UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(MARK ONE)

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

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, ~~2019~~2020

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

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM TO

Commission File Number 1-4462

STEPAN COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware		36-1823834
(State or other jurisdiction		(I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization)		Identification Number)

~~Edens and Winnetka~~22 West Frontage Road, Northfield, Illinois 60093

(Address of principal executive offices)

Registrant’s telephone number (847) 446-7500

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:

Title of each class		Trading symbol(s)		Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $1 par value		SCL		New York Stock Exchange

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 ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

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

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

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

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

Class		Outstanding at April 24, ~~2019~~2020
Common Stock, $1 par value		~~22,613,951~~ 22,472,642Shares

Part I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1 - Financial Statements

STEPAN COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

Unaudited

(In thousands, except per share amounts)	Three Months Ended March 31						Three Months Ended March 31
	2019			2018 As Adjusted			2020			2019
Net Sales	$	489,170		$	499,335		$	449,987		$	489,170
Cost of Sales⁽¹⁾		404,561			408,137			370,718			404,561
Gross Profit⁽¹⁾		84,609			91,198			79,269			84,609
Operating Expenses:
Selling		13,969			14,890			13,532			13,969
Administrative		19,306			19,439			18,872			19,306
Research, development and technical services		13,390			13,614			13,827			13,390
Deferred compensation expense		7,473			1,614
Deferred compensation (income) expense								(7,323	)		7,473
		54,138			49,557			38,908			54,138
Business restructuring expenses (Note 17)		(733	)		(358	)
Business restructuring expenses (Note 16)								(357	)		(733	)
Operating Income⁽¹⁾		29,738			41,283			40,004			29,738
Other Income (Expense):
Interest, net		(1,853	)		(3,151	)		(1,230	)		(1,853	)
Other, net (Note 16)		3,145			1,160
Other, net (Note 15)								(3,262	)		3,145
		1,292			(1,991	)		(4,492	)		1,292

Income Before Provision for Income Taxes⁽¹⁾		31,030			39,292			35,512			31,030
Provision for Income Taxes⁽¹⁾		6,052			7,347			7,973			6,052
Net Income⁽¹⁾		24,978			31,945			27,539			24,978
Net Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests (Note 3)		6			7
Net Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests (Note 2)								6			6
Net Income Attributable to Stepan Company⁽¹⁾	$	24,984		$	31,952		$	27,545		$	24,984

Net Income Per Common Share Attributable to Stepan Company (Note 11):
Basic⁽¹⁾	$	1.08		$	1.38
Diluted⁽¹⁾	$	1.07		$	1.37

Shares Used to Compute Net Income Per Common Share Attributable to Stepan Company (Note 11):
Net Income Per Common Share Attributable to Stepan Company (Note 10):
Basic		23,099			23,082		$	1.20		$	1.08
Diluted		23,332			23,389		$	1.18		$	1.07

Shares Used to Compute Net Income Per Common Share Attributable to Stepan Company (Note 10):
Basic								23,023			23,099
Diluted								23,285			23,332

~~(1)~~

The 2018 amounts for the noted line items have been changed from the amounts originally reported as a result of the Company’s first quarter 2019 change in method of accounting for U.S. inventory valuation from the last in, first out (LIFO) basis to the first in, first out (FIFO) basis.

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

STEPAN COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Unaudited

(In thousands)	Three Months Ended March 31						Three Months Ended March 31
	2019			2018 As Adjusted			2020			2019
Net income⁽¹⁾	$	24,978		$	31,945		$	27,539		$	24,978
Other comprehensive income :
Foreign currency translation adjustments⁽²⁾ (Note 12)		3,707			8,817
Defined benefit pension adjustments, net of tax (Note 12)		543			753
Derivative instrument activity, net of tax (Note 12)		(2	)		(3	)
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments ⁽¹⁾ (Note 11)								(41,195	)		3,707
Defined benefit pension adjustments, net of tax (Note 11)								808			543
Derivative instrument activity, net of tax (Note 11)								(2	)		(2	)
Total other comprehensive income		4,248			9,567			(40,389	)		4,248
Comprehensive income⁽¹⁾		29,226			41,512			(12,850	)		29,226
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests (Note 3)		(14	)		(25	)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests (Note 2)								19			(14	)
Comprehensive income attributable to Stepan Company⁽¹⁾	$	29,212		$	41,487		$	(12,831	)	$	29,212

(1)

~~(2)~~

Includes foreign currency translation adjustments related to noncontrolling interest.

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

STEPAN COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

Unaudited

(Dollars in thousands)	March 31, 2019			December 31, 2018 As Adjusted			March 31, 2020			December 31, 2019
Assets
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	269,459		$	300,194		$	254,339		$	315,383
Receivables, net		298,932			280,025			290,568			276,841
Inventories⁽¹⁾ (Note 2)(Note 7)		215,028			231,528
Inventories (Note 6)								198,194			203,647
Other current assets		24,717			22,146			25,443			22,918
Total current assets⁽¹⁾		808,136			833,893			768,544			818,789
Property, Plant and Equipment:
Cost		1,679,669			1,666,790			1,752,932			1,762,135
Less: Accumulated depreciation		(1,074,309	)		(1,057,898	)		(1,125,390	)		(1,122,818	)
Property, plant and equipment, net		605,360			608,892			627,542			639,317
Goodwill, net		22,808			22,954			23,059			26,086
Other intangible assets, net		13,417			14,244			15,819			15,352
Long-term investments (Note 4)		25,615			25,082
Long-term investments (Note 3)								22,209			28,227
Operating lease assets		40,332			—			36,248			38,386
Other non-current assets⁽¹⁾		10,332			9,549			12,879			13,210
Total assets⁽¹⁾	$	1,526,000		$	1,514,614		$	1,506,300		$	1,579,367
Liabilities and Equity
Current Liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt (Note 15)	$	32,799		$	37,058
Current maturities of long-term debt (Note 14)							$	23,571		$	23,571
Accounts payable		175,641			205,954			187,941			194,276
Accrued liabilities		87,008			95,570			98,646			121,267
Total current liabilities		295,448			338,582			310,158			339,114
Deferred income taxes⁽¹⁾		24,158			24,961			23,133			23,391
Long-term debt, less current maturities (Note 15)		239,063			239,022
Long-term debt, less current maturities (Note 14)								198,566			198,532
Non-current operating lease liabilities		31,361			—			27,960			29,654
Other non-current liabilities		103,749			103,864			79,011			96,180
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 9)
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 8)
Equity:
Common stock, $1 par value; authorized 60,000,000 shares; Issued 26,440,690 shares in 2019 and 26,308,668 shares in 2018		26,441			26,309
Common stock, $1 par value; authorized 60,000,000 shares; Issued 26,540,546 shares in 2020 and 26,493,335 shares in 2019								26,541			26,493
Additional paid-in capital		185,911			182,881			195,661			193,135
Accumulated other comprehensive loss⁽²⁾ (Note 12)		(142,580	)		(141,483	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 11)								(176,546	)		(136,170	)
Retained earnings⁽²⁾		861,773			837,107			943,807			922,464
Less: Common treasury stock, at cost, 3,826,739 shares in 2019 and 3,803,043 shares in 2018		(100,098	)		(97,389	)
Less: Common treasury stock, at cost, 4,074,935 shares in 2020 and 3,979,735 shares in 2019								(122,685	)		(114,139	)
Total Stepan Company stockholders’ equity⁽¹⁾		831,447			807,425			866,778			891,783
Noncontrolling interests (Note 3)		774			760
Noncontrolling interests (Note 2)								694			713
Total equity⁽¹⁾		832,221			808,185			867,472			892,496
Total liabilities and equity⁽¹⁾	$	1,526,000		$	1,514,614		$	1,506,300		$	1,579,367

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

~~(1)~~

STEPAN COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Unaudited

~~(2)~~

~~The 2019 amounts for the noted line items include an adjustment related to the Company’s first quarter 2019 adoption of ASU No. 2018-02,~~ ~~Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income~~.

(In thousands)	Three Months Ended March 31
	2020			2019
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net income	$	27,539		$	24,978
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		20,023			19,403
Deferred compensation		(7,323	)		7,473
Realized and unrealized (gains) losses on long-term investments		3,875			(2,404	)
Stock-based compensation		1,202			2,596
Deferred income taxes		131			(1,857	)
Other non-cash items		395			1,443
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Receivables, net		(30,767	)		(17,434	)
Inventories		(447	)		16,231
Other current assets		(3,180	)		(3,247	)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		(16,583	)		(42,279	)
Pension liabilities		(236	)		(392	)
Environmental and legal liabilities		(947	)		6
Deferred revenues		(157	)		(81	)
Net Cash (Used In) Provided By Operating Activities		(6,475	)		4,436
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment		(33,202	)		(25,741	)
Asset acquisition (Note 17)		(2,040	)		—
Other, net		2,331			2,037
Net Cash Used In Investing Activities		(32,911	)		(23,704	)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Revolving debt and bank overdrafts, net		—			(4,230	)
Dividends paid		(6,202	)		(5,643	)
Company stock repurchased		(7,243	)		(77	)
Stock option exercises		155			1,890
Other, net		(1,128	)		(2,718	)
Net Cash Used In Financing Activities		(14,418	)		(10,778	)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash		(7,240	)		(689	)
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents		(61,044	)		(30,735	)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period		315,383			300,194
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	$	254,339		$	269,459
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Cash payments of income taxes, net of refunds/payments	$	3,316		$	3,018
Cash payments of interest	$	2,122		$	2,131

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

STEPAN COMPANY

~~CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS~~

~~Unaudited~~

(In thousands)

Three Months Ended March 31

2019

2018 As Adjusted

Cash Flows From Operating Activities

Net income⁽¹⁾

$
24,978

$
31,945

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

Depreciation and amortization

19,403

19,948

Deferred compensation

7,473

1,614

Realized and unrealized gains on long-term investments

(2,404
)

(97
)
Stock-based compensation

2,596

2,232

Deferred income taxes⁽¹⁾

(1,857
)

756

Other non-cash items

1,443

31

Changes in assets and liabilities:

Receivables, net

(17,434
)

(24,225
)
Inventories⁽¹⁾

16,231

(10,621
)
Other current assets

(3,247
)

(684
)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

(42,279
)

(19,518
)
Pension liabilities

(392
)

(116
)
Environmental and legal liabilities

6

(225
)
Deferred revenues

(81
)

(81
)
Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities

4,436

959

Cash Flows From Investing Activities

Expenditures for property, plant and equipment

(25,741
)

(27,358
)
Business acquisition (Note 18)

-

(21,475
)
Other, net

2,037

1,781

Net Cash Used In Investing Activities

(23,704
)

(47,052
)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities

Revolving debt and bank overdrafts, net

(4,230
)

79

Dividends paid

(5,643
)

(5,092
)
Company stock repurchased

(77
)

(2,500
)
Stock option exercises

1,890

3,155

Other, net

(2,718
)

(4,395
)
Net Cash Used In Financing Activities

(10,778
)

(8,753
)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash

(689
)

533

Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents

(30,735
)

(54,313
)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period

300,194

298,894

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period

$
269,459

$
244,581

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

Cash payments of income taxes, net of refunds/payments

$
3,018

$
3,345

Cash payments of interest

$
2,131

$
2,071

~~(1)~~

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

~~STEPAN COMPANY~~

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, ~~2019~~2020

Unaudited

1.	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by Stepan Company (the 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 (GAAP) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although management believes that the disclosures are adequate and make the information presented not misleading. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring accruals, necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position as of March 31, ~~2019,~~2020, and its results of operations and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, ~~2019~~2020 and ~~2018,~~2019, 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 ~~2018~~2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

2.	~~CHANGE IN METHOD OF ACCOUNTING FOR INVENTORY VALUTION~~

On January 1, 2019, the Company elected to change its method of accounting for U.S. inventories from the LIFO basis to the FIFO basis. Total U.S. inventories accounted for using the LIFO cost flow assumption, prior to the accounting method change, comprised 68 percent of the Company’s total inventories as of December 31, 2018. Non-U.S. inventories have historically been maintained on the FIFO basis. The Company believes that this change to the FIFO method of inventory valuation is preferable as it provides a better matching of costs with the physical flow of goods, more accurately reflects the current market value of inventory presented on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, standardizes the Company’s inventory valuation methodology and improves comparability with the Company’s industry peers.

~~In accordance with ASC 250,~~ ~~Accounting Changes and Error Corrections~~, this change in method of accounting for U.S. inventories has been retrospectively applied to all prior periods presented herein. Prior period financial statements and financial comparables have been adjusted to reflect what results would have been had the Company always used the FIFO method of inventory valuation for U.S. inventories. The cumulative effect on retained earnings for these changes was $23.7 million at December 31, 2018.

~~The following tables present the prior year financial statement line items that have been affected by the retrospective change in accounting principle:~~

~~Income Statement~~

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2018

As originally reported under LIFO

Effect of change

As adjusted under FIFO

Cost of Sales

$
409,765

$
(1,628
)

$
408,137

Gross Profit

89,570

1,628

91,198

Operating Income

39,655

1,628

41,283

Income Before Provision for Income Taxes

37,664

1,628

39,292

Provision for Income Taxes

6,948

399

7,347

Net Income

30,716

1,229

31,945

Net Income Attributable to Stepan Company

30,723

1,229

31,952

Net Income Per Diluted Common Share Attributable to Stepan Company

$
1.31

$
0.06

$
1.37

~~Balance Sheet~~

(In thousands)

December 31, 2018

As originally reported under LIFO

Effect of change

As adjusted under FIFO

Inventories

$
200,165

$
31,363

$
231,528

Other Non-Current Assets

10,964

(1,415
)

9,549

Total Assets

1,484,666

29,948

1,514,614

Deferred Income Taxes

$
18,672

$
6,289

$
24,961

Retained Earnings

813,448

23,659

837,107

Total Liabilities and Equity

1,484,666

29,948

1,514,614

~~Statement of Cash Flows~~

(In thousands)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2018

As originally reported under LIFO

Effect of change

As adjusted under FIFO

Net Income

$
30,716

$
1,229

$
31,945

Deferred Income Taxes

357

399

756

Change in Assets and Liabilities:

Inventories

(8,993
)

(1,628
)

(10,621
)

~~The following tables present what current year financial statement line items would have been had the Company not changed its method of accounting for U.S. inventories from LIFO to FIFO basis:~~

~~Income Statement~~

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2019

As reported under FIFO

Effect of change

As computed under LIFO

Cost of Sales

$
404,561

$
1,500

$
406,061

Gross Profit

84,609

(1,500
)

83,109

Operating Income

29,738

(1,500
)

28,238

Income Before Provision for Income Taxes

31,030

(1,500
)

29,530

Provision for Income Taxes

6,052

(368
)

5,684

Net Income

24,978

(1,132
)

23,846

Net Income Attributable to Stepan Company

24,984

(1,132
)

23,852

Net Income Per Diluted Common Share Attributable to Stepan Company

$
1.07

$
(0.05
)

$
1.02

~~Balance Sheet~~

(In thousands)

March 31, 2019

As reported under FIFO

Effect of change

As computed under LIFO

Inventories

$
215,028

$
(32,863
)

$
182,165

Other Non-Current Assets

10,332

1,483

11,815

Total Assets

1,526,000

(31,380
)

1,494,620

Deferred Income Taxes

$
24,158

$
(6,589
)

$
17,569

Retained Earnings

861,773

(24,791
)

836,982

Total Liabilities and Equity

1,526,000

(31,380
)

1,494,620

~~Statement of Cash Flows~~

(In thousands)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2019

As reported under FIFO

Effect of change

As computed under LIFO

Net Income

$
24,978

$
(1,132
)

$
23,846

Deferred Income Taxes

(1,857
)

(368
)

(2,225
)
Change in Assets and Liabilities:

Inventories

16,231

1,500

17,731

3.	RECONCILIATIONS OF EQUITY

Below are reconciliations of total equity, Company equity and equity attributable to noncontrolling interests for the three months ended March 31, ~~2019~~2020 and ~~2018:~~2019:

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

Total

Common
Stock

Additional
Paid-in
Capital

Treasury
Stock

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

Retained
Earnings

Noncontrolling
Interest ⁽¹⁾

Balance, December 31, 2018 ⁽²⁾

$
808,185

$
26,309

$
182,881

$
(97,389
)

$
(141,483
)

$
837,107

$
760

Issuance of 38,706 shares of common stock under stock option plan

1,890

39

1,851

—

—

—

—

Purchase of 900 shares of common stock

(77
)

—

—

(77
)

—

—

—

Stock-based and deferred compensation

(1,360
)

93

1,179

(2,632
)

—

—

—

Net income

24,978

—

—

—

—

24,984

(6
)

Other comprehensive income

4,248

—

—

—

4,228

—

20

Cash dividends paid:

Common stock ($0.25 per share)

(5,643
)

—

—

—

—

(5,643
)

—

Other⁽³⁾

—

—

—

—

(5,325
)

5,325

—

Balance, March 31, 2019

$
832,221

$
26,441

$
185,911

$
(100,098
)

$
(142,580
)

$
861,773

$
774

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)	Total			Common Stock		Additional Paid-in Capital		Treasury Stock			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Retained Earnings			Noncontrolling Interest ⁽¹⁾
Balance, December 31, 2019	$	892,496		$	26,493	$	193,135	$	(114,139	)	$	(136,170	)	$	922,464		$	713

Issuance of 2,747 shares of common stock under stock option plan		155			3		152		—			—			—			—

Purchase of 89,225 shares of common stock		(7,243	)		—		—		(7,243	)		—			—			—

Stock-based and deferred compensation		1,116			45		2,374		(1,303	)		—			—			—

Net income		27,539			—		—		—			—			27,545			(6	)

Other comprehensive income		(40,389	)		—		—		—			(40,376	)		—			(13	)

Cash dividends paid:
Common stock ($0.28 per share)		(6,202	)		—		—		—			—			(6,202	)		—
Balance, March 31, 2020	$	867,472		$	26,541	$	195,661	$	(122,685	)	$	(176,546	)	$	943,807		$	694

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)	Total			Common Stock		Additional Paid-in Capital		Treasury Stock			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Retained Earnings			Noncontrolling Interest ⁽¹⁾			Total			Common Stock		Additional Paid-in Capital		Treasury Stock			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Retained Earnings			Noncontrolling Interest ⁽¹⁾
Balance, December 31, 2017 ⁽²⁾	$	766,218		$	26,071	$	170,408	$	(78,561	)	$	(99,563	)	$	747,045		$	818
Balance, December 31, 2018																				$	808,185		$	26,309	$	182,881	$	(97,389	)	$	(141,483	)	$	837,107		$	760

Issuance of 77,474 shares of common stock under stock option plan		3,155			77		3,078		—			—			—			—
Issuance of 38,706 shares of common stock under stock option plan																					1,890			39		1,851		—			—			—			—

Purchase of 6,107 shares of common stock		(2,500	)		—		—		(2,500	)		—			—			—
Purchase of 900 shares of common stock																					(77	)		—		—		(77	)		—			—			—

Stock-based and deferred compensation		(1,136	)		120		1,725		(2,981	)		—			—			—			(1,360	)		93		1,179		(2,632	)		—			—			—

Net income⁽²⁾		31,945			—		—		—			—			31,952			(7	)		24,978			—		—		—			—			24,984			(6	)

Other comprehensive income		9,567			—		—		—			9,535			—			32			4,248			—		—		—			4,228			—			20

Cash dividends paid:
Common stock ($0.23 per share)		(5,092	)		—		—		—			—			(5,092	)
Common stock ($0.25 per share)																					(5,643	)		—		—		—			—			(5,643	)

Other ⁽⁴⁾⁽²⁾		(198	)		—		—		—			—			(198	)		—			—			—		—		—			(5,325	)		5,325			��
Balance, March 31, 2018	$	801,959		$	26,268	$	175,211	$	(84,042	)	$	(90,028	)	$	773,707		$	843
Balance, March 31, 2019																				$	832,221		$	26,441	$	185,911	$	(100,098	)	$	(142,580	)	$	861,773		$	774

⁽¹⁾

Reflects the noncontrolling interest in the Company’s China joint venture.

⁽²⁾ Reflects beginning retained earnings adjustment as a result of the Company’s first quarter 2019 adoption of ASU No. 2018-02, Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.

⁽²⁾

The retained earnings and net income amounts for the noted line items have been changed from the amounts originally reported as a result of the Company’s first quarter 2019 change in method of accounting for U.S. inventory valuation from LIFO to FIFO.

⁽³⁾

~~Reflects beginning retained earnings adjustment as a result of the Company’s first quarter 2019 adoption of ASU No. 2018-02,~~ ~~Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. See Note 19 for more details.~~

⁽⁴⁾

~~Reflects beginning retained earnings adjustment as a result of the Company’s first quarter 2018 adoption of ASU No. 2016-16,~~ ~~Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory~~.

4.3.	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The following were the financial instruments held by the Company at March 31, ~~2019,~~2020, and December 31, ~~2018,~~2019, and the methods and assumptions used to estimate the instruments’ fair values:

Cash and cash equivalents

Carrying value approximated fair value because of the short maturity of the instruments. Fair value of cash and cash equivalents is a Level 1 measurement.

Derivative assets and liabilities

Derivative assets and liabilities ~~included~~include the foreign currency exchange contracts discussed in Note 5.4. Fair value and carrying value were the same because the contracts were recorded at fair value. The fair values of the foreign currency contracts were calculated as the difference 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 below that describes financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis for the reported fair values of derivative assets and liabilities.

Long-term investments

Long-term investments ~~included~~include the mutual fund assets the Company held to fund a portion of its deferred compensation liabilities and all of its non-qualified supplemental executive defined contribution obligations (see the defined contribution plans section of Note ~~10)~~9). Fair value and carrying value were the same because the mutual fund assets were 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 the financial instrument descriptions for the reported fair value of long-term investments.

Debt obligations

The fair value of debt with original maturities greater than one year comprised 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 fair values

of the remaining Company debt obligations approximated their carrying values due to the short-term nature of the debt. The Company’s fair value measurements for debt fall within level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

At March 31, ~~2019,~~2020, and December 31, ~~2018,~~2019, the fair values and related carrying values of debt, including current maturities, were as follows (the fair value and carrying value amounts are presented without regard to unamortized debt issuance costs of ~~$938,000~~$720,000 and ~~$978,000~~$754,000 as of March 31, ~~2019~~2020 and December 31, ~~2018,~~2019, respectively):

(In thousands)

March 31,

2019

December 31,

2018

March 31,

2020

December 31,

2019

Fair value

272,625

274,119

219,302

226,712

Carrying value

272,800

277,058

222,857

The following tables present financial assets and liabilities, excluding cash and cash equivalents, measured on a recurring basis at fair value as of March 31, ~~2019,~~2020, and December 31, ~~2018,~~2019, and the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall:

(In thousands)	March 2019		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		March 2020		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Mutual fund assets	$	25,615	$	25,615	$	—	$	—	$	22,209	$	22,209	$	—	$	—
Derivative assets:
Foreign currency contracts		31		—		31		—		36		—		36		—
Total assets at fair value	$	25,646	$	25,615	$	31	$	—	$	22,245	$	22,209	$	36	$	—
Derivative liabilities:
Foreign currency contracts	$	61	$	—	$	61	$	—	$	1,188	$	—	$	1,188	$	—

(In thousands)	December 2018		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		December 2019		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Mutual fund assets	$	25,082	$	25,082	$	—	$	—	$	28,227	$	28,227	$	—	$	—
Derivative assets:
Foreign currency contracts		185		—		185		—		981		—		981		—
Total assets at fair value	$	25,267	$	25,082	$	185	$	—	$	29,208	$	28,227	$	981	$	—
Derivative liabilities:
Foreign currency contracts	$	10	$	—	$	10	$	—	$	429	$	—	$	429	$	—

5.4.	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 GAAP. The Company uses these contracts to manage its exposure to exchange rate fluctuations on certain Company subsidiary cash, 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 asset and liability balances into the applicable functional currencies. At March 31, ~~2019,~~2020, and December 31, ~~2018,~~2019, the Company had open forward foreign currency exchange contracts, all with durations of one to three months, to buy or sell foreign currencies with U.S. dollar equivalent amounts of ~~$24,164,006~~$28,447,000 and ~~$28,870,081,~~$48,540,368, respectively.

The fair values of the derivative instruments held by the Company on March 31, ~~2019,~~2020, and December 31, ~~2018,~~2019, are disclosed in Note 4.3. Derivative instrument gains and losses for the three-month periods ended March 31, ~~2019~~2020 and ~~2018,~~2019, were immaterial. For amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI) into earnings for the three-month periods ended March 31, ~~2019~~2020 and ~~2018,~~2019, see Note ~~12.~~11.

6.5.	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

On March 31, ~~2019,~~2020, the Company had stock options, stock awards and stock appreciation rights (SARs) outstanding under its 2011 Incentive Compensation Plan. SARs granted prior to 2015 are cash-settled, and SARs granted after 2014 are stock-settled. Stock options and SARs granted prior to 2017 generally cliff vested after two years. Starting in 2017, stock options and SARs

have a three-year graded vesting feature, with one-third of the awards vesting each year. The Company has elected the straight-line method of expense attribution for the stock options and SARs with the graded vesting feature.

Compensation expense recorded for all stock options, stock awards and SARs was as follows:

(In thousands)	(In thousands)			(In thousands)
Three Months Ended March 31	Three Months Ended March 31			Three Months Ended March 31
2019		2018
2020				2020	2019
$	2,596	$	2,232	1,202	$	2,596

The quarter-over-quarter ~~increase~~decrease in stock-based compensation expense was primarily attributable to cash-settled SARs. The quarterly ~~increase~~decrease in cash-settled SARs compensation expense reflects a ~~larger rise~~decrease in the market value of Company stock during the first quarter of ~~2019~~2020 versus an increase in the first quarter of ~~2018. This increase was partially offset by a quarter-over-quarter decrease in stock-based compensation expense related to performance stock awards.~~2019.

Unrecognized compensation costs for stock options, stock awards and SARs were as follows:

(In thousands)	March 31, 2019		December 31, 2018		March 31, 2020		December 31, 2019
Stock options	$	2,935	$	1,655	$	3,320	$	1,850
Stock awards		5,712		3,180		5,819		3,618
SARs		6,260		3,566		7,209		4,058

The increases in unrecognized compensation costs for stock options, stock awards and SARs reflected the ~~2019~~2020 grants of:

	Shares
Stock options		~~67,628~~81,065
Stock awards (at target)		~~41,528~~43,046
SARs		~~146,613~~173,754

The unrecognized compensation costs at March 31, ~~2019,~~2020, are expected to be recognized over weighted-average periods of 2.2 years for stock options, 2.1 years for stock awards and 2.2 years for SARs.

7.6.	INVENTORIES

The composition of inventories at March 31, ~~2019,~~2020, and December 31, ~~2018,~~2019, was as follows:

(In thousands)	March 31, 2019		December 31, 2018 As Adjusted		March 31, 2020		December 31, 2019
Finished goods	$	154,758	$	163,617	$	133,853	$	139,785
Raw materials		60,270		67,911		64,341		63,862
Total inventories	$	215,028	$	231,528	$	198,194	$	203,647

Effective January 1, 2019, the Company elected to change its method of accounting for U.S. inventories from the LIFO basis to the FIFO basis. Non-U.S. inventories have historically been maintained on the FIFO basis. Prior period financial statements have been adjusted to reflect what results would have been had the Company always used the FIFO method of inventory valuation for U.S. inventories. See Note 2 for additional details.

8.7.

LEASES

The Company adopted ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), on January 1, 2019. This new accounting standard requires a dual approach for lessee accounting whereby a lessee accounts for lease arrangements as either finance leases or operating leases. The lease classification affects the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. The most significant impact of adopting ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) is that a lessee is now required to recognize a “right-of-use” (ROU) asset and corresponding lease liability for operating lease agreements. ROU assets represent a right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent an obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating leases are expensed on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease beginning on the date the Company takes possession of the property.

As the Company elected to apply the standard at adoption as allowed under ASU No. 2018-11, the Company did not retrospectively adjust prior periods presented. The Company elected the practical expedient to not separate non-lease components from lease components for all asset classes and the practical expedient which permits a Company to not reassess prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classifications and initial direct costs. The Company did not elect the use-of-hindsight or the practical expedient pertaining to land easements, the latter not being applicable to the Company. In addition, the Company made an accounting policy election to keep leases with an initial term of 12 months or less off the balance sheet. Upon adoption of ASC 842, the Company recognized $42.4 million of ROU assets and related operating lease liabilities on its balance sheet. There was no cumulative catch-up adjustment made to beginning retained earnings.

Significant judgments used by the Company to determine whether a contract is or contains a lease include: (i) determining whether any explicitly or implicitly identified assets have been identified in the contract and (ii) determining whether the Company obtains substantially all of the economic benefits from the use of the underlying asset and directs how and for what purpose the asset is used during the term of the contract.

The Company’s operating leases are primarily comprised of railcars, real estate, storage tanks, autos, trailers and manufacturing/office equipment. Railcars and real estate comprise approximately 4950 percent and 3638 percent, respectively, of the Company’s consolidated ROU asset balance. With the exception of real estate, typical lease terms range from one to ten years. Real estate lease terms typically range from one to fifty years. The Company’s two principal real estate leases relate to land leases in the Philippines and Singapore. ~~The~~As of March 31, 2020, the Company ~~is not currently party to any~~had additional leases, primarily for equipment and storage tanks, that have not commenced ~~but that have created significant rights and obligations for~~of approximately $731,000. These leases will commence in the ~~Company.~~second quarter of 2020 with lease terms ranging from three to five years.

Variability associated with the Company’s lease obligations typically relates to: (i) additional charges based on usage (i.e., railcar mileage in excess of a specified amount) and, (ii) periodic increases associated with Consumer Price Index ~~(“CPI”)~~(CPI) changes (i.e., land rental payments). Appropriate CPI ~~indexes~~ at the inception of a lease ~~are~~is reflected in the Company’s lease liability balances whereas variability based on usage is typically excluded from lease liability amounts. Some of the Company’s leases include options to extend the lease term but these are typically not recognized as part of the ROU asset or lease liability at inception unless it is reasonably certain the renewal option will be exercised. Determining whether a renewal option is reasonably certain to be exercised requires judgment based on the existing facts and circumstances as well as expectations about future business needs. Renewal options are typically re-assessed within one year or less prior to lease termination when the Company is able to more accurately forecast future business needs. Some of the Company’s lease contracts include options to terminate leases early but these are typically not considered unless it is reasonably certain the early termination option will be exercised. The Company’s leases do not typically carry any residual value guarantees and typically payment is not considered probable when such guarantees are included in the contract.

~~Initial implementation of ASU No. 2016-02,~~ ~~Leases (Topic 842)~~ did not impact compliance with any of the Company’s debt-covenants nor is it expected to in the future. The majority of the Company’s debt agreements contain language that excludes the impact of any new GAAP accounting change.

As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit borrowing rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate (IBR) based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. IBRs were specifically determined for the United States, the Philippines, Singapore, Brazil and China, typically for five-year increments. The U.S. IBR was used for all other countries as the leases in these countries are not material. The total value of leases that reside in the ~~four~~5 countries identified above represents approximately 9397 percent of the Company’s consolidated ROU asset balance.

(In thousands)	March 31, 2019			March 31, 2020
Lease Cost
Operating lease cost	$	2,688		$	2,721
Short-term lease cost		970			1,179
Variable lease cost		348			298
Total lease cost	$	4,006		$	4,198
Other Information
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flow from operating leases	$	2,696		$	2,747
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities		294			666
Weighted-average remaining lease term-operating leases	9 Years
Weighted-average discount rate-operating leases		3.9	%



(In thousands)
Undiscounted Cash Flows:
2019 (excluding the three months ended March 31, 2019)	$	7,870
2020		9,192
2020 (excluding the three months ended March 31, 2020)				$	7,484
2021		6,427			7,632
2022		5,317			6,421
2023		4,145			5,118
Subsequent to 2023		17,231
2024					3,060
Subsequent to 2024					16,437
Total Undiscounted Cash Flows	$	50,182		$	46,152
Less: Imputed interest		(9,846	)		(9,888	)
Present value	$	40,336		$	36,264
Current operating lease liabilities ⁽¹⁾		8,975			8,304
Non-current operating lease liabilities		31,361			27,960
Total lease liabilities	$	40,336		$	36,264

(1)

This item is included in Accrued liabilities line on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

~~ASC 840 Disclosure~~

~~As required in transition, the table below summarizes the Company’s future minimum lease payments at December 31, 2018 under ASC 840.~~

(In thousands)

Year

2019

$
9,740

2020

8,294

2021

6,027

2022

5,242

2023

4,101

Subsequent to 2023

16,593

Total minimum future rental payments

$
49,997

Weighted-average remaining lease term-operating leases		9 years
Weighted-average discount rate-operating leases			4.3	%

9.8.	CONTINGENCIES

There are a variety of legal proceedings pending or threatened against the Company that occur in the normal course of the Company’s business, the majority of which relate to environmental assessment, protection and remediation matters. 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) as well as comparable regulations applicable to the Company’s foreign locations. Over the years, the Company has received requests for information related to or has been named by ~~the~~ government authorities as a potentially responsible party (PRP) at a number of 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 is likely to incur with respect to these ~~sites.~~sites and claims.

In determining the appropriate level of environmental reserves, the Company considers several factors such as information obtained from investigatory studies; changes in the scope of remediation; the interpretation, application and enforcement of laws and regulations; changes in the costs of remediation programs; the development of alternative cleanup technologies and methods; and the relative level of the Company’s involvement at various sites for which the Company is allegedly associated. The level of annual expenditures for remedial, monitoring and investigatory activities will change in the future as major components of planned remediation activities are completed and the scope, timing and costs of existing activities are changed. As of March 31, ~~2019,~~2020, the Company estimated a range of possible environmental and legal losses of ~~$23.4~~$24.9 million to ~~$44.7~~$43.0 million. Within the range of possible environmental and legal losses, ~~currently~~ management has currently concluded that ~~there are~~ no ~~amounts within the ranges that are~~single amount is more likely to occur than any other amounts in the ranges and, thus, has accrued at the lower end of the ~~ranges; that accrual~~range. These accruals totaled ~~$23.4~~ $24.9million at ~~both~~ March 31, ~~2019~~2020 and $25.9 million at December 31, ~~2018.~~2019. Although the Company believes that its reserves are adequate for environmental contingencies, it is possible due to the uncertainties noted above, that additional reserves could be required in the future. Cash expenditures related to legal and environmental matters approximated $0.9 million and $0.2 million for ~~each of~~ the three-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, ~~and 2018.~~respectively.

possibility of other viable entities’ responsibilities for cleanup, ~~and the extended period over which any costs would be incurred,~~ management believes that the Company has no material liability at these sites and that these matters, individually and in the aggregate, will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position. However, in the event of one or more adverse determinations with respect to such sites in any annual or interim period, the effect on the Company’s cash flows and results of operations for those periods could be material.

Following are summaries of the ~~material~~Company’s major contingencies at March 31, ~~2019:~~2020:

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~~(collectively, the 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(i) a September 21, 1987 Administrative Order on Consent entered into between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the Company for property formerly owned by the Company at the Maywood site and (ii) the issuance of an order on November 12, 2004 by the USEPA to the Company for property currently owned by the Company at the Maywood site, the Company has completed various Remedial Investigation Feasibility Studies (RI/FS), and on September 24, 2014, ~~the~~ USEPA issued its Record of Decision (ROD) for chemically-contaminated ~~soil.~~soil at the Maywood site, which requires the Company to perform remedial cleanup of the soil and buried waste. The USEPA has not yet issued a ROD for chemically-contaminated groundwater ~~for~~at the Maywood site. Based on the most current information available, the Company believes its recorded liability is reasonable having considered the range of estimated ~~cost~~costs of remediation for the Maywood site. The estimate of the cost of remediation for the Maywood site could change as the Company continues to hold discussions with the USEPA, as the design of the remedial action ~~progresses,~~is finalized, if a groundwater ROD is issued or if other PRPs are identified. The ultimate amount for which the Company is liable could differ materially from the Company’s current recorded liability.

In April 2015, the Company entered into an Administrative Settlement Agreement and Administrative Order on Consent with USEPA which requires payment of certain costs and performance of certain investigative and design work for chemically-contaminated soil. Based on the Company’s review and analysis of this order, no changes to the Company’s recorded liability for claims associated with soil remediation of chemical contamination at the Maywood site were required.

In addition, under the terms of a settlement agreement reached on November 12, 2004, the U.S. Department of Justice and the Company agreed to fulfill the terms of a Cooperative Agreement reached in ~~1985 under which~~1985. Under the Cooperative Agreement, the United States ~~will take title to and responsibility~~is responsible for the removal of radioactive waste ~~removal~~ at the Maywood site ~~including past~~ and it has incurred and will incur future remediation costs ~~incurred by~~at the ~~United States.~~site. As such, the Company recorded no liability related to this settlement agreement.

D’Imperio Property Site

During the mid-1970’s, Jerome Lightman and the Lightman Drum Company disposed of hazardous substances generated by the Company at several sites in New ~~Jersey.~~Jersey, including the D’Imperio site. The Company was named as a PRP in aan October 2, 1998, lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey that involved the D’Imperio ~~Property Site located in New Jersey.~~Site. In ~~2016,~~2019, the PRPs were provided with updated remediation cost estimates by the PRP group technical consultant and project manager, which ~~were~~the Company considered in ~~the Company’s~~its determination of its range of estimated possible losses and liability balance. The changes in range of possible losses and liability balance were immaterial. Remediation work is continuing at ~~this~~the D’Imperio site. Based on current information, the Company believes that its recorded liability is reasonable having considered the range of estimated cost of remediation for the D’Imperio site. Depending on the ultimate cost of the remediation at this site, the amount for which the Company is liable could differ materially from the current estimates.

Wilmington Site

The Company is currently contractually obligated to contribute to the environmental response costs associated with the Company’s formerly-owned site in Wilmington, ~~Massachusetts.~~Massachusetts (the Wilmington site). Remediation at this site is being managed by its current owner to whom the Company sold the property in 1980. Under the Company’s October 1, 1993, agreement with the current owner of the Wilmington site, once total site remediation costs exceed certain levels, the Company is obligated to contribute up to ~~five~~5 percent of future response costs associated with this site with no limitation on the ultimate amount of contributions. The Company has paid the current owner ~~$2.7~~$2.9 million for the Company’s portion of environmental response costs at the Wilmington site through March 31, ~~2019.~~2020. 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 materially from the current estimates.

The Company and other prior owners of the Wilmington site 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.

Other U.S. Sites

Through the regular environmental monitoring of its plant production sites, the Company discovered levels of chemical contamination that were above thresholds allowed by law at ~~two of~~ its ~~U.S~~Millsdale, Illinois and Fieldsboro, New Jersey plants. The Company voluntarily reported its results to the applicable state environmental agencies. As a result, the Company is required to perform self-remediation of the affected areas. ~~In the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company recognized a charge for the estimated cost of remediating the sites.~~ Based on current information, the Company believes that its recorded liability for the remediation of the affected areas is appropriate based on an estimate of expected costs. However, actual costs could differ materially from current estimates.

~~10.~~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 KINGDOM						UNITED STATES						UNITED KINGDOM
(In thousands)	Three Months Ended March 31						Three Months Ended March 31						Three Months Ended March 31						Three Months Ended March 31
	2019			2018			2019			2018			2020			2019			2020			2019
Interest cost	$	1,661		$	1,539		$	142		$	148		$	1,421		$	1,661		$	109		$	142
Expected return on plan assets		(2,361	)		(2,321	)		(201	)		(231	)		(2,437	)		(2,361	)		(134	)		(201	)
Amortization of net actuarial loss		652			937			63			57			1,052			652			19			63
Net periodic benefit cost	$	(48	)	$	155		$	4		$	(26	)
Net periodic (benefit) cost													$	36		$	(48	)	$	(6	)	$	4

Employer Contributions

U.S. Plans

As a result of pension funding relief provisions included in the Highway and Transportation Funding Act of 2014, the Company is not required to make contributions to ~~the~~its funded U.S. qualified defined benefit plans. Approximately $312,000 is expected to

be paid ~~related~~ to the unfunded non-qualified plans in ~~2019.~~2020. Of such amount, $143,000 had been paid related to the non-qualified plans as of March 31, ~~2019.~~2020.

U.K. Plan

The Company’s U.K. subsidiary expects to contribute approximately ~~$476,000~~$495,000 to its defined benefit pension plan in ~~2019.~~2020. Of such amount, ~~$173,000~~$168,000 had been contributed to the plan as of March 31, ~~2019.~~2020.

Defined Contribution Plans

The Company sponsors retirement savings defined contribution plans that cover eligible U.S. and U.K. employees. The Company’s U.S. retirement plans include two qualified plans, one of which is a 401(k) plan and one of which is an employee stock ownership plan, and one non-qualified supplemental executive plan. In the three months ended March 31, ~~2019~~2020 and ~~2018,~~2019, the Company made profit sharing contributions into the qualified retirement plans for U.S. employees and for certain non-U.S. employees. Profit sharing contributions were determined using a formula applied to Company earnings. In ~~2018,~~2019 and 2020, profit sharing contributions for U.S. employees ~~who received the majority of profit sharing contributions,~~ were made ~~partly in cash paid~~ to the ~~401(k) plan and partly in Company common stock. In 2019, profit sharing contributions were made in Company common stock.~~employee stock ownership plan. Profit sharing contributions are allocated to participant accounts on the basis of participant base earnings.

Defined contribution plan expenses for the Company’s qualified contribution plans were as follows:

(In thousands)	Three Months Ended March 31				Three Months Ended March 31
	2019		2018		2020		2019
Retirement savings contributions	$	2,409	$	1,757	$	1,758	$	2,409
Profit sharing contributions		882		942		975		882
Total defined contribution plan expenses	$	3,291	$	2,699	$	2,733	$	3,291

The Company has a rabbi trust to fund the obligations of its 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 sheets. The Company elected the fair value option for the mutual fund investment assets so that offsetting changes in the mutual fund values and defined contribution plan obligations would be recorded in earnings in the same period. Therefore, the mutual funds are reported at fair value with any subsequent changes in fair value recorded in the consolidated statements of income. 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 March 31, ~~2019,~~2020, the balance of the trust assets was ~~$1,677,000,~~$1,619,000, which equaled the balance of the supplemental plan liabilities (see the long-term investments section in Note 43 for further information regarding the Company’s mutual fund assets).

~~11.~~10.

EARNINGS PER SHARE

Below are the computations of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, ~~2019~~2020 and ~~2018:~~2019:

(In thousands, except per share amounts)	Three Months Ended March 31				Three Months Ended March 31
	2019		2018 As Adjusted		2020		2019
Computation of Basic Earnings per Share
Net income attributable to Stepan Company ⁽¹⁾	$	24,984	$	31,952	$	27,545	$	24,984
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding		23,099		23,082		23,023		23,099
Basic earnings per share ⁽¹⁾	$	1.08	$	1.38	$	1.20	$	1.08

Computation of Diluted Earnings per Share
Net income attributable to Stepan Company ⁽¹⁾	$	24,984	$	31,952	$	27,545	$	24,984
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding		23,099		23,082		23,023		23,099
Add weighted-average net shares from assumed exercise of options (under treasury stock method) ⁽²⁾⁽¹⁾		92		119		102		92
Add weighted-average net shares related to unvested stock awards (under treasury stock method)		3		2		1		3
Add weighted-average net shares from assumed exercise of SARs (under treasury stock method) ⁽²⁾⁽¹⁾		108		122		128		108
Add weighted-average contingently issuable net shares related to performance stock awards (under treasury stock method)		30		64		31		30
Weighted-average shares applicable to diluted earnings		23,332		23,389		23,285		23,332
Diluted earnings per share⁽¹⁾	$	1.07	$	1.37	$	1.18	$	1.07

⁽¹⁾

⁽²⁾ Options/SARs to acquire ~~214,241~~256,288 and ~~2,807~~214,241 shares of Company common stock were excluded from the computations of diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, ~~2019~~2020 and March 31, ~~2018, because the effect~~2019. Inclusion of ~~including~~ the instruments would have ~~been antidilutive.~~had an antidilutive effect on the earnings per share computations.

~~12.~~11.

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

In conjunction with the adoption of ASU 2018-02, the Company reclassified $5,325,000 of other comprehensive loss, associated with post retirement plans, from accumulated other comprehensive loss to retained earnings effective January 1, 2019. Below is the change in the Company’s AOCI balance by component (net of income taxes) for the three months ended March 31, ~~2019~~2020 and ~~2018:~~2019:

(In thousands)	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Defined Benefit Pension Plan Adjustments			Cash Flow Hedge Adjustments			Total			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Defined Benefit Pension Plan Adjustments			Cash Flow Hedge Adjustments			Total
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	(70,561	)	$	(29,093	)	$	91		$	(99,563	)
Balance at December 31, 2018													$	(108,481	)	$	(33,083	)	$	81		$	(141,483	)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications														3,687			—			—			3,687
Amounts reclassified from AOCI														—			543			(2	)		541
Remeasurement adjustment related to the Tax Act ⁽¹⁾														—			(5,325	)		—			(5,325	)
Net current-period other comprehensive income														3,687			(4,782	)		(2	)		(1,097	)
Balance at March 31, 2019													$	(104,794	)	$	(37,865	)	$	79		$	(142,580	)

Balance at December 31, 2019													$	(104,037	)	$	(32,205	)	$	72		$	(136,170	)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		8,785			—			—			8,785			(41,182	)		808			—			(40,374	)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI		—			753			(3	)		750			—			—			(2	)		(2	)
Net current-period other comprehensive income		8,785			753			(3	)		9,535			(41,182	)		808			(2	)		(40,376	)
Balance at March 31, 2018	$	(61,776	)	$	(28,340	)	$	88		$	(90,028	)

Balance at December 31, 2018	$	(108,481	)	$	(33,083	)	$	81		$	(141,483	)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		3,687			—			—			3,687
Amounts reclassified from AOCI		—			543			(2	)		541
Reclassification adjustment related to the Tax Act ⁽¹⁾		—			(5,325	)		—			(5,325	)
Net current-period other comprehensive income		3,687			(4,782	)		(2	)		(1,097	)
Balance at March 31, 2019	$	(104,794	)	$	(37,865	)	$	79		$	(142,580	)
Balance at March 31, 2020													$	(145,219	)	$	(31,397	)	$	70		$	(176,546	)

⁽¹⁾

Represents reclassification of the stranded tax effects resulting from the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (Tax Act) from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to retained earnings in accordance with ASU 2018-02. ~~See Note 19 for more details.~~

Information regarding the reclassifications out of AOCI for the ~~three month~~three-month periods ended March 31, ~~2019~~2020 and ~~2018,~~2019, is displayed below:

(In thousands)	Amount Reclassified from AOCI (a)							Amount Reclassified from AOCI^(a)
AOCI Components	Three Months Ended March 31						Affected Line Item in Consolidated Statements of Income	Three Months Ended March 31						Affected Line Item in Consolidated Statements of Income
	2019			2018				2020			2019
Amortization of defined benefit pension actuarial losses	$	(715	)	$	(994	)	(b)	$	(1,071	)	$	(715	)	(b)
		172			241		Tax benefit		263			172		Tax benefit
	$	(543	)	$	(753	)	Net of tax	$	(808	)	$	(543	)	Net of tax
Gains and losses on cash flow hedges:
Foreign exchange contracts		2			3		Cost of sales		2			2		Cost of sales
		2			3		Total before tax		2			2		Total before tax
		—			—		Tax benefit		—			—		Tax benefit
	$	2		$	3		Net of tax	$	2		$	2		Net of tax
Total reclassifications for the period	$	(541	)	$	(750	)	Net of tax	$	(806	)	$	(541	)	Net of tax

^(a)

Amounts in parentheses denote expense to statement of income.

^(b)

This component of accumulated other comprehensive income is included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (see Note 109 for additional details).

~~13.~~12.

SEGMENT REPORTING

The Company has ~~three~~3 reportable segments: Surfactants, Polymers and Specialty Products. Net sales by segment for the three months ended March 31, ~~2019~~2020 and ~~2018,~~2019, were as follows:

(In thousands)	Three Months Ended March 31				Three Months Ended March 31
	2019		2018		2020		2019
Segment Net Sales
Surfactants	$	349,650	$	358,940	$	327,071	$	349,650
Polymers		120,179		121,933		106,491		120,179
Specialty Products		19,341		18,462		16,425		19,341
Total	$	489,170	$	499,335	$	449,987	$	489,170

Segment operating income and reconciliations of segment operating income to ~~consolidated~~ income before provision for income taxes for the three months ended March 31, ~~2019~~2020 and ~~2018,~~2019, are summarized below:

(In thousands)	Three Months Ended March 31						Three Months Ended March 31
	2019			2018 As Adjusted			2020			2019
Segment Operating Income
Surfactants ⁽¹⁾	$	37,167		$	41,468		$	36,156		$	37,167
Polymers ⁽¹⁾		12,105			17,305			7,516			12,105
Specialty Products		3,131			(350	)		3,984			3,131
Segment operating income⁽¹⁾		52,403			58,423			47,656			52,403
Business restructuring		(733	)		(358	)		(357	)		(733	)
Unallocated corporate expenses ⁽²⁾⁽¹⁾		(21,932	)		(16,782	)		(7,295	)		(21,932	)
Consolidated operating income ⁽¹⁾		29,738			41,283			40,004			29,738
Interest expense, net		(1,853	)		(3,151	)		(1,230	)		(1,853	)
Other, net		3,145			1,160			(3,262	)		3,145
Consolidated income before income taxes⁽¹⁾	$	31,030		$	39,292
Income before provision for income taxes							$	35,512		$	31,030

⁽¹⁾ The 2018 amounts for the noted line items have been changed from the amounts originally reported as a result of the Company’s first quarter 2019 change in method of accounting for U.S. inventory valuation from LIFO to FIFO.

⁽²⁾⁽¹⁾

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

~~14.~~13.

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS

~~In the majority of instances the~~The Company deems a contract with a customer to exist when a purchase order is received from a customer for a specified quantity of product or products and the Company acknowledges receipt of such purchase order. In some instances the Company has entered into manufacturing supply agreements with customers but these agreements typically do not bind a customer to any purchase volume requirements and thus an obligation is not created until the customer submits a purchase order to the Company. The Company’s contracts typically have a single performance obligation that is satisfied at the time a product is shipped and control passes to the customer. For a small portion of the business, performance obligations are deemed satisfied when product is delivered to a customer location.

As of March 31, ~~2019,~~2020, the Company ~~did not have any~~had $274,000 of contract ~~assets or~~liabilities and 0 contract ~~liabilities.~~assets. A contract liability would typically arise when an advance or deposit is received from a customer before the Company recognizes revenue. In practice, this is ~~extremely~~ rare as it would require a customer to make a payment prior to a performance obligation being satisfied. IfWhen such ~~a situation did~~situations do arise, the Company would maintain a deferred revenue liability until the time a performance obligation has been satisfied. The Company ~~did not recognize any~~recognized $350,000 of revenue in the current period from ~~any~~ pre-existing contract ~~liability balance.~~liabilities at December 31, 2019.

The tables below ~~provides~~provide a geographic disaggregation of net sales for the three months ended March 31, ~~2019~~2020 and ~~2018.~~2019. The Company’s business segmentation by geographic region most effectively captures the nature and economic characteristics of the Company’s revenue streams impacted by economic factors.

	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2019								For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020
(In thousands)
	Surfactants		Polymers		Specialty		Total		Surfactants		Polymers		Specialty		Total
Geographic Market
North America	$	214,297	$	71,323	$	16,025	$	301,645	$	207,946	$	61,841	$	13,494	$	283,281
Europe		71,478		42,105		3,316		116,899		59,660		36,560		2,931		99,151
Latin America		50,812		197		—		51,009		46,510		639		—		47,149
Asia		13,063		6,554		—		19,617		12,955		7,451		—		20,406
Total	$	349,650	$	120,179	$	19,341	$	489,170	$	327,071	$	106,491	$	16,425	$	449,987

	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2018								For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
(In thousands)
	Surfactants		Polymers		Specialty		Total		Surfactants		Polymers		Specialty		Total
Geographic Market
North America	$	220,405	$	73,474	$	14,814	$	308,693	$	214,297	$	71,323	$	16,025	$	301,645
Europe		78,371		41,784		3,648		123,803		71,478		42,105		3,316		116,899
Latin America		41,688		827		—		42,515		50,812		197		—		51,009
Asia		18,476		5,848		—		24,324		13,063		6,554		—		19,617
Total	$	358,940	$	121,933	$	18,462	$	499,335	$	349,650	$	120,179	$	19,341	$	489,170

~~15.~~14.

DEBT

AtDebt was comprised of the following at March 31, ~~2019,~~2020, and December 31, ~~2018, debt comprised the following:~~2019:

(In thousands)

Maturity
Dates

March 31,
2019

December 31,
2018

Unsecured private placement notes

3.95% (net of unamortized debt issuance cost of $349 and $360 for 2019 and 2018, respectively)

2021-2027

$
99,651

$
99,640

3.86% (net of unamortized debt issuance cost of $333 and $347 for 2019 and 2018, respectively)

2019-2025

99,667

99,653

4.86% (net of unamortized debt issuance cost of $176 and $186 for 2019 and 2018, respectively)

2019-2023

46,253

46,243

5.88% (net of unamortized debt issuance cost of $80 and $85 for 2019 and 2018, respectively)

2019-2022

22,777

22,772

Debt of foreign subsidiaries

Unsecured bank debt, foreign currency

2019

3,514

7,772

Total debt

$
271,862

$
276,080

Less current maturities

32,799

37,058

Long-term debt

$
239,063

$
239,022

(In thousands)	Maturity Dates	March 31, 2020		December 31, 2019
Unsecured private placement notes
3.95% (net of unamortized debt issuance cost of $305 and $316 for 2020 and 2019, respectively)	2021-2027	$	99,695	$	99,684
3.86% (net of unamortized debt issuance cost of $278 and $291 for 2020 and 2019, respectively)	2020-2025		85,436		85,423
4.86% (net of unamortized debt issuance cost of $137 and $147 for 2020 and 2019, respectively)	2020-2023		37,006		36,996
Total debt		$	222,137	$	222,103
Less current maturities			23,571		23,571
Long-term debt		$	198,566	$	198,532

The Company has a committed $350,000,000 multi-currency revolving credit agreement that expires on January 30, 2023. The Company maintains standby letters of credit under its workers’ compensation insurance agreements and for other purposes, as needed from time to time, which are issued under the revolving credit agreement. As of March 31, ~~2019,~~2020, the Company had outstanding letters of credit totaling ~~$5,271,000~~$4,929,000 and ~~no outstanding debt~~0 borrowings under ~~this~~the revolving credit agreement. There was ~~$344,729,000~~$345,071,000 available under the revolving credit agreement as of March 31, ~~2019.~~2020.

The Company’s 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 ~~$235,249,000~~$298,207,000 and ~~$214,101,000~~$283,956,000 at March 31, ~~2019~~2020 and December 31, ~~2018,~~2019, respectively.

~~16.~~15.

OTHER, NET

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

(In thousands)	Three Months Ended March 31					Three Months Ended March 31
	2019		2018			2020			2019
Foreign exchange gains	$	600	$	1,053		$	568		$	600
Investment income		97		139			75			97
Realized and unrealized gains on investments		2,404		97
Net periodic benefit cost		44		(129	)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments							(3,875	)		2,404
Net periodic pension benefit (cost)							(30	)		44
Other, net	$	3,145	$	1,160		$	(3,262	)	$	3,145

~~17.~~16.

BUSINESS RESTRUCTURING

In the first quarter of 2019, the Company approved a plan to ~~close~~restructure its Specialty Products office in the Netherlands and eliminate ~~five~~5 positions from the site’s supply chain, quality control and research and development areas. This planned reduction in positions was made to better align the number of personnel with current business requirements and reduce costs at the site. As a result, severance and early lease termination expenses of $396,000 and $79,000, respectively, were recognized during the first quarter of 2019.

During the third quarter of 2018, the Company approved a plan to shut down Surfactant operations at its German plant site. As of March 31, ~~2019,~~2020, an aggregate of ~~$1,591,000~~$2,392,000 shut down related expense has been recognized at the site. This aggregate expense is comprised of $1,404,000 of asset and spare part write downs recognized in 2018 and $988,000 of cumulative decommissioning costs. The Company recognized $79,000 and $187,000 of decommissioning ~~costs recognized~~expenses in the first quarter of ~~2019. Decommissioning costs associated with the shutdown are expected to continue throughout the remainder of 2019.~~2020 and 2019, respectively.

In the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company approved a plan to restructure a portion of its Fieldsboro, New Jersey production facility. As a result, the Company recorded $915,000 of restructuring expense which reflected termination benefits for select plant employees. In the first quarter of 2019, the Company recognized a $251,000 favorable adjustment to the amount of termination benefits initially recorded.

In May 2016, the Company announced plans to shut down its Longford Mills, Ontario, Canada (Longford Mills) manufacturing facility, a part of the Surfactant reportable segment, by December 31, 2016. The shutdown plan was implemented to improve the Company’s asset utilization in North America and to reduce the Company’s fixed cost base. Manufacturing operations of the Longford Mills plant ceased by the end of 2016, and production of goods manufactured at the facility was transferred to other Company North American production sites. Decommissioning of the assets is expected to continue throughout ~~2019.~~2020. As of March 31, ~~2019, $6,346,000~~2020, $7,762,000 of aggregate restructuring expense has been recognized, reflecting ~~$1,594,000~~$1,644,000 of termination benefits for approximately 30 employees and ~~$4,752,000~~$6,118,000 for other expenses, principally site decommissioning costs.

~~Below is a reconciliation~~The Company recognized $278,000 and $322,000 of decommissioning expenses in the ~~December 31, 2018~~first quarter of 2020 and ~~the March 31,~~ 2019, ~~restructuring liabilities:~~respectively.

(In thousands)

Termination
Benefits

Other
Expense

Total

Restructuring liability at December 31, 2018

$
260

$
83

$
343

Expense recognized

—

322

322

Amounts paid

(79
)

(322
)

(401
)
Foreign currency translation

6

2

8

Restructuring liability at March 31, 2019

$
187

$
85

$
272

~~18.~~17.

~~ACQUISITION~~ACQUISITIONS

~~2018~~2020 Acquisition

On March ~~26, 2018,~~13, 2020, the Company ~~through~~acquired certain assets of Logos Technologies LLC's NatSurFact® business, a ~~subsidiary~~rhamnolipid-based line of bio-surfactants derived from renewable sources. These bio-surfactants offer synergies in ~~Mexico closed~~several strategic end use markets including oilfield, agriculture, personal care and household, industrial and institutional. The acquisition was accounted for as an asset acquisition. The purchase price of the acquisition was $2,040,000 and was paid with cash on a previously announced agreement with BASF Mexicana, S.A.DE C.V. (BASF) to acquire their surfactants production facility in Ecatepec, Mexico and a portion of their associated surfactants business. The facility is located close to Mexico City and has over 50,000 metric tons of capacity, 124,000 square footage of warehouse space, a large laboratory and office space. Thehand. All assets acquired ~~assets and business~~ are included in the Company’s Surfactants segment. The assets acquired were primarily intangibles, including trademarks and know-how ($1,071,000) and patents ($357,000). Additionally, $612,000 of laboratory equipment was acquired.

2019 Acquisition

On December 17, 2019, the Company acquired an oilfield demulsifier product line. The purchase price of the acquisition was ~~$22,852,000~~$9,000,000 and was paid with cash on hand. ~~The primary assets acquired were land, buildings, machinery and equipment and inventory. The~~This acquisition was accounted for

as a business combination and ~~accordingly,~~ the assets ~~acquired~~ were measured and recorded at their estimated fair values. ~~No intangible~~The fair value analysis was updated in the first quarter of 2020. The primary assets acquired were ~~identified as part~~intangibles, mostly comprised of goodwill ($3,161,000), product know-how ($3,300,000) and customer relationships ($1,900,000). A small amount of inventory was also acquired. All of the ~~acquisition.~~acquired assets are included within the Company’s Surfactants segment. The ~~following table summarizes~~average amortization period for the identifiable intangibles assets ~~acquired as a result~~is 20 years.

Pro forma financial information has not been included because revenues and earnings of the ~~acquisition:~~

(In thousands)

Assets:

Property, plant and equipment

$
14,464

Inventory

5,687

Value-added tax receivables

2,701

Total assets acquired

$
22,852

Company’s consolidated entity would not have been materially different than reported had the acquisition date been January 1, 2019. The acquired business ~~had minimal~~did not impact on the Company’s ~~2018~~2019 financial results.

~~19.~~18.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In ~~February~~June 2016, the ~~Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB)~~FASB issued ASU No. ~~2016-2,~~ ~~Leases~~2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic ~~842). This~~326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments which amends the guidance requires a dual approach for lessee accounting whereby a lessee will account for lease arrangements with terms greater than 12 months as either finance leases or operating leases. Both finance leases and operating leases are recognized on the ~~lessee’s balance sheet~~measurement of the impairment of financial instruments. The new pronouncement replaces the existing model of measuring credit losses with an expected credit loss model referred to as ~~right-of-use assets~~“the Current Expected Credit Loss (CECL) model.” The new model is based on expected losses that should be measured based not only on historical experience but on the combination of historical data, current conditions and ~~corresponding lease liabilities, with differing methodologies for income statement recognition. In addition,~~reasonable forecasts. Under this methodology, an entity recognizes as an allowance its estimate of lifetime expected credit losses and is required to apply the ~~ASU requires expanded qualitative and quantitative disclosures about~~new credit loss model to most financial instruments held at amortized cost including trade receivables. The amendments in the ~~Company’s lease arrangements. This guidance is~~update are effective ~~for public business entities~~ for fiscal years, and interim periods within ~~those~~fiscal years, beginning after December 15, ~~2018.~~2019. The ~~most significant impact of~~Company

adopted ASU No. ~~2016-2,~~ ~~Leases (Topic 842)~~ ~~is that a lessee is required to recognize a “right-of-use” asset and corresponding lease liability for operating leases agreements. The Company adopted~~2016-13 in the ~~new lease standard on January 1, 2019 by recognizing lease assets and the corresponding lease liabilities.~~first quarter of 2020. The adoption of ~~these guidelines~~the guidance in ASU No. 2016-13 did not have ~~an impact~~a material effect on ~~retained earnings,~~ the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash ~~flows, but it did have a material impact on specific balance sheet line items. See Note 8 –~~ ~~Leases~~ ~~for more details.~~flows.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-4, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. When an indication of impairment was identified after performing the first step of the goodwill impairment test, Step 2 required that an entity determine the fair value at the impairment testing date of its assets and liabilities (including unrecognized assets and liabilities) using the same procedure that would be required in determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Under the amendments in ASU No. 2017-4, an entity would perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying value. An entity would recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. In addition, an entity must consider income tax effects from any tax deductible goodwill on the carrying amount of the reporting unit when measuring the goodwill impairment loss, if applicable. The Company ~~is required to adopt~~adopted the amendments in ASU No. 2017-4 for its annual, or any interim, goodwill impairment tests in ~~fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. It is not expected that~~ the first quarter of 2020. The adoption of the guidance in ASU No. 2017-4 ~~will~~did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In ~~February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02,~~ ~~Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income,~~ which permits a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Act. Consequently, the update eliminates the stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Act and should improve the usefulness of information reported to financial statement users. However, because the amendments only relate to the reclassification of the income tax effects of the Tax Act, the underlying guidance that requires that the effects of the change in tax laws or rates be included in income from continuing operations is not affected. The amendments in this update also require certain disclosures about stranded tax effects. This update is effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company adopted this guidance and recorded a $5,325,000 adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings with the corresponding offset to AOCI. See Note 12 – ~~Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)~~ ~~for more details.~~

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. This update modifies some disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements used for different levels of instruments in fair value hierarchy (Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3). The amendments in the update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company adopted ASU No. 2018-13 in the first quarter of 2020 and the adoption of this update isdid not ~~expected~~ have an effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, ~~and~~ cash flows ~~but may impact~~or the disclosures made for fair value measurements used by the Company.

~~In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14,~~ ~~Compensation-Retirement Benefits-Defined Benefit Plans-General (Subtopic 715-20)~~. This update removes some disclosures that are no longer considered cost beneficial and adds some disclosures about defined benefit plans that have been identified as relevant. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020. The adoption of this update is not expected to have an effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows but will impact the disclosures made for the Company’s defined benefit retirement plans.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use software (Subtopic 350-40) Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract. This update aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. This update requires the entity to determine which implementation costs to capitalize as an asset related to the service contact and which costs to expense over the term of the hosting contract. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company ~~is assessing~~adopted ASU N0 2018-15 prospectively in the ~~impact that~~first quarter of 2020. The adoption of ASU No.2018-15 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. ~~2018-15~~2018-14, Compensation-Retirement Benefits-Defined Benefit Plans-General (Subtopic 715-20). This update removes some disclosures that are no longer considered cost beneficial and adds some disclosures about defined benefit plans that have been identified as relevant. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020. The adoption of this update is not expected to have an effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows but will impact the disclosures made for the Company’s defined benefit retirement plans.

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740), Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. This update provides guidance to reduce complexity in certain areas of accounting for income taxes. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. The adoption of this update is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) Facilitation of the effect of reference rate reform on financial reporting. This update provides optional guidance for a limited period of time to ease the burden of implementing the usage of new reference rates. The amendments apply to contracts modifications that replace a reference rate affected by reference rate reform and contemporaneous modifications of other contract terms related to the replacement of the reference rate. If elected the optional expedients to contract modifications must be applied consistently for all eligible contracts or eligible transactions. The amendments in this update may be implemented between March 12, 2020 and December 31, 2022. The guidance should be applied prospectively. The Company has not yet implemented ASU No. 2020-04 and currently is in the process of assessing the potential impact of ASU No. 2020-04 on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

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

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

Certain statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, other than purely historical information, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act). These statements include statements about Stepan Company’s and its subsidiaries’ (the Company) plans, objectives, strategies, financial performance and outlook, trends, the amount and timing of future cash distributions, prospects or future events and involve known and unknown risks that are difficult to predict. As a result, the Company’s actual financial results, performance, achievements or prospects may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “may,” “could,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “seek,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “guidance,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “likely,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “illustrative” and variations of these terms and similar expressions, or the negative of these terms or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company and its management based on their knowledge and understanding of the business and industry, are inherently uncertain. These statements are not guarantees of future performance, and stockholders should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. There are a number of risks, uncertainties and other important factors, many of which are beyond the Company’s control, that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Such risks, uncertainties and other important factors, include, among others, the risks, uncertainties and factors set forth under “Part II-Item IA. Risk Factors” of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and under “Part I-Item IA. Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, ~~2018 inclusive of: (a)~~2019, including the risks and uncertainties related to the following: (a) the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; (b) accidents, unplanned production shutdowns or disruptions in any of the Company’s manufacturing facilities; ~~(b)~~(c) reduced demand for Company products due to customer product reformulations or new technologies; (d) the Company’s inability to successfully develop or introduce new products; (e) compliance with anti-corruption, environmental, health and safety and product registration laws; (f) the Company’s ability to make acquisitions of suitable candidates and successfully integrate acquisitions; (g) global competition and the Company’s ability to successfully compete; ~~(c)~~(h) volatility of raw material, natural gas and electricity costs as well as any disruption in their supply; ~~(d)~~(i) disruptions in transportation or significant changes in transportation costs; ~~(e) reduced demand for Company products due to customer product reformulations or new technologies; (f) the Company’s ability to make acquisitions of suitable candidates~~(j) downturns in certain industries and ~~successfully integrate acquisitions; (g) the Company’s ability to keep and protect its intellectual property rights; (h)~~general economic downturns; (k) international business risks, including fluctuations in currency exchange rates, legal restrictions and taxes; ~~(i)~~(l) unfavorable resolution of litigation against the Company; (m) the Company’s ability to keep and protect its intellectual property rights; (n) potentially adverse tax consequences due to the international scope of the Company’s operations; ~~(j) compliance with anti-corruption, environmental, health and safety and product registration laws; (k) the Company’s ability to operate within the limitations of its debt covenants; (l)~~(o) downgrades to the Company’s credit ratings or disruptions to the Company’s ability to access well-functioning capital markets; ~~(m) downturns in certain industries and general economic downturns; (n)~~(p) conflicts, military actions, terrorist attacks and general instability, particularly in certain energy-producing nations, along with increased security regulations; ~~(o)~~(q) cost overruns, delays and miscalculations in capacity needs with respect to the Company’s expansion or other capital projects; ~~(p)~~(r) interruption of, damage to or compromise of the Company’s IT systems and failure to maintain the integrity of customer, colleague or Company data; ~~(q) unfavorable resolution of litigation against the Company; (r) and~~(s) the Company’s ability to retain its executive management and other key ~~personnel.~~personnel, and; (t) the Company’s ability to operate within the limitations of its debt covenants.

These factors are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause the Company’s actual financial results, performance, achievements or prospects to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by any of its forward-looking statements. Other unknown or unpredictable factors also could harm the Company’s results. All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on the Company’s behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements set forth above. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company does not undertake or assume any obligation to update publicly any of these forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, new information or future events, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable laws. If the Company updates one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that the Company will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.

The “Company,” “we,” “our” or “us” means Stepan Company and one or more of its subsidiaries only.

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 72 percent of Company consolidated net sales for the first three months of 2020, are principal ingredients in consumer and industrial cleaning and disinfection products such as detergents for washing clothes, dishes, carpets, floors and walls, as well as shampoos and body washes. Other applications include fabric softeners, germicidal quaternary compounds, lubricating ingredients, emulsifiers for spreading agricultural products and industrial applications such as latex systems, plastics and composites. Surfactants are manufactured at five U.S. sites, two European sites (United Kingdom

~~Surfactants~~ – Surfactants, which accounted for 71 percent of Company consolidated net sales for the first quarter of 2019, are principal ingredients in consumer and industrial cleaning products such as detergents for washing clothes, dishes, carpets, floors and walls, as well as shampoos and body washes. Other applications include fabric softeners, germicidal quaternary compounds, lubricating ingredients, emulsifiers for spreading agricultural products and industrial applications such as latex systems, plastics and composites. Surfactants are manufactured at five sites in the United States, two European sites (United Kingdom and France), five Latin American sites (one site in Colombia and two sites in both Brazil and Mexico) and two Asian sites (Philippines and Singapore). Recent significant events include:

and France), five Latin American sites (one site in Colombia and two sites in each of Mexico and Brazil) and two Asian sites (Philippines and Singapore). Recent significant events include:

~~During~~On January ~~of 2019~~19, 2020, the ~~Company’s plant in Ecatepec, Mexico~~Company experienced a ~~sulfonation equipment failure~~power disruption that ~~contributed~~impacted its Millsdale, Illinois facility. This power outage combined with below freezing temperatures led to significant production and operational challenges that impacted both Surfactants and Polymers produced at the site. The Millsdale facility operated on a ~~$2.3 million site operating loss in~~partial basis and used existing inventories to serve its customers. However, on February 17, 2020, power outage-related operational issues impacted the Millsdale site’s waste water treatment plant (WWTP) and forced the Company to stop production at the site. As a result, the Company declared force majeure for the supply of phthalic anhydride (Polymers) and certain surfactant product lines. All production lines were fully operational prior to the end of the first ~~quarter of 2019.~~quarter. The Company’s insurance provider has acknowledged this incident is a covered event and the Company is pursuing insurance recovery for ~~damaged equipment,~~ incremental supply chain expenses and business interruption. ~~This plant, and a portion of its related surfactant business, was acquired from BASF in March 2018 (see Note 18,~~ ~~Acquisition, for additional details).~~

In March 2020 the Company acquired certain assets of Logos Technologies LLC's NatSurFact® business, a rhamnolipid-based line of bio-surfactants derived from renewable sources. These bio-surfactants offer synergies in several strategic end use markets including oilfield, agriculture, personal care and household, industrial and institutional. The Company will focus efforts to further develop, integrate and commercialize these unique surfactants moving forward. The Company believes the rhamnolipid technology will further advance the growth and sustainability aspirations of both the Company and its customers. (See Note 17, Acquisitions, for additional details).

In December 2019 the Company acquired an oilfield demulsifier product line. The Company believes this acquisition will accelerate its strategy to diversify into additional application segments with the oilfield markets. The acquired business did not impact the Company’s 2019 financial results nor is it expected to be accretive to earnings in 2020 (see Note 17, Acquisitions, for additional details).

During the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company shut down Surfactant operations at its plant site in Germany. The Company ceased Surfactant production at this site to further reduce its fixed cost base, refocus Surfactant resources on higher margin end markets and allow for select assets to be repurposed to support future polyol growth. Decommissioning costs associated with the shutdown ~~are expected to be~~were incurred ~~throughout~~in 2019 and will continue in 2020 (see Note ~~17,~~ 16, Business Restructuring, for additional details).

•

Polymers – Polymers, which accounted for 24 percent of consolidated net sales for the first three months of 2020, include polyurethane polyols, polyester resins and phthalic anhydride. Polyurethane polyols are used in the manufacture of rigid foam for thermal insulation in the construction industry and are also a base raw material for coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers (collectively, CASE products). Powdered polyester resins are used in coating applications. CASE and powdered polyester resins are collectively referred to as specialty polyols. 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, the Company uses phthalic anhydride internally in the production of polyols. In the United States, polyurethane polyols and phthalic anhydride are manufactured at the Company’s Millsdale, Illinois, site and specialty polyols are manufactured at the Company’s Columbus, Georgia, site. In Europe, polyurethane polyols are manufactured by the Company’s subsidiary in Germany, and specialty polyols are manufactured by the Company’s Poland subsidiary. In China, polyurethane polyols and specialty polyols are manufactured at the Company’s Nanjing, China, plant. Recent significant events include:

In 2016, the Company shut down its production facility in Canada, moving the production of goods previously manufactured in Canada to other Company North American production sites. Manufacturing operationsThe operational issues at the Company’s Millsdale, Illinois facility, ~~ceased~~described in the ~~fourth~~significant event paragraph above, negatively impacted Polymers earnings during the first quarter of ~~2016 but decommissioning activities were incurred in 2017 and 2018 and will continue throughout 2019 (see Note 17,~~ ~~Business Restructuring, for additional details).~~2020.

~~Polymers~~ – Polymers, which accounted for 25 percent of consolidated net sales for the first quarter of 2019, include polyurethane polyols, polyester resins and phthalic anhydride. Polyurethane polyols are used in the manufacture of rigid foam for thermal insulation in the construction industry and are also a base raw material for coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers (collectively, CASE products). Powdered polyester resins are used in coating applications. CASE and powdered polyester resins are collectively referred to as specialty polyols. 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, the Company uses phthalic anhydride internally in the production of polyols. In the United States, polyurethane polyols and phthalic anhydride are manufactured at the Company’s Millsdale, Illinois, site and specialty polyols are manufactured at the Company’s Columbus, Georgia, site. In Europe, polyurethane polyols are manufactured by the Company’s subsidiary in Germany, and specialty polyols are manufactured by the Company’s Poland subsidiary. In China, polyurethane polyols and specialty polyols are manufactured at the Company’s Nanjing, China, plant.

~~Specialty Products~~ – Specialty products, which accounted for four percent of consolidated net sales for the first quarter of 2019, include flavors, emulsifiers and solubilizers used in food, flavoring, nutritional supplement and pharmaceutical applications. Specialty products are primarily manufactured at the Company’s Maywood, New Jersey, site and, in some instances, at outside contractors.

•

Specialty Products – Specialty products, which accounted for four percent of consolidated net sales for the first three months of 2020, include flavors, emulsifiers and solubilizers used in food, flavoring, nutritional supplement and pharmaceutical applications. Specialty products are primarily manufactured at the Company’s Maywood, New Jersey, site and, in some instances, at outside contractors. Recent significant events include:

During ~~the first quarter of~~ 2019, the Company ~~approved a plan to close~~restructured its Specialty ~~Product~~Products office in the Netherlands and ~~eliminate five~~eliminated positions from the site’s supply chain, quality control and research and development areas. This ~~planned reduction in positions~~restructuring was ~~made~~undertaken to better align the number of personnel with current business requirements and reduce costs at the site (see Note ~~17,~~ 16, Business Restructuring, for additional details).

~~Change in Accounting Principle~~

2020 Acquisition

~~During the first quarter of 2019~~On March 13, 2020, the Company ~~elected to change its method~~acquired certain assets of ~~accounting~~Logos Technologies LLC's NatSurFact® business, a rhamnolipid-based line of bio-surfactants derived from renewable sources. These bio-surfactants offer synergies in several strategic end use markets including oilfield, agriculture, personal care and household, industrial and institutional. The acquisition was accounted for ~~U.S. inventory valuation from~~as an asset acquisition. The purchase price of the ~~LIFO basis to the FIFO basis. Non-U.S. inventories have historically been maintained~~acquisition was $2,040,000 and was paid with cash on the FIFO basis. The Company believes that this change to the FIFO method of inventory valuation is preferable as it provides a better matching of costs with the physical flow of goods, more accurately reflects the current market value of inventory presented onhand. All assets acquired are included in the Company’s ~~consolidated balance sheet, standardizes the Company’s inventory valuation methodology~~Surfactants segment. The assets acquired were primarily intangibles, including trademarks and ~~improves comparability with the Company’s industry peers. The Company has retrospectively applied this change to its prior year financial statement comparables. See Note 2,~~ ~~Change in Method~~know-how ($1,071,000) and patents ($357,000). Additionally, $612,000 of ~~Accounting for Inventory Valuation,~~ ~~for additional details.~~laboratory equipment was acquired.

Deferred Compensation Plans

The accounting for the Company’s deferred compensation plans can cause period-to-period fluctuations in Company expenses and profits. Compensation expense results when the values of Company common stock and mutual fund investment assets held for the plans increase, and compensation income results when the values of Company common stock and mutual fund investment assets decline. 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) and the income statement line items in which the effects of the activities were recorded are displayed in the following table:

Income (Expense)

For the Three Months
Ended March 31

(In millions)

2019

2018

Change

Deferred Compensation (Operating expenses)

$
(7.5
)

$
(1.6
)

$
(5.9)

⁽¹⁾
Realized/Unrealized Gains on Investments (Other, net)

2.3

0.1

2.2

Investment Income (Other, net)

0.1

0.1

—

Pretax Income Effect

$
(5.1
)

$
(1.4
)

$
(3.7)

⁽¹⁾

~~See the~~ ~~Segment Results-Corporate Expenses~~ ~~section of this MD&A for details regarding the quarter-over-quarter change in deferred compensation expense.~~

	Income (Expense)
	For the Three Months Ended March 31
(In millions)	2020			2019			Change
Deferred Compensation (Administrative expense)	$	7.3		$	(7.5	)	$	14.8
Realized/Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments (Other, net)		(3.6	)		2.3			(5.9	)
Investment Income (Other, net)		0.1			0.1			-
Pretax Income Effect	$	3.8		$	(5.1	)	$	8.9

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). The following table presents the effects that foreign currency translation had on the period-over-period changes in consolidated net sales and various income statement line items for the three months ended March 31, ~~2019~~2020 and ~~2018:~~2019:

Three Months Ended
March 31

(Decrease)

(In millions)

2019

2018

(Decrease)

Due to Foreign
Translation

Net Sales

$
489.2

$
499.3

$
(10.1
)

$
(16.2
)
Gross Profit

84.6

91.2

(6.6
)

(2.2
)
Operating Income

29.7

41.3

(11.6
)

(1.1
)
Pretax Income

31.0

39.3

(8.3
)

(1.1
)

~~(1)~~

The 2018 gross profit, operating income and pretax income line items have been changed from the amounts originally reported as a result of the Company’s first quarter 2019 change in method of accounting for U.S. inventory valuation from LIFO to FIFO.

	Three Months Ended March 31
								(Decrease)
(In millions)	2020		2019		Increase (Decrease)			Due to Foreign Translation
Net Sales	$	450.0	$	489.2	$	(39.2	)	$	(8.2	)
Gross Profit		79.3		84.6		(5.3	)		(1.4	)
Operating Income		40.0		29.7		10.3			(0.8	)
Pretax Income		35.5		31.0		4.5			(0.8	)

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three Months Ended March 31, ~~2019~~2020 and ~~2018~~2019

Summary

Net income attributable to the Company for the first quarter of ~~2019 decreased 22~~2020 increased 10 percent to $27.5 million, or $1.18 per diluted share, from $25.0 million, or $1.07 ~~per diluted share, from $39 million, or $1.44~~ per diluted share, for the first quarter of ~~2018.~~2019. Adjusted net income decreased ~~nine~~21 percent to $24.2 million, or $1.04 per diluted share, from $30.6 million, or $1.31 per diluted share ~~from $33.6 million, or $1.44 per diluted share~~ in ~~2018~~2019 (see the “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Adjusted Net Income and Diluted Earnings per Share” section of this MD&A for a reconciliation between reported net income attributable to the Company and ~~related~~reported earnings per diluted share and non-GAAP adjusted net income and ~~related~~adjusted earnings per diluted share). Below is a summary discussion of the major factors leading to the quarter-over-quarter changes in net sales, profits and expenses. A detailed discussion of segment operating performance for the first quarter of ~~2019~~2020 compared to the first quarter of ~~2018~~2019 follows the summary.

Consolidated net sales decreased ~~$10.2~~$39.2 million, or ~~two~~eight percent, between quarters. Consolidated sales volume increased three percent, which had a $15.8 million favorable impact on the quarter-over-quarter change in net sales. Sales volume increased for each of the three segments. Foreign currency translationLower average selling prices negatively impacted the quarter-over-quarter change in net sales by ~~$16.2 million.~~

The unfavorable foreign currency translation impact reflected a stronger U.S. dollar against all currencies for countries where the Company has foreign operations. Lower average selling prices unfavorably impacted the quarter-over-quarter change in net sales by $9.8$18.0 million. The decrease in average selling prices was primarily due to the pass through of lower raw material costs. Consolidated sales volume decreased three percent, which had a $13.0 million unfavorable impact on the quarter-over-quarter change in net sales. Most of the sales volume decline resulted from the production and operational issues at the Company’s Millsdale, IL facility in the first quarter of 2020. Sales volume decreased for each of the three segments. Foreign currency translation negatively impacted the quarter-over-quarter change in net sales by $8.2 million due to a stronger U.S. dollar against most currencies where the Company has foreign operations.

Operating income for the first quarter of ~~2019 decreased $11.5~~2020 increased $10.3 million, or 2835 percent, ~~compared to~~versus operating income for the first quarter of ~~2018.~~2019. Most of this ~~decline was related to higher~~increase reflects lower deferred compensation ~~expense which increased $5.9~~expenses in 2020. Deferred compensation expenses declined $14.8 million quarter-over-quarter. ~~Operating income for the~~From a segment perspective, Polymer and Surfactant ~~segments~~operating income declined ~~$5.2~~$4.6 million and ~~$4.3~~$1.0 million, respectively. Specialty ~~Product~~Products operating income improved ~~$3.5~~$0.9 million. Business restructuring expenses were $0.4 million ~~higher~~lower in the current year quarter and corporate expenses (excluding deferred compensation and business restructuring expense) ~~declined by $0.7 million.~~were relatively flat with prior year. Foreign currency translation had a ~~$1.1~~$0.8 million unfavorable ~~effect~~impact on ~~quarter-over-quarter~~ consolidated operating ~~income.~~income quarter-over-quarter.

Operating expenses (including deferred compensation and business restructuring expense) ~~increased $5.0~~decreased $15.6 million, or ~~ten~~28 percent, between quarters. Changes in the individual income statement line items that comprise the Company’s operating expenses were as follows:

~~Selling expenses decreased $0.9 million, or six percent, quarter-over-quarter primarily due to lower bad debt provision expense in 2019.~~

•

Selling expenses decreased $0.4 million, or three percent, quarter-over-quarter.

~~Administrative expenses decreased $0.1 million, or one percent, quarter-over-quarter.~~

•

Administrative expenses decreased $0.4 million, or two percent, quarter-over-quarter.

~~Research, development and technical service (R&D) expenses decreased $0.2 million, or two percent, quarter-over-quarter.~~

•

Research, development and technical service (R&D) expenses increased $0.4 million, or three percent, quarter-over-quarter.

Deferred compensation expense increased $5.9 million, quarter-over-quarter, primarily due to a $13.52 per share increase in the market price of Company common stock in the first quarter 2019 compared to a $4.21 per share increase in the first quarter of 2018. See the ~~Overview~~ ~~and~~ ~~Segment Results-Corporate Expenses~~ ~~sections of this MD&A for further details.~~

•

Deferred compensation expense decreased $14.8 million, quarter-over-quarter, primarily due to a $13.98 per share decrease in the market price of Company common stock in the first quarter 2020 compared to a $13.52 per share increase in the first quarter of 2019. See the Overview and Segment Results-Corporate Expenses sections of this MD&A for further details.

Business restructuring charges totaled $0.7 million in the first quarter of 2019 versus $0.4 million in 2018. The 2019 restructuring charges were primarily comprised of severance and office shutdown expenses related to the Specialty Product restructuring efforts ($0.5 million) and ongoing decommissioning costs associated with the Company’s manufacturing facility in Canada that ceased operations in the fourth quarter of 2016 ($0.3 million). The 2018 restructuring charges related solely to decommissioning costs associated with the Canadian plant closure.

•

Business restructuring expenses totaled $0.4 million in the first quarter of 2020 versus $0.7 million in 2019. The 2020 restructuring expenses included ongoing decommissioning costs associated with the Company’s manufacturing facility in Canada that ceased operations in the fourth quarter of 2016 ($0.3 million) and decommissioning costs associated with Company’s 2018 sulfonation shut down in Germany ($0.1 million). The 2019 restructuring charges were primarily comprised of severance and office shutdown expenses related to restructuring efforts within Specialty Products ($0.5 million) and decommissioning costs associated with the Canadian plant closure ($0.3 million).

Net interest expense for the first quarter of ~~2019~~2020 decreased ~~$1.3~~$0.6 million, or 4134 percent, ~~from net~~versus the first quarter of 2019. This decrease was primarily attributable to lower interest expense ~~for~~resulting from scheduled debt repayments and the ~~same~~Company’s voluntary prepayment of its 5.88 percent Senior Notes in the second quarter of ~~last year primarily~~2019. Partially offsetting the above was lower interest income which reflects lower interest rates due to ~~debt principal repayments and higher U.S. interest income.~~ global market conditions.

Other, net was $3.3 million of expense in the first quarter of 2020 versus $3.1 million of income ~~for~~in the first quarter of ~~2019 compared to $1.2 million of income for the same period of 2018.~~2019. The Company recognized ~~$2.5~~$3.8 million of investment ~~income~~losses (including realized and unrealized gains and losses) for the Company’s deferred compensation and supplemental defined contribution mutual fund assets in the first quarter of ~~2019~~2020 compared ~~to $0.2~~$2.5 million of investment income in last year’s first quarter. In addition, the Company reported ~~foreign exchange gains of~~ $0.6 ~~million in the first quarter of 2019 versus $1.1~~ million of foreign exchange gains in both the first quarter of ~~2018.~~2020 and 2019. The Company also reported ~~$0.2~~$0.1 million of ~~lower~~higher net periodic pension cost expense in the first quarter of ~~2019~~2020 versus the prior year.

The Company’s effective tax rate was ~~19.5~~22.5 percent ~~for~~in the first quarter of ~~2019 compared to 18.7~~2020 versus 19.5 percent ~~for~~in the first quarter of ~~2018.~~2019. The quarter-over-quarter increase was primarily attributable ~~to: (i) the non-recurrence of a favorable 2018~~to lower tax ~~benefit~~benefits derived from ~~nontaxable foreign interest income, and; (ii) a less favorable geographic mix of income~~stock-based compensation awards exercised or distributed in the first quarter of ~~2019~~2020 versus the first quarter of ~~2018.~~2019.

Segment Results

	For the Three Months Ended									For the Three Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	March 31,		March 31,		Increase			Percent		March 31,		March 31,					Percent
Net Sales	2019		2018		(Decrease)			Change		2020		2019		(Decrease)			Change
Surfactants	$	349,650	$	358,940	$	(9,290	)		-3	$	327,071	$	349,650	$	(22,579	)		-6
Polymers		120,179		121,933		(1,754	)		-1		106,491		120,179		(13,688	)		-11
Specialty Products		19,341		18,462		879			5		16,425		19,341		(2,916	)		-15
Total Net Sales	$	489,170	$	499,335	$	(10,165	)		-2	$	449,987	$	489,170	$	(39,183	)		-8

For the Three Months Ended

(Dollars in thousands)

March 31,

March 31,

Increase

Percent

Operating Income

2019

2018⁽¹⁾

(Decrease)

Change

Surfactants

$
37,167

$
41,468

$
(4,301
)

-10

Polymers

12,105

17,305

(5,200
)

-30

Specialty Products

3,131

(350
)

3,481

NM

Segment Operating Income

$
52,403

$
58,423

$
(6,020
)

-10

Corporate Expenses, Excluding Deferred Compensation and Restructuring

14,459

15,168

(709
)

-5

Deferred Compensation Expense

7,473

1,614

5,859

363

Business Restructuring

733

358

375

105

Total Operating Income

$
29,738

$
41,283

$
(11,545
)

-28

~~(1)~~

The 2018 segment and total operating income line items have been changed from the amounts originally reported as a result of the Company’s first quarter 2019 change in method of accounting for U.S. inventory valuation from LIFO to FIFO.

	For the Three Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	March 31,			March 31,		Increase			Percent
Operating Income	2020			2019		(Decrease)			Change
Surfactants	$	36,156		$	37,167	$	(1,011	)		-3
Polymers		7,516			12,105		(4,589	)		-38
Specialty Products		3,984			3,131		853		NM
Segment Operating Income	$	47,656		$	52,403	$	(4,747	)		-9
Corporate Expenses, Excluding Deferred Compensation and Restructuring		14,618			14,459		159			1
Deferred Compensation Expense		(7,323	)	��	7,473		(14,796	)		-198
Business Restructuring		357			733		(376	)		-51
Total Operating Income	$	40,004		$	29,738	$	10,266			35

Surfactants

Surfactants net sales for the first quarter of ~~2019~~2020 decreased ~~$9.3~~$22.6 million, or ~~three~~six percent, ~~over~~versus net sales for the first quarter of ~~2018.~~2019. The unfavorable impact of lower selling prices, foreign currency translation and lower selling prices negatively impacted the quarter-over-quarter change in net sales by ~~$10.6~~$12.7 million, $6.5 million and ~~$9.5~~$3.4 million, respectively. ~~A three percent increase in sales volume favorably impacted the change in net sales by $10.8 million.~~ A quarter-over-quarter comparison of net sales by region follows:

	For the Three Months Ended									For the Three Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	March 31,		March 31,		Increase			Percent		March 31,		March 31,					Percent
Net Sales	2019		2018		(Decrease)			Change		2020		2019		(Decrease)			Change
North America	$	214,297	$	220,405	$	(6,108	)		-3	$	207,946	$	214,297	$	(6,351	)		-3
Europe		71,478		78,371		(6,893	)		-9		59,660		71,478		(11,818	)		-17
Latin America		50,812		41,688		9,124			22		46,510		50,812		(4,302	)		-8
Asia		13,063		18,476		(5,413	)		-29		12,955		13,063		(108	)		-1
Total Surfactants Segment	$	349,650	$	358,940	$	(9,290	)		-3	$	327,071	$	349,650	$	(22,579	)		-6

Net sales for North American operations decreased $6.4 million, or three percent, between quarters. Lower average selling prices ~~and the unfavorable effect of foreign currency translation~~ negatively impacted the quarter-over-quarter change in net sales by ~~$7.3 million and $0.3 million, respectively.~~$8.8 million. Selling prices decreased ~~three~~four percent mostly due to the pass through of lower raw material costs to customers. ~~The foreign currency impact reflected a stronger U.S. dollar relative to the Canadian dollar.~~ Sales volume growth of one percent positively impacted the change in net sales by ~~$1.5~~$2.5 million. ~~This~~The sales volume increase ~~reflected~~was mostly due to higher demand ~~within~~for products sold into the ~~functional~~consumer product end markets, driven by increased demand for cleaning and disinfection products as a result of COVID-19, partially offset by lower demand ~~for~~in the functional products ~~sold to our distribution partners.~~

~~Net sales for European operations decreased nine percent between quarters. The unfavorable impact~~end market, principally agricultural and oilfield. Sales volume was also negatively impacted by plant operational issues at the Millsdale, IL site during the first quarter of ~~foreign~~2020. Foreign currency translation ~~and a two percent decline in sales volume~~ negatively impacted the quarter-over-quarter change in net sales by ~~$5.5~~$0.1 million.

Net sales for European operations decreased $11.8 million, or 17 percent, between quarters. A 14 percent decline in sales volume, the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation and lower average selling prices negatively impacted the quarter-over-quarter change in net sales by $9.8 million, $1.5 million and ~~$1.7~~$0.5 million, respectively. The lower sales volume primarily reflects lost business at one customer partially offset by increased demand for cleaning and disinfection products as a result of COVID-19 and higher demand for products sold into the agricultural end markets. A stronger U.S. dollar ~~against~~relative to the European euro and British pound sterling led to the foreign currency translation effect. The lower sales volume resulted from the Company’s decision to cease Surfactant production at its German plant site during the fourth quarter of 2018. Lower sales of products used in laundry and cleaning and personal care applications were partially offset by higher demand for products used in agricultural end markets. Selling prices increased slightly and favorably impacted the quarter-over-quarter change in net sales by $0.3 million.

Net sales for Latin American operations ~~increased 22~~declined $4.3 million, or eight percent, primarily due to ~~a 24 percent increase in sales volume~~the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation and ~~higher~~lower selling prices. These ~~two~~ items accounted for $9.8 million and $3.8 million, respectively, of the quarter-over-quarter change in net sales. The higher volume was mostly related to the Company’s 2018 first quarter acquisition in Ecatepec, Mexico. Foreign currency translation negatively impacted the ~~quarter-over-quarter~~quarter-over quarter change in ~~net~~nets sales by ~~$4.5 million.~~$5.1 million and $2.0 million, respectively. The quarter-over-quarter strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the Brazilian real,

Mexican peso and the Colombian peso generated the unfavorable foreign currency effect. Sales volume grew six percent in the quarter and positively impacted the change in net sales by $2.8 million. This sales volume growth primarily reflects higher demand for products sold into the consumer product end markets, driven by increased demand for cleaning and disinfection products. In addition, prior year sales volume was negatively impacted by a sulfonation equipment failure at the Company’s Ecatepec, Mexico facility.

Net sales for Asian operations ~~declined 29~~were flat quarter-over-quarter. A three percent ~~primarily due to lower average selling prices, lower~~decline in sales volume ~~and~~was largely offset by the ~~unfavorable~~favorable impact of foreign currency translation. ~~These items unfavorably impacted the quarter-over-quarter change in net sales by $3.0 million, $2.2 million and $0.2 million, respectively.~~ The lower ~~selling prices primarily reflect less favorable product mix. Sales~~

sales volume ~~declined 12 percent mostly~~was largely due to ~~lower sales of products used in laundry and cleaning applications and~~ lower demand for products sold to our distribution ~~partners.~~partners partially offset by higher demand for products sold to the agricultural end markets.

Surfactants operating income for the first quarter of ~~2019~~2020 decreased ~~$4.3~~$1.0 million, or 10three percent, over operating income for the first quarter of ~~2018.~~2019. Gross profit declined ~~$4.8~~$1.1 million ~~quarter-over-quarter. Operating~~and operating expenses ~~decreased $0.5 million, or two percent.~~were slightly lower versus prior year. Quarter-over-quarter comparisons of gross profit by region and total segment operating expenses and operating income follow:

For the Three Months Ended

(Dollars in thousands)

March 31, 2019

March 31, 2018⁽¹⁾

Increase
(Decrease)

Percent
Change

Gross Profit and Operating Income

North America

$
43,084

$
45,354

$
(2,270
)

-5

Europe

10,438

9,376

1,062

11

Latin America

3,514

5,420

(1,906
)

-35

Asia

3,942

5,591

(1,649
)

-29

Surfactants Segment Gross Profit

$
60,978

$
65,741

$
(4,763
)

-7

Operating Expenses

23,811

24,273

(462
)

-2

Surfactants Segment Operating Income

$
37,167

$
41,468

$
(4,301
)

-10

~~(1)~~

The 2018 North America gross profit and the total surfactants segment operating income line items have been changed from the amounts originally reported as a result of the Company’s first quarter 2019 change in method of accounting for U.S. inventory valuation from LIFO to FIFO.

	For the Three Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	March 31, 2020		March 31, 2019		Increase (Decrease)			Percent Change
Gross Profit and Operating Income
North America	$	41,163	$	43,084	$	(1,921	)		-4
Europe		9,498		10,438		(940	)		-9
Latin America		7,036		3,514	��	3,522			100
Asia		2,157		3,942		(1,785	)		-45
Surfactants Segment Gross Profit	$	59,854	$	60,978	$	(1,124	)		(2	)
Operating Expenses		23,698		23,811		(113	)		0
Surfactants Segment Operating Income	$	36,156	$	37,167	$	(1,011	)		-3

Gross profit for North American operations decreased ~~five~~$1.9 million, or four percent, ~~or $2.3 million, quarter-over-quarter~~between quarters primarily due to lower unit margins. ~~Lower~~The lower unit margins negatively impacted the ~~quarter-over-quarter~~ change in gross profit by ~~$2.6~~$2.4 million. The lower unit margins principally reflect higher maintenance and supply chain expenses incurred as a result of the incident at the Company’s Millsdale, IL site. Sales volume grew one percent and positively impacted the change in gross profit by ~~$0.3~~$0.5 million. ~~Higher~~The sales ofvolume increase was mostly due to higher demand for products sold into ~~our functional~~the consumer product end markets, ~~offset lower sales to our distribution partners.~~

driven by increased demand for cleaning and disinfection products as a result of COVID-19. Sales volume was negatively impacted by the first quarter operational issues at the Company’s Millsdale, IL facility.

Gross profit for European operations ~~increased 11~~decreased $0.9 million, or nine percent, ~~or $1.1 million, between quarters~~ primarily due ~~to lower overhead costs~~a 14 percent decline in sales volume and ~~improved product mix resulting from~~ the Company’s decision to cease Surfactant production at its German plant site during the fourth quarter of 2018. Higher unit margins favorably impacted the quarter-over-quarter change in gross profit by $2.1 million. The unfavorable impact of foreign currency ~~translation and a two percent decline in sales volume negatively impacted the current year quarter by $0.8 million and $0.2 million, respectively.~~

Gross profit for Latin American operations decreased 35 percent, or $1.9 million, quarter-over-quarter. This decrease was primarily due to a sulfonation equipment failure at the Company’s Ecatepec, Mexico facility in January 2019. Higher freight costs were incurred to supply product from other Company locations resulting in lower unit margins. Lower unit marginstranslation. These items negatively impacted the quarter-over-quarter change in gross profit by ~~$2.5~~$1.4 million and $0.3 million, respectively. Higher unit margins positively impacted the quarter-over-quarter change in gross profit by $0.8 million. The higher unit margins were attributable to a more favorable product mix in the first quarter of 2020 primarily resulting from higher demand in the agricultural end markets and lower demand for commodity softeners.

Gross profit for Latin American operations increased $3.5 million, or 100 percent, between quarters primarily due to higher unit margins. Higher unit margins positively impacted the quarter-over-quarter change in gross profit by $4.2 million. The higher unit margins primarily reflect the Company’s Mexican sites being fully operational in 2020 versus 2019 when Mexico incurred higher freight and supply chain expenses as a result of the sulfonation equipment failure at the Company’s Ecatepec, Mexico facility. Sales volume growth of six percent positively impacted the quarter-over-quarter change in gross profit by $0.2 million. The unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation negatively impacted the current year quarter by ~~$0.7~~$0.9 million. ~~A 24 percent increase in sales volume, principally driven by the first quarter 2018 acquisition in Ecatepec, Mexico favorably impacted the quarter-over-quarter change in gross profit by $1.3 million.~~

Gross profit for Asia operations decreased 29$1.8 million, or 45 percent, ~~or $1.6 million,~~ between quarters largely due to lower unit margins and lower sales volumes. These items negatively impacted ~~2019~~ gross profit by ~~$1.0~~$1.7 million and ~~$0.6~~$0.1 million, respectively. The lower unit margins are primarily ~~resulted from lower production throughput which led~~due to higher unit overhead ~~costs.~~

costs in Singapore due to unfavorable production timing differences.

Operating expenses for the Surfactants segment decreased ~~$0.5~~$0.1 million ~~or two percent,~~ quarter-over-quarter.

Polymers

Polymers net sales for the first quarter of ~~2019~~2020 decreased ~~$1.8~~$13.7 million, or ~~one~~11 percent, versus net sales for the same period of ~~2018.~~2019. A nine percent decrease in sales volume negatively impacted the quarter-over-quarter change in net sales by $10.5 million. The unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation and lower average selling prices negatively impacted the quarter-over-quarter change in net sales by ~~$5.3~~$1.7 million and ~~$0.6~~$1.5 million, respectively. ~~A three percent increase in sales volume positively impacted the quarter-over-quarter change in net sales by $4.1 million.~~ A quarter-over-quarter comparison of net sales by region follows:

	For the Three Months Ended									For the Three Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	March 31		March 31		Increase			Percent		March 31		March 31		Increase			Percent
Net Sales	2019		2018		(decrease)			change		2020		2019		(decrease)			change
North America	$	71,323	$	73,474	$	(2,151	)		-3	$	61,841	$	71,323	$	(9,482	)		-13
Europe		42,105		41,784		321			1		36,560		42,105		(5,545	)		-13
Asia and Other		6,751		6,675		76			1		8,090		6,751		1,339			20
Total Polymers Segment	$	120,179	$	121,933	$	(1,754	)		-1	$	106,491	$	120,179	$	(13,688	)		-11

Net sales for North American operations declined ~~three~~$9.5 million, or 13 percent, primarily due to ~~lower selling prices and~~ a ~~one~~14 percent decline in sales volume. ~~These two items~~The decline in sales volume negatively impacted the quarter-over-quarter change in net sales by ~~$1.3 million and $0.9 million, respectively. The pass through of lower raw material costs contributed to the lower selling prices. The slight decline in total sales~~$10.2 million. Sales volume ~~reflects lower phthalic anhydride and specialty polyols volume that were mostly offset by ten percent growth~~ of polyols used in rigid foam ~~applications.~~

applications increased four percent during the quarter but was outweighed by a 61 percent decline in phthalic anhydride volume. The phthalic anhydride decrease was largely related to the first quarter 2020 incident at the Company’s Millsdale, IL facility which forced the Company to temporarily halt phthalic anhydride production and declare force majeure for this product line. The Millsdale, IL facility was fully operational prior to the end of the first quarter. Higher average selling prices positively impacted the change in net sales by $0.7 million.

Net sales for European operations declined $5.5 million or 13 percent, quarter-over-quarter. A five percent decrease in sales volume, lower average selling prices and the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation negatively impacted the change in net sales by $2.2 million, $2.0 million and $1.3 million, respectively. The decline in sales volume principally reflects softer demand due to deferred or canceled construction projects as a result of COVID-19.

Net sales for Asia and Other operations increased ~~one percent. A nine~~$1.3 million, or 20 percent, primarily due to an 18 percent increase in sales volume and higher average selling ~~prices~~prices. These two items positively impacted the quarter-over-quarter change in net sales by ~~$3.9~~$1.2 million and ~~$1.2~~$0.5 million, respectively. The higher sales volume was primarily due to higher demand in livestock and cold storage markets. The unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation negatively impacted the quarter-over-quarter change in net sales by ~~$4.8~~$0.4 million.

Net sales for Asia and Other operations increased one percent quarter over quarter primarily due to a 14 percent increase in sales volume. This sales volume growth positively impacted the quarter-over-quarter change in net sales by $0.9 million. The unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation and lower selling prices negatively impacted the quarter-over-quarter change in net sales by $0.5 million and $0.3 million, respectively.

Polymers operating income for the first quarter of ~~2019~~2020 declined ~~$5.2~~$4.6 million, or 3038 percent, ~~from~~versus operating income for the first quarter of ~~2018.~~2019. Gross profit decreased ~~$5.2~~$4.7 million, or 2124 percent, primarily due to ~~reduced~~the nine percent decline in sales volume and lower unit margins. The lower unit margins ~~the negative impact~~principally reflect higher maintenance, supply chain costs and unit overhead rates incurred as a result of ~~foreign currency translation and the non-recurrence of a $2.1 million class action settlement received in~~ the first quarter ~~of 2018.~~2020 incident at the Company’s Millsdale, IL site. Operating expenses ~~were flat~~declined two percent quarter-over-quarter. Quarter-over-quarter comparisons of gross profit by region and total segment operating expenses and operating income follow:

For the Three Months Ended

(Dollars in thousands)

March 31, 2019

March 31, 2018⁽¹⁾

Increase
(Decrease)

Percent
Change

Gross Profit and Operating Income

North America

$
12,966

$
18,567

$
(5,601
)

-30

Europe

5,609

5,964

(355
)

-6

Asia and Other

648

(145
)

793

-547

Polymers Segment Gross Profit

$
19,223

$
24,386

$
(5,163
)

-21

Operating Expenses

7,118

7,081

37

1

Polymers Segment Operating Income

$
12,105

$
17,305

$
(5,200
)

-30

~~(1)~~

The 2018 North America gross profit and total operating income line items have been changed from the amounts originally reported as a result of the Company’s first quarter 2019 change in method of accounting for U.S. inventory valuation from LIFO to FIFO.

	For the Three Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	March 31, 2020		March 31, 2019		Increase (Decrease)			Percent Change
Gross Profit and Operating Income
North America	$	7,732	$	12,966	$	(5,234	)		-40
Europe		5,652		5,609		43			1
Asia and Other		1,131		648		483			75
Polymers Segment Gross Profit	$	14,515	$	19,223	$	(4,708	)		-24
Operating Expenses		6,999		7,118		(119	)		-2
Polymers Segment Operating Income	$	7,516	$	12,105	$	(4,589	)		-38

Gross profit for North American operations declined 30$5.2 million, or 40 percent, ~~quarter-over-quarter~~ primarily due to lower unit margins and the ~~non-recurrence of a $2.1~~14 percent decline in sales volume. These two items negatively impacted the change in gross profit by $3.4 million ~~class action settlement received~~and $1.8 million, respectively. Both the decline in margins and volume resulted from the first quarter ~~of 2018~~2020 incident at the Company’s Millsdale, IL facility which forced a temporary production shutdown and ~~lower~~resulted in higher maintenance, supply chain costs and unit ~~margins. The decline in margins reflected the consumption of higher priced year-end inventories carried to guard against potential winter supply disruptions~~

overhead rates.

Gross profit for European operations decreased six percent primarily due to the negative impact of foreign currency translation and slightly reduced margins. These items negatively impacted the quarter-over-quarter change in gross profit by $0.6 million and $0.4 million, respectively. The lowerwas flat between quarters. Higher unit margins ~~were primarily related to higher unit overhead costs resulting from a planned first quarter 2019 maintenance shutdown in Germany. Sales volume growth of nine percent~~ positively impacted the quarter-over-quarter change in gross profit by ~~$0.6~~$0.5 million. These higher unit margins reflect lower overhead in the current year due to the non-recurrence of a maintenance shutdown in Germany in the first quarter of 2019. These higher unit margins were offset by a five percent decline in sales volume and the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation. These items negatively impacted the

change in gross profit by $0.3 million and $0.2 million respectively. The decline in sales volume principally reflects softer demand due to deferred or canceled construction projects as a result of COVID-19.

Gross profit for Asia and Other operations improved ~~$0.8~~$0.5 million primarily due tohigher unit margins and sales volume growth of 1418 percent.

Operating expenses for the Polymers segment decreased $0.1 million, or two percent, quarter-over-quarter.

Specialty Products

~~Net~~Specialty Products net sales ~~for~~decreased $2.9 million, or 15 percent, versus net sales in the first quarter of 2019 increased $0.9 million, or five percent, from net sales for the first quarter of 2018. Sales volume was up 15 percent versus the prior year. Operating income increased $3.5 million quarter-over-quarter primarily due to ~~the higher~~an eight percent decrease in sales volume ~~which was mostly attributable to favorable order timing differences~~and lower average selling prices. Gross profit and operating income each increased by $0.9 million. These increases primarily reflect improved margins and volume within the ~~flavor business.~~ Company’s medium chain triglycerides product line driven by strong demand in the infant nutrition market.

Corporate Expenses

Corporate expenses, which include deferred compensation, business restructuring and other operating expenses that are not allocated to the reportable segments, ~~increased $5.5~~decreased $15.0 million between quarters. Corporate expenses were ~~$22.7~~$7.7 million in the first quarter of ~~2019~~2020 versus ~~$17.1~~$22.7 million in ~~2018.~~2019. This ~~increase~~decrease was primarily attributable to ~~higher~~lower deferred compensation ~~expense~~ ($~~5.9~~14.8 million) and business restructuring ~~expense~~ ($0.4 million) expenses in ~~2019. These items were partially offset by the non-recurrence of prior year costs associated with the Company’s 2018 first quarter acquisition in Mexico.~~

2020.

The ~~$5.9~~$14.8 million ~~increase~~decrease in ~~quarter-over-quarter~~ deferred compensation expense was primarily due to a ~~$13.52~~$13.98 per share ~~increase~~decline in the market price of Company common stock in the first quarter of ~~2019~~2020 compared to a ~~$4.21~~$13.52 per share increase ~~for~~in the first quarter of ~~2018.~~2019. The following table presents the quarter-end Company common stock market prices used in the computation of deferred compensation expenses for the three months ended March 31, ~~2019~~2020 and ~~2018:~~2019:

2019

2018

2017

March 31

December 31

March 31

December 31

Company Common Stock Price

$
87.52

$
74.00

$
83.18

$
78.97

	2020		2019				2018
	March 31		December 31		March 31		December 31
Company Common Stock Price	$	88.46	$	102.44	$	87.52	$	74.00

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Overview

For the three months ended March 31, ~~2019,~~2020, operating activities were a cash outflow of $6.5 million versus a cash source of $4.4 million ~~versus a cash source of $1.0 million~~ for the comparable period in ~~2018.~~2019. For the current year period, investing cash outflows totaled ~~$23.7~~$32.9 million versus a cash outflow of ~~$47.1~~$23.7 million in the prior year period. Financing activities were a use of ~~$10.8~~$14.4 million versus a use of ~~$8.8~~$10.8 million in the prior year period. Cash and cash equivalents decreased by ~~$30.8~~$61.0 million compared to December 31, ~~2018,~~2019, inclusive of ana $7.2 million unfavorable exchange rate ~~impact of $0.7 million.~~impact.

At March 31, ~~2019,~~2020, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents totaled ~~$269.5 million.~~$254.3 million, of which $155.4 million was held within the United States. Cash in U.S. money market funds which were rated AAAm by Standard and Poor’s, Aaa-mf by Moody’s and AAAmmf by Fitch totaled $71.8 million. Cash in U.S. demand deposit accounts and a certificate of deposit totaled ~~$82.0 million, $53.0 million and $40.0 million, respectively.~~$83.6 million. The Company’s non-U.S. subsidiaries held ~~$94.5~~$98.9 million of cash outside the ~~U.S.~~United States as of March 31, ~~2019.~~2020.

Operating Activity

Net income ~~decreased~~increased by ~~$7.0~~$2.6 million versus the comparable period in ~~2018.~~2019. Working capital was a cash use of ~~$46.8~~$51.0 million in 2020 versus a use of ~~$55.1~~$46.7 million ~~for the comparable year-ago period.~~in 2019.

~~Year-to-date accounts~~Accounts receivable were a use of ~~$17.4~~$30.8 million in 2020 compared to a use of ~~$24.2~~$17.4 million for the comparable period ~~in 2018.~~of 2019. Inventories were a use of $0.4 million in 2020 versus a source of $16.2 million in ~~2019 versus a use of $10.6 million in 2018.~~2019. Accounts payable and accrued liabilities were a use of ~~$42.3~~$16.6 million in ~~2019~~2020 compared to a use of ~~$19.5~~$42.3 million for the same period in ~~2018.~~2019.

Working capital requirements were ~~lower year-to-date,~~higher in 2020 compared to ~~the same period in 2018,~~2019 primarily due to the changes noted above. The ~~2019~~higher accounts receivables cash usage in 2020 was primarily ~~reflects~~due to higher sales ~~quantities.~~ volume within the consumer product end markets during the latter portion of the first quarter to support increased demand for cleaning and disinfection products as a result of COVID-19. The current ~~year inventory source of cash reflects~~year’s lower ~~quantities and prices. The current year~~ accounts payable and accrued liabilities cash usage ~~reflects lower quantities purchased and prices.~~ reflect a build-up of raw material inventories in the first quarter of 2020 versus a reduction of raw material inventories in 2019. A portion of the 2020 raw material inventory build was undertaken to support the higher finished goods demand within the consumer product end markets. It is management’s opinion that the Company’s liquidity is sufficient to provide for potential increases in working capital requirements during ~~2019.~~2020.

Investing Activity

Cash used for investing activities ~~decreased by $23.3~~increased $9.2 million year-over-year. In the first quarter of ~~2018,~~2020, the Company acquired ~~BASF’s production facility in Ecatepec, Mexico that consumed $21.5 million~~certain assets of ~~cash.~~Logos Technologies LLC's NatSurFact® rhamnolipid-based line of bio-surfactants for $2.0 million. Cash used for capital expenditures was ~~$25.7~~$33.2 million in the first quarter of ~~2019~~2020 versus ~~$27.4~~$25.7 million in the comparable prior year period.

For ~~2019,~~2020, the Company estimates that total capital expenditures will range from ~~$110~~$100 million to ~~$130~~$120 million ~~inclusive of~~including infrastructure and optimization spending in the United States, Germany and Mexico.

Financing Activity

Cash used for financing activities was $14.4 million in 2020 versus $10.8 million in ~~2019 versus $8.8 million in 2018.~~2019. Most of this increase reflects a higher level of share repurchases during the first quarter of 2020 compared to 2019.

The Company purchases shares of its common stock in the open market or from its benefit plans 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, from time to time, seek to retire or purchase additional amounts of its outstanding equity and/or debt securities through cash purchases and/or exchanges for other securities, in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise, including pursuant to plans meeting the requirements of Rule 10b5-1 promulgated by the SEC. Such repurchases or exchanges, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, the Company’s liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved may be material. In the three months ended March 31, ~~2019,~~2020, the Company purchased ~~900~~89,225 shares on the open market ~~(at~~at a total cost of ~~$77,000).~~$7.2 million. At March 31, ~~2019,~~2020, there were ~~493,387~~260,605 shares remaining under the current share repurchase authorization.

Debt and Credit Facilities

Consolidated balance sheet debt ~~decreased by $4.2~~of $222.1 million was unchanged during the first quarter of ~~2019~~2020 compared to December 31, ~~2018. Consolidated balance sheet debt was $271.9 million at March 31, 2019 versus $276.1 million at December 31, 2018.~~2019. Net debt (which is defined as total debt minus cash – see the “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Net Debt” section of this MD&A) increased by ~~$26.5~~$61.1 million in the first quarter of ~~2019,~~2020, from a negative ~~$24.1~~$93.3 million to a ~~positive $2.4~~negative $32.2 million, ~~primarily~~ due to a ~~$30.7~~$61.1 million cash reduction. The first quarter 2020 cash reduction ~~resulting from~~primarily reflects higher working capital ~~requirements.~~requirements which are typical for the Company in the first quarter.

As of March 31, ~~2019,~~2020, the ratio of total debt to total debt plus shareholders’ equity was 3220.4 percent compared to 3419.9 percent at December 31, ~~2018.~~2019. As of March 31, ~~2019,~~2020, the ratio of net debt to net debt plus shareholders’ equity was ~~zero~~negative 3.9 percent, compared to a negative ~~three~~11.7 percent at December 31, ~~2018.~~2019. See the “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Net Debt” section in this MD&A. At March 31, 2020, the Company’s debt included $222.1 million of unsecured private placement loans with maturities ranging from 2020 through 2027 which were issued to insurance companies pursuant to note purchase agreements (the Note Purchase Agreements). These notes are the Company’s primary source of long-term debt financing and are supplemented by bank credit facilities to meet short and medium-term needs.

On January 30, 2018, the Company entered ~~into~~ a ~~five year~~five-year committed $350 million multi-currency revolving credit facility with a syndicate of banks that matures on January 30, ~~2023 with a syndicate of banks.~~2023. This ~~revolving credit facility replaced the Company’s prior $125 million credit agreement. The~~ credit agreement allows the Company to make unsecured borrowings, as requested from time to time, to finance working capital needs, permitted acquisitions, capital expenditures and for general corporate purposes. This unsecured facility is the Company’s primary source of short-term ~~borrowings~~.borrowings. As of March 31, ~~2018,~~2020, the Company had outstanding letters of credit totaling ~~$5.3~~$4.9 million under the revolving credit agreement and no borrowings, with ~~$344.7~~$345.1 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 short-term bank lines of credit in their respective local currencies to meet working capital requirements as well as to fund capital expenditures and acquisitions. At March 31, ~~2019,~~2020, the Company’s foreign subsidiaries had no outstanding ~~debt of $3.5 million.~~debt.

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. As of March 31, ~~2019,~~2020, testing for these agreements was based on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Under the most restrictive of these debt covenants:


	1.	The Company is required to maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio, as defined within the agreements, of 3.50 to 1.00, for the preceding four calendar quarters.


	2.	The Company is required to maintain a maximum net leverage ratio, as defined within the agreements, not to exceed 3.50 to 1.00.



	3.	The Company is required to maintain net worth of at least $325.0 million.


	4.	The Company is permitted to pay dividends and purchase treasury shares after December 31, 2017, in amounts of up to $100.0 million plus 100 percent of net income and cash proceeds of stock option exercises, measured cumulatively beginning December 31, 2017. The maximum amount of dividends that could have been paid within this limitation is disclosed as unrestricted retained earnings in Note 1514 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

The Company believes it was in compliance with all of its loan agreements as of March 31, ~~2019.~~2020.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND LEGAL MATTERS

The Company’s operations are subject to extensive federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations and similar laws in the other countries in which the Company does business. 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 may 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 three months of ~~2019~~2020 and ~~2018,~~2019, the Company’s expenditures for capital projects related to the environment were ~~$0.3~~$0.7 million and ~~$0.9~~$0.3 million, respectively. These projects are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives, which are 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 ~~$7.4~~$10.0 million and ~~$6.9~~$7.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, ~~and 2018,~~ respectively.

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 or foreign 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 is likely to 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. Estimating the possible costs of remediation required making assumptions related to the nature and extent of contamination and the methods and resulting costs of remediation. Some of the factors on which the Company bases its estimates include information provided by decisions rendered by State and Federal environmental regulatory agencies, information provided by feasibility studies, ~~potentially responsible party negotiations~~ and ~~the development of~~ remedial action ~~plans.~~plans developed. After partial remediation payments at certain sites, the Company has estimated a range of possible environmental and legal losses of ~~$23.4~~$24.9 million to ~~$44.7~~$43.0 million at March 31, ~~2019 which is the same as~~2020 versus $25.9 million to $43.7 million at December 31, ~~2018 range.~~2019. Within the range of possible environmental losses, ~~currently~~ management has currently concluded that ~~there are~~no single amount is more likely to occur than any other amounts in the ~~ranges~~range and, thus, has accrued at the lower end of the ~~ranges; that accrual~~range; these accruals totaled ~~$23.4~~$24.9 million at ~~both~~ March 31, ~~2019~~2020 and $25.9 million at December 31, ~~2018.~~2019. Because the liabilities accrued are estimates, actual amounts could differ from the amounts reported. Cash expenditures related to legal and environmental matters ~~approximated~~were $0.9 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2020 compared to $0.2 million for ~~each~~the same period in 2019. The majority of the ~~three-month periods ended March 31, 2019 and 2018.~~

2020 cash expenditures relate to the Company’s Maywood, New Jersey site.

For certain sites, the Company has responded to information requests made by federal, state or local government agencies but has received no response confirming or denying the Company’s stated positions. As such, estimates of the total costs, or range of possible costs, of remediation, if any, or the Company’s share of such costs, if any, cannot be determined with respect to these sites. Consequently, the Company is unable to predict the effect thereof on the Company’s financial position, cash flows and results of operations. Based upon the Company’s present knowledge with respect to its involvement at these sites, the possibility of other viable entities’ responsibilities for cleanup, and the extended period over which any costs would be incurred, management believes that the Company has no liability at these sites and 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, of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, Legal Proceedings, in this report and in other filings of the Company with SEC, which are available upon request from the Company. See also Note 9, 8, Contingencies, to the condensed consolidated financial statements for a summary of the environmental proceedings related to certain environmental sites.

OUTLOOK

~~The~~Management believes 2020 will be a challenging year as a result of the global pandemic and other factors. However, management also believes that within the current environment the Company is positioned better than many others. Management believes the Company’s Surfactants ~~will continue to~~segment should benefit from higher demand in the consumer product end markets, driven by increased demand for cleaning and disinfection products. With dramatically lower oil prices management believes demand for surfactants in the oilfield end market will be down. Management believes its ~~diversification~~Polymers segment will be challenged as construction projects are canceled or deferred as a result of COVID-19. The North American business is also expected to incur higher raw material costs due to the Illinois River lock closures scheduled during the second half of 2020. Management believes the long-term prospects for Polymers segment remain attractive because of ongoing energy conservation efforts ~~into functional products, new technologies, improved internal efficiencies~~ and ~~expanded sales into a broad customer base globally. The Company~~more stringent building codes. Management believes ~~Polymers will benefit from the growing market for insulation materials and is optimistic the business will deliver both~~ full year ~~volume growth and incremental margin improvement versus the prior year. The Company believes~~ Specialty Products results will ~~deliver better margins, and combined with restructuring efforts, should provide second half benefits.~~approximate 2019 results.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

There have been no changes to the critical accounting policies disclosed in the Company’s ~~2018~~2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP ADJUSTED NET INCOME AND EARNINGS PER SHARE

Three Months Ended March 31

(In millions, except per share amounts)

2019

2018 As Adjusted

Net Income

Diluted EPS

Net Income

Diluted EPS

Net Income Attributable to the Company as Reported ⁽¹⁾

$
25.0

$
1.07

$
32.0

$
1.37

Deferred Compensation Expense (including related investment activity)

5.1

0.22

1.4

0.06

Business Restructuring

0.7

0.03

0.3

0.02

Cash Settled Stock Appreciation Rights

1.6

0.07

0.4

0.01

Cumulative Tax Effect on Above Adjustment Items

(1.8
)

(0.08
)

(0.5
)

(0.02
)
Adjusted Net Income ⁽¹⁾

$
30.6

$
1.31

$
33.6

$
1.44

⁽¹⁾

	Three Months Ended March 31
(In millions, except per share amounts)	2020						2019
	Net Income			Diluted EPS			Net Income			Diluted EPS
Net Income Attributable to the Company as Reported	$	27.5		$	1.18		$	25.0		$	1.07

Deferred Compensation Expense (including related investment activity)		(3.7	)		(0.16	)		5.1			0.22
Business Restructuring		0.4			0.02			0.7			0.03
Cash Settled Stock Appreciation Rights		(1.1	)		(0.04	)		1.6			0.07
Cumulative Tax Effect on Above Adjustment Items		1.1			0.04			(1.8	)		(0.08	)
Adjusted Net Income	$	24.2		$	1.04		$	30.6		$	1.31

The Company believes that certain non-GAAP measures, when presented in conjunction with comparable GAAP measures, are useful for evaluating the Company’s operating performance and provide better clarity on the impact of non-operational items. Internally, the Company uses this non-GAAP information as an indicator of business performance and evaluates management’s effectiveness with specific reference to these indicators. These measures should be considered in addition to, not a substitute for or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. The cumulative tax effect was calculated using the statutory tax rates for the jurisdictions in which the noted transactions occurred.

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP NET DEBT

Management uses the non-GAAP net debt metric to gain a more complete picture of the Company’s overall liquidity, financial flexibility and leverage level. This adjusted measure should be considered supplemental to and not a substitute for financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. The Company's definition of this adjusted measure may differ from similarly titled measures used by other entities.

(In millions)	March 31, 2019			December 31, 2018			March 31, 2020			December 31, 2019
Current Maturities of Long-Term Debt as Reported	$	32.8		$	37.1		$	23.6		$	23.6
Long-Term Debt as Reported		239.1			239.0			198.5			198.5
Total Debt as Reported		271.9			276.1			222.1			222.1
Less Cash and Cash Equivalents as Reported		(269.5	)		(300.2	)		(254.3	)		(315.4	)
Net Debt	$	2.4		$	(24.1	)	$	(32.2	)	$	(93.3	)
Equity							$	866.8		$	891.8
Net Debt plus Equity							$	834.6		$	798.5
Net Debt/(Net Debt plus Equity)								-4	%		-12	%

Item 3 – Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

There have been no material changes to the market risks described in the Company’s ~~2018~~2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 4 – Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We have conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, as of March 31, ~~2019.~~2020. Based on this evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, ~~2019,~~2020, such that the information required to be disclosed in our Securities and Exchange Commission reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the rules and forms of the Exchange Act and is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, ~~2019,~~2020, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Part II OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1 – Legal Proceedings

There have been no material changes to the legal proceedings disclosed in the Company’s ~~2018~~2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 1A – Risk Factors

There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in the Company’s ~~2018~~2019 Annual Report on Form ~~10-K.~~10-K, except for the addition of the following risk factor:

The COVID-19 pandemic could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

The current novel coronavirus (or COVID-19) pandemic has disrupted our operations and will affect our business, including as a result of government authorities imposing mandatory closures, work-from-home orders and social distancing protocols, or imposing other restrictions that could materially adversely affect our ability to adequately staff and maintain our operations. Specifically, we have experienced a temporary facility closure in response to government mandates in one jurisdiction in which we operate. In addition, for the safety of our employees, we temporarily halted one distinct part of production at one facility in response to positive diagnoses of employees for COVID-19 in that part of the facility. We may experience additional closures in the future. The COVID-19 outbreak could also impact our ability to secure supplies for our facilities and to provide appropriate personal protective equipment for our employees, which could impact our operations. Our operations could also be adversely affected by other impacts of the pandemic, including, among others, disruption of our supply of raw materials and transportation and delivery of our products. The COVID‑19 outbreak, and resulting perceptions of health risks, could have long-term effects on our customers and the economies of countries in which we and our customers operate, and demand for our products could be adversely affected. Because the Company cannot predict the duration, scope or broader impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact on the Company cannot be reasonably estimated, but the pandemic could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

In addition, we cannot predict the impact that COVID-19 will have on our customers, suppliers, vendors, and other business partners, and each of their financial conditions; however, any material effect on these parties could adversely impact us. The impact of COVID-19 may also exacerbate other risks discussed under “Part I-Item IA. Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, any of which could have a material effect on us. This situation is changing rapidly and additional impacts of which we are not currently aware may arise.

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

Below is a summary by month of share purchase by the Company during the first quarter of ~~2019:~~2020:

Month

Total Number
of Shares Purchased

��
Average Price
Paid per Share

Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs ⁽¹⁾

Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet
Be Purchased
Under the Plans or
Programs ⁽¹⁾

January 2019

14

⁽²⁾
$
85.80

—

494,287

February 2019

7,277

⁽³⁾
$
89.22

—

494,287

March 2019

24,289

⁽³⁾
⁽⁴⁾
$
93.07

900

⁽⁴⁾

493,387

Total

31,580

$
92.18

900

493,387

Month	Total Number of Shares Purchased				Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs ⁽¹⁾			Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs ⁽¹⁾
January 2020		853	⁽²⁾		$	102.45		—			349,830
February 2020		7,236	⁽³⁾		$	99.17		—			349,830
March 2020		98,293	⁽⁴⁾	⁽⁵⁾	$	82.02		89,225	⁽⁵⁾		260,605

Total		106,382			$	83.35		89,225			260,605

⁽¹⁾

On February 19, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to 1,000,000 shares of its outstanding common stock.

⁽²⁾

Represents shares of Company common stock tendered by employees to settle statutory withholding taxes related to the exercise of SARs.

⁽³⁾

Represents shares of Company common stock tendered by employees to settle statutory withholding taxes related to distributions of deferred performance stock awards and deferred management incentive ~~compensation~~compensation.

⁽⁴⁾

Includes 9,068 shares of Company common stock tendered by employees to settle statutory withholding taxes related to distributions of performance stock awards and to the exercise of SARs.

⁽⁴⁾⁽⁵⁾

Includes ~~900~~89,225 shares of Company common stock purchased on the open market.

Item 3 – Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None

Item 4 – Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable

Item 5 – Other Information

None

Item 6 – Exhibits

Exhibit No.		Description		Description

10+	–	Second Amendment to the Stepan Company 2011 Incentive Compensation Plan (filed with the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 6, 2019 (File No. 001-4462), and incorporated herein by reference)

18	–	Letter Regarding Change in Accounting Principles

31.1	–	Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)	–	Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)

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

32	–	Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350	–	Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

101.INS	–	XBRL Instance Document	–	Inline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the inline XBRL document

101.SCH	–	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document	–	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL	–	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document	–	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF	–	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Document	–	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Document

101.LAB	–	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document	–	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

+		Management contract or compensatory plan
101.PRE			–	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

104			–	Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

STEPAN COMPANY

Date: ~~May 7, 2019~~April 30, 2020

/s/ Luis E. Rojo

Luis E. Rojo

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

3732

(In thousands, except per share amounts)	Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
	As originally reported under LIFO		Effect of change			As adjusted under FIFO
Cost of Sales	$	409,765	$	(1,628	)	$	408,137
Gross Profit		89,570		1,628			91,198
Operating Income		39,655		1,628			41,283
Income Before Provision for Income Taxes		37,664		1,628			39,292
Provision for Income Taxes		6,948		399			7,347
Net Income		30,716		1,229			31,945
Net Income Attributable to Stepan Company		30,723		1,229			31,952
Net Income Per Diluted Common Share Attributable to Stepan Company	$	1.31	$	0.06		$	1.37

(In thousands, except per share amounts)	Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
	As reported under FIFO		Effect of change			As computed under LIFO
Cost of Sales	$	404,561	$	1,500		$	406,061
Gross Profit		84,609		(1,500	)		83,109
Operating Income		29,738		(1,500	)		28,238
Income Before Provision for Income Taxes		31,030		(1,500	)		29,530
Provision for Income Taxes		6,052		(368	)		5,684
Net Income		24,978		(1,132	)		23,846
Net Income Attributable to Stepan Company		24,984		(1,132	)		23,852
Net Income Per Diluted Common Share Attributable to Stepan Company	$	1.07	$	(0.05	)	$	1.02

(In thousands)
Year
2019	$	9,740
2020		8,294
2021		6,027
2022		5,242
2023		4,101
Subsequent to 2023		16,593
Total minimum future rental payments	$	49,997

(In thousands)	Termination Benefits			Other Expense			Total
Restructuring liability at December 31, 2018	$	260		$	83		$	343
Expense recognized		—			322			322
Amounts paid		(79	)		(322	)		(401	)
Foreign currency translation		6			2			8
Restructuring liability at March 31, 2019	$	187		$	85		$	272

(In thousands)
Assets:
Property, plant and equipment	$	14,464
Inventory		5,687
Value-added tax receivables		2,701
Total assets acquired	$	22,852

	2019		2018				2017
	March 31		December 31		March 31		December 31
Company Common Stock Price	$	87.52	$	74.00	$	83.18	$	78.97

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

Smaller reporting company

Emerging growth company