STEPAN CO
10-Q, 1998-08-13
SOAP, DETERGENTS, CLEANG PREPARATIONS, PERFUMES, COSMETICS
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<PAGE>
 
                                 UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D.C.  20549

                             ______________________

                                   FORM 10-Q
 
(MARK ONE)
( X )  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
       SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
       FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 1998

(   )  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
       SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
       FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM ____________ TO __________

                                    1-4462
                        ------------------------------
                            Commission File Number

                                STEPAN COMPANY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

            Delaware                                       36 1823834
- ---------------------------------               --------------------------------
 (State or other jurisdiction of                        (I.R.S. Employer
 incorporation or organization)                      Identification Number)


              Edens and Winnetka Road, Northfield, Illinois 60093
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   (Address of principal executive offices)

Registrant's telephone number                            (847) 446-7500
                                                --------------------------------

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 (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.

                                                            Yes  X        No
                                                                ---          ---
                                        
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

            Class                                 Outstanding at July 31, 1998
- ------------------------------                  --------------------------------

  Common Stock, $1 par value                            9,867,000 Shares
<PAGE>
 
Part I                       FINANCIAL INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Item 1 - Financial Statements

                                STEPAN COMPANY
                     CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                      June 30, 1998 and December 31, 1997
                                   Unaudited

<TABLE>
(Dollars in Thousands)                                                                            6/30/98           12/31/97
                                                                                                 --------          ---------
<S>                                                                                              <C>               <C>
ASSETS
- ------

CURRENT ASSETS:
   Cash and cash equivalents                                                                     $  5,523          $   5,507
   Receivables, net                                                                                90,397             81,018
   Inventories (Note 2)                                                                            46,302             48,999
   Deferred income taxes                                                                            6,636              6,636
   Other current assets                                                                             3,961              4,322
                                                                                                 --------          ---------
     Total current assets                                                                         152,819            146,482
                                                                                                 --------          ---------

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:
   Cost                                                                                           544,715            527,666
   Less: accumulated depreciation                                                                 339,166            321,065
                                                                                                 --------          ---------
     Property, plant and equipment, net                                                           205,549            206,601
                                                                                                 --------          ---------
OTHER ASSETS                                                                                       37,748             21,853
                                                                                                 --------          ---------
     Total assets                                                                                $396,116          $ 374,936
                                                                                                 ========          =========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
- ------------------------------------

CURRENT LIABILITIES:
   Current maturities of long-term debt                                                          $  7,130          $   5,957
   Accounts payable                                                                                44,787             42,894
   Accrued liabilities                                                                             34,062             33,842
                                                                                                 --------          ---------
     Total current liabilities                                                                     85,979             82,693
                                                                                                 --------          ---------

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES                                                                              34,599             32,258
                                                                                                 --------          ---------

LONG-TERM DEBT, less current maturities                                                           108,060             94,898
                                                                                                 --------          ---------

OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES                                                                      21,628             27,489
                                                                                                 --------          ---------

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
   5-1/2% convertible preferred stock, cumulative, voting without par value;
     authorized 2,000,000 shares; issued 784,627 shares in 1998 and 788,434
     shares in 1997                                                                                19,616             19,711
   Common stock, $1 par value; authorized 15,000,000 shares;
     issued 10,391,897 shares in 1998 and 10,341,952 shares in 1997                                10,392             10,342
   Additional paid-in capital                                                                       9,295              8,091
   Cumulative translation adjustments                                                              (9,110)            (7,337)
   Retained earnings (approximately $44,971 unrestricted in 1998 and $52,623 in 1997)             130,524            120,854
                                                                                                 --------          ---------
                                                                                                  160,717            151,661
   Less: Treasury stock, at cost                                                                   14,867             14,063
                                                                                                 --------          ---------
     Stockholders' equity                                                                         145,850            137,598
                                                                                                 --------          ---------

     Total liabilities and stockholders' equity                                                  $396,116          $ 374,936
                                                                                                 ========          =========
</TABLE>

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

<PAGE>
 
                                STEPAN COMPANY
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
           For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 1998 and 1997
                                   Unaudited

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            Three Months Ended              Six Months Ended
(In Thousands, except per share amounts)                          June 30                        June 30
                                                           ---------------------          ---------------------
                                                             1998         1997              1998         1997
                                                           --------     --------          --------     --------
<S>                                                        <C>          <C>               <C>          <C>
NET SALES                                                  $155,509     $153,650          $305,897     $293,320
Cost of Sales                                               125,855      126,366           248,414      241,991
                                                           --------     --------          --------     --------
Gross Profit                                                 29,654       27,284            57,483       51,329
                                                           --------     --------          --------     --------
Operating Expenses:
   Marketing                                                  5,591        5,140            11,544       10,006
   Administrative                                             5,208        5,005            10,382        9,770
   Research, Development and Technical Services               5,272        5,104            10,576       10,013
                                                           --------     --------          --------     --------
                                                             16,071       15,249            32,502       29,789
                                                           --------     --------          --------     --------

Operating Income                                             13,583       12,035            24,981       21,540

Other Income (Expense):
   Interest, Net                                             (1,769)      (1,900)           (3,676)      (3,770)
   Income from Equity Joint Ventures                             45          326                92          230
                                                           --------     --------          --------     --------
                                                             (1,724)      (1,574)           (3,584)      (3,540)
                                                           --------     --------          --------     --------

Income Before Income Taxes                                   11,859       10,461            21,397       18,000
Provision for Income Taxes                                    4,749        4,138             8,565        7,200
                                                           --------     --------          --------     --------
NET INCOME                                                 $  7,110     $  6,323          $ 12,832     $ 10,800
                                                           ========     ========          ========     ========


Net Income Per Common Share (Note 3)
   Basic                                                   $   0.70     $   0.62          $   1.26     $   1.04
                                                           ========     ========          ========     ========
   Diluted                                                 $   0.64     $   0.58          $   1.16     $   0.98
                                                           ========     ========          ========     ========

Dividends per Common Share                                 $ 0.1375     $ 0.1250          $ 0.2750     $ 0.2500
                                                           ========     ========          ========     ========

Average Common Shares Outstanding                             9,854        9,834             9,850        9,837
                                                           ========     ========          ========     ========
</TABLE>


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

<PAGE>
 
                                 STEPAN COMPANY
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                For the Six Months Ended June 30, 1998 and 1997
                                   Unaudited

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(Dollars In Thousands)                                     6/30/98     6/30/97
                                                          ---------   ---------
<S>                                                       <C>         <C>
NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES                 
    Net income                                            $ 12,832    $ 10,800
    Depreciation and amortization                           18,673      17,806
    Deferred revenue recognition                            (2,163)     (1,448)
    Customer prepayments                                        --       2,292
    Deferred income taxes                                    2,412       1,010
    Non-current environmental and legal liabilities         (1,797)     (1,248)
    Other non-cash items                                       156          57
    Changes in Working Capital:                         
        Receivables, net                                    (8,328)     (2,353)
        Inventories                                          3,354       6,417
        Accounts payable and accrued liabilities            (1,336)     (1,919)
        Other                                                  848        (234)
                                                          --------    --------
            Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities       24,651      31,180
                                                          --------    --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES                    
    Expenditures for property, plant and equipment         (15,603)    (21,494)
    Investment in acquisitions                             (19,695)     (5,250)
    Other non-current assets                                 1,829         284
                                                          --------    --------
            Net Cash Used for Investing Activities         (33,469)    (26,460)
                                                          --------    --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING AND OTHER RELATED ACTIVITIES    
    Revolving debt and notes payable to banks, net          17,590       8,977
    Other debt repayments                                   (4,957)     (8,514)
    Purchase of treasury stock, net                           (804)     (3,265)
    Dividends paid                                          (3,162)     (2,998)
    Other non-cash items                                       167         484
                                                          --------    --------
            Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing 
              and Other Related Activities                   8,834      (5,316)
                                                          --------    --------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS            16        (596)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR               5,507       4,778
                                                          --------    --------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD                $  5,523    $  4,182
                                                          ========    ========
CASH PAID DURING THE PERIOD FOR:                        
    Interest                                              $  3,851    $  4,202
    Income taxes                                          $  4,945    $  7,917
</TABLE>

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

<PAGE>
 
                                STEPAN COMPANY
             NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                      June 30, 1998 and December 31, 1997
                                   Unaudited


1.   CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been
     prepared by the company, without audit, pursuant to the rules and
     regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information
     and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared
     in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been
     condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although
     management believes that the disclosures are adequate and make the
     information presented not misleading. It is suggested that these condensed
     consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial
     statements and the notes thereto included in the company's latest Annual
     Report to Stockholders and the Annual Report to the Securities and Exchange
     Commission on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997. In the
     opinion of management all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring
     adjustments, necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial
     position of Stepan Company as of June 30, 1998, and the consolidated
     results of operations for the three and six months then ended and cash
     flows for the six months then ended, have been included.

2.   INVENTORIES

     Inventories include the following amounts:

          <TABLE>
          <CAPTION>
          (Dollars in Thousands)                                    6/30/98         12/31/97
                                                                   --------        ---------
          <S>                                                      <C>             <C>
          Inventories valued primarily on LIFO basis -
            Finished products                                      $ 30,733        $  31,110
            Raw materials                                            15,569           17,889
                                                                   --------        ---------
          Total inventories                                        $ 46,302        $  48,999
                                                                   ========        =========
          </TABLE>

     If the first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory valuation method had been used
     for all inventories, inventory balances would have been approximately
     $11,800,000 and $11,900,000 higher than reported at June 30, 1998, and
     December 31, 1997, respectively.

3.   NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE

     In 1997, the company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
     No. 128 (SFAS No. 128), "Earnings per Share", effective December 15, 1997.
     Accordingly, basic net income per common share amounts are computed by
     dividing net income less the convertible preferred stock dividend
     requirement by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding.
     Diluted net income per share amounts are based on an increased number of
     common shares that would be outstanding assuming the exercise of
<PAGE>
 
     certain outstanding stock options and the conversion of the convertible
     preferred stock, when such conversion would have the effect of reducing net
     income per share. The adoption of SFAS No. 128 resulted in the restatement
     of the $.57 fully diluted earnings per share reported for the second
     quarter of 1997 to $.58 diluted earnings per share. No other restatements
     were necessary.

4.   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 included in this filing, 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 $3.9 million to $25.9 million at June 30, 1998. At June 30,
     1998, the company's reserve was $18.8 million for legal and environmental
     matters compared to $20.6 million at December 31, 1997.

     For certain 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 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 1997 Form 10-K
     Annual Report and in other filings of the company with the Securities and
     Exchange Commission, which are available upon request from the company.

5.   COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

     In 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
     Financial Accounting Standards No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income"
     (SFAS No. 130), which is effective for fiscal years beginning after
     December 15, 1997. SFAS No. 130 requires that comprehensive income be
     reported in a financial statement that is displayed with the same
     prominence as other financial statements (although for interim financial
     reporting footnote disclosure of comprehensive income is acceptable).
     Comprehensive income includes net income and all other nonowner changes in
     equity that are not reported in net income.
<PAGE>
 
     The company adopted SFAS No. 130 in 1998. For the quarters and six months
     ended June 30, 1998 and 1997, the company's comprehensive income included
     net income and foreign currency translation losses. The foreign currency
     translation losses totaled $1,174,000 and $820,000 for the quarters ended
     June 30, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Therefore, total comprehensive income
     was $5,936,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 1998, compared to $5,503,000
     for the same quarter of 1997.

     For the six months ended June 30, 1998 and 1997, the foreign currency
     translation losses were $1,773,000 and $2,202,000, respectively, with the
     corresponding comprehensive income amounts of $11,059,000 and $8,598,000.

6.   ACQUISITIONS

     On May 8, 1998, the company acquired an additional 34.5 percent of the
     outstanding stock of Stepan Colombia raising its stake in the Colombia
     company to 84.5 percent. The transaction was accounted for as a step
     acquisition purchase, and Stepan Colombia's financial results have been
     reported on a consolidated basis from the date that controlling interest
     was acquired. Prior to the May 1998 purchase date, the investment was
     accounted for under the equity method. It is anticipated that the remaining
     shares will be acquired in the third quarter making Stepan Colombia a
     wholly-owned subsidiary. The reported consolidated results of operations
     for 1997 and 1998 would not have been materially affected had this
     transaction occurred at the beginning of 1997.

     Effective June 30, 1998, the company acquired selected surfactant product
     lines from DuPont's Specialty Chemicals unit. The acquired business
     consists of phosphate esters, specialty ethoxylates and other specialty
     quaternaries and polymers sold to the plastic and fiber industries. The
     product lines supplement the company's existing surfactants and polymers
     businesses and will be produced in current company manufacturing plants.
     The transaction was recorded as a purchase of intangible assets, including
     patents, trademarks, know-how and goodwill. The company believes that the
     acquisition will have little impact on 1998 results, but should benefit
     1999 earnings.

7.   RECLASSIFICATIONS
 
     Certain amounts in the 1997 financial statements have been reclassified to
     conform with the 1998 presentation.
<PAGE>
 
                                STEPAN COMPANY
                    Management's Discussion and Analysis of
                 Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following is management's discussion and analysis of certain significant
factors which have affected the company's financial condition and results of
operations during the interim period included in the accompanying condensed
consolidated financial statements.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

For the six months ended June 30, 1998, net cash from operations totaled $24.7
million, a decrease of $6.5 million from the same period in 1997. Last year's
results, however, included $9.8 million in insurance recoveries. Excluding this
item, net cash from operations increased $3.3 million. Net income was up by $2.0
million for the current year period while customer prepayments credited to
deferred revenue fell to zero from $2.3 million last year. During 1998, changes
in working capital have resulted in a $5.5 million use of cash compared to a
$1.9 million source for the same period in 1997.

Capital expenditures totaled $15.6 million for first half of 1998, down by $5.9
million, or 27%, from $21.5 million for the comparable period last year. Current
full-year spending is expected to exceed last year's total of $35.6 million.
Investing activities for the current year period also included the acquisition
of certain surfactant product lines and related intangible assets from DuPont.

Since last year-end, total company debt has increased by $14.3 million, to
$115.2 million. At June 30, 1998, the ratio of long-term debt to long-term debt
plus shareholders' equity was at 42.6 percent, up from 40.8 percent as of last
year-end.

The company agreed in principle to borrow $30 million in a private placement at
6.59 percent with a term of 15 years, with proceeds to be drawn on October 1,
1998. The terms of these new, unsecured loan agreements will be identical to
those of our most recent private placement completed in 1995.

The company maintains contractual relationships with its domestic banks which
provide for $45 million of revolving credit which may be drawn upon as needed
for general corporate purposes. At June 30, 1998, the company had $31.0 million
outstanding under this revolving credit line.

The company also meets short-term liquidity requirements through uncommitted
bank lines of credit. The company's foreign subsidiaries maintain committed and
uncommitted bank lines of credit in their respective countries to meet working
capital requirements as well as to fund capital expenditure programs and
acquisitions.

The company anticipates that cash from operations and from committed credit
facilities will be sufficient to fund anticipated capital expenditures,
dividends and other planned financial commitments for the foreseeable future.
<PAGE>
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three Months Ended June 30, 1998 and 1997

Net income for the second quarter ended June 30, 1998, was a record $7.1million,
or $.70 per share ($.64 per share diluted), up 12 percent from the $6.3 million,
or $.62 per share ($.58 per share diluted) reported for the same quarter a year
earlier. Net sales rose one percent to $155.5 million from $153.7 million
reported last year. Net sales by product group were:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          (Dollars in Thousands)                            Three Months
                                                            Ended June 30
                                                -----------------------------------
                                                  1998          1997       % Change
                                                --------      --------     --------
<S>                                             <C>           <C>          <C>
          Net Sales:
            Surfactants                         $118,649      $116,595         2%
            Polymers                              28,896        29,458        -2%
            Specialty Products                     7,964         7,597         5%
                                                --------      --------
                 Total                          $155,509      $153,650         1%
                                                ========      ========
</TABLE>

Surfactants net sales increased two percent between years. Domestic operations,
which accounted for about 79 percent of total surfactant revenues, reported net
sales that were $1.1 million, or one percent, greater than those of a year ago.
Sales volume decreased three percent for the period due to lower demand for high
active laundry and cleaning products and to reduced export volumes resulting
from the economic contraction in Asia. Increased sales of higher value-added
products more than offset the decline in sales volume. Foreign operations net
sales grew $.9 million, or four percent, on a seven percent increase in sales
volume. The company's Canadian and Mexican subsidiaries posted volume increases
of 25 percent and 16 percent, respectively. Foreign volumes also benefited from
the first-time consolidation of the Colombian subsidiary. Sales volume for the
European subsidiaries declined 18 percent due to a continued competitive
environment.

Surfactants gross profit increased three percent from $20.6 million for the
second quarter of 1997 to $21.3 million for the second quarter of 1998. Gross
profit for domestic operations increased $1.0 million, or six percent, and
accounted for the overall surfactants improvement. Better margins, arising from
increased sales of higher value-added products, led to the higher domestic gross
profit. Lower gross profit on export sales partially offset the improvement in
margins. Foreign operations gross profit decreased $.3 million, or eight
percent, despite an increase in sales volume. The effect of weaker European
margins more than offset the impact of the increase in foreign volumes. Canadian
margins were also down due to product mix and to a weakening of the Canadian
dollar against the U. S. dollar.

Polymers net sales decreased two percent between years. Sales volume grew 12
percent. Net sales for phthalic anhydride (PA), despite a 21 percent increase in
sales volume, decreased 12 percent due to lower average selling prices.
Competitive pressures arising from oversupply in the marketplace coupled with
lower raw material costs caused the decline in selling prices. Net
<PAGE>
 
sales for polyurethane systems and polyurethane polyols improved 12 percent and
two percent, respectively, on volumes that increased by 16 percent and four
percent, respectively.

Polymers gross profit increased 10 percent to $6.5 million in the second quarter
of 1998 from $5.9 million in the second quarter of 1997. Urethane polyols, with
better margins and volumes, accounted for most of the polymer gross profit
improvement. Urethane systems, as a result of higher volumes, also contributed
to the increase. PA gross profit declined from quarter to quarter due to weaker
margins.

Specialty products net sales increased five percent from quarter to quarter.
Gross profit increased to $1.8 million for the current year's second quarter
from $.8 million for the same period of a year earlier. A shift to a more
profitable product mix accounted for the increase.

Operating expenses for the second quarter of 1998 rose five percent from those
of the second quarter of 1997. Marketing expenses increased nine percent due
largely to higher salary payroll and benefit expenses. Administrative and
research, development and technical services expenses increased four percent and
three percent, respectively, between quarters.

Equity joint venture income declined $.3 million from quarter to quarter. Stepan
Philippines joint venture income decreased $.2 million. Included in the 1998
result was a $.4 million charge attributable to the devaluation of the peso.
Joint venture income for Stepan Colombia declined $.1 million, primarily due to
the inclusion of Colombia's results on a consolidated basis for the first time
during the second quarter of 1998.

Interest expense for the quarter decreased seven percent compared to the same
quarter last year. The decrease reflected lower average debt levels.

Six Months Ended June 30, 1998 and 1997

Net income for the first six months ended June 30, 1998, was $12.8 million, or
$1.26 per share ($1.16 per share diluted), compared to $10.8 million, or $1.04
per share ($.98 per share diluted) reported for the same period a year earlier.
Net sales increased four percent to $305.9 million from $293.3 million reported
last year. Net sales by product group were:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(Dollars in Thousands)                                     Six Months
                                                          Ended June 30
                                               --------------------------------------
                                                 1998          1997          % Change
                                               --------      --------        --------
<S>                                            <C>           <C>             <C>
          Net Sales:
            Surfactants                        $235,352      $224,313           5%
            Polymers                             54,625        54,386           0%
            Specialty Products                   15,920        14,621           9%
                                               --------      --------
              Total                            $305,897      $293,320           4%
                                               ========      ========
</TABLE>

Surfactants net sales increased five percent for the first six months of 1998
over those of the first six months of 1997. Sales volume increased six percent
for the same period. Most of the net sales and volume gains were attributable to
domestic operations. Domestic revenues grew $7.4
<PAGE>
 
million, or four percent, on sales volume which grew four percent. Greater
demand for the company's personal care products caused most of the sales volume
improvement. Foreign operations net sales increased $3.6 million, or eight
percent, on sales volume that increased 16 percent. All foreign subsidiaries,
except Europe, posted net sales and volume increases. Foreign volumes also
benefited from the first-time consolidation of the Colombian subsidiary.

Surfactants gross profit increased 11 percent from $38.0 million in 1997 to
$42.2 million in 1998. The increase was primarily attributable to domestic
operations which reported a $3.4 million, or 11 percent, rise in gross profit.
The domestic increase was driven principally by increased sales volumes. Better
average margins resulting from a greater sales mix of higher value-added
products also contributed. Gross profit for foreign operations increased $.8
million, or 12 percent, from year to year. Increased sales volume led to the
improved foreign results. Lower margins, particularly for Europe, partially
offset the impact of the higher volume.

Polymers net sales increased $.2 million between years. Sales volume increased
13 percent. Net sales for phthalic anhydride (PA), despite an 18 percent
increase in sale volume, decreased eight percent due to lower average selling
prices. Competitive pressures arising from oversupply in the marketplace coupled
with lower raw material costs caused the decline in selling prices. Net sales
for polyurethane polyols improved 10 percent on volume that increased by 10
percent. Net sales for polyurethane systems remained flat between years on a
seven percent sales volume improvement.

Polymers gross profit remained unchanged from year to year at $11.6 million.
Gross profit for urethane polyols increased as a result of higher sales volume
and margins. Reduced margins for PA, arising from the earlier noted competitive
pressures, virtually offset the improved urethane polyol gross profit. Lower
margins , due to sales mix, also led to a decrease in gross profit for urethane
systems.

Specialty products net sales increased nine percent from quarter to quarter.
Gross profit increased to $3.7 million for the current year from $1.8 million
for last year. A shift to a more profitable product mix accounted for the
increase.

Operating expenses for the first six months increased $2.7 million, or nine
percent. Marketing expenses increased 15 percent and administrative and research
and development expenses increased six percent each. Higher salary payroll and
benefit expenses were the largest contributors to the increase in each of the
above areas.

1998 OUTLOOK

The company is optimistic about achieving record sales and earnings in 1998.
Surfactant sales volumes and profit are expected to remain strong, particularly
in North America. Polymer earnings should improve on gains in the polyurethane
polyol business.
<PAGE>
 
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 the first six months of
1998, company expenditures for capital projects related to the environment were
$2.1 million and should approximate $5.5 million to $7.5 million for the full
year 1998. These projects are capitalized and typically depreciated over 10
years. Recurring costs associated with the operation and maintenance of
facilities for waste treatment and disposal and managing environmental
compliance in ongoing operations at our manufacturing locations were $3.6
million for the first six months of 1998.

The company has been named by the government as a potentially responsible party
at 16 waste disposal 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 these sites. The company has estimated a range of possible
environmental and legal losses from $3.9 million to $25.9 million at June 30,
1998. At June 30, 1998, the company's reserve was $18.8 million for legal and
environmental matters compared to $20.6 million at December 31, 1997. During the
first six months of 1998, expenditures related to legal and environmental
matters approximated $2.1 million. For certain 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 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 1997 Form 10-K Annual Report and in other filings of
the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which are available
upon request from the company.

ACCOUNTING STANDARD

The company adopted Financial Accounting Standards No. 130, "Reporting
Comprehensive Income" (SFAS No. 130), in 1998. The adoption of SFAS No. 130 has
no effect on reported Net Income or Net Income per Common Share (see note 5 of
the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further
information).
<PAGE>
 
OTHER

Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in
this document are forward looking statements that involve risks and
uncertainties. The results achieved this quarter are not necessarily an
indication of future prospects for the company. Actual results in future
quarters may differ materially. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among
others, fluctuations in the volume and timing of product orders, changes in
demand for the company's products, changes in technology, continued competitive
pressures in the marketplace, outcome of environmental contingencies,
availability of raw materials, foreign currency fluctuations and the general
economic conditions.
<PAGE>
 
Part II                        OTHER INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Item 1 - Legal Proceedings

Reference is made to the company's Report 10-Q for the quarter ending March 31,
1998, with regard to an action entitled Gilberg, et al. v. Stepan and Accurso,
et al. v. Stepan. The company attempted to remove all the cases which had been
filed in Middlesex County in New Jersey to the Federal District Court, Newark,
New Jersey. The Federal District Court remanded all but 15 cases to Middlesex
County. The company sought to appeal this decision to the Third Circuit Court of
Appeals by filing a Writ of Mandamus. On July 23, 1998, the Third Circuit Court
denied the company's petition. Consequently, at this time, there appear to be
256 cases pending in Middlesex County, New Jersey, and 15 cases pending in the
Federal District Court, Newark, New Jersey.

Item 6 - Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

     (A)  Exhibits

          (11)  Statement re computation of Per Share Earnings

          (27)  Financial Data Schedule

     (B)  Reports on Form 8-K

          None

<PAGE>
 
                                  SIGNATURES



Pursuant to the requirements 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



 
                                      /s/ Walter J. Klein
                                      ------------------------------
                                      Walter J. Klein
                                      Vice President - Finance
                                      Principal Financial and Accounting Officer

Date:  August 12, 1998


<PAGE>
 
                                                                    Exhibit (11)


                                STEPAN COMPANY
                STATEMENT RE COMPUTATION OF PER SHARE EARNINGS
           For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 1998 and 1997
                                   Unaudited

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In Thousands, except per share amounts)                   Three Months Ended                Six Months Ended
                                                                 June 30                         June 30
                                                          1998           1997               1998          1997
                                                          ----           ----               ----          ----
<S>                                                      <C>            <C>               <C>           <C>
Computation of Basic Earnings per Share
- ---------------------------------------
Net income                                               $ 7,110        $ 6,323           $12,832       $10,800
Deduct dividends on preferred stock                          224            267               449           534
                                                         -------        -------           -------       -------
Income applicable to common stock                        $ 6,886        $ 6,056           $12,383       $10,266
                                                         =======        =======           =======       =======

Weighted average number of shares outstanding              9,854          9,834             9,850         9,837

Per share earnings*                                      $ 0.699        $ 0.616           $ 1.257       $ 1.044
                                                         =======        =======           =======       =======


Computation of Diluted Earnings per Share
- -----------------------------------------

Net Income                                               $ 7,110        $ 6,323           $12,832       $10,800
                                                         -------        -------           -------       -------

Weighted-average number of shares outstanding              9,854          9,834             9,850         9,837
Add net shares issuable from assumed exercise
 of options (under treasury stock method)                    485            246               438           261
Add Weighted-average shares issuable from assumed
 conversion of convertible preferred stock                   744            887               745           887
                                                         -------        -------           -------       -------
Shares applicable to diluted earnings                     11,083         10,967            11,033        10,985
                                                         =======        =======           =======       =======

Per share diluted earnings*                              $ 0.642        $ 0.577           $ 1.163       $ 0.983
                                                         =======        =======           =======       =======
</TABLE>

__________
*  Rounded

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

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 5

<LEGEND>  THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AS OF JUNE 30, 1998 AND CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENT OF INCOME FOR THE SIX MONTHS THEN ENDED AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                                <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                      6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                           DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END>                                JUN-30-1998
<CASH>                                            5,523
<SECURITIES>                                          0
<RECEIVABLES>                                    90,397
<ALLOWANCES>                                          0
<INVENTORY>                                      46,302
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                152,819
<PP&E>                                          544,715
<DEPRECIATION>                                  339,166
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  396,116
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                            85,979
<BONDS>                                               0
                                 0
                                      19,616
<COMMON>                                         10,392
<OTHER-SE>                                      115,842
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    396,116
<SALES>                                         305,897
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                305,897
<CGS>                                           248,414
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   280,916
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                      0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                      0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                3,676
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  21,397
<INCOME-TAX>                                      8,565
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              12,832
<DISCONTINUED>                                        0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                       0
<CHANGES>                                             0
<NET-INCOME>                                     12,832
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      1.26
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      1.16
        

</TABLE>


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