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 JUNE 30, 2011

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2011

 

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

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM              TO             

1-4462

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROMTO

Commission File Number 1-4462

 

 

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

 

 

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 July 26,October 25, 2011

Common Stock, $1 par value

  10,163,31710,228,120 Shares

 

 

 


Part IFINANCIAL INFORMATION

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
June 30
 Six Months Ended
June 30
   Three Months Ended
September 30
 Nine Months Ended
September 30
 
  2011 2010 2011 2010 
  2011 2010 2011 2010 

Net Sales

  $476,989   $366,504   $899,587   $703,534    $499,335   $366,800   $1,398,922   $1,070,334  

Cost of Sales

   407,404    303,026    768,216    576,504     435,255    308,371    1,203,471    884,875  
               

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Gross Profit

   69,585    63,478    131,371    127,030     64,080    58,429    195,451    185,459  

Operating Expenses:

          

Marketing

   12,171    9,391    23,001    20,342     10,885    9,360    33,886    29,702  

Administrative

   12,680    14,273    23,554    23,336     9,709    8,506    33,263    31,842  

Research, development and technical services

   10,656    10,042    20,887    19,925     10,083    9,422    30,970    29,347  
               

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
   35,507    33,706    67,442    63,603     30,677    27,288    98,119    90,891  
               

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Operating Income

   34,078    29,772    63,929    63,427     33,403    31,141    97,332    94,568  

Other Income (Expense):

          

Interest, net

   (2,194  (1,510  (4,257  (2,766   (2,256  (2,004  (6,513  (4,770

Loss from equity in joint ventures

   (805  (764  (1,770  (1,335

Income (loss) from equity in joint ventures

   (890  132    (2,660  (1,203

Other, net (Note 14)

   253    (1,111  565    (1,333   (2,028  2,011    (1,463  678  
             
   (2,746  (3,385  (5,462  (5,434  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
                (5,174  139    (10,636  (5,295
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Income Before Provision for Income Taxes

   31,332    26,387    58,467    57,993     28,229    31,280    86,696    89,273  

Provision for Income Taxes

   10,326    9,318    18,645    20,243     8,998    12,057    27,643    32,300  
               

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net Income

   21,006    17,069    39,822    37,750     19,231    19,223    59,053    56,973  
               

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests (Note 3)

   (139  (23  (194  (44

Net (Income) Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests (Note 3)

   (62  7    (256  (37
               

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net Income Attributable to Stepan Company

  $20,867   $17,046   $39,628   $37,706    $19,169   $19,230   $58,797   $56,936  
             
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

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

          

Basic

  $2.00   $1.66   $3.80   $3.69    $1.83   $1.87   $5.63   $5.55  
               

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Diluted

  $1.87   $1.53   $3.55   $3.41    $1.70   $1.73   $5.25   $5.14  
               

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

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

          

Basic

   10,345    10,160    10,335    10,130     10,365    10,188    10,345    10,150  
               

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Diluted

   11,178    11,118    11,175    11,052     11,248    11,109    11,199    11,072  
               

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Dividends per Common Share

  $0.26   $0.24   $0.78   $0.72  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Dividends Declared Per Common Share

  $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)  June 30, 2011 December 31, 2010   September 30, 2011 December 31, 2010 

Assets

      

Current Assets:

      

Cash and cash equivalents

  $25,599   $111,198    $32,414   $111,198  

Receivables, net

   294,547    199,245     291,495    199,245  

Inventories (Note 7)

   159,490    96,552     137,211    96,552  

Deferred income taxes

   8,386    8,170     9,845    8,170  

Other current assets

   16,570    12,661     18,140    12,661  
         

 

  

 

 

Total current assets

   504,592    427,826     489,105    427,826  
         

 

  

 

 

Property, Plant and Equipment:

      

Cost

   1,098,279    1,055,553     1,094,665    1,055,553  

Accumulated depreciation

   (729,513  (701,968   (727,857  (701,968
         

 

  

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

   368,766    353,585     366,808    353,585  
       
  

 

  

 

 

Goodwill, net (Note 2)

   7,289    6,717     7,064    6,717  

Other intangible assets, net (Note 2)

   12,636    5,257     11,964    5,257  

Long-term investments (Note 4)

   11,518    11,904     11,631    11,904  

Other non-current assets

   6,124    6,142     5,423    6,142  
         

 

  

 

 

Total assets

  $910,925   $811,431    $891,995   $811,431  
       
  

 

  

 

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

      

Current Liabilities:

      

Current maturities of long-term debt (Note 13)

  $35,809   $31,609    $36,408   $31,609  

Accounts payable

   174,577    115,248     152,505    115,248  

Accrued liabilities

   52,148    58,770     60,344    58,770  
         

 

  

 

 

Total current liabilities

   262,534    205,627     249,257    205,627  
         

 

  

 

 

Deferred income taxes

   9,986    5,154     13,968    5,154  
         

 

  

 

 

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

   154,956    159,963     150,217    159,963  
         

 

  

 

 

Other non-current liabilities

   82,462    87,616     78,226    87,616  
         

 

  

 

 

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  

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  

5-1/2% convertible preferred stock, cumulative, voting, without par value; authorized 2,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 518,293 shares in 2011 and 520,089 in 2010

   12,957    13,002  

Common stock, $1 par value; authorized 30,000,000 shares; Issued 11,686,592 shares in 2011 and 11,511,829 shares in 2010

   11,687    11,512  

Additional paid-in capital

   88,238    83,852     92,916    83,852  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

   (14,127  (25,599   (34,352  (25,599

Retained earnings

   339,820    305,830     356,161    305,830  

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

   (41,357  (39,106

Treasury stock, at cost, 1,459,992 shares in 2011 and 1,406,081 shares in 2010

   (42,996  (39,106
         

 

  

 

 

Total Stepan Company stockholders’ equity

   397,171    349,491     396,373    349,491  
         

 

  

 

 

Noncontrolling interests (Note 3)

   3,816    3,580     3,954    3,580  
         

 

  

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

   400,987    353,071     400,327    353,071  
         

 

  

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  $910,925   $811,431    $891,995   $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)  Six Months Ended June 30 
(Dollars in thousands)  Nine Months Ended September 30 
  2011 2010           2011                 2010         

Cash Flows From Operating Activities

      

Net income

  $39,822   $37,750    $59,053   $56,973  

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

      

Depreciation and amortization

   23,007    19,288     34,771    29,155  

Deferred compensation

   (709  929     (2,711  (471

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

   (438  367     848    (584

Stock-based compensation

   1,777    1,806     2,707    2,755  

Deferred income taxes

   4,846    3,823     5,990    7,287  

Other non-cash items

   1,083    1,627     1,266    535  

Changes in assets and liabilities:

   

Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding effects of acquisitions:

   

Receivables, net

   (83,875  (61,722   (92,651  (53,792

Inventories

   (55,088  (13,745   (38,007  (21,148

Other current assets

   (3,586  (935   (5,527  (563

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   55,151    27,793     53,036    33,315  

Pension liabilities

   (895  (488   (1,871  (1,733

Environmental and legal liabilities

   (412  (847   (508  (2,328

Deferred revenues

   (890  (596   (1,197  (1,099

Excess tax benefit from stock options and awards

   (1,113  (2,076   (2,628  (2,117
         

 

  

 

 

Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Operating Activities

   (21,320  12,974  
       

Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities

   12,571    46,185  
  

 

  

 

 

Cash Flows From Investing Activities

      

Expenditures for property, plant and equipment

   (40,400  (28,007   (61,022  (54,891

Business acquisition

   (13,562  —    

Sale of mutual funds

   1,613    737  

Asset acquisition (Note 2)

   —      (10,400

Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired (Note 2)

   (13,562  (9,835

Sale of mutual fund investments

   1,615    780  

Other, net

   (2,136  (1,639   (3,469  (2,489
         

 

  

 

 

Net Cash Used In Investing Activities

   (54,485  (28,909   (76,438  (76,835
       
  

 

  

 

 

Cash Flows From Financing Activities

      

Revolving debt and bank overdrafts, net

   9,738    3,124     15,491    12,501  

Term loan

   —      40,000     —      40,000  

Build-to-suit obligation buyout

   (12,206  —       (12,206  —    

Other debt borrowings

   —      440     —      6,449  

Other debt repayments

   (2,291  (2,532   (10,454  (7,546

Dividends paid

   (5,638  (5,170   (8,466  (7,766

Company stock repurchased

   (1,000  (3,750   (1,309  (4,906

Stock option exercises

   889    3,109     2,543    3,240  

Excess tax benefit from stock options and awards

   1,113    2,076     2,628    2,117  

Other, net

   (1,265  (1,273   (2,000  (1,763
         

 

  

 

 

Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Financing Activities

   (10,660  36,024  

Net Cash (Used in) Provided By Financing Activities

   (13,773  42,326  
         

 

  

 

 

Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash

   866    (765   (1,144  771  
         

 

  

 

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents

   (85,599  19,324  

Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents

   (78,784  12,447  

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period

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

 

  

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period

  $25,599   $117,842    $32,414   $110,965  
         

 

  

 

 

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

      

Cash payments of income taxes, net of refunds

  $9,832   $13,930    $14,507   $20,372  
         

 

  

 

 

Cash payments of interest

  $4,122   $2,778    $6,033   $4,114  
         

 

  

 

 

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

JuneSeptember 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 JuneSeptember 30, 2011 and its results of operations for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2011 and 2010, and cash flows for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 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.ACQUISITIONACQUISITIONS

2011 Acquisition

On June 23, 2011, the Company purchased the Clarinol®Clarinol®, Marinol®Marinol®, and PinnoThin®PinnoThin® product lines of Lipid Nutrition B.V., a part of Loders Croklaan B.V. The acquired product lines will be integrated intoare included with the Company’s specialty products segment and will be combined with existing Company food and health services products toin the specialty products segment, and 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.income for the second quarter of 2011.

 

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:assumed as of June 23, 2011:

 

(Dollars in thousands)  June 23, 2011 
(In thousands)    

Assets:

    

Inventory

  $5,000    $5,000  

Identifiable intangible assets:

    

Patents

   6,948     6,948  

Customer lists

   736     736  

Trademarks, know-how

   429     429  
      

 

 

Total identifiable intangible assets

   8,113     8,113  
      

 

 

Goodwill

   483     483  
      

 

 

Total assets acquired

  $13,596    $13,596  
      

 

 

Current liabilities

  $34    $34  
      

 

 

Net assets acquired

  $13,562    $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- 12patents-12 years; customer lists-fivelists- five years; and trademarks and know-how- fiveknow-how-five years. As of September 30, 2011, no purchase price allocation adjustments have been made to the amounts originally recorded at the acquisition date. 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, noThe post-acquisition financial results for the newpurchased business, which were included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the three and six month periodsnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2011.2011, were insignificant. Pro forma financial information has not been included because revenues and earnings of the Company’s consolidated entity for the three and sixnine month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2011 and 2010, would not have been materially different than reported had the acquisition date been January 1, 2010.

2010 Acquisitions

Asset acquisition

On July 2, 2010, the Company purchased the manufacturing assets of Peter Cremer GmbH located on Jurong Island in Singapore. The purchase price of the manufacturing assets was $10.4 million, which the Company paid from available cash. The Company is installing methyl esters fractionation capability on the site. Methyl esters are a core building block of the Company’s surfactants segment, and the acquisition of the Jurong Island manufacturing assets provides the Company an opportunity to reach its global customer base with methyl esters and value added derivatives made from tropical oils available in the region. The Company plans for the site to begin methyl esters commercial production in the second quarter of 2012.

 

6


Business acquisitions

On July 15, 2010, the Company’s Stepan Europe subsidiary acquired 100 percent ownership interest in Alfa Systems Sp. z o.o. (Alfa Systems). The purchase included a plant in Brzeg Dolny, Poland, which specialized in the manufacture of aromatic polyester polyols from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The acquisition of Alfa Systems provides the Company with polyester polyol manufacturing capability in Eastern Europe and the ability to economically and effectively serve customers in that region. As of the acquisition date, the new entity became a part of the Company’s polymers reportable segment.

The Company recognized $10.1 million as the purchase price for Alfa Systems, comprised of $8.5 million of cash and $1.6 million in contingent consideration. The contingent consideration arrangements included in the purchase agreement were as follows:

Environmental remediation – See the ‘Poland Manufacturing Site’ discussion included in Note 8, Contingencies. No amount related to the environmental remediation arrangement in the purchase agreement was recognized as contingent consideration.

Nonspecific claims – Potential additional consideration of up to $1.6 million if no additional claims relating to pre-acquisition activity arise over the two years following the acquisition. The Company recognized the entire $1.6 million of this arrangement as consideration.

Working capital balance – Potential additional consideration of up to $0.6 million depending on the amount by which the audited working capital balance at the time of acquisition deviated from the agreed upon working capital in the purchase agreement. The Company recognized less than $0.1 million as consideration for the working capital arrangement, which was finalized in December 2010.

In addition to the purchase price paid, the Company incurred $0.7 million of acquisition-related costs, including legal, consulting and accounting expenses. These costs were reflected in administrative expenses on the Company’s statement of income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010.

7


The Alfa Systems 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:

(In thousands)  July 15, 2010 

Assets:

  

Current assets (excluding inventory)

  $1,188  

Inventory

   893  

Property, plant and equipment

   11,208  

Identifiable intangible assets

   649  

Goodwill

   925  

Other assets

   49  
  

 

 

 

Total assets acquired

  $14,912  
  

 

 

 

Liabilities:

  

Current liabilities

   4,735  

Non-current liabilities

   71  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities assumed

  $4,806  
  

 

 

 

Net assets acquired

  $10,106  
  

 

 

 

The acquired goodwill, which relates entirely to the Company’s polymer segment, is not deductable for tax purposes. The goodwill reflects the potential positive effects of the ability to manufacture and sell the Company’s current polymer products as well as the PET-based polymer products to the European marketplace. Identifiable intangible assets included a non-compete agreement (approximately $0.4 million) and technological know-how (approximately $0.2 million). The amortization periods for these intangibles are three and five years, respectively.

Included in current liabilities was the assumed environmental contingent liability of $1.1 million discussed in the ‘Poland Manufacturing Site’ section of Note 8. The measurement period for the Alfa Systems acquisition is now closed, and there have been no adjustments to the purchase price allocations made at the time of acquisition.

Pro forma financial information has not been included because revenues and earnings of the Company’s consolidated entity would not have been significantly different than reported had the acquisition date been January 1, 2010.

On July 19, 2010, the Company acquired controlling interest in the Company’s Stepan Philippines Inc. (SPI) joint venture, raising the Company’s ownership interest in the venture from 50 percent to 88.8 percent. SPI produces laundry and cleaning products, fabric softeners and functional surfactants for the Philippines and other global markets. The increase in SPI ownership will allow the Company to further diversify the product offering at the Philippines location and capitalize on synergies with the manufacturing facility being developed in Singapore. As of the date controlling interest was obtained, SPI became a part of the Company’s surfactants reportable segment.

As part of the purchase agreement, the Company paid $3.7 million of cash to acquire the interest of one owner, transferred $2.0 million of cash to SPI as an additional capital investment (subscription of new shares) and forgave a $3.9 million liability originally due to the Company pursuant to a royalty agreement between the Company and SPI. The Company also guaranteed approximately $8.7 million of debt owed by SPI to a related party of the selling partner.

8


In addition to the purchase price paid, the Company incurred $0.1 million of acquisition-related costs, including consulting and legal expenses. These costs were reflected in administrative expenses on the Company’s statement of income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010.

The acquisition of controlling interest in SPI 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:

(In thousands)  July 19, 2010 

Assets:

  

Current assets (excluding inventory)

  $12,841  

Inventory

   3,232  

Property, plant and equipment

   18,685  

Identifiable intangible assets

   1,200  

Goodwill

   1,101  

Other assets

   167  
  

 

 

 

Total assets acquired

  $37,226  
  

 

 

 

Liabilities:

  

Current liabilities

   8,466  

Non-current liabilities

   9,973  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities assumed

  $18,439  
  

 

 

 

Net assets acquired

  $18,787  

Less noncontrolling interest in SPI

   (2,090
  

 

 

 

Net assets less noncontrolling interest

  $16,697  
  

 

 

 

The acquired goodwill, which relates entirely to the Company’s surfactants segment, is not deductable for tax purposes. The goodwill primarily reflects expected growth synergies in Asia resulting from the manufacturing capabilities in the Philippines and Singapore. The $1.2 million of identifiable intangible assets comprised customer relationships. The intangible amount will be amortized over a period of 10 years.

Because the purchase transaction moved the Company from noncontrolling interest in SPI to controlling interest, the Company revalued the original 50 percent investment in SPI to its acquisition-date fair value. The fair value of the Company’s original interest in SPI was estimated to be $7.1 million. As a result of this transaction, the Company recorded a $0.7 million gain, which was reported in the equity from joint ventures line in the statements of income for the three and nine month periods ending September 30, 2010. The fair value of the original interest in SPI was estimated by applying the income approach. The estimate was based on significant inputs that were not observable in the market, making the fair value calculation a Level 3 measurement as defined by generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S.

Also in accordance with the accounting principles for business combinations, the Company measured and recorded the remaining noncontrolling interest in SPI (i.e., the 11.2 percent interest held by the Company’s remaining joint venture partner) at its acquisition-date fair value. The fair value of the noncontrolling interest was estimated to

9


be $2.1 million, which was determined by applying the same income approach measurement noted in the immediately preceding paragraph plus an adjustment for lack of control.

Pro forma financial information has not been included because revenues and earnings of the Company’s consolidated entity would not have been significantly different than reported had the acquisition date been January 1, 2010.

3.RECONCILIATIONS OF EQUITY

Below are reconciliations of total equity, Company equity and equity attributable to the noncontrolling interests for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2011 and 2010:

 

(In thousands)

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

Balance at January 1, 2011

  $353,071   $349,491   $3,580    $353,071   $349,491   $3,580  

Net income

   39,822    39,628    194     59,053    58,797    256  

Dividends

   (5,638  (5,638  —       (8,466  (8,466  —    

Common stock purchases(1)

   (2,274  (2,274  —       (3,913  (3,913  —    

Stock option exercises

   889    889    —       3,111    3,111    —    

Defined benefit pension adjustments, net of tax

   1,044    1,044    —       1,433    1,433    —    

Translation adjustments

   10,081    10,039    42     (10,681  (10,799  118  

Derivative instrument gain, net of tax

   389    389    —    

Derivative instrument gain

   613    613    —    

Other(2)

   3,603    3,603    —       6,106    6,106    —    
            

 

  

 

  

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2011

  $400,987   $397,171   $3,816  

Balance at September 30, 2011

  $400,327   $396,373   $3,954  
            

 

  

 

  

 

 

(In thousands)

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

Balance at January 1, 2010

  $290,427   $289,285   $1,142  

Net income

   37,750    37,706    44  

Dividends

   (5,170  (5,170  —    

Common stock purchases(1)

   (4,807  (4,807  —    

Stock option exercises

   3,109    3,109    —    

Defined benefit pension adjustments, net of tax

   756    756    —    

Translation adjustments

   (8,674  (8,674  —    

Other(2)

   4,221    4,221    —    
          

Balance at June 30, 2010

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

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

Balance at January 1, 2010

  $290,427   $289,285   $1,142  

Net income

   56,973    56,936    37  

Purchase of controlling interest in SPI

   2,090    —      2,090  

Dividends

   (7,766  (7,766  —    

Common stock purchases(1)

   (5,964  (5,964  —    

Stock option exercises

   3,240    3,240    —    

Defined benefit pension adjustments, net of tax

   1,114    1,114    —    

Translation adjustments

   235    170    65  

Other(2)

   5,235    5,235    —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at September 30, 2010

  $345,584   $342,250   $3,334  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

(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.awards and the value of Company common shares tendered in lieu of cash for stock option exercises.

(2) 

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

(3) 

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

 

710


4.FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The following are the financial instruments held by the Company at JuneSeptember 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 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.

Long-term investments

Long-term investments are the mutual fund assets the Company holds to fund a portion of its deferred compensation liabilities.liabilities and all of its non-qualified supplemental executive defined contribution obligations (see defined contribution plans section of Note 9). 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 JuneSeptember 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, including current maturities, were estimated to be $123,436,000$114,319,000 and $122,044,000, respectively. The carrying value of the Company’s fixed-rate debt was $113,045,000$105,223,000 at JuneSeptember 30, 2011 and $113,359,000 at December 31, 2010.

11


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 $14,458,000$14,708,000 at JuneSeptember 30, 2011, compared to a carrying value of $13,843,000.$14,315,000. At December 31, 2010, the fair value of the seller note approximated its carrying value of $13,008,000.

8


Debt at JuneSeptember 30, 2011 also included $25,500,000 for an unsecured term loan that carried a variable interest rate of LIBOR plus a spread of 100 basis points as of JuneSeptember 30, 2011. As of the end of the secondthird quarter, the current market spread over LIBOR for entities with credit ratings similar to the Company’s was approximately 200175 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 JuneSeptember 30, 2011, at approximately $25,018,000$25,138,000 compared to a carrying value of $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 JuneSeptember 30, 2011 was $8,783,000$8,114,000 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 JuneSeptember 30, 2011, to be approximately $9,038,000$8,267,000 versus a carrying value of $8,783,000.$8,114,000. At December 31, 2010, the fair value of these term loans was $9,028,000 compared to a carrying value of $8,805,000.

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

 

912


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

 

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

Mutual fund assets

  $11,518    $11,518    $—      $—      $11,631    $11,631    $—      $—    

Derivative assets: (1)

                

Foreign currency contracts

   765     —       765     —       1,264     —       1,264     —    
                  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total assets at fair value

  $12,283    $11,518    $765    $—      $12,895    $11,631    $1,264    $—    
                  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Derivative liabilities: (1)

        

Derivative liabilities: (1)

        

Foreign currency contracts

  $321    $—      $321    $—      $265    $—      $265    $—    
                  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total liabilities at fair value

  $321    $—      $321    $—      $265    $—      $265    $—    
                  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
(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)

        

Derivative liabilities: (1)

        

Foreign currency contracts

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

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total liabilities at fair value

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

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

(1) 

See Note 5 for the balance sheet locations of the derivative assets and liabilities

 

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 JuneSeptember 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 3027 months, to buy or sell foreign currencies with a U.S. dollar equivalent of $55,982,000 and $25,014,000, respectively.$65,106,000. At December 31, 2010, the Company had open forward foreign currency exchange contracts, all with expiration dates of three months or less, to buy or sell foreign currencies with a U.S. dollar equivalent of $25,014,000.

13


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 as gains or losses 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 from AOCI were made into earnings in the three and sixnine month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2011. Assuming the construction project is completed on time, approximately $31,000 or less than $10,000 of the amount currently in AOCI is expected to be reclassified into earnings in the next 12 months. At JuneSeptember 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 $10,268,000.$8,789,000. No such contracts were held at December 31, 2010.

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

 

(In thousands)  

Asset Derivatives

   

Liability Derivatives

   

Asset Derivatives

   

Liability Derivatives

 
       Fair Value At        Fair Value At      Fair Value At      Fair Value At 
  

Balance Sheet

Line Item

  September 30,
2011
   December 31,
2010
   

Balance Sheet

Line Item

  September 30,
2011
   December 31,
2010
 

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

    $—      $—      Receivables, net  $131    $—      Accounts payable  $—      $—    

Derivatives Not Designated

As Hedging Instruments

                                      

Foreign Exchange Contracts

  

Receivables, net

    $174    $30            Receivables, net  $273    $30        
            

Foreign Exchange Contracts

  

Other non-current assets

     485     —      

Accounts payable

    $321    $43    Other non-current assets   860     —      Accounts payable  $265    $43  
                    
    

 

   

 

     

 

   

 

 

Total Non-hedging Derivatives

      $659    $30        $321    $43      $1,133    $30      $265    $43  
                       ��    

 

   

 

     

 

   

 

 

Total Derivatives

      $765    $30        $321    $43      $1,264    $30      $265    $43  
                            

 

   

 

     

 

   

 

 

 

1114


Information regarding derivative instrument gains and losses for the three and sixnine month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2011 and 2010 is displayed below:

 

(In thousands)     Gain (Loss) 
  

Income
Statement
Line Item

  Three Months
Ended September 30
   Nine Months
Ended September 30
 
     Gain (Loss)          2011         2010           2011           2010     

Derivatives Not Designated

As Hedging Instruments

  

Income Statement

Line Item

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

Foreign currency contracts

  

Other, net

  $138    $(1,524 $423    $(744  Other, net  $(347 $632    $76    $(112

Forward electric contracts(1)

  

Cost of sales

   —       616    —       369    Cost of sales   —      99     —       468  
                     

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

    $138    $(908 $423    $(375    $(347 $731    $76    $356  
                     

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

(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 JuneSeptember 30, 2011, or at any time during the three and sixnine month periods 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)
   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)
 

Derivatives Designated

As Cash Flow Hedges

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

Derivatives Designated

As Cash Flow Hedges

          

Foreign Exchange Contracts

  $389    $—      Other, net  $(11 $—      $224    $—      Other, net  $5    $—    

(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)
 
   Nine Months Ended
September 30
      Nine Months Ended
September 30
 
       2011           2010          2011   2010 

Derivatives Designated

As Cash Flow Hedges

          

Foreign Exchange Contracts

  $613    $—      Other, net  $16    $—    

 

(1)

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

 

1215


6.STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

On JuneSeptember 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 $928,000$929,000 and $1,777,000$2,707,000 for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2011, compared to $934,000$949,000 and $1,806,000,$2,755,000, respectively, for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010. Unrecognized compensation cost for stock options and stock awards was $1,774,000$1,371,000 and $3,183,000,$2,646,000, respectively, at JuneSeptember 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 JuneSeptember 30, 2011, is expected to be recognized over weighted average periods of 1.31.2 years and 2.01.9 years for stock options and performance stock awards, respectively.

 

7.INVENTORIES

The composition of inventories was as follows:

 

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

Finished products

  $101,307    $62,685    $89,172    $62,685  

Raw materials

   58,183     33,867     48,039     33,867  
          

 

   

 

 

Total inventories

  $159,490    $96,552    $137,211    $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 $41,306,000$44,993,000 and $34,280,000 higher than reported at JuneSeptember 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, respectively.

 

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.

 

1316


The Company has estimated a range of possible environmental and legal losses of $9.4 million to $29.2 million at JuneSeptember 30, 2011. At JuneSeptember 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, respectively. Actual costs could differ from the estimated reported liability. During the first sixnine months of 2011 cash outlays related to legal and environmental matters approximated $2.7$3.3 million compared to $1.6$2.1 million in the first sixnine 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.

Following are summaries of the material contingencies at JuneSeptember 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.

 

1417


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.

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$2.0 million for the Company’s portion of environmental response costs through the firstsecond quarter of 2011 (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.

 

1518


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 iswas 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. No contingent consideration liability was recognized because management believed it was highly probable that remediation of the Poland site would be completed by the holdback deadline and the cost to remediate would be at least the holdback amount. The remediation of the soil was completed in the second quarter of 2011, and the total cost of the project exceeded the amount of the holdback provision by an immaterial amount. Consequently, none of the holdback amount related to the soil 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.

 

1619


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   UNITED STATES 
(In thousands)  Three Months Ended
June  30
 Six Months Ended
June 30
   Three Months Ended
September 30
 Nine Months Ended
September 30
 
  2011 2010 2011 2010 
  2011 2010 2011 2010 

Interest cost

  $1,761   $1,767   $3,523   $3,534    $1,672   $1,748   $5,195   $5,282  

Expected return on plan assets

   (2,013  (1,962  (4,025  (3,924   (2,023  (1,968  (6,047  (5,891

Amortization of net loss

   786    535    1,571    1,070     570    500    2,140    1,569  
               

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost

  $534   $340   $1,069   $680    $219   $280   $1,288   $960  
               

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
  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  
             

   UNITED KINGDOM 
(In thousands)  Three Months Ended
September 30
  Nine Months Ended
September 30
 
   2011  2010  2011  2010 

Interest cost

  $275   $260   $830   $772  

Expected return on plan assets

   (262  (217  (787  (645

Amortization of net loss

   51    70    154    206  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost

  $64   $113   $197   $333  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Employer Contributions

U.S. Plans

The Company expects to contribute approximately $4,225,000$3,286,000 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 JuneSeptember 30, 2011, $1,444,000$2,446,000 had been contributed to the qualified plans and $152,000$172,000 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 JuneSeptember 30, 2011, $461,000$690,000 had been contributed to the plan.

 

1720


Defined Contribution Plans

The Company sponsors a retirement savings defined contribution plan and a profit sharing defined contribution plan. Both types of defined contribution plans include a qualified portion and a non-qualified supplemental executive plan.

Defined contribution plan expensesexpense for the Company’s retirement savings plan were $1,005,000plans was $1,027,000 and $1,955,000,$2,982,000, respectively, for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2011, compared to $1,170,000$966,000 and $2,294,000,$3,260,000, respectively, for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010.

Expenses related to the Company’s profit sharing plan were $1,510,000$1,064,000 and $2,660,000,$3,644,000, respectively, for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2011, compared to $1,350,000$1,199,000 and $2,726,000,$3,925,000, respectively, for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010.

In July 2011, the Company established a rabbi trust to fund the obligations of its previously unfunded non-qualified supplemental executive defined contribution plans (supplemental plans). The trust comprises various mutual fund investments selected by the participants of the supplemental plans. In accordance with the accounting guidance for rabbi trust arrangements, the assets of the trust and the obligations of the supplemental plans are reported on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The Company elected the fair value option for the mutual fund investment assets. Therefore, the mutual funds are reported at fair value with any subsequent changes in fair value recorded in the income statement. The liabilities related to the supplemental plans increase (i.e., supplemental plan expense is recognized) when the value of the trust assets appreciates and decrease when the value of the trust assets declines (i.e., supplemental plan income is recognized). At September 30, 2011, the balances of the trust assets and related supplemental plan liabilities were $1,238,000 (see the long-term investments section in Note 4 for further discussion of the Company’s mutual fund assets).

21


10.EARNINGS PER SHARE

Below is the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2011 and 2010.

 

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

Computation of Basic Earnings per Share

             

Net income attributable to Stepan Company

  $20,867    $17,046    $39,628    $37,706    $19,169   $19,230   $58,797   $56,936  

Deduct dividends on preferred stock

   179     188     358     376     (178  (186  (536  (562
                  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Income applicable to common stock

  $20,688    $16,858    $39,270    $37,330    $18,991   $19,044   $58,261   $56,374  

Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding

   10,345     10,160     10,335     10,130     10,365    10,188    10,345    10,150  
                  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Basic earnings per share

  $2.00    $1.66    $3.80    $3.69    $1.83   $1.87   $5.63   $5.55  
                
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Computation of Diluted Earnings per Share

             

Net income attributable to Stepan Company

  $20,867    $17,046    $39,628    $37,706    $19,169   $19,230   $58,797   $56,936  

Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding

   10,345     10,160     10,335     10,130     10,365    10,188    10,345    10,150  

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

   237     273     244     267     237    238    241    257  

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

   2     63     2     32  

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

   51    66    17    43  

Add unvested stock awards (under treasury stock method)

   2    1    2    1  

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

   594     622     594     623     593    616    594    621  
                  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Shares applicable to diluted earnings

   11,178     11,118     11,175     11,052     11,248    11,109    11,199    11,072  
                  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Diluted earnings per share

  $1.87    $1.53    $3.55    $3.41    $1.70   $1.73   $5.25   $5.14  
                  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

(1) 

Options to purchase 63,16759,865 shares and 61,51660,966 shares of common stock were not included in the computations of diluted earnings per share for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2011, respectively. Options to purchase 2,180 shares and 727 shares of common stock were not included in the computations of diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, 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 June 30, 2010.

 

1822


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 sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2011 and 2010:

 

(In thousands)  Three Months Ended
June 30
 Six Months Ended
June 30
   Three Months Ended
September 30
 Nine Months Ended
September 30
 
  2011 2010 2011 2010   2011 2010 2011 2010 

Net income

  $21,006   $17,069   $39,822   $37,750    $19,231   $19,223   $59,053   $56,973  

Other comprehensive income:

          

Foreign currency translation gains (losses)

   3,964    (7,842  10,081    (8,674   (20,762  8,909    (10,681  235  

Pension liability adjustments, net of tax

   521    377    1,044    756     389    358    1,433    1,114  

Derivative instrument gain, net of tax

   315    —      389    —    

Derivative instrument gain

   224    —      613    —    
               

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Comprehensive income

   25,806    9,604    51,336    29,832  

Comprehensive (loss) income

   (918  28,490    50,418    58,322  

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests

   (167  (23  (236  (44   (138  (58  (374  (102
               

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to Stepan Company

  $25,639   $9,581   $51,100   $29,788    $(1,056 $28,432   $50,044   $58,220  
               

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

12.SEGMENT REPORTING

The Company has three reportable segments: surfactants, polymers and specialty products. Segment operating results for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 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 June 30, 2011

        

For the three months ended September 30, 2011

        

Net sales

  $343,767    $120,854    $12,368    $476,989    $361,874    $120,061    $17,400    $499,335  

Operating income

   24,693     15,064     3,485     43,242     23,191     12,165     3,557     38,913  

For the three months ended June 30, 2010

        

For the three months ended September 30, 2010

        

Net sales

  $264,567    $90,893    $11,044    $366,504    $264,104    $91,805    $10,891    $366,800  

Operating income

   26,735     10,512     3,776     41,023     21,330     10,490     4,239     36,059  

For the six months ended June 30, 2011

        

For the nine months ended September 30, 2011

        

Net sales

  $668,652    $207,253    $23,682    $899,587    $1,030,526    $327,314    $41,082    $1,398,922  

Operating income

   52,857     21,429     6,749     81,035     76,048     33,594     10,306     119,948  

For the six months ended June 30, 2010

        

For the nine months ended September 30, 2010

        

Net sales

  $526,880    $154,003    $22,651    $703,534    $790,984    $245,808    $33,542    $1,070,334  

Operating income

   55,988     17,164     7,999     81,151     77,318     27,654     12,238     117,210  

 

1923


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

 

(In thousands)  Three Months Ended
June 30
 Six Months Ended
June 30
   Three Months Ended
September 30
 Nine Months Ended
September 30
 
  2011 2010 2011 2010   2011 2010 2011 2010 

Operating income segment totals

  $43,242   $41,023   $81,035   $81,151    $38,913   $36,059   $119,948   $117,210  

Unallocated corporate expenses(1)

   (9,164  (11,251  (17,106  (17,724   (5,510  (4,918  (22,616  (22,642
               

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total operating income

   34,078    29,772    63,929    63,427     33,403    31,141    97,332    94,568  
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Interest expense, net

   (2,194  (1,510  (4,257  (2,766   (2,256  (2,004  (6,513  (4,770

Loss from equity in joint ventures

   (805  (764  (1,770  (1,335

Income (loss) from equity in joint ventures

   (890  132    (2,660  (1,203

Other, net

   253    (1,111  565    (1,333   (2,028  2,011    (1,463  678  
               

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Consolidated income before income taxes

  $31,332   $26,387   $58,467   $57,993    $28,229   $31,280   $86,696   $89,273  
               

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

(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.

 

13.DEBT

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

 

(In thousands)

  Maturity
Dates
  June 30,
2011
   December 31,
2010
   Maturity
Dates
   September 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     2012-2015     17,142     21,428  

6.59%

  2011-2012   5,454     5,454     2012     2,727     5,454  

Unsecured bank term loan

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

Build-to-suit obligation

  —     —       11,384     —       —       11,384  

Unsecured U.S. bank debt

  2013   6,900     —       2013     10,000     —    

Debt of foreign subsidiaries

            

Secured bank term loans, foreign currency

  2011-2015   7,946     8,156     2011-2015     7,052     8,156  

Secured bank term loan, U.S. dollars

  2011-2014   7,000     7,000     2011-2014     6,417     7,000  

Other loans, foreign currency

  2011-2015   22,694     18,142     2011-2015     23,473     18,142  

Seller notes, foreign currency

  2011-2013   13,843     13,008     2011-2013     14,315     13,008  
              

 

   

 

 

Total debt

    $190,765    $191,572      $186,625    $191,572  

Less current maturities

     35,809     31,609       36,408     31,609  
              

 

   

 

 

Long-term debt

    $154,956    $159,963      $150,217    $159,963  
              

 

   

 

 

As of JuneSeptember 30, 2011, there were $6,900,000$10,000,000 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$47,388,000 available under the agreement at JuneSeptember 30, 2011.

 

2024


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 $167,063,000$180,644,000 and $138,727,000 at JuneSeptember 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, respectively.

 

14.OTHER, NET

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

 

(In thousands)  Three Months Ended
June  30
 Six Months Ended
June 30
   Three Months Ended
September 30
   Nine Months Ended
September 30
 
  2011 2010 2011   2010   2011 2010   2011 2010 

Foreign exchange gain (loss)

  $279   $(425 $105    $(996  $(760 $1,042    $(655 $46  

Investment related income

   9    15    22     30     18    18     40    48  

Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

   (35  (701  438     (367   (1,286  951     (848  584  
                

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Other, net

  $253   $(1,111 $565    $(1,333  $(2,028 $2,011    $(1,463 $678  
                

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

 

15.RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In December 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2010-29, “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Disclosures of Supplementary Pro Forma Information for Business Combinations” (ASU 2010-29),Combinations,” 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 No. 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 UpdateASU 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.flows.

 

2125


In June 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards UpdateASU 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.flows.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-08, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment,” which amends the guidance on testing goodwill for impairment. The new standard provides entities that are testing goodwill for impairment the option of performing a qualitative assessment before calculating the fair value of the reporting unit (i.e., step 1 of the goodwill impairment test). If an entity determines, on the basis of the qualitative assessment, that the fair value of the reporting unit is more likely than not (i.e., a likelihood of greater than 50 percent) less than the reporting unit’s carrying amount, the traditional two-step impairment test would be required. The ASU does not change how goodwill is calculated or assigned to reporting units, nor does it revise the requirement to test goodwill annually for impairment. Furthermore, the ASU does not amend the requirement to test goodwill for impairment between annual tests if events or circumstances warrant. The amendments are effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted. Adoption of the new standard is not expected to have an effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

2226


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 areinclude 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 74 percent of consolidated net sales for the first halfthree quarters 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. CompletionCommercial production of methyl esters at 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.

 

Polymers – Polymers, which accounted for 23 percent of consolidated net sales for the first halfthree quarters 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.,

 

2327


 

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 quarterthree quarters 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. (Lipid Nutrition), a part of Loders Croklaan B.V. See the ‘Acquisition’‘2011 Acquisition’ section that follows for details of the transaction.

All three segments have growth strategies that require investment outside of North America. Recent global initiatives include surfactant investments in Brazil and Singapore, polymer investments in Germany and Poland and specialty products investment in the Netherlands (Lipid Nutrition). These growth activities will result in higher near-term costs while facilitating the Company’s long-term growth strategies.

2011 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.Nutrition. The acquired product lines will be integrated intoare included with the Company’s specialty products segment and will be combined with existing Company food and health services products toin the specialty products segment, and 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 inacquired product lines are produced at the acquisition. The acquired products will be manufactured at Stepan’sCompany’s Maywood, New Jersey, plant as well as at existingand outside contract manufacturers for sale on a global basis.manufacturers. The purchase price of the acquisition was cash of $13.6 million, inclusive ofincluding $5.0 million of inventory.

2010 Acquisitions

On July 2, 2010, the Company purchased the manufacturing assets of Peter Cremer GmbH’s 100,000 ton per year methyl esters plant located on Jurong Island in Singapore. The Company is installing methyl esters fractionation capability on the site. Methyl esters are a core building block of the Company’s surfactants segment, and the acquisition of the Jurong Island manufacturing assets provides the Company an opportunity to reach its global customer base with methyl esters and value added derivatives made from tropical oils available in the region. The Company plans for the site to begin methyl esters production in the second quarter of 2012. The purchase price of the manufacturing assets was $10.4 million.

On July 15, 2010, the Company’s Stepan Europe subsidiary acquired all the shares of Alfa Systems Sp. z o.o. The purchase included a polyol plant and related manufacturing assets in Brzeg Dolny, Poland. The acquisition provides the Company’s polymer segment with production capability in Eastern Europe and the ability to economically and effectively serve customers in Central and Eastern Europe. The Company recognized $10.1 million as the purchase price for Alfa Systems, comprised of $8.5 million of cash and $1.6 million in contingent consideration.

 

2428


On July 19, 2010, the Company acquired controlling interest of SPI, raising the Company’s ownership interest in the entity from 50 percent to 88.8 percent. The Company paid $3.7 million of cash to acquire the interests of one owner, transferred $2.0 million of cash to SPI as an additional capital investment and capitalized a $3.9 million liability originally due the Company pursuant to a royalty agreement between the Company and SPI. The Company also guaranteed approximately $8.7 million of debt owed by SPI to a related party of the selling partner.

Deferred Compensation Plans

The accounting for the Company’s deferred compensation plans can cause period-to-period fluctuations in Company expensesprofits. Compensation expense results when the values of Company common stock and profits. Compensationmutual funds held for the plans increase, and compensation income results when the values of Company common stock and mutual funds held for the plans decline, and compensation expense results when the values of Company common stock and mutual funds held for the plans increase.decrease. 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 sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2011 and 2010, and the income statement line items in which the effects of the activities were recorded are displayed in the following tables:

 

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

Deferred Compensation (Administrative expense)

  $0.3    ($2.7 $3.0(1)   $2.0   $1.4    $0.6 (1) 

Realized/Unrealized Gains on Investments (Other, net)

   0.0     (0.7  0.7  

Realized/Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments (Other, net)

   (1.1  1.0     (2.1
             

 

  

 

   

 

 

Pretax Income Effect

  $0.3    ($3.4 $3.7    $0.9   $2.4    $(1.5
             

 

  

 

   

 

 

(In millions)  Income (Expense)
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30
     
       2011          2010           Change     

Deferred Compensation (Administrative expense)

  $2.7   $0.5    $2.2 (1) 

Realized/Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments (Other, net)

   (0.7  0.6     (1.3
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Pretax Income Effect

  $2.0   $1.1    $0.9  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)The value

See the applicable Corporate Expenses section of Company common stock declined $1.60 per share from $72.50 per share at March 31, 2011, to $70.90 per share at June 30, 2011. Forthis management’s discussion and analysis for details regarding 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.

period-to-period change in deferred compensation.

(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 $70.90 per share at June 30, 2011. For the first six months of 2010, 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.

 

2529


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 three and sixnine month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2011, 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 respective three and sixnine month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2010. Consequently, reported net sales, expense and income amounts for the three and sixnine month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2011, were higher than they would have been had the foreign currency exchange rates remained constant with the rates for the same 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 three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2011:

 

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

Net Sales

  $477.0    $366.5    $110.5    $16.6    $499.3    $366.8    $132.5   $12.4  

Gross Profit

   69.6     63.5     6.1     1.5     64.1     58.4     5.7    1.0  

Operating Income

   34.1     29.8     4.3     0.6     33.4     31.1     2.3    0.4  

Pretax Income

   31.3     26.4     4.9     0.4     28.2     31.3     (3.1  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  

   Nine Months Ended
September 30
   Increase
(Decrease)
  Increase
Due to  Foreign
Translation
 
(In millions)  2011   2010    

Net Sales

  $1,398.9    $1,070.3    $328.6   $32.5  

Gross Profit

   195.5     185.5     10.0    2.9  

Operating Income

   97.3     94.6     2.7    1.3  

Pretax Income

   86.7     89.3     (2.6  1.1  

 

2630


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three Months Ended JuneSeptember 30, 2011 and 2010

Summary

Net income attributable to the Company for the secondthird quarter of 2011 increased 22 percent to $20.9was $19.2 million, or $1.87which was essentially unchanged from net income reported for the third quarter of last year. Diluted earnings per diluted share were $1.70 for the third quarter of 2011 compared to $17.0 million, or $1.53 per diluted share,$1.73 for the secondthird quarter of 2010. BelowFollowing this summary 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 secondthird quarter of 2011 follows the summary.2011.

Consolidated net sales increased $110.5$132.5 million, or 3036 percent, yearquarter over year.quarter. Higher average selling prices, a four percent increase in sales volume and the effects of foreign currency translation and higher sales volume accounted for approximately $ 93.0$105.1 million, $16.6$15.0 million and $0.9$12.4 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. A more favorable sales mix also contributed. Sales volume grew for all three reportable segments. The foreign currency translation effect reflected the weakening of the U.S. dollar against all foreign currencies in which the Company transacts business.

Operating income for the third quarter of 2011 increased $2.3 million, or seven percent, over operating income reported in the same quarter of last year. Gross profit increased $5.7 million, or 10 percent, as all three segments posted improvements, primarily as a result of improved margins coupled with higher sales volume. The effects of foreign currency translation contributed $1.0 million to the quarter-over-quarter gross profit change.

Operating expenses increased $3.4 million, or 12 percent, between comparative quarters due primarily to the following:

Investment for future growth opportunities in Singapore, Brazil, Poland, the Netherlands and the Philippines increased total operating expenses by $2.1 million quarter-over-quarter.

Marketing expenses increased $1.5 million, or 16 percent, quarter over quarter. Incremental expenses related to marketing the product lines acquired in the Lipid Nutrition acquisition (completed in the second quarter of 2011) and increased expenses to support the expanding Asia organization accounted for $1.0 million (approximately $0.5 million each) of the increase. Higher salaried payroll and travel-related expenses and the effects of foreign currency translation also contributed.

Administrative expenses increased $1.2 million, or 14 percent, due to a $1.0 million increase in legal and environmental expenses, $0.4 million of additional expenses for the continuing development of business in Singapore and $0.3 million of expense related to the new Lipid Nutrition business. The increase in legal and environmental expenses reflected favorable remediation liability adjustments made in 2010 for two sites. A $0.6 million increase in deferred compensation income partially offset the foregoing items. See the ‘Overview’ and ‘Corporate Expenses’ sections of this management discussion and analysis for details regarding deferred compensation.

31


Research, development and technical service expenses were up $0.7 million, or seven percent, quarter over quarter. Increased staffing and salary expense accounted for most of the increase.

Interest expense, net for the third quarter of 2011 was up $0.3 million, or 13 percent, over interest expense for the same quarter of 2010. Higher average debt levels led to the increase. The increase in the average debt levels were primarily attributable to an approximate $96.0 million increase in year-to-date working capital requirements precipitated by inflation in raw material costs. 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 increased $1.0 million between quarters. The equity loss included results for TIORCO for the third quarter of 2011 compared to results for TIORCO and SPI for the third quarter of 2010 (the 2010 amount included a partial quarter of SPI). The prior year results included a $0.7 million gain related to the revaluation of the Company’s original 50 percent interest in SPI as part of the third quarter 2010 acquisition of controlling interest in the entity. The TIORCO joint venture is primarily a cost sharing venture with Nalco Company, as the Company sells surfactants directly into the enhanced recovery market and the corresponding profit resides in the surfactants segment operating results. As planned, the equity loss in TIORCO increased $0.2 million quarter over quarter.

Other, net was $2.0 million of expense for the third quarter of 2011 compared to $2.0 million of income for the same quarter of 2010, an unfavorable swing of $4.0 million. The Company reported $1.3 million of unrealized and realized losses on its deferred compensation mutual fund investment assets in this year’s third quarter versus $1.0 million of gains in the third quarter of last year. The Company reported foreign exchange losses of $0.8 million in the third quarter of 2011 compared to $1.0 million of gains in the third quarter of 2010.

The effective tax rate was 31.9 percent for the third quarter of 2011 compared to 38.5 percent for the third quarter of 2010. The decrease was primarily attributable to a non-recurring provision in the prior year related to the purchase of an increased ownership in SPI. Also contributing to the decrease was the implementation of a holding company structure that will provide a recurring benefit in lowering the effective tax rate on foreign earnings.

Segment Results

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

For the three months ended September 30, 2011

           

Net sales

  $361,874    $120,061    $17,400    $499,335     —     $499,335  

Operating income

   23,191     12,165     3,557     38,913     (5,510  33,403  

For the three months ended September 30, 2010

           

Net sales

  $264,104    $91,805    $10,891    $366,800     —     $366,800  

Operating income

   21,330     10,490     4,239     36,059     (4,918  31,141  

32


Surfactants

Surfactants net sales for the third quarter of 2011 increased $97.8 million, or 37 percent, over net sales for the same quarter of 2010. All regions contributed to the improvement. Higher average selling prices, the effects of foreign currency translation and a three percent increase in sales volume accounted for approximately $81.6 million, $8.9 million and $7.3 million, respectively, of the net sales growth. A quarter-over-quarter comparison of net sales by region follows:

   For the Three Months Ended         
(In thousands)  September 30,
2011
   September 30,
2010
   Increase   Percent
Change
 

North America

  $219,149    $166,644    $52,505     +32  

Europe

   87,208     63,233     23,975     +38  

Latin America

   40,442     30,744     9,698     +32  

Asia

   15,075     3,483     11,592     +333  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total Surfactants Segment

  $361,874    $264,104    $97,770     +37  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net sales for North American operations increased 32 percent due to a 36 percent increase in average selling prices and the effects of foreign currency translation, which accounted for $57.3 million and $0.9 million, respectively, of the net sales change. A three percent decline in sales volume reduced the quarter-over-quarter increase by $5.7 million. The rise in average selling prices reflected higher quarter-over-quarter raw material costs. A more favorable sales mix of products also contributed to the increase in average selling prices. The foreign currency translation effect reflected the strengthening of the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar over the comparative periods. Lower demand for laundry and cleaning products led to the sales volume decline. Increased sales volume for biodiesel and oil field chemicals partially offset the lower laundry and cleaning sales.

Net sales for European operations increased 38 percent due to a 30 percent increase in average selling prices and the favorable effects of foreign currency translation, which accounted for $18.6 million and $5.7 million, respectively of the net sales increase. Sales volume declined one percent. The increase in average selling prices reflected higher quarter-over-quarter raw material costs. 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 32 percent due to a 14 percent rise in average selling prices, a 10 percent growth in sales volume and the favorable effects of foreign currency translation, which accounted for $4.7 million, $3.0 million and $2.0 million, respectively, of the net sales improvement. The higher average selling prices reflected the Company’s continued efforts to recover increasing raw material costs. Additional neutralizer business for the Company’s Brazil subsidiary and increased fabric softener business for the Company’s Mexico subsidiary accounted for the quarter-over-quarter increase in 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 $11.6 million increase in net sales for Asia operations reflected sales for the Company’s Philippines subsidiary. The Company first consolidated the Philippines joint venture in the third quarter of last year; therefore, 2010 net sales only included activity for a partial quarter.

33


Surfactants operating income for the third quarter of 2011 was up $1.9 million, or nine percent, over operating income for the third quarter of 2010. Gross profit increased $3.6 million, or nine percent, primarily due to improved margins in North America. The effects of foreign currency translation contributed $0.6 million of the quarter-over-quarter gross profit increase. Operating expenses increased $1.8 million, or 10 percent. Quarter-over-quarter comparisons of gross profit by region and total segment operating expenses and operating income follow:

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

Gross Profit

       

North America

  $33,451    $28,548    $4,903    +17  

Europe

   4,976     6,554     (1,578  -24  

Latin America

   3,453     3,367     86    +3  

Asia

   351     142     209    +147  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

Total Surfactants Segment

  $42,231    $38,611    $3,620    +9  

Operating Expenses

   19,040     17,281     1,759    +10  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

Operating Income

  $23,191    $21,330    $1,861    +9  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

North American gross profit increased 17 percent quarter over quarter despite a three percent decline in sales volume. The previously discussed increase in average selling prices, coupled with a more favorable mix of sales, more than offset the impact of the decrease in sales volume. In addition, prior year third quarter gross profit was negatively affected by expenses related to a one-month lockout of hourly workers at the Company’s Millsdale (Illinois) plant.

Gross profit for European operations declined 24 percent due largely to a less favorable product mix and the effects of a planned three-week mandatory inspection shutdown at the Company’s Germany subsidiary. The shutdown led higher quarter-over-quarter expenses (approximately $0.5 million) and lower production. The previously mentioned decline in sales volume also contributed to the reduction in gross profit.

Latin American gross profit grew three percent quarter over quarter due to increased sales volume and the favorable effects of foreign currency translation ($0.2 million). The sales volume growth was largely offset by increased raw material costs and lagging selling price increases, particularly for the Company’s Mexico subsidiary, as well as higher manufacturing costs, primarily attributable to increased overhead associated with the Brazil neutralizer expansion.

The gross profit increase for Asia operations was primarily attributable to a full quarter of financial activity recorded for the Company’s Philippines subsidiary in 2011 compared to a partial quarter for 2010.

Operating expenses for the surfactants segment increased $1.8 million, or 10 percent, quarter over quarter. Increased expenses in Asia ($0.5 million) for expanding the organization in that region, higher marketing expenses in North American operations ($0.5 million) and the effects of foreign currency translation ($0.4 million) accounted for most of the overall operating expense increase. The higher North American operations marketing expense was largely attributable to supporting the growing operations in Asia.

34


Polymers

Net sales for the third quarter of 2011 increased $28.3 million, or 31 percent, over net sales for the third quarter of last year. Higher average selling prices, a 10 percent improvement in sales volume and the favorable effects of foreign currency translation accounted for $15.8 million, $9.0 million and $3.5 million, respectively, of the increase. A quarter-over-quarter comparison of net sales by region is displayed below:

(In thousands)  For the Three Months Ended         
   September 30,
2011
   September 30,
2010
   Increase   Percent
Change
 

North America

  $73,013    $57,986    $15,027     +26  

Europe

   39,312     28,228     11,084     +39  

Asia and Other

   7,736     5,591     2,145     +38  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total Polymers Segment

  $120,061    $91,805    $28,256     +31  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net sales for North American operations increased 26 percent due to an 18 percent rise in average selling prices and a seven percent increase in sales volume, which accounted for $10.9 million and $4.1 million, respectively of the improvement in net sales. The higher average selling prices reflected rising raw material costs for all polymer product lines. Sales volume for polyols increased 17 percent primarily on improved rigid insulation board demand from existing customers. External sales volume for phthalic anhydride declined 8 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 due to the higher sales volume of polyols.

Net sales for European operations increased 39 percent due primarily to a 14 percent rise in average selling prices and a 13 percent increase in sales volume, which accounted for $4.3 million and $3.7 million, respectively, of the net sales improvement. The favorable effects of foreign currency translation, resulting from a stronger European euro against the U.S. dollar, contributed $3.1 million to the quarter-over-quarter net sales increase. The increase in average selling prices was principally attributable to higher raw material costs. Sales volume grew 13 percent as demand for rigid foam insulation in replacement roofing on commercial buildings remained strong. Polyol demand also grew for metal panel insulation and adhesive applications. The Company’s Poland subsidiary accounted for 64 percent of the quarter-over-quarter sales volume growth.

Asia and Other operations’ net sales were up 38 percent quarter over quarter due to a 22 percent increase in sales volume, a seven percent increase in average selling prices and the effects of foreign currency translation, which accounted for $1.2 million, $0.5 million and $0.4 million, respectively, of the net sales improvement. New business for the Company’s China subsidiary led to the quarter-over-quarter growth in sales volume. Higher raw material costs drove the selling price increase.

35


Polymer operating income for the third quarter of 2011 increased $1.7 million, or 16 percent, over operating income for the same quarter of 2010. Gross profit grew $2.2 million, or 15 percent, as all three regions reported improved results. Operating expenses increased $0.6 million, or 12 percent, between quarters. Below are quarter-over-quarter comparisons of gross profit by region and total segment operating expenses and operating income:

(In thousands)  For the Three Months Ended         
   September 30,
2011
   September 30,
2010
   Increase   Percent
Change
 

Gross Profit

        

North America

  $12,630    $11,705    $925     +8  

Europe

   3,813     3,029     784     +26  

Asia and Other

   734     216     518     +240  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total Polymers Segment

  $17,177    $14,950    $2,227     +15  

Operating Expenses

   5,012     4,460     552     +12  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating Income

  $12,165    $10,490    $1,675     +16  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Gross profit for North American operations increased eight percent due to the seven percent growth in sales volume noted earlier. Selling price increases have kept pace with rising raw material costs.

Gross profit for European operations increased 26 percent quarter over quarter due to the 13 percent growth in sales volume and $0.4 million in favorable foreign currency translation impact. Polymer gross profit was adversely impacted by an estimated $1.8 million of higher costs of supplying polyols from the U.S. to Europe due to fire damage to one of the Company’s polyol reactors in Germany that occurred in the second quarter of this year. Repairs should be completed in November. Property insurance is expected to cover the repair costs. The potential benefit of any recovery under business interruption insurance will not be recorded until a settlement is recovered. Gross profit was also negatively affected by higher maintenance costs resulting from a planned shutdown at the Germany plant that is required every five years.

The increase in gross profit for Asia and Other operations reflected the 22 percent increase in sales volume.

The $0.6 million increase in operating expenses was principally attributable to higher expenses for European operations. Approximately $0.4 million of the increase was attributable to the inclusion of a full quarter of Poland subsidiary activity in the third quarter of 2011 compared to a partial quarter in 2010.

Specialty Products

Net sales for the third quarter of 2011 were $6.5 million, or 60 percent, higher than net sales for the third quarter of 2010. Sales related to the new product lines acquired in the second quarter 2011 Lipid Nutrition acquisition accounted for most of the segment’s increase in net sales. Operating income was down $0.7 million, or 16 percent, quarter over quarter due largely to higher raw material costs, particularly for food ingredient products for which competitive pressures have made it difficult to raise selling prices. Start-up costs related to the assimilation of the Lipid Nutrition product lines also contributed to the operating income decline.

36


Corporate Expenses

Corporate expenses, which comprise operating expenses that are not allocated to the reportable segments, increased $0.6 million (12 percent) to $5.5 million for the third quarter of 2011 from $4.9 million for the third quarter of 2010. Legal and environmental expenses increased $1.0 million and income related to the Company’s deferred compensation plans increased $0.6 million. The increase in legal and environmental expenses reflected favorable remediation liability adjustments made in 2010 for two sites that did not recur in 2011. With respect to deferred compensation, the Company recorded $2.0 million of income in the third quarter of 2011 compared to $1.4 million of income in the same quarter of 2010. Declines in the values of the mutual fund assets to which a portion of the deferred compensation obligations are tied led to the higher quarter-over-quarter deferred compensation income. The impact of the mutual fund performance was partially offset by the effect of Company common stock prices that declined less in the third quarter of 2011 than in 2010. The value of Company common stock declined $3.72 per share from $70.90 per share at June 30, 2011, to $67.18 per share at September 30, 2011. For last year’s third quarter, the Company’s common stock price decreased $9.32 per share from $68.43 per share at June 30, 2010, to $59.11 per share at September 30, 2010. The accounting treatment for the Company’s deferred compensation plans results in income when the value of Company common stock or mutual funds held in the plans falls and expense when the value of Company common stock or mutual funds increases.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 and 2010

Summary

Net income attributable to the Company for the first three quarters of 2011 increased three percent to $58.8 million, or $5.25 per diluted share, compared to $56.9 million, or $5.14 per diluted share, for the first three quarters of 2010. Following the summary is a detailed discussion of segment operating performance for the first three quarters of 2011 follows the summary.

Consolidated net sales increased $328.6 million, or 31 percent, between years. Higher average selling prices, the favorable effects of foreign currency translation and a three percent growth in sales volume accounted for approximately $268.0 million, $32.5 million and $28.1 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. Sales volume improved less than one percent, as increased volumeswas up for polymers and specialty products were largely offset by a decline in surfactants sales volume.all three reportable segments.

Operating income for the second quarterfirst three quarters of 2011 increased $4.3improved $2.8 million, or 14three percent, over operating income reported infor the second quartersame period of 2010. Gross profit improved $6.1grew $10.0 million, or 10five percent, due largelyprimarily on improved results for the surfactants and polymers segments, primarily North American operations. Increased raw material costs led to strong polymers growth.a decline in gross profit for the specialty products segment. The effects of foreign currency translation contributed $1.5added $2.9 million to the year-over-year increase in gross profit change.profit.

37


Operating expenses increased $1.8$7.2 million, or fiveeight percent, between comparative quartersfrom year to year due primarily to the following:

 

Investment for future growth opportunities in Singapore, Brazil, Poland, the Netherlands and the Philippines increased total operating expenses by $5.1 million year-over-year.

Marketing expenses increased $2.8$4.2 million, or 3014 percent, quarteryear over quarter.year. Expenses related to the Company’s growth initiatives in Singapore and Poland and the consolidation of the Philippines entity accounted for $1.0$1.9 million of the increase. HigherU.S. travel-related expenses were up $0.7 million and salaried payrollfirst-time marketing expenses related to the product lines acquired in the Lipid Nutrition acquisition (completed in the second quarter of 2011) added $0.5 million. The effects of foreign currency translation contributed $0.7 million of the year-over-year change.

Administrative expenses increased $1.4 million, or four percent, due to $1.6 million of added expenses related to the acquired entities that were not consolidated until the third quarter of 2010 and $1.2 million of higher legal and environmental expenses. The increase in legal and environmental expenses reflected favorable remediation liability adjustments made in 2010 for two sites. In addition to the foregoing, the effects of foreign currency translation also contributed.

Administrativeand expenses declined $1.6 million, or 11 percent, duerelated to a $3.0 million decrease in deferred compensation expense. The Company recordedthe new Lipid Nutrition business contributed $0.6 and $0.3 million, ofrespectively, to the increase. Higher deferred compensation income forreduced the second quarter of 2011 compared to $2.7 million ofyear-over-year increase in administrative expense for the second quarter of 2010. The favorable swing in deferred compensation expense resulted primarily from changes in the price of Company common stock to which a large part of the deferred compensation obligation is tied.by $2.2 million. See the ‘Overview’ and ‘Corporate Expenses’ sections of this management discussion and analysis for further details. The effect ofdetails regarding deferred compensation expense was partially offset by expenses for the Singapore, Philippines and Poland entities ($0.7 million) and the impact of foreign currency translation.compensation.

 

27


Research, development and technical service expenses were up $0.6$1.6 million, or six percent, quarter over quarter. Increased salariespercent. Higher U.S. staffing and related fringe benefitssalary expense accounted for most$1.1 million of the increase. The effects of foreign currency translation also contributed.

Interest expense, net for the second quarterfirst three quarters of 2011 was up $0.7$1.7 million, or 4537 percent, over interest expense for the same quarter of 2010.between years. Higher average debtborrowing levels led to the increase. The increase in the average debt levels were, in part, attributable to higheran approximate $96.0 million increase in year-to-date working capital requirements brought ondriven 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.increased borrowing levels.

The loss from equity joint ventures, which included results for TIORCO for the second quarterfirst three quarters of 2011 compared toand the results for TIORCO and SPI for the second quarterfirst three quarters of 2010 (the Company acquired controlling2010 amount included SPI results for the first half of the year plus part of the third quarter), increased $1.5 million year over year. SPI’s equity income in the prior year was $1.2 million, which included a $0.7 million gain related to revaluing the Company’s original 50 percent interest ofin SPI inas part of the third quarter 2010 acquisition of 2010), increased less than $0.1 million between quarters.controlling interest in the entity. The TIORCO joint venture is primarily a cost sharing venture with Nalco Company, as the Company sells surfactants directly into the enhanced recovery market and the corresponding profit resides in the surfactants segment operating results. As planned, the equity loss in TIORCO declined less than $0.1increased $0.3 million and the second quarter of last year included SPI equity income of $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.over year.

38


Other, net was $0.3$1.5 million of expense for the first three quarters of 2011 compared to $0.7 million of income for the second quartersame three quarters of 2010. Investment losses, attributable primarily to the Company’s deferred compensation mutual fund investments, amounted to $0.8 million for the first three quarters of 2011 compared to $1.1$0.6 million of expensegains for the second quarter of 2010, a favorable swing of $1.4 million.same period last year. The Company reported foreign exchange gainslosses of $0.3$0.7 million in the second quarterfirst three quarters of 2011 compared to $0.4versus less than $0.1 million of lossesgains in the same quarterperiod 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.

The effective tax rate was 33.031.9 percent for the second quarter ended June 30,first three quarters of 2011 compared to 35.336.2 percent for the second quarter ended June 30,first three quarters of 2010. The decrease was primarily attributable a non-recurring provision in the prior year related to the purchase of an increased ownership in SPI. Also contributing to the decrease was 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.

Segment Results

 

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

For the three months ended June 30, 2011

                       

Net sales

  $343,767    $120,854    $12,368    $476,989     —     $476,989  

Operating income

   24,693     15,064     3,485     43,242     (9,164  34,078  

For the three months ended June 30, 2010

                       

Net sales

  $264,567    $90,893    $11,044    $366,504     —     $366,504  

Operating income

   26,735     10,512     3,776     41,023     (11,251  29,772  

28


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

For the nine months ended September 30, 2011

           

Net sales

  $1,030,526    $327,314    $41,082    $1,398,922     —     $1,398,922  

Operating income

   76,048     33,594     10,306     119,948     (22,616  97,332  

For the nine months ended September 30, 2010

           

Net sales

  $790,984    $245,808    $33,542    $1,070,334     —     $1,070,334  

Operating income

   77,318     27,654     12,238     117,210     (22,642  94,568  

Surfactants

Surfactants net sales for the second quarterfirst three quarters of 2011 increased $79.2$239.5 million, or 30 percent, over net sales for the second quarterfirst three quarters of 2010. Higher average selling prices, and the favorable effects of foreign currency translation and a one percent increase in sales volume accounted for approximately $69.8$208.1 million, $24.7 million and $12.3$6.7 million, respectively, of the net sales growth.improvement. A one percent decline in sales volume reduced the net sales increase by $2.9 million. A quarter-over-quarteryear-over-year comparison of net sales by region follows:

 

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

North America

  $216,648    $179,221    $37,427     +21    $641,947    $524,485    $117,462     +22  

Europe

   79,706     58,478     21,228     +36     244,107     181,291     62,816     +35  

Latin America

   34,721     26,868     7,853     +29     107,360     81,725     25,635     +31  

Asia

   12,692     —       12,692     NM     37,112     3,483     33,629     NM  
                

 

   

 

   

 

   

Total Surfactants Segment

  $343,767    $264,567    $79,200     +30    $1,030,526    $790,984    $239,542     +30  
                

 

   

 

   

 

   

39


Net sales for North American operations increased 2122 percent due to a 30 percent increase in average selling prices and the effects of foreign currency translation, which accounted for $50.0 million and $0.9 million, respectively, of the net sales change. An eight percent decline in sales volume reduced the quarter-over-quarter increase by $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. Decreased sales volumes of laundry and cleaning products, due to nonrecurring business in the year ago quarter and lower demand, accounted for the sales volume decline.

Net sales for European operations increased 36 percent due to a 4329 percent increase in average selling prices and the favorable effects of foreign currency translation, which accounted for $21.5$143.5 million and $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 by $1.1 million. Although all three Latin American locations contributed to the net sales growth, additional business for the Company’s Brazil subsidiary accounted for approximately 84 percent of the quarter-over-quarter increase in 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 $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 second quarter of 2011 was down $2.0 million, or eight percent, from operating income for the second quarter of 2010. Gross profit increased $1.5 million, or three percent, as improved margins in 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 contributed $0.9 million to the quarter-over-quarter gross profit increase. Operating expenses increased $3.6 million, or 20 percent. Quarter-over-quarter comparisons of gross profit by region and total segment operating expenses and operating income follow:

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

Gross Profit

       

North America

  $36,862    $34,365    $2,497    +7  

Europe

   6,148     5,535     613    +11  

Latin America

   1,931     4,425     (2,494  -56  

Asia

   928     —       928    NM  
                

Total Surfactants Segment

  $45,869    $44,325    $1,544    +3  

Operating Expenses

   21,176     17,590     3,586    +20  
                

Operating Income

  $24,693    $26,735    $(2,042  -8  
                

North American gross profit was up seven percent between 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 July 1, 2011.

Gross profit for European operations increased 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 and the decline in sales volume.

Despite the 22 percent increase in sales volume, gross profit for Latin American operations was down 56 percent quarter over quarter. The drop in profit was primarily attributable to one-time costs related to a delay in the start up of 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.

The $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 $3.6 million, or 20 percent, quarter 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 most of the overall operating expense increase. Increased marketing ($1.8 million) expenses led to the higher North American operations expense, due in part to expenses to support the growing operations in Asia.

30


Polymers

Polymers net sales for the second quarter of 2011 increased $30.0 million, or 33 percent, over net sales for the last year’s second quarter. Higher average selling prices, a six percent improvement in sales volume and the favorable effects of foreign currency translation accounted for $20.6 million, $5.1 million and $4.3 million, respectively, of the increase. A quarter-over-quarter comparison of net sales by region is displayed below:

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

North America

  $75,392    $61,611    $13,781     +22  

Europe

   36,847     23,803     13,044     +55  

Asia and Other

   8,615     5,479     3,136     +57  
                 

Total Polymers Segment

  $120,854    $90,893    $29,961     +33  
                 

Net sales for North American operations increased 22 percent due primarily to a 22 percent increase in average selling prices, which accounted for $13.4 million 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. Polyols sales volume grew nine percent on improved rigid insulation board demand from existing customers. External sales volume for phthalic 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 on higher sales volume of polyols.

Net sales for European operations grew 55 percent due to a 23 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 $2.8 million, respectively, of the net sales improvement. Increased raw material costs led to the higher average selling prices. The Company’s Poland subsidiary, which was acquired in the third quarter of 2010, accounted for 58 percent of the quarter-over-quarter sales volume growth. The 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 European euro against the U.S. dollar between the comparative periods.

Asia and Other operations’ net sales were up 57 percent quarter over quarter due to a 36 percent increase in sales volume and a 12 percent increase in average selling prices. 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.

31


Polymer operating income for the second quarter of 2011 increased $4.5 million, or 43 percent, over operating income for the same quarter of 2010. Gross profit grew $5.5 million, or 37 percent, as all three regions reported improved results. Operating expenses increased $1.0 million, or 21 percent, between quarters. Below are quarter-over-quarter comparisons of gross profit by region and total segment operating expenses and operating income:

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

Gross Profit

        

North America

  $15,193    $11,833    $3,360     +28  

Europe

   4,668     2,789     1,879     +67  

Asia and Other

   698     418     280     +67  
                 

Total Polymers Segment

  $20,559    $15,040    $5,519     +37  

Operating Expenses

   5,495     4,528     967     +21  
                 

Operating Income

  $15,064    $10,512    $4,552     +43  
                 

Gross profit for North American operations increased 28 percent due to improved average unit margins and a nine percent increase in polyol sales volume. Despite a decline in sales volume, phthalic anhydride gross profit also improved as a result of better raw material inventory positions.

Gross profit for European operations was up 67 percent quarter over quarter due to the above-noted selling price increases, sales volume growth and $0.6 million in favorable foreign currency translation impact. Margins were lower in the year ago quarter as selling price increases did not keep pace with raw material cost increases.

The increase in gross profit for Asia and Other operations reflected the 36 percent increase in sales volume.

The $1.0 million increase in operating expenses was principally attributable to higher expenses for European 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 second quarter of 2011 were $1.3 million, or 12 percent, higher than net sales for the second quarter of 2010. Higher sales volume for food ingredient and flavoring products accounted for most of the increase in net sales. Operating income was down $0.3 million, or eight percent, quarter over quarter due to higher raw material costs, particularly for food ingredient products for which competitive pressures have made it difficult to raise selling prices.

32


Corporate Expenses

Corporate expenses, which comprise operating expenses that are not allocated to the reportable segments, declined $2.1 million (19 percent) to $9.2 million for the second quarter of 2011 from $11.3 million for the second quarter of 2010. Deferred compensation expense accounted for the decline, as the Company 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 value of Company common stock, to which a large portion of the deferred compensation obligation is tied, declined $1.60 per share from $72.50 per share at March 31, 2011, to $70.90 per share at June 30, 2011. For last year’s second quarter, 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. 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 Company 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 gross 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 than $0.1 million between years and the first half of 2010 included SPI equity income of $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 half of 2011 compared 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$2.9 million, respectively, of the net sales change. A sevensix percent decline in sales volume reduced the year-over-year change by $23.3$28.9 million. Higher costs for all majorSelling prices were increased year-over-year to recover the effects of higher raw materials drovematerial costs. In addition, a more favorable mix of sales contributed to 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 11a 14 percent decrease in laundry and cleaning products. The decline in laundryproducts sales volume, was primarily attributable to nonrecurring business in the prior year and weaker demand. The lower laundry and cleaning sales volume was partially offset by growth in biodiesel, oil field chemicals and agricultural chemicals.

Net sales for European operations increased 3335 percent due to a 3634 percent increase in average selling prices and the favorable effects of foreign currency translation, which accounted for $39.1$58.0 million and $8.9$14.5 million, respectively of the net sales increase. Sales volume declined eightfive percent between years. Selling price increases made betweenyears, which reduced the comparative periods, reflecting higher raw material costs, led to theyear-over-year change by $9.7 million. The increase in average selling prices. prices reflected higher raw material costs. The foreign currency translation effect resulted from the strengthening of the European euro and British pound sterling against the U.S. dollar. Weaker demand coupled with some lost business caused the sales volume decline.

Net sales for Latin American operations were upimproved 31 percent as a result of a 1715 percent increase in sales

35


volume, the favorable effects of foreign currency translation and a threeseven percent increase in average selling prices, which accounted for $8.9$11.9 million, $5.0$7.0 million and $2.0$6.7 million, respectively, of the year-over-year net sales increase. Additional neutralizer 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$33.6 million of net sales increase for Asia operations reflected three quarters of sales byfor the Company’s Philippines subsidiary which is now consolidated.in 2011 compared to a partial quarter of sales in 2010.

40


Surfactants operating income for the first halfthree quarters of 2011 was $3.1$1.3 million lower than operating income for the same periodfirst three quarters of a year ago.2010. Gross profit increased $0.6$4.2 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 capacityneutralizer expansion in Brazil, negatively impacted surfactants’surfactants gross profit. Operating expenses increased $3.7$5.5 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
   For the Nine Months Ended       
  June 30, 2011   June 30, 2010      September 30,
2011
   September 30,
2010
   Increase
(Decrease)
 Percent
Change
 

Gross Profit

              

North America

  $74,408    $71,603    $2,805    +4    $107,859    $100,151    $7,708    +8  

Europe

   11,849     12,602     (753  -6     16,825     19,156     (2,331  -12  

Latin America

   5,096     8,461     (3,365  -40     8,549     11,828     (3,279  -28  

Asia

   1,899     —       1,899    NM     2,250     142     2,108    NM  
               

 

   

 

   

 

  

Total Surfactants Segment

  $93,252    $92,666    $586    +1    $135,483    $131,277    $4,206    +3  

Operating Expenses

   40,395     36,678     3,717    +10     59,435     53,959     5,476    +10  
               

 

   

 

   

 

  

Operating Income

  $52,857    $55,988    $(3,131  -6    $76,048    $77,318    $(1,270  -2  
               

 

   

 

   

 

  

Gross profit for North American gross profitoperations improved foureight percent between years onyear-over-year despite sales volume that declined sevensix percent. TheA more favorable sales mix and the previously noted increase in average selling prices coupled with a more favorable mix of sales, helped tothan offset the impact of the decrease in sales volume. As noted inIn addition, 2010 gross profit was negatively affected by expenses related to a one-month lockout of hourly workers at the quarter-over-quarter discussion, the Company announced selling price increases effective July 1, 2011.Company’s Millsdale (Illinois) plant.

Gross profit for European operations declined six12 percent due to the eight percent decline inlower sales volume and higher manufacturing expenses. Manufacturing expenses were up about nine percent year-over-year primarily as a result of an increase in maintenance costs for the negativeUnited Kingdom and Germany facilities. In addition, the effects of higher raw material costs. The previously mentioned selling price increases did not keep pace witha planned three-week shutdown for a mandatory inspection at the rapid riseCompany’s Germany subsidiary contributed to the increase in raw material costs.manufacturing expenses. The favorable effects of foreign currency translation lessened the year-over-year decline in gross profit by $0.6$1.0 million.

Gross profit for Latin American operations was down 40declined 28 percent despite the 1715 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. The favorable effects of foreign currency translation reduced the year-over-year decline in gross profit by $0.5 million.

36


The $1.9$2.1 million of gross profit increase for Asia operations reflected profits earned bythree quarters of profit for the Company’s Philippines subsidiary.subsidiary in 2011 compared to a partial quarter of gross profit in 2010, when it was first consolidated after securing majority ownership.

Operating expenses for the surfactants segment increased $3.7$5.5 million, or 10 percent, year over year. Higher expenses for North American operations ($1.62.7 million), additional expenses for the Singapore and Philippines locations, which were first consolidated in the third quarter of

41


2010 ($1.11.6 million), and the effects of foreign currency translation ($0.91.3 million) accounted for most of the operating expense increase. The increase in North America operating expenses was attributable to higher marketing ($1.7 million) and research and development expenses ($1.1 million). Increased support expenses for the expanding Asia operations accounted for most of the increase in North American operating expenses.marketing expense. An increase in travel expense also contributed. Higher salary expense, along with an increase in temporary help, led to the rise in North America research and development expense.

Polymers

Polymers net sales for the first halfthree quarters of 2011 increased $53.3$81.5 million, or 3533 percent, fromover net sales for the same period of 2010.last year. Higher average selling prices, an 11 percent improvement in sales volume and the favorable effects of foreign currency translation accounted for $31.7$47.4 million, $17.4$26.4 million and $4.2$7.7 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
   For the Nine Months Ended         
  June 30, 2011   June 30, 2010     September 30,
2011
   September 30,
2010
   Increase   Percent
Change
 

North America

  $129,581    $103,584    $25,997     +25    $202,594    $161,570    $41,024     +25  

Europe

   65,427     42,243     23,184     +55     104,739     70,471     34,268     +49  

Asia and Other

   12,245     8,176     4,069     +50     19,981     13,767     6,214     +45  
                

 

   

 

   

 

   

Total Polymers Segment

  $207,253    $154,003    $53,250     +35    $327,314    $245,808    $81,506     +33  
                

 

   

 

   

 

   

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$30.7 million and $6.3$10.3 million, respectively, of the increase in net sales.sales growth. The higher average selling prices reflected higher raw material costs for all polymer product lines. Sales volume for polyols increased 1415 percent, while sales volume for phthalic anhydride declined threefour percent. The sales volume improvement for polyols resulted primarily from increased demand from existing rigid insulation board customers. Sales volume for phthalic anhydride customers was down due largely to weaker demand from polyester resin customers.

Net sales for European operations grew 55increased 49 percent due to a 20an 18 percent increaserise in average selling prices, a 21an 18 percent increasegain in sales volume and the favorable effects of foreign currency translation, which accounted for $10.5$14.7 million, $8.9$12.7 million and $3.8$6.9 million, respectively, of the net sales improvement. Increased raw material costs led to theThe higher average selling prices.prices reflected higher year-over-year raw material costs. The higherincrease in sales volume reflectedresulted from stronger demand from most major polyol customers.rigid insulation board customers and new demand for metal panel insulation and adhesive applications. In addition, the Company’s Poland subsidiary, which was acquired in the third quarter of 2010, accounted for 2535 percent of the quarter-over-quarteryear-over-year sales volume growth.

Net sales for Asia and Other operations increased 5045 percent year over yearbetween years due to a 2826 percent increase in sales volume, a 13an 11 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.

 

3742


Polymer operating income for the first halfthree quarters of 2011 increased $4.3improved $5.9 million, or 2521 percent, fromover operating income for the first halfsame period of 2010. Gross profit improved $5.5increased $7.7 million, as all three regions posted growth.gains. Operating expenses increased $1.2$1.8 million, or 14 percent, between years.13 percent. 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
   For the Nine Months Ended         
  June 30, 2011   June 30, 2010     September 30,
2011
   September 30,
2010
   Increase   Percent
Change
 

Gross Profit

                

North America

  $23,753    $19,275    $4,478     +23    $36,383    $30,980    $5,403     +17  

Europe

   7,034     6,208     826     +13     10,847     9,237     1,610     +17  

Asia and Other

   881     698     183     +26     1,615     914     701     +77  
                

 

   

 

   

 

   

Total Polymers Segment

  $31,668    $26,181    $5,487     +21    $48,845    $41,131    $7,714     +19  

Operating Expenses

   10,239     9,017     1,222     +14     15,251     13,477     1,774     +13  
                

 

   

 

   

 

   

Operating Income

  $21,429    $17,164    $4,265     +25    $33,594    $27,654    $5,940     +21  
                

 

   

 

   

 

   

Gross profit for North American operations was up 2317 percent due to improved unit margins and the six15 percent increase in polyols sales volume noted earlier. The previously mentioned selling price increases coupled with better raw material inventory positions, particularly for phthalic anhydride, 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 1317 percent due to the 21aforementioned 18 percent growth in sales volume growth and $0.5$0.9 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. Polymers gross profit was adversely impacted by an estimated $2.2 million of higher costs of supplying polyols from the U.S. to Europe due to fire damage to one of the Company’s polyol reactors in Germany that occurred in the second quarter of this year. Repairs should be completed in November. Property insurance is expected to cover the repair costs. The potential benefit of any recovery under business interruption insurance will not be recorded until a settlement is recovered. Gross profit was also negatively affected by higher maintenance costs resulting from a planned shutdown at the Germany plant that is required every five years.

Gross profit for Asia and Other operations increased 2677 percent due to selling price increases that recovered margin previously lost to increasing raw material costs and to the 2826 percent improvementgrowth in sales volume.

Operating expenses increased $1.2$1.8 million year-over-year due largelyprimarily to higher expenses for European operations ($0.91.6 million). Expenses for the Poland subsidiary, acquired in the third quarter of last year, contributed $0.5$0.8 million of the expense. Higher marketing expenses, attributable to increased salary, fringe benefits and travel expenses, accounted for the remainder of the increase in operating expenses for European operations.

43


Specialty Products

Net sales for the first halfthree quarters of 2011 were $1.0increased $7.5 million, or five22 percent, higher thanover net sales for the first halfthree quarters of 2010. Higher sales volume forof food ingredient and flavoring products accounted for most of the segment’s increase in net sales.sales volume. Sales volume related to the new Lipid Nutrition product lines also contributed. Operating income was down $1.3$1.9 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 $17.1of $22.6 million for the first halfthree quarters of 2011 were unchanged from $17.7corporate expenses reported for the same period of 2011. Deferred compensation income increased $2.2 million year-over-year, but was completely offset by increases in other expenses, most notably a $1.2 million increase in legal and environmental expenses and $0.5 million of higher expense related to derivative income reported in 2010 arising from recording certain electric contracts at fair value (the Company held no such contracts during 2011). With respect to deferred compensation, the Company recorded $2.7 million of deferred compensation income for the first halfthree quarters of 2011 compared to $0.5 million of income for the first three quarters of 2010. Declines in the values of Company stock and the mutual fund assets to which the deferred compensation obligations are tied led to the higher year-over-year deferred compensation income. The following table depictsvalue of Company common stock declined $9.09 per share from $76.27 per share at December 31, 2010, to $67.18 per share at September 30, 2011. For the major itemsfirst three quarters of last year, the Company’s common stock price declined $5.70 per share from $64.81 per share at December 31, 2009, to $59.11 per share at September 30, 2010. The increase in legal and environmental expenses reflected favorable remediation liability adjustments made in 2010 for two sites that accounted for the year-over-year declinedid not recur 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 sixnine months ofended September 30, 2011, the Company used $85.6$78.8 million of available cash plus $7.4$5.0 million of net borrowings to fund a netand operating cash usesources of $21.3$12.6 million to fund net investing cash outflows of $54.5$76.4 million and non-debt financing cash outflows of $18.1$18.8 million, with exchange rates increasingdecreasing cash by $0.9$1.1 million. For the first half of 2011,current year to date, net income was up by $2.1 million and working capital consumed $38.8$41.0 million more than for the samecomparable period in 2010.last year. Investing cash outflows increased by $25.6$0.4 million year over year. Cash flows fromused in financing activities were a $10.7$13.8 million use of cash for the first half of 2011 comparedcurrent year to date versus a $36.0$42.3 million cash source of cash for the first half ofcomparable period in 2010.

For the first half of 2011,current year to date, changes in accounts receivable comprisedwere a cash use of $92.7 million versus a use of $83.9 million compared to a use of $61.7$53.8 million for the comparable period in 2010.prior year period. Inventories were a use of $55.1$38.1 million in 2011 versus a use of $13.7$21.1 million in 2010. Accounts payable and accrued liabilities were a source of $55.2$53.0 million duringin 2011 compared to a source of $27.8$33.3 million in 2010.

39


During 2011, the rising cost of raw materials has been a key driver to higher working capital and the 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.

44


The year-to-date accounts receivable increase was the result of higher current quarter-end sales, specifically June 2011mainly for the final two months of the current year quarter, over Decemberthe fourth quarter of 2010, driven mainly by both higher sales volume and to a lesser extent, higher selling prices. Accounts receivable turnover did not change significantly between December 31, 2010 and JuneSeptember 30, 2011. For inventories, slightlysomewhat 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 improved 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 the remainder of 2011.

Investing cash outflows for the first half ofnine months 2011 totaled $54.5$76.4 million compared to $28.9versus $76.8 million for the comparable period in 2010.prior year period. Capital expendituresspending for the first six months of 2011current year period totaled $40.4$61.0 million, including higher spendingincreased expenditures for capacity expansion, compared to $28.0$54.9 million for the same period in 2010.comparable prior year period. 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. The purchase price included $5.0 million of inventory. During 2011 the Company also liquidated $1.6 million of investments for benefit plan participant payouts versus $0.7$0.8 million in 2010.

For full-yearthe entire year of 2011, the Company estimates that 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 during the 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.

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. DuringFor the first sixnine months of 2011, the Company purchased 15,56220,157 common shares in the open market at a total cost of $1.0$1.3 million. At JuneAs of September 30, 2011, there were 235,153213,915 shares remaining under the current share repurchase authorization.

At JuneAs of September 30, 2011, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents totaled $25.6$32.4 million, including $0.2$14.1 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 $10.6 milliondeposits and cash of the Company’s non-U.S. subsidiaries held outside the U.S. totaled $14.8 million as of June 30, 2011.$18.3 million.

ConsolidatedTotal Company debt decreased by $0.8$5.0 million for the first half of 2011,current year to date, from $191.6 million to $190.8$186.6 million, reflecting a decrease of $6.0 million inwith U.S. debt decreasing $9.9 million and an increase of $5.2 million in foreign debt. The increase indebt increasing $4.9 million. Higher foreign debt was driven primarily by capital spending in Europe. The decrease in U.S. debt reflected the liquidation of the previously noted

40


build-to-suit lease obligation and an increase in revolving bank debt. Net debt (which is defined as total debt minus cash) increased by $84.8$73.8 million for the sixfirst nine months of 2011, from $80.4 million to $165.2$154.2 million. At JuneAs of September 30, 2011, the ratio of total debt to total debt plus shareholders’ equity was 32.231.8 percent versus 35.2 percent at December 31, 2010. The ratio of net debt to net debt plus shareholders’ equity was 29.227.8 percent as of Juneat September 30, 2011, compared to 18.5 percent at December 31, 2010.

As of JuneSeptember 30, 2011, the Company’s debt included $106.9$99.9 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 termmedium-term needs. The Company’s debt also included a $25.5 million term loan with its U.S. banks, which has maturities in 2012 and 2013.

45


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 JuneAt September 30, 2011, the Company had borrowings of $6.9$10.0 million and outstanding letters of credit of $2.6 million under this agreement, with $50.5$47.4 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 JuneAt September 30, 2011, the Company’s European subsidiaries had bank term loans of $6.2$5.4 million with maturities through 2015 and short-term bank debt of $21.8$23.2 million with available short-term borrowing capacity of $19.2$20.3 million. The Company’s Latin American subsidiaries had no outstanding debt, with $11.8$10.6 million of short-term borrowing capacity as of that date. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2011, the Company’s Singapore subsidiary was obligated for $13.8$14.3 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 $9.7$8.4 million and available borrowing capacity of $8.1$8.8 million. StepanThe Company has guaranteed the debt obligations of its Singapore subsidiary and of its majority-owned joint ventures in the Philippines and China.

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., Stepan Specialty Products, LLC, Stepan Specialty Products B.V. and Stepan Asia Pte. Ltd. (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.

 

41


 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 13, Debt, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

46


The Company was in compliance with all of its loan agreements as of JuneSeptember 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 sixnine months of 2011, the Company’s expenditures for capital projects related to the environment were $0.7$1.0 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 $8.1$12.2 million and $7.8$11.6 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. While difficult to project, it is not anticipated that these recurring expenses will increase significantly in the future.

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 $9.4 million to $29.2 million at JuneSeptember 30, 2011, compared to $10.0 million to $29.7 million at December 31, 2010. At JuneSeptember 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, respectively. Actual costs could differ from the estimated reported liability. During the first sixnine months of 2011, cash outlays related to legal and environmental matters approximated $2.7$3.3 million compared to $1.6$2.1 million for the first sixnine 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).

42


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,

47


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 8 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for a summary of the environmental proceedings related to certain environmental sites.

OUTLOOK

The Company’s growth initiatives areremain on track to deliver futureincreased earnings in 2012. SurfactantManagement expects surfactants earnings willto improve this yearin 2011 as growth from the Company’s higher margin functional surfactants offsets the weakness in consumer volumes. Surfactant demand for enhanced oil recovery continues to grow. The Company’s Brazil expansion is complete and will havedelivered improved contributionresults in the third quarter.

The significant improvementrecent fall of commodity prices should improve margins 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 continuefourth quarter.

Global polyols volume continues to require 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 other potential losses related to the fire. The Company’s polymer plant in Poland should see improved volume over the balance of the year as it begins fulfilling new customer demand.

Specialty product earnings will benefit from recommendations to use higher insulation levels to reduce energy consumption and new applications. The polyol supply chain cost should decrease in 2012 as the Company’s recently announcedCompany begins to utilize its expanded capacity in Germany. Specialty products earnings are expected to benefit from the Lipid Nutrition product line acquisition. The acquisition should contribute to earnings this year and provide longer term synergies with the Company’s existing food ingredients business.

WhileIn 2011 will have some planned higher costs associated with global growth initiatives, the Company has the opportunity to deliver fullachieve its fourth consecutive record income year earnings growth.despite the economy and higher expenses associated with growth initiatives in Brazil, Singapore, Poland and the Netherlands.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

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

 

4348


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 JuneSeptember 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.

 

4449


Part IIOTHER INFORMATION

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 secondthird 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
 

April

   —       —       —       —    

May

   15,562    $64.26     —       —    

June

   —       —       —       —    

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
 

July

   16,643 (a)  $79.92     —       —    

August

   —      —       —       —    

September

   4,595   $67.33     —       —    

(a)

Includes 16,643 shares tendered in lieu of cash for stock option exercises. The shares tendered were held by the individual exercising the options for more than six months.

Item 3 – Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None

Item 4 – (Removed and Reserved)

Item 5 – Other Information

NoneAt our 2011 annual meeting of stockholders, our stockholders voted for holding advisory votes on compensation awarded to our named executive officers every year. In light of this result, on October 25, 2011, our Board of Directors decided that we will hold an annual advisory vote on the compensation of named executive officers until the next required vote on the frequency of shareholder votes on the compensation of executives. We expect to hold a vote on frequency every six years.

 

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Item 6 – Exhibits

 

(a)

Exhibit 10(a)Copy of First Amendment, Dated as of October 25, 2011, to Note Purchase Agreement Dated as of September 29, 2005.
(a)Exhibit 10(a)Stepan Company 2011 Incentive Compensation Plan, filed with the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A (Appendix A) on March 31, 2011, and incorporated herein by reference

(b)

Exhibit 10(a)1Form of 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 31.1   Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
(g)

(c)

 Exhibit 31.2   Certification of Vice President and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
(h)

(d)

 Exhibit 32   Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
(i)

(e)

 Exhibit 101.INS   XBRL Instance Document(1)
(j)

(f)

 Exhibit 101.SCH   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document(1)
(k)

(g)

 Exhibit 101.CAL   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document(1)
(l)

(h)

 Exhibit 101.LAB   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document(1)
(m)

(i)

 Exhibit 101.PRE   XBRL 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: July 29,October 28, 2011

 /s/ J. E. Hurlbutt
 

/s/ J. E. Hurlbutt

 J. E. Hurlbutt
 Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

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