Stepan(SCL) - 2024 Q4 - Annual Report

Environmental Compliance and Expenditures - The Company reported a capital expenditure of $12.0 million for environmental compliance in 2024, representing approximately 10$51.3 million in 2024[23]. - The Company made capital investments to reduce 1,4 dioxane content in ethoxylated surfactants to comply with recent regulations, positioning itself for new market opportunities[23]. - The Company has recorded a liability for environmental remediation costs, with potential changes based on ongoing discussions with regulatory agencies[108]. - The Company has paid $4.0 million for environmental response costs at the Wilmington site through December 31, 2024, with potential liabilities subject to change[110]. - Environmental expenditures for capital projects were$12.0 million in 2024, with recurring costs of $51.3 million for environmental compliance[187]. - Environmental remediation expenses for 2024 were reported at$2.6 million, compared to $1.0 million in 2023[203]. Competition and Market Position - The Company is one of the leading merchant producers of surfactants globally, competing with several large global and regional producers[18]. - The company is subject to significant competition, with some competitors having greater financial resources and internal manufacturing capabilities, leading to potential loss of business[56]. - The company lost sales volume from a customer in 2022 who invested in internal production capabilities for low-1,4 dioxane products[56]. - The company is focused on developing new products to replace declining sales, but success in achieving growth expectations is uncertain[51]. Financial Performance - The company's net income in 2024 increased by$10.2 million, or 25%, to $50.4 million, equating to$2.20 per diluted share, compared to $40.2 million, or$1.75 per diluted share in 2023[134]. - Adjusted EBITDA for 2024 was $187.0 million, up 4$180.0 million in 2023, while EBITDA increased by 13% to $186.8 million[135]. - Consolidated net sales decreased by$145.5 million, or 6%, primarily due to lower average selling prices, which negatively impacted sales by $160.3 million[136]. - Operating income in 2024 rose by$11.9 million, or 20%, with surfactant and specialty products operating income increasing by $13.2 million and$9.4 million, respectively[137]. - The company's effective tax rate slightly decreased to 16.7% in 2024 from 16.9% in 2023[141]. - The Company recognized $4.6 million in investment gains for deferred compensation assets in 2024, compared to$5.2 million in 2023, alongside a decrease in foreign exchange losses from $3.7 million in 2023 to$1.4 million in 2024[140]. - Cash generated from operating activities was $162.1 million in 2024, down from$174.9 million in 2023[164]. - Total net sales for 2024 were $2,180.3 million, a decrease of$145.5 million (6%) compared to 2023, with surfactants sales down by $70.7 million (4$57.6 million (9%) year-over-year[142]. Debt and Financial Obligations - As of December 31, 2024, the Company had $311.7 million of debt on its balance sheet, with additional borrowings of$313.7 million under a credit agreement[86]. - The Company had $125.1 million remaining for future share repurchases under its authorized program as of December 31, 2024[172]. - Consolidated balance sheet debt decreased by$28.7 million to $625.4 million as of December 31, 2024, primarily due to scheduled debt repayments[173]. - The Company's total debt obligations amounted to$625.8 million, with $292.8 million due within one year[180]. - The ratio of net debt to net debt plus shareholders' equity was 31.0$450.0 million[175]. Operational Challenges - The Company’s manufacturing plants primarily operate on electricity and interruptible natural gas, with temporary shutdowns occurring during peak heating demand periods[19]. - The company experienced unplanned production disruptions in 2022 due to weather-related issues, impacting operations at the Elwood, Illinois facility[40]. - In 2024, the Millsdale facility operations were negatively affected by a flood event, highlighting vulnerability to natural disasters[40]. - The company faced increased raw material prices in 2022 due to supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures, which may not be passed on to customers[45]. - The company relies heavily on third-party transportation, and disruptions in this area could materially affect operations and costs[46]. - Conflicts and instability in energy-producing nations have led to increased energy prices, impacting the company's operations and supply chain[47]. Regulatory and Compliance Risks - Compliance with environmental, health, and safety laws may require the Company to incur additional costs or reformulate certain products, potentially affecting its financial results[61]. - The REACH regulations impose substantial compliance costs that are expected to increase as product sales rise, impacting the Company's ability to sell certain products[64]. - The Company may face increased regulatory scrutiny regarding the use of ethylene oxide, which could require material changes to its manufacturing operations[66]. - Environmental regulations may restrict the Company's ability to expand facilities or require costly modifications, impacting operational capabilities[67]. - The evolving nature of environmental laws may impose greater compliance costs and risks, potentially restricting the sale of existing or new products[73]. - The Company may incur significant legal expenses defending against environmental litigation, which could adversely affect its financial position[72]. Human Resources and Management - The Company employed 2,396 persons as of December 31, 2024, a slight increase from 2,389 employees in 2023[25]. - The Company’s executive team includes a new Chief Human Resources Officer appointed in September 2023 and an Interim Chief Financial Officer appointed in October 2024[36][37]. - The Company's future success significantly depends on the skills and experience of its executive management and key personnel, with potential adverse effects on financial position if unable to retain talent[97]. International Operations and Risks - The Company generated approximately 45% of its net sales from international operations in the year ended December 31, 2024[76]. - The Company is subject to various international business risks, including fluctuations in currency exchange rates, which may adversely affect profitability[76]. - The Company faces risks related to political, economic, and market conditions in foreign operations, which may be unstable[77]. - Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could materially affect the Company's financial results, especially during a strengthening U.S. dollar[80]. - The company had forward contracts with an aggregated notional amount of $149.6 million to mitigate foreign currency exchange risk as of December 31, 2024[207].