Stepan(US:SCL)2025-07-30 14:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported second quarter adjusted net income of $12 million, up 27% from $9.4 million in the prior year, driven by earnings growth in polymers and crop productivity, as well as a lower tax rate [9][11] - Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter was $51.4 million, an 8% increase from $47.7 million in the prior year [14] - Cash from operations was $11.2 million for the quarter, while free cash flow was negative at $14.4 million due to inventory builds [12][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Polymers delivered double-digit adjusted EBITDA growth, while surfactant adjusted EBITDA remained similar to last year, impacted by raw material inflation [6][7] - Surfactant net sales were $411.5 million, an 8% increase year-over-year, with selling prices up 11% [15] - Specialty product net sales increased by 22% to $20.5 million, but adjusted EBITDA decreased by 24% due to order timing fluctuations [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Volume grew 1%, with polymers up 7% and NCT product line up 49%, while surfactants volume was down 1% [8] - North America and European rigid polyols volume grew low single digits, while the commodity PA business showed strong year-over-year growth [8] - The company experienced double-digit volume growth in crop productivity and oilfield end markets, offset by lower demand in global commodity consumer products [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to recover margins gradually and continues to focus on customer acquisition within Tier two and Tier three segments [6][20] - Investments are being made in new product development, particularly in the spray foam end market and next-generation polytechnologies [22] - The company is on track to close the sale of its site in the Philippines in 2025 and is looking for opportunities to optimize its asset base [24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about delivering full-year adjusted EBITDA and net income growth despite market uncertainties [24] - The company is focused on enhancing operational excellence to grow volume and improve product mix [23] - Management noted that the first half of the year was decent, with growth in adjusted EBITDA across surfactants, polymers, and specialty products [32] Other Important Information - The effective tax rate was 19.2% during the first half of the year, lower than the normal range of 24% to 26% due to favorable discrete items [13] - The company paid $8.7 million in dividends during the quarter and has increased dividends for 57 consecutive years [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on one-time impacts in the Surfactants business - Management confirmed that the $6 million includes startup costs from Pasadena, the EPA fine, and environmental remediation reserve adjustments [29][31] Question: Details on raw material impacts and pricing - Management indicated that coconut oil prices have significantly increased, and they are still catching up on price execution [34][35] Question: Effects of the new collective bargaining agreement in Millsdale - Management expressed satisfaction with the workforce and noted that the agreement is a routine event occurring every four years [37] Question: Insights on the AOS expansion and its beneficiaries - Management highlighted that AOS is crucial for sulfate-free business growth, targeting both Tier one and lower-tier clients [43] Question: Future asset optimization opportunities - Management stated they are continuously evaluating their asset base for productivity and return on investment, with no concrete plans yet [46] Question: Clarification on the tax benefit seen in the quarter - Management confirmed that the tax benefit was a one-time occurrence and the normal tax rate will return to the range of 24% to 26% [47]