SCL News & Events

Futures are in negative territory, reflecting investor caution amid trade policy confusion and global growth fears. Markets are set to open the week with heightened volatility and mixed signals as investors digest a pivotal judicial and policy shift. After the U.S. Supreme Court struck down broad tariff authority previously used by the administration, the ruling also introduced uncertainty around trade policy when the administration promptly announced a new 15 % global tariff plan under a different statute. This back-and-forth has left markets unsettled, evident in lower stock index futures and risk aversion early Monday.The tariff developments have spilled over into currency and commodity markets, with the U.S. dollar softening and safe haven assets such as gold and silver seeing support as traders brace for policy-driven volatility and reposition for uncertainty.Looking at corporate drivers, the market's attention is sharpening on earnings catalysts later this week, particularly in the technology sector. Nvidia's imminent quarterly report has outsized importance as a barometer of demand for AI-related semiconductors and broader tech spending trends.In pre-market trading, S&P 500 futures fell 0.34%, Nasdaq futures fell 0.51% and Dow futures fell 0.40%.Check out this morning's top movers from around Wall Street, compiled by The Fly.HIGHER -Arcellxup 78% after Gileadentered into a definitive agreement to acquire the company for $115 per share in cash at closing and one contingent value right of $5 per shareVeris Residentialup 12% after a definitive merger agreement to be acquired by an investor consortium led by Affinius Capital in partnership with Vista Hill Partners in an all-cash transaction for $19 per shareFortune Brandsup 5% after The Wall Street Journalinvestor Ed Garden has built a stake in the company and is seeking to replace incoming CEO Amit BanatiUP AFTER EARNINGS -Domino's Pizzaup 5%GeneDxup 2%Dream Finders Homesup 1%DOWN AFTER EARNINGS -Stepandown 3%Freshpetdown 1%LOWER -Novo Nordiskdown 14% after reporting its REDEFINE 4 trial did not achieve its primary endpointVF Corp.down 5% after JPMorgan downgraded the stock to Underweight from Neutral with a price target of $18, down from $19

"As we look forward to 2026, we remain focused on delivering superior shareholder returns with a balanced approach between top line growth and productivity cost out efforts. Today we announced Project Catalyst, which is a comprehensive plan designed to further optimize our asset base and create a more productive and agile organization to enable growth. Project Catalyst is expected to deliver approximately $100 million in pre-tax savings over the next two years. As part of Project Catalyst, Stepan will close its Fieldsboro, NJ site and decommission select assets at its Millsdale, IL and Stalybridge, UK facilities. Additionally, we are analyzing other opportunities to optimize our asset base, organization structure and operating model. We will announce future interventions once approved plans are in place," said Luis Rojo, President and CEO. "With these actions, we believe we are positioned to deliver full year Adjusted EBITDA growth and positive free cash flow in 2026, despite the ongoing market and tariff uncertainties."

Stepan announced Project Catalyst, a comprehensive operational and efficiency plan with the objective to deliver approximately $100M in pre-tax savings over the next two years. Project Catalyst is a key part of Stepan's commitment to optimizing its global manufacturing footprint, driving shareholder returns and building a foundation for sustainable growth. Key elements of the plan include: Optimizing Stepan's global manufacturing footprint through consolidation of volume into more efficient and modern assets within the network to reduce cost and improve productivity. Operational efficiency and cost optimization in manufacturing, procurement of materials and services, and through improved processes, planning and execution. Organizational effectiveness with clear accountabilities across businesses and functions, and focused resources to aggressively capture market opportunities advancing the Company's growth strategy.As part of Project Catalyst, Stepan will close its Fieldsboro, NJ site in response to continued lower demand in commodity surfactants used in the production of laundry detergents. Additionally, select assets at its Elwood (Millsdale), IL and Stalybridge, UK facilities will be decommissioned to optimize network utilization. These actions are expected to be completed by mid-2026. Operations will be consolidated into the Company's existing network, creating a more cost-efficient, streamlined operational structure while maintaining ongoing supply for its customers. The company continues to evaluate additional footprint optimization initiatives to further strengthen its competitive position. The company anticipates recognizing restructuring charges in the range of $70 to $80 million in 2026, of which approximately $52 to $62 million is expected to be recognized in Q1 2026. Over the course of the project, cash and non-cash impacts are projected to be in the range of $29 to $44 million and $58 to $62 million, respectively. The restructuring costs will include asset write-downs, decommissioning costs and other related expenses.

Reports Q4 revenue $553.89M vs. $525.61M last year. "2025 was a transformational year for Stepan as we divested two plant sites and completed preliminary work that has positioned us to further optimize our footprint and asset base in 2026. Despite many challenges in 2025, we delivered growth in several of our core businesses, advanced several strategic initiatives and have an operational plan in place to accelerate profitable growth moving forward. Full year adjusted EBITDA grew 6% versus prior year despite a significant increase in oleochemical raw material costs and start-up expenses at our Pasadena site. Volume grew 1%, organic volume grew 2% and net sales were up 7% driven by pricing actions and favorable product and customer mix. We delivered $25.4 million of free cash flow and increased our dividend for the 58th consecutive year, while reducing our Net Debt by $31.7 million and our Leverage Ratio to 2.5," said Luis E. Rojo, President and CEO. "Fourth quarter adjusted EBITDA was down 3% primarily due to a challenging North American Surfactant environment. We continue to recover margins in Surfactants despite an unprecedented run-up in raw material costs. Polymer volume was up 11% as our Rigid, Specialty Polyols and Phthalic Anhydride businesses all delivered volume growth. I want to personally thank all of our Stepan colleagues around the world for their hard work and resilience during the year."