STEPAN CO
10-K, 1994-03-24
SOAP, DETERGENTS, CLEANG PREPARATIONS, PERFUMES, COSMETICS
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<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549
 
                               ----------------
 
                                   FORM 10-K
(Mark
One)
 
  [X]            ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
             OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [FEE REQUIRED]
                  FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993
                                       OR
  [_]       TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
               SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [NO FEE REQUIRED]
                      FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM  TO
 
                         COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-4462
 
                               ----------------
                                 STEPAN COMPANY
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
                Delaware                               36-1823834
- --------------------------------------   --------------------------------------
    (State or other jurisdiction of       (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     incorporation or organization)
 
          Northfield, Illinois                           60093
- --------------------------------------   --------------------------------------
    (Address of principal executive                    (Zip Code)
                offices)
 
        Registrant's telephone number including area code: 708-446-7500
 
          Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
           TITLE OF EACH CLASS               NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE ON WHICH
                                                       REGISTERED
              -----------                           --------------
       Common Stock, $1 par value               American Stock Exchange
                                                 Chicago Stock Exchange
 5 1/2% Convertible Preferred Stock, no          Chicago Stock Exchange
               par value
 
          Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (g) of the Act:
 
                                      None
                                  -----------
                                (Title of Class)
 
  INDICATE BY CHECK MARK IF DISCLOSURE OF DELINQUENT FILERS PURSUANT TO ITEM
405 OF REGULATION S-K IS NOT CONTAINED HEREIN, AND WILL NOT BE CONTAINED, TO
THE BEST OF REGISTRANT'S KNOWLEDGE, IN DEFINITIVE PROXY OR INFORMATION
STATEMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN PART III OF THIS FORM 10-K OR ANY
AMENDMENT TO THIS FORM 10-K. [    ]
 
  INDICATE BY CHECK MARK WHETHER THE REGISTRANT (1) HAS FILED ALL REPORTS
REQUIRED TO BE FILED BY SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF
1934 DURING THE PRECEDING 12 MONTHS, AND (2) HAS BEEN SUBJECT TO SUCH FILING
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PAST 90 DAYS. YES   X   NO
 
  AGGREGATE MARKET VALUE AT FEBRUARY 28, 1994, OF VOTING STOCK HELD BY
NONAFFILIATES OF THE REGISTRANT: $97,673,000.*
 
  NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING OF EACH OF THE ISSUER'S CLASSES OF COMMON STOCK
AS OF FEBRUARY 28, 1994:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                    CLASS                             OUTSTANDING AT FEBRUARY 28, 1994
                    -----                             --------------------------------
<S>                                            <C>
         Common Stock, $1 par value                           4,953,000 shares
</TABLE>
 
                      DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
 
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     PART OF FORM 10-K                           DOCUMENT INCORPORATED
     -----------------                           ---------------------
   <S>                                    <C>
   Part I, Item 1                         1993 Annual Report to Stockholders
   Part II, Items 5-8                     1993 Annual Report to Stockholders
   Part III, Items 10-12                  Proxy Statement dated March 29, 1994
</TABLE>
 
  *Based on reported ownership by all directors, officers and beneficial owners
of more than 5% of registrant's voting stock. However, this determination does
not constitute an admission of affiliate status for any of these holders.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
                                     PART I
 
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
 
  Stepan Company and its subsidiaries (the "Company") produce basic and
intermediate chemicals which are sold to other manufacturers and then made into
a variety of end products. The Company sells three groups of products:
surfactants, polymers and specialty products. Surfactants refer to chemical
agents which affect the interaction between two surfaces; they can provide
actions such as detergency (i.e., the ability of water to remove soil from
another surface), wetting and foaming, dispersing, emulsification (aiding two
dissimilar liquids to mix), demulsification and viscosity modifications.
Surfactants are the basic cleaning agent in detergents for washing clothes,
dishes, carpets, fine fabrics, floors and walls. Surfactants are also used for
the same purpose in shampoos and conditioners, toothpaste, cosmetics and other
personal care products. Commercial and industrial applications include
emulsifiers for agricultural pesticides, emulsion polymers such as floor
polishes and latex foams and coatings, wetting and foaming agents for wallboard
manufacturing and surfactants for enhanced oil recovery. Polymers refer to
intermediate chemicals including phthalic anhydride, polyols and urethane foam
systems used in plastics, building materials and refrigeration industries.
Specialty products consist of flavor and pharmaceutical intermediates, fine
chemicals, esters, synthetic lubricants and other specialty products.
 
  During 1989, Stepan Company expanded its Canadian operation with the purchase
of two surfactant businesses. In June, the Company purchased the Canada Packers
business and in November, the surfactant business of Domtar, Inc. These
acquisitions increased the Company's capacity and market share in North
America.
 
  In February, 1990, Stepan Company sold its paper chemical business which
reported moderate losses since its purchase in 1985.
 
  In the first quarter of 1990, Stepan Company capitalized $1.6 million of
loans to Stepan Mexico, increasing Stepan Company's ownership from 40% to 98%.
Stepan Mexico S.A. de C.V. is a manufacturer of surfactant chemicals.
 
  In 1991, Stepan Company purchased the ACCOSOFT(R) line of fabric softeners
from Karlshamns U.S.A., Inc. The Company also purchased from ICI Americas, Inc.
the U.S. portion of sulfonate and sulfonate blend line used in agricultural
products and industrial coatings.
 
  In 1993, Stepan Company entered into a 50 percent joint venture with
Coldequim, S.A., called Stepan Colombiana de Quimicos, Ltda, in Colombia, South
America. Under the agreement, Stepan Colombiana will manufacture selected
surfactants and market the Company's complete line of surfactants in the Andean
Pact countries of Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador.
 
Marketing and Competition
 
  Principal markets for all products are manufacturers of cleaning or washing
compounds (including detergents, shampoos, toothpaste and household cleaners),
paints, cosmetics, beverages, agricultural pesticides and herbicides, plastics,
furniture, building materials and automotive and refrigeration equipment. Sales
of the Company tend not to be seasonal.
 
  The Company does not sell directly to the retail market, but sells to a wide
range of manufacturers in many industries and has many competitors. The
principal methods of competition are product performance, price and
adaptability to the specific needs of individual customers. These factors allow
the Company to compete on a basis other than solely price, reducing the
severity of competition as experienced in the sale of commodity chemicals
having identical performance characteristics. The Company is one of the largest
merchant producers of surfactants in the United States. In the case of
surfactants, much of the Company's competition comes from the internal
divisions of larger companies, as well as several large national and regional
producers. In the manufacture of polymers, the Company competes with the
chemical divisions of several large companies, as well as with other small
specialty chemical manufacturers. In recent years, the Company also faces some
competition from foreign imports of phthalic anhydride. In specialty products,
the Company competes with several large firms plus numerous small companies.
The Company does not expect any significant changes in the competitive
environment in the foreseeable future.
 
                                       1
<PAGE>
 
Major Customer and Backlog
 
  The Company does not have any one single customer whose business represents
more than 10% of the Company's consolidated revenue. Most of the Company's
business is essentially on a "spot delivery basis" and does not involve a
significant backlog. The Company does have some contract arrangements with
certain customers but, in most cases, purchases are contingent on purchaser
requirements.
 
Energy Sources
 
  Substantially all of the Company's manufacturing plants operate on
electricity and interruptable gas purchased from local utilities. During peak
heating demand periods, gas service to all plants may be temporarily
interrupted for varying periods ranging from a few days to several months. The
plants operate on fuel oil during these gas interruption periods. The Company
has not experienced any plant shutdowns or adverse effects upon its business in
recent years that were caused by a lack of available energy sources.
 
Raw Materials
 
  The most important raw materials used by the Company are of a petroleum or
vegetable nature. For 1994, the Company has commitments from suppliers to cover
its forecasted requirements and is not substantially dependent upon any one
supplier.
 
Research and Development
 
  The Company maintains an active research and development program to assist in
the discovery and commercialization of new knowledge with the intent that such
effort will be useful in developing a new product or in bringing about a
significant improvement to an existing product or process. Total expenses for
research and development during 1993, 1992 and 1991 were $12,613,000,
$11,320,000 and $11,558,000, respectively. During 1993 and 1992, the research
and development staff consisted of 162 and 142 employees, respectively. The
balance of expenses reflected on the Consolidated Statements of Income relates
to technical services which include routine product testing, quality control
and sales support service.
 
Environmental Compliance
 
  Compliance with applicable Federal, state and local regulations regarding the
discharge of materials into the environment, or otherwise relating to the
protection of the environment, resulted in capital expenditures by the Company
of approximately $4,076,000 during 1993. Such capital expenditures in 1994
should approximate $6,464,000. These expenditures represented approximately 24%
of the Company's capital expenditures in 1993 and are expected to be 18% of
such expenditures in 1994. These expenditures, when incurred, are depreciated
and charged on a straight-line basis to pre-tax earnings over their respective
useful lives which are typically 10 years. Compliance with such regulations is
not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company's earnings and
competitive position in the foreseeable future.
 
Employment
 
  At December 31, 1993 and 1992, the Company employed worldwide 1,302 and 1,317
persons, respectively.
 
Foreign Operations
 
  See Note 12, Geographic Data, on page 29 of the Company's 1993 Annual Report
to Stockholders.
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
Product Groups
 
  The manufacture of basic and intermediate chemicals constitutes the Company's
only industry segment. The Company's three groups of products and their
contribution to sales for the three years ended December 31, 1993, were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       SPECIALTY
                                                  SURFACTANTS POLYMERS PRODUCTS
                                                  ----------- -------- ---------
      <S>                                         <C>         <C>      <C>
      1993.......................................     74%       18%        8%
      1992.......................................     73%       20%        7%
      1991.......................................     71%       22%        7%
</TABLE>
 
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
 
  The Company's corporate headquarters and central research laboratories are
located in Northfield, Illinois. The Northfield facilities contain
approximately 70,000 square feet on an 8 acre site. In addition, the Company
leases 49,000 square feet of office space in a nearby office complex.
 
  The Canadian sales office is located in Mississagua, Canada and is
approximately 2,300 square feet of leased space. Stepan Mexico maintains a
leased sales office in Mexico City, Mexico.
 
  Surfactants are produced at four plants in the United States, and three
wholly owned subsidiaries; one in France, Canada and Mexico. The principal
plant is located on a 626 acre site at Millsdale (Joliet), Illinois. A second
plant is located on a 39 acre tract in Fieldsboro, New Jersey. West Coast
operations are conducted on an 8 acre site in Anaheim, California. A fourth
plant is located on a 162 acre site in Winder, Georgia. The plant, laboratory
and office of Stepan Europe are located on a 20 acre site near Grenoble,
France. Stepan Canada, Inc. is located on a 70 acre leased, with an option to
purchase, site in Longford Mills, Ontario, Canada. Stepan Mexico is located on
a 13 acre site in Matamoros, Mexico. The phthalic anhydride plant is also
located at Millsdale, as is the plant for polyurethane systems and polyurethane
polyols. Specialty products are mainly produced at a plant located on a 19 acre
site in Maywood, New Jersey.
 
  The Company owns all of the foregoing facilities except the leased office
space and Canadian plant site mentioned above. The Company believes these
properties are adequate for its operations.
 
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
  Reference is made to the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September
30, 1993 regarding an Administrative Complaint (TSCA 09-93-0011) seeking
approximately $4.8 million in fines. On March 1, 1994, the Company announced
that it had reached an agreement with Region IX of the United States
Environmental Protection Agency ("USEPA") to pay $75,000 for an alleged
violation of the Toxic Substances Control Act. The USEPA had originally been
seeking fines of approximately $4.8 million on account of allegedly
manufacturing a certain product without a premanufacturing notice or which was
not on the Toxic Substances Control List.
 
  As previously reported, the Company was named as a potentially responsible
party ("PRP") for its Maywood, New Jersey property and property adjacent
thereto ("sites"). The Company filed its Remedial Investigation Study on
February 11, 1994 and has until March 16, 1994 to file its draft Feasibility
Study with the USEPA Region II. The Company expended and charged against its
environmental reserve $3,476,000 during the last three years. While it is
probable that the Company will incur some site cleanup costs, until the
Feasibility Study is completed, it is not possible to estimate what the
Company's future liability, if any, would be.
 
  As previously reported, the Company encountered xylene contamination at its
Fieldsboro, New Jersey location. The Company plans to expend approximately
$220,000 to perform capping activities at this site. The Company is awaiting
reapproval from the New Jersey Environmental Protection department. In
addition, the Company may spend up to $70,000 per year to perform well
monitoring activities.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
  As previously reported, the Company was named as a PRP with regard to the
D'Imperio site located in Hamilton Township, New Jersey. Also, as previously
reported, the USEPA, by the United States Justice Department, filed an action
against the Company and twenty other PRPs entitled United States of America v.
Jerome Lightman et. al. (92 CV 4710 [JBS]) requesting approximately $6,000,000
from twenty companies for USEPA past costs at this site. The court ordered non-
binding mediation in this matter which concluded February 17, 1994. The Company
did not agree with the mediators' results and conclusions, which in the
Company's opinion, were arbitrary and inconsistent. As a result, the Company
made a separate offer to pay for what the Company believes to be its share of
past costs, or $638,000. The twenty other PRPs have submitted their own
proposal to the government. The government has 45 days from February 17, 1994
to accept or reject the Company's offer. If no resolution is reached, the
matter will be tried. At this time, the Company cannot estimate what its future
potential liability might be at this site.
 
  Reference is made to the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31,
1993 and the Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 1992 regarding an
action entitled Alvear et. al. v. Leonard Electronics Product Co. et. al. The
Company lost its motion to have its Mexican subsidiary dismissed from the
action for lack of jurisdiction. The Company may appeal at the end of this
litigation, but under the current court ruling, the Company's Mexican
subsidiary will be a party in this action. In addition, the Company's motion
for more specificity in the plaintiff's complaint was granted.
 
  The Company was named as a PRP at the Chemical Control Site, Elizabeth, New
Jersey. The only manifest linking the Company to this site clearly showed that
the waste shipment in question was rejected. The PRP group for Chemical Control
has reviewed this evidence and has determined that this shipment was, in fact,
rejected. Thus, while the Company technically remains a PRP at this site, the
Company believes it has no exposure at this site based upon the PRP group
ruling.
 
  As previously reported in the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
September 30, 1991, the Company was named as a defendant in an action entitled
D'Imperio et. al. v. Lightman Drum Company, et. al., New Jersey Superior Court,
Camden County (No. L-01791-91). This private suit alleges various defendants
improperly disposed of hazardous materials at property owned by D'Imperio
resulting in damage to D'Imperio's property, as well as tortious interference
with a real estate purchase contract. On February 19, 1994, the Court granted
the defendants' motions, including the Company's, for Summary Judgement. Unless
the plaintiff files an appeal within forty-five days from February 11, 1994,
this case is dismissed. The Company does not anticipate an appeal at this time.
 
ITEM 4. RESULTS OF VOTES OF SECURITY HOLDERS
 
  No matters were submitted to stockholders during the fourth quarter of the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1993.
 
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
 
  Executive Officers are elected annually by the Board of Directors at the
first meeting following the Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to serve until the
next annual meeting of the Board and until their respective successors are duly
elected and qualified. Charles W. Given, formerly Vice President--Marketing was
appointed Vice President and General Manager--Surfactants, effective April 28,
1992. Ronald L. Siemon, formerly Vice President--Polyurethanes, was appointed
Vice President and General Manager--Polymers, effective April 28, 1992. Walter
J. Klein, formerly the Corporate Controller, was appointed Vice President and
Corporate Controller in May, 1990 and Vice President--Finance effective January
1, 1992. Also effective January 1, 1992, Charles P. Riley, Jr. assumed the
position of Vice President--Administration and Regulatory Affairs and
previously held the position of Vice President--Manufacturing and Engineering.
Mickey Mirghanbari assumed the position of Vice President--Manufacturing and
Engineering. Mickey Mirghanbari previously served in the capacity of Vice
President for Plant Operations. In February, 1992,
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
James A. Hartlage who was formerly Vice President--Technology for over five
years, was appointed Senior Vice President--Technology. As of October 29, 1992,
pursuant to Section 3(b) Rule 3b-7 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Mark
S. Barg is deemed an executive officer of the Company. Mark Barg has served in
the capacity of Vice President--Logistics for the last five years. All other
executive officers have remained in their current capacity for over five years.
 
  The Executive Officers of the Company, their ages as of February 28, 1994 and
certain other information are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    YEAR FIRST
                                                                     ELECTED
NAME                     AGE                TITLE                    OFFICER
- ----                     ---                -----                 --------------
<S>                      <C> <C>                                  <C>
F. Quinn Stepan.........  56 Chairman, President and                   1967
                             Chief Executive Officer
James A. Hartlage.......  56 Senior Vice President--Technology         1980
Charles W. Given........  57 Vice President and General Manager--      1992
                             Surfactants
Ronald L. Siemon........  56 Vice President and General Manager--      1992
                             Polymers
Charles P. Riley, Jr. ..  61 Vice President--Administration            1980
                             and Regulatory Affairs
Jeffrey W. Bartlett.....  50 Vice President, General Counsel           1983
                             and Corporate Secretary
Walter J. Klein.........  47 Vice President--Finance                   1985
Mickey Mirghanbari......  56 Vice President--Manufacturing             1992
                             and Engineering
Mark S. Barg............  52 Vice President--Logistics            Not applicable
</TABLE>
 
                                    PART II
 
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED SECURITY HOLDER
MATTERS
 
  (a) The Company's common stock is listed and traded on both the American
Stock Exchange and the Chicago Stock Exchange. See page 30 of the Company's
1993 Annual Report to Stockholders for market price information which is
incorporated by reference herein.
 
  The Company's 5 1/2 percent convertible preferred stock is listed and traded
on the Chicago Stock Exchange. See Note 6 on page 27 of the Company's 1993
Annual Report to Stockholders for the description of the preferred
stockholders' rights which is incorporated by reference herein.
 
  From time to time the Company purchases shares of its common stock in the
open market and in block transactions from dealers for the purpose of funding
option grants under its stock option plans and deferred compensation plans for
directors and officers.
 
  (b) On February 28, 1994, there were 1,783 holders of common stock of the
Company.
 
  (c) See page 30 of the Company's 1993 Annual Report to Stockholders for
dividend information which is incorporated by reference herein. Also see Note 3
on page 25 of the Company's 1993 Annual Report to Stockholders which sets forth
the restrictive covenants covering dividends.
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
  See pages 30 and 31 of the Company's 1993 Annual Report to Stockholders for a
ten year summary of selected financial information which is incorporated by
reference herein.
 
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
 
  See pages 14 through 18 of the Company's 1993 Annual Report to Stockholders
which is incorporated by reference herein.
 
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
 
  See pages 19 through 29 of the Company's 1993 Annual Report to Stockholders
for the Company's consolidated financial statements, notes to the consolidated
financial statements and auditors' report which are incorporated by reference
herein.
 
  See page 31 of the Company's 1993 Annual Report to Stockholders for selected
quarterly financial data which is incorporated by reference herein.
 
ITEM 9. DISAGREEMENTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
 
  None
 
                                    PART III
 
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
 
  (a)Directors
 
    See pages 3 through 5 of the Company's Proxy Statement dated March 29,
    1994, for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders which are incorporated by
    reference herein.
 
  (b)Executive Officers
 
    See Executive Officers of the Registrant in Part I above.
 
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
  See page 7 of the Company's Proxy Statement dated March 29, 1994, for the
Annual Meeting of Stockholders which are incorporated by reference herein.
 
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
 
  See pages 1 through 6 of the Company's Proxy Statement dated March 29, 1994,
for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders which are incorporated by reference
herein.
 
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
 
  None
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART IV
 
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
 
  (a)  & (d) Financial Statements and Schedules
 
    See the Index to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplemental
    Schedules filed herewith.
 
  (b)  Reports on Form 8-K
 
    None
 
  (c)  Exhibits
 
    See Exhibit Index filed herewith.
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
  PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, THE REGISTRANT HAS DULY CAUSED THIS REPORT TO BE SIGNED
ON ITS BEHALF BY THE UNDERSIGNED, THEREUNTO DULY AUTHORIZED.
 
                                          STEPAN COMPANY
 
                                          By: Jeffrey W.
                                              Bartlett
                                               Vice President,
                                               General Counsel
                                                     and
                                                  Corporate
                                                  Secretary
March 24, 1994
 
  PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, THIS
REPORT HAS BEEN SIGNED BELOW BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS ON BEHALF OF THE
REGISTRANT AND IN THE CAPACITIES AND ON THE DATES INDICATED.
 
<TABLE>
 <C>                                  <S>                        <C>
           F. Quinn Stepan
 ------------------------------------
          F. Quinn Stepan               Chairman, President,     March 24, 1994
                                       Chief Executive Officer
                                            and Director
         James J. Gavin, Jr.
 ------------------------------------
         James J. Gavin, Jr.                  Director           March 24, 1994
          Thomas F. Grojean
 ------------------------------------
         Thomas F. Grojean                    Director           March 24, 1994
          James A. Hartlage
 ------------------------------------
         James A. Hartlage             Senior Vice President--   March 24, 1994
                                       Technology and Director
           Walter J. Klein
 ------------------------------------
          Walter J. Klein             Vice President--Finance,   March 24, 1994
                                       Principal Financial and
                                         Accounting Officer
            Paul H. Stepan
 ------------------------------------
           Paul H. Stepan                     Director           March 24, 1994
          Robert D. Cadieux
 ------------------------------------
         Robert D. Cadieux                    Director           March 24, 1994
</TABLE>
 
  JEFFREY W. BARTLETT, PURSUANT TO POWERS OF ATTORNEY EXECUTED BY EACH OF THE
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS LISTED ABOVE, DOES HEREBY EXECUTE THIS REPORT ON BEHALF
OF EACH OF SUCH DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS IN THE CAPACITY IN WHICH THE NAME OF
EACH APPEARS ABOVE.
 
                                          JEFFREY W. BARTLETT
March 24, 1994
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
                                  INDEX TO THE
                       CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                      AND
                             SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULES
 
  A copy of Stepan Company's Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended
December 31, 1993 has been filed as an exhibit to this Annual Report on Form
10-K. Pages 19 through 29 of such Annual Report to Stockholders contain the
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1993 and 1992, the Consolidated
Statements of Income, Stockholders' Equity and Cash Flows and Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements for the three years ended December 31, 1993,
and the Auditors' Report covering the aforementioned financial statements.
These consolidated financial statements and the Auditors' Report thereon are
incorporated herein by reference.
 
  Supplemental Schedules to Consolidated Financial Statements and the Auditors'
Report on such Supplemental Schedules on pages 10 through 12 of this 10-K,
including Schedules V and VI--Property, Plant and Equipment and Related
Accumulated Depreciation, Schedule VIII--Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and
Schedule IX--Short-term Borrowings, which are required to comply with
Regulation S-X, are included herein.
 
  The individual financial statements of the Registrant have been omitted
because the Registrant is primarily an operating company and all subsidiaries
included in the consolidated financial statements being filed, in the
aggregate, do not have minority equity interests and/or indebtedness to any
person other than the parent in amounts which together exceed 5% of the total
consolidated assets at the date of the latest balance sheet filed.
 
  Certain supplemental schedules are not submitted because they are not
applicable or not required, or because the required information is included in
the financial statements or notes thereto.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
                                 STEPAN COMPANY
 
          SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993
                   AS REQUIRED TO COMPLY WITH REGULATION S-X
 
SCHEDULES V AND VI--PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT AND RELATED ACCUMULATED
DEPRECIATION:
 
  Analyses of property, plant and equipment and the related accumulated
depreciation for the three years ended December 31, 1993 are as follows:
 
                         PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               BALANCE                                   BALANCE
                               AT DEC.  ADDITIONS  RETIREMENTS           AT DEC.
        CLASSIFICATION         31, 1992  AT COST    AND SALES  OTHER (A) 31, 1993
        --------------         -------- ---------  ----------- --------  --------
<S>                            <C>      <C>        <C>         <C>       <C>
Land.......................... $  4,533 $    --     $    --    $    --   $  4,533
Buildings and improvements....   42,781    8,217        (386)      (469)   50,143
Machinery and equipment.......  290,866   24,152      (2,524)      (873)  311,621
Construction in progress......   15,819   (4,555)       (117)        (5)   11,142
                               -------- --------    --------   --------  --------
                               $353,999 $ 27,814    $ (3,027)  $ (1,347) $377,439
                               ======== ========    ========   ========  ========
<CAPTION>
                               BALANCE                                   BALANCE
                               AT DEC.  ADDITIONS  RETIREMENTS           AT DEC.
        CLASSIFICATION         31, 1991  AT COST    AND SALES  OTHER (A) 31, 1992
        --------------         -------- ---------  ----------- --------  --------
<S>                            <C>      <C>        <C>         <C>       <C>
Land.......................... $  3,996 $    735    $    --    $   (198) $  4,533
Buildings and improvements....   37,393    5,559         (66)      (105)   42,781
Machinery and equipment.......  257,404   35,629        (639)    (1,528)  290,866
Construction in progress......   23,467   (7,483)        --        (165)   15,819
                               -------- --------    --------   --------  --------
                               $322,260 $ 34,440    $   (705)  $ (1,996) $353,999
                               ======== ========    ========   ========  ========
<CAPTION>
                               BALANCE                                   BALANCE
                               AT DEC.  ADDITIONS  RETIREMENTS           AT DEC.
        CLASSIFICATION         31, 1990  AT COST    AND SALES  OTHER (A) 31, 1991
        --------------         -------- ---------  ----------- --------  --------
<S>                            <C>      <C>        <C>         <C>       <C>
Land.......................... $  4,006 $    --     $    --    $    (10) $  3,996
Buildings and improvements....   35,181    2,247         (18)       (17)   37,393
Machinery and equipment.......  228,681   28,904        (254)        73   257,404
Construction in progress......   20,896    2,577         --          (6)   23,467
                               -------- --------    --------   --------  --------
                               $288,764 $ 33,728    $   (272)  $     40  $322,260
                               ======== ========    ========   ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
 
                ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION OF PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                BALANCE  ADDITIONS                     BALANCE
                                   AT    CHARGED TO                       AT
                                DEC. 31, COSTS AND  RETIREMENTS OTHER  DEC. 31,
       DESCRIPTION                1992    EXPENSES   AND SALES   (A)     1993
       -----------              -------- ---------- ----------- -----  --------
<S>                             <C>      <C>        <C>         <C>    <C>
Buildings and improvements..... $ 18,763  $ 1,906     $  (362)  $ (26) $ 20,281
Machinery and equipment........  167,306   23,804      (2,207)   (626)  188,277
                                --------  -------     -------   -----  --------
                                $186,069  $25,710     $(2,569)  $(652) $208,558
                                ========  =======     =======   =====  ========
<CAPTION>
                                BALANCE  ADDITIONS                     BALANCE
                                   AT    CHARGED TO                       AT
                                DEC. 31, COSTS AND  RETIREMENTS OTHER  DEC. 31,
       DESCRIPTION                1991    EXPENSES   AND SALES   (A)     1992
       -----------              -------- ---------- ----------- -----  --------
<S>                             <C>      <C>        <C>         <C>    <C>
Buildings and improvements..... $ 17,287  $ 1,573     $   (64)  $ (33) $ 18,763
Machinery and equipment........  147,910   20,863        (520)   (947)  167,306
                                --------  -------     -------   -----  --------
                                $165,197  $22,436     $  (584)  $(980) $186,069
                                ========  =======     =======   =====  ========
<CAPTION>
                                BALANCE  ADDITIONS                     BALANCE
                                   AT    CHARGED TO                       AT
                                DEC. 31, COSTS AND  RETIREMENTS OTHER  DEC. 31,
       DESCRIPTION                1990    EXPENSES   AND SALES   (A)     1991
       -----------              -------- ---------- ----------- -----  --------
<S>                             <C>      <C>        <C>         <C>    <C>
Buildings and improvements..... $ 15,908  $ 1,401     $   (18)  $  (4) $ 17,287
Machinery and equipment........  129,514   18,715        (187)   (132)  147,910
                                --------  -------     -------   -----  --------
                                $145,422  $20,116     $  (205)  $(136) $165,197
                                ========  =======     =======   =====  ========
</TABLE>
- --------
(A) Primarily relates to impact of foreign currency translation adjustments in
    accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 52.
 
SCHEDULE VIII--ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS:
 
   An analysis of the allowance for doubtful accounts for the three years ended
December 31, 1993 is summarized as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(IN THOUSANDS)
                                                          1993    1992    1991
                                                         ------  ------  ------
<S>                                                      <C>     <C>     <C>
Balance, Beginning of Year.............................. $1,444  $1,592  $1,482
  Provision charged to income...........................    621     119     213
  Accounts written off, net of recoveries...............   (326)   (267)   (103)
                                                         ------  ------  ------
Balance, End of Year.................................... $1,739  $1,444  $1,592
                                                         ======  ======  ======
</TABLE>
 
SCHEDULE IX--SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS
 
  An analysis of the short-term borrowings for the three years ended December
31, 1993 is summarized as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT
INTEREST RATE AMOUNTS)
                                                MAXIMUM
                                     WEIGHTED   AMOUNT                   WEIGHTED
                                     AVERAGE  OUTSTANDING                AVERAGE
                           BALANCE   INTEREST   AT ANY    AVERAGE AMOUNT INTEREST
        CATEGORY         END OF YEAR   RATE    MONTH-END  OUTSTANDING(1) RATE(2)
        --------         ----------- -------- ----------- -------------- --------
<S>                      <C>         <C>      <C>         <C>            <C>
1993 Notes Payable to
 Banks..................        --        --    $16,300      $ 4,713       3.97%
                           =======    ======    =======      =======       ====
1992 Notes Payable to
 Banks..................         --       --    $ 8,300      $ 5,401       4.51%
                           =======    ======    =======      =======       ====
1991 Notes Payable to
 Banks..................         --       --    $36,200      $20,230       6.90%
                           =======    ======    =======      =======       ====
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Average is computed using daily balances.
(2) Weighted average interest rate is computed by dividing interest expense
    applicable to short-term borrowings by the average amount outstanding
    during the year.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
 
                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
                           ON SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULES
 
To Stepan Company:
 
  We have audited in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, the
financial statements included in Stepan Company's Annual Report to Stockholders
incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K, and have issued our report thereon
dated February 11, 1994. Our audit was made for the purpose of forming an
opinion on those statements taken as a whole. The supplemental schedules listed
in the index of financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management and are presented for purposes of complying with the Securities and
Exchange Commission's rules and are not part of the basic financial statements.
These schedules have been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the
audit of the basic financial statements and, in our opinion, fairly state in
all material respects the financial data required to be set forth therein in
relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole.
 
                                          ARTHUR ANDERSEN & CO.
 
Chicago, Illinois,
February 11, 1994
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      EXHIBIT
        NO.                                   DESCRIPTION
      -------                                 -----------
     <S>       <C>
     (3)a      Copy of the Certificate of Incorporation, and the Certificates of
               Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation dated May 6, 1968, April 20,
               1972, April 16, 1973, December 2, 1983. Filed with the Company's Annual
               Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1983, and incorporated
               herein by reference.
     (3)b      Copy of the Bylaws of the Company as amended through May 6, 1987.*
     (3)c      Copy of Certificate of Amendment, dated April 28, 1993, to Article IV of
               Certificate of Incorporation.##
     (3)d      Copy of Certificate of Amendment, dated May 5, 1987, to Article X of
               Certificate of Incorporation.*
     (4)i      Copy of Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement dated February 20, 1990,
               with The First National Bank of Chicago and the amendment dated March 21,
               1990.****
     (4)m      Copy of Second Amendment dated September 20, 1991, amending Revolving
               Credit and Term Loan Agreement dated February 20, 1990 (see (4)i
               above).******
     (4)m(1)   Copy of Third Amendment dated December 29, 1992, amending Revolving Credit
               and Term Loan Agreement dated February 20, 1990 (see (4)i and (4)m
               above).###
     (4)n(1)   Copy of Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of the 5 1/2%
               Convertible Preferred Stock, without Par Value and the Amended Certificate
               dated August 12, 1992 and April 28, 1993.##
     (4)n(2)   Copy of Issuer Tender Offer Statement on Schedule 13E-4 dated August 13,
               1992.#
     (4)n(3)   Copy of Amendment No. 1 to Schedule 13E-4 (see also (4)n(2) above) dated
               September 23, 1992.#
     (4)n(4)   Copy of the Company's Form 8-A dated August 13, 1992.#
               In accordance with 601 (b)(4)(iii) of Regulation S-K, certain debt
               instruments are omitted, where the amount of securities authorized under
               such instruments does not exceed 10% of the total consolidated assets of
               the Registrant. Copies of such instruments will be furnished to the
               Commission upon request.
     (10)a     Description of the 1965 Directors Deferred Compensation Plan.***
     (10)b     Copy of the 1969 Management Incentive Compensation Plan as amended and
               restated as of January 1, 1992.*******
     (10)d     Copy of the 1982 Stock Option Plan.***
     (10)e     Copy of Leveraged Employee Stock Ownership Plan.****
     (10)f     Copy of the Company's 1992 Stock Option Plan.*******
     (11)      Statement re computation of per share earnings.
     (13)      Copy of the Company's 1993 Annual Report to Stockholders.
     (18)      Letter re change in accounting principle for the year ended December 31,
               1992.###
     (21)      Subsidiaries of Registrant at December 31, 1993.
     (23)      Consent of Independent Public Accountants.
     (24)      Power of Attorney
</TABLE>
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
 
- --------
      * Filed with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
      December 31, 1987, and incorporated herein by reference.
    *** Filed with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
      December 31, 1988, and incorporated herein by reference.
   **** Filed with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
      December 31, 1989, and incorporated herein by reference.
 ****** Filed with the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
      ended September 30, 1991, and incorporated herein by reference.
******* Filed with the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
      ended March 31, 1992, and incorporated herein by reference.
     # Filed with the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
      ended September 30, 1992, and incorporated herein by reference.
   ## Filed with the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 28,
      1993, and incorporated herein by reference.
 ### Filed with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
      December 31, 1992, and incorporated herein by reference.
 
                                       14

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT (11)

                                STEPAN COMPANY
                STATEMENT RE COMPUTATION OF PER SHARE EARNINGS
                For the Years Ended December 31, 1993 and 1992
                   (In Thousands, except per share amounts)

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                             1993         1992
                                                             ----         ----
Computation of Per Share Earnings                            <C>          <C> 
- ---------------------------------
<S> 

Net income                                                $10,776      $15,829
Deduct dividends on preferred stock                         1,097          336
                                                          -------      -------
Income applicable to common stock                         $ 9,679      $15,493
                                                          =======      =======

Weighted average number of shares outstanding               4,947        5,286

Per share earnings*                                       $ 1.957      $ 2.931
                                                          =======      =======

Computation of Per Share Primary Earnings
- -----------------------------------------

Income applicable to common stock                         $ 9,679      $15,493
                                                          =======      =======

Weighted average number of shares outstanding               4,947        5,286

Add net shares issuable from assumed exercise
  of options (under treasury stock method)                    103          134
                                                          -------      -------

Shares applicable to primary earnings                       5,050        5,420
                                                          =======      =======

Per share primary earnings*                               $ 1.917      $ 2.858
                                                          =======      =======

Dilutive effect                                               2.0%         2.5%
                                                          =======      =======

Computation of Per Share Fully Diluted Earnings
- -----------------------------------------------

Net income                                                $ 9,676  (A) $15,829
                                                          =======      =======

Weighted average number of shares outstanding               4,947        5,286

Add net shares issuable from assumed exercise
  of options (under treasury stock method)                    103          151

Add weighted average shares issuable from assumed
  conversion of convertible preferred stock                     -  (A)     140
                                                          -------      -------

Shares applicable to fully diluted earnings                 5,050        5,577
                                                          =======      =======

Per share fully diluted earnings*                         $ 1.917      $ 2.838
                                                          =======      =======

Dilutive effect                                               2.0%         3.2%
                                                          =======      =======
</TABLE> 

(A)    For 1993, the assumed conversion of convertible preferred stock would 
       have been antidilutive. Accordingly, the dividends and shares issuable
       from assumed conversion have been excluded pursuant to APB No. 15.

*  Rounded

This calculation is submitted in accordance with Regulation S-K, item 
601(b)(11).

<PAGE>
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF 
OPERATIONS

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
1993 COMPARED WITH 1992
Sales for 1993 grew one percent to a record $439 million. The increase was the
result of a one percent increase in sales volume. Sales by product group were:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 Percent
(Dollars in Thousands)       1993       1992     Change
- ---------------------------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>        <C>         <C>
Surfactants                $324,809   $317,522      +2
Polymers                     79,071     87,060      -9
Specialty products           34,945     31,182     +12
- ---------------------------------------------------------
   Total                   $438,825   $435,764      +1
- ---------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

   Surfactants are a principal ingredient in consumer and industrial cleaning
products such as detergents, shampoos, lotions, toothpaste and cosmetics. Other
applications include lubricating ingredients and emulsifiers for spreading of
insecticides and herbicides. Surfactant sales volume rose two percent. Domestic
volume represented 87 percent of total surfactant sales volume and grew by two
percent over the prior year. Sales of foreign subsidiaries representing 13
percent of surfactant sales volume declined by two percent. Mexico's sales
decreased as a result of a 13 percent drop in volume which was largely offset by
increased sales volume in Canada. Europe's sales decreased two percent, despite
higher volume as a result of a six percent decline in the value of the French
franc and increased competitive pressure on prices. The weaker Canadian dollar
also negatively affected the foreign subsidiaries' revenue growth.

   The polymer product group includes phthalic anhydride, polyurethane systems
and polyurethane polyols. Phthalic anhydride is used in polyester resins, alkyd
resins and plasticizers for applications in construction materials and
components of automotive, boating and other consumer products. Polyurethane
systems provide thermal insulation and are sold to the construction, industrial
and appliance markets. Polyurethane polyols are used in the manufacture of
laminate board for the construction industry. Polymer sales declined due to a
nine percent decrease in volume. Phthalic anhydride, which represents 54 percent
of polymer volume, experienced a 17 percent decrease in sales due primarily to
increased competition from imports which forced volumes and selling prices down.
Polyurethane polyols, which represent 35 percent of total polymer volume,
experienced an eight percent decline in volume due to lower export business.
Polyurethane systems sales increased seven percent as a result of higher volume
and improved selling prices.

   Specialty products include flavors, lubricant additives, oil field chemicals
and emulsifiers and solubilizers used in the food and pharmaceutical industry.
Specialty products revenues grew 12 percent with most of the improvement coming
from higher volume. Average selling prices were essentially unchanged.

   Gross profit in 1993 was $80.0 million, or 18.2 percent of net sales, a
decrease from $81.8 million, or 18.8 percent of net sales in 1992. Surfactants
gross profit was $63.0 million for 1993, a decrease of one percent from 1992.
Domestic surfactants were down $.3 million, or one percent, as a result of a
slight decrease in gross profit margins. Foreign operations were down $.2
million as Stepan Europe continued to face increased competitive pressure in a
recessionary European economy. Canada and Mexico both showed improvement over
1992. Polymers gross profit dropped by $4.7 million to $9.7 million for 1993
representing a 33 percent decrease from 1992. Phthalic anhydride accounted for
most of the decreased polymer gross profit showing significantly reduced gross
profit margins as a result of increased competition from imports in the
marketplace. Higher repair and maintenance expenses in the production of
phthalic anhydride also contributed to the lower margins. Polyurethane polyols
gross profit also decreased despite higher margins as a result of lower volumes.
Polyurethane systems gross profit increased on improved margins. Specialty
products gross profit grew by $3.4 million to $7.4 million for 1993 

                                      14

<PAGE>

representing an 85 percent increase over 1992. Contributing to this performance
were higher selling prices for lubricant additives, higher volumes for oil field
chemicals and improved margins for food ingredients.

   Raw material costs declined slightly during 1993 and are expected to remain
stable during 1994. Labor costs increased at a modest rate reflecting the recent
low levels of inflation which are expected to continue in the near term.
Depreciation expense increased to $25.7 million in 1993 from $22.4 million in
1992 as a result of bringing into service significant capacity expansion
projects in recent years, as well as continuing capital spending for plant
improvements, a trend that will continue as the Company reinvests in process
improvements and compliance with environmental standards.

   Operating income, pre-tax income before net interest expense, was $27.3
million in 1993, a 13.8 percent increase from 1992. Operating income in 1992
included a $6.5 million charge relating to environmental expenses and the write
down of the Company's investment in Mexico. See Note 10 of the Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements. Excluding the environmental and restructuring
charge in last year, operating expenses for 1993 increased $1.5 million or three
percent. Administrative expenses decreased $1.7 million or nine percent
primarily due to decreased legal settlement costs and lower office space costs
as 1992 was unusually high due to the consolidating of personnel into a newly
leased corporate facility. Marketing expenses increased four percent largely due
to increased travel by sales personnel and a higher bad debt provision. Research
and development costs increased by 17 percent due to planned staffing increases
as well as greater travel requirements of research personnel. Cost containment
efforts undertaken in prior years have resulted in a moderate increase in
operating expenses in 1993 and are expected to continue in 1994.

   The effective tax rate was 45 percent in 1993 compared to 40 percent in 1992
on income before the effects of accounting changes. The increase in the tax
provision was attributable to the higher corporate tax rate which resulted from
the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993. Previously deferred tax liabilities were
restated to reflect the higher tax rate resulting in an addition to the current
year provision. See Note 5 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for a reconciliation of the statutory to the effective tax rate.

   Net income for 1993 increased three percent to $10.8 million, or $1.96 per
share, compared to 1992 net income of $10.4 million, or $1.91 per share before
accounting changes. The 1992 net income reflected the retroactive adoption of
Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 109, "Accounting for Income
Taxes" and a change from the deferred method to the flow-through method of
accounting for investment tax credits. The cumulative effect of these changes
was a favorable $5.4 million, or $1.02 per share in 1992. See Note 5 of the
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a further explanation of the
accounting changes. Net income for 1992 was $15.8 million, or $2.93 per share.

1992 COMPARED WITH 1991

   Sales for 1992 increased five percent to a record $436 million. The increase
was the result of a four percent increase in sales volume and higher average
selling prices. Sales by product group were:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                Percent
(Dollars in Thousands)      1992       1991     Change
- -------------------------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>        <C>        <C>
Surfactants                $317,522   $293,347      +8
Polymers                     87,060     89,848      -3
Specialty products           31,182     30,874      +1
- -------------------------------------------------------
   Total                   $435,764   $414,069      +5
- -------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

   Surfactant sales volume increased six percent. Domestic volume represented 86
percent of total surfactant sales volume and grew by three percent over the
prior year. Sales of our foreign subsidiaries repre-

                                      15

<PAGE>

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF 
OPERATIONS

senting 14 percent of surfactant sales volume grew by 23 percent. Europe's
volume increased 40 percent as a result of continued penetration of the European
fabric softener market. Mexico's volume increased 42 percent and Canada was
unchanged.

   Polymer sales declined due to a two percent decrease in volume. Polyurethane
polyols, which represent 35 percent of total polymer volume, experienced a nine
percent decline in volume due to economic conditions. Phthalic anhydride, which
represents 56 percent of polymer volume, experienced a nine percent increase in
sales due primarily to higher selling prices as volume only increased slightly.
Polyurethane systems sales decreased four percent as a result of declining
selling prices.

   Specialty products revenues were up slightly despite a four percent decrease
in volume. Average selling prices were up five percent with most of the
improvement coming from higher selling prices for lubricant additives.

   Gross profit in 1992 was $81.8 million, or 18.8 percent of net sales, an
increase from $74.0 million, or 17.9 percent of net sales in 1991. Surfactants
gross profit reached $61.7 million for 1992, an increase of six percent from
1991. Foreign operations generated the increased surfactant gross profit as
Stepan Europe continued to expand into more of the European fabric softener
market. Canada and Mexico both showed improvement over 1991. Domestic
surfactants were down $.8 million, or two percent, as a result of a slight
decrease in gross profit margins. Polymers gross profit grew by $4.4 million to
$14.0 million for 1992 representing a 45 percent increase over 1991. Phthalic
anhydride accounted for most of the increased polymer gross profit showing
significantly improved gross profit margins as a result of improved balance of
supply and demand in the marketplace. Polyurethane polyols gross profit also
increased despite lower sales volume as a result of higher margins. Polyurethane
systems gross profit declined on lower margins. Specialty products was unchanged
from the prior year.

   Raw material costs remained relatively stable during 1992. Labor costs
increased at a modest rate reflecting the low levels of inflation experienced in
1992. Depreciation expense increased to $22.4 million in 1992 from $20.1 million
in 1991 as a result of bringing into service a significant capacity expansion
project, as well as continuing capital spending for plant improvements.

   Operating income, pre-tax income before net interest expense, was $24.0
million, a five percent decline from 1991. Operating income in 1992 included a
$6.5 million charge relating to environmental expenses and the write down of the
Company's investment in Mexico. See Note 10 of the Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements. Operating expenses increased $2.6 million or five percent.
Administrative expenses increased $2.3 million or 13 percent primarily due to an
increase in legal settlement costs and higher costs associated with the leasing
of additional corporate office space. Marketing expenses increased a modest
three percent largely due to increased personnel in Europe. Research and
development costs decreased by one percent. Cost containment efforts undertaken
in 1992 are expected to continue in 1993.

   Net interest expense increased two percent due to higher average debt levels,
ending the year at $97.1 million in total debt compared to $92.5 million at the
end of 1991. Average cost of borrowed funds declined as rates on revolving bank
debt averaged well below 1991 levels.

   The effective tax rate on income before the effects of accounting changes was
40 percent in 1992 compared to 33.5 percent in 1991. The 1992 tax provision
reflects the retroactive adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standard
No.109, "Accounting for Income Taxes" to January 1, 1992 and a change from the
deferred method to the flow-through method of

                                      16

<PAGE>

accounting for investment tax credits. The cumulative effect of these accounting
changes was a favorable $5.4 million or $1.02 per share in 1992. See Note 5 of
the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a further explanation of
the accounting change as well as a reconciliation of the statutory to the
effective tax rate.

   Net income in 1992 was a record $15.8 million or $2.93 per share, up from
$12.5 million or $2.30 per share in 1991. Net income excluding accounting
changes was $10.4 million, or $1.91 per share in 1992.

LIQUIDITY AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

Cash provided by operating activities totaled $35.3 million during 1993, down by
$3.5 million compared to $38.8 million for 1992. Working capital increased by
$4.3 million for 1993, compared to an increase of $2.3 million during 1992. Net
income, adjusted for non-cash items, declined by $1.4 million from year-to-year.
For 1992, non-cash items included $6.5 million of environmental and
restructuring charges.

   Capital expenditures for 1993 were $25.4 million, down by $9.0 million from
the $34.4 million total for 1992. Capital spending is scheduled to increase
during 1994 from the 1993 amount, which represented a five-year low.

   Total debt was unchanged during 1993, opening and closing the year at $97.1
million. In 1993, the Company entered into $30 million of new long term notes
placed at 7.22 percent. Proceeds from the new loans were used to reduce floating
rate debt, which fell by $20 million from one year earlier, and to repay $12
million in higher cost fixed rate debt. During 1993, the Company recorded a $1.0
million note payable to its new Colombian joint venture, while debt of foreign
subsidiaries increased by $1.0 million. The year-end ratio of long term debt to
long term debt plus shareholders' equity was 46.2 percent for 1993, compared to
47.6 percent for 1992 and 49.7 percent for 1991.

   The Company maintains contractual relationships with its banks which provide
for $45 million of revolving credit which may be drawn upon as needed for
general corporate purposes. See Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements for a discussion of the terms of this agreement. The
Company also meets short term liquidity requirements through uncommitted bank
lines of credit and bankers' acceptances.

   The Company anticipates that cash from operations and from committed credit
facilities will be sufficient to meet anticipated capital expenditure programs,
dividend requirements and other planned financial commitments in 1994 and for
the foreseeable future.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND LEGAL MATTERS

The Company is subject to extensive Federal, state and local environmental laws
and regulations. Although the Company's environmental policies and practices are
designed to ensure compliance with these laws and regulations, future
developments and increasingly stringent environmental regulation could require
the Company to make additional unforeseen environmental expenditures. The
Company will continue to invest in the equipment and facilities necessary to
comply with existing and future regulations. During 1993, Company expenditures
for capital projects related to the environment were $4.1 million and should
approximate $6.5 million for 1994. These projects are capitalized and typically
depreciated over 10 years. Capital spending on such projects is likely to
continue at these or higher levels in future years. Recurring costs associated
with the operation and maintenance of environmental protection facilities for
ongoing operations were approximately $8.0 million for 1993 compared to $10.0
million for 1992. While difficult to project, it is not anticipated that these
recurring expenses will increase significantly in the future.

   The Company has been named by the government as a potentially responsible
party at 16 waste dis-

                                      17

<PAGE>

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF 
OPERATIONS

posal sites where cleanup costs have been or may be incurred
under the Federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and
Liability Act and similar state statutes. In addition, damages are being claimed
against the Company in general liability actions for alleged personal injury or
property damage in the case of some disposal and plant sites. The Company
believes that it has made adequate provisions for the costs it may incur with
respect to the sites. The Company has estimated a range of possible
environmental and legal losses from $4.4 million to $22.8 million at December
31, 1993, compared to $6.1 million to $25.2 million at December 31, 1992. The
Company reserves for such losses based on its best estimate of probable losses.
At December 31, 1993, the Company's reserve was $7.2 million for legal and
environmental matters compared to $9.6 million at December 31, 1992. During
1993, expenditures related to legal and environmental matters approximated $4.5
million compared to $7.2 million expended in 1992. While it is difficult to
forecast the expenditure for 1994, the Company believes that the $7.2 million
reserve balance at December 31, 1993 is more likely to be paid out over multiple
years. At certain of the sites, estimates cannot be made of the total costs of
compliance, or the Company's share of such costs; accordingly, the Company is
unable to predict the effect thereof on future results of operations. In the
event of one or more adverse determinations in any annual or interim period, the
impact on results of operations for those periods could be material. However,
based upon the Company's present belief as to its relative involvement at these
sites, other viable entities' responsibilities for cleanup and the extended
period over which any costs would be incurred, the Company presently believes
that these matters will not have a material effect on the Company's financial
position. Certain of these matters are discussed in Item 3, Legal Proceedings in
the 1993 Form 10-K Annual Report and in other filings of the Company with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, which filings are available upon request
from the Company.

   In addition, reference should be made to the Ten-Year Summary on pages 30 and
31.

                                      18

<PAGE>
Report of Management
 
Management Report on Financial Statements

The financial statements of Stepan Company and subsidiaries were prepared by and
are the responsibility of management. The statements have been prepared in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles appropriate in the
circumstances and include some amounts that are based on management's best
estimates and judgments. The Board of Directors, through its Audit Committee,
assumes an oversight role with respect to the preparation of the financial
statements.

   In meeting its responsibility for the reliability of the financial
statements, the Company depends on its system of internal accounting control.
The system is designed to provide reasonable assurance that assets are
safeguarded and that transactions are executed as authorized and are properly
recorded. The system is augmented by written policies and procedures and an
internal audit department.

   The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, composed solely of directors
who are not officers or employees of the Company, meets regularly with
management, with the Company's internal auditors and with its independent
certified public accountants to discuss its evaluation of internal accounting
controls and the quality of financial reporting. The independent auditors and
the internal auditors have free access to the Audit Committee, without
management's presence.

F. Quinn Stepan
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

Walter J. Klein
Vice President-Finance

February 11, 1994

Report of Independent Public Accountants

To the Stockholders of Stepan Company:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Stepan Company
(a Delaware corporation) and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1993 and 1992, and
the related consolidated statements of income, cash flows and stockholders'
equity, for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1993. These
consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated
financial statements based on our audits.

   We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are
free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
consolidated financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits
provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

   In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Stepan
Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1993 and 1992, and the results of
their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 1993, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
   
   As discussed in Notes 1 and 5 to the consolidated financial statements,
effective January 1, 1992, Stepan Company changed its methods of accounting for
investment tax credits and for income taxes.

Arthur Andersen & Co.
Chicago, Illinois,
February 11, 1994


                                      19
<PAGE>

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 1993 and 1992
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


(Dollars in Thousands)                                                    1993       1992
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>        <C> 
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
   Cash and cash equivalents                                            $  1,515   $  2,915
   Receivables, less allowances of $1,739 in 1993 and $1,444 in 1992      57,250     57,030
   Inventories (Note 2)                                                   48,918     47,778
   Deferred income taxes (Note 5)                                          7,498      6,922
   Other current assets                                                    3,979      3,980
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Total current assets                                                  119,160    118,625
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:
   Land                                                                    4,533      4,533
   Buildings and improvements                                             50,143     42,781
   Machinery and equipment                                               311,621    290,866
   Construction in progress                                               11,142     15,819
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                         377,439    353,999
   Less accumulated depreciation                                         208,558    186,069
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Property, plant and equipment, net                                    168,881    167,930
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Other Assets                                                              12,447     10,525
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Total assets                                                         $300,488   $297,080
============================================================================================

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
   Current maturities of long-term debt (Note 3)                        $  7,447   $  6,604
   Accounts payable                                                       34,832     37,542
   Accrued liabilities (Note 9)                                           28,312     30,214
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Total current liabilities                                              70,591     74,360
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Deferred Income Taxes (Note 5)                                            36,020     32,709
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Long-term Debt, less current maturities (Note 3)                          89,660     90,505
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (NOTE 6):
   5 1/2 percent convertible preferred stock, cumulative, voting,
      without par value; authorized 2,000,000 shares; issued
      799,684 shares in 1993 and 800,000 shares in 1992                   19,992     20,000
   Common stock, $1 par value, authorized 15,000,000 shares;
      issued 5,113,024 in 1993 and 5,100,945 in 1992                       5,113      5,101
   Additional paid-in capital                                              3,781      3,688
   Cumulative translation adjustments                                     (2,058)    (1,023)
   Retained earnings                                                      82,475     76,804
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                         109,303    104,570
 
   Less: Treasury stock, at cost (Note 6)                                  4,863      4,619
         Deferred ESOP compensation (Note 7)                                 223        445
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Stockholders' equity                                                  104,217     99,506
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Total liabilities and stockholders' equity                           $300,488   $297,080
============================================================================================

</TABLE>

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part
of these consolidated balance sheets.

                                      20

<PAGE>

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
For the years ended December 31, 1993, 1992 and 1991 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


(Dollars in Thousands, except per share amounts)                  1993      1992      1991
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C>       <C>       <C>
Net Sales                                                     $438,825  $435,764  $414,069
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COST AND EXPENSES:
   Cost of sales                                               358,790   353,950   340,047
   Marketing                                                    16,738    16,061    15,566
   Administrative                                               18,378    20,110    17,775
   Research, development and technical services (Note 1)        17,669    15,134    15,331
   Interest, net (Note 3)                                        7,626     6,644     6,484
   Environmental and restructuring charges (Note 10)                --     6,500        --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               419,201   418,399   395,203
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Income Before Provision for Income Taxes and Cumulative
   Effect of Accounting Changes                                 19,624    17,365    18,866
Provision for Income Taxes (Note 5)                              8,848     6,942     6,319
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income Before Cumulative Effect of Accounting Changes           10,776    10,423    12,547
Cumulative Effect of Accounting Changes (Notes 1 and 5)             --     5,406        --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income                                                    $ 10,776  $ 15,829  $ 12,547
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
PRIMARY EARNINGS PER SHARE:
   Income before cumulative effect of accounting changes          1.96      1.91      2.30
   Cumulative effect of accounting changes (Notes 1 and 5)          --      1.02        --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Net Income per Common Share                                $   1.96  $   2.93  $   2.30
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FULLY DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE:
   Income before cumulative effect of accounting changes          1.92      1.87      2.25
   Cumulative effect of accounting changes (Notes 1 and 5)          --       .97        --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Net Income per Common Share                                $   1.92  $   2.84  $   2.25
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Average Common Shares Outstanding (Note 1)                       4,947     5,286     5,458
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

</TABLE>

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part
of these statements.

                     (COMBINED SALES Chart Appears Here) 







              (1993 SALES DOLLAR DISTRIBUTION Chart Appears Here)







                                      21
<PAGE>

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the years ended December 31, 1993, 1992 and 1991
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


(Dollars in Thousands)                                                         1993      1992      1991
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                         <C>       <C>       <C> 
Net Cash Flow from Operating Activities
   Net income                                                               $10,776   $15,829   $12,547
   Depreciation and amortization                                             27,679    23,914    21,108
   Cumulative effect of accounting changes (Notes 1 and 5)                       --    (5,406)       --
   Provision for environmental and restructuring charges (Note 10)               --     6,500        --
   Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits                           2,735     2,409    (1,151)
   Prepaid pension cost (Note 8)                                               (567)     (645)     (606)
   Other non-cash items                                                         830       271       222
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                             41,453    42,872    32,120
   Changes in Working Capital:
      Receivables, net                                                         (220)   (2,985)   (3,346)
      Inventories                                                            (1,140)   (3,823)   (4,061)
      Accounts payable and accrued liabilities                               (4,788)    3,000     5,165
      Other                                                                       1      (250)       22
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities                              35,306    38,814    29,900
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cash Flows from Investing Activities
   Expenditures for property, plant and equipment                           (25,435)  (34,440)  (33,728)
   Investment in joint venture (Note 1)                                      (1,422)       --        --
   Other non-current assets                                                    (963)   (1,960)   (3,036)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Net Cash Used for Investing Activities                                (27,820)  (36,400)  (36,764)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 
Cash Flows from Financing and Other Related Activities
   Revolving debt and notes payable to banks, net                           (20,631)   11,129    (9,800)
   Other debt borrowings                                                     30,000        --    25,000
   Other debt repayments                                                    (12,633)   (6,556)   (2,932)
   Purchases of treasury stock, net                                            (244)   (2,034)   (1,333)
   Dividends paid                                                            (5,105)   (4,172)   (3,603)
   Other non-cash items                                                        (273)     (141)      176
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Net Cash (Used for) Provided by Financing and Other Related Activities (8,886)   (1,774)    7,508
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents                         (1,400)      640       644
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year                                2,915     2,275     1,631
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year                                    $ 1,515   $ 2,915   $ 2,275
========================================================================================================
 
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
   Cash payments of income taxes, net of refund                             $ 6,327   $ 6,568   $ 6,017
   Cash payments of interest                                                $ 8,002   $ 8,289   $ 7,774
========================================================================================================

</TABLE>

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part
of these statements.

                                      22
<PAGE>
      
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
For the years ended December 31, 1993, 1992 and 1991

 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>   

                                    Convertible            Additional                 Cumulative      Deferred
                                     Preferred    Common      Paid-in     Treasury    Translation    ESOP Com-    Retained
(Dollars in Thousands)                 Stock       Stock      Capital        Stock    Adjustments    pensation    Earnings
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>           <C>       <C>           <C>         <C>           <C>           <C>        
BALANCE, JANUARY 1, 1991            $    --       $5,522    $3,320        $(1,252)    $   324       $  (889)      $ 75,673
Sale of 28,619 shares under
  stock option plan                      --           29       245             --          --            --             --
Purchase of 54,126 shares of
  common treasury stock, net of
  sales                                  --           --        --         (1,333)         --            --             --
Compensation expense (Note 7)            --           --        --             --          --           222             --
Net income                               --           --        --             --          --            --         12,547
Cash dividends paid
  ($.66 per common share)                --           --        --             --          --            --         (3,603)
Translation adjustments                  --           --        --             --          61            --             --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1991               --        5,551     3,565         (2,585)        385          (667)        84,617
Sale of 80,066 shares
  under stock option plan                --           80       949             --          --            --             --
Purchase of 52,423 shares of
  common treasury stock,
  net of sales                           --           --        49         (2,034)         --            --             -- 
Issuance of preferred stock in
  exchange and retirement of
  529,801 shares of common
  stock (Note 6)                     20,000         (530)     (875)            --          --            --        (19,470)
Compensation expense (Note 7)            --           --        --             --          --           222             --
Net income                               --           --        --             --          --            --         15,829
Cash dividends paid
  Preferred stock ($.31 per share)       --           --        --             --          --            --           (244)
  Common stock ($.74 per share)          --           --        --             --          --            --         (3,928)
Translation adjustments                  --           --        --             --      (1,408)           --             --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1992           20,000        5,101     3,688         (4,619)     (1,023)         (445)        76,804
Sale of 11,900 shares under
  stock option plan                      --           12       132             --          --            --             -- 
Purchase of 22 shares of common
  and 8,700 shares of preferred
  treasury stock, net of sales           --           --        93           (244)         --            --             --
Issuance cost of preferred stock         --           --      (140)            --          --            --             --
Conversion of preferred stock
  to common stock                        (8)          --         8             --          --            --             --
Compensation expense (Note 7)            --           --        --             --          --           222             --
Net income                               --           --        --             --          --            --         10,776
Cash dividends paid
  Preferred stock ($1.375
    per share)                           --           --        --             --          --            --         (1,097)
  Common stock ($.81 per share)          --           --        --             --          --            --         (4,008)
Translation adjustments                  --           --        --             --      (1,035)           --             --  
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1993          $19,992       $5,113    $3,781        $(4,863)    $(2,058)     $   (223)      $ 82,475
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part
of these statements.


(CAPITAL SPENDING CHART APPEARS HERE)     (EQUITY PER SHARE CHART APPEARS HERE)


                                      23
<PAGE>

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the years ended December 31, 1993, 1992 and 1991

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
NATURE OF OPERATIONS
The Company's operations consist predominantly of the production and sale of
basic and intermediate chemicals which are sold to other manufacturers for use
in a variety of end products. Principal markets for all products are
manufacturers of cleaning and washing compounds (including detergents, shampoos,
toothpaste and household cleaners), paints, cosmetics, beverages, agricultural
pesticides and herbicides, plastics, furniture, automotive equipment, insulation
and refrigeration.
    The Company grants credit to its customers who are widely distributed
throughout North America and Europe. There is no material concentration of
credit risk.

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Stepan Company and
its wholly-owned domestic and foreign subsidiary companies. All significant
intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
The equity method of accounting is used for a 50 percent interest in a joint
venture in Colombia, South America. The financial results of the joint venture
have not been material to the consolidated financial statements.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of
three months or less from the date of purchase to be cash equivalents.

INVENTORIES
Inventories are valued at cost, which is not in excess of market value, and
include material, labor and plant overhead costs. The last-in, first-out (LIFO)
method is used to determine the cost of most domestic inventories. The first-in,
first-out (FIFO) method is used for all other inventories. Inventories priced at
LIFO as of December 31, 1993 and 1992 amounted to 89 percent of total
inventories.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Depreciation of physical properties is provided on a straight-line basis over
the estimated useful lives of various assets. Lives used for calculating
depreciation are 30 years for buildings, 15 years for building improvements and
from three to 15 years for machinery and equipment. Major renewals and
betterments are capitalized in the property accounts, while maintenance and
repairs ($16,505,000, $15,335,000, and $15,218,000 in 1993, 1992 and 1991,
respectively), which do not renew or extend the life of the respective assets,
are charged to operations currently. The cost of property retired or sold and
the related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any
resulting gain or loss is reflected in income.
    Interest charges on borrowings applicable to major construction projects are
capitalized and subsequently amortized over the lives of the related assets.

ENVIRONMENTAL EXPENDITURES
Environmental expenditures that relate to current operations are expensed or
capitalized as appropriate. Expenditures that relate to an existing condition
caused by past operations, and which do not contribute to current or future
revenue generation, are expensed. Liabilities are recorded when environmental
assessments and/or remedial efforts are probable, and the cost can be reasonably
estimated. Some of the factors on which the Company will base its estimates
include information provided by feasibility studies, potentially responsible
party negotiations and the development of remedial action plans. Liabilities are
recorded at gross amounts of probable future cash outlays and are not discounted
to reflect the time value of money. While the Company has insurance policies
that may cover some of its liabilities, it does not record those claims until
such time as they become probable. The Company has not recorded any of such
insurance claims at December 31, 1993 and 1992. Expenditures that mitigate or
prevent environmental contamination that has yet to occur and that otherwise may
result from future operations, are capitalized. Capitalized expenditures are
depreciated generally utilizing a 10-year life.

INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Included in other assets are intangible assets consisting of patents, agreements
not to compete, trademarks, customer lists and goodwill, all of which were
acquired as part of business acquisitions. These assets are presented net of
amortization provided on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives
ranging from two to ten years.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COSTS
The Company's research and development costs are expensed as incurred. These 
expenses are aimed at discovery and commercialization of new knowledge with the
intent that such effort will be useful in developing a new product or in
bringing about a significant improvement to an existing product or process.
Total expenses were $12,613,000, $11,320,000 and $11,558,000 in 1993, 1992 and
1991, respectively. The balance of expenses reflected on the Consolidated
Statements of Income relates to technical services which include routine product
testing, quality control and sales support service.

INCOME TAXES
As discussed in Note 5, in 1992 the Company adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." Under SFAS
No. 109, deferred tax assets or liabilities are computed based on the difference
between the financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities
using the enacted marginal tax rate. Deferred income tax expenses or credits are
based on the changes in the asset or liability from period to period. Prior to
January 1, 1992, under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 11, deferred
income tax expenses or credits were recorded to reflect the tax consequences of
timing differences between the recording of income and expenses for financial
reporting purposes and for purposes of filing federal income tax returns at
income tax rates in effect when the difference arose.

                                      24
<PAGE>
 
  As discussed in Note 5, in 1992 the Company also changed its accounting method
for investment tax credits from the deferred method to the flow-through method
in order to conform with predominant U.S. industry practice. The flow-through
method recognizes the credits in the year earned, while the deferred method
used in prior years, amortizes the credits over the useful lives of the related
assets.

TRANSLATION OF FOREIGN CURRENCIES
In general, assets and liabilities of consolidated foreign subsidiaries are
translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect at year end, while
revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates prevailing
during the year. The resulting translation adjustments are included in
stockholders' equity. Gains or losses on foreign currency transactions and 
the related tax effects are reflected in net income.

PER SHARE DATA
Primary earnings per share amounts are computed based on the weighted average
number of common shares outstanding, 4,947,000 in 1993, 5,286,000 in 1992 and
5,458,000 in 1991. Common share equivalents resulting from dilutive stock
options have been excluded as the dilutive effect was not material. Net income
used in computing primary earnings per share has been reduced by dividends
payable to preferred shareholders. Fully diluted earnings per share amounts are
based on an increased number of common shares that would be outstanding
assuming the exercise of certain outstanding stock options and the conversion of
the convertible preferred stock, when such conversion would have the effect of
reducing earnings per share. The number of shares used in the computations of
fully diluted earnings per share were 5,050,000 in 1993, 5,577,000 in 1992 and
5,576,000 in 1991, respectively.

RECLASSIFICATIONS
Certain amounts in the 1991 financial statements have been reclassified to 
conform with the 1992 and 1993 presentation.

2. INVENTORIES
The composition of inventories was as follows:
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                December 31
                                       --------------------
(Dollars in Thousands)                    1993         1992
- -----------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                    <C>          <C> 
Finished products                      $27,269      $29,823
Raw materials                           21,649       17,955
- ----------------------------------------------------------- 
  Total inventories                    $48,918      $47,778
===========================================================
</TABLE> 

  If the first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory valuation method had been used,
inventories would have been approximately $9,700,000 and $11,700,000 higher
than reported at December 31, 1993 and 1992, respectively.

3. DEBT
Debt was composed of the following:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>
                                                                  December 31
                                                        ---------------------
(Dollars in Thousands)                Maturity Dates        1993         1992
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                        <C>           <C>          <C>
Unsecured promissory notes  
  10.54%                                   1994-1998     $17,856      $25,000
   9.52%                                   1995-2001      15,000       15,000
   9.70%                                   1994-2001       8,000       10,000
   9.70%                                   1997-2006      10,000       10,000
   9.40%                                   1994-1995       2,860        5,716
   7.22%                                   1999-2008      30,000           --

Unsecured bank debt, interest  
  at 5.31% at December 31, 1993            1995-1998       7,000       26,700

ESOP loan guarantee (Note 7)                    1994         300          600

Loans of foreign subsidiaries
  payable in foreign currency              1994-2003       5,091        4,093


Note payable to joint venture 
  interest in Columbia, South America           1994       1,000           --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total debt                                              97,107       97,109
  Less current maturities                                  7,447        6,604
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Long-term debt                                       $89,660      $90,505
=============================================================================
</TABLE>

  Unsecured bank debt at December 31, 1993, consists of borrowings under a
committed $45,000,000 revolving credit agreement which bears interest at
varying rates. Borrowings under this agreement at September 20, 1995, if any,
would convert to a term loan payable over three years. The Company must pay a
commitment fee of .25 percent per annum on the unused portion of the commitment.
Periodically, the Company also availed itself of other borrowings under notes
payable to banks of which there were no outstanding balances at December 31,
1993 and 1992.

  The various loan agreements contain restrictions on the minimum current ratio,
minimum interest coverage, additional debt, investments and payment of
dividends. Unrestricted retained earnings were $32,789,000 and $39,669,000 at
December 31, 1993 and 1992, respectively. The Company is in compliance with all
loan agreements.

  Debt at December 31, 1993 matures as follows: $7,447,000 in 1994; $9,218,000
in 1995; $10,070,000 in 1996; $11,052,000 in 1997; $11,846,000 in 1998 and 
$47,474,000 after 1998.

  Net interest expense for the years ended December 31, was composed of the 
following:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
(Dollars in Thousands)            1993            1992            1991
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>            <C>             <C>
Interest expense                $8,552         $ 8,326         $ 8,396
Interest income                   (331)           (150)            (78)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 8,221           8,176           8,318
Capitalized interest              (595)         (1,532)         (1,834)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
  Interest, net                 $7,626         $ 6,644         $ 6,484
======================================================================
</TABLE> 
                                      25
<PAGE>

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the years ended December 31, 1993, 1992 and 1991


 
4. LEASED PROPERTIES
The Company leases certain property and equipment (primarily transportation
equipment, buildings and computer equipment) under operating leases. Total
rental expense was $2,932,000, $3,343,000 and $3,239,000 in 1993, 1992 and 1991,
respectively.

     Minimum future rental payments under operating leases with terms
in excess of one year as of December 31, 1993 are:
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

(Dollars in Thousands)           Year    Amount
- -----------------------------------------------
<S>                              <C>     <C>  
                                 1994    $2,271
                                 1995     1,710 
                                 1996     1,136
                                 1997       668 
                                 1998       555
                   Subsequent to 1998     1,905
- -----------------------------------------------
   Total minimum future rental payments  $8,245
===============================================

</TABLE> 

5. INCOME TAXES
In 1992, the Company adopted SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes," which
requires the use of the liability method of accounting for income taxes. As a
result of adopting SFAS No. 109, the Company recognized a cumulative benefit of
$4,254,000 ($.80 per primary share and $.76 per fully diluted share), as of
January 1, 1992. The benefit was included under the caption "Cumulative Effect
of Accounting Changes" in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Prior year
financial statements have not been restated to reflect the new accounting
method. The effect of this new standard on income tax expense (exclusive of the
cumulative benefit) for the year ended December 31, 1992, and for each of the
quarters in the period then ended, was not material.

     In 1992, the Company also changed its method of accounting for investment
tax credits from the deferred method to the flow-through method. This change
resulted in the recognition of a cumulative benefit of $1,152,000 ($.22 per
primary share and $.21 per fully diluted share) as of January 1, 1992, for
credits earned but not recognized under the deferred method used prior to this
date. The benefit was included under the caption "Cumulative Effect of
Accounting Changes" in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The effect of this
change on net income (exclusive of the cumulative benefit) for the year ended
December 31, 1992 and for each of the quarters in the period then ended, was not
material. If the flow-through rather than deferred method of accounting for
investment tax credits had been used in 1991, net income and the related per
share amount would have been reduced by $552,000 ($.10 per share).

     The provision for taxes on income and the related income before taxes, are
as follows:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

TAXES ON INCOME 
(Dollars in Thousands)                1993     1992     1991
- -------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>      <C>      <C> 
Federal 
   Current                          $3,818   $2,462   $4,666
   Deferred                          1,365    1,023     (296)
   Net deferred investment                          
    tax credits                         --       --     (552)
State 
   Current                           1,076      692    1,103
   Deferred                            239      359       90
Foreign 
   Current                           1,426    1,643    1,166
   Deferred                            924      763      142
- -------------------------------------------------------------
      Total                         $8,848   $6,942   $6,319
=============================================================

</TABLE> 

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

INCOME BEFORE TAXES AND ACCOUNTING CHANGES 
(Dollars in Thousands)                1993     1992     1991
- -------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                <C>      <C>      <C> 
Domestic                           $14,493  $ 9,781  $15,916
Foreign                              5,131    7,584    2,950
- -------------------------------------------------------------
   Total                           $19,624  $17,365  $18,866
=============================================================

</TABLE> 

     No Federal income taxes have been provided on approximately $16,884,000 of
undistributed earnings of the Company's foreign subsidiaries. These earnings
are expected to be reinvested indefinitely. Such earnings would become taxable
upon the sale or liquidation of the foreign subsidiaries or upon the remittance
of dividends. Because of the probable availability of foreign tax credits, it is
not practicable to estimate the amount, if any, of the deferred tax liability on
such earnings.

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>
 
              The variations between the effective and statutory Federal income tax rates are summarized as follows:             
                                                                             1993              1992              1991
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in Thousands)                                              Amount      %     Amount      %     Amount      %
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                 <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C> 
Income tax provision at statutory tax rate                          $6,731   34.3     $5,903   34.0     $6,413   34.0
State taxes on income less applicable Federal tax benefit              864    4.4        694    4.0        943    5.0
Beginning-of-year deferred tax adjustment for tax rate change          558    2.8         --     --         --     --
Amortization of investment tax credits                                  --     --         --     --       (552)  (2.9)
Research and development credit                                        (55)   (.3)        --     --       (339)  (1.8)
Valuation allowance                                                    319    1.6        390    2.2         --     --
Other items                                                            431    2.3        (45)   (.2)      (146)   (.8)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Total income tax provision                                       $8,848   45.1     $6,942   40.0     $6,319   33.5
==================================================================================================================================  

</TABLE> 
         
                              26

<PAGE>
 
     Disclosure requirements pursuant to accounting standards for income taxes 
prior to SFAS No. 109, require a detail of deferred income tax expense (benefit)
by component. For the period presented prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 109, 
the provision for deferred income taxes resulted from the tax effect of the 
following items:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

(Dollars in Thousands)                                                1991
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                   <C> 
Tax over book depreciation                                       $   1,095
Safe Harbor leases                                                    (309) 
SFAS No. 87 pension accounting                                         252 
Book reserves deductible in other periods                             (556) 
Other, net                                                            (546) 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Deferred tax provision                                         $     (64)
============================================================================
</TABLE> 

     Pursuant to SFAS No. 109, deferred taxes are determined based on the
estimated future tax effects of differences between the financial statement and
tax bases of assets and liabilities given the provisions of the enacted tax
laws. The net deferred tax liability at December 31 is comprised of the
following:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
(Dollars in Thousands)                                    1993        1992
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                       <C>         <C> 
Current deferred income taxes   
   Gross assets                                       $  7,740    $  7,166
   Gross liabilities                                      (242)       (244)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Total current deferred tax assets                   7,498       6,922
Non-current deferred income taxes       
   Gross assets                                          2,066       1,447
   Valuation allowance                                    (730)       (390)
   Gross liabilities                                   (37,356)    (33,766)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Total non-current deferred 
       tax liabilities                                 (36,020)    (32,709)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Net deferred tax liability                        $ (28,522)  $ (25,787)
============================================================================
</TABLE> 

     At December 31, the tax effect of significant temporary differences
representing deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
(Dollars in Thousands)                                    1993        1992
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                       <C>         <C> 
Tax over book depreciation                           $ (29,608)  $ (26,201)
Safe Harbor leases                                      (4,547)     (5,448)
SFAS No. 87 pension accounting                          (2,282)     (1,994)
State income tax accrual                                 1,437       1,450 
Book reserves deductible in other 
  periods                                                7,204       6,223
Valuation allowance                                       (730)       (390)
Other, net                                                   4         573
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net deferred tax liability                         $ (28,522)  $ (25,787)
============================================================================
</TABLE> 

6. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
On April 28, 1993, the shareholders approved an increase in the authorized
shares of the 5 1/2% convertible preferred stock ("preferred stock") from
200,000 to 2,000,000 and approved an eight-for-one stock split to shareholders
of record on April 30, 1993. All share and per share data appearing in the
consolidated financial statements and notes thereto have been retroactively
adjusted for the stock split and the increased authorized shares.

     In 1992, the Company acquired 529,801 shares of its common stock in
exchange for 800,000 shares of its then newly issued preferred stock at an
exchange ratio of one share of preferred stock for each .66225 share of common
stock. In connection with the exchange transaction, the Company recorded
$20,000,000 of preferred stock based on the market value of the 529,801 shares
of common stock acquired. Simultaneously, the Company retired these common
shares by reducing common stock in the amount of $529,801 (par value) and 
retained earnings by $19,470,199. Additional paid-in capital was reduced by
$875,000, representing the costs related to the issuance of the preferred stock.

     The preferred stock is convertible at the option of the holder at any time
(unless previously redeemed) into shares of common stock at a conversion rate of
.57087 share of common stock for each share of preferred stock. Dividends on
preferred stock accrue at a rate of $1.375 per share per annum which are
cumulative from the date of original issue. The Company may not declare and pay
any dividend or make any distribution of assets (other than dividends or other
distribution payable in shares of common stock) on, or redeem, purchase or
otherwise acquire, shares of common stock, unless all accumulated and unpaid
preferred dividends have been paid or are contemporaneously declared and paid.
The preferred stock is subject to optional redemption by the Company, in whole
or in part, at any time on or after September 1, 1997, at a redemption price of
$25.69 per share reduced annually by $.14 per share to a minimum of $ 25 per
share on or after September 1, 2002, plus accrued and unpaid dividends thereon
to the date fixed for redemption. The aggregate liquidation preference is
approximately $20.0 million at December 31, 1993 and 1992. Preferred stock is
entitled to a .57087 vote per share on all matters submitted to stockholders for
action, and votes together with the common stock as a single class, except as
otherwise provided by law or the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company.
There is no mandatory redemption or sinking fund obligation with respect to the
preferred stock.

     In 1992, the shareholders approved the Stepan Company 1992 Stock Option
Plan ("1992 Plan"). The 1992 Plan replaces the 1982 Plan and extends
participation to directors who are not employees of the Company. The 1992 Plan
authorizes the award of up to 800,000 shares of the Company's common stock for
stock options ("options") and stock appreciation rights ("SAR"). SARs entitle
the employee to receive an amount equal to the difference between the fair
market value of a share of stock at the time the SAR is exercised and the 
exercise price specified at the time the SAR is granted. Options are granted at
the market price on the date of grant and become exercisable on various dates
over a ten-year period. The purchase price per share of options currently
outstanding ranges from $7.6875 to $36.4375 with option expiration dates ranging
from May 15, 1994 to April 27, 2002. The options become exercisable as follows:
235,170 currently exercisable and 121,952 on April 28, 1994.

                                       27
<PAGE>
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the years ended December 31, 1993, 1992 and 1991


  A summary of option transactions during the two years ended December 31, 1993,
follows:
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                             Options Outstanding 
                                                     Shares        ------------------------------------------ 
                                                    Available                                     Aggregate
(Dollars in Thousands, except per share amounts)    for Grant      Shares     Price per Share   Option Price
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                 <C>            <C>        <C>                <C> 
BALANCE, JANUARY 1, 1992                                  --       330,336    $6.000 -- 29.375         $5,805
1992 Stock Option Plan                               800,000            --           --                    --
Granted                                             (124,152)      124,152         36.4375              4,524 
Exercised                                                 --       (80,066)    6.000 -- 24.1875        (1,029) 
Cancelled                                                 --        (3,200)        18.875                 (60) 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1992                           675,848       371,222     7.6875 -- 36.4375        9,240 
Exercised                                                 --       (11,900)    7.6875 -- 24.1875         (144) 
Cancelled                                                 --        (2,200)        36.4375                (80) 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1993                           675,848       357,122    $7.6875 -- 36.4375       $9,016
=============================================================================================================
Became exercisable in 1993                                          35,000        $25.125              $  879
=============================================================================================================
Became exercisable in 1992                                          64,100        $18.875              $1,210
=============================================================================================================
</TABLE> 

  At December 31, 1993, treasury stock consists of 8,700 shares of preferred
stock and 165,029 shares of common stock. At December 31, 1992, treasury stock
consisted of no preferred stock and 165,007 shares of common stock.

7. DEFERRED ESOP COMPENSATION
In 1985, the Company established an Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP").
Under the Plan, the Company makes contributions to a trust for the benefit of
eligible employees. The amount of the contribution is discretionary except that
it must be sufficient to enable the trust to meet its current obligations.
  The Trust originally borrowed $2,000,000 to purchase 219,178 common shares for
the Plan. The Company has guaranteed the loan and is obligated to contribute
sufficient cash to the Plan to repay the loan. The loan bears interest at 85
percent of the prime rate which was 6.0 percent at December 31, 1993 and 1992.
The remaining balance of the loan is reported as current maturities of long-term
debt in the consolidated balance sheet of the Company at December 31, 1993
(Note 3), and a related amount of deferred compensation has been reported as a
reduction of stockholders' equity. Compensation expense is recognized in equal
annual amounts through 1994.

8. PENSION PLANS
The Company has non-contributory defined benefit plans covering substantially
all employees. The benefits under these plans are based primarily on years of
service and compensation levels. The Company funds the annual provision
deductible for income tax purposes. The plans' assets consist principally of
marketable equity securities and government and corporate debt securities. The
plans' assets at December 31, 1993, include $5,906,000 of the Company's common
stock.
  Net 1993, 1992 and 1991 periodic pension cost for the plans consists of the
following:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
(Dollars in Thousands)          1993            1992            1991
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                           <C>             <C>            <C> 
Service cost                  $1,251          $1,095         $ 1,025
Interest cost on projected 
 benefit obligation            2,228           1,997           1,805  
Actual return on plan assets  (3,222)         (3,372)        (10,279) 
Net amortization and deferral   (824)           (365)          6,843
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net prepaid pension cost    $ (567)         $ (645)        $  (606)
====================================================================
</TABLE> 
  The reconciliation of the funded status of the plans to the amount reported in
the Company's consolidated balance sheet is as follows:

(Dollars in Thousands)                         1993             1992
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Vested benefit obligation                  $(24,388)        $(18,473)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Accumulated benefit obligation              (27,190)         (20,661)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Projected benefit obligation                (32,818)         (26,608)
Plan assets at fair value                    46,471           44,296 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Plan assets in excess of projected 
 benefit obligation                          13,653           17,688
Unrecognized net gain                        (3,855)          (7,751) 
Unamortized net transitional assets          (4,755)          (5,434) 
Unamortized prior service cost                  508              481
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
  Prepaid pension asset                    $  5,551         $  4,984
====================================================================

  The prepaid pension asset is included in the "Other Assets" caption on the
Consolidated Balance Sheets.
  The projected benefit obligations were determined using a discount rate of 7.0
and 8.25 percent for 1993 and 1992, respectively. The projected benefit
obligations were determined under assumed compensation increases for different
employee groups of 7.0 percent, 6.0 percent, and 5.0 percent for 1993 and 9.5
percent, 8.0 percent, 7.0 percent and 6.0 percent for 1992. The assumed long-
term rate of return on plan assets was 8.5 percent for 1993 and 1992. The
plans' net transitional assets are being amortized over a period of 15 years.
The prior service costs are being amortized over an average of 12 years.

                                      28
<PAGE>
 
9. ACCRUED LIABILITIES
Accrued liabilities consisted of: 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                December 31
                                      ------------------------------
(Dollars in Thousands)                   1993                   1992
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                   <C>                    <C> 
Accrued payroll and benefits          $ 9,583                $10,402
Provision for uninsured risks           8,786                 11,258
Other accrued liabilities               9,943                  8,554
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total accrued liabilities           $28,312                $30,214
====================================================================
</TABLE> 

10. ENVIRONMENTAL AND RESTRUCTURING CHARGES
In 1992, the Company recorded a provision for environmental expenditures of $5.0
million and a write-down of certain assets of $1.0 million and the related
restructuring reserve of $.5 million. The purpose of the environmental provision
was to bring the Company's reserve for existing claims to a more conservative
level of probability. These future expenditures are indicative of the Company's
commitment to improve and maintain the environment in which it operates.
Environmental accruals are included in the "Accrued liabilities" caption of the
Company's consolidated balance sheets. In connection with a realignment of its
operation in late 1992, the Company conducted a review of its operating
subsidiaries and determined that certain assets should be written down, which
resulted in non-recurring charges of $1.5 million. These charges included a $1.0
million write-down of certain non-performing assets of its subsidiary located
in Matamoros, Mexico, and an accrual of $.5 million for related restructuring
costs. This wholly owned subsidiary continues to serve the surfactant market
throughout Mexico.

11. CONTINGENCIES 
There are a variety of legal proceedings pending or threatened against the
Company. Some of these proceedings may result in fines, penalties, judgments or
costs being assessed against the Company at some future time. The Company's
operations are subject to extensive local, state and federal regulations,
including the Federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and
Liability Act of 1980 ("Superfund") and the Superfund amendments of 1986. The
Company, and others, have been named as potentially responsible parties at
affected geographic sites. As discussed in Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, the Company believes that it
has made adequate provisions for the costs it may incur with respect to these
sites. The Company has estimated a range of possible environmental and legal
losses from $4.4 million to $22.8 million at December 31, 1993, compared to $6.1
million to $25.2 million at December 31, 1992. The Company reserves for such
losses based on its best estimate of probable losses. At December 31, 1993, the
Company's reserve was $7.2 million for legal and environmental matters compared
to $9.6 million at December 31, 1992. The Company made payments of $4.5 million
in 1993 and $7.2 million in 1992 related to legal costs, settlements and costs
related to remedial design studies at various sites. While the Company has
insurance policies that may cover some of its environmental costs, it does not
record those claims until such time as they become probable. At December 31,
1993 and 1992, the Company has not recorded any of such insurance claims.
  At certain of the sites, estimates cannot be made of the total costs of
compliance, or the Company's share of such costs; accordingly, the Company is
unable to predict the effect thereof on future results of operations. In the
event of one or more adverse determinations in any annual or interim period,
the impact on results of operations for those periods could be material.
However, based upon the Company's present belief as to its relative involvement
at these sites, other viable entities' responsibilities for cleanup and the
extended period over which any costs would be incurred, the Company presently
believes that these matters will not have a material effect on the Company's
financial position. Certain of these matters are discussed in Item 3, Legal
Proceedings in the 1993 Form 10-K Annual Report and in other filings of the
Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which filings are available
upon request from the Company.

12. GEOGRAPHIC DATA 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
(Dollars in Thousands)          1993            1992            1991
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                         <C>             <C>             <C> 
Net Sales 
  United States             $368,461        $365,666        $355,179
  Other                       70,364          70,098          58,890
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
                            $438,825        $435,764        $414,069
====================================================================
Operating Income (a) 
  United States             $ 22,122        $ 21,998        $ 21,407
  Other                        5,128           8,511           3,943
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
                            $ 27,250        $ 30,509        $ 25,350
====================================================================
Identifiable Assets 
  United States             $256,398        $255,696        $232,897
  Other                       44,090          41,384          38,545
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
                            $300,488        $297,080        $271,442
====================================================================
</TABLE> 
(a) Operating income is calculated as income before net interest expense,
environmental and restructuring charges, provision for income taxes and
cumulative effect of accounting changes.

Other includes subsidiaries in Canada, Europe and Mexico. Export sales and
transfers between geographic areas are not significant.

                                      29
<PAGE>

TEN YEAR SUMMARY
(In Thousands, except per share and employee data)


 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

FOR THE YEAR                                 1993        1992       1991
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                        <C>         <C>        <C> 
Net Sales                                  $438,825    $435,764   $414,069
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from Operations                       19,624      23,865(g)  18,866
   Percent of net sales                         4.5%        5.5%       4.6%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gain on Sale of Assets                           --          --         --
Environmental and Restructuring Charges          --       6,500         --
Pre-tax Income                               19,624      17,365     18,866
   Percent of net sales                         4.5%        4.0%       4.6%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Provision for Income Taxes                    8,848       6,942      6,319
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income                                   10,776      15,829(h)  12,547
   Per share(a)(b)                             1.96        2.93       2.30
   Percent of net sales                         2.5%        3.6%       3.0%
   Percent to stockholders' equity(c)          10.8%       17.4%      15.2%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash Dividends Paid                           5,105       4,172      3,603
   Per common share(a)                         .810        .740       .660
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Depreciation and Amortization                27,679      23,914     21,108
Capital Expenditures                         25,435      34,440     33,728
Average Common Shares Outstanding(a)          4,947       5,286      5,458
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
AS OF YEAR END
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Working Capital                            $ 48,569    $ 44,265   $ 41,972
Current Ratio                                   1.7         1.6        1.7
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Property, Plant and Equipment(net)          168,881     167,930    157,063
Total Assets                                300,488     297,080    271,442
Long-term Debt                               89,660      90,505     89,759
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stockholders' Equity                        104,217      99,506     90,866
   Per share(a)(d)                            19.30       18.45      16.71
Number of Employees                           1,302       1,317      1,317
===========================================================================
 
</TABLE>


(a)  Adjusted for two-for-one stock split in 1988.
(b)  Based on average number of common shares outstanding during the year.
(c)  Based on equity at beginning of year.
(d)  Based on common shares outstanding at year end.
(e)  Change in method of accounting for pensions increased net income in 1986 by
     $467 or $.08 per share.
(f)  Pre-tax income before gain on sale of assets.
(g)  Pre-tax income before environmental and restructuring charges and
     cumulative effect of accounting changes.
(h)  Reflected cumulative effect of accounting changes for income taxes and
     investment tax credits of $5.4 million, or $1.02 per primary
     share and $.97 per fully diluted share.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
QUARTERLY STOCK DATA (UNAUDITED)                                          Dividends Paid
                                  Stock Price Range                     Per Common Share
                       -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                    1993                   1992             1993    1992
                       -----------------------------------------------------------------
Quarter                   High       Low         High       Low
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
   <S>                 <C>       <C>          <C>       <C>                 <C>     <C> 
   First               $37 5/8   $30 3/4      $34 1/4   $26 1/4             $.20    $.18
   Second               37 1/8    31 5/8       45        32 3/4              .20     .18
   Third                33 5/8    29           45 3/4    34 1/4              .20     .18
   Fourth               29 5/8    25 1/8       36 3/4    30 7/8              .21     .20
                                                                            ------------
Year                    37 5/8    25 1/8       45 3/4    26 1/4              .81     .74
========================================================================================

</TABLE>

                                      30

<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>              <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
   1990              1989       1988       1987       1986       1985       1984
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$389,612         $346,350   $333,033   $288,935   $259,787   $235,919   $234,930
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  21,420(f)        11,701     20,554     19,230     14,037      9,231      6,103
     5.5%             3.4%       6.2%       6.7%       5.4%       3.9%       2.6%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     874               --         --         --         --         --         --
      --               --         --         --         --         --         --
  22,294           11,701     20,554     19,230     14,037      9,231      6,103
     5.7%             3.4%       6.2%       6.7%       5.4%       3.9%       2.6%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   7,803            3,861      7,126      8,271      6,524      3,760        680
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  14,491            7,840     13,428     10,959      7,513(e)   5,471      5,423
    2.64             1.42       2.39       1.83       1.26(e)     .94        .83
     3.7%             2.3%       4.0%       3.8%       2.9%       2.3%       2.3%
    20.5%            11.7%      22.4%      19.9%      15.2%      11.5%       9.3%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   3,190            2,919      2,658      2,386      2,145      2,000      2,095
    .580             .530       .475       .415       .370       .345       .325
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  19,391           17,061     15,393     13,815     11,630      9,949      9,426
  38,375           34,090     20,442     25,705     14,322     19,189     11,557
   5,496            5,517      5,608      5,977      5,944      5,793      6,550
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 38,943         $ 36,952   $ 28,498   $ 26,637   $ 23,386   $ 20,602   $ 23,289
     1.7              1.8        1.6        1.7        1.6        1.6        1.7
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 143,342          122,509    104,697     98,994     85,607     82,796     73,261
 246,992          215,351    185,601    172,726    152,794    139,307    133,941
  77,326           68,568     45,369     44,399     34,868     36,962     34,049
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  82,698           70,741     66,790     59,936     55,029     49,575     47,660
   15.14            12.90      12.13      10.65       9.53       8.56       8.23
   1,311            1,152      1,028      1,002        948        894        870
================================================================================
 </TABLE>


QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in Thousands, except per share data)

<TABLE> <CAPTION> 

                                                    1993                                                1992
                     --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quarter                FIRST       SECOND      THIRD       FOURTH     TOTAL      First     Second      Third     Fourth     Total
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                  <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>         <C>       <C>        <C>     
Net Sales            $114,620    $110,578    $111,111    $102,516   $438,825   $107,404  $113,909    $109,897  $104,554   $435,764
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Gross Profit           22,868      20,662      21,149      15,356     80,035     20,347    21,594      20,262    19,611     81,814
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest, net          (1,887)     (1,904)     (1,869)     (1,966)    (7,626)    (1,736)   (1,569)     (1,551)   (1,788)    (6,644)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-tax Income 
(Loss)(b)               7,975       5,760       6,688        (799)    19,624      6,378     6,365        6,230   (1,608)    17,365
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income
(Loss)(a)(b)            4,687       3,368       3,170        (449)    10,776      9,297     3,883        3,800   (1,151)   15,829
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income (Loss)
per Share(a)(b)           .89         .63         .59        (.15)      1.96       1.71       .71          .70     (.29)     2.93
==================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
 
[FN] 

(a) In 1992, net income and net income per share for the first three quarters 
    have been restated to reflect the cumulative effect of the accounting
    changes for SFAS No. 109 ($4,254) and investment tax credits ($1,152). 
    (Notes 1 and 5.) The restatement has increased net income per share $.96
    for the first quarter and reduced net income per share $.04 and $.05 for
    the second and third quarters, respectively, from those previously
    reported amounts.

(b) In 1992, the provisions for environmental and restructuring charges
    (Note 10) had the effect of increasing pre-tax loss, net loss and net
    loss per share for the fourth quarter by $6,500, $4,355 and $.89,
    respectively.

                                      31 


<PAGE>
 
                                                                    Exhibit (21)

                                STEPAN COMPANY
                          SUBSIDIARIES OF REGISTRANT

Subsidiary                                        Organized under the Laws of:
- ----------                                        ----------------------------

Stepan Europe                                               France
Stepan Canada, Inc.                                         Canada
Stepan Mexico, S.A. de C.V.                                 Mexico

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT (23)
 
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
  As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of
our reports dated February 11, 1994, included or incorporated by reference in
Stepan Company's Annual Report in this Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 1993, into the Company's previously filed Registration Statements on Form
S-8, File Nos. 2-64668, 2-40183 and 2-80336.
 
                                          ARTHUR ANDERSEN & CO.
 
Chicago, Illinois,
March 24, 1994

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    Exhibit (24)

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
                               -----------------

  The undersigned hereby appoints F. Quinn Stepan, Walter J. Klein and Jeffrey 
W. Bartlett, and each of them individually, the true and lawful attorney or 
attorneys of the undersigned, with substitution and resubstitution, to execute 
in his name, place and stead in his capacity as an officer or director or both 
of Stepan Company, a Delaware Corporation, the Annual Report of Form 10-K under 
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and any amendments or supplements thereto, 
and all instruments necessary or incidental in connection therewith, and to file
or cause to be filed such Annual Report and related documents with the 
Securities and Exchange Commission. Each of said attorneys shall have full power
and authority to do and perform, in the name and on behalf of the undersigned, 
every act whatsoever necessary or desirable to be done in the premises, as fully
as all intents and purposes of the undersigned could do in person. The 
undersigned hereby ratifies and approves the actions of said attorneys and each 
of them.

  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Power of Attorney on 
this ____ day of March, 1994.


                                             --------------------------------
                                             F. Quinn Stepan
                                             James J. Gavin, Jr.
                                             Thomas F. Grojean
                                             James A. Hartlage
                                             Walter J. Klein
                                             Paul H. Stepan
                                             Robert D. Cadieux



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