  $1,084   $1,044    $4,122   $2,778  
              

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

4


STEPAN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31,June 30, 2011

Unaudited

 

1.CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by Stepan Company (Company), without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although management believes that the disclosures are adequate and make the information presented not misleading. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring accruals, necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position as of March 31,June 30, 2011 and its results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, and cash flows for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2011 and 2010, have been included. These financial statements and related footnotes should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related footnotes included in the Company’s 2010 Form 10-K.

 

2.ACQUISITION

On June 23, 2011, the Company purchased the Clarinol®, Marinol®, and PinnoThin® product lines of Lipid Nutrition B.V., a part of Loders Croklaan B.V. The acquired product lines will be integrated into the Company’s specialty products segment and will be combined with existing Company food and health services products to provide the Company with a unique portfolio of nutritional fats for the global food, supplement and nutrition industries. The acquisition purchase price was $13,562,000 of cash. In addition to the purchase price paid, the Company incurred $0.3 million of acquisition-related costs, including legal and consulting expenses. These costs were reflected in administrative expenses on the Company’s statements of income.

5


The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination and, accordingly, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as part of the acquisition were measured and recorded at their estimated fair values. The following table summarizes the assets acquired and liabilities assumed:

(Dollars in thousands)  June 23, 2011 

Assets:

  

Inventory

  $5,000  

Identifiable intangible assets:

  

Patents

   6,948  

Customer lists

   736  

Trademarks, know-how

   429  
     

Total identifiable intangible assets

   8,113  
     

Goodwill

   483  
     

Total assets acquired

  $13,596  
     

Current liabilities

  $34  
     

Net assets acquired

  $13,562  
     

The acquired goodwill, which relates entirely to the Company’s specialty products segment, is deductable for tax purposes. The goodwill reflects the potential manufacturing and marketing synergies arising from combining the new product lines with the Company’s existing food and health services products. The weighted average amortization periods for the identifiable intangible assets are as follows: patents- 12 years; customer lists-five years; and trademarks and know-how- five years. The Company continues to evaluate the valuations of the acquired intangible assets, which may result in adjustments to the recorded values of the intangible assets and goodwill.

Due to the timing of the purchase transaction relative to the end of the reporting period, no post-acquisition financial results for the new business were included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2011. Pro forma financial information has not been included because revenues and earnings of the Company’s consolidated entity for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, would not have been materially different than reported had the acquisition date been January 1, 2010.

6


3.RECONCILIATIONS OF EQUITY

Below are reconciliations of total equity, Company equity and equity attributable to the noncontrolling interests for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2011 and 2010:

 

(In thousands)

  Total Equity  Stepan
Company
Equity
  Noncontrolling
Interests’
Equity(3)
 

Balance at January 1, 2011

  $353,071   $349,491   $3,580  

Net income

   18,816    18,761    55  

Dividends

   (2,819  (2,819  —    

Common stock purchases(1)

   (1,274  (1,274  —    

Stock option exercises

   624    624    —    

Defined benefit pension adjustments, net of tax

   523    523    —    

Translation adjustments

   6,117    6,103    14  

Derivative instrument gain, net of tax

   74    74    —    

Other(2)

   2,383    2,383    —    
             

Balance at March 31, 2011    

  $377,515   $373,866   $3,649  
             

5


(In thousands)

  Total Equity Stepan
Company
Equity
 Noncontrolling
Interests’
Equity(3)
 

Balance at January 1, 2011

  $353,071   $349,491   $3,580  

Net income

   39,822    39,628    194  

Dividends

   (5,638  (5,638  —    

Common stock purchases(1)

   (2,274  (2,274  —    

Stock option exercises

   889    889    —    

Defined benefit pension adjustments, net of tax

   1,044    1,044    —    

Translation adjustments

   10,081    10,039    42  

Derivative instrument gain, net of tax

   389    389    —    

Other(2)

   3,603    3,603    —    
          

Balance at June 30, 2011

  $400,987   $397,171   $3,816  
          

(In thousands)

  Total Equity Stepan
Company
Equity
 Noncontrolling
Interests’
Equity(3)
   Total Equity Stepan
Company
Equity
 Noncontrolling
Interests’
Equity(3)
 

Balance at January 1, 2010

  $290,427   $289,285   $1,142    $290,427   $289,285   $1,142  

Net income

   20,681    20,660    21     37,750    37,706    44  

Dividends

   (2,571  (2,571  —       (5,170  (5,170  —    

Common stock purchases(1)

   (4,807  (4,807  —       (4,807  (4,807  —    

Stock option exercises

   148    148    —       3,109    3,109    —    

Defined benefit pension adjustments, net of tax

   379    379    —       756    756    —    

Translation adjustments

   (832  (832  —       (8,674  (8,674  —    

Other(2)

   1,690    1,690    —       4,221    4,221    —    
                    

Balance at March 31, 2010

  $305,115   $303,952   $1,163  

Balance at June 30, 2010

  $317,612   $316,426   $1,186  
                    

 

(1) 

Includes the value of Company shares purchased in the open market and the value of Company common shares tendered by employees to settle minimum statutory withholding taxes related to the receipt of performance awards.

(2) 

Primarily comprised of activity related to stock-based compensation, deferred compensation and excess tax benefit activities.benefits.

(3) 

2011 includes partners’ noncontrolling interests in the Company’s China and Philippines joint ventures. 2010 includes partners’ noncontrolling interest in the China joint venture.

 

7


3.4.FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The following are the financial instruments held by the Company at March 31,June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, and descriptions of the methods and assumptions used to estimate the instruments’ fair values:

Cash and cash equivalents

Carrying value approximates fair value because of the short maturity of the instruments.

Derivative assets and liabilities

Derivative assets and liabilities relate to the foreign currency exchange contracts discussed in Note 4.5. Fair value and carrying value are the same because the contracts are recorded at fair value. The fair values of the foreign currency contracts were calculated as the differences between the applicable forward foreign exchange rates at the reporting date and the contracted foreign exchange rates multiplied by the contracted notional amounts. See the table that follows these financial instrument descriptions for the reported fair values of derivative assets and liabilities.

6


Long-term investments

Long-term investments are the mutual fund assets the Company holds to fund a portion of its deferred compensation liabilities. Fair value and carrying value are the same because the mutual fund assets are recorded at fair value. Fair values for the mutual funds were calculated using the published market price per unit at the reporting date multiplied by the number of units held at the reporting date. See the table that follows these financial instrument descriptions for the reported fair value of long-term investments.

Debt obligations

The Company’s primary source of long-term U.S. debt financing is unsecured private placement notes with fixed interest rates and maturities. Certain foreign subsidiaries also carry fixed-rate debt. The fair value of fixed interest rate debt comprises the combined present values of scheduled principal and interest payments for each of the various loans, individually discounted at rates equivalent to those which could be obtained by the Company for new debt issues with durations equal to the average life to maturity of each loan. The discount rates are based on applicable duration funding rates plus market interest rate spreads to borrowers with credit ratings equivalent to those of the Company. The fair values of the Company’s fixed-rate debt at March 31,June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, including current maturities, were estimated to be $121,781,000$123,436,000 and $122,044,000, respectively. The carrying value of the Company’s fixed-rate debt was $113,260,000$113,045,000 at March 31,June 30, 2011 and $113,359,000 at December 31, 2010.

The Company’s Singapore facility also holds fixed-rate debt in the form of a seller note (related to the 2010 purchase of storage tanks), which had an estimated fair value of $13,715,000$14,458,000 at March 31,June 30, 2011, compared to a carrying value of $13,291,000.$13,843,000. At December 31, 2010, the fair value of the seller note approximated its carrying value of $13,008,000.

8


Debt at March 31,June 30, 2011 also included $27,000,000$25,500,000 for an unsecured term loan that carried a variable interest rate of LIBOR plus a spread of 125100 basis points as of March 31,June 30, 2011. As of the end of the firstsecond quarter, the current market spread over LIBOR for entities with credit ratings similar to the Company’s was approximately 200 basis points. Using the current market spread to discount the scheduled principal and interest payment outflows calculated under the contractual spread, the Company estimates the fair value of the variable interest unsecured term loan at March 31,June 30, 2011, at approximately $26,543,000$25,018,000 compared to a carrying value of $27,000,000.$25,500,000. At December 31, 2010, the fair value of the variable interest unsecured term loan was $26,390,000 compared to a carrying value of $27,000,000.

Also included in debt as of March 31,June 30, 2011 was $8,803,000$8,783,000 of term debt of the Company’s Philippine subsidiary, comprised of two bank loans guaranteed by the U.S. parent. Using the current market spread for loans to companies with credit ratings similar to the Company’s to discount the scheduled principal and interest payment outflows calculated under the contractual spreads, the Company estimates the combined fair value of these variable interest secured term loans at March 31,June 30, 2011, to be approximately $9,061,000$9,038,000 versus a carrying value of $8,803,000.$8,783,000. At December 31, 2010, the fair value of these term loans was $9,028,000 compared to a carrying value of $8,805,000.

7


Because of the short-term nature of the remaining Company debt, the fair values for such debt approximate the carrying values.

9


The following tables present financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value as of March 31,June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 and the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall:

 

(In thousands)  March
2011
   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   June
2011
   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3 

Mutual fund assets

  $11,437    $11,437    $—      $—      $11,518    $11,518    $—      $—    

Derivative assets: (1)

                

Foreign currency contracts

   —       —       470     —       765     —       765     —    
                                

Total assets at fair value

  $11,437    $11,437    $470    $—      $12,283    $11,518    $765    $—    
                                

Derivative liabilities: (1)

                

Foreign currency contracts

  $     $     $316    $     $321    $—      $321    $—    
                                

Total liabilities at fair value

  $     $—      $316    $—      $321    $—      $321    $—    
                                
(In thousands)  December
2010
   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   December
2010
   Level 1   Level 2  ��Level 3 

Mutual fund assets

  $11,904    $11,904    $—      $—      $11,904    $11,904    $—      $—    

Derivative assets: (1)

                

Foreign currency contracts

   30     —       30     —       30     —       30     —    
                                

Total assets at fair value

  $11,934    $11,904    $30    $—      $11,934    $11,904    $30    $—    
                                

Derivative liabilities: (1)

                

Foreign currency contracts

  $43    $—      $43    $—      $43    $—      $43    $—    
                                

Total liabilities at fair value

  $43    $—      $43    $—      $43    $—      $43    $—    
                                

 

(1) 

See Note 45 for the balance sheet locations of the derivative assets and liabilities

 

4.5.DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

The Company is exposed to certain risks relating to its ongoing business operations. The primary risk managed by the use of derivative instruments is foreign currency exchange risk. The Company holds forward foreign currency exchange contracts that are not designated as any type of accounting hedge as defined by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (although they are effectively economic hedges). The Company uses these contracts to manage its exposure to exchange rate fluctuations on certain Company subsidiary accounts receivable, accounts payable and other obligation balances that are denominated in currencies other than the entities’ functional currencies. The forward foreign exchange contracts are recognized on the balance sheet as either an asset or a liability measured at fair value. Gains and losses arising from recording the foreign exchange contracts at fair value are reported in earnings as offsets to the losses and gains reported in earnings arising from the re-measurement of the receivable and payable balances into the applicable functional currencies. At March 31,June 30, 2011, and December 31,

10


2010, the Company had open forward foreign currency exchange contracts, with settlement dates ranging from one month to approximately 3230 months, to buy or sell foreign currencies with a U.S. dollar equivalent of $51,609,000$55,982,000 and $25,014,000, respectively.

8


The Company also holds forward foreign currency exchange contracts that are designated as a cash flow hedge. The Company uses these contracts to manage the risks and related cash flow variability resulting from exposure to exchange rate fluctuations on forecasted progress payments related to a construction project undertaken in Singapore. The progress payments are denominated in a currency other than the Singapore location’s functional currency. The latest date through which the Company expects to hedge its exposure to the variability in cash flows for the progress payments is December 31, 2013. The forward foreign exchange contracts are recognized on the balance sheet as either an asset or a liability measured at fair value. Period-to-period changes in the fair value of the hedging instruments are recognized in other comprehensive income, to the extent effective. Once the constructed asset is complete and placed into service, the accumulated gains and losses will be reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) into earnings in the periods over which the asset is being depreciated. No reclassifications of gains and losses infrom AOCI were made into earnings in the three and six month periodperiods ended March 31, 2011, and no amounts areJune 30, 2011. Assuming the construction project is completed on time, less than $10,000 of the amount currently in AOCI is expected to be reclassified into earnings in the next 12 months. At March 31,June 30, 2011, the Company had an open forward foreign currency exchange contract designated as a cash flow hedge with a U.S. dollar equivalent amount of $10,287,000.$10,268,000. No such contracts were held at December 31, 2010.

The fair values of the derivative instruments held by the Company on March 31,June 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, were as follows:

 

(In thousands) Asset Derivatives  Liability Derivatives 
     Fair Value At     Fair Value At 

Derivatives Designated

As Hedging Instruments

 Balance Sheet
Line Item
  March 31,
2011
  December 31,
2010
  Balance Sheet
Line Item
  March 31,
2011
  December 31,
2010
 

Foreign Exchange Contracts

  Receivables, net   $73   $—      Accounts payable   $—     $—    

Derivatives Not Designated

As Hedging Instruments

                  

Foreign Exchange Contracts

  Receivables, net   $197   $30     

Foreign Exchange Contracts

  
 
Other non-
current assets
 
  
  200    —      Accounts payable   $316   $43  
            

Total Non-hedging Derivatives

  $397   $30    $316   $43  
                  

Total Derivatives

  $470   $30    $316   $43  
                  

(In thousands)  

Asset Derivatives

   

Liability Derivatives

 
        Fair Value At        Fair Value At 

Derivatives Designated

As Hedging Instruments

  

Balance Sheet

Line Item

    June 30,
2011
   December 31,
2010
   

Balance Sheet

Line Item

    June 30,
2011
   December 31,
2010
 

Foreign Exchange Contracts

  

Receivables, net

    $106    $—      

Accounts payable

    $—      $—    

Derivatives Not Designated

As Hedging Instruments

                          

Foreign Exchange Contracts

  

Receivables, net

    $174    $30          

Foreign Exchange Contracts

  

Other non-current assets

     485     —      

Accounts payable

    $321    $43  
                      

Total Non-hedging Derivatives

      $659    $30        $321    $43  
                           ��

Total Derivatives

      $765    $30        $321    $43  
                            

 

911


Information regarding derivative instrument gains and losses for the three and six month periodperiods ended March 31,June 30, 2011 and 2010 is displayed below:

 

(In thousands)      Gain (Loss) 
     Gain (Loss) 

Derivatives Not Designated

As Hedging Instruments

  Income Statement
Line Item
   Three Months Ended
March  31
   

Income Statement

Line Item

  Three Months
ended June 30
 Six Months
ended June 30
 
      2011   2010      2011   2010 2011   2010 

Foreign currency contracts

   Other, net    $285    $780    

Other, net

  $138    $(1,524 $423    $(744

Forward electric contracts(1)

   Cost of sales     —       (247  

Cost of sales

   —       616    —       369  
                           

Total

    $285    $533      $138    $(908 $423    $(375
                           

 

(1) 

During 2010, the Company held forward electric contracts to purchase 107,000 megawatts of electricity at fixed prices in 2010. The Company entered into the contracts to help manage the volatile cost of electricity. The electric contracts were considered derivative instruments and did not qualify for the normal purchase election. The contracts expired on December 31, 2010. No such contracts were held on March 31,June 30, 2011, or at any time during the three and six month periodperiods then ended.

 

(In thousands)  Gain Recognized
in Other
Comprehensive
Income
   

Income Statement Line
Item for Loss Due to
Ineffectiveness or
Exclusion From
Effectiveness Testing

  Loss Due to Ineffectiveness or
Exclusion From
Effectiveness Testing(1)
 

Derivatives Designated

As Cash Flow Hedges

  Three Months ended
June 30
      Three Months ended
June  30
 
  2011   2010      2011 2010 

Foreign Exchange Contracts

  $315    $—      Other, net  $(10 $—    
(In thousands)  Gain Recognized
in Other
Comprehensive
Income
   Income Statement Line
Item for Loss Due to
Ineffectiveness or
Exclusion From
Effectiveness Testing
  Loss Due to
Ineffectiveness or
Exclusion From
Effectiveness Testing (1)
   Gain Recognized
in Other
Comprehensive
Income
   

Income Statement Line
Item for Loss Due to
Ineffectiveness or
Exclusion From
Effectiveness Testing

  Loss Due to Ineffectiveness or
Exclusion From
Effectiveness Testing(1)
 

Derivatives Designated

As Cash Flow Hedges

  March 31      March 31   Six Months ended
June 30
      Six Months ended
June 30
 
  2011   2010      2011 2010   2011   2010      2011 2010 

Foreign Exchange Contracts

  $74    $    Other, net  $(1 $    $389    $—      Other, net  $(11 $—    

 

(1)

The loss was entirely attributable to the component of the foreign currency exchange contracts that was excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness.

 

12


5.6.STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

On March 31,June 30, 2011, the Company had stock options outstanding under its 2000 Stock Option Plan (2000 Plan) and stock options and stock awards outstanding under its 2006 Incentive Compensation Plan. Compensation expense charged against income for all stock options and awards was $849,000$928,000 and $872,000$1,777,000 for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2011, compared to $934,000 and 2010, respectively.$1,806,000, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010. Unrecognized compensation cost for stock options and stock awards was $2,171,000$1,774,000 and $3,715,000,$3,183,000, respectively, at March 31,June 30, 2011, compared to $972,000 and $2,234,000, respectively, at December 31, 2010. The increase in unrecognized compensation cost was due to 2011 grants of 61,423 stock options and 28,495 stock awards. The unrecognized compensation cost at March 31,June 30, 2011 is expected to be recognized over weighted average periods of 1.51.3 years and 2.22.0 years for stock options and stock awards, respectively.

 

10


6.7.INVENTORIES

The composition of inventories was as follows:

 

(In thousands)  March 31,
2011
   December 31,
2010
   June 30, 2011   December 31, 2010 

Finished products

  $73,414    $62,685    $101,307    $62,685  

Raw materials

   45,825     33,867     58,183     33,867  
                

Total inventories

  $119,239    $96,552    $159,490    $96,552  
                

Inventories are primarily priced using the last-in, first-out inventory valuation method. If the first-in, first-out inventory valuation method had been used for all inventories, inventory balances would have been approximately $37,059,000$41,306,000 and $34,280,000 higher than reported at March 31,June 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, respectively.

 

7.8.CONTINGENCIES

There are a variety of legal proceedings pending or threatened against the Company. Some of these proceedings may result in fines, penalties, judgments or costs being assessed against the Company at some future time. The Company’s operations are subject to extensive local, state and federal regulations, including the U.S. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) and the Superfund amendments of 1986 (Superfund). Over the years, the Company has received requests for information related to or has been named by the government as a potentially responsible party (PRP) at a number of waste disposal sites where clean up costs have been or may be incurred under CERCLA and similar state statutes. In addition, damages are being claimed against the Company in general liability actions for alleged personal injury or property damage in the case of some disposal and plant sites. The Company believes that it has made adequate provisions for the costs it may incur with respect to these sites.

13


The Company has estimated a range of possible environmental and legal losses of $10.1$9.4 million to $29.4$29.2 million at March 31,June 30, 2011. At March 31,June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company’s accrued liability for such losses, which represented the Company’s best estimate within the estimated range of possible environmental and legal losses, was $15.2 million and $15.9 million.million, respectively. Actual costs could differ from the estimated reported liability. During the first threesix months of 2011 cash outlays related to legal and environmental matters approximated $0.7$2.7 million compared to $0.6$1.6 million in the first threesix months of 2010. Remediation of the soil at the Poland subsidiary accounted for most of the year-over-year change (see the Poland Manufacturing Site discussion in this footnote).

For certain sites, estimates of the total costs of compliance or the Company’s share of such costs cannot be determined; consequently, the Company is unable to predict the effect thereof on the Company’s financial position, cash flows and results of operations. Management believes that in the event of one or more adverse determinations in any annual or interim period, the impact on the Company’s cash flows and results of operations for those periods could be material. However, based upon the Company’s present belief as to its relative involvement at these sites, other viable entities’ responsibilities for cleanup, and the extended period over which any costs would be incurred, the Company believes that these matters, individually and in the aggregate, will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position.

11


Following are summaries of the material contingencies at March 31,June 30, 2011:

Maywood, New Jersey Site

The Company’s property in Maywood, New Jersey and property formerly owned by the Company adjacent to its current site and other nearby properties (Maywood site) were listed on the National Priorities List in September 1993 pursuant to the provisions of CERCLA because of certain alleged chemical contamination. Pursuant to an Administrative Order on Consent entered into between USEPA and the Company for property formerly owned by the Company, and the issuance of an order by USEPA to the Company for property currently owned by the Company, the Company completed a Remedial Investigation Feasibility Study (RI/FS) in 1994. The Company submitted the Draft Feasibility Study for Soil and Source Areas (Operable Unit 1) in September 2002. In addition, the Company has submitted other documentation and information as requested by USEPA, including a Draft Final FS for Groundwater (Operable Unit 2) in June 2003, additional information regarding groundwater in May 2007, submission of a Draft Feasibility Study for Soil and Groundwater (Operable Units 1 and 2) in March 2009, and additional requested information regarding soil and groundwater in February 2010 and June 2010. The Company also submitted another Draft Feasibility Study for Soil and Groundwater (Operable Units 1 and 2) in September 2010. The Company is awaiting the issuance of a Record of Decision from USEPA.

The Company believes its recorded liability for the estimated probable costs it expects to incur at the Maywood site related to remediation of chemical contamination is adequate. However, depending on the results of the ongoing discussions with USEPA, the final cost of such remediation could differ from the current estimates.

14


D’Imperio Property Site

During the mid-1970’s, Jerome Lightman and the Lightman Drum Company disposed of hazardous substances at several sites in New Jersey. The Company was named as a PRP in the caseUnited States v. Lightman (1:92-cv-4710 D.N.J.), which involved the D’Imperio Property Site located in New Jersey. In the second quarter of 2007, the Company reached an agreement with respect to the past costs and future allocation percentage in said litigation for costs related to the D’Imperio site, including costs to comply with USEPA’s Unilateral Administrative Orders. The Company paid the settlement amount in the third quarter of 2007.The resolution of the Company’s liability for this litigation did not have a material impact on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company. In December 2007, the Company received updated remediation cost estimates, which were considered in the Company’s determination of its range of estimated possible losses and reserve balance.

12


Remediation work is continuing at this site. Based on current information, the Company believes that its recorded liability for claims associated with the D’Imperio site is adequate. However, actual costs could differ from current estimates.

Wilmington Site

The Company is currently contractually obligated to contribute to the response costs associated with the Company’s formerly-owned site at 51 Eames Street, Wilmington, Massachusetts. Remediation at this site is being managed by its current owner to whom the Company sold the property in 1980. Under the agreement, once total site remediation costs exceed certain levels, the Company is obligated to contribute up to five percent of future response costs associated with this site with no limitation on the ultimate amount of contributions. To date, the Company has paid the current owner $1.9 million for the Company’s portion of environmental response costs through the fourthfirst quarter of 20102011 (the current owner of the site bills the Company one calendar quarter in arrears). The Company has recorded a liability for its portion of the estimated remediation costs for the site. Depending on the ultimate cost of the remediation at this site, the amount for which the Company is liable could differ from the current estimates.

In addition, in response to the special notice letter received by the PRPs in June 2006 from USEPA seeking performance of an RI/FS at the site, certain PRPs, including the Company, signed an Administrative Settlement Agreement and Order on Consent for the RI/FS effective July 2007, which sets forth the obligations of the PRPs to perform the RI/FS.

The Company and other prior owners also entered into an agreement in April 2004 waiving certain statute of limitations defenses for claims which may be filed by the Town of Wilmington, Massachusetts, in connection with this site. While the Company has denied any liability for any such claims, the Company agreed to this waiver while the parties continue to discuss the resolution of any potential claim which may be filed.

The Company believes that based on current information its recorded liability for the claims related to this site is adequate. However, actual costs could differ from current estimates.

15


Poland Manufacturing Site

During the due diligence phase of the Company’s 2010 acquisition of Alfa Systems Sp. z o.o. (Alfa Systems) in Brzeg Dolny, Poland, some soil contamination in levels above allowable standards in Poland was discovered on the plant site, and there is a legal obligation to conduct further investigation and remediation. To expedite the purchase of Alfa Systems, the Company agreed to assume the remediation obligation. As part of the purchase agreement, the Company negotiated a purchase price holdback provision of $1.1 million, wherein any portion of the holdback not spent for soil remediation after one year following the acquisition date (i.e., July 15, 2011) would be remitted to the previous owners of Alfa Systems. A remediation liability was included as one of the liabilities assumed at the time of acquisition. Based on current information,No contingent consideration liability was recognized because management believesbelieved it was highly probable that remediation of the Poland site willwould be completed by the holdback deadline and the cost to remediate willwould be at least the holdback amount. Therefore, no contingent consideration liability was recognized on the Company’s balance sheets at March 31, 2011, or December 31, 2010. In addition, during the quarter ended March 31, 2011, management increased its estimateThe remediation of the soil was completed in the second quarter of 2011, and the total cost to remediateof the site and, accordingly,project exceeded the recorded remediation liability foramount of the site was increased. The adjustmentholdback provision by an immaterial amount. Consequently, none of the holdback amount related to the liabilitysoil remediation was returned to the former owners of the site. The amount in excess of the holdback amount was charged to Company earnings, and did not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or cash flows. The Company believes its recorded liability for the Poland site is adequate, but actual costs could differ from current estimates.

 

1316


8.9.POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

Defined Benefit Pension Plans

The Company sponsors various funded qualified and unfunded non-qualified defined benefit pension plans, the most significant of which cover employees in the U.S. and U.K. locations. The U.S. and U.K. defined benefit pension plans are frozen and service benefits are no longer being accrued.

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost

 

  UNITED STATES 
(In thousands)  UNITED STATES UNITED KINGDOM   Three Months Ended
June  30
 Six Months Ended
June 30
 
  Three Months Ended
March 31
 Three Months Ended
March  31
   2011 2010 2011 2010 
  2011 2010 2011 2010 

Interest cost

  $1,762   $1,767   $276   $262    $1,761   $1,767   $3,523   $3,534  

Expected return on plan assets

   (2,012  (1,962  (261  (218   (2,013  (1,962  (4,025  (3,924

Amortization of net actuarial loss

   785    535    51    69  

Amortization of net loss

   786    535    1,571    1,070  
                          

Net periodic benefit cost

  $535   $340   $66   $113    $534   $340   $1,069   $680  
                          
  UNITED KINGDOM 
(In thousands)  Three Months Ended
June 30
 Six Months Ended
June 30
 
  2011 2010 2011 2010 

Interest cost

  $279   $250   $555   $512  

Expected return on plan assets

   (264  (210  (525  (428

Amortization of net loss

   52    67    103    136  
             

Net periodic benefit cost

  $67   $107   $133   $220  
             

Employer Contributions

U.S. Plans

The Company expects to contribute approximately $4,225,000 to its U.S. qualified defined benefit pension plans in 2011 and to pay $268,000 in 2011 related to its unfunded non-qualified plans. As of March 31,June 30, 2011, $604,000$1,444,000 had been contributed to the qualified plans and $132,000$152,000 had been paid related to the non-qualified plans.

U.K. Plan

The Company’s United Kingdom subsidiary expects to contribute approximately $889,000 to its defined benefit pension plan in 2011. As of March 31,June 30, 2011, $228,000$461,000 had been contributed to the plan.

 

1417


Defined Contribution Plans

Defined contribution plan expenses for the Company’s retirement savings plan were $950,000$1,005,000 and $1,955,000, respectively, for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2011, compared to $1,124,000$1,170,000 and $2,294,000, respectively, for three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2010.

Expenses related to the Company’s profit sharing plan were $1,150,000$1,510,000 and $1,376,000,$2,660,000, respectively, for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2011, compared to $1,350,000 and 2010, respectively.$2,726,000, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010.

 

9.10.EARNINGS PER SHARE

Below areis the computationscomputation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2011 and 2010.

 

(In thousands, except per share amounts)  Three Months Ended
March 31
   Three Months Ended
June 30
   Six Months Ended
June 30
 
  2011   2010 
  2011   2010   2011   2010 

Computation of Basic Earnings per Share

            

Net income attributable to Stepan Company

  $18,761    $20,660    $20,867    $17,046    $39,628    $37,706  

Deduct dividends on preferred stock

   179     188     179     188     358     376  
                        

Income applicable to common stock

  $18,582    $20,472    $20,688    $16,858    $39,270    $37,330  

Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding

   10,323     10,099     10,345     10,160     10,335     10,130  
                        

Basic earnings per share

  $1.80    $2.03    $2.00    $1.66    $3.80    $3.69  
                        

Computation of Diluted Earnings per Share

            

Net income attributable to Stepan Company

  $18,761    $20,660    $20,867    $17,046    $39,628    $37,706  

Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding

   10,323     10,099     10,345     10,160     10,335     10,130  

Add net shares issuable from assumed exercise of options (under treasury stock method)(1)

   250     261  

Add net shares related to unvested stock awards (under treasury stock method)

   2     —    

Add net shares issuable from assumed exercise of options (under treasury stock method) (1)

   237     273     244     267  

Add contingently issuable net shares related to performance stock awards and unvested stock awards (under treasury stock method)

   2     63     2     32  

Add weighted-average shares issuable from assumed conversion of convertible preferred stock

   594     624     594     622     594     623  
                        

Shares applicable to diluted earnings

   11,169     10,984     11,178     11,118     11,175     11,052  
                        

Diluted earnings per share

  $1.68    $1.88    $1.87    $1.53    $3.55    $3.41  
                        

 

(1) 

Options to purchase 59,86563,167 and 61,516 shares of Company common stock were not included in the computationcomputations of diluted earnings per share for the three and six months ended March 31, 2011.June 30, 2011, respectively. The options’ exercise prices were greater than the average market price for the common stock and their effect would have been antidilutive. There were no antidilutive stock options for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2010.

 

1518


10.11.COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Comprehensive income includes net income and all other non-owner changes in equity that are not reported in net income. Below is the Company’s comprehensive income for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2011 and 2010:

 

(In thousands)  Three Months Ended
March 31
   Three Months Ended
June 30
 Six Months Ended
June 30
 
  2011 2010   2011 2010 2011 2010 

Net income

  $18,816   $20,681    $21,006   $17,069   $39,822   $37,750  

Other comprehensive income:

        

Foreign currency translation gains (losses)

   6,117    (832   3,964    (7,842  10,081    (8,674

Pension liability adjustments, net of tax

   523    379     521    377    1,044    756  

Derivative instrument gain, net of tax

   74    —       315    —      389    —    
                    

Comprehensive income

   25,530    20,228     25,806    9,604    51,336    29,832  

Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interests

   (69  (21

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests

   (167  (23  (236  (44
                    

Comprehensive income attributable to Stepan Company

  $25,461   $20,207    $25,639   $9,581   $51,100   $29,788  
                    

 

11.12.SEGMENT REPORTING

The Company has three reportable segments: surfactants, polymers and specialty products. Segment operating results for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2011 and 2010 are summarized below:

 

(In thousands)  Surfactants   Polymers   Specialty
Products
   Segment
Totals
   Surfactants   Polymers   Specialty
Products
   Segment
Totals
 

For the three months ended March 31, 2011

        

For the three months ended June 30, 2011

        

Net sales

  $324,885    $86,399    $11,314    $422,598    $343,767    $120,854    $12,368    $476,989  

Operating income

   28,164     6,365     3,264     37,793     24,693     15,064     3,485     43,242  

For the three months ended March 31, 2010

        

For the three months ended June 30, 2010

        

Net sales

  $262,313    $63,110    $11,607    $337,030    $264,567    $90,893    $11,044    $366,504  

Operating income

   29,253     6,652     4,223     40,128     26,735     10,512     3,776     41,023  

For the six months ended June 30, 2011

        

Net sales

  $668,652    $207,253    $23,682    $899,587  

Operating income

   52,857     21,429     6,749     81,035  

For the six months ended June 30, 2010

        

Net sales

  $526,880    $154,003    $22,651    $703,534  

Operating income

   55,988     17,164     7,999     81,151  

 

1619


Below are reconciliations of segment operating income to consolidated income before income taxes:

 

(In thousands)  Three Months Ended
March 31
   Three Months Ended
June 30
 Six Months Ended
June 30
 
  2011 2010   2011 2010 2011 2010 

Operating income segment totals

  $37,793   $40,128    $43,242   $41,023   $81,035   $81,151  

Unallocated corporate expenses(a)(1)

   (7,942  (6,473   (9,164  (11,251  (17,106  (17,724
                    

Total operating income

   29,851    33,655     34,078    29,772    63,929    63,427  

Interest expense, net

   (2,063  (1,256   (2,194  (1,510  (4,257  (2,766

Loss from equity in joint ventures

   (965  (571   (805  (764  (1,770  (1,335

Other, net

   312    (222   253    (1,111  565    (1,333
                    

Consolidated income before income taxes

  $27,135   $31,606    $31,332   $26,387   $58,467   $57,993  
                    

 

(a)(1) 

Unallocated corporate expenses primarily comprise corporate administrative expenses (e.g., corporate finance, legal, human resources, information systems) that are not included in segment operating income and not used to evaluate segment performance.

 

12.13.DEBT

At March 31,June 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, debt comprised the following:

 

(In thousands)

  Maturity
Dates
   March 31,
2011
   December 31,
2010
   Maturity
Dates
  June 30,
2011
   December 31,
2010
 

Unsecured private placement notes

            

5.88%

   2016-2022    $40,000    $40,000    2016-2022  $40,000    $40,000  

5.69%

   2012-2018     40,000     40,000    2012-2018   40,000     40,000  

6.86%

   2011-2015     21,428     21,428    2011-2015   21,428     21,428  

6.59%

   2011-2012     5,454     5,454    2011-2012   5,454     5,454  

Unsecured bank term loan

   2011-2013     27,000     27,000    2012-2013   25,500     27,000  

Build-to-suit obligation

   2011-2030     —       11,384    —     —       11,384  

Unsecured U.S. bank debt

  2013   6,900     —    

Debt of foreign subsidiaries

            

Secured bank term loans, foreign currency

   2011-2015     8,181     8,156    2011-2015   7,946     8,156  

Secured bank term loan, U.S. dollars

   2011-2014     7,000     7,000    2011-2014   7,000     7,000  

Other loans, foreign currency

   2011-2015     23,332     18,142    2011-2015   22,694     18,142  

Seller notes, foreign currency

   2011-2013     13,291     13,008    2011-2013   13,843     13,008  
                    

Total debt

    $185,686    $191,572      $190,765    $191,572  

Less current maturities

     36,584     31,609       35,809     31,609  
                    

Long-term debt

    $149,102    $159,963      $154,956    $159,963  
                    

As of June 30, 2011, there were $6,900,000 of debt and $2,612,000 of letters of credit outstanding under the $60,000,000 U.S. revolving credit agreement. There was $50,488,000 available under the agreement at June 30, 2011.

 

1720


On January 19, 2010, the Company entered into a build-to-suit lease agreement for the construction of a warehouse at its Millsdale (Joliet), Illinois, manufacturing site. On March 18, 2011, the Company purchased this warehouse for $12,206,000, which eliminated the build-to-suit obligation. The difference between the purchase price and the carrying value of the build-to-suit obligation at the time of purchase was recorded as an increase to property, plant and equipment.

The various loan agreements contain provisions, which, among others, require maintenance of certain financial ratios and place limitations on additional debt, investments and payment of dividends. Based on the loan agreement provisions that place limitations on dividend payments, unrestricted retained earnings (i.e., retained earnings available for dividend distribution) were $152,233,000$167,063,000 and $138,727,000 at March 31,June 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, respectively.

 

13.14.OTHER, NET

Other, net in the consolidated statements of income included the following:

 

(In thousands)  Three Months Ended
March  31
 
   2011  2010 

Foreign exchange loss

  $(174 $(571

Investment income

   13    15  

Realized and unrealized gain on investments

   473    334  
         

Other, net

  $312   $(222
         
(In thousands)  Three Months Ended
June  30
  Six Months Ended
June 30
 
   2011  2010  2011   2010 

Foreign exchange gain (loss)

  $279   $(425 $105    $(996

Investment related income

   9    15    22     30  

Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

   (35  (701  438     (367
                  

Other, net

  $253   $(1,111 $565    $(1,333
                  

 

14.15.RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In December 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2010-29, “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Disclosures of Supplementary Pro Forma Information for Business Combinations” (ASU 2010-29), which specifies that pro forma disclosures for business combinations are to be reported as if the business combinations that occurred during the current year had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period. The pro forma disclosures must also include a description of material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments. ASU 2010-29 is effective for business combinations with an acquisition date of January 1, 2011 or later. Adoption of the new requirement did not have an effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In May 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-04, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs”. The amendments result in common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs), and do not require additional fair value measurements and are not intended to establish valuation standards or affect valuation practices. The amendments in this update are effective during interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Adoption of the new requirement is not expected to have an effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flow.

 

1821


In June 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income”. In this update, FASB eliminated the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity. The amendments require that all non-owner changes in equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within these years, beginning after December 15, 2011. Although adoption of the new requirement will have an effect on the Company’s presentation of comprehensive income, it will not have an effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flow.

22


Item 2 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following is management’s discussion and analysis of certain significant factors that have affected the Company’s financial condition and results of operations during the interim period included in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

Except for the historical statements contained in this report, the matters discussed in the following discussion and analysis are forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements are intended to be identified in this document by the words, “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “objective,” “outlook,” “plan,” “project,” “possible,” “potential,” “should” and similar expressions. Actual results may vary materially.

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update them to reflect changes that occur after that date. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include the items described in Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Overview

The Company produces and sells intermediate chemicals that are used in a wide variety of applications worldwide. The overall business comprises three reportable segments:

 

Surfactants – Surfactants, which accounted for 7774 percent of consolidated net sales for the first quarterhalf of 2011, are principal ingredients in consumer and industrial cleaning products such as detergents for washing clothes, dishes, carpets, floors and walls, as well as shampoos, body washes, toothpastes and fabric softeners. Other applications include germicidal quaternary compounds, lubricating ingredients, emulsifiers (for spreading agricultural products), plastics and composites and biodiesel. Surfactants are manufactured at six North American sites (five in the U.S. and one in Canada), three European sites (United Kingdom, France and Germany), three Latin American sites (Mexico, Brazil and Colombia) and one Asian site (Philippines; the Company acquired controlling interest in Stepan Philippines Inc. (SPI) on July 19, 2010). Also in the third quarter of 2010, the Company purchased assets in Singapore and initiated the development of a methyl esters plant in that location. Completion of the Singapore plant is expected in the second quarter of 2012. The Company also holds a 50 percent ownership interest in a joint venture, TIORCO, LLC (TIORCO), that markets chemical solutions for increasing the production of crude oil and natural gas from existing fields. The joint venture is accounted for under the equity method, and its financial results are excluded from surfactant segment operating results.

 

19


Polymers – Polymers, which accounted for 2023 percent of consolidated net sales for the first quarterhalf of 2011, include two primary product lines: polyols and phthalic anhydride. Polyols are used in the manufacture of rigid laminate insulation board for thermal insulation in the construction industry. Polyols are also a base raw material for flexible foams, coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers. Phthalic anhydride is used in unsaturated polyester resins, alkyd resins and plasticizers for applications in construction materials and components of automotive, boating and other consumer products. In addition, phthalic anhydride is used internally in the production of polyols. In the U.S., polymer product lines are manufactured at the Company’s Millsdale, Illinois, site. In Europe, polyols are manufactured at the Company’s subsidiaries in Germany and Poland. The Poland entity was acquired in the third quarter of 2010. Polyols are also produced at the Company’s 80-percent owned joint venture in Nanjing, China.

23


addition, phthalic anhydride is used internally in the production of polyols. In the U.S., polymer product lines are manufactured at the Company’s Millsdale, Illinois, site. In Europe, polyols are manufactured at the Company’s subsidiaries in Germany and Poland. The Poland entity was acquired in the third quarter of 2010. Polyols are also produced at the Company’s 80-percent owned joint venture in Nanjing, China.

 

Specialty Products – Specialty products, which accounted for three percent of consolidated net sales for the first quarter of 2011, include flavors, emulsifiers and solubilizers used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Specialty products are primarily manufactured at the Company’s Maywood, New Jersey, site. On June 23, 2011, the Company purchased three product lines from Lipid Nutrition B.V., a part of Loders Croklaan B.V. See the ‘Acquisition’ section that follows for details of the transaction.

Acquisition

On June 23, 2011, the Company purchased the Clarinol®, Marinol®, and PinnoThin® product lines of Lipid Nutrition B.V., a part of Loders Croklaan B.V. The acquired product lines will be integrated into the Company’s specialty products segment and will be combined with existing Company food and health services products to provide the Company with a unique portfolio of nutritional fats for the food, supplement and nutrition industries. The purchase included inventory, intangible assets and goodwill. No manufacturing assets were included in the acquisition. The acquired products will be manufactured at Stepan’s Maywood, New Jersey, plant as well as at existing outside contract manufacturers for sale on a global basis. The purchase price of the acquisition was cash of $13.6 million, inclusive of $5.0 million of inventory.

24


Deferred Compensation Plans

The accounting for the Company’s deferred compensation plans can cause period-to-period fluctuations in Company expenses and profits. Compensation income results when the valuevalues of Company common stock and mutual funds held for the plans declines,decline, and compensation expense results when the valuevalues of Company common stock increases.and mutual funds held for the plans increase. The pretax effect of all deferred compensation-related activities (including realized and unrealized gains and losses on the mutual fund assets held to fund the deferred compensation obligations) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, and the income statement line items in which the effects of the activities were recorded are displayed below:in the following tables:

 

(In millions)  Income
For the Three Months
Ended March 31
       Income (Expense)
For the Three Months
Ended June 30
 Change 
  2011   2010   Increase
(Decrease)
 
  2011   2010 Change 

Deferred Compensation (Administrative expense)

  $0.4    $1.8    ($1.4(1)   $0.3    ($2.7 

Realized/Unrealized Gains on Investments (Other, net)

   0.5     0.4     0.1     0.0     (0.7  0.7  
                       

Pretax Income Effect

  $0.9    $2.2    ($1.3  $0.3    ($3.4 $3.7  
                       

 

(1)The value of Company common stock declined $3.77$1.60 per share from $72.50 per share at March 31, 2011, to $70.90 per share at June 30, 2011. For the second quarter of 2010, the Company’s common stock price increased $12.54 per share from $55.89 per share at March 31, 2010, to $68.43 per share at June 30, 2010.

(In millions)  Income (Expense)
For the Six Months
Ended June 30
  Change 
   2011   2010  

Deferred Compensation (Administrative expense)

  $0.7    ($0.9 $1.6(1) 

Realized/Unrealized Gains on Investments (Other, net)

   0.4     (0.4  0.8  
              

Pretax Income Effect

  $1.1    ($1.3 $2.4  
              

(1)The value of Company common stock declined $5.37 per share from $76.27 per share at December 31, 2010, to $72.50$70.90 per share at March 31,June 30, 2011. For the first quartersix months of 2010, the Company’s common stock price declined $8.92increased $3.62 per share from $64.81 per share at December 31, 2009, to $55.89$68.43 per share at March 31,June 30, 2010.

 

2025


Effects of Foreign Currency Translation

The Company’s foreign subsidiaries transact business and report financial results in their respective local currencies. As a result, foreign subsidiary income statements are translated into U.S. dollars at average foreign exchange rates appropriate for the reporting period. Because foreign exchange rates fluctuate against the U.S. dollar over time, foreign currency translation affects period-to-period comparisons of financial statement items (i.e., because foreign exchange rates fluctuate, similar period-to-period local currency results for a foreign subsidiary may translate into different U.S. dollar results). For the quarterthree and six month periods ended March 31,June 30, 2011, except for the European euro, the U.S. dollar weakened against all the foreign currencies in the locations where the Company does business, when compared to the exchange rates for the quarterrespective three and six month periods ended March 31,June 30, 2010. Consequently, reported net sales, expense and income amounts for the first quarter ofthree and six month periods ended June 30, 2011, were higher than they would have been had the foreign currency exchange rates remained constant with the rates for the first quarter ofsame periods 2010. The following table presents the effect that foreign currency translation had on the quarter-over-quarter and year-over-year changes in consolidated net sales and various income line items for the quarterthree and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2011:

 

  Three Months Ended
March 31
     Increase
Due to  Foreign
Translation
   Three Months Ended
June 30
   Increase   Increase
Due to  Foreign
Translation
 
(In millions)  2011   2010   Increase
(Decrease)
   2011   2010   

Net Sales

  $422.6    $337.0    $85.6   $3.5    $477.0    $366.5    $110.5    $16.6  

Gross Profit

   61.8     63.6     (1.8  0.4     69.6     63.5     6.1     1.5  

Operating Income

   29.9     33.7     (3.8  0.3     34.1     29.8     4.3     0.6  

Pretax Income

   27.1     31.6     (4.5  0.2     31.3     26.4     4.9     0.4  
  Six Months Ended
June 30
   Increase   Increase
Due to  Foreign
Translation
 
(In millions)  2011   2010   

Net Sales

  $899.6    $703.5    $196.1    $20.1  

Gross Profit

   131.4     127.0     4.4     1.9  

Operating Income

   63.9     63.4     0.5     0.9  

Pretax Income

   58.5     58.0     0.5     0.6  

26


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three Months Ended March 31,June 30, 2011 and 2010

Summary

Net income attributable to the Company for the firstsecond quarter of 2011 declined nineincreased 22 percent to $18.8$20.9 million, or $1.68$1.87 per diluted share, compared to $20.7$17.0 million, or $1.88$1.53 per diluted share, for the firstsecond quarter of 2010. Below is a summary discussion of the major factors leading to the quarter-over-quarter changes in net sales, profits and expenses. A detailed discussion of segment operating performance for the firstsecond quarter of 2011 follows the summary.

Consolidated net sales increased $85.6$110.5 million, or 2530 percent, quarteryear over quarter.year. Higher average selling prices, higher sales volume and the effects of foreign currency translation and higher sales volume accounted for approximately $70.1$ 93.0 million, $12.0$16.6 million and $3.5$0.9 million, respectively, of the increase. The rise in average selling prices was primarily attributable to price increases resulting from higher quarter-over-quarter raw material costs. The foreign currency translation effect reflected the weakening of the U.S. dollar against all foreign currencies in which the Company transacts business. Sales volume improved fourless than one percent, reflecting increasesas increased volumes for all three segments.polymers and specialty products were largely offset by a decline in surfactants sales volume.

Operating income for the firstsecond quarter of 2011 was $3.8increased $4.3 million, lower (11 percent) thanor 14 percent, over operating income forreported in the firstsecond quarter of 2010. Gross profit declined $1.8improved $6.1 million, or three percent. Rising raw material costs led10 percent, due largely to lower margins in Europe and for the Company’s specialty products segment.strong polymers growth. The effects of foreign currency translation reducedcontributed $1.5 million to the year-over-year gross profit decline by about $0.4 million.change.

21


Operating expenses increased $2.0$1.8 million, or sevenfive percent, between comparative quarters due primarily to the following:

 

Marketing expenses increased $2.8 million, or 30 percent, quarter over quarter. Expenses related to the Company’s growth initiatives in Singapore and Poland and the consolidation of the Philippines entity accounted for $1.0 million of the increase. Higher travel-related and salaried payroll expenses and the effects of foreign currency translation also contributed.

Administrative expenses increased $1.8declined $1.6 million, or 2011 percent, due largely to a $1.4$3.0 million decrease in deferred compensation income.expense. The reductionCompany recorded $0.3 million of deferred compensation income for the second quarter of 2011 compared to $2.7 million of expense for the second quarter of 2010. The favorable swing in deferred compensation incomeexpense resulted primarily from changes in the price of Company common stock to which a large part of the deferred compensation obligation is tied. See the ‘Overview’ and ‘Corporate Expenses’ sections of this management discussion and analysis for further details. A $0.3 million increase in consulting expenses contributed to the higher administrative expenses.

Marketing expenses declined $0.1 million, or one percent, quarter over quarter. Bad debt expense declined $0.5 million, which reflected lower provision requirements for high-risk customers throughout the Company’s global organization. The lower bad debteffect of deferred compensation expense was largelypartially offset by expenses for the Singapore, Philippines and Poland subsidiaries (that were first consolidated in the third quarter of 2010)entities ($0.7 million) and the unfavorable effectsimpact of foreign currency translation.

 

27


Research, development and technical service expenses were up $0.3$0.6 million, or foursix percent, quarter over quarter. Increased salaries and related fringe benefits accounted for most of the increase.

Interest expense, net for the firstsecond quarter of 2011 was up $0.8$0.7 million, or 6445 percent, over interest expense for the firstsame quarter of 2010. Higher average debt levels led to the increase. The increase in the average debt levels were, in part, attributable to higher working capital requirements brought on by inflation in raw material costs. In the second quarter ofaddition, in June 2010, the Company secured $40 million of additional long-term notes to take advantage of the low interest rate environmentrates and to support global growth initiatives. The assumption of debt in the third quarter 2010 business acquisitions and a seller-financed equipment purchase arrangement transacted in the fourth quarter of 2010 contributed to the increase in the average debt level.

The loss from equity joint ventures, which included results for TIORCO for the firstsecond quarter of 2011 compared to results for TIORCO and SPI for the firstsecond quarter of 2010 (the Company acquired controlling interest of SPI in the third quarter of 2010), increased $0.4less than $0.1 million quarter over quarter.between quarters. The equity loss in TIORCO increased $0.2declined less than $0.1 million and the firstsecond quarter of last year included SPI equity income of $0.2$0.1 million. The Company also sells surfactant products to TIORCO and its customers. The sales and resulting income from the sales are included in the Company’s surfactants segment operating results.

Other, net was $0.3 million of income for the firstsecond quarter of 2011 compared to $0.2$1.1 million of expense for the firstsecond quarter of 2010, a favorable swing of $0.5$1.4 million. ForeignThe Company reported foreign exchange losses were downgains of $0.3 million in the second quarter of 2011 compared to $0.4 million of losses in the same quarter of 2010. Realized and unrealized losses related to the mutual fund investments held for the Company’s deferred compensation plans was down $0.7 million between quarters and investment related income was up $0.1 million.quarters.

The effective tax rate was 30.733.0 percent for the firstsecond quarter ofended June 30, 2011, compared to 34.635.3 percent for the firstsecond quarter ofended June 30, 2010. The decrease was primarily attributable to structural changesthe implementation of a holding company structure that will provide a recurring benefit in lowering the effective tax rate on foreign earnings. An increase in U.S. tax credits also contributed to the lower effective tax rate.

22


Segment Results

 

(Dollars in thousands)  Surfactants   Polymers   Specialty
Products
   Segment
Results
   Corporate Total 
(In thousands)  Surfactants   Polymers   Specialty
Products
   Segment
Results
   Corporate Total 

For the three months ended

March 31, 2011

                      

For the three months ended June 30, 2011

                      

Net sales

  $324,885    $86,399    $11,314    $422,598     —     $422,598    $343,767    $120,854    $12,368    $476,989     —     $476,989  

Operating income

   28,164     6,365     3,264     37,793     (7,942  29,851     24,693     15,064     3,485     43,242     (9,164  34,078  

For the three months ended

March 31, 2010

                      

For the three months ended June 30, 2010

                      

Net sales

  $262,313    $63,110    $11,607    $337,030     —     $337,030    $264,567    $90,893    $11,044    $366,504     —     $366,504  

Operating income

   29,253     6,652     4,223     40,128     (6,473  33,655     26,735     10,512     3,776     41,023     (11,251  29,772  

28


Surfactants

Surfactants net sales for the firstsecond quarter of 2011 increased $62.6$79.2 million, or 2430 percent, over net sales for the firstsecond quarter of 2010. Higher average selling prices and the effects of foreign currency translation and a one percent increase in sales volume accounted for approximately $56.7 million, $3.6$69.8 million and $2.3$12.3 million, respectively, of the net sales change.growth. A one percent decline in sales volume reduced the net sales increase by $2.9 million. A quarter-over-quarter comparison of net sales by region follows:

 

  For the Three Months Ended           For the Three Months Ended   Increase   Percent
Change
 
(Dollars in thousands)  March 31, 2011   March 31, 2010   Increase   Percent
Change
 
(In thousands)  June 30, 2011   June 30, 2010   Increase   Percent
Change
 

North America

  $206,150    $178,620    $27,530     +15    $216,648    $179,221    

Europe

   77,193     59,580     17,613     +30     79,706     58,478     21,228     +36  

Latin America

   32,197     24,113     8,084     +34     34,721     26,868     7,853     +29  

Asia

   9,345     —       9,345     NM     12,692     —       12,692     NM  
                            

Total Surfactants Segment

  $324,885    $262,313    $62,572     +24    $343,767    $264,567    $79,200     +30  
                            

Net sales for North American operations increased 1521 percent due to a 2130 percent increase in average selling prices and the effects of foreign currency translation, which accounted for $36.2$50.0 million and $1.1$0.9 million, respectively, of the net sales change. A sixAn eight percent decline in sales volume reduced the quarter-over-quarter changeincrease by $9.8$13.5 million. Average selling prices increased primarily as a result of higher costs for all major raw materials. The foreign currency translation effect resulted from the strengthening of the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar. Sales volume declined largelyDecreased sales volumes of laundry and cleaning products, due to an eight percent decrease in laundry product volume that was partially offset by improved sales of higher margin functional products. The decline in laundry sales volume was attributable to nonrecurring business in the year ago quarter.quarter and lower demand, accounted for the sales volume decline.

Net sales for European operations increased 3036 percent due to a 30 percent increase in average selling prices, which accounted for $17.5 million of the net sales increase. The favorable effects of foreign currency translation added another $0.5 million to the quarter-over-quarter change, largely offset by the effects of a one percent decline in sales volume. Selling price increases made throughout 2010, reflecting higher raw material costs, accounted for the increase in average selling prices.

23


Net sales for Latin American operations were up 34 percent as a result of a 13 percent increase in sales volume, an 1143 percent increase in average selling prices and the favorable effects of foreign currency translation, which accounted for $3.1 million, $3.0$21.5 million and $2.0$8.3 million, respectively of the net sales increase. A 15 percent decline in sales volume reduced the net sales change by $8.6 million. Selling price increases made between the comparative periods, reflecting rapidly escalating raw material costs, accounted for the significant rise in average selling prices. The foreign currency translation impact resulted from the strengthening of the European euro and British pound sterling against the U.S. dollar.

Net sales for Latin American operations were up 29 percent due to a 22 percent increase in sales volume and the favorable effects of foreign currency translation, which accounted for $6.0 million and $3.0 million, respectively, of the net sales improvement. A four percent decline in average selling prices, attributable largely to mix of sales, reduced the quarter-over-quarter net sales change. Additionalchange by $1.1 million. Although all three Latin American locations contributed to the net sales growth, additional business gained throughout 2010 atfor the Company’s Brazil subsidiary accounted for approximately 7084 percent of the sales volume growth. The Mexico and Colombia subsidiaries also contributed to this growth. Thequarter-over-quarter increase in average selling prices was attributable to increased raw material costs.sales volume. The favorable currency translation impact resulted from the strengthening of the currencies for all three Latin American locations against the U.S. dollar.

The $9.3$12.7 million of net sales for Asia operations reflected sales by the Company’s Philippines subsidiary, which is now consolidated.

29


Surfactants operating income for the firstsecond quarter of 2011 was $1.1down $2.0 million, lower thanor eight percent, from operating income for the firstsecond quarter of 2010. Gross profit declined $1.0increased $1.5 million, due principally to the effects of lower margins in Europe and higher start-up costs in Brazil, partially offset byor three percent, as improved margins in Asia.North America and Europe, coupled with the consolidation of the Philippines subsidiary, more than offset the impacts of lower sales volume and costs related to the start up of the capacity expansion in Brazil. The effects of foreign currency translation reducedcontributed $0.9 million to the quarter-over-quarter gross profit decline by $0.4 million.increase. Operating expenses increased $0.1$3.6 million, or one20 percent. Quarter-over-quarter comparisons of gross profit by region and total segment operating expenses and operating income follow:

 

(Dollars in thousands)  For the Three Months Ended       
(In thousands)  For the Three Months Ended   Increase
(Decrease)
  Percent
Change
 
  March 31, 2011   March 31, 2010   Increase
(Decrease)
 Percent
Change
   June 30, 2011   June 30, 2010    

Gross Profit

              

North America

  $37,546    $37,238    $308    +1    $36,862    $34,365    $2,497    +7  

Europe

   5,701     7,067     (1,366  -19     6,148     5,535     613    +11  

Latin America

   3,165     4,036     (871  -22     1,931     4,425     (2,494  -56  

Asia

   971     —       971    NM     928     —       928    NM  
                          

Total Surfactants Segment

  $47,383    $48,341    $(958  -2    $45,869    $44,325    $1,544    +3  

Operating Expenses

   19,219     19,088     131    +1     21,176     17,590     3,586    +20  
                          

Operating Income

  $28,164    $29,253    $(1,089  -4    $24,693    $26,735    $(2,042  -8  
                          

North American gross profit was up oneseven percent quarter-over-quarterbetween quarters despite lower sales volume. The previously noted increase in average selling prices, coupled with a more favorable mix of sales, helped to offset the impact of the decrease in sales volume. The Company announced selling price increases effective AprilJuly 1, 2011.

Gross profit for European operations declined 19increased 11 percent due largely to the favorable effect of foreign currency translation ($0.6 million). The previously mentioned selling price increases offset the effects of higher raw material costs. The previously mentioned selling price increases did not keep pace withcosts and the rapid rise in raw material costs. The decline in sales volume.

Despite the 22 percent increase in sales volume, also contributed to the lower gross profit.

Gross profit for Latin American operations was down 2256 percent quarter over quarter. The drop in profit was primarily asattributable to one-time costs related to a resultdelay in the start up of higher manufacturing costs due to the recent neutralizer capacity expansion project in Brazil. In addition to the unplanned costs for Brazil, the decline in gross profit also reflected selling price increases that lagged raw material cost increases, particularly for the Mexico subsidiary.

24


The $1.0$0.9 million of gross profit for Asia operations reflected profits earned by the Company’s Philippines subsidiary.

Operating expenses for the surfactants segment were up $0.1$3.6 million, or one20 percent, quarter-over-quarter. Operatingquarter over quarter. Increased expenses for North American operations ($1.9 million), additional expenses for the Singapore and Philippines locations, which were first consolidated in the third quarter of 2010 ($0.7 million), and the effects of foreign currency translation ($0.7 million) accounted for $0.5 millionmost of the overall operating expense increase. Lower bad debtIncreased marketing ($1.8 million) expenses led to the higher North American operations expense, fordue in part to expenses to support the segment offset the Singapore and Philippines expenses by $0.3 million.growing operations in Asia.

30


Polymers

Polymers net sales for the firstsecond quarter of 2011 increased $23.3$30.0 million, or 3733 percent, fromover net sales for the same quarter of 2010. A 19last year’s second quarter. Higher average selling prices, a six percent improvement in sales volume and higher average selling pricesthe favorable effects of foreign currency translation accounted for $12.1$20.6 million, $5.1 million and $11.3$4.3 million, respectively, of the increase. The effects of foreign currency translation were insignificant. A quarter-over-quarter comparison of net sales by region is displayed below:

 

  For the Three Months Ended           For the Three Months Ended   Increase   Percent
Change
 
(Dollars in thousands)  March 31, 2011   March 31, 2010   Increase   Percent
Change
 
(In thousands)  June 30, 2011   June 30, 2010   Increase   Percent
Change
 

North America

  $54,189    $41,973    $12,216     +29    $75,392    $61,611    

Europe

   28,580     18,440     10,140     +55     36,847     23,803     13,044     +55  

Asia and Other

   3,630     2,697     933     +35     8,615     5,479     3,136     +57  
                            

Total Polymers Segment

  $86,399    $63,110    $23,289     +37    $120,854    $90,893    $29,961     +33  
                            

Net sales for North American operations increased 2922 percent due primarily to a 1422 percent increase in average selling prices, and a 14 percent increase in sales volume. The increases in average selling prices and sales volumewhich accounted for $6.5$13.4 million and $5.7 million, respectively, of the increase in net sales. Sales volume was up one percent and added $0.4 million to the quarter-over-quarter net sales change. The higher average selling prices reflected rising raw material costs for all polymer product lines. SalesPolyols sales volume grew nine percent on improved rigid insulation board demand from existing customers. External sales volume for polyolsphthalic anhydride declined 10 percent due to a decrease in demand for polyester resins (which are used to manufacture materials for the automobile, construction, marine and recreational vehicle industries). Internal consumption of phthalic anhydride increased 22 percent and six percent, respectively. Theon higher sales volume improvement resulted primarily from increased demand from existing customers, reflecting improvement in the market segments into which the polymer segment sells.of polyols.

Net sales for European operations grew 55 percent due to a 34 percent increase in sales volume and a 1723 percent increase in average selling prices, the favorable effects of foreign currency translation and a 12 percent increase in sales volume, which accounted for $6.2 million, $4.0 million and $4.1$2.8 million, respectively, of the net sales improvement. The effects of foreign currency translation reduced the effects ofIncreased raw material costs led to the higher sales volume and prices by $0.2 million.average selling prices. The higher quarter-over-quarter sales volume reflected stronger demand from most major polyol customers and new business gained throughout 2010. In addition, the Company’s Poland subsidiary, which was acquired in the third quarter of 2010, accounted for nine58 percent of the quarter-over-quarter sales volume growth. Increased raw material costs ledThe remainder of the sales volume increase reflected higher volumes to a number of existing customers. The foreign currency translation effect reflected a strengthening of the higher average selling prices.European euro against the U.S. dollar between the comparative periods.

Asia and Other operations’ net sales were up 3557 percent quarter over quarter due to a 1536 percent increase in sales volume and a 12 percent increase in average selling prices coupled with a 13 percent increase in sales volume. Higher raw material costs drove the increase in selling prices, and newprices. New business secured by the Company’s China subsidiary led to the quarter-over-quarter growth in sales volume. Higher raw material costs drove the selling price increase.

 

2531


Polymer operating income for the firstsecond quarter of 2011 declined $0.3increased $4.5 million, fromor 43 percent, over operating income for the firstsame quarter of 2010. Gross profit was essentially unchanged quarter-over-quarter,grew $5.5 million, or 37 percent, as improvement in gross profit for North American operations was offset by a decline in gross profit for European operations.all three regions reported improved results. Operating expenses increased $0.3$1.0 million, or six21 percent, between quarters. Below are quarter-over-quarter comparisons of gross profit by region and total segment operating expenses and operating income:

 

(Dollars in thousands)  For the Three Months Ended       
(In thousands)  For the Three Months Ended   Increase   Percent
Change
 
  March 31, 2011   March 31, 2010   Increase
(Decrease)
 Percent
Change
   June 30, 2011   June 30, 2010   

Gross Profit

               

North America

  $8,560    $7,442    $1,118    +15    $15,193    $11,833    $3,360     +28  

Europe

   2,366     3,419     (1,053  -31     4,668     2,789     1,879     +67  

Asia and Other

   183     280     (97  -35     698     418     280     +67  
                           

Total Polymers Segment

  $11,109    $11,141    $(32  —      $20,559    $15,040    $5,519     +37  

Operating Expenses

   4,744     4,489     255    +6     5,495     4,528     967     +21  
                           

Operating Income

  $6,365    $6,652    $(287  -4    $15,064    $10,512    $4,552     +43  
                           

Gross profit for North American operations increased 1528 percent due to the 14improved average unit margins and a nine percent increase in polyol sales volume. Despite a decline in sales volume, noted earlier. Average unit margins were unchanged,phthalic anhydride gross profit also improved as quarter-over-quarter selling price increases essentially equaled quarter-over-quarter averagea result of better raw material cost increases. The Company announced March 15, 2011, polyol selling price increases to help prevent margin deterioration.inventory positions.

Gross profit for European operations declined 31was up 67 percent despitequarter over quarter due to the 34 percent increaseabove-noted selling price increases, sales volume growth and $0.6 million in sales volume. The effects of risingfavorable foreign currency translation impact. Margins were lower in the year ago quarter as selling price increases did not keep pace with raw material costs coupled with the outsourcing of polyols from the segment’s North American operations due to capacity constraints more than offset the favorable impact of the sales volume growth. Selling price increases were made throughout 2010 but have not kept pace with increases in costs. The Company’s project to expand polyol capacity at the segment’s Germany location is scheduled to be completed late in May of 2011.cost increases.

The declineincrease in gross profit for Asia and Other operations reflected higher raw material costs that more than offset the effect of the 1336 percent increase in sales volume.

The $0.3$1.0 million increase in operating expenses was principally attributable to higher marketing expenses for European operations.operations ($0.6 million), North American operations ($0.2 million) and the unfavorable effects of foreign currency translation ($0.2 million). Approximately $0.5 million of the increase for European operations was attributable to the Poland subsidiary that was not acquired until the third quarter of 2010.

Specialty Products

Net sales for the firstsecond quarter of 2011 were $0.3$1.3 million, or three12 percent, lowerhigher than net sales for the firstsecond quarter of 2010. LowerHigher sales volume for food ingredient and flavoring products usedaccounted for most of the increase in health care and pharmaceutical applications led to the decline.net sales. Operating income was down $1.0$0.3 million, or 23eight percent, quarter over quarter due to higher raw material costs, and the lower health care and pharmaceutical product sales volume.particularly for food ingredient products for which competitive pressures have made it difficult to raise selling prices.

 

2632


Corporate Expenses

Corporate expenses, which comprise operating expenses that are not allocated to the reportable segments, increased $1.4declined $2.1 million (23(19 percent) to $7.9$9.2 million for the firstsecond quarter of 2011 from $6.5$11.3 million for the firstsecond quarter of 2010. Deferred compensation expense accounted for the increase,decline, as the Company recorded $0.4$0.3 million of deferred compensation income for the firstsecond quarter of 2011 compared to $1.8$2.7 million of incomeexpense for the firstsecond quarter of 2010. The value of Company common stock, to which a large portion of the deferred compensation obligation is tied, declined $3.77$1.60 per share from $76.27 per share at December 31, 2010, to $72.50 per share at March 31, 2011, to $70.90 per share at June 30, 2011. For last year’s firstsecond quarter, the Company’s common stock price declined $8.92increased $12.54 per share from $64.81 per share at December 31, 2009, to $55.89 per share at March 31, 2010, to $68.43 per share at June 30, 2010. The accounting treatment for the Company’s deferred compensation plans results in income when the value of Company common stock held in the plans falls and expense when the value of Company common stock increases. Partially offsetting the effect of the change in deferred compensation was $0.6 million of higher quarter-over-quarter expense related to derivative income reported in 2010 arising from recording certain electric contracts at fair value. The smallerCompany held no such contracts during 2011.

Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010

Summary

Net income attributable to the Company for the first half of 2011 increased five percent to $39.6 million, or $3.55 per diluted share, compared to $37.7 million, or $3.41 per diluted share, for the first half of 2010. Below is a summary discussion of the major factors leading to the year-over-year changes in net sales, profits and expenses. A detailed discussion of segment operating performance for the first half of 2011 follows the summary.

Consolidated net sales increased $196.1 million, or 28 percent, between years. Higher average selling prices, the effects of foreign currency translation and higher sales volume accounted for approximately $162.8 million, $20.1 million and $13.2 million, respectively, of the increase. The rise in average selling prices was primarily attributable to price increases resulting from higher year-over-year raw material costs. The foreign currency translation effect reflected the weakening of the U.S. dollar against all foreign currencies in which the Company transacts business. Consolidated sales volume improved two percent.

Operating income for the first half of 2011 increased $0.5 million, or one percent, over operating income reported for the first half of 2010. Gross profit improved $4.3 million, or three percent, primarily on improved results for the polymers segment. Surfactants segment was also up year over year, but increased raw material costs led to a decline in common share pricegross profit for the specialty products segment. The effects of foreign currency translation added $1.9 million to the year-over-year increase in gross profit.

33


Operating expenses increased $3.8 million, or six percent, between years due primarily to the following:

Marketing expenses increased $2.7 million, or 13 percent, year over year. Expenses related to the Company’s growth initiatives in Singapore and Poland and the consolidation of the Philippines entity accounted for $1.6 million of the increase. Increased travel-related expenses and the effects of foreign currency translation also contributed.

Administrative expenses increased $0.2 million, or one percent, due to $0.9 million of added expenses related to the acquired entities that were not consolidated until the third quarter of 2010, as well as to higher year-over-year consulting ($0.3 million) and salaries ($0.2 million) expenses. The effects of foreign currency translation also contributed to the increase. The effects of the foregoing were largely offset by a $1.6 million decline in deferred compensation expense. See the ‘Overview’ and ‘Corporate Expenses’ sections of this management discussion and analysis for further details.

Research, development and technical service expenses were up $1.0 million, or five percent. Higher U.S. salaries expense accounted for $0.5 million of the increase.

Interest expense, net for the first half of 2011 was up $1.5 million, or 54 percent, between years. Higher average debt levels caused the increase. Higher average debt levels led to the increase. The increase in the average debt levels were, in part, attributable to higher working capital requirements brought on by inflation in raw material costs. In addition, in June 2010, the Company secured $40 million of additional long-term notes to take advantage of low interest rates and support global growth initiatives. The assumption of debt in the third quarter 2010 business acquisitions and a seller-financed equipment purchase arrangement transacted in the fourth quarter of 2010 contributed to the increase in the average debt level.

The loss from equity joint ventures, which included results for TIORCO for the first half of 2011 and the results for TIORCO and SPI for the first half of 2010 (the Company acquired controlling interest of SPI in the third quarter of 2010), increased $0.4 million year over year. The equity loss in TIORCO increased less compensationthan $0.1 million between years and the first half of 2010 included SPI equity income recordedof $0.4 million.

Other, net was $0.6 million of income for the first half of 2011 compared to $1.3 million of expense for the same period of 2010, a favorable swing of $1.9 million. The Company reported foreign exchange gains of $0.1 million in the first quarterhalf of 2011 thancompared to $1.0 million of losses in the first half of 2010. In addition, for the first half of 2011, the Company reported $0.4 million of realized and unrealized gains on the mutual funds held to fund the Company’s deferred compensation plans compared to $0.4 million of loss for the same period of last year.

The effective tax rate was 31.9 percent for the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to 34.9 percent for the six months ended June 30, 2010. The decrease was primarily attributable to the implementation of a holding company structure that will provide a recurring benefit in lowering the effective tax rate on foreign earnings. An increase in U.S. tax credits also contributed to the lower effective tax rate.

34


Segment Results

(In thousands)  Surfactants   Polymers   Specialty
Products
   Segment
Results
   Corporate  Total 

For the six months ended June 30, 2011

                       

Net sales

  $668,652    $207,253    $23,682    $899,587     —     $899,587  

Operating income

   52,857     21,429     6,749     81,035     (17,106  63,929  

For the six months ended June 30, 2010

                       

Net sales

  $526,880    $154,003    $22,651    $703,534     —     $703,534  

Operating income

   55,988     17,164     7,999     81,151     (17,724  63,427  

Surfactants

Surfactants net sales for the first half of 2011 increased $141.8 million, or 27 percent, over net sales for the first half of 2010. Higher average selling prices and the effects of foreign currency translation accounted for approximately $126.4 million and $15.9 million, respectively, of the net sales change. Sales volume for the first half of 2011 approximated sales volume for the first half of last year. A year-over-year comparison of net sales by region follows:

   For the Six Months Ended   Increase   Percent
Change
 
(In thousands)  June 30, 2011   June 30, 2010     

North America

  $422,798    $357,841    $64,957     +18  

Europe

   156,899     118,058     38,841     +33  

Latin America

   66,918     50,981     15,937     +31  

Asia

   22,037     —       22,037     NM  
                 

Total Surfactants Segment

  $668,652    $526,880    $141,772     +27  
                 

Net sales for North American operations increased 18 percent due to a 26 percent increase in average selling prices and the effects of foreign currency translation, which accounted for $86.3 million and $2.0 million, respectively, of the net sales change. A seven percent decline in sales volume reduced the year-over-year change by $23.3 million. Higher costs for all major raw materials drove the increase in average selling prices. The foreign currency translation effect resulted from the strengthening of the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar. Sales volume declined largely due to an 11 percent decrease in laundry and cleaning products. The decline in laundry sales volume was primarily attributable to nonrecurring business in the prior year and weaker demand.

Net sales for European operations increased 33 percent due to a 36 percent increase in average selling prices and the favorable effects of foreign currency translation, which accounted for $39.1 million and $8.9 million, respectively of the net sales increase. Sales volume declined eight percent between years. Selling price increases made between the comparative periods, reflecting higher raw material costs, led to the increase in average selling prices. Net sales for Latin American operations were up 31 percent as a result of a 17 percent increase in sales

35


volume, the favorable effects of foreign currency translation and a three percent increase in average selling prices, which accounted for $8.9 million, $5.0 million and $2.0 million, respectively, of the year-over-year net sales increase. Additional business for the Company’s Brazil subsidiary accounted for approximately 79 percent of the sales volume growth. Sales volumes were also up for the Mexico and Colombia subsidiaries. The favorable currency translation impact resulted from the strengthening of the currencies for all three Latin American locations against the U.S. dollar. The increase in average selling prices was attributable to increased raw material costs.

The $22.0 million of net sales for Asia operations reflected sales by the Company’s Philippines subsidiary, which is now consolidated.

Surfactants operating income for the first half of 2011 was $3.1 million lower than operating income for the same period of a year ago. Gross profit increased $0.6 million due principally to the effects of improved margins in North America and the inclusion of the Philippines income in segment results. Lower Latin America gross profit, due largely to costs related to the start up of the capacity expansion in Brazil, negatively impacted surfactants’ gross profit. Operating expenses increased $3.7 million, or 10 percent. Year-over-year comparisons of gross profit by region and total segment operating expenses and operating income follow:

(In thousands)  For the Six Months Ended   Increase
(Decrease)
  Percent
Change
 
   June 30, 2011   June 30, 2010    

Gross Profit

       

North America

  $74,408    $71,603    $2,805    +4  

Europe

   11,849     12,602     (753  -6  

Latin America

   5,096     8,461     (3,365  -40  

Asia

   1,899     —       1,899    NM  
                

Total Surfactants Segment

  $93,252    $92,666    $586    +1  

Operating Expenses

   40,395     36,678     3,717    +10  
                

Operating Income

  $52,857    $55,988    $(3,131  -6  
                

North American gross profit improved four percent between years on sales volume that declined seven percent. The previously noted increase in average selling prices, coupled with a more favorable mix of sales, helped to offset the impact of the decrease in sales volume. As noted in the quarter-over-quarter discussion, the Company announced selling price increases effective July 1, 2011.

Gross profit for European operations declined six percent due to the eight percent decline in sales volume and the negative effects of higher raw material costs. The previously mentioned selling price increases did not keep pace with the rapid rise in raw material costs. The favorable effects of foreign currency translation lessened the year-over-year decline in gross profit by $0.6 million.

Gross profit for Latin American operations was down 40 percent despite the 17 percent increase in sales volume. One-time costs related to a delay in the start up of the recent neutralizer capacity expansion project in Brazil and increased manufacturing costs attributable to the new neutralizing equipment more than offset the effect of the higher sales volume. In addition to the costs for Brazil, the decline in gross profit also reflected selling price increases that lagged raw material cost increases, particularly for the Mexico subsidiary.

36


The $1.9 million of gross profit for Asia operations reflected profits earned by the Company’s Philippines subsidiary.

Operating expenses for the surfactants segment increased $3.7 million, or 10 percent, year over year. Higher expenses for North American operations ($1.6 million), additional expenses for the Singapore and Philippines locations, which were first consolidated in the third quarter of 2010 ($1.1 million), and the effects of foreign currency translation ($0.9 million) accounted for most of the operating expense increase. Increased support expenses for the expanding Asia operations accounted for most of the increase in North American operating expenses.

Polymers

Polymers net sales for the first half of 2011 increased $53.3 million, or 35 percent, from net sales for the same period of 2010. Higher average selling prices, an 11 percent improvement in sales volume and the effects of foreign currency translation accounted for $31.7 million, $17.4 million and $4.2 million, respectively, of the increase. A year-over-year comparison of net sales by region is displayed below:

(In thousands)  For the Six Months Ended   Increase   Percent
Change
 
   June 30, 2011   June 30, 2010     

North America

  $129,581    $103,584    $25,997     +25  

Europe

   65,427     42,243     23,184     +55  

Asia and Other

   12,245     8,176     4,069     +50  
                 

Total Polymers Segment

  $207,253    $154,003    $53,250     +35  
                 

Net sales for North American operations increased 25 percent due to an 18 percent increase in average selling prices and a six percent increase in sales volume. The increases in average selling prices and sales volume accounted for $19.7 million and $6.3 million, respectively, of the increase in net sales. The higher average selling prices reflected higher raw material costs for all polymer product lines. Sales volume for polyols increased 14 percent, while sales volume for phthalic anhydride declined three percent. The sales volume improvement for polyols resulted primarily from increased demand from existing customers.

Net sales for European operations grew 55 percent due to a 20 percent increase in average selling prices, a 21 percent increase in sales volume and the favorable effects of foreign currency translation, which accounted for $10.5 million, $8.9 million and $3.8 million, respectively, of the net sales improvement. Increased raw material costs led to the higher average selling prices. The higher sales volume reflected stronger demand from most major polyol customers. In addition, the Company’s Poland subsidiary, which was acquired in the third quarter of 2010, accounted for 25 percent of the quarter-over-quarter sales volume growth.

Net sales for Asia and Other operations increased 50 percent year over year due to a 28 percent increase in sales volume, a 13 percent increase in average selling prices and the favorable effects of foreign currency translation. New business for the China subsidiary led to the improvement in sales volume. Higher raw material costs led to the increase in average selling prices.

37


Polymer operating income for the first half of 2011 increased $4.3 million, or 25 percent, from operating income for the first half of 2010. Gross profit improved $5.5 million, as all three regions posted growth. Operating expenses increased $1.2 million, or 14 percent, between years. Below are year-over-year comparisons of gross profit by region and total segment operating expenses and operating income:

(In thousands)  For the Six Months Ended   Increase   Percent
Change
 
   June 30, 2011   June 30, 2010     

Gross Profit

        

North America

  $23,753    $19,275    $4,478     +23  

Europe

   7,034     6,208     826     +13  

Asia and Other

   881     698     183     +26  
                 

Total Polymers Segment

  $31,668    $26,181    $5,487     +21  

Operating Expenses

   10,239     9,017     1,222     +14  
                 

Operating Income

  $21,429    $17,164    $4,265     +25  
                 

Gross profit for North American operations was up 23 percent due to improved unit margins and the six percent increase in sales volume noted earlier. The previously mentioned selling price increases coupled with better raw material inventory positions pushed the unit margins higher. A different mix of sales, precipitated by a greater proportion of polyol-to-phthalic anhydride sales, also contributed to the increased margin.

Gross profit for European operations increased 13 percent due to the 21 percent sales volume growth and $0.5 million in favorable foreign currency translation impact. The effects of higher year-over-year raw material costs coupled with the outsourcing of polyols from the segment’s North American operations due to capacity constraints partially offset the favorable impact of the sales volume growth.

Gross profit for Asia and Other operations increased 26 percent due to the 28 percent improvement in sales volume.

Operating expenses increased $1.2 million year-over-year due largely to higher expenses for European operations ($0.9 million). Expenses for the Poland subsidiary, acquired in the third quarter of last year, contributed $0.5 million of the expense. Higher marketing expenses accounted for the remainder of the increase in operating expenses for European operations.

Specialty Products

Net sales for the first half of 2011 were $1.0 million, or five percent, higher than net sales for the first half of 2010. Higher sales volume for food ingredient and flavoring products accounted for most of the increase in net sales. Operating income was down $1.3 million, or 16 percent, between years due primarily to higher food ingredient raw material costs, for which competitive pressures have made it difficult to raise selling prices.

38


Corporate Expenses

Corporate expenses declined $0.6 million (three percent) to $17.1 million for the first half of 2011 from $17.7 million for the first half of 2010. The following table depicts the major items that accounted for the year-over-year decline in corporate expenses:

(Dollars in millions)Increase /
(Decrease)

Deferred Compensation

($1.6)(a)

Derivative Electric Contracts

0.4(b)

Consulting

0.3

Salaries

0.2

Legal and Environmental

0.2

Other

(0.1

Total

($0.6

(a)

The Company recorded $0.7 million of deferred compensation income for the first half of 2011 compared to $0.9 million of expense for the same period of 2010. The value of Company common stock, to which a large portion of the deferred compensation obligation is tied, declined $5.37 per share from $76.27 per share at December 31, 2010, to $70.90 per share at June 30, 2011. For last year’s first half, the Company’s common stock price increased $3.62 per share from $64.81 per share at December 31, 2009, to $68.43 per share at June 30, 2010. Partially offsetting the effects of the changes in Company common stock value were increases in the 2011 value of the mutual funds held for the plan versus decreases in 2010. The accounting treatment for the Company’s deferred compensation plans results in income when the values of Company common stock and mutual funds held in the plans declines and expense when the values of Company common stock and mutual funds increases.

(b)

Reflects derivative income reported in 2010 arising from recording certain electric contracts at fair value. The Company held no such contracts during 2011.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

For the first threesix months of 2011, the Company used $58.4$85.6 million of available cash plus $7.4 million of net borrowings to fund a net operating cash use of $25.4$21.3 million, net investing cash usesoutflows of $22.7$54.5 million and netnon-debt financing cash outflows of $11.0$18.1 million, with exchange rates increasing cash by $0.7$0.9 million. For the first quarterhalf of 2011, net income was downup by $1.9$2.1 million and working capital consumed $21.3$38.8 million more than for the same period in 2010. Investing cash outflows increased by $9.8$25.6 million year over year andyear. Cash flows from financing outflows increased by $3.3 million.activities were a $10.7 million use of cash for the first half of 2011 compared to a $36.0 million source of cash for the first half of 2010.

For the first quarterhalf of 2011, changes in accounts receivable resulted in a cash use of $63.9 million versuscomprised a use of $38.4 million for the year ago quarter. Inventories were a use of $21.0$83.9 million compared to a use of $11.2$61.7 million for comparable period in 2010. Inventories were a use of $55.1 million in 2011 versus a use of $13.7 million in 2010. Accounts payable and accrued liabilities were a source of $31.0$55.2 million during 2011 compared to $16.6a source of $27.8 million in 2010.

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During 2011, the rising cost of raw materials drove higher selling priceshas been a key driver to customers which, in turn, required higher working capital growth forand the current year quarter compared to the same quarter in 2010.Company’s overall cash flow. The Company’s working capital investment is heavily influenced by the cost of crude oil and natural oils, from which many of its raw materials are derived. Higher raw material costs translate directly to higher inventory carrying costs and indirectly to customer selling prices and accounts receivable.

The year-to-date accounts receivable increase was driven approximately equally by the combinationresult of higher quarterlycurrent quarter-end sales, volumesspecifically June 2011 over December 2010, driven mainly by higher sales volume and, to a lesser extent, higher selling prices, partially offset by improved accountsprices. Accounts receivable turnover since year-end. Slightly moredid not change significantly between December 31, 2010 and June 30, 2011. For inventories, slightly less than 50 percent of the year-to-date inventory increase resulted from higher raw material costs with the rest attributable to planned increases in quantity to support customer service levels. The Company has not changed its own payment practices related to its payables. It is management’s opinion that the Company’s liquidity is sufficient to provide for potential increases in working capital during 2011.

Investing cash outflows for the first three monthshalf of 2011 totaled $22.7$54.5 million compared to $12.9$28.9 million for the samecomparable period in 2010. Capital expenditures for the first quartersix months of 2011 totaled $22.5$40.4 million, including higher spending for capacity expansion, compared to $13.0$28.0 million for the year-ago quarter. same period in 2010. Current year investing outflows also included $13.6 million, including $5.0 million of product inventory, for the purchase of certain product lines of Lipid Nutrition B.V., a part of Loders Croklaan B.V. During 2011 the Company also liquidated $1.6 million of investments for benefit plan participant payouts versus $0.7 million in 2010.

For full-year 2011, the Company estimates that full-year capital spending will range from $85 million to $90 million, net of an expected insurance recovery of $3.9 million and including a capacity expansion in Singapore. The estimated range of capital expenditures excludes $12.2 million for the purchase of the Millsdale (Joliet), Illinois, warehouse, which was reflected in financing activities forduring the current year quarter.first quarter of 2011. Prior to the cash purchase, the warehouse was recorded as an asset on the Company’s balance sheet along with a build-to-suit lease obligation. During 2011 the Company also liquidated $1.5 million of investments for benefit plan participant payouts versus $0.7 million in 2010.

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The Company purchases its common shares in the open market from time to time to fund its own benefit plans and also to mitigate the dilutive effect of new shares issued under its benefit plans. The Company may also make open market repurchases as cash flows permit when, in management’s opinion, the Company’s shares are undervalued in the market. TheDuring the first six months of 2011, the Company made nopurchased 15,562 common shares in the open market purchases during the first quarterat a total cost of 2011.$1.0 million. At March 31,June 30, 2011, there were 250,715235,153 shares remaining under the current share repurchase authorization.

At March 31,June 30, 2011, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents totaled $52.7$25.6 million, including $22.3$0.2 million in two U.S. money market funds, each of which was rated AAA by Standard and Poor’s and Aaa by Moody’s. Cash in U.S. demand deposit accounts totaled $13.8$10.6 million and cash of the Company’s non-U.S. subsidiaries held outside the U.S. totaled $16.6$14.8 million as of March 31,June 30, 2011.

Total CompanyConsolidated debt decreased by $5.9$0.8 million duringfor the first quarterhalf of 2011, from $191.6 million to $185.7$190.8 million, reflecting a decrease of $6.0 million in U.S. debt and an increase of $5.5$5.2 million in foreign debt and a decrease of $11.4 million in U.S. debt. The increase in foreign debt was driven primarily by working capital requirementsspending in Europe. The decrease in U.S. debt reflected the liquidation of the previously noted

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build-to-suit lease obligation.obligation and an increase in revolving bank debt. Net debt (which is defined as total debt minus cash) increased by $52.5$84.8 million for the first threesix months of 2011, from $80.4 million to $132.9$165.2 million. At March 31,June 30, 2011, the ratio of total debt to total debt plus shareholders’ equity was 33.032.2 percent, compared toversus 35.2 percent at December 31, 2010. The ratio of net debt to net debt plus shareholders’ equity was 26.029.2 percent at March 31,as of June 30, 2011, compared to 18.5 percent at December 31, 2010.

As of March 31,June 30, 2011, the Company’s debt included $106.9 million of unsecured private placement loans with maturities extending from 2011 through 2022. These loans are the Company’s primary source of long-term debt financing, and are supplemented by bank credit facilities to meet short and medium term needs. The Company’s debt also included a $27.0$25.5 million term loan with its U.S. banks, which has maturities from 2011 throughin 2012 and 2013.

The Company maintains a committed $60.0 million revolving credit agreement with three U.S. banks. This unsecured facility is the Company’s primary source of short-term borrowings and is committed through August 27, 2013 with terms and conditions that are substantially equivalent to those of the Company’s other U.S. loan agreements. As of March 31,June 30, 2011, the Company had borrowings of $6.9 million and outstanding letters of credit of $2.6 million and no outstanding debt under this agreement, with $57.4$50.5 million remaining available. The Company anticipates that cash from operations, committed credit facilities and cash on hand will be sufficient to fund anticipated capital expenditures, working capital, dividends and other planned financial commitments for the foreseeable future.

Certain foreign subsidiaries of the Company maintain term loans and short-term bank lines of credit in their respective local currencies to meet working capital requirements as well as to fund capital expenditure programs and acquisitions. As of March 31,June 30, 2011, the Company’s European subsidiaries had bank term loans of $6.4$6.2 million with maturities through 2015 and short-term bank debt of $22.7$21.8 million with available short-term borrowing capacity of $16.0$19.2 million. The Company’s Latin American subsidiaries had no outstanding debt, with $9.9$11.8 million of short-term borrowing capacity as of that date. As of March 31,June 30, 2011, the Company’s Singapore subsidiary was obligated for $13.3$13.8 million under an asset purchase agreement that took effect on November 4, 2010. The Company’s majority-owned joint ventures in the Philippines and China had debt totaling $9.4$9.7 million and available borrowing capacity of $8.7$8.1 million. Stepan Company has guaranteed the debt obligations of its Singapore subsidiary and of its majority-owned joint ventures in the Philippines and China.

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The Company has material debt agreements that require the maintenance of minimum interest coverage and minimum net worth. These agreements also limit the incurrence of additional debt as well as the payment of dividends and repurchase of treasury shares. Testing for these agreements is based on the combined financial statements of the U.S. operations of Stepan Company and Stepan Canada Inc. (the “Restricted Group”). Under the most restrictive of these debt covenants:

 

 1.The Restricted Group must maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio, as defined within the agreements, of 2.0 to 1.0, for the preceding four calendar quarters.

 

 2.The Restricted Group must maintain net worth of at least $175.0 million.

 

 3.The Restricted Group must maintain a ratio of long-term debt to total capitalization, as defined in the agreements, not to exceed 55 percent.

 

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 4.The Restricted Group may pay dividends and purchase treasury shares in amounts of up to $30.0 million plus 100 percent of net income and cash proceeds of stock option exercises, measured cumulatively after December 31, 2001. The maximum amount of dividends that could have been paid within this limitation is disclosed as unrestricted retained earnings in Note 12,13, Debt, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Company was in compliance with all of its loan agreements as of March 31,June 30, 2011. Based on current projections, the Company believes it will be in compliance with its loan agreements throughout 2011.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND LEGAL MATTERS

The Company is subject to extensive federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations. Although the Company’s environmental policies and practices are designed to ensure compliance with these laws and regulations, future developments and increasingly stringent environmental regulation could require the Company to make additional unforeseen environmental expenditures. The Company will continue to invest in the equipment and facilities necessary to comply with existing and future regulations. During the first threesix months of 2011, and 2010, the Company’s expenditures for capital projects related to the environment were $0.2$0.7 million. These projects are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives, which is typically 10 years. Recurring costs associated with the operation and maintenance of facilities for waste treatment and disposal and managing environmental compliance in ongoing operations at the Company’s manufacturing locations were $3.8$8.1 million and $7.8 million for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. While difficult to project, it is not anticipated that these recurring expenses will increase significantly in the future.

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Over the years, the Company has received requests for information related to or has been named by the government as a potentially responsible party at a number of waste disposal sites where cleanup costs have been or may be incurred under CERCLA and similar state statutes. In addition, damages are being claimed against the Company in general liability actions for alleged personal injury or property damage in the case of some disposal and plant sites. The Company believes that it has made adequate provisions for the costs it may incur with respect to the sites. It is the Company’s accounting policy to record liabilities when environmental assessments and/or remedial efforts are probable and the cost or range of possible costs can be reasonably estimated. When no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount, the minimum is accrued. Some of the factors on which the Company bases its estimates include information provided by feasibility studies, potentially responsible party negotiations and the development of remedial action plans. After partial remediation payments at certain sites, the Company has estimated a range of possible environmental and legal losses of $10.1$9.4 million to $29.4$29.2 million at March 31,June 30, 2011, compared to $10.0 million to $29.7 million at December 31, 2010. At March 31,June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company’s accrued liability for such losses, which represented the Company’s best estimate within the estimated range of possible environmental and legal losses, was $15.2 million and $15.9 million.million, respectively. Actual costs could differ from the estimated reported liability. During the first threesix months of 2011, cash outlays related to legal and environmental matters approximated $0.7$2.7 million compared to $0.6$1.6 million for the first threesix months of 2010. Remediation of the soil at the Poland subsidiary accounted for most of the year-over-year change (see the Poland Manufacturing Site discussion in Note 8 to the condensed consolidated financial statements).

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For certain sites, estimates of the total costs of compliance or the Company’s share of such costs cannot be determined; consequently, the Company is unable to predict the effect thereof on the Company’s financial position, cash flows and results of operations. Management believes that in the event of one or more adverse determinations in any annual or interim period, the impact on the Company’s cash flows and results of operations for those periods could be material. However, based upon the Company’s present belief as to its relative involvement at these sites, other viable entities’ responsibilities for cleanup and the extended period over which any costs would be incurred, the Company believes that these matters, individually and in the aggregate, will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position. Certain of these matters are discussed in Item 1, Part 2, Legal Proceedings, in this report and in other filings of the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which are available upon request from the Company. See also Note 78 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for a summary of the environmental proceedings related to certain environmental sites.

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OUTLOOK

In orderThe Company’s growth initiatives are on track to accelerate itsdeliver future earnings in 2012. Surfactant earnings will improve this year as growth from higher margin functional surfactants offsets the Company has made investmentsweakness in faster growing markets in Brazil, Poland, Singapore and Germany, which have ledconsumer volumes. Surfactant demand for enhanced oil recovery continues to planned higher operating expenses.grow. The Company’s Brazil expansion is complete and volume should ramp up over the second and third quarters. The German polyol expansion will start up during the second quarter and contribute to profit improvement duringhave improved contribution in the third quarter.

The Company has increased its selling pricessignificant improvement in the Company’s polymers business this year is in line with management expectations. The sold out demand for polyol at the Company’s German plant will continue to address rising raw materialrequire imports from the Company’s Illinois plant for the balance of the year due to delays in the expanded German capacity. The delays resulted from a fire in the infrastructure related to the new polyol reactor. Management believes insurance will cover repair costs and remains optimistic about its prospects forother potential losses related to the fire. The Company’s polymer plant in Poland should see improved volume growth and margin improvement over the remainderbalance of the year. Surfactantyear as it begins fulfilling new customer demand.

Specialty product earnings improvement will be led by unit margin improvement, improved sales mix of higher margin functional surfactantsbenefit from the Company’s recently announced Lipid Nutrition product line acquisition. The acquisition should contribute to earnings this year and volume growth in Brazil. The rise in crude oil prices will stimulate demand for surfactants used in enhanced oil recovery. Polymer demand exceeded expectations inprovide longer term synergies with the first quarter, which should lead to further growth in the summer roof replacement season. Company’s existing food ingredients business.

While 2011 will have additional start upsome planned higher costs associated with new or expanded plants,global growth initiatives, the Company has the opportunity to deliver full year earnings growth.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

There have been no changes to the critical accounting policies disclosed in the Company’s 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

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Item 3 – Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

There have been no material changes to the market risks disclosed in the Company’s 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 4 – Controls and Procedures

 

 a.Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Based on their evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter covered by this Form 10-Q, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) were effective as of March 31,June 30, 2011.

 

 b.Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in internal controls that occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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Part II  OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1 – Legal Proceedings

There have been no material changes to the legal proceedings disclosed in the Company’s 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 1A – Risk Factors

There have been no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in the Company’s 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 2. – Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Below is a summary by month of share purchases by the Company during the firstsecond quarter of 2011:

 

Period

  Total Number
of Shares  Purchased
  Average Price
Paid per  Share
   Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced

Plans or Programs
   Maximum Number of
Shares that May Yet
Be Purchased Under
the Plans or Programs
 

January

   —      —       —       —    

February

   17,942 (a)  $71.00     —       —    

March

   —      —       —       —    

(a)Represents shares of Company common stock tendered by employees to settle minimum statutory withholding taxes related to receipt of performance stock awards.

Period

  Total Number
of Shares  Purchased
   Average Price
Paid per  Share
   Total Number of  Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs
   Maximum Number of
Shares that May Yet
Be Purchased Under
the Plans or Programs
 

April

   —       —       —       —    

May

   15,562    $64.26     —       —    

June

   —       —       —       —    

Item 3 – Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None

Item 4 – (Removed and Reserved)

Item 5 – Other Information

None

 

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Item 6 – Exhibits

 

(a)Exhibit 3(a)Copy of Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Stepan Company, filed April 5, 2011 with the State of Delaware
(b)(a)  Exhibit 3(b)10(a)   Copy of Amended and Restated By-Laws of Stepan Company (Amended as of February 8, 2011), included2011 Incentive Compensation Plan, filed with the Company’s Current ReportDefinitive Proxy Statement on Form 8-K filedSchedule 14A (Appendix A) on February 14,March 31, 2011, and incorporated herein by reference
(c)(b)  Exhibit 31.110(a)1   

Certification

Form of President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant

to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)

Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement under Stepan Company 2011 Incentive Compensation Plan
(c)Exhibit 10(a)2Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement under Stepan Company 2011 Incentive Compensation Plan
(d)  Exhibit 10(a)3Form of Performance Grant Agreement under the Stepan Company 2011 Incentive Compensation Plan
(e)Exhibit 10(a)4Form of Non-Employee Director Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement under Stepan Company 2011 Incentive Compensation Plan
(f)Exhibit 31.1Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
(g)Exhibit 31.2    Certification of Vice President and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
(e)(h)  Exhibit 32    Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
(i)Exhibit 101.INSXBRL Instance Document(1)
(j)Exhibit 101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document(1)
(k)Exhibit 101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document(1)
(l)Exhibit 101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document(1)
(m)Exhibit 101.PREXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document(1)

(1)

Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, this interactive data file is deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purpose of section 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, is deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.

 

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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 thereunto duly authorized.

 

 STEPAN COMPANY

Date: May 5,July 29, 2011

 
 

/s/ J. E. Hurlbutt

 J. E. Hurlbutt
 Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

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