SEC Filing | Stepan Company

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 ______________________ FORM 10-Q (MARK ONE) (X) QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2000 (_) TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM ______________ TO __________ 1-4462 ------------------------------ Commission File Number STEPAN COMPANY - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 36 1823834 - ---------------------- ----------------------- (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification Number) Edens and Winnetka Road, Northfield, Illinois 60093 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Address of principal executive offices) Registrant's telephone number (847) 446-7500 ----------------------- Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No --- --- Indicate 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 30, 2000 - ----------------------------------- ----------------------------------- Common Stock, $1 par value 9,439,346 shares

Part I FINANCIAL INFORMATION - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Item 1 - Financial Statements STEPAN COMPANY CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS March 31, 2000 and December 31, 1999 Unaudited (Dollars in thousands) 3/31/00 12/31/99 -------- --------- ASSETS - ------ CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and cash equivalents $ 4,020 $ 3,969 Receivables, net 97,867 97,089 Inventories (Note 2) 51,533 51,849 Deferred income taxes 9,361 9,361 Other current assets 4,982 4,392 -------- --------- Total current assets 167,763 166,660 -------- --------- PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT: Cost 601,021 596,904 Less: Accumulated depreciation 396,128 387,423 -------- --------- 204,893 209,481 -------- --------- OTHER ASSETS 37,728 38,435 -------- --------- Total assets $410,384 $ 414,576 ======== ========= LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - ------------------------------------ CURRENT LIABILITIES: Current maturities of long-term debt $ 7,588 $ 7,663 Accounts payable 43,807 48,676 Accrued liabilities 36,774 41,706 -------- --------- Total current liabilities 88,169 98,045 -------- --------- DEFERRED INCOME TAXES 41,733 41,975 -------- --------- LONG-TERM DEBT, less current maturities 112,542 107,420 -------- --------- 11,342 12,072 -------- --------- OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY: 5-1/2% convertible preferred stock, cumulative, voting without par value; authorized 2,000,000 shares; issued 777,712 shares in 2000 and 783,003 shares in 1999 19,443 19,575 Common stock, $1 par value; authorized 30,000,000 shares; issued 9,704,840 shares in 2000 and 9,684,600 shares in 1999 9,705 9,685 Additional paid-in capital 11,924 11,909 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (11,277) (10,631) Retained earnings (approximately $49,680 unrestricted in 2000 and $48,329 in 1999) 136,741 134,224 -------- --------- Less: Treasury stock, at cost 9,938 9,698 -------- --------- Stockholders' equity 156,598 155,064 -------- --------- Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $410,384 $ 414,576 ======== ========= The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these condensed consolidated balance sheets.

STEPAN COMPANY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2000 and 1999 Unaudited (In thousands, except per share amounts) Three Months Ended March 31 2000 1999 ---- ---- NET SALES $167,376 $163,961 Cost of Sales 140,293 135,042 -------- -------- Gross Profit 27,083 28,919 -------- -------- Operating Expenses: Marketing 6,176 5,682 Administrative 6,149 5,520 Research, Development and Technical Services 5,758 5,492 -------- -------- 18,083 16,694 -------- -------- Operating Income 9,000 12,225 Other Income (Expense): Interest, Net (2,051) (2,110) Income from Equity Joint Ventures 54 33 -------- -------- (1,997) (2,077) -------- -------- Income Before Income Taxes 7,003 10,148 Provision for Income Taxes 2,732 4,006 -------- -------- NET INCOME $ 4,271 $ 6,142 ======== ======== Net Income Per Common Share (Note 4) Basic $ 0.43 $ 0.61 ======== ======== Diluted $ 0.41 $ 0.57 ======== ======== Dividends per Common Share $ 0.1625 $ 0.1500 ======== ======== Average Common Shares Outstanding 9,501 9,681 ======== ======== The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

STEPAN COMPANY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2000 and 1999 Unaudited (Dollars in thousands) 3/31/00 3/31/99 -------- -------- NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net income $ 4,271 $ 6,142 Depreciation and amortization 10,307 10,211 Deferred revenue recognition (755) (1,112) Deferred income taxes (239) 836 Environmental and legal liabilities 25 (186) Other non-cash items 45 438 Changes in Working Capital: Receivables, net (778) (12,051) Inventories 316 5,251 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (9,801) 5,273 Other (590) 287 -------- -------- Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities 2,801 15,089 -------- -------- CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Expenditures for property, plant and equipment (5,436) (7,886) Other non-current assets 23 82 -------- -------- Net Cash Used for Investing Activities (5,413) (7,804) -------- -------- CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING AND OTHER RELATED ACTIVITIES Revolving debt and notes payable to banks, net 5,200 (400) Other debt repayments (153) (352) Purchases of treasury stock, net (239) (2,429) Dividends paid (1,754) (1,676) Other non-cash items (391) 372 -------- -------- Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing and Other Related Activities 2,663 (4,485) -------- -------- NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 51 2,800 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR 3,969 983 -------- -------- CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD $ 4,020 $ 3,783 ======== ======== CASH PAID DURING THE PERIOD FOR: Interest $ 739 $ 735 Income taxes $ (163) $ 1,728 The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

STEPAN COMPANY NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS March 31, 2000 and December 31, 1999 Unaudited 1. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ------------------------------------------- The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by the company, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles 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. It is suggested that these condensed consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto included in the company's latest Annual Report to Stockholders and the Annual Report to the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999. In the opinion of management all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position of Stepan Company as of March 31, 2000, and the consolidated results of operations and cash flows for the three months then ended, have been included. 2. INVENTORIES ----------- Inventories include the following amounts: (Dollars in thousands) 3/31/00 12/31/99 ------- -------- Inventories valued primarily on LIFO basis - Finished products $ 32,971 $ 32,729 Raw materials 18,562 19,120 -------- -------- Total inventories $ 51,533 $ 51,849 ======== ======== If the first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory valuation method had been used for all inventories, inventory balances would have been approximately $10,400,000 and $10,600,000 higher than reported at March 31, 2000, and December 31, 1999, respectively. 3. CONTINGENCIES ------------- There are a variety of legal proceedings pending or threatened against the company. Some of these proceedings may result in fines, penalties, judgments or costs being assessed against the company at some future time. The company's operations are subject to extensive local, state and federal regulations, including the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 ("Superfund") and the Superfund amendments of 1986. The company, and others, have been named as

potentially responsible parties at affected geographic sites. As discussed in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in this filing, the company believes that it has made adequate provisions for the costs it may incur with respect to these sites. The company has estimated a range of possible environmental and legal losses from $4.2 million to $24.7 million at March 31, 2000. The company's reserve at March 31, 2000, and December 31, 1999, was $11.6 million. For certain sites, estimates cannot be made of the total costs of compliance, or the company's share of such costs; accordingly, the company is unable to predict the effect thereof on future results of operations. In the event of one or more adverse determinations in any annual or interim period, the impact on results of operations for those periods could be material. However, based upon the company's present belief as to its relative involvement at these sites, other viable entities' responsibilities for cleanup and the extended period over which any costs would be incurred, the company believes that these matters will not have a material effect on the company's financial position. Certain of these matters are discussed in Item 3, Legal Proceedings, in the 1999 Form 10-K Annual Report and in other filings of the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which are available upon request from the company. 4. EARNINGS PER SHARE ------------------ Below is the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2000 and 1999. (In thousands, except per share amounts) Three Months Ended March 31 2000 1999 ---- ---- Computation of Basic Earnings per Share - ---------------------------------------- Net income $ 4,271 $ 6,142 Deduct dividends on preferred stock 207 224 ------- ------- Income applicable to common stock $ 4,064 $ 5,918 ======= ======= Weighted-average number of shares outstanding 9,501 9,681 Basic earnings per share $ 0.43 $ 0.61 ======= ======= Computation of Diluted Earnings per Share - ----------------------------------------- Net income $ 4,271 $ 6,142 ======= ======= Weighted-average number of shares outstanding 9,501 9,681 Add net shares issuable from assumed exercise of options (under treasury stock method) 223 336 Add weighted-average shares issuable from assumed conversion of convertible preferred stock 692 743 ------- ------- Shares applicable to diluted earnings 10,416 10,760 ======= ======= Diluted earnings per share $ 0.41 $ 0.57 ======= =======

5. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME -------------------- Below is the company's comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2000 and 1999. (Dollars in thousands) Three Months Ended ------------------ March 31 -------- 2000 1999 ---- ---- Net income $ 4,271 $ 6,142 Other comprehensive loss: Foreign currency translation adjustments (646) (928) ------- ------- Comprehensive income $ 3,625 $ 5,214 ======= ======= 6. SEGMENT REPORTING ----------------- Stepan Company has three reportable segments: surfactants, polymers and specialty products. Financial results of Stepan Company's operating segments for the quarters ended March 31, 2000 and 1999, are summarized below: (Dollars in thousands) Specialty Segment Surfactants Polymers Products Totals ----------- -------- -------- ------- For the quarter ended March 31, 2000 ------------------------------------- Net Sales $132,796 $30,383 $4,197 $167,376 Operating income 11,786 4,415 (198) 16,003 For the quarter ended March 31, 1999 ------------------------------------- Net Sales $131,749 $27,762 $4,450 $163,961 Operating income 13,605 4,856 626 19,087 Below are reconciliations of segment operating income to consolidated income before income taxes: (Dollars in thousands) Three Months Ended March 31 ---------------------------------------- 2000 1999 ---- ---- Operating income segment totals $16,003 $19,087 Unallocated corporate expenses (a) (7,003) (6,862) Interest expense (2,051) (2,110) Income from equity in joint ventures 54 33 ------- ------- Consolidated income before income taxes $ 7,003 $10,148 ======= ======= (a) Includes corporate administrative and corporate manufacturing expenses which are not included in segment operating income and not used to evaluate segment performance. There have been no changes in the basis of segmentation or the measurement of segment profit or loss and no material change in segment assets from those disclosed in the annual report for the year ended December 31, 1999. The company has certain customers included within the surfactants business that are under long-term contracts. These contracts range from a period of 2 to 5 years. Certain of these contracts are up for renewal beginning in 2001.

STEPAN COMPANY Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations The following is management's discussion and analysis of certain significant factors which have affected the company's financial condition and results of operations during the interim period included in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES - ------------------------------- For the quarter ended March 31, 2000 net cash from operations totaled $2.8 million compared to $15.1 million for the same period in 1999. Working capital totaled to a net use of $10.9 million. Accounts payable and accrued liabilities decreased by $9.8 million during the most recent quarter due to payment timing. Accounts receivable increased by $0.8 million during the current year quarter while inventories decreased by $0.3 million over the same period. Capital spending has totaled $5.4 million for the first three months of 2000 compared to $7.9 million for the same period in 1999. Despite lower current quarter expenditures, total year capital spending is projected to increase from year to year. Since December 31, 1999 total company debt increased by $5.0 million, to $120.1 million. As of March 31, 2000 the ratio of long-term debt to long-term debt plus shareholders' equity was 41.8 percent compared to 40.9 percent last year- end. The company maintains contractual relationships with its domestic banks that provide for revolving credit of up to $60 million, which may be drawn upon as needed for general corporate purposes. The company also meets short-term liquidity requirements through uncommitted domestic bank lines of credit. The company's foreign subsidiaries maintain committed and uncommitted bank lines of credit in their respective countries to meet working capital requirements as well as to fund capital expenditure programs and acquisitions. The company anticipates that cash from operations and from committed credit facilities will be sufficient to fund anticipated capital expenditures, dividends and other planned financial commitments for the foreseeable future. Any substantial acquisitions would require additional funding. There have been no material changes in the company's market risks since December 31, 1999.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - --------------------- Three Months Ended March 31, 2000 and 1999 - ------------------------------------------ Net income for the first quarter ended March 31, 2000, was $4.3 million, or $0.41 per share diluted, down 30 percent from $6.1 million, or $0.57 per share diluted reported for the same quarter a year ago. Net sales increased two percent to $167.4 million from $164.0 million reported for the first quarter of 1999. Net sales by segments were: (Dollars in thousands) Three Months Ended March 31 ------------------------------------------------ 2000 1999 % Change ---- ---- -------- Net Sales: Surfactants $132,796 $131,749 +1% Polymers 30,383 27,762 +9% Specialty Products 4,197 4,450 -6% -------- -------- Total $167,376 $163,961 +2% ======== ======== Surfactants net sales increased one percent between years. Domestic operations, which accounted for 77 percent of total surfactant revenues, reported a $1.0 million, or one percent, decline in net sales from year to year. Sales volume increased one percent due to improved sales of the company's laundry and cleaning products and to higher sales to distributors. Lower sales of personal care products, due to customer inventory adjustments, partially offset the volume gains. Decreased average selling prices, due largely to sales mix, more than offset the effect of higher sales volumes. Net sales for foreign operations increased $2.1 million, or seven percent. A 15 percent increase in sales volume, due to higher European and South American sales, caused the improvement. Lower exchange rates somewhat tempered European operations' net sales. Surfactants gross profit decreased three percent to $21.1 million in 2000 from $21.7 million in 1999. Domestic operations reported a $1.7 million, or 10 percent, decline in gross profit due to a drop in average margins. The decrease in average margins was mainly due to unfavorable sales mix. The 1999 second quarter termination of a supply contract also contributed to the decrease. Gross profit for foreign operations improved $1.1 million, or 32 percent, from year to year. The company's Canadian and Mexican operations contributed most of the increase due to improved average margins. Despite strong sales volume, European operations' gross profit declined primarily due to lower margins resulting from strong competition and product mix. Polymers net sales increased $2.6 million, or nine percent, to $30.4 million in 2000 from $27.8 million a year ago. Sales volume rose three percent from year to year. Phthalic anhydride (PA) net sales increased 26 percent from $8.1 million in 1999 to $10.2 million in 2000 and accounted for most of the increase. The improvement was mainly due to a 24 percent rise in average selling prices. The higher prices were due to increased raw material costs which were passed on to customers. PA sales volume increased two percent. Global net sales of polyurethane polyols, driven by a seven percent rise in sales volume, increased $1.1 million, or eight percent, between years. Polyurethane systems net sales dropped $0.6 million, or 12 percent, due to decreased sales volume.

Polymers gross profit decreased $0.4 million, or seven percent, from $6.3 million in 1999 to $5.9 million in 2000. A $0.7 million, or 16 percent, decrease in polyurethane polyols gross profit accounted for the decline. A decrease in domestic and European margins, resulting from higher material costs, more than offset the effect of higher polyurethane polyol volumes. Gross profit for PA increased 21 percent to $1.3 million in 2000 from $1.1 million a year ago. The rise was due to improved average margins which resulted primarily from plant operating efficiencies. Polyurethane systems gross profit increased $0.1 million, or 14 percent, from year to year. Higher margins, resulting from a more profitable sales mix, led to the gross profit improvement. Specialty products reported a six percent decline in net sales from $4.5 million in 1999 to $4.2 million in 2000. The decline was primarily due to the drop in sales volume caused by customer inventory adjustments brought on by Y2K. Gross profit dropped from $0.9 million in 1999 to $0.1 million in the first quarter of 2000. The decline was mainly due to a lower sales volume of higher margin products. Improvement is expected in the remainder of the year. Operating expenses rose eight percent from $16.7 million in 1999 to $18.1 million in 2000. Administrative expenses increased $0.6 million, or 11 percent, between years. Higher payroll costs, legal expenses and consulting fees caused the increase. Marketing expenses rose $0.5 million, or nine percent, and research and development expenses increased $0.3 million, or five percent. Interest expense declined three percent due to a lower average level of debt and to lower average borrowing rates. ENVIRONMENTAL AND LEGAL MATTERS - ------------------------------- The company is subject to extensive federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations. Although the company's environmental policies and practices are designed to ensure compliance with these laws and regulations, future developments and increasingly stringent environmental regulation could require the company to make additional unforeseen environmental expenditures. The company will continue to invest in the equipment and facilities necessary to comply with existing and future regulations. During the first quarter of 2000, company expenditures for capital projects related to the environment were $0.3 million and should approximate $1.5 million to $1.8 million for the full year 2000. These projects are capitalized and typically depreciated over 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 our manufacturing locations were $1.9 million for the first three months of 2000. While difficult to project, it is not anticipated that these recurring expenses will increase significantly in the future. The company has been named by the government as a potentially responsible party at 17 waste disposal sites where cleanup costs have been or may be incurred under the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act and similar state statutes. In addition, damages are being claimed against the company in general liability actions for alleged personal injury or property damage in the case of some disposal and plant sites. The company believes that it has made adequate provisions for the costs it may incur with respect to

these sites. The company has estimated a range of possible environmental and legal losses from $4.2 million to $24.7 million at March 31, 2000. The company's reserve at March 31, 2000 and December 31, 1999, was $11.6 million. During the first three months of 2000, expenditures related to legal and environmental matters approximated $0.5 million. For certain sites, estimates cannot be made of the total costs of compliance or the company's share of such costs; accordingly, the company is unable to predict the effect thereof on future results of operations. In the event of one or more adverse determinations in any annual or interim period, the impact on results of operations for those periods could be material. However, based upon the company's present belief as to its relative involvement at these sites, other viable entities' responsibilities for cleanup and the extended period over which any costs would be incurred, the company believes that these matters will not have a material effect on the company's financial position. Certain of these matters are discussed in Item 3, Legal Proceedings, in the 1999 Form 10-K Annual Report and in other filings of the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which are available upon request from the company. NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARD - ----------------------- In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities", effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 1999. The standard establishes accounting and reporting requirements for derivative instruments. In June 1999, the FASB issued SFAS No. 137, which deferred the effective date to fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2000. The company believes that the adoption of SFAS No. 133 in 2001 will not have a material effect on its consolidated results of operations or financial position. OTHER - ----- Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this document are forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The results achieved this quarter are not necessarily an indication of future prospects for the company. Actual results in future quarters may differ materially. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, fluctuations in the volume and timing of product orders, changes in demand for the company's products, changes in technology, continued competitive pressures in the marketplace, outcome of environmental contingencies, availability of raw materials, foreign currency fluctuations and the general economic conditions.

Part II OTHER INFORMATION - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Item 1 - Legal Proceedings As reported previously, the company has been named as a potentially responsible party (PRP) in the case USEPA v. Jerome Lightman (92 CV 4710) (JBS) which ------------------------ involves the Ewan and D'Imperio Superfund Sites located in New Jersey. Trial on the issue of the company's liability at these sites was completed in March 2000. The company is awaiting a decision from the court. If the company is found liable at either site, a second trial as to the company's allocated share of clean-up costs at these sites will be held in calendar year 2000 or calendar year 2001. The company believes it has adequate defenses to the issue of liability. In the event of an unfavorable outcome related to the issue of liability, the company believes it has adequate reserves. On a related matter, the company has filed an appeal to the United States Third Circuit Court of Appeals objecting to the lodging of a partial consent decree in favor of the United States Government in this action. Under the partial consent decree, the government recovered past costs at the site from all PRPs including the company. The company paid its assessed share but by objecting to the partial consent decree, the company is seeking to recover back the sums it paid. The company received a Section 104(e) Request for Information from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) dated March 21, 2000, regarding the Lightman Drum Site located in Winslow Township, New Jersey. The company's response to this request is due on May 18, 2000. The company is currently investigating this matter and therefore, cannot predict what its liability, if any, will be for this site. Reference is made to the action entitled Pennsauken Solid Waste Management --------------------------------- Authority v. State of New Jersey, et al. The company was served in this action - --------------------------------------- on December 13, 1999, and filed its answer. It appears that although the company was named as a party, there are no allegations regarding dates of hauling or amounts. The company is attempting to get dismissed from this action. Therefore, the company does not believe its liability, if any, will have a material impact on the financial condition of the company. Reference is made to the Administrative Complaint filed by Region 5 of the USEPA (FIFRA-5-2000-011) alleging violations of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act. The total proposed penalty is $141,000. Settlement negotiations with USEPA are currently taking place. The company does not believe that this matter will have a material impact on the financial condition of the company.

Item 4 - Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders (A) The company's 2000 Annual Meeting of Stockholders was held on May 9, 2000. (B) At the annual meeting of the company's shareholders on May 9, 2000, shareholders elected Robert D. Cadieux and Paul H. Stepan as Directors of the company, all for three-year terms. For Withheld --- -------- Robert D. Cadieux 7,122,766 1,106,369 Paul H. Stepan 7,110,868 1,118,267 (C) A majority of the outstanding shares voted to approve the adoption of the Stepan Company 2000 stock option plan. 5,760,295 For 1,500,133 Against 20,198 Abstentions 948,508 Broker non-votes (D) A majority of the outstanding shares voted to ratify the appointment of Arthur Andersen LLP as independent auditors for the company for 2001. 8,212,226 For 14,282 Against 2,627 Abstentions Item 6 - Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K (A) Exhibits (27) Financial Data Schedule (B) Reports on Form 8-K None

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 /s/ Walter J. Klein Walter J. Klein Vice President - Finance Principal Financial and Accounting Officer Date: May 12, 2000

5 THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AS OF MARCH 31, 2000 AND CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME FOR THE THREE MONTHS THEN ENDED AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. 1,000 3-MOS DEC-31-2000 JAN-01-2000 MAR-31-2000 4,020 0 97,867 0 51,533 167,763 601,021 396,128 410,384 88,169 0 0 19,443 9,705 127,450 410,384 167,376 167,376 140,293 158,376 0 0 2,051 7,003 2,732 4,271 0 0 0 4,271 0.43 0.41