Stepan Company reported record net income for the second quarter of 2020, driven by strong surfactant sales volume growth due to increased demand for cleaning and disinfection products. However, the polymer business was down due to construction project delays, and the specialty product business was affected by order timing and margin issues.
Net income was a record $35.7 million, or $1.54 per diluted share, versus $30.2 million, or $1.30 per diluted share, in the prior year.
Adjusted net income was a record $38.3 million, or $1.65 per diluted share, versus $35.1 million, or $1.50 per diluted share, in the prior year.
Surfactant operating income was a record $48.5 million versus $32.1 million in the prior year, driven by a 10% increase in global Surfactant volume.
Polymer operating income was $15.5 million versus $22.8 million in the prior year, primarily due to a 13% decline in sales volume.
Stepan anticipates continued strong surfactant volume in consumer product end markets due to demand for cleaning products. Polymer business is expected to be challenged in the short term due to construction project deferrals, and higher North American costs are anticipated due to the Illinois River lock closure. The company believes they are well positioned to operate in the challenging near-term environment.
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