Stepan reports Q3 adjusted EPS 48c vs. $1.03 last year

Reports Q3 revenue $590.284M vs. $546.842M last year. “Q3 adjusted EBITDA grew 6% and free cash flow improved to $40.2M dollars for the quarter. Year-to-date adjusted EBITDA is up 9% with volumes up 2%. We achieved these positive results despite higher start-up expenses at our Pasadena site and a significant run up in oleochemical raw material costs,” said Luis E. Rojo, President and CEO. “Q3 Adjusted Net Income was negatively impacted by a higher effective tax rate, higher depreciation and higher interest net versus prior year, none of which had a cash impact. From a segment perspective, Polymer volume was up 8% as our Rigid, Specialty Polyols and Phthalic Anhydride businesses all delivered volume growth. Within Surfactants, we experienced double digit volume growth within the Agricultural and Industrial Cleaning end markets and mid-single digit growth within the Oilfield end markets. This growth was offset by lower demand in the global commodity Consumer Products end markets. Specialty Products delivered earnings growth during the quarter due to order timing differences. We are encouraged by volume growth across several key strategic end markets, and we remain focused on gradually restoring margins while maintaining a healthy balance between volume and margins.”