Stepan Management
Management criteria checks 3/4
Stepan's CEO is Luis Rojo, appointed in Oct 2024, has a tenure of 1.58 years. total yearly compensation is $4.33M, comprised of 21.7% salary and 78.3% bonuses, including company stock and options. directly owns 0.088% of the company’s shares, worth $1.06M. The average tenure of the management team and the board of directors is 2.3 years and 8 years respectively.
Key information
Luis Rojo
Chief executive officer
US$4.3m
Total compensation
| CEO salary percentage | 21.72% |
| CEO tenure | 1.6yrs |
| CEO ownership | 0.09% |
| Management average tenure | 2.3yrs |
| Board average tenure | 8yrs |
Recent management updates
Recent updates
Narrative Update • Apr 28
SCL: Stable Margins And Buybacks Will Support Long-Term Dividend Upside
Analysts kept their fair value estimate steady at $75, with only marginal tweaks to the discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin, and future P/E assumptions. This indicates a largely unchanged view of Stepan's longer term potential.Narrative Update • Apr 12
SCL: Stable Margins And Buyback Completion Will Support Long-Term Dividend Upside
Analysts have nudged their Stepan price target slightly higher to $75.00, with modest tweaks to the discount rate and P/E assumptions supporting this updated view. What's in the News For the three months ended December 31, 2025, Stepan Company reported unaudited goodwill impairment of $6,245,000, which directly affects reported earnings quality for that period (Key Developments).Seeking Alpha • Mar 28
Stepan Company: The Ride Higher Isn't Over Yet
Summary Stepan Company (SCL) is reaffirmed as a 'buy' due to compelling valuation and significant cost-saving initiatives. SCL's Project Catalyst targets $100M in pre-tax savings over two years, with 60% expected in the current year. Despite mixed profitability and cash flow, SCL remains attractively priced versus peers, especially on cash flow metrics. Even if cost savings underdeliver, current valuation provides downside protection and long-term upside potential. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaNarrative Update • Mar 28
SCL: Steady Fair Value And Margins Will Support Long-Term Dividend Upside
Analysts have maintained their Stepan fair value estimate at $75.00, making only small adjustments to the discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin and future P/E assumptions. This signals that their overall view on the stock’s longer-term potential remains largely unchanged.Narrative Update • Mar 14
SCL: Steady Fair Value And Margins Will Support Long-Term Dividend Upside
Analysts have modestly revised their price outlook for Stepan, keeping fair value around $75.00 while making small tweaks to the discount rate and projected P/E. This reflects updated assumptions about the risk profile and valuation multiples rather than a shift in the underlying growth or margin view.Narrative Update • Feb 27
SCL: Higher Future P/E Assumptions Will Support Long-Term Dividend Upside
Analysts have adjusted their Stepan price target to $75.00, with the change tied to updated views on discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin, and a higher assumed future P/E multiple. What's in the News Stepan Company reported an unaudited goodwill impairment of $6,245,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2025.Narrative Update • Feb 11
SCL: Refined Discount Rate Assumptions Will Support Long-Term Dividend Upside
Analysts have kept their Stepan price target steady at $75.00, citing only slight tweaks to assumptions like discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin, and future P/E that were not material enough to change their overall valuation view. Valuation Changes Fair Value: Steady at $75.00, indicating no change in the analysts' central valuation estimate.Analysis Article • Feb 04
Why Investors Shouldn't Be Surprised By Stepan Company's (NYSE:SCL) 26% Share Price Surge
Despite an already strong run, Stepan Company ( NYSE:SCL ) shares have been powering on, with a gain of 26% in the last...Narrative Update • Jan 27
SCL: Higher Discount Rate Will Set Up Attractive Long-Term Dividend Returns
Analysts now estimate Stepan's fair value at US$75.00, reduced from US$82.21. This change reflects updated assumptions regarding a higher discount rate, revised profit margin expectations, a slightly higher revenue growth outlook, and a lower future P/E multiple.Analysis Article • Jan 08
Stepan (NYSE:SCL) May Have Issues Allocating Its Capital
To find a multi-bagger stock, what are the underlying trends we should look for in a business? Amongst other things...Analysis Article • Dec 12
Why Stepan Company (NYSE:SCL) Could Be Worth Watching
Stepan Company ( NYSE:SCL ), is not the largest company out there, but it saw a double-digit share price rise of over...Analysis Article • Nov 04
Stepan (NYSE:SCL) Will Pay A Larger Dividend Than Last Year At $0.395
Stepan Company's ( NYSE:SCL ) periodic dividend will be increasing on the 15th of December to $0.395, with investors...Analysis Article • Sep 04
Here's What's Concerning About Stepan's (NYSE:SCL) Returns On Capital
What trends should we look for it we want to identify stocks that can multiply in value over the long term? Firstly...Analysis Article • Jul 31
Is It Time To Consider Buying Stepan Company (NYSE:SCL)?
While Stepan Company ( NYSE:SCL ) might not have the largest market cap around , it received a lot of attention from a...Analysis Article • Jun 10
Earnings Tell The Story For Stepan Company (NYSE:SCL)
Stepan Company's ( NYSE:SCL ) price-to-earnings (or "P/E") ratio of 22.5x might make it look like a sell right now...Analysis Article • May 02
Results: Stepan Company Exceeded Expectations And The Consensus Has Updated Its Estimates
A week ago, Stepan Company ( NYSE:SCL ) came out with a strong set of first-quarter numbers that could potentially lead...Seeking Alpha • Apr 20
Stepan Company's Plunge Offers Investors A Chance To Clean Up
Summary Markets are inefficient short-term, creating opportunities for logical, value-oriented investors; Stepan Company is now a ‘buy’ due to recent price drops and management's positive outlook. Despite a 6% revenue drop in 2024, Stepan Company improved net income and EBITDA, driven by cost-cutting measures and productivity improvements. Management is optimistic about 2025, expecting volume growth, margin improvement, and positive free cash flow, targeting high-margin, growth-oriented markets. Analysts forecast revenue and earnings growth for Q1 2025; shares are attractively priced compared to peers, justifying an upgrade to a ‘buy’ rating. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaAnalysis Article • Apr 16
Should You Investigate Stepan Company (NYSE:SCL) At US$47.60?
While Stepan Company ( NYSE:SCL ) might not have the largest market cap around , it received a lot of attention from a...Seeking Alpha • Feb 04
Stepan Company: A 'Moderate Buy' Despite A High Valuation
Summary Stepan Company, a specialty chemicals manufacturer, excels in operational efficiency and dividend growth, making it a stable investment despite current valuations. Q3 FY24 financials show margin expansion and significant net income growth, despite a 3% revenue decline, highlighting fiscal discipline. Trading at a forward P/E of 17.3x for 2025, Stepan's stock has a potential 26% upside, making it a promising investment opportunity. I am an investment analyst with a focus on income generation. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaAnalysis Article • Jan 18
Shareholders Should Be Pleased With Stepan Company's (NYSE:SCL) Price
With a price-to-earnings (or "P/E") ratio of 31.4x Stepan Company ( NYSE:SCL ) may be sending very bearish signals at...Analysis Article • Nov 26
These 4 Measures Indicate That Stepan (NYSE:SCL) Is Using Debt Extensively
The external fund manager backed by Berkshire Hathaway's Charlie Munger, Li Lu, makes no bones about it when he says...Analysis Article • Nov 02
Stepan's (NYSE:SCL) Upcoming Dividend Will Be Larger Than Last Year's
The board of Stepan Company ( NYSE:SCL ) has announced that the dividend on 13th of December will be increased to...Seeking Alpha • Oct 30
Stepan Company: Not A Great Performance, But Good Value
Summary Stepan Company, despite underperformance and volatility, has long-term upside due to its unique position in the specialty chemicals market, particularly surfactants. The company's fundamentals have improved with reduced CapEx and positive FCF, but current earnings and macro pressures persist. SCL's growth potential is tied to the surfactant segment and market diversification, though the timing of earnings recovery remains uncertain. I rate Stepan as a "Buy" with a $90 PT, but caution that there are superior investments in the chemicals sector with better returns. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
New Narrative • Sep 24
Calculated Supply Chain And Market Expansion Drive Robust Growth And Margin Improvement
Operational cost reductions and workforce productivity improvements aim to positively impact net margins.Analysis Article • Aug 30
Some Investors May Be Worried About Stepan's (NYSE:SCL) Returns On Capital
If you're looking for a multi-bagger, there's a few things to keep an eye out for. Firstly, we'll want to see a proven...Analysis Article • Aug 17
Stepan (NYSE:SCL) Takes On Some Risk With Its Use Of Debt
Some say volatility, rather than debt, is the best way to think about risk as an investor, but Warren Buffett famously...Seeking Alpha • Jul 28
Stepan Company Is Making Great Progress
Summary Stepan Company faced declining revenue, profits, and cash flows due to weak demand and inventory destocking, leading to a 'hold' rating. Despite a difficult 2023, the company showed improvements in cash flows and margins in the first quarter of 2024. Analysts expect revenue and earnings per share to improve in the second quarter of 2024, but shares are not yet attractively priced for an upgrade. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaAnalysis Article • Jul 24
When Should You Buy Stepan Company (NYSE:SCL)?
Stepan Company ( NYSE:SCL ), is not the largest company out there, but it saw a decent share price growth of 11% on the...CEO Compensation Analysis
| Date | Total Compensation | Salary | Company Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 31 2026 | n/a | n/a | -US$14m |
| Dec 31 2025 | US$4m | US$940k | US$47m |
| Sep 30 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$45m |
| Jun 30 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$58m |
| Mar 31 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$56m |
| Dec 31 2024 | US$3m | US$624k | US$50m |
| Sep 30 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$46m |
| Jun 30 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$35m |
| Mar 31 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$38m |
| Dec 31 2023 | US$1m | US$541k | US$40m |
| Sep 30 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$52m |
| Jun 30 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$79m |
| Mar 31 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$118m |
| Dec 31 2022 | US$2m | US$508k | US$147m |
| Sep 30 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$153m |
| Jun 30 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$151m |
| Mar 31 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$142m |
| Dec 31 2021 | US$2m | US$468k | US$138m |
| Sep 30 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$151m |
| Jun 30 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$147m |
| Mar 31 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$140m |
| Dec 31 2020 | US$2m | US$431k | US$127m |
| Sep 30 2020 | n/a | n/a | US$118m |
| Jun 30 2020 | n/a | n/a | US$111m |
| Mar 31 2020 | n/a | n/a | US$106m |
| Dec 31 2019 | US$1m | US$405k | US$103m |
Compensation vs Market: Luis's total compensation ($USD4.33M) is about average for companies of similar size in the US market ($USD5.47M).
Compensation vs Earnings: Luis's compensation has increased whilst the company is unprofitable.
CEO
Luis Rojo (52 yo)
1.6yrs
Tenure
US$4,327,042
Compensation
Mr. Luis E. Rojo is President, CEO & Director of Stepan Company from October 30, 2024 and served as Chief Financial Officer and Vice President from April 2018 to October 30, 2024. Mr. Rojo has held various...
Leadership Team
| Name | Position | Tenure | Compensation | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| President | 1.6yrs | US$4.33m | 0.088% $ 1.1m | |
| VP & Chief Financial Officer | less than a year | US$969.27k | 0.00016% $ 1.9k | |
| Executive Vice President of Supply Chain | 3yrs | US$1.36m | 0.019% $ 223.1k | |
| Vice President & General Manager of Polymers | no data | US$963.34k | 2.09% $ 25.1m | |
| VP and Chief Compliance & Risk Officer | 8.3yrs | no data | no data | |
| VP, General Counsel & Secretary | less than a year | no data | no data | |
| VP & Chief Human Resources Officer | less than a year | no data | no data | |
| VP & Corporate Controller | 15.3yrs | US$492.25k | no data | |
| VP of Surfactants & GM of North America - Surfactants | 8.7yrs | no data | 0.015% $ 186.0k |
2.3yrs
Average Tenure
55yo
Average Age
Experienced Management: SCL's management team is considered experienced (2.3 years average tenure).
Board Members
| Name | Position | Tenure | Compensation | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| President | 1.6yrs | US$4.33m | 0.088% $ 1.1m | |
| Independent Director | 10.6yrs | US$264.98k | 0.061% $ 737.1k | |
| Non-Executive Chairman | 27.3yrs | US$469.98k | 3.4% $ 40.8m | |
| Independent Director | less than a year | US$181.08k | 0.011% $ 128.9k | |
| Independent Director | 15.3yrs | US$264.98k | 0.071% $ 851.5k | |
| Lead Independent Director | 14.3yrs | US$278.44k | 0.062% $ 747.4k | |
| Independent Director | 2.3yrs | US$244.98k | 0.019% $ 232.9k | |
| Independent Director | 5.3yrs | US$264.98k | 0.015% $ 176.6k |
8.0yrs
Average Tenure
63yo
Average Age
Experienced Board: SCL's board of directors are considered experienced (8 years average tenure).
Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/05/11 14:21 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/05/11 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/03/31 |
| Annual Earnings | 2025/12/31 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
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| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
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| Market Prices | 30 years |
| |
| Ownership | 10 years |
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| Management | 10 years |
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| Key Developments | 10 years |
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* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
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Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
Stepan Company is covered by 4 analysts. 2 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| Michael Harrison | Seaport Research Partners |
| Daniel Rizzo | Sidoti & Company, LLC |
| Vincent Anderson | Stifel, Equities Research |