Stepan Q4 2025 earnings preview
This article provides a preview of Stepan's (NYSE: SCL) Q4 2025 earnings. It is important for investors to be aware of the company's past performance and any recent analyst revisions to properly assess its financial health.
Stepan faces earnings test as margin expansion comes into focus
Stepan Company is set to report fourth-quarter results, with analysts expecting 40 cents per share on revenue of $570.6 million. Investors will focus on margin trajectory, the ramp-up of its Pasadena alkoxylation facility, Surfactants pricing, and the recovery of its Polymers segment. The company's turnaround narrative, supported by recent divestitures and an improved balance sheet, will be tested as it aims to justify its current valuation and sustain stock momentum.
Stepan Company Is Quietly Running Your Everyday Life – But Is SCL Stock a Secret Cheat Code or a Total Snooze?
Stepan Company, a low-profile chemical giant, is an integral but unseen part of everyday products, from cleaning supplies to industrial materials. The article explores whether its stock (SCL) represents a solid, long-term investment for those seeking stability over high-flying, trendy stocks. While not a flashy consumer brand, Stepan supplies key chemical ingredients to other companies, making it a "behind-the-scenes" player that might appeal to investors focused on diversified, fundamental portfolios.
Stepan Company Is Quietly Running Your Everyday Life – But Is SCL Stock a Secret Cheat Code or a Total Snooze?
Stepan Company (SCL) is a low-profile chemical giant whose products are integral to many everyday items, from cleaning supplies to industrial materials. While not a flashy consumer brand, its stock is being examined for long-term investment due to its role as a stable, industrial supplier. The article explores whether SCL is a boring but potentially solid investment for those seeking diversified portfolios over meme-stock volatility.
Stepan Comp stock hits 52-week high at 64.7 USD By Investing.com
Stepan Company's stock reached a 52-week high of 64.7 USD, reflecting investor confidence fueled by consistent performance and strategic initiatives. The company shows steady growth with a 2.71% increase over the past year, a P/E ratio of 32.37, and a 2.5% dividend yield, having maintained dividends for 55 consecutive years. Recently, Seaport Global Securities upgraded Stepan's stock to Buy, anticipating improved earnings and margin expansion from its Pasadena facility, alongside strategic asset sales and a new executive severance plan.
Stepan Comp stock hits 52-week high at 64.7 USD
Stepan Company's stock reached a new 52-week high of $64.70 USD, reflecting strong investor confidence and market momentum for the specialty chemicals manufacturer. The company has maintained dividend payments for 55 consecutive years and is expected to see improved earnings for the fourth consecutive quarter. Strategic moves include a recent upgrade to a "Buy" rating by Seaport Global Securities and the sale of manufacturing assets to optimize its operational footprint.
Stepan Comp stock hits 52-week high at 64.7 USD By Investing.com
Stepan Company (SCL) achieved a 52-week high of $64.7, reflecting investor confidence despite a modest 2.71% stock increase over the past year. The specialty chemicals manufacturer, noted for its consistent performance and 55 consecutive years of dividend payments, is preparing to report earnings soon. Recent strategic moves include an upgraded stock rating from Seaport Global Securities, optimization of operational footprint through asset sales, and a new executive severance plan.
Why Investors Shouldn't Be Surprised By Stepan Company's (NYSE:SCL) 25% Share Price Surge
Stepan Company (NYSE:SCL) has seen a 25% share price increase recently, contributing to a 2.4% gain over the last year. Despite a high P/E ratio of 31.4x, analysts anticipate a 57% EPS climb in the coming year, significantly outpacing the broader market's 16% forecast. This strong earnings outlook is cited as the primary reason for the elevated P/E and continued investor confidence.
Why Investors Shouldn't Be Surprised By Stepan Company's (NYSE:SCL) 26% Share Price Surge
Stepan Company (NYSE:SCL) has seen a 26% share price surge in the last thirty days, a move that might seem surprising given its high P/E ratio of 29.7x compared to the market average and a recent earnings decline. However, analysts predict a significant earnings growth of 57% over the next year, outperforming the market's 16% forecast. This strong future earnings outlook is likely a key factor driving investor confidence and supporting the elevated P/E ratio despite past performance.
Stepan Co Shows Rising Price Performance With Jump To 85 RS Rating
Stepan Co (SCL) saw its Relative Strength (RS) Rating increase from 79 to 85, indicating improved technical performance against other stocks over the past 52 weeks. This upgrade highlights a positive shift in its price action, suggesting a strengthening trend. The RS Rating is a proprietary scoring system from Investor's Business Daily (IBD) that ranks stocks on a scale of 1 to 99 based on price performance.
Stepan (SCL) price target decreased by 11.76% to 76.50
The article reports that Stepan's (SCL) stock price target has been decreased by 11.76%, bringing it down to $76.50. No specific reasons or analyst information for this change are provided in the snippet.
Why Investors Shouldn't Be Surprised By Stepan Company's (NYSE:SCL) 26% Share Price Surge
Stepan Company (NYSE:SCL) has seen a 26% share price surge over the last thirty days, driven by strong future earnings expectations. Though the company's earnings fell by 1.5% last year and 70% in the last three years, analysts predict a significant 57% earnings growth in the next year, significantly outperforming the market's 16% prediction. This positive outlook has contributed to its high price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio compared to the broader market.
Stepan (SCL) Price Target Decreased by 11.76% to 76.50
Stepan (NYSE: SCL) has seen its average one-year price target reduced by 11.76% to $76.50 per share from a previous estimate of $86.70. This new target represents a 28.94% upside from the latest closing price of $59.33. Institutional ownership data indicates a slight decrease in the number of funds holding SCL, though total shares owned by institutions increased, and the put/call ratio suggests a bullish outlook.
Chemical maker Stepan to detail 2025 Q4 results in Feb. 23 call
Stepan Company (NYSE: SCL) announced it will report its fourth-quarter 2025 results on Monday, February 23, 2026, at approximately 7:00 a.m. ET. Management will host a conference call and webcast at 9:00 a.m. ET to discuss the results and address questions, with supporting slides available on the company's website. The call will be led by CEO Luis E. Rojo and CFO Ruben D. Velasquez.
IBD rating upgrades: Stepan Co flashes improved price strength
Stepan Co (SCL) has seen its IBD SmartSelect Composite Rating upgraded from 88 to 96, indicating strong price performance and other metrics. The stock's Relative Strength Rating also climbed from 79 to 90, reflecting its outperformance against the market. Historically, stocks with an RS Rating over 80 often go on to achieve significant gains.
IBD Rating Upgrades: Stepan Co Flashes Improved Price Strength
Stepan Co (SCL) has seen its Relative Strength (RS) Rating upgraded from 70 to 73, indicating improved price strength. While this is a positive development, it still falls short of the ideal 80 or higher RS Rating sought by investors. The article highlights the importance of the RS Rating in tracking market leadership based on a stock's price action over the past 52 weeks.
Assessing Stepan (SCL) Valuation After Seaport Global Upgrades Rating To Buy
Seaport Global upgraded Stepan (SCL) from Neutral to Buy, drawing attention to the specialty chemicals company. Despite recent short-term gains, the stock has shown a weaker long-term performance. The upgrade comes as Stepan is trading below Seaport Global's $75 price target, suggesting it may be undervalued, especially with anticipated contributions from a new Pasadena facility in late 2025.
Assessing Stepan (SCL) Valuation After Seaport Global Upgrades Rating To Buy
Seaport Global upgraded Stepan (SCL) from Neutral to Buy, drawing attention to its valuation. Despite recent share price momentum (9.86% in 7 days, 19.27% in 30 days), longer-term returns have been negative. The stock is currently trading at $56.14, significantly below Seaport Global's $75 price target, suggesting a potential undervaluation, especially with the anticipated boost from a new Pasadena, Texas site starting in late 2025.
Assessing Stepan (SCL) Valuation After Seaport Global Upgrades Rating To Buy
Seaport Global has upgraded Stepan (SCL) from Neutral to Buy, drawing attention to its valuation. Despite recent share price gains, the company has seen longer-term declines. The upgrade and a price target of $75 suggest a potential value opportunity, especially with the anticipated full contribution from its new Pasadena, Texas site in late 2025.
Does Seaport's Upgrade Recast Stepan's (SCL) Competitive Edge In Specialty Chemicals?
Seaport Global recently upgraded Stepan (SCL) from "Neutral" to "Buy" with a US$75 price target, highlighting a potential recovery in the company's earnings. While the upgrade draws new attention to Stepan's investment thesis, the core challenges remain its asset-heavy specialty chemicals business, modest revenue growth, and the need for improved profitability, balance sheet discipline, and effective management of its debt and dividend coverage. Investors should consider these factors alongside the positive analyst re-rating.
Does Seaport's Upgrade Recast Stepan's (SCL) Competitive Edge In Specialty Chemicals?
Seaport Global upgraded Stepan's rating from "Neutral" to "Buy," with a US$75 price target, highlighting a potential earnings recovery for the specialty chemicals company. Despite recent share price strength, Stepan faces challenges including modest revenue growth, low margins, high debt, and a poorly covered dividend, making its investment narrative centered on margin improvement and balance sheet discipline under new management. Investors should consider the wide range of fair value estimates and key financial strains, even with the positive analyst upgrade.
Does Seaport's Upgrade Recast Stepan's (SCL) Competitive Edge In Specialty Chemicals?
Seaport Global recently upgraded Stepan (SCL) from "Neutral" to "Buy" with a US$75 price target, signaling a potential shift in investor perception for the specialty chemicals company. The article discusses Stepan's investment narrative, focusing on earnings recovery, managing debt, and improving profitability despite modest revenue growth and a high debt load. It emphasizes that while the upgrade adds attention to the recovery thesis, underlying risks and the need for operational improvements remain key considerations for investors.
Seaport Global upgrades Stepan Company stock rating to Buy on alkoxylation facility ramp By Investing.com
Seaport Global upgraded Stepan Company (NYSE:SCL) from Neutral to Buy, setting a price target of $75.00 due to expected year-over-year earnings improvement driven by the Pasadena alkoxylation facility ramp-up and strategic pricing actions. Despite near-term Polymer segment challenges, the company's financial position is strengthening following divestitures, and it boasts a 55-year track record of dividend increases. This upgrade comes after Stepan recently missed Q3 earnings expectations and announced a Key Executive Severance Benefit Plan.
Seaport Global upgrades Stepan Company stock rating to Buy on alkoxylation facility ramp By Investing.com
Seaport Global Securities upgraded Stepan Company (NYSE:SCL) from Neutral to Buy, setting a price target of $75.00, representing a 37% premium. The upgrade is driven by expectations of Stepan's fourth consecutive quarter of year-over-year earnings improvement and the ramp-up of its Pasadena alkoxylation facility, which is anticipated to significantly expand margins in 2026. Despite some market uncertainties in Polymers, the firm is confident in Stepan's strategic moves, including recent divestitures and a strong balance sheet supporting its 55-year track record of dividend increases.
Stepan Company's (NYSE:SCL) On An Uptrend But Financial Prospects Look Pretty Weak: Is The Stock Overpriced?
Stepan Company's stock has seen a 19% increase in the last three months, but the article expresses concern over its weak financial prospects, particularly a low Return on Equity (ROE) of 3.6%. The company's earnings have declined by 26% over the past five years, partly due to a high payout ratio of 64% which limits reinvestment. Despite this, analysts forecast future earnings growth, prompting a deeper look into whether these expectations are grounded in industry trends or the company's fundamentals.
Seaport Global upgrades Stepan Company stock rating to Buy on alkoxylation facility ramp
Seaport Global Securities upgraded Stepan Company (NYSE:SCL) from Neutral to Buy, setting a price target of $75.00, citing the ramp-up of Stepan’s Pasadena alkoxylation facility as a key driver for margin expansion in 2026. The firm anticipates the company's fourth consecutive quarter of year-over-year earnings improvement and noted Stepan's strategic moves like raising Surfactant pricing and divesting non-core assets. Despite some near-term challenges in Polymers earnings, the company shows resilience with strong year-to-date price returns and a consistent dividend history.
Seaport Global Upgrades Stepan (SCL) with New Buy Rating | SCL S
Seaport Global has upgraded Stepan (SCL) to a 'Buy' rating from 'Neutral', setting a new price target of $75.00 USD. This upgrade reflects increased confidence in Stepan's market performance. Despite this, the consensus from other brokerage firms indicates a "Hold" status with an average target price of $85.00, suggesting a potential upside of 55.39% from its current price.
Seaport Global upgrades Stepan Company stock rating to Buy on alkoxylation facility ramp
Seaport Global Securities upgraded Stepan Company (NYSE:SCL) from Neutral to Buy, setting a price target of $75.00, citing the ramp-up of Stepan’s Pasadena alkoxylation facility as a key driver for margin expansion in 2026. This upgrade aligns with InvestingPro data indicating SCL trades below its Fair Value. The firm expects sequential earnings improvement, improved debt leverage, and maintains a positive outlook despite some near-term challenges.
Stepan Company's (NYSE:SCL) On An Uptrend But Financial Prospects Look Pretty Weak: Is The Stock Overpriced?
Stepan Company's stock (NYSE:SCL) has seen a significant 19% increase over the last three months, but its financial prospects appear weak, casting doubt on the sustainability of this momentum. The company's low Return on Equity (ROE) of 3.6% and a 26% decline in net income over five years raise concerns, especially when compared to the industry's 7.5% earnings growth. While analysts forecast future earnings growth, Stepan's high historical payout ratio and low reinvestment suggest that current financial fundamentals might not support its recent stock performance.
Insider Unloading: F. Quinn Stepan, Jr. Sells Options, Realizes $280K
F. Quinn Stepan, Jr., a Board Member at Stepan (NYSE: SCL), exercised stock options for 34,741 shares valued at $280,012, as reported in a recent SEC filing on January 15. The article details Stepan Co.'s business segments, its financial performance including revenue growth, gross margin, EPS, debt management, and valuation metrics like P/E, P/S, and EV/EBITDA ratios. It also explains the significance of insider transactions and transaction codes for investors.
Stepan continues footprint optimization through LA asset sale
The article "Stepan continues footprint optimization through LA asset sale" likely discusses Stepan's decision to sell assets in Los Angeles as part of a strategy to optimize its operational footprint. This move could indicate a focus on efficiency, cost reduction, or a shift in geographical priorities for the company's business activities.
Stepan (NYSE:SCL) May Have Issues Allocating Its Capital
Stepan (NYSE:SCL) exhibits a declining Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) of 4.4% over the last five years, falling short of the Chemicals industry average of 9.3%. Despite reinvesting capital and increasing capital employed by 37%, the company's earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) have not significantly improved, leading to a 61% reduction in ROCE. This trend suggests that Stepan may be struggling to effectively allocate its capital, potentially hindering future growth and investor returns.
Stepan (NYSE:SCL) May Have Issues Allocating Its Capital
Stepan (NYSE:SCL) appears to have issues with capital allocation, as indicated by a decreasing return on capital employed (ROCE) over the last five years, despite an increase in capital employed. The company's ROCE of 4.4% is significantly lower than the Chemicals industry average of 9.3%. This trend suggests that while Stepan is reinvesting, it is not generating improved returns, which may concern investors given the stock's five-year decline.
Stepan Company Completes Divestment of Lake Providence, Louisiana Manufacturing Assets
Stepan Company has completed the sale of its manufacturing assets in Lake Providence, Louisiana, as part of a strategic initiative to optimize its global manufacturing footprint. This move allows Stepan to focus on core specialty chemical businesses with stronger long-term growth potential and redeploy capital towards high-return opportunities and innovation. The divestment underscores Stepan's commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and strengthening financial performance in the specialty and intermediate chemical products market.
Chemical maker sells Louisiana plant as it narrows its focus
Stepan Company announced the closing of the previously disclosed sale of its Lake Providence, LA manufacturing assets on December 30, 2025. This transaction is part of the company's ongoing efforts to optimize its footprint and focus on core growth opportunities, following a recent divestiture in the Philippines. The terms of the sale were not disclosed.
Stepan Company announces closing of sale of Lake Providence, LA manufacturing assets
Stepan Company has announced the closing of the sale of its manufacturing assets located in Lake Providence, Louisiana. This move follows an earlier agreement to sell these assets, as the company continues to refine its strategic focus. The Lake Providence facility's divestiture is part of Stepan's broader corporate strategy, which also includes recent sales of other non-core assets.
Stepan Company Announces Closing of Sale of Lake Providence, LA Manufacturing Assets
Stepan Company has announced the successful closing of the sale of its manufacturing assets located in Lake Providence, LA. This move is part of the company's ongoing efforts toward footprint optimization and focusing on core growth opportunities, following a recent divestiture of its Philippines plant. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed, and Stepan continues its operations as a major manufacturer of specialty and intermediate chemicals.
Top 10 Agrochemicals Market Players 2025 | Trends, Innovations & Insights
This article outlines the top 10 players in the agrochemicals market for 2025, highlighting their history, key innovations, and strategic impact. Companies like Stepan Company, ADAMA Ltd., Croda International, Evonik Industries, Nufarm, Clariant AG, The Dow Chemical Company, Huntsman International, Bayer AG, and BASF SE are profiled for their contributions to sustainable and efficient agricultural solutions amidst evolving market demands. The agrochemicals market continues to crucial in ensuring global food supply and optimizing crop productivity through advanced, targeted solutions.
Stepan (NYSE:SCL) investors are sitting on a loss of 57% if they invested five years ago
Investors in Stepan Company (NYSE:SCL) who bought shares five years ago are currently facing a 57% loss on their investment, even when accounting for dividends. The company's EPS has dropped by 17% annually over this period, closely mirroring the share price decline. Despite the broader market gaining 16% in the last year, Stepan shareholders lost 28%, indicating unresolved challenges for the company.
Stepan (NYSE:SCL) investors are sitting on a loss of 57% if they invested five years ago
Stepan Company (NYSE:SCL) investors have experienced a significant loss, with the share price down 60% over the last five years and 30% in the past year. This performance closely aligns with a 17% annual drop in earnings per share over the same five-year period. While the market generally gained, Stepan's total shareholder return, including dividends, also shows a 57% loss over five years, indicating underlying challenges.
Westwood Holdings Group Inc. Has $72.97 Million Position in Stepan Company $SCL
Westwood Holdings Group Inc. significantly increased its stake in Stepan Company by 6.7% to 1,336,855 shares, valued at approximately $72.97 million. Stepan reported strong Q3 earnings, beating EPS estimates and raising its quarterly dividend. Despite high institutional ownership, analyst sentiment remains cautious with a "Reduce" average rating.
Why Stepan Company (NYSE:SCL) Could Be Worth Watching
Stepan Company (NYSE:SCL) has seen a recent share price surge, prompting an analysis of its current valuation and future growth prospects. The stock appears to be trading at a sensible price relative to its industry peers, but its high beta suggests potential for future buying opportunities during market downturns. With expected earnings growth of 57% in the coming year, Stepan's future looks optimistic, though investors should also consider the company's financial strength and other risk factors.
Why Stepan Company (NYSE:SCL) Could Be Worth Watching
Stepan Company (NYSE:SCL) has seen a recent share price rise, but as a small-cap stock with limited analyst coverage, it may still present mispricing opportunities. The company's valuation appears sensible according to its P/E ratio compared to industry peers, and its earnings are anticipated to increase significantly by 57% in the upcoming year. Investors should consider these points along with other financial factors and potential share price volatility before making investment decisions.
Why Stepan Company (NYSE:SCL) Could Be Worth Watching
Stepan Company (NYSE:SCL) has seen a double-digit share price rise but still trades at a sensible price relative to its industry peers. Its high beta suggests potential buying opportunities during market downturns, and its earnings are expected to increase by 57% in the upcoming year. While the optimistic future growth seems factored into the current price, potential investors are encouraged to examine other factors like the balance sheet for future opportunities.
Southernsun Asset Management LLC Grows Position in Stepan Company $SCL
Southernsun Asset Management LLC increased its stake in Stepan Company ($SCL) by 8.0% in Q2, boosting its holdings to 406,011 shares valued at $22.16 million. Stepan recently reported strong Q3 earnings, beating EPS estimates at $0.48, and also announced an increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.395 per share. The stock currently has an average analyst rating of "Reduce."
Stepan Co to sell Louisiana plant in latest global streamlining move
Speciality chemicals company Stepan Company is selling its manufacturing assets in Lake Providence, Louisiana, to an undisclosed buyer. This divestment follows Stepan's recent exit from the Philippines and is part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and focus on core growth areas. The sale is anticipated to close by the end of the year, subject to due diligence and normal closing conditions, with financial terms remaining undisclosed.
Brazil’s Stepan Debuts Ag Lab, Deepens Ties With PwC’s Agtech Hub
Stepan Company has opened a new agriculture laboratory in Brazil and expanded its partnership with PwC Agtech Innovation. These investments aim to strengthen innovation, technical support, and the development of sustainable agricultural solutions in Brazil's rapidly growing agricultural sector, boosting local R&D capabilities and fostering collaboration within the agtech ecosystem.
1. Stepan to sell Louisiana manufacturing assets in footprint optimization
Stepan Company announced its agreement to sell manufacturing assets in Lake Providence, Louisiana, as part of an ongoing strategy to optimize its manufacturing footprint and focus on core growth opportunities. This divestiture follows a recent plant sale in the Philippines and comes as the company's stock, SCL, has declined 27.66% year-to-date. The chemical manufacturer recently reported Q3 2025 earnings below expectations and completed another subsidiary sale, while also approving a Key Executive Severance Benefit Plan.
Stepan Announces Agreement to Sell Lake Providence, LA Assets
Stepan Company announced an agreement to sell its Lake Providence, LA manufacturing assets to an undisclosed buyer. This divestiture aligns with the company's ongoing efforts to optimize its footprint and concentrate on core growth opportunities, following a recent plant sale in the Philippines. The transaction is expected to close by year-end, subject to standard conditions and due diligence.
Stepan (NYSE: SCL) Signs Deal to Divest Lake Providence Assets in Ongoing Footprint Shift
Stepan Company announced an agreement to sell its manufacturing assets in Lake Providence, LA, to an undisclosed buyer. This divestiture is part of Stepan's ongoing footprint optimization strategy and efforts to focus on core growth opportunities, following a recent sale of its Philippines plant. The transaction is expected to close before year-end, pending customary closing conditions and due diligence; however, the terms of the sale were not disclosed.