Stepan Launches Project Catalyst, Expected to Save $100M
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 23 2026
0mins
Should l Buy SCL?
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.
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Analyst Views on SCL
About SCL
Stepan Company is a manufacturer of specialty and intermediate chemicals used in a range of industries. Its segment includes Surfactants, Polymers and Specialty Products. Surfactants are used in various consumer and industrial cleaning and disinfection products, such as detergents for washing clothes, dishes, floors and walls. Its other applications include fabric softeners, germicidal quaternary compounds, disinfectants, lubricating ingredients, emulsifiers for spreading agricultural products and industrial applications, such as latex systems, plastics and composites. Polymers include polyurethane polyols, polyester resins and phthalic anhydride. Polyurethane polyols are used in the manufacture of rigid foam for thermal insulation in the construction industry and are also a base raw material for coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers. Specialty Products include flavors, emulsifiers and solubilizers used in food, flavoring, nutritional supplements and pharmaceutical applications.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Stepan Co Opportunity: As a key player in the materials industry, Stepan Co (NYSE:SCL) is currently in an oversold state, which could attract value-seeking investors, particularly amid increasing market volatility.
- H.B. Fuller Company Analysis: H.B. Fuller Company (NYSE:FUL) is also experiencing overselling, and its low valuation may provide a good entry point for investors, especially given the ongoing demand growth in construction and industrial adhesives.
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- Payment Schedule: The dividend will be payable on April 10, 2026, to shareholders of record as of March 31, 2026, ensuring timely returns for investors and boosting shareholder confidence.
- Consistent Dividend Record: Stepan declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.395 per share, increasing its dividend by $0.01 in Q4 2025, marking the 58th consecutive year of dividend increases, showcasing the company's long-term commitment to shareholders.
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- Strategic Transformation: CEO Luis Rojo described 2025 as a 'transformational year,' highlighting the divestiture of two manufacturing plants and the optimization of the global footprint, which enhances the company's competitiveness in the chemical sector.
- Financial Performance: Despite unprecedented raw material inflation and tariff pressures, Stepan Company achieved a 6% growth in adjusted EBITDA for 2025, with a fourth-quarter adjusted net loss of $0.5 million and a net income of $5 million, up 49% year-over-year, reflecting positive impacts from asset sales.
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- Dividend Growth: Stepan Company increased its dividend for the 58th consecutive year, improving its net leverage ratio from 2.8 to 2.5, demonstrating a balance between ongoing investments and shareholder returns, thereby boosting market confidence.
See More
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- Koppers Dividend Increase: On February 11, Koppers Holdings Inc. raised its quarterly dividend from $0.08 to $0.09 per share, reflecting the company's confidence in future cash flows, while its stock surged approximately 21% over the past month, showcasing strong market performance.
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- Dividend Increase: Stepan has declared a quarterly dividend increase from $0.385 to $0.395 per share, representing a 2.6% rise, which reflects the company's confidence in its ongoing profitability despite reporting a non-GAAP EPS of -$0.02, indicating earnings pressure.
- Dividend Payment Details: The new dividend will be payable on March 13, with a record date of March 2 and an ex-dividend date also on March 2, providing investors with a clear timeline for their investment decisions.
- Earnings Performance: Stepan reported revenue of $553.89 million, missing market expectations by $16.71 million, highlighting challenges the company faces in the current market environment, which may impact future dividend policies.
- Investor Confidence: Despite the earnings decline, Stepan's decision to raise the dividend signals an optimistic outlook on future cash flows, potentially attracting investors seeking stable returns.
See More
Investment Opportunities in Oversold Materials Stocks
- Oversold Stocks Overview: In the materials sector, Stepan Co, H.B. Fuller Company, and International Paper Co have relative strength indices (RSI) near or below 30, indicating these stocks are significantly undervalued and may present buying opportunities for investors.
- Stepan Co Opportunity: As a key player in the materials industry, Stepan Co (NYSE:SCL) is currently in an oversold state, which could attract value-seeking investors, particularly amid increasing market volatility.
- H.B. Fuller Company Analysis: H.B. Fuller Company (NYSE:FUL) is also experiencing overselling, and its low valuation may provide a good entry point for investors, especially given the ongoing demand growth in construction and industrial adhesives.
- International Paper Potential: The oversold condition of International Paper Co (NYSE:IP) in the current market environment may make it an ideal choice for long-term investors, particularly with expectations of a rebound in demand for paper products.
See More
Oversold Stocks in Materials Sector Present Buying Opportunities
- Oversold Stocks Overview: According to Benzinga Pro, the materials sector's major oversold stocks with RSI values near or below 30 present buying opportunities for investors looking for undervalued companies amid market volatility.
- Flexible Solutions Performance: On January 23, Flexible Solutions International reported fourth-quarter revenue of $9.10 million, a 3% year-over-year increase, despite challenges in agriculture due to the construction of its Panama factory and retooling of its Illinois facility, leading to a 13% decline in stock price over the past month.
- RSI Indicator Analysis: With an RSI value of 29.9, Flexible Solutions is considered oversold, currently trading at $5.25, which is above its 52-week low of $3.46, indicating potential upside despite market caution regarding its future performance.
- Market Sentiment and Ratings: Edge Stock Ratings assigned Flexible Solutions a momentum score of 10.11 and a value score of 75.73, suggesting that despite facing short-term pressures, the long-term investment potential remains attractive, drawing interest from investors in the materials sector.
See More
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- Dividend Increase: Steel Dynamics announced a first-quarter cash dividend of $0.53 per share for 2026, reflecting a 6% increase over the 2025 quarterly rate, indicating the company's strengthened profitability.
- Payment Schedule: The dividend will be payable on April 10, 2026, to shareholders of record as of March 31, 2026, ensuring timely returns for investors and boosting shareholder confidence.
- Consistent Dividend Record: Stepan declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.395 per share, increasing its dividend by $0.01 in Q4 2025, marking the 58th consecutive year of dividend increases, showcasing the company's long-term commitment to shareholders.
- Westlake Dividend Announcement: Westlake declared a regular dividend of $0.53 per share for Q4 2025, payable on March 18, 2026, demonstrating the company's stability in paying and increasing dividends over the past 22 years.
See More
Stepan Company Q4 2025 Earnings Call Insights
- Strategic Transformation: CEO Luis Rojo described 2025 as a 'transformational year,' highlighting the divestiture of two manufacturing plants and the optimization of the global footprint, which enhances the company's competitiveness in the chemical sector.
- Financial Performance: Despite unprecedented raw material inflation and tariff pressures, Stepan Company achieved a 6% growth in adjusted EBITDA for 2025, with a fourth-quarter adjusted net loss of $0.5 million and a net income of $5 million, up 49% year-over-year, reflecting positive impacts from asset sales.
- Project Catalyst: The company launched 'Project Catalyst,' targeting $100 million in pretax savings over the next two years, with approximately 60% expected in 2026, aimed at enhancing cost competitiveness while preserving customer service flexibility.
- Dividend Growth: Stepan Company increased its dividend for the 58th consecutive year, improving its net leverage ratio from 2.8 to 2.5, demonstrating a balance between ongoing investments and shareholder returns, thereby boosting market confidence.
See More
Warning Signals for Overbought Materials Stocks
- Overbought Warning: As of February 23, 2026, three stocks in the materials sector are signaling overbought conditions, which could serve as a warning for investors who prioritize momentum, indicating potential market correction risks.
- Koppers Dividend Increase: On February 11, Koppers Holdings Inc. raised its quarterly dividend from $0.08 to $0.09 per share, reflecting the company's confidence in future cash flows, while its stock surged approximately 21% over the past month, showcasing strong market performance.
- Koppers Stock Performance: Koppers shares rose 1.4% to close at $35.11 on Friday, nearing its 52-week high of $35.70, with an RSI value of 81.2, suggesting that the stock may be overvalued, prompting caution among investors.
- Aptargroup Stock Status: Aptargroup Inc. is also on the overbought list, although specific data is not disclosed, its performance in the materials sector is drawing attention, and investors should closely monitor its future trajectory.
See More
Stepan Increases Quarterly Dividend by 2.6%
- Dividend Increase: Stepan has declared a quarterly dividend increase from $0.385 to $0.395 per share, representing a 2.6% rise, which reflects the company's confidence in its ongoing profitability despite reporting a non-GAAP EPS of -$0.02, indicating earnings pressure.
- Dividend Payment Details: The new dividend will be payable on March 13, with a record date of March 2 and an ex-dividend date also on March 2, providing investors with a clear timeline for their investment decisions.
- Earnings Performance: Stepan reported revenue of $553.89 million, missing market expectations by $16.71 million, highlighting challenges the company faces in the current market environment, which may impact future dividend policies.
- Investor Confidence: Despite the earnings decline, Stepan's decision to raise the dividend signals an optimistic outlook on future cash flows, potentially attracting investors seeking stable returns.
See More
